Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 March 2001

49 articles found

Officers told not to attend political meetings

Officers told not to attend political meetings CIPATAT, Bandung, West Java (JP): Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto warned on Tuesday that no active Army officers are allowed to attend meetings aimed at discussing any specific political agenda.

Taxi drivers hold another rally over rental fee hike

Taxi drivers hold another rally over rental fee hike JAKARTA (JP): Some 300 taxi drivers of the Centris Group staged a rally on Tuesday at the company's headquarters on Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said in South Jakarta, renewing their protest over the firm's plan to increase the drivers' daily rental fee by 25 percent.

Police hunt for two over woman's murder

Police hunt for two over woman's murder JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Police detectives are searching for two men in connection with the murder of an old woman, whose body featured at least 12 stab wounds and was found lifeless in front of the Kapuk residential complex in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, on Tuesday morning. Central Jakarta Police Chief Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang identified the woman as Megawati Purnomo, 67, a city resident living on Jl. Irian in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

Government dismisses notaries' demand over new fee

Government dismisses notaries' demand over new fee JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Justice and Human Rights ruled out on Tuesday demands by the Indonesian Notary Public Association (INI) for a delay in the implementation of a computerized system in the licensing of companies. "The new system has been effective since March 1, and it won't be delayed unless the minister says so," the ministry's Director General of General Law Administration Romli Atmasasmita told a media conference.

Bogor projects cost Rp 38b

Bogor projects cost Rp 38b BOGOR (JP): Bogor mayor Iswara Natanegara submitted on Tuesday a list of projects worth Rp 38 billion (US$4 million) to municipal agencies to mark the start of work on development projects in the 2001 fiscal year in the mayoralty. Iswara said the funds would be disbursed to finance 220 projects in various fields, including human resources, sociopolitics, economy, culture and the environment.

Fiji mulls next move as former PM told to go

Fiji mulls next move as former PM told to go SUVA (Agencies): Fiji's ousted prime minister was under growing pressure on Tuesday not to seek reinstatement as the interim government considered its response to a court ruling that it is illegal. The cabinet met on Tuesday and later briefed President Ratu Josefa Iloilo on possible options in the wake of the court ruling.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Music 8:30 Documentary 9:00 Children's Program 10:00 Music 11:00 Talk Show 12:30 p.m. Interval 3:00 News 3:30 Technology 4:00 Children's Songs 4:30 Student's Quiz 5:00 News 6:00 Village News 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Film 9:30 Music 10:00 News 11:00 Performance Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:00 Music 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Music 9:00 Indian Film 12:00 p.m.

Garment workers demand more money

Garment workers demand more money BANDUNG: Employees of garment factory PT Biba Multi Jaya marched to the West Java provincial legislature to condemn a cut in their biweekly wages. Ai, the spokesman for the employees, said the Rp 120,000 the workers had been receiving every two weeks had been cut to between Rp 60,000 and Rp 70,000, adding that the firm had not provided an explanation for the reduction. "We do not have any other source of income.

Perumnas land chosen for new bus terminal

Perumnas land chosen for new bus terminal JAKARTA (JP): The city administration and the City Council have agreed on a 14.4-hectare plot of land belonging to state housing firm PT Perumnas in Pulogebang, East Jakarta, as the site of a new bus terminal to replace Pulogadung terminal, an official said on Tuesday.

Workshop on clean fuel

Workshop on clean fuel JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian and British governments held a joint workshop here on Tuesday to promote the use of clean fuel in the country. The workshop, which was organized by the Indonesian-British Oil and Gas Working Group, was jointly opened by the director general of oil and gas at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Rachmat Sudibyo, British Ambassador to Indonesia Richard Gozney and Indonesian Ambassador to Britain Nana Sutresna.

BI vows to prevent rupiah from breaking 10,000 level

BI vows to prevent rupiah from breaking 10,000 level JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia will take action to protect the rupiah from breaking through the Rp 10,000 level against the U.S. dollar, the central bank's governor Sjahril Sabirin said here on Tuesday. "We will either intervene or raise interest rates or employ a combination of both to protect the rupiah," he told reporters after meeting with the House of Representatives' Speaker Akbar Tandjung.

Sampit tense again after guns go missing

Sampit tense again after guns go missing SAMPIT, Central Kalimantan (JP): Tension rose in the riot-torn town of Sampit again on Tuesday following the disappearance of six guns and 80 sets of military uniforms despite the security forces effort to restore order in the area, an official said. The official, who requested anonymity, said that the guns and uniforms had probably been stolen by locals.

Pertina to send boxers abroad

Pertina to send boxers abroad SEMARANG (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association (Pertina) will send boxers to India from May 13 through May 16 to improve their skills ahead of the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. "We will participate in a tournament commemorating the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation's anniversary," Pertina's deputy secretary-general, Didiet Soedijoto, announced on Tuesday. "The host will cover all transportation and lodging expenses.

Bali drug dealer arrested

Bali drug dealer arrested DENPASAR, Bali: A police operation on Tuesday afternoon netted a suspected drug dealer identified as Ketut Suarta, in possession of 19 grams of shabu-shabu, or crystal methampetamine. Chief of the Bali Police's Narcotics Unit First Insp. Rudi Purwiyanto said that the 40-year-old Ketut had been on the police's wanted list for some time. "We hadn't apprehended him due to a lack of evidence, but now we have enough to prove that he is a dealer and not only a user," he said.

Train robber arrested

Train robber arrested JAKARTA (JP): City Police detectives recently arrested a train robber, who preyed on women passengers wearing jewelry. City police detective chief of violent crimes (Jatanras) Comr. Tagam Sinaga said on Tuesday the suspect, identified as Bambang, 22, was arrested late last week at his residence in the Kebon Singkong subdistrict in Klender, East Jakarta. "Bambang's modus operandi would be pretending to be a passenger of trains plying the Greater Jakarta routes.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March. 6, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,775 0 60,500 Adindo Foresta 125 0 0 AGIS 195 0 433,500 Alakasa 140 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 975 0 2,000 Alter Abadi 105 0 5,000 Alumindo Light 650 0 17,500 Andhi Chandra 1,875 -25 756,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 220 0 0 Aneka Tambang 875 0 641,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 Apac Citra 410 0 25,000 Aqua Golden...

Gus Dur supporters hit the streets

Gus Dur supporters hit the streets PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Some 200 supporters of President Abdurrahman Wahid from Banyumas took to the streets here on Tuesday, burning the Golkar Party flag. The President's supporters also demanded House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung and People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais stop their efforts to unseat Abdurrahman.

Seven killed in fresh Aceh unrest

Seven killed in fresh Aceh unrest BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): At least seven people were killed and scores of others injured during a fresh outbreak of violence in Aceh between Sunday and Monday, officials and witnesses reported on Tuesday. Five bodies bearing bullet wounds and lacerations were found in East Aceh on Monday during the celebration of Idul Adha in the predominantly-Muslim province.

Tennis juniors Imron and Maya survived the first test

Tennis juniors Imron and Maya survived the first test JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian boy's singles player Al Imron and girl's singles player Maya Rosa cruised through to the second round of the 2001 Gas Negara International Junior Championships at the Kemayoran Tennis Center here. Al Imron, who is number 278 in the junior world rankings, had to work hard before he overcame South Korean qualifier Lee Dae- dong 6-2, 2-6, 6-4 in the first round on Tuesday.

Support for Megawati renewed

Support for Megawati renewed JAKARTA (JP): As the arrival of President Abdurrahman Wahid draws nearer, leaders of two prominent Muslim organizations renewed on Tuesday their choice for Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri to assume power as a last-ditch effort to solve the myriad of crises facing the country.

Southeast Asian monies mixed, won boosted by rise in yen

Southeast Asian monies mixed, won boosted by rise in yen SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): A modest rise in the yen and gains in local equity markets boosted the South Korean won and New Taiwan dollar on Tuesday. Southeast Asian currencies were mixed, with trading suppressed by a market holiday in Singapore. The Thai baht gained marginally on the dollar, while the Philippine peso and Indonesian rupiah were little changed.

Ali Wardhana banned from traveling abroad

Ali Wardhana banned from traveling abroad JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office has issued a travel ban for former minister of finance Ali Wardhana due to his alleged involvement in a corruption case. The Office's spokesman Muljohardjo announced that Wardhana is banned from traveling overseas as the latter is strongly implicated in a scandal that happened during his term of office.

Yogya's 'Warung Ijo' still keeping diners satisfied

Yogya's 'Warung Ijo' still keeping diners satisfied By Budi Sardjono YOGYAKARTA (JP): As she ladles up a plate of rice at Warung Ijo, Ibu Padmosudarmo remembers the day clearly, even though it happened in the 1960s. A sedan pulled up in front of her food stall, called ijo (Javanese for green) because of the color of its front. Vehicles were still a rarity on the streets, and a luxury car was sure to attract attention.

20 Prestasi cabs fail test

20 Prestasi cabs fail test JAKARTA (JP): Some 24 cabs, including 20 from Prestasi Taxi, have failed a feasibility test conducted by the City Land Transportation and Traffic Control Office in February. According to data released by the office on Tuesday, two cabs from Primajasa Taxi, one from Sri Medali and one from Royal City Taxi were the remaining others which failed the test. The cabs failed the test because of faulty taxi meters and poor air conditioners.

Out, out damn spot: Treating adult acne

Out, out damn spot: Treating adult acne By Maria Endah Hulupi JAKARTA (JP): "Wati" stares at the mirror, surveying the damage. Angry red spots of acne dot her face, with the one on her nose getting bigger by the day and becoming more painful, like the one under her jaw. She is 35, but acne is still a part of her life. "I always wonder why people say acne is a problem of teenagers because I cannot remember a time when I didn't have pimples," said the private company employee.

Military professionalism

Military professionalism In the current climate of uncertainty and confusion, the assurance given last week by Indonesian Army Chief of Staff Gen. Endriartono Sutarto that the Army would refrain from ever forcefully taking power, effectively puts an end to fears of a military coup d'etat at any time in the near future.

Judging Indonesia

Judging Indonesia The brutal ethnic violence that has erupted during the past week on the island of Borneo has brought a reminder that one of the messiest, and most important, foreign problems awaiting a Bush administration policy is Indonesia. Unlike South Korea or Malaysia, Indonesia has never recovered from the Asian economic crisis of 1997; like Thailand and the Philippines, it is struggling to consolidate weak democratic institutions under the shadow of a still-powerful military.

Hoodlums attack police officer

Hoodlums attack police officer JAKARTA (JP): City Police detectives arrested two men in the Slipi traffic light area in West Jakarta on Monday night for an attack on a police officer, the possession of a sword and extortion. The police detective chief of violent crimes (Jatanras) Comr. Tagam Sinaga identified the suspects as Taryono and Hendrikus. Both of them are known as notorious hoodlums who have extorted money from drivers of public minivans which have stopped at the traffic lights.

Garment workers seek council's support

Garment workers seek council's support JAKARTA (JP): At least 250 employees of sock manufacturer PT Nagamas Busana Tama went to the City Council on Tuesday seeking support for their union, which has not been recognized by the company's management. Wearing black shirts and headbands, the workers arrived in four buses and unfurled posters denouncing the company's management. The union's secretary, Juariah, said the Independent Workers Union (SPM) was established on Nov.

Qantas receives RI awards

Qantas receives RI awards JAKARTA (JP): Australian airline Qantas Airways recently received the Best Airline 2000 and the Best Business Partner awards from the operator of Soekarno-Hatta airport, PT Angkasa Pura II. Qantas Airways airport manager Salam Ibrahim said Qantas received the awards because of its excellent financial record, high operating standards and excellent administration.

Guthrie bhd. deal will be closed this week: IBRA

Guthrie bhd. deal will be closed this week: IBRA JAKARTA (Reuters): Indonesia's Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Tuesday a delayed oil palm plantation deal with Malaysia's Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd. would be closed this week as all legal hurdles had been cleared. "Within this week, at the earliest Thursday," a senior IBRA official, who did not want to be named, told Reuters.

Disbursement of credit halted

Disbursement of credit halted MANADO, North Sulawesi: North Sulawesi Bank has temporarily halted the disbursement of credit funds for clove peasants following reports of some Rp 15.4 billion in bad loans involving 70 village cooperatives in the province. The total credit awarded to the 70 cooperatives last year was Rp 24.1 billion, some Rp 15.4 billion of which has not yet been returned, North Sulawesi Bank director J.H. Lumintang said.

KL to buy palm oil from producers

KL to buy palm oil from producers KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The world's top palmoil producer Malaysia has asked producers to set aside five percent of output for sale to the government at a fixed price of 725 ringgit (US$190.78) a metric ton to cut surplus stocks and boost prices. Palm oil bought would be used as industrial fuel and help support prices which now hover at a 10-year low, Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik told reporters on Tuesday.

Indonesians among Mena stampede dead

Indonesians among Mena stampede dead JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia (JP): At least four Indonesians have been identified as being among the 35 trampled bodies in Monday's tragic stampede in Mena during the Haj pilgrimage's "stoning of satan" ritual. Both the Indonesian Consulate General in Jeddah and officials at the Indonesian Ministry of Religious Affairs in Jakarta confirmed the deaths on Tuesday. Three of the Indonesian dead were pilgrims from East Java: Ittiyah binti Ridwan (passport No.

Rupiah Rates March 6, 2001

Rupiah Rates March 6, 2001 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

City official accused of crime

City official accused of crime JAKARTA (JP): The chief of administration affairs at the City Office of Public Records has been arrested for allegedly falsifying the birth certificate of his son. A city police detective for special crimes (Tipiter) who requested anonymity identified the suspect as Ramadhan Sakhri, 54, who committed the crime when he was chief of the West Jakarta Office of Public Records some years ago.

Megawati is taking steps to assume presidency: Chusnul

Megawati is taking steps to assume presidency: Chusnul Political lecturer Chusnul Mar'iyah shares her views on the likelihood of the campaign against the President. In the other interviews below The Jakarta Post also talked to political party executives on the changed stance of some parties towards Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri. Question: How would you predict the outcome of the current political struggle, especially Megawati's chance at the presidency?

Thousands of sailors treated like slaves, live in fear: Report

Thousands of sailors treated like slaves, live in fear: Report SYDNEY (Reuters): Tens of thousands of sailors on commercial ships are being treated like slaves and live in fear of being thrown overboard if they complain about exploitation and mistreatment, according a report by an independent industry body.

Researchers complain over meager monthly honorarium

Researchers complain over meager monthly honorarium JAKARTA (JP): Science and technology researchers have complained about how small is the honorarium paid to them, currently Rp 97,000 (US$10) per researcher per month, saying this is "far behind the profession's expectations and the respect that should be accorded to it." "The honorarium was actually raised by Rp 10,000 from the previous Rp 87,000 last year but still it is far from enough," chief of the planning bureau of the Agency for...

Commuters stranded by driver strike

Commuters stranded by driver strike PADANG, West Sumatra: Thousands of commuters were left stranded on Tuesday when public transportation drivers plying the Pariaman-Padang route went on strike to protest the local administration's decision to relocate a bus terminal. This was the first action since the drivers took to the streets four days ago to protest last week's opening of Jati Pariaman bus terminal, some five kilometers from the old bus terminal.

A policeman's lot

A policeman's lot Jakarta's traffic police are renowned for their diligence in upholding the letter of the law, particularly toward the end of the month when a cash shortage will see them on the streets in numbers, lurking behind bushes near one of Jakarta's tiny and often obscured traffic signs, waiting for an offense which may add a contribution to their pocket.

Falungong members fight negative image in Indonesia

Falungong members fight negative image in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Falungong members in Indonesia are in a public opinion battle to convince the public that the organization here is apolitical and merely teaches about meditation and health. Speaking to The Jakarta Post on Tuesday, Indonesian Falungong Association Chairman Joko Buntar refuted descriptions of the group as a sect or spiritual movement, as its main endeavor is to promulgate a healthy lifestyle and patience.

PPP's about-face due to intolerable state

PPP's about-face due to intolerable state Among the political parties which appear to have changed their stances on the possibility of Megawati Soekarnoputri becoming president is the United Development Party (PPP). The Jakarta Post talked to party executive Chamsyah Bachtiar on the issue. Question: How do you defend the new position adopted by your party? You spoke out against a Megawati presidency in 1999 because she was a woman and many people were unsure as to what her real religion was.

Malaysian airport struggles as more airlines stop services to country

Malaysian airport struggles as more airlines stop services to country KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The Malaysian government has established a high level committee to find ways to counter a run of service cancellations by major airlines, a newspaper reported Tuesday. British Airways and All Nippon Airways, Japan's second largest carrier, have announced they will cease flying to Malaysia by April while Lufthansa of Germany and Australia's Qantas stopped their operations over the past two years.

Opposition leader held under Sedition Act

Opposition leader held under Sedition Act KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian police said on Tuesday they were investigating a detained opposition leader for sedition following his alleged call for mass protests to topple Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's government. Mohamad Ezam Mohamad Nor, a former political secretary to jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, was arrested late on Monday. He strongly denies making the call, saying he was misquoted by a pro-government newspaper.

This is a legislature's coup, says Rodjil of PKB

This is a legislature's coup, says Rodjil of PKB The National Awakening Party (PKB), founded by President Abdurrahman Wahid, or Gus Dur, is now in the front line trying to counter other political parties' campaigns to unseat the President. PKB executive Rodjil Gufron spoke to The Jakarta Post.

Islamic student groups must be alert

Islamic student groups must be alert By Muhammad Qodari JAKARTA (JP): An article I wrote on Islamic groups and the student movement published on Feb. 15 in this newspaper, has prompted a response from a friend of mine, Andi Rahmat, chairman of the Indonesian Muslim Students Action Front (KAMMI). In his article on Feb.

Moody's lowers Indonesian rating

Moody's lowers Indonesian rating HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Moody's Investors Service has changed the outlook for Indonesia's B3 foreign currency country ceiling and Caa1 foreign currency bank deposit ceiling to stable from positive. Moody's said Tuesday that a number of indicators showed an improving economic performance during 2000. Economic growth, at 4.8 percent, was a substantial increase from the depressed levels recorded previously.

KPKPN begins collecting data on legislators' wealth

KPKPN begins collecting data on legislators' wealth JAKARTA (JP): The Audit Commission on Officials' Assets (KPKPN) distributed forms on Tuesday for the House of Representatives (DPR) legislators to collect data on their wealth as state officials. Speaking in a media conference after handing over the forms to the House Speaker Akbar Tandjung, KPKPN Chairman Yusuf Syakir said the forms should be returned to the commission within one month.