Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 June 2001

59 articles found

Collectivism versus individualism

Collectivism versus individualism By Ari A. Perdana JAKARTA (JP): The process of amending article 33 of the 1945 Constitution is currently deadlocked. Some members of the task force are proposing the principal of individualism to replace the current principal of collectivism (azas kekeluargaan). Others are defending the original principal. The pro-individualists argue that collectivism is not the foundation of a market economy.

'Speaker bomb' to be deactivated

'Speaker bomb' to be deactivated JAKARTA (JP): A speaker found in a train, which was suspected of containing a bomb, was removed by the National Police bomb squad (Gegana) and taken to a field located very near the East Jakarta Police Headquarters on Thursday. City Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said that until late Thursday evening, Gegana Police officers were still trying to deactivate the "speaker bomb".

BNI allocates $80m for new ATMs, Internet banking

BNI allocates $80m for new ATMs, Internet banking JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) will allocate about US$80 million in new investment to increase its automated teller machines (ATMs). The bank's president, Saifuddien Hasan, said on Thursday that BNI planned to install 400 new ATMs this year to increase its units to 1,538. He said part of the money would be used to prepare for the bank's Internet banking service later this year.

Dewi joins elite squad, thanks to her dad

Dewi joins elite squad, thanks to her dad SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Dewi Tira was just a third grade student at an elementary school in Surabaya when her father Suwandi introduced badminton to her. She did not like it at first but somehow she could not escape her father's instruction to keep practicing. Eight years later, she thanked him for introducing the sport as she has just managed to join the country's elite squad at the Indonesian Badminton Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta.

House factions consider expediting special session

House factions consider expediting special session JAKARTA (JP): Major factions in the House of Representatives are seriously considering calling for an expedited special session of the People's Consultative Assembly, in response to President Abdurrahman Wahid's latest political moves.

Teachers demand salary payment

Teachers demand salary payment PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Around 50 teachers of various secondary and high schools in the Central Java regency of Banyumas staged a rally in front of the local legislature on Thursday, demanding payment of their salary arrears. They urged that the outstanding salaries be paid no later than July, instead of September as previously promised, because non- teacher civil servants would receive their full pay next month.

Small change getting scarce

Small change getting scarce From Sinar Pagi Where has all the small change gone? For the past few months, small denominations, in particular Rp 50 and Rp 100 notes and coins, have been hard to come by and seem to have disappeared from circulation. Given the fact that we need this small change badly for our daily transactions, as a means of payment for transportation fares, we hope that the authorities will take this matter seriously.

Rupiah rate June 14

Rupiah rate June 14 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Fireman loves his risky job despite not being prestigious

Fireman loves his risky job despite not being prestigious By Emmy Fitri JAKARTA (JP): Ever wonder why certain people choose to take perilous professions such as being a fireman? Fifty-year-old Sunaryo Wiryo, who has served Central Jakarta Fire Agency for more than 28 years, simply said, "I needed a job at the time. But I love this risky job now.

Metromini conductor killed over Rp 300

Metromini conductor killed over Rp 300 JAKARTA (JP): The conductor of a Metromini bus serving the Pasar Minggu - Manggarai route died in hospital on Wednesday after being stabbed by two unidentified teenagers at the Pancoran intersection traffic lights in South Jakarta. Tebet police subprecinct chief of detective First.

Administrative system confusing

Administrative system confusing From Kompas The application of an integrated administrative system at the Ministry of Justice and Human Rights for approval of the establishment of a limited liability company as a statutory body has only confused the public. Previously, the registration fee through a notary to certify the establishment of a limited liability company was only Rp 1 million.

JP/2/DAYAK

JP/2/DAYAK Follow-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 interethnic conflicts that occurred months earlier.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 14, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,475 -50 185,500 Adindo Foresta 110 0 22,500 AGIS 135 -5 879,000 Alakasa 150 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,075 0 36,500 Alter Abadi 85 -15 25,500 Alumindo Light 575 25 1,000 Andhi Chandra 1,975 125 115,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 0 Aneka Tambang 975 25 4,711,500 Apac Citra 320 10 232,500 Aqua Golden 12,200...

Ancol case to continue

Ancol case to continue JAKARTA (JP): The head of the Jakarta Prosecutor's Office, Basrief Arief, pledged on Thursday to continue the investigation of the Ancol scandal, despite the fact that several of the officials suspected of involvement in the case had retired. "Why not? We will continue the investigation although they have retired," Basrief said after attending a meeting at City Hall.

Pertamina told to delay project

Pertamina told to delay project PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The South Sumatra legislature has demanded that a nitrogen plant repair project worth Rp 20 billion be suspended due to alleged collusion conducted by the secretary general of the Plaju office of state-owned oil and gas company PT Pertamina. M. Sani Indawan, the chairman of Commission D of the South Sumatra Provincial Legislative Council said on Tuesday that M.

Hijacked crews freed: Malaysia

Hijacked crews freed: Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The Malaysian coastguard said three of the four hijacked fishing crews taken to the Philippines by pirates were freed on Thursday on ransom. The nine crew members of the three boats were released unharmed after the boat owners paid 500 ringgit ($132) for each of them to the hijackers, coastguard commander Muhamad Muda said.

Japan to continue aid for environment

Japan to continue aid for environment JAKARTA (JP): The Japanese government will continue its technical assistance on environmental protection and energy conservation despite the country's economic slowdown. The director of the Trade. Finance and Economic Cooperation Division at Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, Shinya Kuwayama, said on Thursday the one-year technical assistance, which was called the Green Aid Plan, would be lower than in previous years.

Pasuruan riot probe to finish

Pasuruan riot probe to finish PADANG, West Sumatra: The National Police will soon announce the results of a joint investigation into the recent rioting in Pasuruan, East Java. National Police inspector general Comr. Gen. Ahwil Luthan said here on Thursday that the probe was focused on whether the police move to quell the protesters exceeded their authority and violated human rights. Ahwil was here to install Brig. Gen. Adang Firman as the new West Sumatra Police chief, replacing Brig. Gen.

Indonesian tanker capsizes, spills toxic chemicals

Indonesian tanker capsizes, spills toxic chemicals KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): An Indonesian tanker laden with a toxic chemicals capsized off Malaysia's southern Johor state near Singapore, leaking pollution and killing thousands of fish, officials said on Thursday. The 533-ton MV Endah Lestari sprung a leak shortly after leaving the Johor port of Pasir Gudang early on Wednesday, said the marine director for southern Malaysia, Hazman Hussein.

Pertamina prepared for possible run of fuel

Pertamina prepared for possible run of fuel JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina assured the public on Thursday that it had enough fuel to handle a possible run arising from the government's decision to raise fuel prices by an average of 30 percent. "Pertamina is ready to respond to a sudden increase in fuel demand within the next few days," said Pertamina president Baihaki Hakim on the sidelines of a hearing with legislators to discuss the new oil and gas bill.

Asian currencies mostly down, Taiwan dollar extends fall

Asian currencies mostly down, Taiwan dollar extends fall SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies drifted to the lower end of their tight trading ranges late Thursday, with little to inspire the market. The Indonesian rupiah ended little changed in uneventful trading with market participants remaining on the sidelines until the domestic political situation becomes clearer, dealers said. The dollar closed at Rp 11,247, little changed from its close Wednesday, dealers said.

Government delays fuel price hike

Government delays fuel price hike JAKARTA (JP): The government abruptly delayed on Thursday the planned fuel price hike a day before it was due to come into effect, saying it had to weigh further the political, social and security implications which might arise. The decision was announced by Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Purnomo Yusgiantoro, after an economic meeting chaired by Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri at Merdeka Selatan Palace.

Attorney General launches probe into key politicians

Attorney General launches probe into key politicians JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Baharuddin Lopa brushed off criticism on Thursday of his plans to launch a corruption probe into several leading politicians, contending that his actions were well within the confines of the law. "Don't get in our way. We'll continue with the plan because it has a legal base," Lopa told reporters.

Thai rice supplies tight, but N. Korea interested

Thai rice supplies tight, but N. Korea interested BANGKOK (Reuters): Asian rice prices held firm on Thursday, as Thailand faced tight local supplies after recent heavy rain and as North Korea held talks with Thailand during the worst drought in years. "Recent rains in Thailand have disrupted the drying process of the rice, resulting in fewer supplies coming onto the market," said a trader.

50,000 civilians to help secure special session

50,000 civilians to help secure special session JAKARTA (JP): The city administration announced on Thursday its plan to recruit some 50,000 civilians to help safeguard the city during the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), scheduled to begin on Aug. 1.

Holdiko sells another three firms for Rp 783b

Holdiko sells another three firms for Rp 783b JAKARTA (JP): PT Holdiko Perkasa has raised another Rp 783 billion (about US$69.91 million) from the sales of its ownership in PT Kerismas Witikoo Makmur, PT Indopoly Swakarsa Industry, and Yunnan Kunlene Film Industries Co.Ltd.

No to armed civilians: Sultan

No to armed civilians: Sultan YOGYAKARTA (JP): Following a clash between local supporters of the United Development Party (PPP) and residents here on Sunday, Governor Hamengkubuwono X called on people in the sultanate town on Thursday to oppose the existence of armed civilian groups. "No more violence here. No more armed civilians. Do they want to turn Yogyakarta into another Colombia, where armed civilians control some regions," said Hamengkubuwono, who is also the sultan.

Supreme Court director tried for alleged bribery

Supreme Court director tried for alleged bribery JAKARTA (JP): A Supreme Court official was tried on Thursday for allegedly receiving Rp 100 million in a bribe to help a lawyer win her client's case.

Protesters-police new clash flares up in Bandung

Protesters-police new clash flares up in Bandung BANDUNG (JP): A new clash between police and protesting workers erupted here on Thursday, injuring at least nine people and damaging dozens of stores, buildings, two hotels and many vehicles. The accident began when some 10,000 workers returned to the provincial legislature around noon, demanding that ministerial decree No. 78/2001 on labor issues be revoked. The decree annulled old decree No.

Military tribunal to try Trisakti case

Military tribunal to try Trisakti case JAKARTA (JP): Eleven military personnel will be tried in a military tribunal on Monday for their alleged role in the shooting of Trisakti students, a military spokesman revealed on Thursday. "It is not true that the case was frozen or there has been no improvement in the handling of the case," Rear Marshall Graito Usodo was quoted as saying by Antara. He did not identify the defendants. He said that accounts of 35 witnesses would be heard in the trial.

Aiming for Market Leadership in Information Technology Services

Aiming for Market Leadership in Information Technology Services The information technology (IT) industry in the Philippines has been going through remarkable progress and growth in recent years. In the hardware sector, the Philippines' semiconductor and electronics industries have been growing at the rate of 30 percent to 40 percent per annum since 1993.

RP suspends talks with communists

RP suspends talks with communists MANILA (Reuters): The Philippines has suspended indefinitely talks in Norway with communist rebels after a guerrilla death squad gunned down a congressman outside his home, the presidential palace said on Thursday. House of Representatives member Rodolfo Aguinaldo and one of his bodyguards were shot and killed on Tuesday night in front of the legislator's house in Tuguegarao city in the northern Philippines.

Palm oil steady, hopeful on China

Palm oil steady, hopeful on China KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's palm oil futures were mostly stable at the close on Thursday with players ignoring bearish May crop data and keeping their faith in a possible increase in Chinese purchases this year. "We know that Ivan Wong's figures are going to be bearish. That's why the market did not seem to bother to look at the data," said one trader in Kuala Lumpur.

Rebel group blamed for Manokwari attack

Rebel group blamed for Manokwari attack JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): The separatist rebel group led by Daniel Awom has been blamed for the armed attack in Manokwari that left five Mobile Brigade police officers and one civilian dead on Wednesday. A local military source said on Thursday that the group had joined the armed rebel movement in the mineral-rich province since the fall of New Order regime under President Soeharto in mid-1998.

New economics advisers appointed

New economics advisers appointed JAKARTA (JP): The government has appointed four economists as advisers on various economic issues, Finance Minister Rizal Ramli said on Thursday. Rizal said that the four included Irsan Tanjung and Wahyudi Prakarsa, both senior economists from the University of Indonesia. He told reporters that the other two were from Gadjah Mada University and the Bogor Institute of Agriculture. However, he did not reveal their names.

Top junior seeds cruise into semis

Top junior seeds cruise into semis By Novan Iman Santosa SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Indonesia's top boy's shuttlers sailed into the semifinals of the Milo Junior Indonesia Open at the Bhinneka sports hall on Thursday. Top seed Sony Dwi Santoso of the Indonesian Badminton Center (PBI) barely broke a sweat in defeating Suherlan of West Java 15- 2, 15-5 in the quarterfinals. Sony will now meet fellow PBI shuttler Markis Kido. "I never underestimate my opponents.

MPR to accommodate regional representatives' proposal

MPR to accommodate regional representatives' proposal JAKARTA (JP): An ad hoc subcommittee of the People's Consultative Assembly pledged to follow up on a proposal to reestablish the regional representative faction in the Assembly during the body's upcoming special session.

Development of Tangguh LNG plant may be delayed

Development of Tangguh LNG plant may be delayed JAKARTA (JP): Development of the Tangguh liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Irian Jaya may be delayed if China, its main potential customer, seeks more than one source to supply the LNG needs of its Guangdong LNG project, state oil and gas company Pertamina said here on Thursday. Pertamina president Baihaki Hakim said if China sought more than one LNG supplier the export volume would no longer be economically viable for the Tungguh development.

Gloomy outlook for Asia trade as growth slows: Poll

Gloomy outlook for Asia trade as growth slows: Poll SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asia's trade position is worsening as the healthy export driven surpluses built up in the post crisis era are eroded by the global economic slowdown and soft domestic demand, the latest Reuters regional poll showed. Even where surpluses are growing, the news is not good. As exports dwindle, rising trade surpluses are sometimes coming mainly through a drop-off in imports.

UN appeals for more aid to support fledgling E. Timor

UN appeals for more aid to support fledgling E. Timor CANBERRA (Agencies): The United Nations appealed on Friday for greater generosity from international donors to support East Timor and warned against political violence as the fledgling state prepares for its first parliamentary elections. Speaking at the opening of the fourth Donor's Meeting on East Timor, the state's UN administrator, Sergio Vieira de Mello, said he expected a US$20 million deficit in this year's budget.

Rp 50,000 fine for litter bugs

Rp 50,000 fine for litter bugs SEMARANG: Starting in September, anyone caught littering will be fined Rp 50,000 or sent to jail, Mayor Sukawi Sutarip announced on Thursday. Sukawi said the penalty against littering is based on a 1993 bylaw that had not been enforced to date, Antara reported. He did not say the minimum length of incarceration. The mayor blamed recurrent floods in Semarang on piles of trash blocking rivers and water drainage.

Generating 'chemistry' in an interview

Generating 'chemistry' in an interview By Pri Notowidigdo JAKARTA (JP): "Am I ready for the interview?" You have undoubtedly asked yourself this question in the past, prior to a job interview, or maybe you are asking this question now as you prepare for an interview in the not too distant future. No doubt, you have discovered that preparation is the key to success. The better prepared you are, the better your chances of being hired. So how do you prepare for an interview?

Rule sought on condom use in sex industry

Rule sought on condom use in sex industry JAKARTA (JP): The government is giving consideration to issuing a regulation requiring the mandatory use of condoms in the sex industry in a bid to curb the spread of venereal diseases as well as the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Political revenge must be avoided

Political revenge must be avoided From Suara Karya As a victim of the New Order administration as a result of my taking part in the signing of Petisi 50 and the white book on the Tanjung Priok affair, I certainly feel very much concerned over the ailing conditions rocking our nation and state.

On the cutting edge of the world of kris

On the cutting edge of the world of kris By Peter Kerr JAKARTA (JP): Their ancient blades, so elegant yet sinister, have become a symbol of Java, and even of the Javanese people themselves. Admired and collected for their beauty and historical value, and revered by some for their mystical powers, krises can seem to hold a hidden force within their superb craftsmanship.

GAM bases raided, 12 found dead

GAM bases raided, 12 found dead BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Indonesian military (TNI) troops claimed to have raided two main bases of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatist rebel group in the village of Jiemjiem, Bandar Baru district, Pidie regency on Wednesday. The village was believed to be the hideout of GAM commander Teungku Abdullah Syafiie, the place from which he led military resistance against Jakarta. Local military spokesman Lt. Col.

Message from Teofisto T.Guingona,JR.

Message from Teofisto T.Guingona,JR. Vice President and Secretary of Foreign Affairs The Republic of Philippines It is with great pride and joy that Filipinos all over the world celebrate the 103rd Anniversary of Philippine Independence. Today, we honor with even greater attention the memory of our heroes. We recall their martyrdom for the freedom that we now enjoy. We are profoundly grateful.

S'pore TV station apologizes after report on Philippines

S'pore TV station apologizes after report on Philippines SINGAPORE (AP): A Singapore TV station on Thursday apologized after outraging the city-state's Filipino community with an earlier report saying it was "good news" that neither of two headless bodies found in the Philippines was that of an American. The offending report on Wednesday evening was "insensitive," Straits Times TV anchor Michelle Quah said during the station's Thursday evening news program.

Gus Dur to go ahead with Aussie trip

Gus Dur to go ahead with Aussie trip JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid looks set to walk into another political firestorm, as it was revealed on Thursday that a planned visit to Australia later this month would go ahead as scheduled. When asked about the trip, members of the House of Representatives Commission I for political, security and foreign affairs were quick to criticize Abdurrahman, saying his visit to Australia would only be a waste of money and time.

Reebok Indonesia wins award

Reebok Indonesia wins award JAKARTA (JP): Reebok Indonesia has won the Alf Shrub Award for outstanding achievement in the sales of Reebok brand sports equipment in the country. The company said on Thursday that the award, named after a runner who broke the world record in 1904, was given by Reebok International annually for its best country distributor.

Interchapter volley c'ships reintroduced after 7 years

Interchapter volley c'ships reintroduced after 7 years JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Volleyball Federation (PBVSI) hopes to recapture volleyball's place as the second most popular sport in the country by staging the first interchapter national volleyball championships in seven years next week at the basketball hall of the Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan.

Fuel politics

Fuel politics One could read many things into the government's decision to delay the raising of domestic fuel prices. Skeptics would accuse President Abdurrahman Wahid of resorting to populism. Others would see this as common sense. Whatever interpretation we use, it is clear that political considerations have prevailed once again, even though the economic considerations for hiking prices are so compelling.

'Kyai' defend Gus Dur

'Kyai' defend Gus Dur From Republika In Magelang hundreds of kyai (Islamic teachers) of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) objected to the possibility of Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid being stripped of his presidency in the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). Hasyim Muzadi who was a speaker at a seminar in Jakarta said the special session was not going to solve problems; dialog, negotiation and compromise among the political parties was more important.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Selaksa Daya Rupa, by 90 painters, Sahid Ballroom, Sahid Jaya Hotel, Jl. Jend. Sudirman No. 86, Central Jakarta (Phone: 5704444), until June 19. * Art in Italian and Indonesian Ceramics in the framework of the Indonesian-Italian Workshop on Advanced and Conventional Ceramics, Italian Cultural Institute, Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto 117, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3927531), Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., until June 30.

General Bimantoro shows who's the boss of National Police

General Bimantoro shows who's the boss of National Police JAKARTA (JP): National Police chief Gen. Surojo Bimantoro summoned middle-ranking officers for a meeting on Thursday to brief them on the reasons behind his suspension and to assert that he remains at the helm. National Police spokesman Insp. Gen.

Klub 45, a trendy bar without all the effort

Klub 45, a trendy bar without all the effort JAKARTA (JP): It was Saturday night. I was restless, having the spent the greater part of the day at the hospital. I now had my antibiotics, so I was ready for fun. My idea of fun? Not, as someone memorably coined it, the Holy Trinity of the Cinna Bar, Paprika and Manna. Something a little sleazier? Perhaps when I was younger and had more energy, and no one to account to but myself and my conscience. Jl.

Gunshot victim found dead

Gunshot victim found dead JAKARTA (JP): Local residents of Jl. Taruna Dalam in Pulo Gadung subdistrict, East Jakarta, were shocked by the discovery of a corpse bearing three gunshot wounds early on Thursday. The body of the man estimated to be in his 20s suffered from gunshot wounds to his head, chest and leg. Police described the man as 160 centimeters in height, with long straight hair and dark skin covered with tattoos of roses, dragons and a naked woman on the chest, arms and both legs.

Philippines-Indonesia Relations, a continuing partnership

Philippines-Indonesia Relations, a continuing partnership Philippine-Indonesian relations are characterized by a genuine sense of brotherhood borne out of centuries of close and vibrant interaction as neighbors. In precolonial times, trade, commerce and transmigration flourished between our peoples. Intermarriages and alliances solidified these cross-cultural and economic links. Over the centuries, the movement of peoples, goods and ideas between the two archipelagos intensified.

East Java braces for MPR special session

East Java braces for MPR special session SURABAYA (JP): Three ministers traveled to East Java on Thursday for talks with local leaders to try and avert violence during the special session of People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in August.