Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 April 2001

44 articles found

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting by Rusli, Galeri Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), until May 19. * Painting Ilalang-Ilalang Wangi, Bizete Gallery, Jl. Gandaria I no. 9 A, South Jakarta (Phone: 7246725), 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday, Sunday, until May 6. * Painting Perjuangan Perempuan, Galeri Nasional Indonesia, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur 14, Gambir, Central Jakarta (Phone: 34833954), until May 3.

Italian dancer to show 'Topeng Bali'

Italian dancer to show 'Topeng Bali' By Retno Pujiastuti JAKARTA (JP): There is nothing unusual about a performance of Topeng Bali when it is done by Indonesians, but it does make for news when the dancer is an Italian national who has conducted an intensive study of the art form. Carmencita Palermo will take center stage for Topeng di Bali: Ritus-Tari-Topeng (The Mask in Bali: Rite-Dance-Mask) at 10 a.m. on Monday at the Italian Cultural Center Jakarta in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

Workers seek humane approach to solving labor conflicts

Workers seek humane approach to solving labor conflicts JAKARTA (JP): Workers are seeking a humane approach where a better relationship between them and employers could effectively solve problems related to their welfare and productivity. "Treat us humanely and not just as coolies who make your companies run. We need to have a conducive relationship with the companies' management. The problem of wages comes second," Dolfus from the Labor Solidarity for Struggle said on Saturday.

Danamon expects 50 percent increase in profits this year

Danamon expects 50 percent increase in profits this year JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Danamon expects to book a 50 percent increase in net profit to Rp 500 billion (US$42.4 million) this year from Rp 333.9 billion last year. The bank said in a statement over the weekend that it has prepared a number of corporate strategies to achieve the target, such as swapping some portions of its recapitalization bonds with assets now held by the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA).

China may increase CPO imports from Indonesia

China may increase CPO imports from Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Industry and Trade said here on Saturday that the Chinese government gave a positive response to his request to increase crude palm oil (CPO) imports. "The Chinese government has hinted that China would increase CPO imports from Indonesia and Malaysia by up to 500,000 tons" Luhut told reporters on the sidelines of a visit he made to Inacraft Expo 2001 late last week.

Ministers bring heavy baggage to Yangon meeting

Ministers bring heavy baggage to Yangon meeting YANGON (AFP): Southeast Asian foreign ministers gathered in the Myanmar capital on Sunday for a meeting which is expected to be hamstrung by the host of political and economic woes besetting the region. As they began arriving in Yangon, coup rumors swept the Philippines and Indonesia was braced for violence on the eve of a parliamentary session expected to launch the impeachment of President Abdurrahman Wahid.

'There is still hope' for Gus Dur despite censure

'There is still hope' for Gus Dur despite censure JAKARTA (JP): Despite the probable issuance of a second memorandum of censure, observers here believe there is still hope for President Abdurrahman Wahid if he changes his controversial ways and legislators are objective in their assessment of him.

Analysts think rupiah can stand heat

Analysts think rupiah can stand heat JAKARTA (JP): Pressure will remain high on the rupiah this week, though a free fall of the local unit is unlikely despite fears of street violence ensuing from the predicted move of legislators at the House of Representatives to censure President Abdurrahman Wahid a second time, analysts said. The analysts said the financial market has discounted the risk of clashes between supporters and opponents of President Abdurrahman.

Budget revision

Budget revision The interference by the IMF in the budget management to be fixed at Rp 53 trillion or at 3.7 percent of the Bruto Domestic Product and its recommendations to adjust to the changes, such as the rupiah rate against the U.S. dollar, should be accepted as only natural in view of Indonesia's long term dependency on the IMF.

Gloomy skies over ASEAN economic ministers meeting

Gloomy skies over ASEAN economic ministers meeting SINGAPORE (AFP): Southeast Asian economic ministers meeting in Cambodia this week are faced with the task of sustaining growth while their trade-dependent economies are hammered by the US slowdown, analysts said. Their job is made more difficult by pockets of political instability which are dampening investor interest in the region at a time when China's allure as an investment haven is growing.

RI fishermen's trial postponed until June

RI fishermen's trial postponed until June KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP): A judge on Sunday postponed the trial of 39 Indonesian fishermen whose arrest for illegally entering Malaysian waters earlier this year has sparked protests in Indonesia. Magistrate Court Judge Ibrahim Osman postponed hearings until June 10 to enable the fishermen's newly appointed defense lawyer to study the case, which is being heard in Malaysia's northern Langkawi resort island, the national news agency, Bernama, reported.

House asked to draft law on presidential health evaluation

House asked to draft law on presidential health evaluation JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Doctor Association (IDI) has asked the House of Representatives and People's Consultative Assembly to draft a law on presidency that would regulate the basic requirements for presidential candidates, including their state of health.

The good, bad and ugly sides of SOEs

The good, bad and ugly sides of SOEs The following is the first of two articles on state-owned enterprises by Sauri Hasibuan, assistant manager at ERNST & YOUNG Consulting Corporate Finance Division in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Reform of Indonesia's state-owned enterprises (SOEs) can play a significant role in the economy. Unfortunately there are so many interests wanting to control SOEs. SOEs manage more than 40 percent of national assets.

Sugar museum tells of a sweeter time

Sugar museum tells of a sweeter time By Tarko Sudiarno and Nugroho CH KLATEN, Central Java (JP): Java was famous during Dutch colonial times as one of the world's largest sugar producers. Dozens of sugar mills operated on the island, and sugarcane growers prospered. The industry's heyday is history now. Mills across Java have closed due to the shrinking size of sugarcane fields and the increase in imported sugar.

We must stay united

We must stay united From Suara Karya Quite a few people have expressed their concern in the print and electronic media over anticipation of something likely to happen which could befall the nation. Both the political elite and public figures alike are always trading arguments. More often than not they are dragged into conflicts because of a certain group's aspirations and ambitions for power as well as the desire to win the heart of the public.

What is so special about Ginandjar?

What is so special about Ginandjar? From Rakyat Merdeka Former minister of mines and energy Ginandjar Kartasasmita won his case in court. Yet there must have been some loopholes that they made use of or otherwise they resorted to acts of trickery. It is not a public secret any more that he was one of the spearheads of the Soeharto regime. Several other graduates from the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) also lived in prosperity while Ginandjar was in power.

Bribery in education must be eliminated

Bribery in education must be eliminated I am taking the post-graduate program in the Jakarta State University. I will be conducting a survey under the theme Relationships of neurotic disorder to IQ, religiousness, and socio-economic status of primary school children. However, I feel very concerned about the rumors of bribery practices prevailing in these graduate studies. Of course such malpractice could not be proved.

Dentists family make record

Dentists family make record SEMARANG: A family of dentists from Surabaya, East Java, will get their name noted in the Indonesian Museum of Records (MURI) as the first Indonesian family to all adopt the same profession. The Kamaludin family -- the two parents, four children and three grandchildren -- are all dentists.

NU must be held responsible

NU must be held responsible From Tempo The militia training undertaken by East Java Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) members in a bid to provide political support to President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid represents political pressure fraught with anarchism. The security forces (Indonesian Army and Police), however have not demonstrated a proper attitude and response to the problem.

Student dies in discotheque

Student dies in discotheque JAKARTA (JP): A student of the Jakarta Institute for Public Administration (IIP) died early Saturday morning after consuming excessive liquor and drugs at the Millennium discotheque on Jl. Gajah Mada, West Jakarta. Gambir Police subprecinct chief of detectives Second. Insp. Bayu Dewantoro said the death of 28-year-old Sigit Wijanarko horrified the patrons of the discotheque. Sigit's body was sent to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital's morgue.

Extremists kill nine in RP

Extremists kill nine in RP JOLO, Philippines (AP): Muslim extremists, apparently avenging a comrade's death, opened fire on a passenger van on Sunday in a remote southern town, killing six soldiers and three civilians, officials said. Nine other army soldiers riding in the van were injured in the attack by Abu Sayyaf guerrillas in Jolo island's mountainous town of Talipao, officials said.

New laser printers are faster and more versatile

New laser printers are faster and more versatile By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): There is no doubt that the information technology industry is bleeding profusely these days. If you have been reading the news lately, you will know that a lot of IT companies have been cutting thousands of jobs. Most blame this fairly deep malaise on the economic slowdown in the U.S., which came after a surprisingly long period of economic growth. However, as we already know, advancements in technology never stop.

Two people killed in fresh violence on Buru islands

Two people killed in fresh violence on Buru islands AMBON, Maluku (JP): A fresh bout of violence broke out on the southern part of Buru island in the disputed province of Maluku on Saturday, killing at least two locals, leaving scores of houses burned or demolished. The 30-minute blitz began at about 7:30 a.m.

Indian drivers win Palembang Rally

Indian drivers win Palembang Rally PALEMBANG, South Sumatra (JP): Indians VR Naren Kumar and Dorairaj Ramkumar, driving under the banner of MRF team, grabbed the 2001 Gudang Garam International Rally title after finishing first with a time of one hour 36 minutes and 45 seconds in Indralaya, some 30 kilometers south of here, on Sunday.

IBRA may be forced into fire sale if cash target raised

IBRA may be forced into fire sale if cash target raised JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) may be compelled to sell its assets at a huge discount if the cash-strapped government raises the agency's 2001 cash target, the agency's chairman Edwin Gerungan said. Edwin said late last week that even with the initial target of raising Rp 27 trillion (US$2.3 billion) in proceeds for this year, IBRA was already facing a lot of challenges.

Witnesses questioned over minor explosions

Witnesses questioned over minor explosions JAKARTA (JP): Police are questioning 13 people about three small explosions that took place in the eastern parking lot of the Gelora Bung Karno sports complex during a mass prayer on Sunday. The blasts, which occurred almost simultaneously at about 9 a.m. near Gate VII of the stadium and beneath a bus in the parking lot, left seven people injured. "The explosions were caused by Molotov cocktails fashioned from three energy drink bottles ...

Late goals see Indonesia down dogged Cambodia 2-0

Late goals see Indonesia down dogged Cambodia 2-0 PHNOM PENH (AFP): Indonesia slipped two late goals through a dogged Cambodian defense Sunday to beat the home team 2-0 in this Asian Zone World Cup qualifier and keep itself on top of group nine. Indonesia has now won all three of its matches and the result sets the scene for an intriguing showdown when it travels to China on May 13, which also has a 100 percent record after edging past the Maldives in Male on Saturday.

More E. Timorese return to RI over fears of violence

More E. Timorese return to RI over fears of violence KAFAMENANU, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): Anxiety of a possible outbreak of violence in this August's general election and the scarcity of staple food have forced East Timorese to continuously leave their homeland and illegally enter neighboring East Nusa Tenggara province, officials said.

Flash flood claims two lives

Flash flood claims two lives PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: A flash flood that followed heavy rains here claimed the lives of two young children as they were dragged by a strong current for some 300 meters. The Zeri, 7, and her classmate Priyadi, 6, drowned after a one-hour downpour in the city on Friday. The water quickly rose as the city's drainage system failed to cope with the rain.

Prayer for peace

Prayer for peace Given the gravity of the crisis Indonesia is facing today, no one who craves peace for this country can deny the noble intentions of the Istigosah (mass prayers) held at the Bung Karno sports complex in Jakarta on Sunday. The country's economic and political crises have reached such alarming levels that it is only fitting the nation turns to the Almighty to ask for peace and to seek His guidance.

Cabinet does not intend to interfere with House: Lopa

Cabinet does not intend to interfere with House: Lopa JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice and Human Rights Burhanuddin Lopa insisted on Sunday that the appeal from the Cabinet to the House of Representatives to not issue a second censure against President Abdurrahman Wahid was not interference nor an attempt to usurp the authority of the legislature.

Golden Agri buys two units

Golden Agri buys two units SINGAPORE (AFX-ASIA): Golden Agri-Resources Ltd said it has acquired two new units, PT Trimeru and PT Gemamina Kencana, for US$362,134 and $395,062 respectively from Selamet Andrianto Gerdiman. Both acquisitions currently hold plantation licenses and are involved in the palm oil business.

Japan, ASEAN mull trade pact

Japan, ASEAN mull trade pact TOKYO (AFP): Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) will launch a study group next week to consider a free trade agreement, a report said Saturday. It is hoped that the agreement could enable Japan and ASEAN to compete with China and regional trading blocs in Europe, the United States and South America, Kyodo news agency said quoting government sources.

NU members call for peace, unity

NU members call for peace, unity JAKARTA (JP): Tens of thousands of supporters of beleaguered President Abdurrahman Wahid gathered here on Sunday for a mass prayer, with many voices raised in calls for peace and unity. The prayer, organized by Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the Muslim organization formally chaired by Abdurrahman, is seen by many as a last-ditch effort by the President to demonstrate to the public and the House of Representatives that he still wields great power and influence.

House unmoved by calls to halt censure process

House unmoved by calls to halt censure process JAKARTA (JP): The two largest factions in the House of Representatives said on Sunday they were unswayed by an appeal from the government not to issue a second censure against President Abdurrahman Wahid.

Salaries of civil servants

Salaries of civil servants From Suara Karya We, civil servants and pensioners, would like to express our concerns and disappointment. Recently, in April 2001, we learned that there would be no increment in our salaries, while those of the speakers of the House of Representatives (DPR) and People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) along with their members have been raised three times since last January.

Investor interest increases in JORR tollroad project

Investor interest increases in JORR tollroad project JAKARTA (JP): Several foreign and local investors have voiced interest in entering the bid for the Jakarta Outer Ring Road (JORR) tollroad project despite the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) decision to designate a Malaysian consortium as the preferred bidder.

Yogyakarta goes international

Yogyakarta goes international YOGYAKARTA (JP): Governor Hamengkubuwono X launched Yogyakarta's new image on Saturday in a bid to make the sultanate town better known among other big cities in the world. The new brand image "Jogja: Never Ending Asia" which was designed by MarkPlus&Co in association with Indonesia Marketing Association (IMA) Yogyakarta Chapter and Daniel-Michael, in affiliation with Landor Associates, was introduced in a celebration at the Hyatt Regency Yogyakarta.

Streets, shopping centers deserted during mass prayer

Streets, shopping centers deserted during mass prayer JAKARTA (JP): Most of the city's main streets were deserted and shopping centers quiet on Sunday as thousands of followers of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muslim organization conducted istighotsah (mass prayer) on Sunday. The bustling downtown business district turned into a ghost town, with shops along Jl. Gajah Mada, Jl. Hayam Wuruk and shopping centers in Glodok area, West Jakarta closed amid fears of possible riots.

Small, medium scale firms survive crisis

Small, medium scale firms survive crisis YOGYAKARTA (JP): Small and medium scale businesses have survived well during the prolonged monetary and banking crisis, despite the absence of financial aid from multilateral creditors, the head of Yogyakarta's Association of Economic Scholars (ISEI) said here on Sunday.

Hundreds rescued from grounded ferry

Hundreds rescued from grounded ferry JAKARTA (JP): Rescue workers saved on Sunday 210 passengers of the KMP Jatra I ferry bound for Lampung, which ran aground near Harimau island in the Sunda Straits. An official at Bakauheni port confirmed the accident and told Antara that the vessel ran aground one and a half hours after it departed Merak in Banten at 4:30 a.m. Passengers waited four hours for rescue workers to arrive.

Malaysia cocoa output falls, area to stabilize

Malaysia cocoa output falls, area to stabilize KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's cocoa production in 2000 fell 16 percent from the previous year to a 70,262 tonnes owing to smaller plantation areas, low prices and labor woes, the Malaysian Cocoa Board (MCB) said. Production has been falling steadily for several years, but areas are expected to stabilize at current levels this year, the MCB said in a report obtained on Friday.

S'porean PM Goh warns of harder times ahead

S'porean PM Goh warns of harder times ahead SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore faces a year of lower economic growth and higher unemployment as the U.S. slowdown hits its electronics industry and the economies of its neighbors in the region, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said. "We must brace ourselves for a leaner year ahead," Goh warned in his annual May Day message released on Sunday.

S'pore democracy rally hailed as a success

S'pore democracy rally hailed as a success SINGAPORE (AP): Organizers of the first anti-government rally in Singapore hailed the event as a step forward for democracy, despite the suspected presence of government surveillance teams. Civil rights activist James Gomez, whose group The Think Center, organized the Saturday night event, said two men were spotted taking videos of the crowd and the table where money was collected from the sale of books, T-shirts and stickers.