Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 February 2001

56 articles found

Legal battle involving Golkar, NU and PKB starts

Legal battle involving Golkar, NU and PKB starts JAKARTA (JP): The simmering political battle being waged both in the corridors of power and in the streets moved into the legal arena on Thursday as the Golkar Party filed a police complaint over the vandalizing of its offices while, at the same time, legislators were urging the Attorney General's Office to probe alleged corruption involving top Golkar leaders.

Probe into rogue officers involvement in shooting continues

Probe into rogue officers involvement in shooting continues AMBON, Maluku (JP): A second Military Police fact-finding team on Thursday continued the investigation into the alleged involvement of 14 members of the police and military in inciting unrest by shooting at troops who were trying to quell rioting by a frenzied mob. A team of five Military Police officers, led by Col.

Preliminary talks held on Malay unity summit

Preliminary talks held on Malay unity summit KUALA LUMPUR (AP); Officials from Malaysia's ruling party and its largest opposition group met on Thursday for the first time in 15 years for preliminary talks on how to bridge rifts between ethnic Muslim Malays, the country's largest and predominant community.

Singapore, Malaysia should boost ASEAN image: Goh

Singapore, Malaysia should boost ASEAN image: Goh SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore and Malaysia should work to produce "some good news" for Southeast Asia, whose image has been frayed by political turmoil in key countries, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said. In a speech late Wednesday welcoming Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi to Singapore, Goh said the two countries were in the best position to help fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Several generals to be grilled over Trisakti tragedy

Several generals to be grilled over Trisakti tragedy JAKARTA (JP): A House of Representatives' special committee will question on Tuesday a number of active and retired senior army and police officers in connection with the May 12, 1998 shooting of Trisakti University students, the committee chairman announced on Thursday. Panda Nababan, who heads the committee of around 40, said former Indonesian Military (TNI) chief Gen. (ret.) Wiranto, former National Police chief Gen.

Taufik puts aside dispute to focus on All England

Taufik puts aside dispute to focus on All England JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top shuttler Taufik Hidayat will put aside his differences with the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) to focus on winning the All England next month. "Coach Agus Dwi Santoso has announced that PBSI will send me to the All England and I want to concentrate on reaching my goal with limited preparation," Taufik told The Jakarta Post by phone.

Police fails to question Nurdin

Police fails to question Nurdin JAKARTA (JP): Former legislator Nurdin Halid, who is an executive of wholesaler PT Goro Batara Sakti, was too busy to come to police headquarters to answer questions about the alleged misappropriation of 100,000 tons of sugar by the company, an officer said Thursday. City police detectives' chief of general crimes, Comr.

Trial of former Bulog chief Beddu Amang begins

Trial of former Bulog chief Beddu Amang begins JAKARTA (JP): Former chief of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Beddu Amang was tried at the South Jakarta District Court on Thursday for allegedly causing some Rp 95.4 billion (US$10 million) in losses to the state in a land swap deal. Chief prosecutor Fachmi charged Beddu with articles in Anti- corruption Law No. 3/1971 that carry a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail.

Administration accused of slow response to dengue

Administration accused of slow response to dengue JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has been criticized for its slow response in fighting dengue hemorrhagic fever, which so far has killed five people across the capital this year. Speaking at a hearing with the City Health Agency, city councillor Lambertus Gaina Dara of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) said that many people did not recognize the early symptoms of the disease.

Gatari chopper reported missing

Gatari chopper reported missing BANDUNG (JP): An N-Bell 412 helicopter belonging to charter firm PT Gatari went missing during its flight from Semarang to Bandung on Thursday. The helicopter was flying to Bandung to be repaired by aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PTDI), formerly IPTN, Mohamad Reza, who is the head of the helicopter division at PTDI, told Radio Mara in Bandung.

'The Nutcracker' a treat for ballet fans

'The Nutcracker' a treat for ballet fans By Tri Hafiningsih JAKARTA (JP): Jakartan ballet fans will have the opportunity to see a classic ballet performance of The Nutcracker at Graha Bhakti Budaya, Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center, Central Jakarta, this weekend. Children will also enjoy the show as it will feature their idol, singer Sherina Munaf, who will play the Christmas classic's Clara -- one of leading characters of the legendary Nutcracker ballet composed by Peter Ilich Tschaikovsky.

Inco's earnings surge on higher price and higher sales

Inco's earnings surge on higher price and higher sales JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed nickel mine operator PT International Nickel Indonesia (Inco) booked a sharp increase in net earnings to US$80.5 million or 32 cents per share in 2000 from $21.3 million or nine cents the previous year.

China summons RP official

China summons RP official MANILA (AFP): China's foreign ministry has summoned a Philippine embassy official in Beijing to protest the boarding of four Chinese fishing vessels by the Philippine navy, officials said here on Thursday. Acting foreign secretary Lauro Baja said deputy mission chief Elizabeth Buensuceso was called last week and the protest was relayed to her verbally.

Manila revives peace talks with separatists

Manila revives peace talks with separatists MANILA (Agencies): The Philippines said on Thursday it was reviving peace talks with Muslim separatists, a change of policy from disgraced former president Joseph Estrada who launched a full-scale war on the rebels last year.

Editors deny press adds to political conflicts

Editors deny press adds to political conflicts JAKARTA (JP): Several editors from the mass media denied on Thursday the allegation that their reports added to the political conflicts and tension in the country, saying they only presented the facts. "Facts belong to events, not to the media. Media only record facts in respective events and report them to the public," the editor of the newly born Metro TV, Andi F.

VAT charged for tour package

VAT charged for tour package I bought Qantastic Tour package destination Jakarta-Brisbane- Gold Coast-Sydney-Jakarta for eight days at GR Travel agent for the price of US$999 plus one percent VAT. My friend bought a ticket for the same tour at another travel agent without VAT being added to the price. So I asked my agent, why is there a difference?

Presidency: Beginning of the end

Presidency: Beginning of the end By Kusnanto Anggoro JAKARTA (JP): An overwhelming vote (393-4) supporting the dispatch of a memorandum against President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, in the last plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) is an omen. The end has already begun. Gus Dur has lost his moral authority as well as the legitimacy to lead and govern.

Police dispose of explosives at sea

Police dispose of explosives at sea JAKARTA (JP): In an effort to render ineffectual the recently seized explosives, the Jakarta Police on Thursday supervised the sinking of 1,669 explosive devices in the Ancol sea at Mutiara beach. "The sea has become a temporary safe house for these explosives now," Jakarta Police chief of detectives Sr. Comr. Harry Montolalu laughingly told reporters at the Marina Ancol Harbor in North Jakarta.

Man gets 4 years on drug charges

Man gets 4 years on drug charges JAMBI: The Jambi District Court sentenced on Thursday Risman Iskandar, 30, to four years in jail for possessing and consuming 2.387 grams of marijuana and 0.561 grams of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine). The sentence was lighter than the five years sought by prosecutor Puspa Djuita. Presiding judge Zaherwan said the defendant, who was arrested at his home in Beringin subdistrict in Jambi last October, was guilty of violating Law No.

Bankruptcy law should be amended, says Yusril

Bankruptcy law should be amended, says Yusril DENPASAR, Bali (JP): The current bankruptcy law should be amended to minimize legal uncertainties that have hampered foreign investment, a minister said on Wednesday. Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra, who later on Wednesday was removed from the Cabinet by President Abdurrahman Wahid, said he hoped the government could submit a new bankruptcy bill to the House of Representatives sometime this year.

Lessons from East Java

Lessons from East Java The mob violence that was as of Thursday continuing in East Java is a stark reminder of the dangers that are inherent in Indonesia's current experimentation with democracy.

Balibo killings: Beginnings of impunity?

Balibo killings: Beginnings of impunity? By Ati Nurbaiti DILI (JP): Indonesia's New Order liked to change local street names with that of its generals; in East Timor, journalists also saw it fitting to commemorate colleagues killed in the territory. A three-kilometer road from the Becora area in Dili to the old Mercado (market) now bears the name "Press Freedom Road".

Memorandum can't say President is guilty

Memorandum can't say President is guilty JAKARTA (JP): Legal experts deemed that the findings of the special committee of the House of Representatives (DPR) on President Abdurrahman Wahid's involvement in two financial scandals are not sufficient to say the President is guilty. However, there are still debates on whether to proceed with the political process or the legal proceedings, as recommended by the House, in order to follow up the findings.

MUI inspects Ajinomoto plant

MUI inspects Ajinomoto plant SURABAYA (JP): A delegation from the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) visited on Thursday the Ajinomoto factory in Mojokerto, East Java, to inspect the company's taste enhancers production process. "We are here to check on the production process of the monosodium glutamate (MSG) and whether the company has met with its commitments," MUI secretary general Din Syamsuddin said during the visit.

Rupiah Rates Feb.8

Rupiah Rates Feb.8 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Attacks on Golkar offices continue

Attacks on Golkar offices continue SURABAYA (JP): The supporters of President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid continued on Thursday to vent their rage against what they see as a conspiracy to unseat the President by vandalizing another Golkar Party office, this time in Lamongan, situated some 40 kilometers northwest of here. Thousands of people marched to the Golkar office while yelling anti-Golkar slogans and started pelting the building with stones.

Many students with worms suffer from anemia: Study

Many students with worms suffer from anemia: Study JAKARTA (JP): About one-third of elementary school students in the capital who have worms also suffer from anemia, a study showed on Thursday. The study involved 2,864 students from 10 of the 3,548 elementary schools across the capital, Buhori, a researcher at the Kusuma Buana Foundation, said. He said the prevalence of anemia among the students at the separate schools ranged between 8.6 percent and 69.1 percent, with an average of 35.1 percent.

Youth invited to chess c'ships

Youth invited to chess c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Students from kindergarten level to high school in Greater Jakarta can compete in the 2001 Inter-Students chess championships held by Utut Adianto chess school from Feb. 25 to Feb. 27, from 2 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. They can register at Jl. Siliwangi 15, Rawapanjang in Bekasi area, phone no. (021) 82412452. Each participant will be charged Rp 5,000. Participants will be grouped in three based on their ages.

Students represent a moral force

Students represent a moral force From Media Indonesia Recent students' rallies remind us of what happened two years ago when similar rallies staged by university students toppled a regime which had "controlled" this country for over 32 years, giving birth to a reform drive based on the students' six-point vision of reform. The country, then vastly devastated, began to be rebuilt.

Jatis to open offices in Thailand, RP

Jatis to open offices in Thailand, RP JAKARTA (JP): E-business consultancy Jatis Solutions plans to expand to neighboring Thailand and the Philippines in line with its target of becoming the region's IT powerhouse, a senior executive said. "Thailand and the Philippines are basically the same as Indonesia. Their manufacturers are highly dependent on distributors and will need Jatis' e-business solutions," Jatis president and CEO Jusuf Sjariffudin said in a media gathering.

EU-aided water project launched

EU-aided water project launched JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure in cooperation with the European Union (EU) launched on Wednesday a water management project in the provinces of Lampung, East Java and Yogyakarta.

Police intensify probe into Aceh blackouts

Police intensify probe into Aceh blackouts BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Provincial Police have stepped up their investigations into electricity blackouts which hit Aceh over the past few days amid violence on Thursday that claimed the lives of two officers and injured several others. "We are in the process of questioning the depot chiefs of both (state-owned oil and gas company) Pertamina and (state electricity company) PLN," spokesman of police's Cinta Meunasah operation Sr. Comr.

Insurance director sued

Insurance director sued JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Administrative Court has accepted the lawsuit filed by the Foundation of Indonesian Insurance Consumers (YLKAI) against the director of insurance at the Ministry of Finance over what the plaintiff claims is an illegal decision. YLKAI's lawyer Mira Amalia Malik said that the director by his decision dated last Sept.

Tight security at The Corrs' concert

Tight security at The Corrs' concert JAKARTA (JP): People attending the Feb. 27 concert of Irish band The Corrs in Jakarta will be searched before they enter the venue, organizers said here. "We are going to check people's bags. I hope they will understand," the concert organizer, Andre S, said.

SOEs need clean commissioners

SOEs need clean commissioners JAKARTA (JP): The government should appoint people from the private sector to sit on the board of commissioners of all state owned enterprises (SOEs) to help promote good corporate governance, noted lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis said on Thursday. Todung, of the Lubis, Santosa and Maulana Law Office, told reporters that three of the five commissioners at these state enterprises should be recruited from the private sector.

Newmont's earnings fall on weak gold price

Newmont's earnings fall on weak gold price DENVER (Reuters): Newmont Mining Corp., North America's biggest gold mining company, said on Wednesday its fourth-quarter earnings fell as a stagnant gold price and rising energy costs hit the company hard. Newmont, which has operations in the United States, Mexico, Peru, Russia and Indonesia, reported earnings of $19.7 million, or 12 cents a share, on revenues of $476.8 million.

KONI ready to submit proposal on sports bill

KONI ready to submit proposal on sports bill JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) said it was ready to submit a proposal to the House of Representatives asking for an amendment to the presidential decree governing the council's duties. The council also will urge the House to deliberate a sports bill it has proposed. "The obsolete Presidential Decree No.

Verdict on PT Jaya Ancol delayed until audit done

Verdict on PT Jaya Ancol delayed until audit done JAKARTA (JP): The city administration decided on Thursday to delay the announcement on the fate of PT Pembangunan Jaya Ancol (PJA) director over the Ancol scam which allegedly involved an overseas trip until a public accountant completes auditing the firm. "We expect to have the complete audit within two weeks," head of the City Economy Development Office Dameria Saragih said after a hearing with the City Council.

UNDP signs accord with government to help reduce poverty

UNDP signs accord with government to help reduce poverty JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) signed on Thursday a US$300,000 technical assistance agreement with the government to support the preparatory works to establish an agency for poverty reduction in Indonesia. The agreement was signed by UNDP resident representative Ravi Rajan and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli. Visiting UNDP Administrator Mark Malloch Brown witnessed the signing ceremony.

Pertamina seeking tanker to store LSWR

Pertamina seeking tanker to store LSWR SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Indonesian state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina is planning to charter an Aframax tanker to store low sulfur waxy residue from its Cilacap refinery, traders told Dow Jones Newswires on Thursday. Pertamina last week inquired about the time-charter of an Aframax tanker as well as a Very Large Crude Carrier, shipbrokers said. Aframax-type tankers carry between 80,000 metric tons and 129,999 tons of oil products.

Antam to up gold output by 5% to 10%

Antam to up gold output by 5% to 10% JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed nickel and gold mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) will increase its gold production by 5 percent to 10 percent this year from about four tons last year, according to company operations director Harsojo Dihardjo. "Our (production) target for gold is a 5 to 10 percent increase," he said on the sidelines of a seminar on corporate governance at state-owned enterprises.

Asia lacks protection from economic shocks, disasters

Asia lacks protection from economic shocks, disasters MANILA (AP): Asian countries could see economic growth and political stability undermined by their failure to develop programs to shield the poor from economic and natural disasters, Asian Development Bank officials said on Thursday. "The region does not have adequate protection systems to reduce the impact of shocks on its population," said Karti Sandilya, manager of ADB's poverty reduction office.

DPA advises President

DPA advises President I was watching the 12:30 p.m. news on SCTV on Feb. 7, 2001, when, after incessant reports on nationwide mass demonstrations, this time raging in East Java, a sudden hopeful sign suggesting a reconciliatory rapprochement was aired. Unexpectedly it was reported that a delegation of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA), under its chairman, Achmad Tirto Sudiro, met the President.

Saudi Police urged to help locate bombing suspect

Saudi Police urged to help locate bombing suspect JAKARTA (JP): The National Central Bureau of ICPO-Interpol has requested the Saudi Arabian Police to track down the prime suspect in the Christmas Eve bomb attacks, identified as Hambali and strongly suspected to have fled to Saudi Arabia. "The problem is our country does not have an extradition treaty with Saudi Arabia.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Bramasto's Collections 1939-1996, Gallery Twilite Cafe, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 24A, South Jakarta (Phone: 7194270), until Feb. 28. * Comic and Animation Week, Pusat Perfilman H. Usmar Ismail, Jl. Rasuna Said, Kuningan, South Jakarta, until Feb. 16. * 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. * Ceramics: Noor Sudiyati Agung, Galeri Lontar, Jl.

Turtle hunters on trial

Turtle hunters on trial DENPASAR, Bali: The Denpasar District Court began hearing on Thursday the case against WZ, alias Wewe, 46, and hundreds of his employees. The defendants were arrested for trapping and killing turtles and are charged with violating Law No. 5/1990 on the conservation of natural resources. Prosecutor I Nyoman Suwita said the defendants were responsible for killing and selling some 90 green turtles caught in Sulawesi in October last year.

Court order needed to dissolve Golkar: Political observers

Court order needed to dissolve Golkar: Political observers JAKARTA (JP): Increasing demands to disband Golkar Party, the political vehicle of former president Soeharto, are understandable but unrealistic, political observers said on Thursday. J.

Court orders UI rector to postpone student suspensions

Court orders UI rector to postpone student suspensions JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Administrative Court in a preliminary ruling on Thursday issued an interim injunction ordering the rector of the University of Indonesia to postpone the imposition of suspensions on six protesting students. The court, in a ruling signed by its President, Sudarto Radyosumarno, ordered the rector to allow the students to continue their studies.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 8, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,850 -25 67,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 125 0 50,000 Alakasa Industrindo 190 0 10,000 Alfa Retailindo 975 0 217,500 Alter Abadi 115 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 650 -50 5,000 Andhi Chandra 1,425 25 35,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 190 0 0 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 950 0 1,027,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC...

Maid killed in blaze

Maid killed in blaze JAKARTA (JP): A housemaid was killed in a fire which destroyed the official residence of a House of Representatives legislator in Kalibata, South Jakarta early this week. The maid, identified as Yanti, 17, was trapped in the fire which gutted the second floor of the house belonging to Eti Zulkarnain of the Golkar Party at 2 p.m. Yanti was asleep when Eti and her family fled the building. An electrical short circuit was believed to have caused the fire.

Historical photos need to be preserved

Historical photos need to be preserved By K. Basrie JAKARTA (JP): While other galleries and photo-exhibition organizers are busy exposing portfolios of popular photojournalists for newcomers and enthusiasts, Imaging Center is exposing the aging ones. With new premises within the Polish cultural center on Jl.

Gus Dur names Lopa as new justice minister

Gus Dur names Lopa as new justice minister JAKARTA (JP): Baharuddin Lopa, currently Jakarta's envoy to Saudi Arabia, was named on Thursday as justice and human rights minister, replacing Yusril Ihza Mahendra. Cabinet Secretary Marsilam Simanjuntak told journalists that Lopa, a former secretary general of the National Commission on Human Rights, will be sworn in at Merdeka Palace on Friday morning. President Abdurrahman Wahid discharged Yusril from the Cabinet on Wednesday.

Off the record? Not for corruption cases

Off the record? Not for corruption cases By Sirikit Syah SURABAYA (JP): Amid heightened tension resulting from his conflict with the House of Representatives (DPR), President Abdurrahman Wahid (or someone running his errands) reportedly called up the state news agency Antara and told it not to run a news item in which he was quoted as saying: "I will freeze the DPR". The grounds cited for this reported gag attempt?

Hartono, WorldSpace tie up

Hartono, WorldSpace tie up JAKARTA (JP): Local electronics manufacturer PT Hartono Istana Teknologi (HIT) signed an agreement with satellite broadcast provider WorldSpace Corporation on Thursday to manufacture and distribute satellite receivers designed for satellite programs. HIT -- the producer of electronic goods under the brand names of Polytron, Digitec, and Okei -- would join Hitachi, Sanyo, JVC, and Panasonic to produce low-cost satellite receivers, it said in a statement.

Proton to launch one model a year

Proton to launch one model a year KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's national carmaker Proton will introduce at least one new model a year to prepare for the opening in 2005 of the regional auto market, a report said on Thursday. Tengku Mahaleel Ariff, chief executive of Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd. (Proton), said in an interview with the Star newspaper the company aimed to seize a larger share of the Southeast Asian market.

Barito Putra beats PSS Sleman 2-1

Barito Putra beats PSS Sleman 2-1 JAKARTA (JP): Host Barito Putra of Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan, beat PSS Sleman of Yogyakarta 2-1 in the eastern division match during the first round of the Bank Mandiri national soccer league on Thursday. Bambang Harsoyo kicked home in the 7th minute to open Barito Putra's victory. Cameron player Bakko Sadissou extended the lead in the 43th minute at the 17 Mei Stadium. Bambang Sumali managed to narrow PSS Sleman's loss in the 57th minute, Antara reported.