Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 May 2001

62 articles found

VP Megawati offers her favorite food to Gus Dur

VP Megawati offers her favorite food to Gus Dur JAKARTA (JP): After letting President Abdurrahman Wahid have breakfast without her at her residence last week, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri prepared one of her favorite East Java specialities nasi rawon (rice with beef soup) for the President...

HSBC hands in scholarships

HSBC hands in scholarships JAKARTA (JP): A total of 200 children of railway guards received on Wednesday Rp 150 million in scholarships from HSBC Indonesia.The fund, handed over by the foreign investment bank's Chief Executive Officer, Brian Fredrick, to Minister of Transportation and...

'Change in leadership effective medicine for economic malaise'

'Change in leadership effective medicine for economic malaise' JAKARTA (JP): Former top economic ministers stressed once again on Wednesday that a resolution of the country's political problems would be the most effective medicine to the current economic ills.

80,000 RI workers left unprotected overseas

80,000 RI workers left unprotected overseas JAKARTA (JP): Manpower and Transmigration Minister Al-Hilal Hamdi revealed on Wednesday that some 80,000 Indonesian laborers overseas have little protection, since they are not registered with the government-run insurance program.

25 poor subdistricts to receive Rp 50 billion

25 poor subdistricts to receive Rp 50 billion JAKARTA (JP): The elite Menteng subdistrict in Central Jakarta is among 25 poor subdistricts in the city's five mayoralties that will receive a total Rp 50 billion (US$4.5 million) grant from the city administration.

Jakarta to host U-16 qualifier

Jakarta to host U-16 qualifier JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta will host the under-16 qualifying round for the Asia Oceania zone junior world championships from May 8 to May 13 at the Kemayoran Tennis Center in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

DKI the most irresponsible on environment affairs: Minister

DKI the most irresponsible on environment affairs: Minister JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is the most irresponsible provincial administration in the country in reforming its environmental protection institutions, according to State Minister of Environment Sonny Keraf.

PLN unfair

PLN unfairFrom Warta KotaThe April 30, 2001 edition of Warta Kota published a news report of a unilateral act by the state electricity company (PLN) under which the company has decided to stop serving requests for additional electricity from less well-off people.

Police, short of a copper, free suspects

Police, short of a copper, free suspects BOGOR, West Java (JP): Twelve suspects were released from their cells as the police could not afford to feed them, an officer admitted on Wednesday."Honestly speaking, we find it difficult to feed them.

Three electrocuted in public minivan accident

Three electrocuted in public minivan accident JAKARTA (JP): Three people were electrocuted and three others suffered light injuries on Wednesday after their public minivan plunged into a ditch on Jl. Raya Bekasi, Ujung Menteng, Cakung, East Jakarta.

Aurora warns on Indonesian mining investment future

Aurora warns on Indonesian mining investment future PERTH, Australia (AFP): Indonesia would struggle to attract foreign investment for mining development unless its political situation improved, the chairman of Australian mining firm Aurora Gold Ltd.

Artist Teguh frees students from prison of lines

Artist Teguh frees students from prison of linesBy Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): Until recently Jeannette Bijlmer was an expatriate wife wondering what to do with her spare time.Her husband's job brought her to Jakarta 10 years ago, seven years of which she spent assisting in charity work, having...

Debate rages over distribution of Bali's tourism wealth

Debate rages over distribution of Bali's tourism wealthBy Nyoman Suwela SINGARAJA (JP): Look at the map of the Indonesian archipelago, Bali is only a dot, minute compared to the other provinces in Indonesia.

Labor activists charged with libel

Labor activists charged with libel JAKARTA (JP): Two employees of Bank Panin have been sent to the Central Jakarta District Court on charges of defaming the bank's assistant director for supervision.The defendants, Imam Sutrisno and Tata Zoelkarnaen, both executives of the Bank Panin Labor Union...

Abdurrahman: To be, or not to be

Abdurrahman: To be, or not to be SINGAPORE: The cliff-hanger in Jakarta that had a nail-biting Indonesia on the precipice on Monday ended in an anti-climax, and what a good anti-climax it was!Mercifully, mayhem from President Abdurrahman Wahid's suicide squads was averted, thanks in part to good...

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali:Exhibitions * Indonesian 'Kain Ikat' from many places around the country at any ages, at Gaya Gallery (Gaya Fusion of Senses), Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Phone: 0361 979253), until Jun. 10. * Painting by Seniwati Sanggar Muda, Seniwati Gallery of Art by Women, Jl.

Generals hiding behind courts

Generals hiding behind courts Gen. Wiranto and three other generals have accused -- without showing up in court -- Thamrin Amal Tomagola, a reputed Indonesian sociologist, of slander for the statements he made in a U.S. court.

General Election Commission reaffirms independence pledge

General Election Commission reaffirms independence pledge JAKARTA (JP): The 11 newly-sworn-in members of the General Election Commission (KPU) are committed to restoring the institution's image and independence, elected chairman Nazaruddin Sjamsuddin said on Wednesday.

March trade surplus hits $2.1 billion on export gains

March trade surplus hits $2.1 billion on export gains JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's trade surplus for March rose to US$2.1 billion from $1.7 billion in February, as exports recovered to $5.22 billion from $4.72 billion the month before, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) said on Wednesday.

Fuel prices higher for industry in May as rupiah drops

Fuel prices higher for industry in May as rupiah drops JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina announced on Wednesday that it had raised May fuel prices for industrial users by an average of 11 percent due to a drop in the rupiah against the U.S. dollar.

Chess tourney to break world record

Chess tourney to break world record JAKARTA (JP): The Bhakti Olahraga Indonesia Foundation (YBOI) plans to break a world record by organizing the largest number of participants to play in a chess tournament, scheduled to be held on Aug. 17 to commemorate Indonesian Independence Day.

Traditional Pejaten ceramics gain popularity

Traditional Pejaten ceramics gain popularityBy Wahyuni Kamah TABANAN, Bali (JP): Pejaten, a small village only 15 kilometers northwest of Denpasar, has long been known as the hub of Bali's terracotta industry.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 2, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,100 -75 469,000 Adindo Foresta 95 0 5,000 AGIS 145 0 8,499,500 Alakasa 90 0 0 Alfa...

JSX lost Rp 4.9b in 2000

JSX lost Rp 4.9b in 2000 JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) said on Wednesday that it booked a net loss of Rp 4.9 billion (around US$439,000) last year, as against a net profit of Rp 16.4 billion the year before.The JSX attributed the loss to operational costs soaring to Rp 103.

Buddhists to mark Waisak

Buddhists to mark Waisak SEMARANG: About 15,000 Buddhists from around the country are expected to congregate at the famed Borobudur temple in Magelang, Central Java to mark Waisak holiday on Monday."We want to pray for the nation so that the political and security crises will soon be over,"...

House told to mind its own affairs

House told to mind its own affairs JAKARTA (JP): In his much-anticipated public address after being censured for the second time by the House of Representatives (DPR), President Abdurrahman Wahid rebuked the House on Wednesday for neglecting its main legislative duties.

Satelindo lifts roaming charges

Satelindo lifts roaming charges JAKARTA (JP): Cellular phone operator PT Satelit Palapa Indonesia (Satelindo) said on Wednesday that its subscribers would no longer be required to pay roaming charges when receiving calls at home.

Bomb suspect apologizes to Tommy

Bomb suspect apologizes to Tommy JAKARTA (JP): Bomb suspect Elize Maria Tuwahatu apologized on Wednesday to the youngest son of former president Soeharto, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, for dragging his name into her case.She also expressed forgiveness for the person who led police to her.

Ancient bronze inscriptions deciphered

Ancient bronze inscriptions deciphered BULELENG, North Bali (Antara): Local archaeologists have succeeded in revealing and reading the ancient stone inscriptions dating from the year 1002 found in Pungit Temple in Bulian village in Buleleng regency, 115 kilometers northeast of Denpasar.

AGO releases Ginandjar on court order

AGO releases Ginandjar on court order JAKARTA (JP): Former minister of mines and energy Ginandjar Kartasamita walked out of his cell at the Attorney General's Office on Wednesday after the South Jakarta District Court ruled his detention illegal.

Govt to create computer programs in Indonesian

Govt to create computer programs in Indonesian JAKARTA (JP): The State Ministry for Research and Technology said it was collaborating with several information technology (IT) leaders to develop Indonesian-language computer programs as part of its effort to promote the use of computers in the...

RI runners-up again in Kempo WC'ships

RI runners-up again in Kempo WC'ships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia managed to retain its runner-up position at the just-concluded Shorinji Kempo Taikai (World Championships) in Paris.Indonesia's kenshi (fighters) won one gold and four bronzes at the event held between April 29 and May 1 at the George...

Indosat reports higher first quarter earnings

Indosat reports higher first quarter earnings JAKARTA (JP): State-owned telecommunications company PT Indosat reported on Wednesday a 24.1 percent increase in unaudited earnings to Rp 538.5 billion (US$49.86 million) during the first quarter of 2001 compared to the same period last year.

Eight Indians held for illegal entry

Eight Indians held for illegal entry JAKARTA (JP): Immigration officers acting on a tip-off arrested eight Indian nationals in Depok, West Java, for entering Indonesia using forged visas, very likely aided by the service of an illegal immigration syndicate.

Egco to sell RI coal shares

Egco to sell RI coal shares SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Thai independent power producer Electricity Generating PCL plans to complete the sale of its 70 percent stake in Egco Mining Co. this week, the Bangkok Post said on its Web site Wednesday.

ASEAN ministers look north and south for growth

ASEAN ministers look north and south for growth SIEM REAP, Cambodia (AFP): Southeast Asian economic ministers will take a fresh look at expanding trade into the region's northeast and the Pacific as they kicked off a meeting here Wednesday, officials said.The impact of the U.S.

Thailand agrees to up border security

Thailand agrees to up border security KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Thailand has agreed to tighten security on its border with Malaysia to help stem the flow of illegal immigrants and smuggled arms into Malaysia, officials said on Wednesday.

Malaysia nears deal with China, India to swap palm oil

Malaysia nears deal with China, India to swap palm oil KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia is near agreement with India and China on a multi-billion-dollar deal to swap palmoil for railway contracts, a minister was Wednesday quoted as saying.

Arroyo does not buy the washing of hands

Arroyo does not buy the washing of hands MANILA: On Tuesday, just hours after President Macapagal- Arroyo declared that a plot to topple her government had been nipped in the bud, a giant mob was battering the gates of Malacaqang and threatening to grab the seat of power.

Burglars hit two Bali shops

Burglars hit two Bali shops DENPASAR, Bali: Two stores here were burglarized early on Wednesday morning, with thieves escaping with about Rp 100 million worth of goods.The first burglary took place at the UD Bagus Murah store on Jl. Setiabudi.

Indonesia investors get no boost from IMF talks

Indonesia investors get no boost from IMF talks WASHINGTON (Reuters): Global investors looking for the International Monetary Fund to shore up crumbling confidence that Indonesia's economy can pull through its protracted crisis got no such assurances at the fund's weekend spring meetings.

Spotlight

SpotlightPhoto A: QualityJP/R. Berto WedhatamaQUALITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: Country manager for Indonesia Llyod's Register Quality Assurance DJ. Catchpole (second right) poses after handing over a ISO 9001: 2000 Quality Management System certificate to PT Bima Bisalloy's chief commissioner Airlangga...

Borobudur cement enters Jakarta

Borobudur cement enters Jakarta BANDUNG (JP): Publicly listed cement producer PT Semen Cibinong started on Wednesday the marketing of its Borobudur brand in West Java and Jakarta.Semen Cibinong marketing director Rusli Setiawan said that the launching of the Borobudur brand was part of the...

Petty robber shot dead

Petty robber shot dead JAKARTA (JP): Police fatally shot a purse snatcher on Wednesday following an attempted robbery of a purse belonging to a policeman's wife inside a public minivan.Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam identified the robber as Chandra, who was in his 30s.

Govt, DPR set to start budget debate

Govt, DPR set to start budget debate JAKARTA (JP): The government planned to meet with the House of Representatives on Thursday (today) to start the deliberation process of the proposed state budget revision, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Rizal Ramli said on Wednesday.

Abdurrahman's speech

Abdurrahman's speech On the surface of it, President Abdurrahman Wahid's anxiously awaited televised response -- if indeed it can be called a response -- to the House of Representatives' motion of censure passed on Monday could be regarded as conciliatory in tone.

Cheating players will not be punished: Tri

Cheating players will not be punished: Tri JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesian Soccer Federation (PSSI) will not sanction players found to be giving incorrect information about their ages when registering to compete in the Bogasari U-15 league, PSSI secretary-general Tri Goestoro said on Wednesday.

Journalists face violence, intimidation

Journalists face violence, intimidation JAKARTA (JP): In the reform era where journalists have more freedom to write, they apparently face violence and intimidation, mostly from the public, government officials and the police.

Indonesia clears first hurdle in Asia Cup

Indonesia clears first hurdle in Asia Cup JAKARTA (JP): Top seed and defending badminton champion Indonesia cleared its first hurdle at the US$170,000 Asia Cup in Singapore Indoor Stadium after taming host players -- mostly Indonesian-born -- 3-0 in the first round-robin match on Wednesday.

City officials ordered to reveal foreign assets

City officials ordered to reveal foreign assets JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso has asked his subordinates in the city administration to report their foreign assets when they declare their wealth to the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN).

S'pore army unveils all-terrain vehicle

S'pore army unveils all-terrain vehicle SINGAPORE (AFP): The Singapore military on Wednesday rolled out its new all-terrain vehicle, an indigenous tracked carrier said to have ground pressure as light as a human footprint.The vehicle, developed by Singapore Technologies Kinetics Ltd.

Controversy surrounds Yogyakarta's 2001 budget

Controversy surrounds Yogyakarta's 2001 budget YOGYAKARTA (JP): Councillors sang their support for the 2001 provincial budget draft here on Monday, turning a deaf ear to a roaring protest by 150 activists outside the legislative building.

11 suspected of inciting workers

11 suspected of inciting workers SURABAYA: Police have detained 11 people on Wednesday for allegedly instigating a workers' rally to mark the May 1 International Labor Day in the town of Sidoarjo, the province's largest industrial area.East Java Police chief Insp. Gen.

Why only Ginandjar?

Why only Ginandjar?From TempoUnder heavy pressure from students and others, law enforcers have shown that they are able to take bold action against corruptors. One such move is detaining former minister of mines and energy Ginandjar Kartasasmita at the Attorney General's Office.

NTB to host Asian bridge c'ships

NTB to host Asian bridge c'ships JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Contract Bridge Association (Gabsi) has appointed West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) to host the Asia Bridge Championships early in 2002."The decision was taken in a joint meeting between Gabsi's central board and its NTB chapter some time ago.

Jakarta police release Soeripto conditionally

Jakarta police release Soeripto conditionally JAKARTA (JP): Police said on Wednesday that even though the former secretary-general of the ministry of forestry Soeripto had been named a suspect, there was no need to detain him provided that he followed certain conditions.

Troops sent to Atambua

Troops sent to Atambua MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The Wirabuana Military Command, which oversees the five Sulawesi provinces, sent on Wednesday a battalion of troops to the West-East Timor border town of Atambua.Wirabuana Military Commander Maj. Gen. A.

Students mark National Education Day with rally

Students mark National Education Day with rally JAKARTA (JP): Just as World Labor Day brought a slew of rallies across the country on Tuesday, students and teachers took to the streets on Wednesday to mark National Education Day.

Most Asian monies firmer late on yen, U.S. economic hopes

Most Asian monies firmer late on yen, U.S. economic hopes SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies were firmer late Wednesday, finding solace from the yen's gains and cautious optimism that the U.S. economy may have hit a bottom, market watchers said.

Rupiah rate May 2

Rupiah rate May 2 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 10,735.00 11,735.00 11,179.00 11,291.00Australian dollar 1 5,587.57 6,113.94 5,818.67 5,882.61Austrian schilling 1 697.45 762.76 726.29 733.90Belgian franc 1 237.91 260.18 247.75 250.

Govt supports Indosat, Telkom ownership deals

Govt supports Indosat, Telkom ownership deals JAKARTA (JP): The government has given its full support to the US$1.5 billion transactions recently approved by state-owned telecommunication companies PT Indosat and PT Telkom to end their cross-ownership, despite resistance from the latter's employees.

PDI-P takes initiative to bring party leaders together

PDI-P takes initiative to bring party leaders together JAKARTA (JP): Major political parties have endorsed the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle's (PDI Perjuangan) move to convene a meeting of party leaders expected next week, which party executives said could cement support for Vice...