Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 June 2001

62 articles found

Hundreds of bus drivers strike, more will follow

Hundreds of bus drivers strike, more will follow JAKARTA (JP): More than 250 Mayasari Bhakti bus drivers went on strike on Monday, and hundreds of others are rumored to join on Tuesday to demand a bus fare increase to compensate their dwindling income from the fuel price hike.

Prudential opens new offices

Prudential opens new offices JAKARTA (JP): Insurance company PT Prudential BancBali Life Assurance officially opened its new agency offices on Monday in Yogyakarta and Solo.Company president Kevin Holmgren said in a statement that the new agency offices were established to meet the growing demand...

Govt vows to restore peace in Aceh by Aug. 17

Govt vows to restore peace in Aceh by Aug. 17 JAKARTA (JP): While the government may have doubts that it can meet its own Aug. 17 deadline for a thorough settlement to the Aceh problem, it has nevertheless promised to restore the security needed by people in the province so that they can resume...

Indonesia risks destruction, ADB Institute's dean says

Indonesia risks destruction, ADB Institute's dean says TOKYO (Dow Jones): Indonesia risks destruction as the country's fractious regions spin out of control of the embattled president and as the economy deteriorates, the dean of the Asian Development Bank Institute said Monday.

Armed men rob office in Bogor

Armed men rob office in Bogor BOGOR, West Java (JP): Five men carrying guns and sickles robbed a factory belonging to PT Triangsa Jaya Baygon on Jl. Pangkalan Kedung Halang here early on Monday morning.

S'pore tourist arrivals up

S'pore tourist arrivals up SINGAPORE (Reuters): More people visited Singapore in January to May than in the same period of 2000 as a jump in Malaysian, Australian and British travelers offset lower arrivals from Indonesia, Japan and the United States.Total arrivals rose 0.7 percent to more than 3.

Australia supports RI's territorial integrity

Australia supports RI's territorial integrity CANBERRA (JP): Just hours before President Abdurrahman Wahid touched down here, Prime Minister John Howard told parliament that Australia fully supports the territorial integrity of Indonesia and that the presidential visit is an opportunity to put past...

Gus Dur panics

Gus Dur panicsFrom Koran TempoIt is Dr. Nurcholish Madjid, known to be close to President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, who has commented that Gus Dur is in a state of panic.I believe Gus Dur should not be overwhelmed by panic as he has got a good grasp of Islamic teachings and Javanese culture with...

Every computer needs a peripheral

Every computer needs a peripheralBy Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Come to think of it, a computer system is so much like our stomach. It typically consists of one or more input devices, one central processing unit (CPU), and one or more output devices.

Police yet to recognize post of deputy chief

Police yet to recognize post of deputy chief JAKARTA (JP): The post of the National Police deputy chief is still officially unrecognized by the National Police force, despite the fact that the position has been reinstated by a presidential decree.National Police secretary-general Comr. Gen.

Leaders told to bury the hatchet

Leaders told to bury the hatchet JAKARTA (JP): The country's two largest Muslim organizations, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) and Muhammadiyah, have called on the members of the political elite to bury their differences, unless they want a battle between their supporters at the grassroots level to erupt.

Air Force to probe trouble in President's plane

Air Force to probe trouble in President's plane JAKARTA (JP): The Air Force will investigate the cause of the oil leak in its Boeing-707 aircraft transporting President Abdurrahman Wahid and his entourage on a state visit to Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines, says Air Force spokesman Air...

Unruly policemen dismissed

Unruly policemen dismissed JAKARTA (JP): City Police stripped seven police officers of their badges and uniforms, officially dismissing them on Monday, on charges of polygamy, adultery, desertion, and car theft.

Asian currencies mixed late as yen keeps some afloat

Asian currencies mixed late as yen keeps some afloat SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed late Monday, finding solace from the yen's mild bounce and anxieties over regional central banks' next moves, dealers said.

Promoting product in cyberspace

Promoting product in cyberspaceLike in many countries, many producers in Indonesia prefer to introduce their brand-new goods or services by hiring alluring models, creating superb ambience and dear prizes to boot. Whether the slogans fall on deaf ears is another matter.

Ambon attack

Ambon attack Rights body to investigate Ambon attack. Page 2 Strike Hundreds of bus drivers strike, more will follow. Page 3Mahathir No-one shaking Mahathir's tree after Daim's exit. Page 5Tennis Sampras, Serena blaze into round two at Wimbledon.

Nippon studies GTL project

Nippon studies GTL project TOKYO (Dow Jones): Nippon Mitsubishi Oil Corp. said Monday it has been conducting a feasibility study offshore in the Timor Sea, northwestern Australia, on a project for turning natural gas into low-polluting fuel called gas-to-liquid, or GTL.

Thai rubber prices upside limited as RI stays cheap

Thai rubber prices upside limited as RI stays cheap SINGAPORE (Reuters): Thai rubber prices are unlikely to climb further despite talk of tight raw material supply as buyers are reluctant to chase rates up in view of low-priced offers from Indonesia, traders said on Monday.

Accelerated general election

Accelerated general electionFrom Koran TempoThe House of Representatives (DPR) plenary session convened in late June 2001 issued a second memorandum of censure against the President. Since there was no significant change in the President's leadership style, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)...

Gus Dur's lawyer denies charges

Gus Dur's lawyer denies charges JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers of President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid, who is currently facing a lawsuit for dismissing Soeripto from his post as secretary-general of the Ministry of Forestry, said on Monday that the Central Jakarta District Court had no authority to handle...

KL palm oil stable, cool on export data

KL palm oil stable, cool on export data KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures were stable at the close on Monday as worries over high stocks countered positive June 1-25 export data, traders said.The benchmark third-month September contract was up seven ringgit at 831 ringgit (US$218.

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.

Youths occupy legal aid office

Youths occupy legal aid office BANDUNG (JP): Tens of youths from various youth groups under the umbrella of the former ruling Golkar Party occupied the West Java branch office of the Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association (PBHI) here on Monday.

Gade Christensen, Martin to skip Indonesia Open

Gade Christensen, Martin to skip Indonesia Open JAKARTA (JP): World number one men's singles Peter Gade Christensen and his fiancee world number two women's singles Camilla Martin of Denmark will miss the US$170,000 Indonesia Badminton Open so that they can concentrate on the delayed-2000 World...

PBSI nominates Fung Permadi as assistant coach

PBSI nominates Fung Permadi as assistant coach JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) will be nominating Fung Permadi, a shuttler who is ranked number 17 in the world, who is currently playing for Chinese Taipei, as an assistant coach in its training center in Cipayung, East...

Great promotions launched despite uncertainties

Great promotions launched despite uncertainties JAKARTA (JP): Housing and property developers are currently promoting their projects with attractive advertisements in the media. Property exhibitions are also held regularly in the capital.

RI windsurfers warm up in China

RI windsurfers warm up in China JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Yachting and Windsurfing Association (Porlasi) sent three windsurfers to the China Open as part of their preparations for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

KL students disagree with PM

KL students disagree with PM SYDNEY, Australia (AFP): Malaysia topped the table of foreign students in Australian full-time tertiary education last year, despite an attack on Australia's education system by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, official data shows.

Bomb explodes at ExxonMobil gas field

Bomb explodes at ExxonMobil gas field JAKARTA (JP): A bomb exploded early Monday at one of Arun's gas pipelines in Aceh as soldiers secured the territory along the pipeline, the government said, but adding the incident would not cause a delay in Arun's start up schedule.

IBRA's unstable leadership

IBRA's unstable leadership The sudden replacement on Monday of Edwin Gerungan after serving only about seven months as the chief of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) is simply further evidence of the erratic leadership of President Abdurrahman Wahid.

Property market remains bleak

Property market remains bleak By I. Christianto There are no promising signs yet that there is even a slow recovery in the property and real estate sector. Meanwhile, in the stock market, concerns over weak consumer demand has dragged down property and real estate heavyweights.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 25, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,500 0 80,500 Adindo Foresta 120 0 26,000 AGIS 145 0 1,315,000 Alakasa 150 0 0 Alfa...

Robust handset sales in Asia

Robust handset sales in Asia SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asia appears to have escaped the fall-off in mobile handset demand in Europe and the United States thanks to low cellular penetration rates and a huge appetite for new technology.

E. Timor refugees threaten locals

E. Timor refugees threaten locals KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Thousands of villagers in the district of Sulamu, 120 kilometers east of Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, are seeking protection and evacuation following alleged violence on the part of East Timorese refugees.

Rights body to investigate Ambon attack

Rights body to investigate Ambon attack JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) established on Monday a fact-finding team to investigate the deadly attack by joint-security troops in Ambon, Maluku, against a clinic belonging to Laskar Jihad (Jihad Force).

Ary Suta appointed as new IBRA chairman

Ary Suta appointed as new IBRA chairman JAKARTA (JP): The government installed on Monday I Putu Ary Suta, a former chief of the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam), as the new chairman of the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA), replacing the widely respected Edwin Gerungan.

Bats, birds vie for space in Pulau Rambut sanctuary

Bats, birds vie for space in Pulau Rambut sanctuaryBy Bambang Parlupi JAKARTA (JP): Pulau Rambut, in the Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) chain of islands off North Jakarta, is just for the birds.Based on a 1999 forestry minister's degree, the island, which is only one and a half hours from the...

Violence continues in West Kalimantan capital

Violence continues in West Kalimantan capital PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan (JP): Violence continued in Pontianak on Monday, with local residents and Madurese refugees engaging in gunfights following Sunday's arson attack on the makeshift houses sheltering refugees in a local sports stadium.

Thousands stranded after attempted cable theft

Thousands stranded after attempted cable theft JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of rail commuters were left stranded for hours on Monday after a man cut the feeder cables of a train traveling on the Bojong Gede-Citayam line, at Pabuaran village, Citayam, Bogor.

Councillors take degrees, funded by city budget

Councillors take degrees, funded by city budget JAKARTA (JP): Studying from birth until death appears to be the motto of 80 city councillors currently pursuing undergraduate degrees in political science and master's degrees in management, courtesy of the city.

SE Asian firm slow to reform, WB says

SE Asian firm slow to reform, WB says WASHINGTON (DPA): Southeast Asia is lagging behind in measures to reform its private sector and growth could suffer as foreign direct investment moves to more favorable business environments, said a World Bank senior official.

Tigaraksa eyes 20% growth

Tigaraksa eyes 20% growth JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed consumer and household goods distributor PT Tigaraksa Satria said on Monday it was upbeat of achieving its profit growth target of 20 percent this year following a strong performance in the first quarter.Last year, the company recorded Rp 15.

Medco 1Q net profit up 15% on higher oil output

Medco 1Q net profit up 15% on higher oil output JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed oil and gas company PT Medco Energi Internasional said on Monday its first quarter net profit rose to Rp 187 billion (about US$16.

Imported foodstuffs must be registered

Imported foodstuffs must be registered JAKARTA (JP): The Food and Drug Control Agency (BPOM) has set the deadline for the end of July for importers to register their imported food products before they are declared illegal and withdrawn from supermarkets and stores.

Aussie bank says it remains committed to RI

Aussie bank says it remains committed to RI JAKARTA (JP): The Commonwealth Bank of Australia remains committed to Indonesia despite its recent decision to let go of its shares in a local insurance firm, a company senior executive said on Monday.

Indonesia goes to FIFA disciplinary commission

Indonesia goes to FIFA disciplinary commission JAKARTA (JP): The FIFA disciplinary commission has sought an explanation from the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI) for the unruly behavior of local supporters during the 2002 World Cup qualifier against China at Bung Karno Stadium on May 27.

Telkomsel provides Rp 500m for RI SEA Games squad

Telkomsel provides Rp 500m for RI SEA Games squad JAKARTA (JP): Cellular operator Telkomsel signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Sports Council (KONI) on the state-owned company's deal to provide Rp 500 million (US$44,250) in cash for Indonesia's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games squad.

DPR still represents the people?

DPR still represents the people?From Media IndonesiaOnly the government is ever blamed for increases in fuel prices. In fact, the government cannot increase fuel prices unless its proposal to this effect gains the approval of the House of Representatives (DPR).

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...

An advise for Megawati

An advise for MegawatiFrom Koran TempoLooking at the political development at home, as a good citizen, I feel the need to advice Mbak Megawati in her capacity as both the chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) and vice president of the Republic of Indonesia.

PT Bank BNI plans securitization of nonperforming loans

PT Bank BNI plans securitization of nonperforming loans JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed state-owned PT Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) plans securitization of its nonperforming loans (NPL) as part of its efforts to reduce its NPL ratio to the maximum limit of 5 percent later this year, as set by the...

Artist dreams of making 474 'ondel-ondel'

Artist dreams of making 474 'ondel-ondel'By Multa Fidrus JAKARTA (JP): Despite financial constraints, Suprayogi and his workers are determined to produce 474 ondel-ondel, Betawi traditional puppets, to commemorate the city's 474th anniversary.

Unleaded fuel will not affect car engines: Expert

Unleaded fuel will not affect car engines: Expert JAKARTA (JP): How old is your car? On the eve of the banning of leaded fuel from the city, you need not worry about making any adjustment to your car, if it was produced after 1985.

No-one shaking Mahathir's tree after Daim's exit

No-one shaking Mahathir's tree after Daim's exitBy Simon Cameron-Moore KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): There is a Malay proverb A fruit when it is ripe will fall by itself.No one at the United Malays National Organization (UMNO) annual assembly, which ended on Saturday, shook Prime Minister Mahathir...

Drivers urged to mark Antidrugs Day

Drivers urged to mark Antidrugs Day JAKARTA (JP): The National Police urged drivers of public and private vehicles to put on their headlights in the morning and late afternoon on Tuesday to mark the World Antidrugs Day.The vehicle headlights should be put on from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and from 4:30 p.

Punish rapists

Punish rapistsFrom KompasRecently a number of rape cases have been aired on TV or reported in the media. Some of the rapists are known to the victims.Have rapists ever thought how emotionally devastated their victims would become as a result of their despicable act? Also have rapists ever thought...

Makassar to deport Malaysian woman

Makassar to deport Malaysian woman MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The local immigration office here will soon deport a young Malaysian woman believed to have lived illegally in South Sulawesi for six years as a prostitute.

PT PLN 2000 net loss surges to Rp 24 trillion

PT PLN 2000 net loss surges to Rp 24 trillion JAKARTA (JP): State-owned electricity company PT PLN said on Monday its net loss last year surged to Rp 24.61 trillion (about US$2.16 billion), or more than double the Rp 11.

RI firms' ratings withdrawn

RI firms' ratings withdrawn JAKARTA (JP): Credit ratings firm Standard & Poor's said on Monday it had withdrawn its corporate credit ratings of several Indonesian companies."The rating withdrawals are a result of the prolonged debt restructuring at these companies," the firm said in a statement.

RP stunned by report of Chinese warships in Spratlys

RP stunned by report of Chinese warships in Spratlys MANILA (Agencies): The Philippine government was Monday checking reports that China had deployed warships near the disputed Spratly islands chain, saying it would be a "major disturbance" if true.

Rupiah rate June 25

Rupiah rate June 25 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 10,850.00 11,850.00 11,293.00 11,407.00Australian dollar 1 5,617.05 6,143.04 5,846.39 5,913.39Austrian schilling 1 676.61 739.40 704.24 711.76Belgian franc 1 230.80 252.22 240.22 242.

Endangered rabbit found in park

Endangered rabbit found in park BENGKULU, Bengkulu: After more than five decades, Bukit Barisan National Park has reported a sighting of the endangered Sumatra jungle rabbit (nesolagus netscherii).The park's chief, Susilo Legowo, told Antara the rabbit was spotted by one of the surveillance cameras...