Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 June 2001

68 articles found

SEA Games core team in July

SEA Games core team in July JAKARTA (JP): The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) will announce its core team for the 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games before leaving for a series of friendlies in Perth, Western Australia, from July 16 to July 24. SEA Games team manager Irawadi D. Hanafi said Wednesday that only 20 out of 24 players would perform in Kuala Lumpur. The soccer qualifying rounds will start on Sept. 1 but Indonesia will play its opener on Sept. 2 against the Philippines.

Sumitomo Corp, Nissho Iwai plan to form LNG alliance

Sumitomo Corp, Nissho Iwai plan to form LNG alliance TOKYO (Reuters): Japanese trading houses Sumitomo Corp and Nissho Iwai Corp on Wednesday announced an alliance in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) business in a bid to tackle heightened global competition. The firms said they will set up an equally owned LNG joint venture, whose capital has not yet been decided, on October 1. "The importance of the LNG business is growing, and projects are becoming bigger in scale.

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.

BSP takes hit on low commodity prices

BSP takes hit on low commodity prices JAKARTA (JP): PT Bakrie Sumatra Plantation (BSP) suffered a net loss of Rp 55.7 billion (about US$4.95 million) in the first quarter of this year due to a sharp drop in rubber and crude palm oil (CPO) prices. The figure was higher than the Rp 8.3 billion net loss booked in the January-March period last year.

Sukarno and guerrilla warfare

Sukarno and guerrilla warfare In the articles entitled Recollections of Sukarno: Images of a national hero, written by Mr. Mochtar Buchori in The Jakarta Post's June 8, 2001 and June 9, 2001 issues, the writer expressed his disappointment that Sukarno didn't keep his word in leading a guerrilla war when Yogyakarta was invaded by the Dutch troops on Dec. 19, 1948. To find out the reason, I studied a number of references, among others, an article by Mr.

Aussie sets back Timor talk

Aussie sets back Timor talk DARWIN, Australia (AP): Talks on dividing production from oil fields under the sea separating Australia and East Timor may not be completed ahead of a crucial mid-July deadline after Canberra raised new issues, a negotiator for East Timor said Wednesday. U.S. diplomat Peter Galbraith, who has been appointed by the United Nations to negotiate on East Timor's behalf, declined to detail the issues. Negotiations are due to resume next week in Canberra.

Bridge collapse kills 1, injures 16

Bridge collapse kills 1, injures 16 BOGOR (JP): One woman was killed and 16 others injured when an overloaded suspension bridge collapsed on Tuesday in Kampung Nusa Pulo, Bogor Tengah district. The victims were among dozens of people who traveled across the old footbridge on that day at about 8 p.m., on their way to the Jami At Thoiriyah mosque to attend an event celebrating the birth of Prophet Muhammad, an eyewitness said.

RI suspends Taiwan flights

RI suspends Taiwan flights TAIPEI (AFP): Indonesia has announced a suspension of chartered flight services by Taiwan's Mandarin Airlines after aviation negotiations between the two governments became deadlocked, the airline said Wednesday. Mandarin, a subsidiary of Taipei-based China Airlines, would stop its twice-weekly chartered passenger flights between Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan and Indonesia's resort island of Bali from Thursday, the company said in a statement.

Sutiyoso announces 16.6% increase in 'Angkot' fares

Sutiyoso announces 16.6% increase in 'Angkot' fares JAKARTA (JP): The city administration increased on Wednesday fares for angkot public transportation vans by 16.6 percent from the current Rp 1,200 for the longest distance to Rp 1,400, but urged public bus operators to be patient and to resist raising their fares. "I think the increase is fair for public and van operators. We will monitor the application of the decision, starting today (Wednesday)," Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso announced.

More Mideast immigrants detained

More Mideast immigrants detained KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A total of 81 illegal immigrants, who claim to originate from the Middle East and Iraq, have been arrested on their way to Australia, a police officer said on Wednesday. Kupang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Williardi Wizard told reporters that 67 of the immigrants were arrested on Monday in Sabu, in Raijua district, when their boat was forced to dock after sustaining a leak during a storm.

MPR should adopt closed voting

MPR should adopt closed voting From Media Indonesia Like the last two plenary sessions of the House of Representatives, which resulted in the first and second memorandum of censure against the President, the next special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), scheduled for Aug. 1, 2001, would probably adopt the same mechanism of voting i.e. open voting in making its decision.

President condemns rights abuse

President condemns rights abuse JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said on Wednesday that state institutions and regulations were susceptible to abuse by state apparatus in the violation of human rights. Addressing the opening of an international workshop on crimes against humanity at the State Palace, the President called on all institutions, including the Indonesian Military (TNI) and National Police, to undertake internal restructuring to ensure the protection of human rights.

U.S. Dollar Rates June.20

U.S. Dollar Rates June.20 Latest Previous %Change Yen 123.23-27 122.99-03 +0.20 Euro* 0.8515-21 0.8536-40 -0.25 Sterling 1.3928-33 1.4013-15 -0.61 Swiss Franc 1.7913-23 1.7895-00 +0.10 Canadian Dollar* 1.5355-65 1.5337-47 +0.12 Australian Dollar* 0.5175-80 0.5196-01 -0.40 New Zealand Dollar 0.4124-30 0.4141-48 -0.41 Deutsche Mark 2.2956-67 2.2907-13 +0.21 Czech Koruna 39.808-38 39.811-61 -0.01 Hungary Forint 289.29-04 288.29-89 +0.35 Danish Krone 8.7495-45 8.7265-15 +0.26 Norwegian Krone...

Indonesia faces soymeal supply squeeze

Indonesia faces soymeal supply squeeze SINGAPORE (Reuters): Indonesian feed millers are facing a soymeal supply squeeze as many U.S. cargoes, contracted after a ban on South American supplies, are unlikely to arrive before July, regional traders said on Wednesday. Feed ingredient importers, left with little option after Jakarta banned South American supplies on foot-and-mouth fears, are scouting to finalize some U.S. soymeal deals for prompt shipments despite relatively high prices.

First cyber crime trial

First cyber crime trial YOGYAKARTA (JP): The country's first cybercrime trial will begin in Semarang soon following the arrest of a local university student, charged with making illegal transactions over the Internet. Multimedia expert Roy Suryo said after a meeting with senior Central Java police detectives, a specific date for the court hearing remained undetermined as police were still making final adjustments to the dossier on the suspect, identified only as Adh.

Woman loses Rp 250m in robbery

Woman loses Rp 250m in robbery JAKARTA (JP): A woman was allegedly robbed of Rp 250 million (US$22,300) on Jl. Gunung Sahari Raya in Central Jakarta on Tuesday night while traveling home on a motorcycle driven by her son. Sawah Besar Police subprecinct chief Comr. Mamat Surahmat said that the victim filed a complaint with police on Tuesday night.

Government approves restructuring of PLN's $3b debt

Government approves restructuring of PLN's $3b debt JAKARTA (JP): After months of debate, the government finally approved on Wednesday the restructuring of some Rp 34.07 trillion (US$3 billion) debt of the state electricity company Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) which would help the latter stay afloat.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Festival The 23rd Bali Arts Festival, The Werdhi Budaya Art Center at Jalan Nusa Indah, Denpasar: June 21: The romantic Semara Pegulingan taditional gong ensemble of Kamasan village, Klungkung regency, 10 a.m.. The comical mask-dance Topeng Bondres competition, the antiquated mask-dance drama Wayang Wong performance of Tabanan regency, 8 p.m.. June 22: Traditional games of Jembrana regency, the traditional martial art Pencak Silat competition, 10 a.m..

BI's policy on stabilizing the value of the rupiah

BI's policy on stabilizing the value of the rupiah This is the second of two articles on the rupiah by Achjar Iljas, the Deputy Governor of Bank Indonesia. JAKARTA (JP): As the weak and volatile rupiah continues to pressure inflation, it has limited the ability of a monetary policy to create a more conducive investment climate. In fact, the exchange rate pass-through effects to inflation have been one among other factors significantly contributing to the Indonesian inflation rate.

Semen Gresik foresees 10% boost in sales

Semen Gresik foresees 10% boost in sales JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed cement producer PT Semen Gresik said on Wednesday that a growing cement consumption in the local market was expected to boost the company's sales this year by 10 percent from 13.73 million metric tons in the previous year. Semen Gresik president Urip Timuryono quoted the Indonesian cement association as predicting local consumption to hit 25 million tons this year from 22.38 million tons last year.

People take center stage in Vadin's photos

People take center stage in Vadin's photos By Aendra H. Medita JAKARTA (JP): It's proof of talent when a young photographer can put himself among the people and document their lives in works that are clever, always natural but in no respects ordinary.

Rupiah rate June 20

Rupiah rate June 20 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Uncertainty to further hurt banking industry: Analysts

Uncertainty to further hurt banking industry: Analysts JAKARTA (JP): The uncertainty surrounding the government's economic policy will further drag down the ailing banking industry, economists have warned. Eugene Keith Galbraith, an independent commissioner at Bank NISP, said here on Wednesday that the government's economic policy had failed to provide a necessary direction for local banks to cope with their financial hardships.

PT Kaltim to produce vital military equipment: Mahfud

PT Kaltim to produce vital military equipment: Mahfud JAKARTA (JP): From fertilizer to armored vehicles. Such is the immediate future for fertilizer producer PT Pupuk Kaltim. Minister of Defense Mahfud MD said the state-owned company based in East Kalimantan would be one of the local companies that would be utilized to furnish badly needed equipment for the military.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Music 8:30 Documentary 9:00 Children's Program 10:00 Music 11:00 Talk Show 12:00 p.m. Interval 3:00 News 3:30 Documentary 4:00 Music 5:00 News 6:00 Village News 6:15 TV Drama 7:00 News 7:30 Music 9:30 Music 10:00 Variety Show 11:00 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. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Cartoon 7:30 Music 9:00 Indian Film 12:00 p.m.

Java, eastern Sumatra to have longer dry season

Java, eastern Sumatra to have longer dry season YOGYAKARTA (JP): Changes in the climate pattern will result in a nine-month-long dry season, affecting mainly Java and the eastern part of Sumatra between July of this year and March 2002, an official said on Wednesday. The forecasted length of the dry season is two months longer than normal.

Asian currencies mostly up; reprieve seen as temporary

Asian currencies mostly up; reprieve seen as temporary SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies were higher late Wednesday, as the yen regained its footing, dealers said. The Indonesian rupiah ended higher as players unwound long- dollar positions as most await the outcome of the current political crisis. Few investors want to hold large positions until Parliament impeaches Indonesian President Abdurrahman Wahid at a meeting of the nation's highest legislative body in August.

Jakarta too powerful in Volleyball Championships

Jakarta too powerful in Volleyball Championships JAKARTA (JP): Host team Jakarta proved too powerful for its counterparts from other provinces on the third day of the 2001 Interchapter National Volleyball Championships at Bung Karno Sports Complex basketball hall in Senayan. The Jakarta women's team maintained its top position in the pool Y standings after defeating Central Java 3-0 (25-14, 25-16, 25-11) on Wednesday.

Taufik unsure of future after coach's terminated contract

Taufik unsure of future after coach's terminated contract JAKARTA (JP): Shuttler Taufik Hidayat, ranked second in the world, is unsure of his future at the Indonesian Badminton Center after the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) announced on Wednesday it was terminating the contract of his coach Mulyo Handoyo. "I don't know what to do. I'm still confused. I've already heard about PBSI's decision but I haven't met with Mas Mulyo. He called me yesterday to ask what I would do.

Windsurfer I Gusti Made Oka Sulaksana a king of the sea

Windsurfer I Gusti Made Oka Sulaksana a king of the sea By Alpha Savitri SANUR, Bali (JP): "Eccentric" would probably be the most suitable adjective to describe 30-year-old windsurfer I Gusti Oka Sulaksana. Sun-burned, muscular, dyed-blond hair, bare-chested and wearing knee-length pants, a pair of sunglasses perched on his nose, unkempt -- that is I Gusti Made Oka Sulaksana, a beach boy and Indonesian windsurfer.

Toyota, Honda refuse to comment on 'Asia Car'

Toyota, Honda refuse to comment on 'Asia Car' TOKYO (Dow Jones): Toyota Motor Corp. and Honda Motor Co. won't comment on a report in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun's Wednesday morning edition that the two largest Japanese carmakers will replace their vehicles specifically designed for the Southeast Asian market with smaller, cheaper models, Toyota and Honda said the same day.

Dead woman found in police's home

Dead woman found in police's home JAKARTA (JP): A woman was found dead at the residence of Cianjur Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Mamat R. Subekti located in the Pengadegan subdistrict of Pancoran, South Jakarta, on Tuesday night. The woman, Sarfah, 54, was a relative of Mamat's wife, Rosita, according to South Jakarta Police officers.

Local feed millers facing soymeal supply squeeze

Local feed millers facing soymeal supply squeeze SINGAPORE (Reuters): Indonesian feed millers are facing a soymeal supply squeeze as many U.S. cargoes, contracted after a ban on South American supplies, are unlikely to arrive before July, regional traders said on Wednesday. Feed ingredient importers, left with little option after Jakarta banned South American supplies on foot-and-mouth fears, are scouting to finalize some U.S. soymeal deals for prompt shipments despite relatively high prices.

New oil reserves expected to boost output by 2004

New oil reserves expected to boost output by 2004 JAKARTA (JP): The development of recently discovered oil reserves is expected to boost Indonesia's crude oil output by 300,000 barrels per day (bpd) by the year 2004, according to state oil and gas company Pertamina on Wednesday. Pertamina production sharing management director Iin Arifin Takhyan said that with the new discoveries he anticipated Indonesia's crude oil output to grow to 1.7 million bpd by 2004.

Walhi and its concerns

Walhi and its concerns From Republika When I heard the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi)'s "research" on Jakarta's vulnerable clean water supply on one of the private TV stations, I didn't feel proud of its effort. Instead I felt it was using this merely as a camouflage so as not to be labeled a non-governmental organization (NGO) that seeks overseas funds. This organization has, up to now, only been clamoring on environmental issues that concern big companies.

Dream Team loses to former champs

Dream Team loses to former champs JAKARTA (JP): Four members of The Dream Team -- National Master (MN) Susanto Megaranto, MN Taufik Halay, Percasi (the Indonesian Chess Association) Master (MP) Tirta Chandra and MP Andrean Susilodinata -- lost to a former champions team during a four-day series of chess friendlies that ended on Wednesday. Susanto managed to defeat MN Jacobus Sampouw in the 31st move with the Caro-Kann defense.

Finansa expands into RI

Finansa expands into RI JAKARTA (JP): Bangkok-based financial institution Finansa Group announced on Thursday the acquisition of PT Trade Ezy Securities, a member of the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges, as part of its regional expansion. The company said the securities company, formerly owned by the Indonesian subsidiary of Paribas Asia Equity, would be named PT Finansa Indonesia.

Estrada to stay in hospital for trial

Estrada to stay in hospital for trial MANILA (AFP): Deposed Philippines president Joseph Estrada on Wednesday won a court order allowing him to remain in hospital instead of a prison home for the duration of his corruption trial.

Tension returns to Poso

Tension returns to Poso POSO, Central Sulawesi: An atmosphere of tension has returned to Poso after an unknown group has intercepted a number of public intercity buses either departing or entering the town over the past few days. Several bus passengers have been attacked in the ambushes, with the latest victim being rushed to a local state hospital on Wednesday.

New scoring system trial to proceed: IBF

New scoring system trial to proceed: IBF JAKARTA (Agencies): The International Badminton Federation (IBF) council has decided to continue the trials of its new scoring system of the best of five games in seven points (5 x 7) until July 31, 2002. The decision was made during the IBF annual general meeting in Seville, Spain, in conjunction with the Sudirman and World Championships from May 28 to June 10.

Experts baffled by nature of bombs in Tuesday's blasts

Experts baffled by nature of bombs in Tuesday's blasts JAKARTA (JP): Police forensic experts are at a loss over what exactly caused three powerful bombs to explode in an empty room of a two-story boardinghouse at Jl. Cikoko Barat III No. 23 in Pancoran, South Jakarta, on Tuesday morning. National Police forensic laboratory deputy chief Sr. Comr. Dudon Setia Putra told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that the bombs contained the high explosive TNT (trinitrotoluene), potassium chlorate and sulfur.

Consumer confidence continues to decline

Consumer confidence continues to decline JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's consumer confidence continued to worsen last month due to fears that civil unrest might erupt and degenerate into violence, according to research conducted by the Danareksa Research Institute.

Japan, RP close to forex swap agreement

Japan, RP close to forex swap agreement TOKYO (Dow Jones): Japan and the Philippines are in the final stages of agreeing on a bilateral foreign exchange swap agreement aimed at reinforcing financial stability in Asia, Japanese Ministry of Finance officials said Wednesday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 20, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,475 0 146,500 Adindo Foresta 115 -5 172,000 AGIS 150 10 3,470,000 Alakasa 150 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,100 25 4,942,000 Alter Abadi 100 0 10,000 Alumindo Light 575 0 0 Andhi Chandra 2,000 25 1,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,025 0 1,214,500 Apac Citra 330 20 336,000 Aqua Golden 12,150 0...

Thailand denies SEAG pullout move

Thailand denies SEAG pullout move JAKARTA (JP): The 1999 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games sepak takraw champion Thailand denied reports saying it would pull out of the Sept. 8 to Sept. 17 biennial event in Kuala Lumpur if the new 21-point scoring system was used. Bernama news agency reported that Thai team manager Nippon Siripontham had informed Malaysian team manager Mohammad Omar of his objections at the Khon Kean Cup championship in Bangkok last April.

Bogor burglar shot dead

Bogor burglar shot dead BOGOR (JP): A notorious criminal died after being shot by police in the village of Pakayanti, Ciawi district, Bogor regency, in the small hours of Wednesday after attempting to escape custody. Daud, renowned for robbing villas in the area, was being accompanied by police officers when the incident took place, after he was told to identify the hideout of his two accomplices.

Prijadi, IBRA accused of undermining debt deals

Prijadi, IBRA accused of undermining debt deals JAKARTA (JP): The finance ministry under Prijadi Praptosuhardjo and the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) have been accused of undermining corporate debt restructuring deals approved by the Financial Sector Policy Committee (FSPC).

Fuel subsidy savings piped to health office

Fuel subsidy savings piped to health office JAKARTA (JP): The Minister of Health and Social Welfare Achmad Suyudi revealed on Wednesday that the government had earmarked some Rp 534.1 billion from the reduced fuel subsidy to his ministry for a six-month period. He said that the funds would cover various priority programs, including child vaccinations, medical services for the underprivileged and the providing of affordable medicines.

Finansa expands into RI

Finansa expands into RI JP/11/Colbox Finansa expands into RI JAKARTA (JP): Bangkok-based financial institution Finansa Group announced on Thursday the acquisition of PT Trade Ezy Securities, a member of the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges, as part of its regional expansion. The company said the securities company, formerly owned by the Indonesian subsidiary of Paribas Asia Equity, would be named PT Finansa Indonesia.

Desy breaks women's pole vault record twice

Desy breaks women's pole vault record twice JAKARTA (JP): Ni Putu Desi Margawati broke the national record for the women's pole vault twice on the final day of the National Athletics Championships, raising hopes that Indonesia might win the gold medal for the event at the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Campaign pulls in the public to save endangered coral reefs

Campaign pulls in the public to save endangered coral reefs By I Wayan Juniartha DENPASAR, Bali (JP): It was not a usual Saturday night rock and roll concert, although the venue was none other than the spacious Center Stage of Hard Rock Beach Hotel in Kuta. It was different in the first place because it was free. No wonder the concert venue last Saturday was packed with people from all walks of life.

Local feed millers facing soymeal supply squeeze

Local feed millers facing soymeal supply squeeze SINGAPORE (Reuters): Indonesian feed millers are facing a soymeal supply squeeze as many U.S. cargoes, contracted after a ban on South American supplies, are unlikely to arrive before July, regional traders said on Wednesday. Feed ingredient importers, left with little option after Jakarta banned South American supplies on foot-and-mouth fears, are scouting to finalize some U.S. soymeal deals for prompt shipments despite relatively high prices.

Poaching by foreign vessels rampant

Poaching by foreign vessels rampant PADANG, West Sumatra (JP): As many as 4,000 foreign ships have illegally entered Indonesian waters in the past year, exploiting the country's maritime resources, claimed Son Djamar, secretary of the Indonesian Maritime Board. Son, who is also an expert staff to the minister of maritime and fisheries, said here that as a result of the illegal poaching, the country had incurred some Rp 100 trillion in lost revenue.

Irian Jaya figures decry distrust of Papua bill

Irian Jaya figures decry distrust of Papua bill JAKARTA (JP): Irian Jaya leaders renounced on Wednesday the unenthusiastic response by legislators and government officials to a draft bill on special autonomy for the province, arguing that the bill was drawn up within the context of the unitary state. Anton Ririhena, representing Irian Jaya Governor J.P. Solossa, said his delegation was very disappointed with the suspicion, which he claimed was reflected in the tepid response to the draft bill.

Comal bridge damaged, railway transport diverted south

Comal bridge damaged, railway transport diverted south PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): All trains traveling between Jakarta and Surabaya via the island's northern coast are being diverted to the southern line for at least two days due to a damaged railway bridge in Comal, Pemalang regency. The damage occurred in the middle of the 100-meter bridge, which slumped nearly 1.5 meters early on Wednesday morning.

Consumer confidence continues to decline

Consumer confidence continues to decline JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's consumer confidence continued to worsen last month due to fears that civil unrest might erupt and degenerate into violence, according to research conducted by the Danareksa Research Institute.

KL palm oil ends lower

KL palm oil ends lower KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil failed to sustain early gains and closed lower in directionless trade on Wednesday as players ignored market-friendly export data for the first 20 days of June. "The SGS figures were ignored by the market, and I am sure any fresh crop data will face a similar fate," a trader said.

Soeharto's health declines: Doctor

Soeharto's health declines: Doctor JAKARTA (JP): A team of state-appointed doctors reported on Wednesday that former president Soeharto's health had regressed following heart surgery, but that he was still in a relatively stable condition as of Tuesday. In the report read out by Attorney General's Office spokesman Muljohardjo, the doctors revealed that the pacemaker Soeharto had recently been fitted with could only help his irregular heartbeat but not the enlargement of his heart.

Aussie bank eyes exit from some Asian operations

Aussie bank eyes exit from some Asian operations SYDNEY (Dow Jones): Commonwealth Bank of Australia is looking for a quick exit from its troubled Thailand and Indonesian life insurance operations in an effort to reduce its exposure to Southeast Asia. Many see the move as a precursor to CBA seeking a sale of other Asian life insurance assets it acquired through the Colonial Ltd. acquisition in June 2000, fund managers said Wednesday.

Boeing, Mitsubishi tie up

Boeing, Mitsubishi tie up LE BOURGET, France (AFP): US aircraft giant Boeing said on Wednesday it has struck a strategic alliance in the aerospace sector with Mitsubishi Electric Corporation of Japan. Boeing said in a statement at the Paris Air Show that the alliance covered space-based communications, air traffic management, multimedia, navigation, space and communications services, launch services and space infrastructure markets.

Golden-Cargill alliance ended

Golden-Cargill alliance ended SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Golden Agri-Resources Ltd. Wednesday said it has called off its alliance with Cargill Asia Pacific Ltd. "Market-related events in the past six months are the main reasons," Golden Agri-Resources said in a statement. As a result, a company called Cargill-Mas Holdings Ltd., formed under the alliance, has also been dissolved. A joint venture between Cargill-Mas Holdings and Seletar Investments Pte Ltd.

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.

Australia, S'pore call for stable U.S.-China ties

Australia, S'pore call for stable U.S.-China ties SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore and Australia on Wednesday called for stable ties between China and the United States, saying these were vital to stability in the Asia-Pacific region. In a joint statement at the end of a two-day meeting of their defence, foreign and trade ministers, the allies also noted the contribution of the continued U.S. presence to regional stability.

MPR finishes drafting decrees

MPR finishes drafting decrees JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)'s working committee have completed drafting decrees relating to President Abdurrahman Wahid accountability, accommodating all scenarios including a possible conditional acceptance.

I take after Sukarno, claims Abdurrahman

I take after Sukarno, claims Abdurrahman BLITAR, East Java (JP): While lauding the nation's founding father, President Abdurrahman Wahid used his address at a ceremony commemorating the 31st anniversary of first president Sukarno's death, to promote his own polices, which he said were strongly influenced by Sukarno's teachings.

Bali the object of desire for Dutch artist Husner

Bali the object of desire for Dutch artist Husner By Maria Kegel JAKARTA (JP): Paul Husner follows a long line of expatriate artists, from Rudolf Bonnet in the 1930s to octogenarian Arie Smit, who have made their second home in Bali. Based in Ubud for the past five years, the acclaimed Swiss- born Dutch artist has received several Dutch art awards, such as the Urio Prijs in 1969, Willink van Collen Prijs in 1971, Jeanne Bieruma Oosting Prijs in 1974 and Arti Medaille in 1987.

'Angkot' fare hike burdens poor people

'Angkot' fare hike burdens poor people JAKARTA (JP): The increase in public minivan fares may only be Rp 200 but it is more than enough to cause increased distress for people on low incomes. In the nation's capital, it can take quite an amount of time for one to travel from one end of the city to another.

Shopping malls lure children with holiday events

Shopping malls lure children with holiday events JAKARTA (JP): In such a big city as Jakarta, it is notoriously difficult to find any green and open space where it would be possible to have a family picnic or have children run around and play safely. Therefore, it has become more practical for one to take their children to the mall. With the mushrooming of shopping malls in the capital, there is certainly a wide choice as to where you may want to go.