Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 March 2001

58 articles found

Convergent technology

Convergent technology I read in your Sunday edition, March 18, page 12, a report by Sri Ramadani titled ANteve begins airing 'Boleh Contest', which wrongly said the program organized by bolehmail.com was the first program in Indonesia to combine television and the Internet, allowing viewers to communicate with participants via email.

PSM bows out to Shandong Luneng of China in Asian Champions Cup

PSM bows out to Shandong Luneng of China in Asian Champions Cup MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Host PSM's ambition to take the first day win went up in smoke as it bowed out 1-3 to Shandong Luneng of China before a home crowd in Wednesday's second match of the Asian Champions Cup quarterfinals round East Asia zone at Mattoangin Stadium. Both teams started to attack as soon as referee Halim Abdul Hamid of Malaysia blew his whistle.

Becoming paranoid

Becoming paranoid The Exxon-Mobil decision to halt operations in Arun, Aceh, illustrates the dim prospect of this country's economic recovery process. Since Exxon-Mobil decided to cease operations, the supply to nearby factories such as PT ASEAN Aceh Fertilizer, PT Pupuk Iskandar Muda (PT PIM fertilizer) and PT Kertas Kraft Aceh (paper mill) has been disrupted. PT PIM has even been forced to temporary stop production.

Over 12,000 students drop out

Over 12,000 students drop out JAMBI, Jambi: More than 12,000 elementary school pupils in the province of Jambi quit their schools during the 1999/2000 academic year due to financial problems, an official said on Tuesday. The head of the provincial Ministry of National Education Office, Dasril Syam, said to The Jakarta Post that the number was 3.25 percent of children aged between seven and 12 years old in Jambi.

Italian art on show at National Museum

Italian art on show at National Museum By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): The closest Flavio Favelli ever got to this part of the world was Iran. Born in Florence, Italy, Favelli, 33, has been working as an artist for only five years. While still a student, he liked the peaceful atmosphere at the Institute of Oriental Studies in his hometown and so he decided to take an advanced degree in Oriental history and literature, specializing in Persia.

Three people shot in daylight armed robberies

Three people shot in daylight armed robberies JAKARTA (JP): Three people were shot in two daring daylight robberies within hours of each other on Wednesday, the thieves escaping with a total of Rp 292 million (US$29,200) from attacks in Jatinegara and Duren Sawit, East Jakarta. The victims were identified as Stephanie, 55, who was shot in the buttocks, Dwi Sariastuti, 21, shot in her thigh, and Asep Awaluddin, 21, shot in the toes. East Jakarta Police Chief Sr. Comr.

RP downs Indonesia 7-3 at Asian Baseball Championship

RP downs Indonesia 7-3 at Asian Baseball Championship JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian nine failed to materialize an anticipated victory at its second match of the first division Asian Baseball Championship when the Philippines grabbed a 7-3 victory in Taipei on Wednesday. "Our team played quite well today against the Filipinos but we were too slow even though our batters hit the ball well," Indonesian head delegate Harry Tresnadi told The Jakarta Post from Taipei.

House approves ad hoc human rights court

House approves ad hoc human rights court JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives approved on Wednesday the establishment of an ad hoc court to try human rights abuses related to the 1984 Tanjung Priok incident and East Timor in 1999. In a plenary session presided over by Deputy Speaker Soetardjo Soerjogoeritno, the House insisted that the special trial was needed to prevent international intervention in the two cases.

GAM denies responsibility for helicopter shootings

GAM denies responsibility for helicopter shootings BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): Leader of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist rebels in North Aceh Abu Sofyan Daud denied allegations that GAM was behind Tuesday's shootings of helicopters carrying the entourage of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources inspecting Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) operations in Aceh. "We deny responsibility for the helicopter incident," Abu told media on Wednesday.

Six RI divers to compete in China

Six RI divers to compete in China JAKARTA (JP): Six national divers, three male and three female, will compete in three international competitions in China and Hong Kong as a warm up for the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in September. Coach Harly Ramayani said on Wednesday the six divers would compete at the Asian Diving Championships on May 28 and May 29, the Grand Prix series from June 1 to June 3 in China and another Grand Prix in Hong Kong from June 8 to June 10.

Gus Dur's Australia visit could be cut short: Wimar

Gus Dur's Australia visit could be cut short: Wimar JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid's six-day visit to Australia, scheduled for early April, could be cut short by two or three days for the sake of efficiency, a presidential spokesman said on Wednesday. "The original schedule was six days. It could be cut short to three days or something, but everything is still being worked out," presidential spokesman Wimar Witoelar told The Jakarta Post in a telephone interview.

Assembly working group blasted over constitutional amendments

Assembly working group blasted over constitutional amendments JAKARTA (JP): A coalition of non-governmental organizations has slammed a People's Consultative Assembly working group for trying to draft constitutional amendments, which they claim were laden with political interests, without proper public scrutiny.

RI ready for full 'implementation of AFTA in 2002'

RI ready for full 'implementation of AFTA in 2002' JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is ready for the full implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) in 2002 whereby tariffs on imports from within the Association of the Southeast Asian (ASEAN) member countries should be lowered to between zero percent to 5 percent, a senior trade official said here on Wednesday.

Korean delegates visit Tangerang

Korean delegates visit Tangerang TANGERANG (JP): A delegation from South Korea's Boen County Assembly visited the Tangerang Legislative Council on Wednesday to boost ties between the two areas. During a meeting with Tangerang councillors, the speaker of the Boen Assembly, You Koyung-chok, expressed hope the political uncertainty in Indonesia would not last long. "We understand the ongoing situation in Indonesia, but it will not scare South Korean businesspeople.

Most Asian currencies fell in late trade

Most Asian currencies fell in late trade SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies came under renewed pressure late Wednesday as many regional bourses felt the pain from Wall Street's disappointment over the Federal Reserve's interest rate cut, and as the Japanese yen resumed its descent.

Entrepreneurs make money from illegally bottled water

Entrepreneurs make money from illegally bottled water JAKARTA (JP): It's no doubt that Indonesia remains a haven for many different kinds of pirated goods. From world-class watches, handbags, perfumes, to computer software, films and mineral water. Like in many other multibillion rupiah businesses, a number of simple-minded entrepreneurs have got involved in this easy money- making pirated bottled water business.

Ballarpur buys RI company

Ballarpur buys RI company BOMBAY (Dow Jones): India's largest paper maker, Ballarpur Industries Ltd., has signed an agreement with Indonesian conglomerate Sinar Mas to buy its Indian unit, Sinar Mas Pulp & Paper (India) Ltd., a source at Sinar Mas India told Dow Jones Newswires Wednesday. "We have signed certain documents in Singapore, and Ballarpur has paid some money into an escrow account," the source said.

Two ex-convicts shot dead

Two ex-convicts shot dead BANDUNG, West Java (JP): Two ex-convicts who allegedly repeatedly committed vehicular theft with violence were shot dead in Bandung for attacking police officers during an early hour search on Wednesday. Central Bandung Police chief of detectives Adj. Comr. Suwondo said police shot Slamet Firmansyah, 29, and Topan Rizal, 28, when the two attacked police officers who were trying to apprehend them.

Model questioned over Tommy's case

Model questioned over Tommy's case JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives questioned local model Lani Banjaranti, 27, for nearly six hours on Wednesday, in connection with the whereabouts of fugitive Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra. "She totally denies that there has been any contact between herself and Tommy since he fled last November. She said that they have had no contact with each other since 1997," city police detective chief for general crimes Comr.

Basuki's latest book focuses on a magical mask

Basuki's latest book focuses on a magical mask Topeng Jero Ketut; Sunaryono Basuki, KS; Published by Yayasan Indonesia Tera,; first edition February 2001,; 193 pp DENPASAR, Bali (JP): So, you've been there and done that, and bought a T-shirt, too, on the resort island of Bali. But you've never come across the magical phenomenon and mysteries other people talk so much about? For example, a magical mask that can make you invisible and lead you to a world others have never set foot on?

Plenary session date to be set for House censure

Plenary session date to be set for House censure JAKARTA (JP): Six factions of the House of Representatives agreed on Wednesday to let the House's Consultative Body set a date for a plenary session on the issuance of a second memorandum of censure against President Abdurrahman Wahid. The Consultative Body will on Thursday decide the date of the plenary session.

Religious leaders agree to maintain security

Religious leaders agree to maintain security SURABAYA (JP): East Java religious leaders agreed on Wednesday to maintain security and order and promised to properly control their followers to anticipate possible chaos, following the escalating tension in the most densely populated province in the country. The agreement was made in a meeting sponsored by East Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Sutanto at the Hyatt Regency Surabaya Hotel.

ADB poverty loan not linked to IMF program: Official

ADB poverty loan not linked to IMF program: Official JAKARTA (JP): Asian Development Bank (ADB) Indonesia representative Jan Van Heeswijk said on Wednesday that its loan for poverty reduction would not be linked to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) reform program.

Government to sell MAS stake

Government to sell MAS stake KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones): Finance Minister Daim Zainuddin said the government may sell a stake in Malaysian Airline System Bhd. to foreign partners to strengthen the company, the national Bernama news agency reported Wednesday. Loss-making Malaysian Airline operates national flag carrier Malaysia Airlines.

Banpol officers to carry weapons

Banpol officers to carry weapons JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso on Wednesday inaugurated 1,923 police assistants, or Banpol, noting that some would be equipped with tear-gas pistols. "They are equipped with weapons to defend themselves against being mobbed," Sutiyoso said after inspecting the Banpol officers at the National Monument Park.

The water woes of Tepus village

The water woes of Tepus village By Asip A. Hasani GUNUNG KIDUL, Yogyakarta (JP): The alleys were muddy and the half a day of downpour turned streets into small waterways. This scene in the village of Tepus, some 25 kilometers from the district of Wonosari, does not give the impression that the same village faces a severe water shortage during the dry season.

Indonesia's Pancasila democracy exists in name only

Indonesia's Pancasila democracy exists in name only Achdiat Karta Mihardja, one of Indonesia's best-known writers who now lives in Canberra, talked to The Jakarta Post's contributor Dewi Anggraeni recently about leadership in Indonesia. Achdiat, who turned 90 this month, is a member of the Pudjangga Baru school of literature whose famous novel Atheis has been adopted as a prescribed text in university studies in a number of countries.

APP units restructure debts

APP units restructure debts JAKARTA/HONG KONG (Reuters): Two Indonesian units of embattled Asia Pulp & Paper (APP) are restructuring $3.8 billion in debt in an apparent attempt to accelerate what could be the biggest emerging market corporate debt restructuring. PT Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper and PT Tjiwi Kimia lodged notices with the Jakarta bourse on Wednesday, informing officials of the restructuring.

Ancol scam may affect Sutiyoso's accountability

Ancol scam may affect Sutiyoso's accountability JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso is risking a loss of confidence in the upcoming City Council plenary session to hear his accountability speech for dismissing the City Inspectorate's recommendation to remove two senior officials over the Ancol scandal, a councillor predicted on Wednesday. Deputy chairman of the council's Commission A for administrative and legal affairs, M.

Bottled water a lucrative business

Bottled water a lucrative business By Soeryo Winoto JAKARTA (JP): Before the 1970s, no one had ever thought that selling drinking water would become a lucrative business in this archipelagic country. In those days, for people living in urban areas, drinking water meant the clean and consumable water supplied by the city company for drinking water (PDAM). People in rural areas then had little knowledge about health or hygiene and were not particular about the water they drank.

'Nyepi,' the right time for self-contemplation

'Nyepi,' the right time for self-contemplation DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Unlike the Gregorian New Year celebrated worldwide in a festive mood highlighted by glittering firecrackers, bustling sounds of trumpets and other musical instruments, the Balinese Hindu's Saka Lunar New Year, or Nyepi, which falls next Sunday (March 25), will be marked by total silence and darkness.

Art is freedom for young artist Shawnee

Art is freedom for young artist Shawnee By Aendra H. Medita JAKARTA (JP): It's an unusual, startling self-portrait, where nothing is plainly visible in terms of form as the artist offers only the power of colors, composition and firm lines. That is all that Shawnee Puti makes clearly visible of herself in Self Portrait II.

Thumbs up to Gus Dur

Thumbs up to Gus Dur From Bisnis Indonesia I am not a member of the National Awakening Party (PKB), which President Abdurrahman Wahid helped found prior to his assuming the presidency, but I have been moved to give a thumbs up to the President for his magnanimity in taking denouncement prompted by a desire to topple him rather than spurred by a wish to benefit the people and the nation.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 21, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,525 -25 277,500 Adindo Foresta 95 5 155,500 AGIS 175 5 2,395,500 Alakasa 140 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,300 50 330,500 Alter Abadi 90 0 0 Alumindo Light 600 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,875 25 55,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 220 0 0 Aneka Tambang 825 50 1,928,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 Apac Citra 300 0 92,500...

Wayan Candra dedicates his life to making 'Ogoh-Ogoh'

Wayan Candra dedicates his life to making 'Ogoh-Ogoh' By I Wayan Juniarta DENPASAR, Bali (JP): The weeks preceding the annual celebration of Nyepi, the Hindu Day of Silence, are usually be the busiest time of the year for 49-year-old artist Wayan Candra of Sesetan village, Denpasar. During this time of the year, Candra, renowned for his creative talent and extraordinary skill in making ogoh-ogoh, or giant dolls, receives a bulk of orders.

Maluku leader dies of gunshot wounds

Maluku leader dies of gunshot wounds AMBON, Maluku (JP): A Maluku community leader Agus Wattimena of the predominantly-Christian Kuda Mati area died on Tuesday night, residents and officials said on Wednesday. Neighbors heard gunshots at his residence in Kuda Mati subdistrict, Nusaniwe district, around 7:30 p.m. before finding him bleeding due to gunshot wounds to the head and the arm. He was rushed to Dr.

Victim of train accident dies

Victim of train accident dies JAKARTA (JP): One of the 20 passengers injured in Monday's train accident died on Tuesday due to serious head wounds. Spokesman for state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) Zainal Abidin said on Wednesday that the man, Teddy Hernanda, 20, an East Jakarta resident, died at the Fatmawati Hospital. "We are very saddened by his death. We are paying the medical bills of all train accident victims," Zainal told reporters.

Tension still grips Kuala Kapuas town

Tension still grips Kuala Kapuas town JAKARTA (JP): Tension still gripped the town of Kuala Kapuas in Central Kalimantan on Wednesday as arsonists razed dozens of houses. "We have arrested five people in connection with the fire and three of them have been brought in for intensive questioning," Adj. Sr. Comr. Syaiful Maltha told Antara. Schools and business activities were halted while most people opted to stay home to avoid possible clashes.

Abda'oe detained for alleged role in oil scam

Abda'oe detained for alleged role in oil scam JAKARTA (JP): State prosecutors detained former president of state oil and gas company Pertamina Faisal Abda'oe on Wednesday for his alleged role in a corruption case related to a company partly owned by a son of former president Soeharto, Bambang Trihatmodjo. The scandal resulted in US$24.8 million in state losses.

The constitutional game

The constitutional game Hardly a day goes by without one or more of our top politicians invoking the Constitution in the power struggle among the country's political elite. The basic law, or the UUD 1945, is increasingly looking more like a tool to attack opponents, or to defend one's action or position, and less like a set of rules to administer the state. Every self-righteous politician, it seems, is finding ways of using the UUD 1945 to his or her own advantage.

Higher office or higher service?

Higher office or higher service? By Donna K. Woodward MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid's presidency is all but history, thanks mostly to his own stubborn refusal to accept criticism or advice. But in destroying his own presidency -- and derailing Indonesia's recovery -- Gus Dur had an accomplice, in the person of Amien Rais. With his role in mobilizing Indonesia's students in the days before Soeharto's downfall, Amien played a major part in Soeharto's ouster.

Rupiah problems purely political: Ex-IMF director

Rupiah problems purely political: Ex-IMF director SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The beleaguered Indonesian rupiah's problems are purely "political" and there is little that the country's central bank can do to shore up the currency, former International Monetary Fund Director Hubert Neiss said Wednesday.

Japan to maintain ASEAN investments: JBIC

Japan to maintain ASEAN investments: JBIC MANILA (AFP): Japanese firms are unlikely to scale down their investments in Southeast Asia despite an economic slowdown at home, the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) said on Wednesday. The bank's research chief, Shinji Kaburagi, said Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand -- what he called the ASEAN-4 -- would remain investment-pulling centers despite Japan's economic ills.

'Gus Dur to resign if proven guilty'

'Gus Dur to resign if proven guilty' JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid is prepared to resign if proven to have violated the Constitution, defense minister Mahfud M.D. said on Wednesday. "The President does not object to being criticized, being censured or even being asked to resign if the move is constitutionally right," Mahfud said, quoting Abdurrahman's reply to the House of Representatives (DPR) censure for the President's alleged involvement in two financial scandals.

Serpong blast linked to X-mas bombings: Forum

Serpong blast linked to X-mas bombings: Forum JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Forum for Peace (FID) revealed on Wednesday that the bombing of a railroad track in Serpong, about 30 kilometers from the city on Monday, was likely linked to the Christmas Eve blasts that rocked Jakarta and other regions in the country.

Where to go in Bali: Thursday, March 22, 2001

Where to go in Bali: Thursday, March 22, 2001 Exhibitions * Painting by Titin Hartini, Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women, Jl. Sriwedari 2b, Banjar Taman, Ubud (Phone: 0361 975485), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until March 24. * Photo Mystic, Art and Light Reflection in Bali, by Paul Spies, Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. until April 27. Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl. Tirta Tawar, Banjar Kutuh Kaja, Ubud (Phone: 0361 976727), daily, 11 a.m.

Deputy chief justice Taufiq denies abusing his power

Deputy chief justice Taufiq denies abusing his power JAKARTA (JP): Supreme Court Deputy Chief Justice Taufiq has denied charges by the Indonesian Corruption Watch (ICW) that he abused his power by ordering the seizure of money from a state company to compensate a private company for losses. Taufiq has challenged the organization to report its suspicions to the police. "There was no collusion or corruption.

ADB provides US$1.7m for banking supervisory agency

ADB provides US$1.7m for banking supervisory agency JAKARTA (JP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will provide US$1.7 million in technical assistance to help the government set up a new independent Financial Services Supervisory Institution (FSSI), according to the bank's Indonesia representative Jan Van Heeswijk. Heeswijk said on Wednesday the grant would support the background work for developing the FSSI.

House endorses 11 new KPU members

House endorses 11 new KPU members JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) endorsed on Wednesday 11 new members of the General Elections Commission (KPU) who are expected to be installed by President Abdurrahman Wahid in the near future. The new members, who have been selected by the House Commission II on home and legal affairs, were unanimously endorsed by all 11 factions during a House plenary session.

Oil prices under pressure

Oil prices under pressure SINGAPORE (Reuters): Oil prices stayed under downward pressure on Wednesday as crude stocks in the United States showed another big jump for the second week in a row, all but wiping out an inventory deficit versus a year ago. North Sea benchmark Brent crude opened electronic dealings seven cents down at $24.55 a barrel, while U.S. light crude retreated five cents to $26.07. The American Petroleum Institute (API) industry group recorded a 7.6 million barrel surge in U.S.

Organizers did not 'follow procedure'

Organizers did not 'follow procedure' JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI) defended its suspension of competitors at the 2001 Siswaraga bodybuilding championships saying the organizers did not follow correct procedures in staging the event. "PABBSI realizes that bodybuilders nationwide need more competitions to improve their performance.

Jubilo defeats Samsung 3-0 in Asian Champions Cup soccer

Jubilo defeats Samsung 3-0 in Asian Champions Cup soccer MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Jubilo Iwata of Japan had a 3-0 victory over Samsung Suwon Blue Wings of South Korea in the first match of the Asian Champions Cup quarterfinals at Mattoangin Stadium here on Wednesday.

Rupiah rate March 20

Rupiah rate March 20 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Oil association calls for security, fair competition

Oil association calls for security, fair competition JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Petroleum Association (IPA) on Wednesday called upon the House of Representatives and the government to enact an oil and gas law which ensures investment security and fair competition in the oil and gas sector. Association chairman William T.

On Bollgard seeds from South Africa

On Bollgard seeds from South Africa With regard to an article published in The Jakarta Post on March 17, 2001, on Genetically modified cotton seed arrives in Makassar from South Africa, we would like to clarify some points made in the said article. Upon the issuance of Minister of Agriculture Decree No. 107/Kpts./KB.430/2/2001, we received a permit from the director general for plantation crops (dated March 2) to import 40.2 tons of Bollgard cotton seed from South Africa.

Being wise key to nation's success

Being wise key to nation's success From Suara Karya Only wise statesmen/women can be credible leaders of a nation and bring prosperity. With the public's support, a politician can reach the pinnacle of power and enjoy legitimacy as statesman/woman. The moral, intellectual and spiritual consequence of being a leader is that a politician must stop relying on only the legitimacy given by his/her group. He/she must be a statesman/woman.

Malaysia palm ends down

Malaysia palm ends down KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil took a second straight day of beating, with traders saying the market was dipping to a more realistic level after rising too far and too fast over government plans which have not seen action. The benchmark third-month June contract fell as much as 25 ringgit through the day before pulling back to close 17 ringgit lower at 845 ringgit a tonne. Since Monday's close, June futures have lost 30 ringgit.

Govt, ExxonMobil fail to reach agreement on gas operations

Govt, ExxonMobil fail to reach agreement on gas operations JAKARTA (JP): The government failed on Wednesday to reach an agreement with American oil and gas giant ExxonMobil on the timetable for the resumption of production at the company's gas fields in Arun, Aceh.