Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 May 2001

51 articles found

Thousands take part in 'labor festival'

Thousands take part in 'labor festival' JAKARTA (JP): At least 3,000 laborers from Greater Jakarta gathered at Bulungan youth hall in South Jakarta on Sunday to take part in a one-day "labor festival" to mark International Labor day. Laborers took part in a number of events at the festival such as karaoke and poetry-reading, allowing themselves to revitalize themselves from their daily routine.

U.S. grain trade sees gains in Indonesia ban

U.S. grain trade sees gains in Indonesia ban SINGAPORE (Reuters): The U.S. grains trade is hopeful that a ban by Jakarta on Argentine grain imports due to foot-and-mouth fears will open the door to greater sales to Indonesia, a U.S. Grains Council official said on Friday. The U.S. grains trade has already clinched a few corn deals to Indonesia after the ban as the local commercial animal feed industry scouts for alternative supplies. "It will certainly give a chance to U.S.

HIV/AIDS rises in S. Sumatra

HIV/AIDS rises in S. Sumatra PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The number of people infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in the province has seen a considerable rise in the past five years. Official data from the provincial health office shows that at the end of 2000 there were 74 people infected with HIV/AIDS. Five years earlier the number had "only" reached 32.

Yogyakarta insists on deputy's election

Yogyakarta insists on deputy's election YOGYAKARTA (JP): Yogyakarta's provincial legislative council has decided to proceed with the election of a deputy governor, a post which has been vacant for more than two years, contravening the Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy' letter forbidding any election of deputy governors, a councillor said.

Government to charge foreign fishing ships

Government to charge foreign fishing ships SEMARANG (JP): Minister of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Sarwono Kusumaatmadja said on Saturday that the government was considering imposing a levy on foreign ships seeking a license to fish in Indonesia's economy exclusive zone (ZEE). Sarwono said foreign vessels were currently free to fish in the zone since the government lifted the ban in the 1980s.

Sanusi breaks c'ship record to take JJGF Open title

Sanusi breaks c'ship record to take JJGF Open title BOGOR (JP): Indonesian golfer Sanusi claimed his first title on Sunday by winning the Rp 200 million (US$18,350) Japan Jagorawi Golf Foundation (JJGF) Open Golf Championship with a record final score of two-under-par 286. "I am very happy because this is my first championship title since I turned pro in 1994. I'm very surprised because I didn't even think I could win today," Sanusi said during a media conference following the tournament.

Japan oil companies to launch Internet exchange

Japan oil companies to launch Internet exchange TOKYO (Reuters): A group of leading Japanese oil firms and trading houses are planning to start an Internet-based oil futures market to facilitate risk hedging against volatile oil prices, a Japanese business daily said on Saturday.

NU warns of organized efforts to destroy Indonesia

NU warns of organized efforts to destroy Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's largest Muslim organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has sent a message of warning to the public over systematic efforts, involving foreign forces, to tear the country apart and has urged the political elite to unite in order to save the nation from collapse.

Democracy in RI growing too fast to handle

Democracy in RI growing too fast to handle By Shefali Rekhi SINGAPORE: Democracy could be unfolding too fast for Indonesia's leaders and people to digest and this is partly responsible for the current political instability. This was the prognosis of the country's legislative chief, Amien Rais, who held Indonesian leaders primarily responsible for the country's current state of affairs. The outspoken politician said some of the leaders are still not prepared mentally to lead a new life.

SingTel in talks to buy Pacific Internet: Report

SingTel in talks to buy Pacific Internet: Report SINGAPORE (AP): Singapore Telecommunications (P.SGT) is in "advanced stages" of talks to acquire Nasdaq-listed Internet service provider Pacific Internet (PCNTF), The Straits Times newspaper reported Saturday. SingTel already owns Pacific Internet's rival SingNet. The two companies are Singapore's major Internet service providers.

Beggar, thieves mobbed to death

Beggar, thieves mobbed to death JAKARTA (JP): Two suspected car thieves and a busker were mobbed to death in two separate incidents on Saturday, police reported on Sunday. Tangerang Police deputy chief Comr. Ricky Wakanno said angry residents of Perum Seni in Jatiuwung, Tangerang, mobbed two suspected car thieves to death at 11 p.m. on Saturday. The incident occurred after four thieves tried to rob Zulheri, 30, of his van, but Zulheri screamed for help.

Vajpayee seeks gateway to ASEAN during KL visit

Vajpayee seeks gateway to ASEAN during KL visit KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vaypayee started a four-day visit to Malaysia on Sunday, seeking to build on centuries-old links to open a trade gateway to Southeast Asia. Vajpayee arrived on Sunday evening aboard a special Air India jet, accompanied by a 135-member delegation including 75 businessmen.

Indofood reports 23% rise in first quarter net sales

Indofood reports 23% rise in first quarter net sales JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed PT Indofood Sukses Makmur announced that net sales in the first quarter of 2001 increased by 23 percent to Rp 3.5 trillion (US$318 million) from the same period last year. Company president Eva Riyanti Hutapea said in a media statement issued on Sunday that the instant noodle, cooking oil, and flour divisions respectively contributed 36 percent, 16 percent, and 28 percent to net sales.

Which is better: Tube or transistor audio?

Which is better: Tube or transistor audio? JAKARTA (JP): There are two kinds of high-end amplifier and preamplifier (preamp), namely tube and transistor. In Indonesia until recently, the high-end market belonged almost entirely to solid-state equipment. But, audiophiles and engineers are still involved in a seemingly endless debate to determine which of the two has the best sound quality. Is there an audible difference between them? Which one sounds better?

Aceh

Aceh Brimob combs villages to track down Syafe'i. Page 2 Blast Police say SIRA activists involved in Guntur blast. Page 3 Corruption Peril of war against corruption. Page 4 Golf Tiger fades as Damron, Verplank tie for lead. Page 7 Stroke Suffering a stroke hurts everyone in the family. Page 8 Swaps West anxious Asian currency swaps could challenge IMF. Page 10 Grain trade U.S. grain trade sees gains in Indonesia ban. Page 11 Donors ADB donors want better governance from borrowers.

4Window for Corrupt

4Window for Corrupt Almost every country has corruption, but in Indonesia it is a pervasive and accepted part of life...

Myanmar, Thailand to fight drugs

Myanmar, Thailand to fight drugs BANGKOK (Reuters): Thailand said on Sunday that its relationship with Myanmar remained good and the neighboring country would cooperate closely with Thailand to fight drug production and trafficking. Thammarak Isarangura, a Thai minister in the Prime Minister's Office, held a meeting on Friday with Khin Nyunt, the powerful Secretary One of Myanmar's ruling State Peace and Development Council government.

Directors of state companies

Directors of state companies From Suara Karya The government's plan to overhaul the boards of directors of state-owned enterprises and their boards of commissioners, reported in this paper in its April 25 issue, must be supported, as long as this overhaul is not a means to accommodate the interests of political parties. To ensure that the new officials can perform their duties properly, I would like to propose the following: 1.

Gus Dur meets PPP chairman

Gus Dur meets PPP chairman JAKARTA (JP): With many of his opponents believing his days are numbered, President Abdurrahman Wahid has displayed yet again his art of survival by seeking more support from Muslim groups.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Advertising Postcards, Gallery RPC, Jl. Suryo 8 Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, until May 31. * Painting by Rusli, Galeri Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), until May 19. * Fine Arts: Metromini, Galeri Milenium, Golden Plaza complex, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Phone: 7507828), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until May 14.

Critics health claims 'are slanderous'

Critics health claims 'are slanderous' JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid warned on Sunday that his opponents could be prosecuted for claiming he is medically unfit to run office. Abdurrahman, who suffered two strokes before assuming power in October 1999, was responding to a report sent to the House of Representatives (DPR) earlier this year by a team of four doctors that claimed the President's frail health had affected his ability to run the country.

China beats RI 5-1 in W. Cup ties

China beats RI 5-1 in W. Cup ties BEIJING (AFP): China beat Indonesia 5-1 Sunday in a group nine qualifier of the World Cup Asian zone tournament, which brought China to the lead in the group with nine points. China is followed by Indonesia, Cambodia and the Maldives. Indonesia had the lead in the first half, with unmarked Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto scoring in the 40th minute. But China snatched the victory by scoring five goals in the second half.

Ship carrying corn from Argentina turned away

Ship carrying corn from Argentina turned away JAKARTA (JP): The government has refused to allow the docking of a freighter carrying some 68,897 tons of corn from Argentina for fear of contamination from foot-and-mouth disease which has broken out in the South American country. The MV Captain Diamantis Pariues is the second freighter that has been refused permission to dock by the Center for Agricultural Quarantine at the Ministry of Agriculture.

Fate of Shangri-La employees decided by labor committee

Fate of Shangri-La employees decided by labor committee JAKARTA (JP): The management of Shangri-La Hotel has accepted the decision of the government-sanctioned Central Committee for the Settlement of Labor Disputes which granted its request to lay off 248 of the hotel's striking employees. The number added to the 303 employees who finally resigned last month after staging a strike over improvement in welfare in December last year.

25 police officers probed

25 police officers probed JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) has questioned 25 police officers over the deaths of four students in Irian Jaya late last year, Antara reported. The officers, including former provincial police chief Insp. Gen. Sylvanus Y. Wenas, underwent marathon questioning led by Albert Hasibuan, the chairman of a commission investigative team, the news agency quoted a report issued by the commission's secretariat.

S'pore shipping traffic falls

S'pore shipping traffic falls SINGAPORE (AP): The number of shipping containers passing through Singapore - generally considered the world's busiest seaport - dropped by 13 percent in the first three months of this year, a news report said. Singapore handled 3.68 million 20-foot equivalent units or TEUs in the first quarter of 2001, down from 4.23 million TEUs in the same period a year earlier, The Business Times newspaper reported, quoting figures from the Maritime and Port Authority or MPA.

China eyes greater trade with Pakistan

China eyes greater trade with Pakistan ISLAMABAD (Reuters): Chinese Prime Minister Zhu Rongji said on Saturday his country and Pakistan ought to step up economic cooperation, and praised the record of Pakistan's military ruler since he took power 18 months ago. "We are convinced that with the joint efforts of both sides, China-Pakistan economic cooperation will be surely brought to a new high in the new century," Zhu told a gathering of Pakistani businessmen.

Malaysia won't devalue ringgit

Malaysia won't devalue ringgit KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones): Malaysia won't devalue the ringgit despite rumors to the contrary by currency speculators, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Saturday according to Bernama news agency. "It seems that they are waiting for our ringgit to be devalued despite me saying no and the finance minister too has said no," Mahathir was quoted as saying.

Three killed in weekend accidents

Three killed in weekend accidents JAKARTA (JP): Three people were killed in traffic accidents over the weekend, according to city police records. One man, identified by Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital as Bobby Anthony, 49, was killed in an accident on Jl. Yos Sudarso on Sunday afternoon. Two others were killed in an accident on the Pondok Pinang tollway in South Jakarta at 5 p.m. on Saturday, hospital morgue staff member Oyon said.

The 'acrobatic' way to share your documents with others

The 'acrobatic' way to share your documents with others By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): A colleague, Bayu, recently sent me a short e- mail. "I want to send you an invitation, but I want to make sure it will be OK as the file size is 350 KB." I was extremely appreciative, as what he did was the most appropriate thing. Before sending over a large file to me, he asked me first whether it would not cause me any problem. I replied that there would be no problem as the size of his file was only 350 KB.

Kurnia opens D'Best outlet

Kurnia opens D'Best outlet JAKARTA (JP): PT Kurnia Phileo Selaras has spent at least Rp 75 billion for the opening of D'Best retail outlet on Jl. Fatmawati, South Jakarta. Kurnia's director R. Budhiwan said the new five-floor retail outlet, which was officially opened on Friday, occupied the site of the former Golden Truly building.

Solemn prayers mark tragic May 1998 riots

Solemn prayers mark tragic May 1998 riots JAKARTA (JP): Families of those who perished in the May 1998 riots remembered their loved ones with prayers at the Pondok Rangon cemetery in East Jakarta on Sunday. The cemetery is the resting place of over 1,000 unidentified victims of the violence that swept through the capital from May 13 to May 15, 1998, one of the bloodiest incidents in the country's history.

Police secure Purwakarta tests

Police secure Purwakarta tests PURWAKARTA, West Java: The education office here has employed 19 policemen to take part as official organizers of the national school exams here due to be taken by local students on June 11 to June 13. Their participation is primarily to help beef up security and ensure there are no leaks in the exam material. "At least 10 police officers are included in the organizing committee," Akun Kurniadi, who heads the committee, said as quoted by Antara on Saturday.

Sampang refugees face health crisis

Sampang refugees face health crisis SAMPANG, Madura: The health agency at Sampang regency has established a crisis center to focus attention on the increasing numbers of deaths of refugees stranded on the islands. According to official data some 86 refugees have died, including 22 babies and seven children, since the refugees arrived in Madura to escape the violence in Central Kalimantan. The deaths were primarily related to diarrhea, respiratory problems, and malnutrition.

RI will join Canadian expo

RI will join Canadian expo JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will take part in the international furniture trade exhibition in Toronto, Canada from June 2 until June 4. The National Agency for Export Development (BPEN) said on Saturday that participation in the Toronto International Home Furnishings Market was important for promoting Indonesia's products in the country.

Brimob combs villages to track down Syafe'i

Brimob combs villages to track down Syafe'i BANDA ACEH, Aceh(JP): Mobile Brigade Police (Brimob) personnel have been combing villages in Pidie regency, Aceh, over the past two days, in what is suspected to be a mission to track down the Free Aceh Movement's (GAM) war commander, Tengku Abdullah Syafe'i. A police source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the two-day operation in the villages of Cot Tunong, Paya Rauf, and Lambaru.

What anxious Asian currency swaps could challenge IMF

What anxious Asian currency swaps could challenge IMF HONOLULU, Hawaii (AFP): Japan's efforts to forge a network of currency swap arrangements with neighbors are being carefully monitored by Western countries anxious they do not become a regional rival to the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Market nervous as President rejects power sharing

Market nervous as President rejects power sharing JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid's rejection of increased power sharing with his deputy Megawati Soekarnoputri, has unnerved the financial market and could set the rupiah for more losses this week, analysts said over the weekend. President Abdurrahman's unexpected statement last Friday propped the dollar on higher ground, and capped last week's rupiah attempt to recover, forex dealers said.

Home teams still dominate Kobatama

Home teams still dominate Kobatama JAKARTA (JP): Dwui Eriano's basket with eight seconds left lifted Jakarta-based Satria Muda to a 64-63 victory over Wismilak Cahaya Lestari Surabaya (CLS) in the third series of the 2001 Nuvo Kobatama national basketball league on Sunday. Defending champion Aspac Texmaco, also from Jakarta, demonstrated its dominance, trouncing Bima Sakti Nikko Steel of Malang 94-66 to stay on top of the standings.

Sugar factories closed due to cane shortage

Sugar factories closed due to cane shortage BANDUNG (JP): Three of eight state-owned sugar factories in West Java have been closed down due to a prolonged shortage of sugarcane supply from farmers. Mulyadi, head of plantation directorate of the provincial Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation's office, said sugar factories in Gempol, Jatiwangi and Kadipaten had to stop their operations after suffering from big losses over the last nine years.

Jakarta dominates swimming c'ships

Jakarta dominates swimming c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta grabbed the overall winner's title of the swimming national championships by collecting 43 golds, 38 silvers and 38 bronzes at the Bung Karno swimming pool in Senayan, Central Jakarta. East Java was second with 27 golds, three silvers and 27 bronzes followed by Central Java with 11 golds, nine silvers and 15 bronzes in third place, as reported by Antara news agency. The three-day event also saw three record-breaking events when M.

Suffering a stroke hurts everyone in the family

Suffering a stroke hurts everyone in the family By Maria Kegel JAKARTA (JP): At 38, Liswar Saybi had it all. He was a high-income executive who was promoted to marketing manager the year before at a major timber company. But in December 1982 Liswar suffered a stroke that paralyzed his entire left side and impaired his speech. "I lost everything. It was so emotional -- I cried every day.

Weekly club a lifeline to survivors of stroke

Weekly club a lifeline to survivors of stroke JAKARTA (JP): If experience is the best teacher, then Berry Tanukusuma is the most fitting person to lead the Indonesian Stroke Club at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital. As club president, Berry has come a long way on his journey of regaining independence since his stroke in 1986. He was 46 years old then, and working at state oil company Pertamina.

Police say SIRA activists involved in Guntur blast

Police say SIRA activists involved in Guntur blast JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Yacob said on Sunday that there was strong evidence to suggest the involvement of activists from the Aceh Referendum Information Center (SIRA) in Thursday's bombing. "Our primary suspect in this case, Taufik Abdullah, is a SIRA activist.

Traumatic May riots still haunt people

Traumatic May riots still haunt people By Hera Diani JAKARTA (JP): On this day back in 1998, the capital was paralyzed as thousands of rioters poured forth on to the streets in an orgy of violence the left hundreds of buildings and vehicles ransacked and burned.

All remaining charges against Anwar dropped

All remaining charges against Anwar dropped KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Lawyers for jailed politician Anwar Ibrahim rejected on Sunday the official reason for the dropping of all remaining charges against the former Malaysian deputy premier, saying he was denied his day in court to refute the allegations. Rais Yatim, minister in the prime minister's department, was quoted by the New Sunday Times as saying the five charges were withdrawn as Anwar was already serving a 15-year jail term.

MPR told to issue power-sharing decree

MPR told to issue power-sharing decree BANDUNG (JP): A power-sharing arrangement between President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri depends mostly on the People's Consultative Assembly, a constitutional law professor said here on Sunday.

Over $25b in foreign debt matures in 2001

Over $25b in foreign debt matures in 2001 JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia (BI) deputy governor Burhanudin Abdullah said that the country's overseas debt maturing this year reached some US$25.39 billion. Burhanudin told a weekend gathering with reporters at Anyer, West Java, that the total consisted of $4.3 billion in sovereign debt and $21.01 billion in private sector debt.

S'pore opposition plans alliance

S'pore opposition plans alliance SINGAPORE (AFP): Eight Singaporean opposition parties have been holding talks aimed at forming an alliance to fight the next general elections, the Sunday Times here reported. However, the eight parties have been unable to agree on their agenda, sharing resources or fielding common candidates under one banner, the report said.

Is the system to blame?

Is the system to blame? On the evening of May 10 in the "Around Indonesia News" program on RCTI, Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono said that "The problem of this nation is not in individual but maybe in the system..." I think we have to think more critically because it is not correct to assume that the system can only be referred to as the rules of the game. Generally speaking, a social system has three main components.

Peril of war against corruption

Peril of war against corruption By Peter Kerr This is the first of two articles on efforts to fight corruption in recent months. JAKARTA (JP): Legislator Laksamana Sukardi, speaking recently at a public discussion on legal reform, said a diplomat friend had told him over dinner that he had good news.