Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 May 2001

61 articles found

Pro-democracy activists warn of military comeback

Pro-democracy activists warn of military comeback JAKARTA (JP): Pro-democracy activists, alarmed of strong signs of a reappearance of the military within politics, warned the Indonesian Military (TNI) on Monday not to enter the political contest, saying that this would be the biggest contribution it could make to democracy.

Unclear issues in mass media

Unclear issues in mass media From Suara Karya The polemics on the possible issuance of presidential edict by President Abdurrahman Wahid have been raging, until finally the President himself denied he would issue an edict. However, several circles are still questioning this, as if the edict will be issued at its own time, especially when the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) materializes.

Non-executable order

Non-executable order The new executive order issued by President Abdurrahman Wahid, empowering his most senior political minister Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to take whatever measures are necessary to restore security, law and order, contains one major flaw, making it almost unenforceable.

BI to maintain tight money policy amid uncertainty

BI to maintain tight money policy amid uncertainty JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia deputy governor Miranda Goeltom said on Monday that the central bank would continue with its tight monetary policy by raising the interest rate amid the current inflationary threat. "Underlying inflation is really on the verge of a serious level," Miranda said on the sidelines of a seminar. "We have no other options other than to keep tightening monetary policy," she added.

E. Timorese leaders meet in Kupang

E. Timorese leaders meet in Kupang KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Twenty three East Timorese liurai (chieftains) from two warring groups are scheduled to gather in the capital of East Nusa Tenggara, Kupang, on Tuesday to hold reconciliation talks. Uni Timor Aswain (UNTAS), who are to host the talks, said on Monday that the two warring groups have agreed to try to find a compromise over their differences on the future of East Timor. Baucau bishop Mgr. Basilio Nascimento will mediate the meeting.

PAM books first win

PAM books first win SEMARANG (JP): Central Java's PAM volleyball team booked its first victory on the first day of national inter-club volleyball championships at the Jati Diri sports hall on Monday. PAM defeated Alco Telkom of West Java 25-18, 25-1, 25-22 in the men's division. Apac Inti, also of Central Java, beat newcomer Bajana of East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) with a 25-14, 25-21, 23-25, 25-12 victory.

Change before customers say goodbye

Change before customers say goodbye By Budi W. Soetjipto JAKARTA (JP): Have you ever told someone goodbye, forget it or I don't care anymore? The experience must have been so bad that you had good cause to say these words. If you can say them to a person, why not tell a product, either an item or service? Telling a particular product goodbye means you no longer have to spend your money on it. That is exactly what Puspita Triwulansari did to a taxi company.

... Soeharto didn't fall because of his lifting of the fuel

... Soeharto didn't fall because of his lifting of the fuel subsidy ... it appears that President Abdurrahman Wahid ... could do without anything that might serve as a trigger.

JORR tender winner unveiled in August

JORR tender winner unveiled in August JAKARTA (JP): The tender process to find new strategic investors for the 56.87 kilometer Jakarta Outer Ring Road (JORR) project is expected to be finalized by late August, a senior executive said on Monday. Abdul Hadi Hasbullah, president of PT Jalantol Lingkarluar Jakarta (JLJ), said here on Monday interested parties were invited to join the pre-qualification by June 8 at the latest.

Media must play role in heading off crisis: Forum

Media must play role in heading off crisis: Forum BANGKOK (AFP): Southeast Asia's media must play a stronger role in heading off political crises like those that have befallen Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand, press advocates said on Monday. Representatives from the three countries told a forum organized by an Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) communications thinktank that the region's media was failing to act as an effective watchdog.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 28, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,675 -200 3,820,500 Adindo Foresta 115 0 51,500 AGIS 135 0 303,500 Alakasa 125 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,100 0 88,000 Alter Abadi 85 0 3,500 Alumindo Light 550 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,650 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 145 0 0 Aneka Tambang 900 -25 2,683,500 Apac Citra 290 -10 500 Aqua Golden 12,500 -1,000...

England fields second-best team against Denmark

England fields second-best team against Denmark JAKARTA (JP): Underdog England, aiming to stay in Division 1 of the Sudirman Cup mixed team championship, will field its second-best team in its opening match against the 1999 runner up Denmark on Monday. England's doubles coach Rexy Mainaky told The Jakarta Post in a telephone interview from Seville, Spain, that the squad decided to field its full team against Indonesia in Tuesday's match regarding its bigger chance to win.

A double-barreled economic solution and its hair trigger

A double-barreled economic solution and its hair trigger Things are so bad that it seems they couldn't get worse. Economist Mohamad Chatib Basri asks, can the government seize on the remaining opportunities? The following are excerpts of an interview with The Jakarta Post's contributor Dewi Anggraeni in Canberra, Australia. Question: How do you view the options of increasing taxes and reducing subsidies as a way of gaining revenue?

G-15 ministers begin globalization talks

G-15 ministers begin globalization talks JAKARTA (JP): Foreign ministers of the Group of 15 developing nations began their meeting here on Monday to discuss the group's strategies in facing globalization.

Gus Dur supporters start pouring into the capital

Gus Dur supporters start pouring into the capital JAKARTA (JP): Amid increasing worries of possible civil unrest over the current political situation, hundreds of supporters of President Abdurrahman Wahid arrived here on Monday to show support for their embattled leader. People grouped in the United People's Movement (Garab) from Malang and Blitar, East Java, arrived at Senen railway station in Central Jakarta on Monday. Many other supporters took buses to the capital. Garab's coordinator H.

Seribu Island residents living in dark times

Seribu Island residents living in dark times By Hera Diani TIDUNG ISLAND, Seribu Islands (JP): Residents of Tidung island and several of its neighbors in the Seribu Islands are returning to the Dark Ages, literally. For three months and several days now, electricity has not reached the island -- a two-hour drive, plus another two-and-a- half-hour boat cruise away from Jakarta -- due to technical problems.

Abu Sayyaf rebels admit kidnapping foreign tourists

Abu Sayyaf rebels admit kidnapping foreign tourists ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Reuters): A Philippine rebel group claimed responsibility on Monday for another mass abduction of tourists and foreigners in the Philippines, holding up the nation once again to possible international embarrassment.

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 Regional News 12:00 p.m. Interval 3:00 News 3:30 TV Series: Fun With Math 4:00 Music 4:30 Children's Program 5:00 News 5:30 Economic News 6:00 Village News 6:15 TV Drama 7:00 Evening News 8:00 Talk Show 8:30 Music and Cinema 9:30 TV Series 10:00 News 11:00 TV Drama 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.

Police finding fault

Police finding fault From Republika On May 8, 2001, at about 11:30 a.m., while driving on Jl. Kemanggisan Ilir Raya, my driver was stopped by a police officer named Suraji (written on his name tag on his right chest pocket) from the Pal Merah Police. The officer said the registration tag on the car's license plate was fake (not the original one issued by the police). Although I showed him the original (kept in the trunk), he insisted on giving me a ticket or else paying Rp 75,000.

Rupiah rate May 28

Rupiah rate May 28 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Government launches website for the blind

Government launches website for the blind JAKARTA (JP): A website for the blind was launched on Monday in a bid to create an opportunity for the blind to explore and share knowledge with fellow blind people. State Minister of Research and Technology Muh. A.S. Hikam, said the website, jointly developed by non-government group Yayasan Mitra Netra and the state Agency for the Research and Application Technology (BPPT), showed remarkable progress in the country's technological advancement.

Bickering among the political elite

Bickering among the political elite From Koran Tempo The political elite now are so preoccupied with their own bickering that they have totally ignored the bigger issues closely related with developing the economy. They seem to be really absorbed in defending their own and their party's interests. They are indifferent to the fate of the poor now suffering from the pangs of the economic crisis and the price hikes of daily necessities.

House endorses law on 12 new mayoralties

House endorses law on 12 new mayoralties JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives passed into law on Monday a bill on the development of 12 mayoralties in eight provinces. The law on the 12 new mayoralties was endorsed during a plenary session presided by deputy House Speaker Soetarjo Soerjogoeritno. Minister of Home Affairs and Regional Autonomy Surjadi Sudirdja represented the government in the plenary meeting.

Bung Karno memorial plaza in Senayan

Bung Karno memorial plaza in Senayan JAKARTA (JP): Joining the rush to reclaim Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, the Senayan Sports Complex management plans to build the Bung Karno Memorial Plaza in the sports complex. The memorial plaza will be built at the complex's Southeast Gate facing Jl. Sudirman, according to the Gelora Bung Karno Management Board (BPGBK).

City police not equipped to handle major rioting

City police not equipped to handle major rioting JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police Chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Yacob said on Monday that the police would not be able to handle a situation like the May 1998 riots and have therefore deployed maximum security personnel in the capital to prevent such an incident from reoccurring..

Arun must resume operations soon: Govt

Arun must resume operations soon: Govt SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia Inc. must resume operations at its Arun gas field in the next few weeks in order to meet demand for liquefied natural gas in the peak demand summer season, Indonesia's Minister of Mines and Energy Purnomo Yusgiantoro told Dow Jones Newswires Monday in an exclusive interview.

New leader will still face complex challenges: Mari

New leader will still face complex challenges: Mari JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's prospective new leader would still have to deal with the complex challenges of economic recovery and political stability, Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) economist Mari Pangestu warned on Monday. Mari said that one of the most daunting challenges for whoever would lead the country would be to deliver domestic macroeconomic stability.

Laborers threaten to strike

Laborers threaten to strike JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of laborers staged a rally that stretched from the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration to the Hotel Indonesia roundabout on Monday, demanding better wages and severance payments. Grouped under the Indonesian Welfare Trade Unions and the All- Indonesian Labor Unions, the laborers threatened to go on a nationwide strike on June 11 this year if a 2001 ministerial decree on severance and service payments was not revoked.

President's executive order has no legal footing: Experts

President's executive order has no legal footing: Experts JAKARTA (JP): The old order changes, yielding place to new, but an executive order by President Abdurrahman Wahid does not and will not change the situation in the country as it has no legal footing. Legal experts view the executive order issued by President Abdurrahman Wahid on Monday as no more than just an announcement made by the President, and therefore, does not have any legal impact on the country.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibition * Batik Prameswari, by Enka Batik, at Grand Hotel Preanger Bandung, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 81 (Phone: 022 4231631), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. until May 31. Performances * Sundanese Traditional Performance, Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl. Baranang Siang 1, Kosambi (Phone: 022 4233562), 8 p.m., May 30. * Sundanese Traditional Drama Putri Siluman , Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, 8 p.m., June 2. Music and Entertainment * Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers, Jl. Ir. H.

Thai firms face pressure on free float rules

Thai firms face pressure on free float rules BANGKOK (Reuters): About a quarter of listed Thai firms are under pressure to offer more shares to the public or face eventual delisting, as the stock exchange strives to boost liquidity and improve overall market attractiveness.

Graft watchdog urges govt not to pay OPIC claim

Graft watchdog urges govt not to pay OPIC claim JAKARTA (JP): An independent corruption watchdog urged the government on Monday not to pay a US$260 million-worth insurance claim by the United States owned Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC), as the claim was linked to a power project tainted by corruption.

Independent body needed to spur IT investment: IFC

Independent body needed to spur IT investment: IFC JAKARTA (JP): The International Finance Corporation, the World Bank's financial arm for the private sector, has suggested that Indonesia speed up the establishment of an independent telecommunication regulator in a bid to encourage foreign investment in the country's information technology (IT) sector.

Tanker sinks in Malacca Strait

Tanker sinks in Malacca Strait KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Marine police on Monday rescued 12 Indonesian crew members of a Panama-registered tanker when their vessel sank after colliding with another tanker in the narrow waters off Malaysia's west coast. The crew of the Singapore Timur escaped with minor injuries in the incident, which occurred early Monday about seven miles (11.3 kilometers) southwest of Undan Island in the Malacca Strait between peninsular Malaysia and the Indonesian island of Sumatra.

Eradicating KKN

Eradicating KKN From Republika Allow me to suggest that, in the eradication of corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN), those involved in these practices must be given a chance to repent if they are willing to admit their misconduct and surrender to the government part of what they have unlawfully acquired.

Leaders abuse religion for gain

Leaders abuse religion for gain By Hery Haryanto Azumi JAKARTA (JP): Islamic movements in Indonesia's era of transition are marked by their declining sociocultural roles and an increase in their political orientation. The euphoria of reform has seduced them to compete for political power by exploiting their religious base. When power is within their reach, they inevitably use religious legitimacy either to support or oppose those in power. This has been the phenomenon of the past three years.

Commuter passengers stranded

Commuter passengers stranded JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of train commuters heading to Jakarta from Bekasi were stranded on Monday morning at railway stations along the Bekasi to Jakarta route due to electrical problems.

Housewives protest over brothels

Housewives protest over brothels WAMENA, Irian Jaya: Hundreds of housewives from the United Women's Organization took to the streets here on Monday to complain about brothels in their neighborhood. The housewives went round the small town during the morning to locations which were believed to be prostitution dens. "But we did not meet a single person," Merry Muabuay, who heads the organization, said, as quoted by Antara. "They've probably evacuated to another location," she added.

Police deployed to guard school exam papers

Police deployed to guard school exam papers JAKARTA (JP): The national final examinations for high school students began on Monday with the deployment of police officers at certain schools. The police were assigned to watch over the examinations at, among others, SMUN 68 high school on Jl. Salemba Raya, Central Jakarta, SMU I Muhamadiyah high school on Jl. Kramat Raya, Central Jakarta, Islamic high school in Rawasari, Central Jakarta, and SMKN 26 vocational school in Rawamangun, East Jakarta.

Airport taxes to rise by up to 100% in June

Airport taxes to rise by up to 100% in June JAKARTA (JP): The country's two major state-owned airport operators announced on Monday a plan to increase airport taxes imposed on passengers flying overseas by 50 percent to 100 percent in June. PT Angkasa Pura I and PT Angkasa Pura II, which operate 23 airports nationwide, said the hike would be needed to offset an increase in their operating costs over the past two years. "The new airport tax will come into effect on June 1.

Malaysian journalists stage protest

Malaysian journalists stage protest KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Opponents took to the streets Monday to protest the planned takeover of two influential Chinese-language newspapers by allies of Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who shrugged off fears of political interference and refused to block the deal.

Yen weakness pulls down Asian currencies

Yen weakness pulls down Asian currencies SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): A combination of yen weakness and local factors pushed Asian currencies lower across the region Monday, with the New Taiwan dollar plunging nearly 3 percent after the central bank quit propping up the currency late in the session. The Indonesian rupiah suffered from the ongoing political turmoil in Jakarta, while sentiment toward the peso was hit by the latest in a series of tourist kidnappings at Philippines resorts.

Fewer tourists to S'pore

Fewer tourists to S'pore SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore tourist arrivals fell 3.8 percent year-on-year to 612,800 in April, caught by downturns in its two biggest markets, Indonesia and Japan, the Singapore Tourism Board said Monday. A weakening rupiah made overseas travel too expensive for Indonesians and "cautious consumer sentiments" affected Japanese travel plans, it said Arrivals from Indonesia in April fell 5.6 percent to 94,433 while Japanese numbers were down 3.6 percent to 58,340.

Order issued to restore security

Order issued to restore security JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid issued on Monday an executive order instructing his top security minister to take steps to prevent disorder brought about by the frenzied political climate. The abrupt move, however, stopped short of Abdurrahman's threat of imposing a state of civil emergency.

Fan sent to hospital after clash

Fan sent to hospital after clash JAKARTA (JP): One of 25 soccer supporters from Semarang, Central Java, rushed to Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM) after local residents attacked them at Manggarai railway station in South Jakarta on Sunday evening, died on Monday. The head of RSCM emergency unit, Akmal Taher, however, refused to reveal the identity of the victim.

Enron, India utility dispute intensifies

Enron, India utility dispute intensifies BOMBAY (Reuters): A dispute between U.S. energy giant Enron Corp and an Indian utility has worsened ahead of a meeting on Tuesday to discuss the fate of the controversial US$2.9 billion project. Analysts expect little progress at the meeting between Enron's Dabhol Power Company and a committee set up by the western Indian state of Maharashtra to renegotiate the power project's tariff. The U.S.

Factions reject new council structure

Factions reject new council structure JAKARTA (JP): Almost all party factions urged the city administration on Monday to review its proposed bylaw on a new city organizational structure with particular attention to the command line between the governor and his subordinates. Speaking at a plenary session of the City Council, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's (PDI Perjuangan) faction suggested a chain of command from the city governor to the city secretary, agencies and offices.

Top security alert imposed, violence flares up in E. Java

Top security alert imposed, violence flares up in E. Java SURABAYA, East Java (JP): As police called for a top security alert throughout the country amid the heightened tension between members of the political elite, riots hit several towns of East Java province on Monday when thousands of self-proclaimed supporters of President Abdurrahman Wahid rampaged at public facilities, schools and offices of opposing political parties. National Police chief contoller of patrols, Brig. Gen.

Local,foreign guests flee from RP kidnap island

Local,foreign guests flee from RP kidnap island ARRECIFE, Philippines (AFP): Dozens of foreign and local guests fled an upmarket resort in this western Philippine island on Monday, grateful they were spared by Muslim guerrillas who kidnapped 20 other people. Police and soldiers who landed after Sunday's raid now outnumber the 39 remaining tourists at the 20-hectare coral outcrop off the large island of Palawan, officials said.

Natural disaster put the squeeze on once popular Garut orange

Natural disaster put the squeeze on once popular Garut orange By Kafil Yamin SAMARANG, West Java (JP): Haji Ridwan died two years ago, but he is still talked about in his home village of Samarang, Garut, some 45 kilometers from Bandung. He is remembered for his expertise in the cultivation of the Garut orange, once famous as an item to pick up for travelers to the area, along with dodol, a small cake made from glutinous rice and palm sugar.

G-15

G-15 G-15 ministers begin globalization talks. Page 2 Seribu Seribu Island residents living in dark times. Page 3 Economy A double-barreled economic solution and its hair trigger. Page 5 Soccer Nine-man Milan holds Roma 1-1 in Serie A. Page 6 Nuclear power Japan to strive to win public over nuclear power plan. Page 10 Challenges New leader will still face complex challenges: Mari. Page12

Six factions to go ahead with special session

Six factions to go ahead with special session JAKARTA (JP): Ignoring embattled President Abdurrahman Wahid's executive order, major House factions said on Monday they would go ahead with their plan to call for a special session of the People's Consultative Assembly. House speaker Akbar Tandjung, who is also chairman of the Golkar Party, said the House would go ahead on Wednesday with a plenary session to evaluate the president's response to the second censure.

A bright idea

A bright idea From Suara Karya Sometime ago I read an article about kancil (small vehicles) in Suara Karya. The kancil -- a gas-fueled vehicle capable of seating four passengers -- is slated for mass production to replace the bajaj (three-wheeled motorized vehicle). In the 1990s, a similar idea was put forward, but this idea, too, was one with the wind.

Australian exports to ASEAN up

Australian exports to ASEAN up SYDNEY (AFP): Australian exports to Southeast Asia jumped by 34 percent to a record A$15.1 billion (US$7.92 billion) last year despite political uncertainty in some countries, officials said Monday. The government's export agency Austrade said record export levels and forecast economic growth next year meant that Australian businesses were well placed to capture new opportunities in the region.

Indorayon rating withdrawn

Indorayon rating withdrawn JAKARTA (AFX-ASIA): Moody's Investors Service said it affirmed and then withdrew the 'Ca' rating on PT Inti Indorayon's US$150 million senior notes and $110 million guaranteed notes. It said the company's operations have been seriously affected by the closure of its pulp mill at Porsea, North Sumatra. Inti Indorayon has since 1999 suspended all debt repayment.

Political foes dismiss executive order

Political foes dismiss executive order JAKARTA (JP): Senior political figures outside President Abdurrahman Wahid's camp dismissed the newly issued executive order, describing it as a mere "announcement" with little statutory weight. Most brushed aside the executive order as an elucidation of the current duties of the Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs.

How much longer can beeper operators go?

How much longer can beeper operators go? JAKARTA (JP): The recent breakthrough of three local GSM operators in introducing a joint SMS service have undoubtedly boosted message sending via cellular phones in the country. But one party is left behind: radio paging operators. Many firmly believe that beeper operators will soon close their doors following the latest lethal attack by GSM operators.

A feasible solution

A feasible solution As the political tension in Indonesia escalates and the plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) is around the corner, as an ordinary citizen I would like to suggest the following: * Mr. Akbar Tandjung should resign as DPR's speaker. One of the reasons is he is part of the New Order regime, which in the past has had a very significant role.

Chandra Asri deal not final: Prijadi

Chandra Asri deal not final: Prijadi JAKARTA (Reuters): Indonesian Finance Minister Prijadi Praptosuhardjo said on Monday a debt deal for petrochemical giant PT Chandra Asri was still subject to change even though it has been approved by the powerful state financial sector policy committee (KKSK).

Borobudur replica in Viennese museum

Borobudur replica in Viennese museum SEMARANG, Central Java: Central Java Governor Mardiyanto is to officially present a replica of Borobudur temple to a museum of tourism in the capital of Austria, Vienna, during his visit to the city on June 3 the chairman of Central Java's trade chamber, Soendoro, said on Monday.

Gus Dur is clean, says AGO

Gus Dur is clean, says AGO JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office announced late on Monday that President Abdurrahman Wahid was not involved in two financial scandals, which have led him to be threatened with impeachment. The office's spokesman, Muljohardjo, said that investigators had received clarification from the Sultan of Brunei that he had donated US$2 million not as a grant to the state, but as a personal charitable donation from him to the President.