Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 June 2001

62 articles found

Estrada set to return to jail

Estrada set to return to jail MANILA (AP): Ousted President Joseph Estrada is well enough to leave a military hospital and return to his remote detention cell, his doctors told an anti-graft court on Wednesday.The report by Dr.

Singapore to U.S.: Take long view on China

Singapore to U.S.: Take long view on China WASHINGTON (Reuters): Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong has urged the administration of President George W. Bush to "take the long view" as it forges a new strategic relationship with China and to take care not to be seen as trying to keep the Chinese...

Electrolux expects robust sales in 2001

Electrolux expects robust sales in 2001 JAKARTA (JP): PT Electrolux Indonesia, wholly owned by Sweden's Electrolux Group, expects robust sales of its household appliances this year despite the country's political and economic uncertainties, a senior executive said on Wednesday.

Activists demand stern action against Muslim hard-liners

Activists demand stern action against Muslim hard-liners JAKARTA (JP): A coalition of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), grouped under the Ornop Coalition, urged police on Wednesday to take stern action against members of a hard-line Muslim group who had committed acts of theft and vandalism in...

Malaysia Airports eying Schipol as partner

Malaysia Airports eying Schipol as partner KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia Airports Holdings said Wednesday it was in talks with the Netherlands' Schipol group and other airport operators for a possible tie-up to make the country a regional aviation hub.

Flying mission to promote SEAG

Flying mission to promote SEAG JAKARTA (JP): The organizers of the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games will launch a flying expedition to participating countries to promote the Sept. 8 to Sept. 17 biennial event.

Defects reported in major corporate restructuring deals

Defects reported in major corporate restructuring deals JAKARTA (JP): The independent oversight committee of the country's corporate debt restructuring program announced on Wednesday that it had found "significant" defects in four corporate restructuring deals approved by the Financial Sector...

The people's hope

The people's hopeFrom Koran TempoBased on the latest political development, the ball appears to be in Megawati's court. People hope she will be able to satisfy both her friends and foes.Megawati must become Indonesia's president while remaining a mother figure to the people.

PAN councillor rejects dismissal over rape charge

PAN councillor rejects dismissal over rape charge JAKARTA (JP): A city councillor from the National Mandate Party (PAN), who was earlier reported to police for alleged sexual harassment, rejected on Wednesday the party's decision to fire him.Councillor M.

Young shuttler Fitria dreams of filling Susy's shoes

Young shuttler Fitria dreams of filling Susy's shoes SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Since the retirement of badminton queen and 1992 Olympic champion Susy Susanti, Indonesia no longer has a reliable shuttler in the women's singles.

Five Brimob officers killed in Manokwari

Five Brimob officers killed in Manokwari JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Five on-duty officers of the Indonesian Police Mobile Brigade were killed in a pre-dawn attack by an unidentified group of people in the village of Wondiwoi, located in the Wasiur district of Manokwari regency, on Wednesday.

JCC to challenge Dream Team

JCC to challenge Dream Team JAKARTA (JP): Six members of the JAPFA Chess Club (JCC) will challenge the Dream Team -- comprising young players Taufik Halay, Susanto Megaranto, Andrean Susilodinata and Tirta Chandra from the Utut Adianto chess school in Bekasi -- for a friendly match on Thursday at...

RI-Iraq sea link launched

RI-Iraq sea link launched BAGHDAD (AFP): A sea link between Iraq and southeast Asia was launched on Wednesday as a ship from Indonesia arrived in the southern port of Um Qasr on a maiden trip, the official news agency INA reported.

Exxon 'unlikely' to restart Aceh operations soon

Exxon 'unlikely' to restart Aceh operations soon SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia is unlikely to resume normal operations at its natural gas fields as promptly as senior officials at Indonesian national oil and gas company Pertamina had indicated in recent reports, sources in...

Bengkulu explores new tax resources

Bengkulu explores new tax resources BENGKULU, Bengkulu: The provincial administration is drafting six new bylaws on taxes in an effort to bolster its revenue now that the central government is cutting back on regional subsidies, Antara reported on Wednesday.

House members probing riots

House members probing riots SURABAYA: The House of Representatives and the National Commission on Human Rights are conducting separate investigations into violence in several East Java towns following the House's issuance of a motion of censure against President Abdurrahman Wahid over two weeks ago.

Conflicting expert opinions

Conflicting expert opinions Reading experts' opinions about legal matters in the print media -- something akin to a crash course for the community -- will only lead to confusion.In criminal law, for example, the Indonesian acronym KUHP for the Criminal Code may be twisted into Kasih Uang Habis...

French automaker Renault SA to reenter Indonesian market

French automaker Renault SA to reenter Indonesian market JAKARTA (JP): French automaker Renault SA is set to reenter the Indonesian market, following a deal with Japan's Nissan Motor Co Ltd. and Nissan distributor PT Indomobil Sukses Internasional to sell Renaults cars in Indonesia.

VP receives newly appointed ministers

VP receives newly appointed ministers JAKARTA (JP): Despite her cool reaction to the appointment of new ministers and non-attendance at their induction, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri was ready not only to meet with them but also give them instructions.

State officials reluctant to disclose wealth

State officials reluctant to disclose wealth JAKARTA (JP): Many state officials have demonstrated their unwillingness to disclose their wealth and assets as only 13 percent of the total forms distributed by the Public Servants' Wealth Audit Commission (KPKPN) have been returned.

Agum and MPR leaders discuss special session

Agum and MPR leaders discuss special session JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political, Social and Security Affairs Agum Gumelar met with leaders of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to discuss the special session scheduled for Aug. 1, 2001.

Pertamina eyes Iranian oil for Cilacap refinery

Pertamina eyes Iranian oil for Cilacap refinery JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina said on Wednesday it planned to import Iranian crude oil to supply its Cilacap refinery, in a move that could lead to the replacement of Saudi Arabia's more expensive crude.

Migrants curse government's negligence

Migrants curse government's negligence JAKARTA (JP): The Hongkong-based Indonesian Migrant Workers Union (IMWU) criticized on Tuesday the government's negligence in protecting Indonesian workers overseas and demanded that it establish labor protection laws and regulations.

S'pore expected to feel bite of U.S. economic slowdown

S'pore expected to feel bite of U.S. economic slowdown SINGAPORE (AFP): Unemployment in Singapore is forecast to rise sharply this year as retrenchments increase and job vacancies fall due to the impact of the U.S. economic slowdown, the government said on Wednesday.

Rupiah Rates June. 13

Rupiah Rates June. 13 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 10,725.00 11,725.00 11,169.00 11,281.00Australian dollar 1 5,645.64 6,177.90 5,879.36 5,943.96Austrian schilling 1 664.45 726.83 691.96 699.31Belgian franc 1 226.65 247.93 236.03 238.

[i]The TNI has a long way to go ... because it is still not willing

The TNI has a long way to go ... because it is still not willing to accept completely that independence is what the East Timorese have decided on.

Three religions come together at house of worship in Bali

Three religions come together at house of worship in BaliText and photos by Alpha Savitri Griya Kongco Dwipayana is a house of worship of Tri Dharma, a religious sect incorporating Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism.

Wahyudi a master at clever global parodies

Wahyudi a master at clever global parodiesBy Aendra H. Medita JAKARTA (JP): In the graphic arts, creating extraordinary power in the exploration of visual forms is more than a mere process. It centers on an understanding of concept and technique.

ATM BNI gives less

ATM BNI gives lessFrom KompasOn April 25, 2001, I tried to withdraw Rp 500,000 from the Bank BNI ATM at Plaza Sentral but received only seven Rp 50,000 banknotes, or Rp 350,000. I waited for a few more minutes but the machine did not produce any more money.

Rizal pledges to carry out 2001 state budget measures

Rizal pledges to carry out 2001 state budget measures JAKARTA (JP): Newly appointed Finance Minister Rizal Ramli pledged on Wednesday in a meeting with the House of Representatives state budget task force to carry out the budget measures agreed to last week between the former finance minister and...

Kerosene begins to disappear in West Sumatra

Kerosene begins to disappear in West Sumatra PADANG, West Sumatra (JP): Soon after the House of Representatives (DPR) approved the government's plan to increase the fuel prices, effective June 15, kerosene and diesel fuel disappeared from West Sumatra's markets.

'No intimidation of Timorese refugees'

'No intimidation of Timorese refugees' KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): Udayana Military Commander Maj. Gen. Willem T. da Costa denied on Wednesday the military intimidated East Timorese refugees into choosing to remain in Indonesia during last week's registration.

Singapore businessmen a kidnap risk in RP

Singapore businessmen a kidnap risk in RP MANILA (AFP): Singapore businessmen have become a kidnap risk in the Philippines, police said on Wednesday, but their plight has been overshadowed by the focus on rebels holding 28 U.S. and Filipino hostages in the south.

'Conflict maps' to deal with crime

'Conflict maps' to deal with crime PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The South Sumatra Police chief has introduced a new approach to curb the growth of the region's crime.Insp. Gen. Suparto, who assumed his post as provincial police chief only three months ago, said in Palembang on Wednesday that the...

Palm oil ends mixed, shrugs off data

Palm oil ends mixed, shrugs off data KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures gave up earlier gains and ended mixed in choppy trade on Wednesday as players brushed aside official estimates showing a sharp rise in exports.

German artist paints Indonesian images

German artist paints Indonesian images JAKARTA (JP): The ongoing JakArt2001 festival seems to have stretched its arms far and wide to exhibit artworks of significant variety. Among them is German artist Andreas Torneberg, who is currently displaying about 20 of his artworks at Wisma Mitra Budaya...

Armed attackers set MUI office on fire

Armed attackers set MUI office on fire BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): A group of armed people burned down a building belonging to the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI)'s provincial chapter in Aceh on Wednesday.Nobody was killed in the attack on the 22-year-old convention hall, which took place at about 2 a.m.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 13, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,525 0 332,000 Adindo Foresta 110 0 0 AGIS 140 0 250,000 Alakasa 150 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,075 25...

Government begins drive to make country healthy

Government begins drive to make country healthy JAKARTA (JP): The government launched on Wednesday a comprehensive health promotion drive to achieve the goals of the Healthy Indonesia 2010 program.The director general of public health at the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Azrul Azwar, said...

Street children live hard life with laughter, jokes

Street children live hard life with laughter, jokesBy Hera Diani JAKARTA (JP): If you are riding on a bus, you might encounter young street poets. They can recite romantic poetry or make you laugh with funny pantun (traditional poetry).One such street poet is Januari, 21.

Drug suspect's arrest tip of the iceberg in Bali's drug battle

Drug suspect's arrest tip of the iceberg in Bali's drug battleBy I Wayan Juniartha KUTA, Bali (JP): Chief of the Denpasar Police detectives unit Commissioner Cahyo Budi could hardly believe his eyes when he saw what was on a table in the corner of the room.

President's political foes face investigation

President's political foes face investigation JAKARTA (JP): New Attorney General Baharuddin Lopa confirmed on Wednesday he would investigate corruption allegations against Golkar Party chairman Akbar Tandjung and senior Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) member Arifin Panigoro.

Indonesia must see facts in East Timor saga

Indonesia must see facts in East Timor sagaBy Jusuf Wanandi JAKARTA: It is time for the Indonesian elite, and the military (TNI) in particular, to get over Australia's role in concluding the sorry East Timor episode.

Bomb explosion rocks Karachi amid strike

Bomb explosion rocks Karachi amid strike KARACHI (AP): A bomb explosion wracked the restive port city of Karachi on Wednesday as a strike by two ethnic groups paralyzed most parts of southern Sindh province.

Former president Soeharto stable after minor surgery

Former president Soeharto stable after minor surgery JAKARTA (JP): Former president Soeharto was in a stable condition on Wednesday after cardiologists at Pertamina Hospital in South Jakarta successfully installed a permanent pacemaker to normalize his uneven heartbeat.

KL artists join chorus against security law

KL artists join chorus against security law KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): A group of Malaysian artists on Wednesday joined a chorus of opposition to a tough security law allowing detention without trial.The group, called Artis Pro Activ, expressed dismay at the detention of filmmaker and writer...

PBI shuttlers thrive at Milo Open

PBI shuttlers thrive at Milo OpenBy Novan Iman Santosa SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Boys singles top seed Sony Dwi Kuncoro of the Indonesian Badminton Center (PBI) cruised to the US$9,000 Milo Junior Indonesia Open quarterfinals after outclassing Yoga Uki Asah of West Java 15-2, 15-5.

Limit number of airlines

Limit number of airlinesFrom Media IndonesiaOn May 13, 2001 I flew to Bali onboard a Garuda DC 10, flight number 406. The plane took off at 2:40 p.m., 20 minutes behind schedule. I was surprised to find only 60 passengers onboard the 250-seat plane.

Mahfud slams TNI and police for disloyalty

Mahfud slams TNI and police for disloyalty JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Mahfud M.D. criticized the Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police on Wednesday for resisting the policy of their superior President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, a move which he considered an offense of law.

German arrested for taxi theft

German arrested for taxi theft JAKARTA (JP): Kebayoran Baru Police detectives arrested late on Tuesday night a German man alleged to have stolen a Dian taxi and physically abused its driver last month.Kebayoran Lama Police chief Adj. Comr. Sihombing said the theft occurred at 1 a.m.

Sports stadium becomes market

Sports stadium becomes marketFrom Media IndonesiaI feel called upon to talk about this matter in public because the condition of the area outside the main stadium of the 'Bung' Karno sports complex has now become the cause of increasing concern.

Police release Laskar Jihad commander from custody

Police release Laskar Jihad commander from custody JAKARTA (JP): The National Police released Laskar Jihad Ahlus Sunnah Wal Jammaah commander Ja'far Umar Thalib from custody on Tuesday, though the suspect remains under investigation.

JP/2/DAYAK

JP/2/DAYAKFollow-up actions to Dayak-Madura reconciliation urged PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan (JP): Several local tribal leaders have called on all levels of the government to promptly follow up results of the newly concluded Dayak people's congress, which recommended the settlement of...

Guthrie starts paying IBRA

Guthrie starts paying IBRA KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones): Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd. has started making payments to the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency for its purchase of 25 oil palm estates, the Business Times reports, quoting unnamed sources.

Political tension keeping foreigners from Jakarta Fair

Political tension keeping foreigners from Jakarta Fair JAKARTA (JP): The current political tension has discouraged foreigners from participating in the forthcoming one-month-long Jakarta Fair that is due to open on Friday, an executive said on Wednesday.

Labor protests turn violent

Labor protests turn violent JAKARTA (JP): Workers' protests turned to violence in the West Java capital of Bandung when thousands of demonstrators vandalized the provincial legislative council building, destroying and setting fire to more than 30 cars and at least 25 motorcycles on Wednesday.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali:Exhibitions * Cartoons by 16 Balinese cartoonists, Gedung Titik Dua, Jl. W.R. Supratman, Denpasar, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until June 15. * Friends of the Reef, Hard Rock Hotel, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., June 14-15.Museums and Galleries * Blue Moon Gallery, Jl.

PAS rethinking its image to seek non-Muslims' support

PAS rethinking its image to seek non-Muslims' supportBy Joceline Tan KUALA LUMPUR: The recent annual congress of Malaysia's biggest opposition party, Parti Islam SeMalaysia, or PAS, was worthy of a political party waiting to form the next government of Malaysia.

Donors told to meet E. Timor promises

Donors told to meet E. Timor promises CANBERRA (Reuters): The World Bank called on the international community on Wednesday to meet promises of aid to impoverished East Timor as it struggles to rebuild for future independence after being laid to waste by Indonesian militias.

Much ado over a decree

Much ado over a decree As labor unions protest in major cities in Indonesia almost on a daily basis, to demand the revocation of two controversial ministerial decrees, it is very easy to lose perspective of what is at the core of the row.

PSM beats Pusam in goalfest

PSM beats Pusam in goalfest MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Defending league champions PSM beat visitors Putra Samarinda (Pusam) of East Kalimantan 7-0 in the eastern division's second qualifying round match of the Bank Mandiri national soccer league on Wednesday.

U.S. embassy gets new visa system

U.S. embassy gets new visa system JAKARTA (JP): The United States Embassy in Jakarta is promising a new user-friendly system for scheduling nonimmigrant visa appointments beginning on Monday."We are establishing this appointment system to make the visa application process as efficient and...