Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 April 2001

40 articles found

RP prosecutor predicts Estrada arrest soon

RP prosecutor predicts Estrada arrest soon MANILA (Agencies): Ousted Philippine leader Joseph Estrada could face arrested for the capital crime of plunder by Monday, the country's top graft prosecutor predicted on Sunday. State ombudsman Aniano Desierto said that Manila's anti-graft Sandigabayan court would find "probable cause" to order Estrada arrested on plunder, referring to massive corruption. The charge is punishable by death and is not bailable.

National disintegration

National disintegration After watching TV coverage and seeing images of acts of arson and manslaughter in Palangka Raya and Hulu Kapuas, my heart sank. My people once known as gentle and patient, have now become ferocious. Are they really bloodthirsty? This unitary state is really on the verge of disintegration. "One State, One Nation and One Language", the motto nurtured and cherished by our founding fathers, is at stake.

Government likely to be grilled at CGI meeting

Government likely to be grilled at CGI meeting By Reiner S JAKARTA (JP): The government will meet on Monday with donors grouped in the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) in a bid to maintain crucial financial support to help the ailing economy.

Consumer confidence index at lowest level

Consumer confidence index at lowest level JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's consumer confidence index slid to its lowest level of the year in April, threatening the stability of the already fragile economy, the Danareksa Research Institute said in a statement. The Consumer Confidence Index crossed below the psychologically critical 100 level in April, falling to 98.5 from 101 in March as political and security concerns continued to harm sentiment, the institute said.

Jakarta prepares for tense period over the weeks

Jakarta prepares for tense period over the weeks JAKARTA (JP): The capital has begun bracing for the influx of radical pro-Abdurrahman Wahid supporters, with no less than 42,000 security officers readied to prevent any violence. City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam said on Sunday that the 42,000 security officers are a combination of Police, Indonesian Military (TNI) and city administration security personnel.

Medical bill deliberation urged for public protection

Medical bill deliberation urged for public protection JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Physicians' Associations (IDI) called on Sunday for immediate deliberation of the draft medical act currently awaiting approval by the House of Representatives (DPR), saying that people in the country badly need protection from doctors' negligence. "The law governing the medical profession concerns the interests of people, so it should be deliberated soon.

No bribery in PSKD

No bribery in PSKD My attention was drawn, belatedly, to a letter written by Mr. Dennis Vargas titled Begging PSKD Mandiri (The Jakarta Post, April 14, 2001). Mr. Vargas' child was not immediately accepted but was put on a waiting list instead. He implied that a suitable bribe could have solved his problem.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Sunny Earth, Krijono, Galeri Linggar, Jl. Kemang Timur No. 36, South Jakarta (Phone: 71790008), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until April 29. * Painting by Rusli, Galeri Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), until May 19. * Painting, by Cak Kandar, Galeri Cipta II, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3140554), 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until April 28. * Painting Ilalang-Ilalang Wangi, Bizete Gallery, Jl.

Three corpses found at separate locations

Three corpses found at separate locations JAKARTA (JP): Three corpses, one of a baby girl, were found at separate locations in Jakarta over the weekend. Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam said on Sunday that the latest corpse, that of a baby girl, was discovered by a 60-year-old security guard, Kosim, in a Supermi noodle carton under the Ancol flyover at Jl. Lodan in North Jakarta earlier in the day.

Post FC clears first hurdle

Post FC clears first hurdle JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Post Anniversary Cup invitation soccer tournament kicked off on Sunday, with the host team clearing its first hurdle by beating Media Indonesia in a penalty shootout on Sunday. The two teams were level at 3-3 at the end of regular time, after Media scored the equalizer 15 minutes from the final whistle. In the next round, to be played on Thursday, the Post will meet RCTI, which thrashed ANZ Panin Bank 11-0 in the second match on Sunday.

RI settles financial payment for KL office

RI settles financial payment for KL office JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Minister Foreign Affairs Alwi Shihab said on Sunday that the Indonesian government had resolved the disturbances at the Malaysian consulate in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, which had been besieged by rallies for several days. Alwi revealed that the government had remunerated the financial demands of protesters, who the alleged mistreatment of their family members working as maids in Malaysia.

Anwar's surgeon given deadline

Anwar's surgeon given deadline KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Prison authorities have given former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim until Thursday to persuade a Dutch doctor to fly to Malaysia to operate on his spine, Anwar's attorney said on Sunday. Following the government's refusal to let Anwar travel abroad for treatment, Dr. Thomas Hoogland must either perform surgery on the jailed politician at a state-run hospital in Kuala Lumpur or not at all, said lawyer Sankara Nair.

Limited objection to second censure

Limited objection to second censure PADANG, West Sumatra (JP): House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung signaled that political objection to the issuance of a second memorandum of censure against President Abdurrahman Wahid on April 30 was negligible. Speaking during a visit here on Saturday, Akbar, who is also chairman of the Golkar Party, said the only significant opposition would likely come from the President's National Awakening Party (PKB).

Local artists pay homage to Frida Kahlo

Local artists pay homage to Frida Kahlo By Pavan Kapoor JAKARTA (JP): The exhibition Membaca Frida Kahlo (Reading Frida Kahlo), yet another homage to the great Mexican artist-cum- modern icon, was planned perhaps unintentionally at a befitting moment, as the country celebrated its legendary woman figure, Kartini, on Saturday. The exhibition at Gallery Nadi is unique in its aspect of displaying not only paintings but also Frida figurines, sculptures and Frida memorabilia.

Wealth declarations must be verified, say experts

Wealth declarations must be verified, say experts JAKARTA (JP): Experts see the announcement of public servants' wealth as a good start in fighting corruption, but say it will take time before any effect is seen. Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association chairman Hendardi said on Saturday that announcing official's wealth would be useless unless it was followed by investigation.

Sumatra Unite says Golkar

Sumatra Unite says Golkar PADANG, West Sumatra: Golkar Party legislators of Sumatran origin initiated the establishment of a United Sumatra forum on Sunday in a bid to boost regional development on the island. Coordinator of the newly launched forum, Azwir Dainu Tara, who is deputy chairman of Commission II on Domestic and Legal Affairs at the House of Representatives, said the idea was also aimed at preventing regional conflict on the island which is carved-up into seven provinces.

Threat of another financial crisis

Threat of another financial crisis By Sahala Sianipar SINGAPORE (JP): The economic slowdown in the United States has certainly affected economies in Southeast Asia. Announcements of lower corporate earnings have continued to dominate the region's business and financial media for the past three months. The collapse of Internet-related companies contributed to the dismal performance of NASDAQ and even major bourses, including the New York Stock Exchange.

Harley drivers' charity night

Harley drivers' charity night JAKARTA (JP): The city chapter of the Harley Owners Group (HOG) will be holding a charity night at the New Sturdust Discotheque on Friday. The highlight of the event is an auction of the members' Harley accessories, which is expected to raise Rp 40 million. The money raised will be distributed to needy children, HOG Jakarta chairman Cornelio Vega said.

Man shot to death in motorcycle robbery

Man shot to death in motorcycle robbery BOGOR (JP): A group of four robbers shot their victim in the head, killing him, before stealing his motorcycle in the Gunung Putri district here early on Sunday morning. Police said the victim, Eko, 27, a steel factory worker and resident of the Bukit Griya Indah Jaya housing complex in Gunung Putri, and his wife Indarti, were traveling home on Jl. Raya Kampung Kedep when thieves riding two motorcycles stopped them.

Rupiah faces bleak outlook again this week

Rupiah faces bleak outlook again this week By Bernie K. Moestafa JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah faces a bleak outlook again this week as anticipation of a political showdown between President Abdurrahman Wahid and his opponents at the end of this month is expected to further spur dollar buying, analysts predict. They said the rupiah could breach the 12,000 level against the U.S dollar.

Who is richer, Gus Dur or Megawati?

Who is richer, Gus Dur or Megawati? By Kornelius Purba JAKARTA (JP): According to the official data, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri is 17 times wealthier than President Abdurrahman Wahid, whose personal assets are valued at Rp 3.5 billion. But with growing criticism of Megawati's husband Taufik Kiemas' business activities and corruption allegations against the President, people may be tempted to believe the two leaders are worth more than the official data reveals.

Tanri Abeng launches book

Tanri Abeng launches book JAKARTA (JP): Former state minister for state enterprises Tanri Abeng (pictured above signing his book for a buyer) sees the privatization of state companies as essential for fueling economic recovery, not so much for the capital flowing in but more because of the market confidence resulting from the process.

Indonesia downs Cambodia 6-0 in World Cup qualifiers

Indonesia downs Cambodia 6-0 in World Cup qualifiers JAKARTA (JP): Midfielder Uston Nawawi scored a hat trick to propel Indonesia to a 6-0 victory over lowly Cambodia in the 2002 World Cup qualifier at Bung Karno stadium on Sunday. Cambodian defender Soeur Chanveasna headed home a long pass to score an own goal in the 27th minute after Indonesia missed several opportunities in the opening minutes. Uston scored in the 44th, 46th and 70th minutes in front of some 25,000 local supporters.

Quake jolts Bengkulu

Quake jolts Bengkulu BENGKULU, Southern Sumatra: Bengkulu province was jolted by an earthquake measuring 5.1 on the Richter scale, with no major damage or casualties reported, an official told Antara on Sunday. Head of the local Meteorology and Geophysics Agency (BMG) Armien Pamin said the tremor shook Bengkulu and its surrounding vicinity at around 10:41 p.m. on Saturday.

Business quiet for used car dealers

Business quiet for used car dealers JAKARTA (JP): Has your car breathed its last, but you don't know what to do with the remains? There are plenty of used car parts dealers in the capital willing and ready to take your junker off your hands. "Running this kind of business it is difficult to turn a profit because the number of similar businesses has exceeded the market demand," used car parts dealer M. Sahri told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

Bali's hotel industry sees promising future

Bali's hotel industry sees promising future JAKARTA (JP): The hotel industry in Bali is looking at a brighter future despite turmoil in other parts of the country, property consultant PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) says. "Providing there are no further security issues in the neighboring islands or in Bali itself, it is anticipated that hotel performance in Bali will continue to strengthen into 2001," it says in its first quarter report.

32 hoodlums freed for lack of evidence

32 hoodlums freed for lack of evidence JAKARTA (JP): The crackdown on hoodlums across the Greater Jakarta area appears to have born fruit as 49 thugs were netted over the past two weeks. But over two-thirds of them have been released due to a lack of evidence. Jakarta Police deputy chief Brig. Gen.

New printers tout True Nature theme

New printers tout True Nature theme By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP) During a visit to the Canon factory in Bangkok several weeks ago, a group of IT journalists from Asia-Pacific countries were shown Canon's new line of inkjet printers, three new flatbed color scanners and a new projector. Several of the products previewed during the event have now become available here, and I will give a brief overview of them.

India not seen lowering edible oil import tariff

India not seen lowering edible oil import tariff NEW DELHI (Reuters): Indonesian and Malaysian industry ministers will lobby India for lower duty on palm oil during their visit starting Monday but the world's largest oil importer is unlikely to oblige, industry officials said. Indonesia's Trade and Industry Minister Luhut Pandjaitan and Malaysian Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik would hold meetings with India's finance, commerce and food ministries to seek duty at par with soyoil.

PT Timah to invest US$30m in asphalt mining operation

PT Timah to invest US$30m in asphalt mining operation JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed tin mine operator PT Timah Tbk will invest between US$20 million and $30 million to develop an asphalt mining operation in Boton, Southeast Sulawesi. Timah director Ari Fauzi said on Saturday some of this money would be used to build and upgrade such infrastructure as roads and seaport facilities. Ari said Buton regency had given its full support to the tin mining company's expansion in the area.

Burn and safe your own CD with a CD-RW

Burn and safe your own CD with a CD-RW JAKARTA (JP): Remember the old days when CorelDRAW! came in 16 floppy diskettes and Windows 95 came in 29 diskettes? That was the time when software did not usually have any audio or video content. Can you imagine how many diskettes would be required to store the installation files of Microsoft Office 2000? The diskette era ended not a very long time ago. Luckily today we no longer see many software programs delivered in diskettes.

Orangutan numbers shrinking

Orangutan numbers shrinking MEDAN, North Sumatra : The population of protected orangutans in the Leuser Park in Aceh and North Sumatra is dwindling, with current levels estimated at about 5,000. The orangutan research center at Ketambe village, Southeast Aceh regency reported that the number has continued to decrease by about 1,000 per year since 1994, mainly as a result of destruction to their habitat.

A new crisis on the border?

A new crisis on the border? The uncommon ferocity of the latest clash between some units of the Bangladesh Army as also Bangladesh Rifles, on one side, and the Indian Border Security Force (BSF), on the other, should serve as a wake-up call against complacency in bilateral neighborliness.

India gives benefit of doubt to Bangladesh

India gives benefit of doubt to Bangladesh NEW DELHI (AFP): India on Sunday absolved the Bangladesh government of responsibility for the torture-related killing of 16 of its troops after the worst border clash in 30 years between the two South Asian nations. "We are given to understand that this was an action unilaterally taken by the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) and the government of Bangladesh was not aware of it," Indian Home Secretary Kamal Pande said in New Delhi.

Forki names Luhut new president

Forki names Luhut new president JAKARTA (JP): Luhut Panjaitan was unanimously elected as the new chairman of the Indonesian Karate Federation (Forki) after another strong candidate, Efdjuno Tando, pulled out of the race, at the association's national congress in Sunter, North Jakarta, on Sunday. Luhut, who is also the Minister of Industry and Trade, was not present during the election as he is traveling abroad.

Philippines nets Malaysian boats

Philippines nets Malaysian boats MANILA (AFP): Two Malaysian-registered fishing vessels with mostly Indonesian crew members have been intercepted poaching off the southern Philippine island of Tawi-Tawi, officials said on Sunday. The skippers of the Malaysian vessels, Harianto bin Majih and Usman bin Sideke, denied that they were poaching and claimed they were only seeking shelter in the area after encountering engine trouble last week, police said.

Caltex clarifies

Caltex clarifies We would like to extend our appreciation for the publication of an article about PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia (Caltex)'s request for extension of the Coastal Plains Pekanbaru (CPP) Block in The Jakarta Post, April 18, 2001, page 12. We would further like to clarify a couple of statements in the story, so that there is no misunderstanding as to our position on CPP.

More troops depart for Aceh

More troops depart for Aceh BANDUNG (JP): The first batch of troops from the Rajawali (Hawk) II Team, especially trained for counterinsurgency operations in Aceh, were flown out on Army Hercules transport planes to the restive province from Bandung's Husein Sastranegara airport on Sunday. The departure of around 416 personnel was witnessed by Army General Affairs chief Lt. Gen. Djamari Chaniago. Director of the Military Education and Training Command Brig. Gen.

Lopa names 200 judges for troubled areas

Lopa names 200 judges for troubled areas JAKARTA (JP): The government will deploy 200 judges to troubled areas, including Maluku, Irian Jaya, Central Kalimantan, Central Sulawesi and Aceh, within the next two weeks, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Baharuddin Lopa said on Saturday. The minister said he had started the selection process for the judges.

Four alleged pushers arrested

Four alleged pushers arrested JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives have apprehended three more alleged drug traffickers in separate raids, following the arrest of a suspected drug trafficker at a hotel on Jl. Pramuka in Central Jakarta on Friday. Newly appointed city police chief of detectives Sr. Comr. Adang Rohjana said on Saturday the suspects arrested were 30-year-old Tommy, a resident of Jl.