Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 April 2001

60 articles found

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 9, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Astra Agro 575 0 10,000 Asuransi Bina 355 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,900 125 20,000 Ades Alfindo 1,100 -25 336,000 Adindo Foresta 90 -5 17,500 GT Petrochem 160 0 0 Asuransi Harta 1,250 0 0 Asia Intiselera 295 0 0 Argha Karya Prima 145 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 220 0 0 Alter Abadi 85 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,250 -25 50,000...

Rupiah rate April 9

Rupiah rate April 9 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Customer satisfaction is paramount

Customer satisfaction is paramount By Handi Irawan D JAKARTA (JP): A researcher once noted that in the 1980s, published articles on prepurchase were eight times those on postpurchase. During the 1990s, the trend was reversed and the number of articles on both subjects were almost equal. If the trend continues, the number of postpurchase articles will eclipse those on prepurchase in the coming years.

Government backs envoy's meeting with GAM

Government backs envoy's meeting with GAM JAKARTA (JP): Foreign Minister Alwi Shihab denied on Monday that a meeting last week between U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Robert Gelbard and separatist leaders in Aceh amounted to intervention. "Why should we call it intervention?" Alwi told reporters, after meeting Abdurrahman at Merdeka Palace. "The United States supports Indonesia's territorial integrity.

Semen Padang upbeat over government's plan

Semen Padang upbeat over government's plan JAKARTA (JP): The government is expected to announce its decision on the spin-off of cement producer PT Semen Gresik as early as next week, President of Semen Gresik's subsidiary PT Semen Padang said on Monday. Semen Padang president Ikhdan Nizar said that a team evaluating Semen Gresik's spin-off plan, would present its results to director general of state enterprises, I Nyoman Tjager on Tuesday.

PASI insists Bob Hasan remains chairman

PASI insists Bob Hasan remains chairman JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Athletics Association (PASI) turned down pressure from Indonesia's sports world to stage a special congress to replace chairman Muhammad 'Bob' Hasan, who was sent to notorious Nusakambangan prison late last month.

DPR team to visit C. Kalimantan

DPR team to visit C. Kalimantan PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: A House of Representatives fact-finding team is expected to arrive here on Tuesday in a bid to help find a solution to the inter-ethnic conflict which has hit the province. Chief of the province's information bureau, Harun Al-Rasyid said the team would be led by legislator A. Teras Narang from the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle who was elected to the House representing Central Kalimantan.

Prices of basic goods to rise within two weeks

Prices of basic goods to rise within two weeks JAKARTA (JP): Producers will increase the price of basic commodities by up to 20 percent within two weeks as a consequence of the hike in industrial fuel prices on April 1, said vendors at the Kramatjati prime market, the Cipinang prime rice market and the Jatinegara market on Monday. "We have two more weeks to buy basic commodities before the producers increase their prices," Hendra, 38, a vendor at the Kramatjati prime market, said.

Talks should solve nation's problems: Mega

Talks should solve nation's problems: Mega JAKARTA (JP): The deputy secretary-general of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) said here yesterday that the party chairperson, Megawati Soekarnoputri, who is also Vice President, wanted the talks between political leaders proposed by the President to be about solving the nation's problems.

ASEAN+3 move step closer to FX swap plan: IMF

ASEAN+3 move step closer to FX swap plan: IMF TOKYO (Reuters): Asian nations took a step towards realizing an ambitious currency swap plan at the weekend by agreeing to involve the International Monetary Fund in the scheme, a senior IMF official said on Monday.

Independent panel supports amendment of BI law

Independent panel supports amendment of BI law JAKARTA (JP): An independent panel set up to review the controversial bill on amendments to the central bank law supports the government's move to improve the accountability of Bank Indonesia, a senior government official said on Monday. Dipo Alam of the Office of the Coordinating Minister for the Economy said the panel saw some weaknesses in the current Bank Indonesia law regarding the accountability of the bank's board of governors.

Poso remains tense, buildings ablaze

Poso remains tense, buildings ablaze PALU, Central Sulawesi (JP): Tension remained high in the town of Poso, Central Sulawesi, as a church and a local labor training center, located in different subdistricts, were set ablaze on Monday morning. Fires razed Bethesda church, located in Gebang Redjo subdistrict, and the training center, situated in Ranononcu. However, it was unclear whether the fires had something to do with prolonged communal clashes in the areas.

Potable water supplied to villages

Potable water supplied to villages MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: The East Nusa Tenggara provincial administration has not yet been able to provide potable water for many of the people as it is difficult to find springs in the area, an official said on Saturday. "Currently, we are concentrating our efforts on providing potable water for the five regencies of Alor, Ngada, Kupang, East Flores and Manggarai.

Market sentiments and the rupiah

Market sentiments and the rupiah From Rakyat Merdeka As far as I am concerned, the value of the rupiah has nosedived ever since President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid reshuffled his Cabinet, and appointed people not favored by the market. At that time, experts and economic observers said Gus Dur was going against the market. The market did react negatively and the ire of the market still persists. I am deeply concerned about the rupiah.

Yogya councillors visit Jakarta

Yogya councillors visit Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): A 12-member delegation of the Yogyakarta legislative council conducted a comparative study on how to tackle social issues on housemaids, the collection of alms, prostitution and pornographic VCDs in the city.

The war against crime

The war against crime Enough is enough. Badgered by a citizenry sick and tired of the administration's apparent inability to protect it against a crime rate that is rising in both level and brutality, Jakarta's city administration has apparently lost its patience and last week officially declared war against criminals. "The concept is easy. Let's fight hoodlums together. That's it," Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso declared.

Seafarers union elects new leader

Seafarers union elects new leader JAKARTA (JP): The three-day extraordinary congress of the Indonesian Seamen's Association (KPI) concluded on Monday with the election of Hanafie as its new chairman for the 2001-2004 term, to replace Iskandar Illahude, whose leadership sparked protests among members of the International Transportation Federation (ITF).

PBSI aims to win one title at World C'ships

PBSI aims to win one title at World C'ships JAKARTA (JP): Winning two titles at the just-concluded Japan Open has heightened the Badminton Association of Indonesia's (PBSI) ambition to win at least one title at the World Championships in Seville, Spain, in June. "Winning two titles at the Japan Open doesn't necessarily guarantee our success at the World Championships.

Requirements for president

Requirements for president From Rakyat Merdeka Apparently, the media has not yet shown much interest in the issues discussed by Nahdlatul Ulama's Bahsul Matsil (forum for settling crucial matters). The point is that the issues raised so far have been dull and superficial in nature.

Government encouraged to lower import tax on buses

Government encouraged to lower import tax on buses JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso urged the Central Government to decide soon its stance on the replacement program of the city's aging bus fleet by lowering import tax as a proposal to buy new vehicles from local firm PT Texmaco Engineering still hangs in the balance. "We could not wait for Sinivasan since there is no financial institution willing to provide his company with a loan.

Myanmar claims war on drugs but protects barons

Myanmar claims war on drugs but protects barons By John Sweeney RANGOON: It was like the opening scene of the Hollywood film Traffic: Jeeps with smoked glass windscreens, laden with heavily armed soldiers, zoomed through the Myanmarese rain forest, protecting a very important person. The dignitary was not the military junta's anti-drugs tsar but someone much more powerful -- Myanmar's godfather of heroin, Lo Hsing Han.

Student escapes charges, company admits mistakes

Student escapes charges, company admits mistakes BANDUNG, West Java (JP): A Malaysian student escaped charges of telephone fraud after the state owned telecommunication company PT Telkom admitted that it was negligent in installing a faulty international call facility at a public phone. Malaysian Nurul Anwar, a student at Padjajaran University here, was apprehended by Telkom officials when making a long distance call to Malaysia at a public phone in the university compound.

Administration regreens capital

Administration regreens capital JAKARTA (JP): The administration has allocated Rp 14 billion (US$1.4 million) for the current fiscal year to transform densely populated areas in the capital into green belt areas. Dadang Ruskandar, head of the city's park agency, said the fund would be spent to vacate 70 slums and densely populated areas and regreen them. "Each of the five mayoralties will receive Rp 200 million to open 14 new green areas," he said on Monday.

Suko goes against the grain with his organic fertilizer

Suko goes against the grain with his organic fertilizer by Heru Prasetya MAGELANG, Central Java (JP): A simple man of 63 years whose formal education stopped at junior high school, Suko traveled to Jakarta in March to meet Vice President Megawati Sukarnoputri. He was honored with the Kehati award for his efforts in cultivating mina padi -- a system of rice growing where fish are also reared in wet fields -- and his development of an organic fertilizer. "I'd never been to Jakarta before.

RP military kill three rebels

RP military kill three rebels JOLO, Philippines (AP): Government troops killed three Muslim extremists on Monday in the first clash since President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo declared "all-out war" on the rebels a week ago, military officials said. Gen. Romeo Dominguez, commander of the assault on the Abu Sayyaf band in the south, said one soldier was also injured as troops stormed a rebel hide-out before dawn Monday.

KL court urged to quash ruling

KL court urged to quash ruling KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Targeting a legal milestone, lawyers for a prominent Malaysian reporter urged the country's highest court on Monday to overturn its own verdict in a libel lawsuit. Freelance journalist M.G.G. Pillai alleges that Eusoff Chin, Malaysia's former No. 1 judge, was prejudiced when he and two other Federal Court judges upheld a High Court decision last July ordering Pillai to pay tycoon Vincent Tan 2 million ringgit ($526,316) for defamation.

Winning customers over

Winning customers over By Tjipto Ramuni The quality of goods and services are measured by how well they satisfy customers. Satisfaction keeps customers loyal and returning for more. JAKARTA (JP): Seafood restaurant Kedai Selera on Jl. Kebayoran Lama in South Jakarta has only nine serving tables, and in addition to vegetables, lists only four main ingredients: meat, poultry, prawn and squid.

Megawati tells people to stick by presidential system

Megawati tells people to stick by presidential system JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri on Monday asked the people not to reduce or weaken the current presidential system in their efforts to strengthen democracy and the people's sovereignty. She said such a system is guaranteed in the 1945 Constitution.

Police clash with Dayak protesters, one killed

Police clash with Dayak protesters, one killed SAMPIT, Central Kalimantan (JP): The East Kotawaringin regency capital of Sampit turned into a battlefield again on Monday afternoon as police clashed with hundreds of Dayak protesters who demanded total withdrawal of Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) troops from the area. A teacher, identified as Fandy was killed in the incident from a gunshot wound to the head, and another resident, identified as Johan, survived serious gunshot wounds.

KL's reserves sharply fall

KL's reserves sharply fall KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's international reserves fell by US$1.5 billion in the second half of last month, from 109.3 billion ringgit ($28.7 billion) to 103.3 billion ringgit, the central bank said Monday.

WTO must protect service sector in Third World: Indonesia

WTO must protect service sector in Third World: Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and other ASEAN countries have asked the World Trade Organization to protect the service sector in developing countries. Director for Multilateral Cooperation at the Ministry of Industry and Trade Herry Soetanto said here on Monday that the protection should become an integral part of the overall negotiations to open up the world's services industry.

Bara Gomies wins in Golden Gloves

Bara Gomies wins in Golden Gloves SEMARANG (JP): National boxer Bara Gomies, being groomed for the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in September, defeated Sugeng Riyadi of Central Java in an RSC (Referee Stopping Contest) welterweight match of the Golden Gloves here Monday. Bara will meet Jaya Laguga of Southeast Sulawesi, who won on points 23-15 over Yance Rumasep of Irian Jaya.

APP irks creditors, asks for more

APP irks creditors, asks for more SINGAPORE (Reuters): Debt-laden Asia Pulp & Paper told disgruntled creditors on Monday it had obligations of US$3.9 billion on top of its direct borrowings and then tested their patience by asking for another $200 million.

Ansett grounds Boeing 767s

Ansett grounds Boeing 767s SYDNEY (AP): Ansett Airlines has grounded almost half of its fleet of Boeing 767 aircraft after cracks were found in the engine mountings, aviation authorities said Monday. Ansett, the country's second largest airline, has suffered a series of problems in recent months and has been forced to ground planes for safety reasons, including failure to perform regular checks.

Silent protest over sea turtle trade by activists

Silent protest over sea turtle trade by activists DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Dozens of environmental activists from the Animal Conservation for Life (KSBK) staged a silent protest here on Monday, expressing their support for the local administration's efforts in banning the illegal trade of sea turtles. The activists arrived at the gubernatorial office around 10:30 a.m. local time, waving banners and wearing red T-shirts which bore the words "Stop Turtle Trade".

Government forms team to handle Telkom-Ariawest dispute

Government forms team to handle Telkom-Ariawest dispute JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Monday it would form an inter-ministerial team to facilitate talks to end the dispute between state telecommunication company PT Telkom Indonesia, and PT Ariawest International.

RI leads 3-0 in Fed Cup

RI leads 3-0 in Fed Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia led 3-0 over Pacific Oceania in the first day of the Fed Cup Asia Oceania Group One qualifying match at the Yang Min tennis center in Kao Hsiung, Taiwan, on Monday. Indonesia's No. 2 singles Romana Tedjakusuma opened the spree by defeating Nicole Angat 6-0, 6-0 in the first match. National top singles Wynne Prakusya followed her senior's path by overcoming Davilyn Godinet 6-0, 6-3.

KL palm oil ends lower

KL palm oil ends lower KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed lower in thin trade on Monday as players lacked incentive, dealers said. The closure of the Pasir Gudang port in the southern state of Johor -- which handles the bulk of palm oil exports in peninsular Malaysia -- also accounted for the dull activity, traders said. Only four contracts, including benchmark June, were traded. Overall market volume was at 865 lots -- one of the lowest in months.

Gus Dur gives fiery speech at Air Force anniversary

Gus Dur gives fiery speech at Air Force anniversary JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said on Monday that the Indonesian Military (TNI) must remain vigilant and refuse to succumb to the tribulations faced as a result of the embargoes it is facing. "We should not be conquered by such intimidation. Neither should we become dependent on other countries," Abdurrahman said at the commemoration of the Air Force's 55th anniversary celebrations at Halim Perdanakusuma Airbase in East Jakarta.

Megawati never sets terms: PDI-P

Megawati never sets terms: PDI-P JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) on Monday denied reports that Vice President and party' chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri has stipulated three requirements as conditions to take over the presidency from the embattled Abdurrahman Wahid. "Ibu Megawati has never set any terms in the ongoing political process.

IBRA to seek new evidence in Tirtamas case

IBRA to seek new evidence in Tirtamas case JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) will try to find new evidence in the Tirtamas Comexindo case if the Supreme Court rejects its application for a review of its earlier decision, according to a litigation official from the agency. Group head of IBRA's litigation department Tubagus Adhi Faiz said that the agency might also consider filing criminal charges if there was enough evidence.

Wiranto prefers bridge to karate

Wiranto prefers bridge to karate JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian Karate-Do Federation (Forki), Wiranto, will not run for the a second term as chairman at the federation's congress as he prefers to focus on the Indonesian Contract Bridge Association (Gabsi), of which he is also the chairman. "I think it's time for the younger generation in Forki to take the lead. The candidates, however, must meet certain qualifications," he told reporters on Monday.

What are the possibilities for organic farming in Indonesia?

What are the possibilities for organic farming in Indonesia? By Edhi Martono YOGYAKARTA (JP): Now that the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization officially stated in March its approval of organic farming as productive and that its crop yields may help alleviate world hunger, what can we do here? Organic farming, for most of us in Indonesia, has little meaning. Sadly, its benefits are understood by only a few who concern themselves with healthy methods of producing basic needs, especially food.

JSX bomb trial commences

JSX bomb trial commences JAKARTA (JP): The trial of last year's bombing of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) building, which claimed 10 lives, began on Monday at the South Jakarta District Court. While many had suspected that political motives were behind the bombing, prosecutor Endang Rachwan told the court that Tengku Ismuhadi Jafar, 30, the owner of Krung Baro auto repair shop in Ciganjur, South Jakarta, and his employee, Nuryadin alias Nadin, 29, bombed the building on Sept.

No tap water

No tap water From Pos Kota Many complaints have been lodged with water company Palyja Jaya, particularly by residents of Taman Palem Lestari housing complex in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, where there has been no tap water since March 28, 2001. Unfortunately, Palyja Jaya has yet to respond to these complaints. In the meantime, the residents have had to buy drinking water at a price higher that the rate set by PAM.

'Kancil' should be cheaper: Councillor

'Kancil' should be cheaper: Councillor JAKARTA (JP): The head of the City Council's Commission D for Development Affairs, Sayogo Hendrosubroto, urged the city administration on Monday to lower the price of the newly introduced Kancil vehicles from its current price of Rp 30 million (US$3,000) each. The Kancil is a small four-wheeled vehicle, designed like the three-wheeled bajaj that popularly roam Jakarta's streets.

Holdiko sells Indomaret stake for Rp 162 billion

Holdiko sells Indomaret stake for Rp 162 billion JAKARTA (JP): PT Holdiko Perkasa, a holding company, has sold its 51 percent ownership in retail chain PT Indomarco Prismatama (Indomaret), to a consortium led by Bhakti Asset Management for Rp 162 billion (US$15 million).

Indonesia's future economic challenges

Indonesia's future economic challenges This is the second of two articles by Dr. Emil Salim, professor of economics at the University of Indonesia and chairman of the former National Economic Council. This article is based on a presentation at an international conference on Indonesia held last month in Tokyo. The event was hosted by the Ministry of Finance.

KL to ease travel ruling to lure more tourists from China, India

KL to ease travel ruling to lure more tourists from China, India KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia will ease travel regulations to woo more tourists from China and India to counter the US economic slowdown, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Monday. "We do not get that many tourists from America. America might go into a recession but that's not going to affect us very much," Mahathir told reporters after opening a Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) conference.

South Korea best hope for Asian financial sector M&A

South Korea best hope for Asian financial sector M&A HONG KONG (Reuters): Bank privatization and lucrative retail finance businesses are making South Korea the hot spot for Asian merger and acquisition (M&A) activity in the sector this year, analysts say.

Traffic warden killed over money

Traffic warden killed over money JAKARTA (JP): Kebayoran Lama police detectives are searching for three men who allegedly stabbed their fellow illegal traffic attendant to death on Jl. Kemandoran VII in South Jakarta, on Sunday afternoon. South Jakarta police chief of detectives Comr. Napolean Bonaparte said on Monday that the victim, identified as Ilham Suwandi, 17, died from multiple stab wounds. "Ilham died at 9 p.m. on Sunday night, six hours after the incident.

KPC shareholders deny agreeing to 51% divestment

KPC shareholders deny agreeing to 51% divestment JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of coal mining company PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) in East Kalimantan said on Monday that they were still in disagreement with the government over the percentage of shares they must divest to local investors this year.

Where did Indonesia go wrong?

Where did Indonesia go wrong? The following is the second of two articles by Olle Tornquist, professor of political science and development research at the University of Oslo. OSLO, Norway (JP): So the picture is quite clear. There are important freedoms, but the civil and democratic rights and institutions are poor, often malfunctioning, and usually difficult for ordinary people to make use of.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition Quand la Science rejoint I'Art, Bandung Institute of Technology, Jl. Ganesha 10, until April 16. * Traditional and Modern Art Collaboration, by Kalingga Gallery the lobby of Grand Hotel Preanger Bandung, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 81 (Phone: 022 4231631), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until April 30. Performances * Supernova Opera, based on a novel by Dewi, CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Phone:

Boxers urged to keep tabs on their health

Boxers urged to keep tabs on their health JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Professional Boxing Promoters Association (Gaprotin) urged the Indonesian Boxing Commission (KTI) to enforce the use of boxers' logbooks to keep track of their health condition and boxing record. "Promoters have agreed not to field any boxers without proper documentation in their logbooks. Actually, it is not our duty to question the documents," Gaprotin's chairman Tourino Tidar was quoted as saying by Antara on Monday.

Amien a real disappointment

Amien a real disappointment Amien Rais' refusal to engage in a constructive dialogue with President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri and House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung in order to search for a solution to the nation's problems ("Gus Dur hopes to meet critics ... ," The Jakarta Post, April 7, 2001), is extremely disappointing and revealing at the same time.

Australia ready to concede ground on Timor oil treaty

Australia ready to concede ground on Timor oil treaty CANBERRA (AP): Australia said Monday it is willing to make significant concessions to reach an agreement with East Timor on sharing royalties from the Timor Sea oil fields. The petroleum and gas reserves in the Timor Sea between Australia and East Timor were originally carved up under a treaty Canberra negotiated with Indonesia in the 1980s and early 1990s.

SEAPI, DST to cooperate

SEAPI, DST to cooperate JAKARTA (JP): Local steel pipe company PT South East Asia Pipe Industries (SEAPI) agreed here on Friday to cooperate with Argentinean steel pipe company Dalmine Siderca Tamsa (DST) to upgrade the quality of its products. SEAPI president Abas F. Soeriawidjaja said the Argentinean company would help SEAPI improve the quality of its pipes in a bid to increase its exports.

Elite private schools offer world-class education

Elite private schools offer world-class education JAKARTA (JP): Spending a huge sum of money may mean nothing for a number of well-off Indonesian parents who send their children to study abroad. However, now that the new academic year draws near, the presence of national plus schools may make them think twice about sending their children abroad for schooling.

Grenades and ammunition found in buried jerry can

Grenades and ammunition found in buried jerry can JAKARTA (JP): A local Karawang resident found two active grenades, a Mauser pistol and 493 bullets, hidden in a jerry can, buried in the Talikalapa hamlet of Telukjambe, Karawang, West Java, on Monday. Karawang Police said that ammunition and explosives were discovered by Amin as he was digging in order to clean a septic tank. The huge jerry can was hidden 20 centimeters deep into the ground, Antara reported.