Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 May 2001

60 articles found

An upbeat note in Indo-U.S. ties

An upbeat note in Indo-U.S. ties The encouraging signals that the Finance Minister Mr. Yashwant Sinha, seems to have received now from his U.S. interlocutors point to the possibility of an early move by the Bush administration to scrap the economic sanctions still in place against India. The confidence exuded by Mr. Sinha amplifies the extraordinary note of optimism that the External Affairs and Defense Minister, Mr. Jaswant Singh, had struck after his recent talks with the U.S. President, Mr.

Retirees defy order to leave

Retirees defy order to leave MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Around 200 retired policemen and their families resisted a move to expel them from a housing complex on Jl. Toddopuli on Friday. During their protest, the complex residents, including housewives and children, set tires alight along the main entrance road to the complex and closed their front doors.

12 hotels receive health certificates

12 hotels receive health certificates JAKARTA (JP): The city administration's health office will renew the health certificates of 12 hotels, the office said in a statement on Friday. The 12 hotels are Hotel Indonesia, Horison Jakarta, Wisata International, Atlet Century Park, Pasarbaru, Sriwijaya, Cikini Sofyan, Betawi Sofyan, Petamburan, Kartika Chandra, Mandarin Oriental and Pondok Putri Duyung.

ASEAN ministers end trade meeting with few results

ASEAN ministers end trade meeting with few results SIEM REAP, Cambodia (Reuters): Southeast Asian economics ministers wrapped up a two-day informal meeting on Friday after exchanging views on weathering the chillier global economic climate and offering tax concessions to poorer members.

SEAG organizers short of sponsorship target

SEAG organizers short of sponsorship target JAKARTA (JP): With only four months before the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games kick off in Kuala Lumpur, the organizers are still 7 million ringgits (US$1.83 million) short of the targeted sponsorship fund. Bernama news agency reported on Thursday that the organizers have raised a total of some 23 million ringgits in cash.

House serious about drafting laws: Legislator

House serious about drafting laws: Legislator JAKARTA (JP): Legislator contended that the House of Representatives has never neglected its main legislative duties, but admitted that there are many things hampering it from achieving optimum results. House legislative body chairman Zain Badjeber said on Thursday that the House has set a target whereby, from now until 2004, it would complete the deliberation of some 240 laws, starting with the most crucial items such as political laws.

Donor community contributes to poverty fund mis-targeting

Donor community contributes to poverty fund mis-targeting More than 42 million Indonesians are extremely poor but wholesale poverty alleviation programs only sustain the predicament, says social welfare expert Bambang Shergi Laksmono at the University of Indonesia's School of Social and Political Sciences. A rethinking of poverty alleviation strategies is needed, he said in a recent interview.

RI needs strong leader: Observers

RI needs strong leader: Observers JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia must have a strong leader committed to total reform if the nation is to be revived, political observers said. Salahuddin Wahid, President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's younger brother and a deputy chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), said that with the increasing political tension a strong leader was needed to save the nation from disintegration and to bring it out of its prolonged crises.

Weekend Lineup

Weekend Lineup JAKARTA (JP): The following sports events will be broadcast live this weekend on local TV stations (all times are in Jakarta Time): Saturday Soccer English Premiership: Manchester United vs Derby County, SCTV, 9:00 p.m. Sunday Boxing Junior middleweight: Fernando Vargas vs Wilfredo Rivera, SCTV, 9:00 a.m. Soccer Italian League: Lecce vs Brescia, RCTI, 1:30 a.m. Lazio vs Bari, RCTI, 8:00 p.m. Indonesian League: Persikota vs PSDS, RCTI, 4:00 p.m.

PDI-P against implementation of Islamic law in Aceh

PDI-P against implementation of Islamic law in Aceh JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) indicated that they would oppose the implementation of Islamic law in the restive province of Aceh as it was against the country's basic principles. PDI Perjuangan secretary-general Sutjipto said on Friday that the party would stick to the 1945 Constitution, state ideology of Pancasila and the principles of a unitary state.

BI submits two bank cases to police

BI submits two bank cases to police JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesian (BI) has submitted two banking corruption cases to the National Police to be followed up, the central bank spokesman Halim Alamsyah said on Friday. Halim said in a statement that the cases involved one commercial bank and one secondary bank (BPR), but he did not identify them.

Blast kills 13-year-old boy

Blast kills 13-year-old boy MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: A blast killed 13-year-old Abdul Nasun, a resident of the village of Balika in Witihama district, East Adonara island, East Flores, and injured two of his friends, an officer said on Friday. Larantuka Police deputy chief Maj. Dwi Suseno said the explosive, which was not a bomb, was believed to be the remnants of the Dutch troops during colonial era.

'Republik Bagong' reflects our sociopolitical turmoil

'Republik Bagong' reflects our sociopolitical turmoil By Oei Eng Goan JAKARTA (JP): Republik Bagong, a play written and directed by N. Riantiarno and presented by his Teater Koma group, is a tragicomedy replete with caricatures of Indonesia's many social upheavals in recent years.

Removal of leaded gasoline does little for air pollution

Removal of leaded gasoline does little for air pollution JAKARTA (JP): Leaded gasoline will be removed from the capital starting July 1, but it will do little to reduce the suffocating air pollution in the city, as diesel fuel production in this country remains high. Phasing out lead from gasoline helps eliminate one of the major air pollutants, as fifty five percent of total fuel needs in Indonesia comes from gasoline, or some 12 million kiloliters.

Can MPR revoke its decrees at will?

Can MPR revoke its decrees at will? From Rakyat Merdeka Allow me to ask the members of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to answer the following questions on the appointment of the President and Vice President of our republic, which is based on our 1945 Constitution: 1. Does the phrase, "With the blessing of Almighty God," which is included in each and every MPR decree, mean that the blessing of Almighty God has already been given to the MPR? 2.

Thamrin ready to face Wiranto's suit

Thamrin ready to face Wiranto's suit JAKARTA (JP): A University of Indonesia sociologist Thamrin Tomagola, who is facing a defamation suit filed by former military chief Gen. (ret.) Wiranto and three other Army generals, hopes the hearings will reveal who was behind the Ambon riots. The trial is a golden opportunity to disclose who were the masterminds of the incidents, he told reporters on Friday.

Gus Dur ready for compromise

Gus Dur ready for compromise SLEMAN, Yogyakarta (JP): President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid expressed his readiness for a political compromise here on Friday, but insisted any deal must not lessen his authority as president. Abdurrahman asserted that he would only agree to a compromise if it guaranteed his constitutional right and authority in defining policy guidelines and appointing high-ranking officials and Cabinet members. "Compromise has its limitations.

Philippines says Arroyo, Estrada were plot targets

Philippines says Arroyo, Estrada were plot targets MANILA (Reuters): The Philippine government said on Friday opposition politicians accused of inciting violent protests plotted to kill both President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo and ex- leader Joseph Estrada and take power themselves. But one of the accused politicians denied any intention of using violence to overthrow the government.

TNI waits for AGO to file report on Ginandjar

TNI waits for AGO to file report on Ginandjar JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Military (TNI) spokesman Rear Marshall Graito Usodo insisted on Friday that the force would not hesitate to act against former minister of mines and energy Ginandjar Kartasasmita once the Attorney General's Office had filed a sufficient report to them.

IPB to develop agroforestry

IPB to develop agroforestry BOGOR: The Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) is planning to develop agroforestry as a new scientific discipline, despite the government's lack of support. IPB rector Aman Wirakartakusuma said after attending the Southeast Asian Network for Agroforestry Education (SEANAFE) here on Tuesday that the institute would initiate the new study next year in compliance with the government's program to promote autonomy for universities.

Thaksin rushes his corruption case

Thaksin rushes his corruption case BANGKOK (AP): In a bid to quickly settle his landmark corruption case, Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra's lawyers said on Friday they won't put most of the defense witnesses on the stand. The Constitutional Court agreed to a request from Thaksin's defense that 24 of his 30 witnesses would submit their testimony in writing instead, and only six would appear in person.

Plea to God

Plea to God From Republika Oh Lord, we, the Indonesian people, now seem unable to do much to prevent this nation from falling apart. Those who have reminded our past leaders of their misbehavior have themselves become deaf and blind. They made promises after promises at the beginning of the reform era, yet after coming to power, they have turned out to be as blind. Oh, Lord, we are deeply disappointed by our leaders.

Getting on with communication skills

Getting on with communication skills JAKARTA (JP): Professional competence helps one build a career, but much depends upon one's ability to communicate. Cases abound where a person with no outstanding professional competence can rise rapidly on the career ladder because of his communication skills.

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. * 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. * Graphics by Yamyuli, Bentara Budaya Jakarta, Jl. Palmerah Selatan no.

Men from E. Timor jailed for UNHCR murders

Men from E. Timor jailed for UNHCR murders JAKARTA (JP): The North Jakarta District Court dropped manslaughter charges on Friday against three of the six men from East Timor tried for the murders of three UN aid workers in West Timor last year, immediately prompting anger from the United Nations. Presiding judge Anak Agung Gde Dalem sentenced the three to between 16 months and 20 months imprisonment on the lesser charge of fomenting violence that resulted in the death of the three UN workers.

'Bad Boy' Rahman KOs cafeteria

'Bad Boy' Rahman KOs cafeteria JAKARTA (JP): Boxer Rahman Kili Kili was arrested and taken to the West Jakarta Police station after running amok in the cafeteria at the Indosiar studio on Thursday night. Rahman, whose nickname is "Bad Boy", became upset after promoter Daniel Bahari told him he would not be allowed to fight. "I did not allow him to compete because, in my opinion, he was not ready to perform. His manager and trainer also shared my view.

Indonesia to face China in Asia Cup semifinals

Indonesia to face China in Asia Cup semifinals JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion and top seed Indonesia will face powerhouse China in Saturday's semifinals of the US$170,000 Asia Cup badminton tournament at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Indonesia continued its winning ways on Friday, taming dark horse South Korea 2-1 in a Group A round-robin match. The win moved Indonesian to the top of the group. China punched its semifinals ticket by defeating Malaysia 2-1.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Music 8:30 Documentary 9:30 Variety Show 10:00 Music 11:00 Performance 12:00 p.m. Interval 3:00 News 3:30 Feature 4:00 Children's Songs 5:00 News 5:30 Documentary 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Quiz 8:30 Music 9:00 Music 10:00 Sports 11:00 Traditional Performance 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.

Hoodlums still milking vendors at markets

Hoodlums still milking vendors at markets JAKARTA (JP): Despite a massive crackdown against hoodlums by the city administration, thugs are still operating freely in a number of markets in the city, extorting money from vendors and public transportation drivers. Hoodlums are still rampant in Jakarta markets such as Tanah Abang textile hub and Senen market in Central Jakarta, Kebayoran Lama market in South Jakarta, and even in Rawa Bening precious stones market in Jatinegara, East Jakarta.

Bank Indonesia remains unmoved by inflation threat

Bank Indonesia remains unmoved by inflation threat JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Friday that the central bank would not loosen its tight monetary policy, despite complaints from the government that the current interest rate level was already too high, due to concerns over the threat of inflation. Sjahril also said that although the rupiah had recovered lately, Bank Indonesia would not move hastily to lower its benchmark interest rate.

OECD sees agriculture prices rising off lows

OECD sees agriculture prices rising off lows BRUSSELS (Reuters): Global agricultural markets are set to emerge from a prolonged downturn, which has seen many commodities hit historic lows, as broad-based economic growth lifts prices over the next five years, the OECD said on Friday.

Good education not for the rich only

Good education not for the rich only Is good education for the rich only? (The Jakarta Post, April 29, 2001) is an interesting question for me regarding an education issue today. In my opinion, however, good education should be perceived not only in terms of hardware (school facilities) but, most importantly, in terms of software (motivation and intelligence). This is a crucial issue, especially for poor people. Rose and J.

New provinces vow better policy to lure investors

New provinces vow better policy to lure investors JAKARTA (JP): Regional administrations of newly established provinces Banten, Gorontalo, and Bangka Belitung pledged to formulate a better investment policy to compete with other provinces in attracting investors. Johni Triana, the head of the Banten province Economic and Development Board said that the current administration was still mapping out potential sectors for investment along with examining its problems.

Suspend July 27 probe: Lawyers

Suspend July 27 probe: Lawyers JAKARTA (JP): City Governor Sutiyoso admitted on Friday that his lawyers had asked police to suspend the investigation of his alleged involvement in the attack on the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters in Central Jakarta on July 27, 1996. "But it wasn't my idea. That was my lawyers initiative," Sutiyoso said. Sutiyoso was Jakarta Military Commander at that time.

Soweto's present troubles a legacy of the past

Soweto's present troubles a legacy of the past South African Tourism invited 26 journalists from Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia on a two-week introductory tour of the country's tourism and investment opportunities in late March. The trip was led by South Africa's High Commissioner for Malaysia, the Philippines and Brunei Darussalam Her Excellency Lindiwe Mabuza and Third Secretary Skhu' Xinwa.

NISP profit rises 209%

NISP profit rises 209% JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank NISP said on Friday its 2000 net profit rose by 209 percent to Rp 60.3 billion (about US$5.53 million) from Rp 19.5 billion in 1999, as its interest income grew to Rp 156.29 billion from Rp 113.59. The bank said its total credit had increased to Rp 3.02 trillion last year from Rp 1.35 trillion a year earlier. NISP also attracted more third party funding, which hit Rp 3.97 trillion last year, up from Rp 2.74 trillion the previous year.

President set to chair first Cabinet meeting since censure

President set to chair first Cabinet meeting since censure JAKARTA (JP): Saturday morning's Cabinet meeting could be a key event, especially if both President Abdurrahman Wahid and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri attend, as it is the first one since the House of Representatives issued the second memorandum of censure against the President.

Proton to launch MPV model

Proton to launch MPV model KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian national carmaker Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd (Proton) is to launch in June a multi- purpose vehicle (MPV) jointly developed with Mitsubishi Motor Corp, industry sources said on Friday. Proton, Malaysia's largest carmaker, plans to sell the new vehicle -- a clone of Mitsubishi's Townbox model -- at between 40,000 ringgit ($10,500) and 50,000 ringgit. "Proton is planning to launch it in early June," said an industry source.

Vajpayee's KL visit may not bring palm oil deal

Vajpayee's KL visit may not bring palm oil deal KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): This month's visit by Indian Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee is unlikely to answer Malaysia's prayer that the world's largest edible oil consumer buys more palm oil in exchange for a $1.8 billion railway project, traders said on Friday.

New karate chief to focus on improving coaches, referees

New karate chief to focus on improving coaches, referees JAKARTA (JP): The newly elected chairman of the Indonesian Karate Federation (Forki), Luhut Pandjaitan, will concentrate on improving the quality of coaches and referees as they can play a significant role in improving the quality of karate in the country as well as athletes' achievements. "Forki will organize more training sessions for coaches and referees in the short term.

PSSI regrets chapters' response to U-15 league

PSSI regrets chapters' response to U-15 league JAKARTA (JP): Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) secretary-general Tri Goestoro expressed regret over the response of the association's provincial chapters to the Bogasari Under-15 league. Nineteen of the 26 chapters are competing in the league, but Tri said only a few of the chapters had made the effort to hold tryouts to field the best players possible.

Tunas profit hits record

Tunas profit hits record JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed car distributor PT Tunas Ridean said on Friday its 2000 net profit hit a record high of Rp 95 billion (about US$8.71 million), up from Rp 26 billion in 1999, thanks to a big increase in sales. It said last year's car sales surged by 182 percent to end at Rp 1.97 trillion, from Rp 699.5 billion the year before.

Bush's eventful administration

Bush's eventful administration By Karim Raslan KUALA LUMPUR (JP): President Bush's new administration has been eventful and three events stand out. All three will have serious implications for American foreign policy in the Asia- Pacific. The first is the mounting tension with China, rising out of the Hainan spy-plane incident and the administration's decision to sell a slew of high-powered weaponry (but not the Aegis battle systems) to the Taiwanese.

Detained Pertamina boss hospitalized

Detained Pertamina boss hospitalized JAKARTA (JP): Former president of state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina Faisal Abda'oe, currently under house arrest by the Attorney General's Office, was treated at Pertamina Hospital in South Jakarta for a heart attack late Thursday. Prosecutor Barman Zahir said his office had issued a letter allowing Abda'oe to be treated at the hospital due to his deteriorating health.

Hasan withdraws from IAAF election

Hasan withdraws from IAAF election MONTE CARLO (AFP): Jailed Indonesian athletics official Mohammad 'Bob' Hasan has formally withdrawn from forthcoming International Amateur Athletic Federation elections, the body announced Friday. Hasan - a crony of former Indonesian dictator President Suharto - was jailed for six years earlier this year after being found guilty of corruption charges.

Golkar looking for options to impeachment

Golkar looking for options to impeachment JAKARTA (JP): Golkar Party will propose a delegation of power from the President to the Vice President during the planned meeting between major political parties, Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung said on Friday. Akbar said that Golkar, runner-up to the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in the 1999 elections, opted to seek alternatives other than ousting the President.

Most Asian monies down late, Singapore dollar a laggard

Most Asian monies down late, Singapore dollar a laggard SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): After finding support from a firmer Japanese yen earlier in the day, most Asian currencies lost ground late Friday, as market participants braced for more disappointing economic data from the U.S., dealers said. Resisting the downward momentum, the New Taiwan dollar and the Indonesian rupiah were slightly stronger.

Weaker rupiah could force halt to cellular expansion

Weaker rupiah could force halt to cellular expansion JAKARTA (JP): The weakening of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar might force local cellular operators to halt their expansion projects. Vice chairman of the Indonesian Cellular Telephone Association (ATSI) Rudiantara said here on Friday that many expansion projects planned for this year were likely to be postponed if the rupiah continued to weaken.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 4, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,375 225 4,473,500 Adindo Foresta 95 0 15,000 AGIS 145 5 3,248,500 Alakasa 90 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,175 25 17,500 Alter Abadi 75 5 5,000 Alumindo Light 550 0 0 Andhi Chandra 1,675 50 500 Aneka Kimia Raya 130 0 0 Aneka Tambang 800 -25 1,084,000 Apac Citra 275 0 0 Aqua Golden 13,500 0 0 Argha...

Merpati halts Kupang-Darwin route

Merpati halts Kupang-Darwin route KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Merpati Nusantara Airline (MNA) has decided to halt the operation of direct flights from Kupang to Darwin in North Australia due to a significant drop in the number of passengers for the route. The airliner's general manager, Reynold Simatupang, said on Friday the decision would take effect starting on Saturday.

Governor Sutiyoso to fire city-owned firms' executives

Governor Sutiyoso to fire city-owned firms' executives JAKARTA (JP): City Governor Sutiyoso threatened to dismiss executives of city-owned companies who continued to suffer losses and could not contribute to the city's income in the next few years. "We will evaluate your positions if you are unable to reach the set targets," Sutiyoso told the executives during a meeting on Thursday night.

RI coach says squad will not wilt in heat of Maldives

RI coach says squad will not wilt in heat of Maldives JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's national soccer team will have no problem with high temperatures for Sunday's encounter with host Maldives in Male for the Group Nine 2002 World Cup qualifying zone. Coach Benny Dolo said on Friday that the players have adjusted themselves to the high temperature. "In our temporary homebase in Singapore, we had been training at around 2 p.m. when the daily temperature was at its hottest.

Singer Anggun sets the record straight

Singer Anggun sets the record straight By Hera Diani JAKARTA (JP): From a career as a teen rocker in her homeland to international acclaim today, Anggun C. Sasmi, or simply Anggun, is indeed the pride of the country. Her self-titled international debut album sold one million copies in over 30 countries and made her a huge music star in Europe, particularly France where she is based.

Rupiah rate May 04

Rupiah rate May 04 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Pertamina says security at Arun gas fields improving

Pertamina says security at Arun gas fields improving JAKARTA (JP): Security conditions around the Arun gas fields in Aceh have improved, raising an expectation that American oil giant ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia Inc will soon resume its gas operations, according to state oil and gas company Pertamina on Friday.

Hoodlums beat pedicab driver to death in North Jakarta

Hoodlums beat pedicab driver to death in North Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta Police detectives are on the lookout for five hoodlums, in connection with the fatal mobbing of a becak (pedicab) driver, on Jl. Sungai Landak in Cilincing, North Jakarta. North Jakarta Police chief, Sr. Comr. Andi Chaeruddin said on Friday that the police were questioning several fishermen in the Cilincing area who might have witnessed the murder. "We are still investigating the case...

Sofjan makes Tommy his first target of work

Sofjan makes Tommy his first target of work JAKARTA (JP): Incoming city police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Yacob vowed on Friday to track down and arrest the country's most wanted fugitive, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra. Sofjan, who would officially replace outgoing Insp. Gen. Mulyono Sulaiman, vowed to make the arrest of Tommy his first target as Jakarta Police chief. "I will do my best to track Tommy down.

Police arrest paramilitary Muslim leader in Surabaya

Police arrest paramilitary Muslim leader in Surabaya JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested the commander of the Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jamma'ah Muslim group, Ja'far Umar Thalib, on Friday, on charges of inciting hatred against a religion in the country, and causing fatal injuries to one of his men. National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro said on Friday that police detectives picked Ja'far up at Juanda Airport in Surabaya, and immediately took him to the National Police Headquarters for questioning.

War on 'preman': Fighting crime or joining in?

War on 'preman': Fighting crime or joining in? Despite a legacy of organized crime, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has said that freeing Jakarta of thugs is "easy." Researcher Tim Lindsey, Associate Professor and Director of the Asian Law Centre at The University of Melbourne, examines whether the policy is effective. MELBOURNE, Australia (JP): Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has declared war on crime. "The concept is easy. Let's fight hoodlums together.

Commodity supplies disrupted, prices on rise

Commodity supplies disrupted, prices on rise JAKARTA (JP): The price of basic commodities in Jakarta is on the rise due to a disruption of supplies and the weakening of the rupiah against the US dollar, according to the Jakarta Market Information Center.