Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 June 2001

72 articles found

IBRA needs strong leadership: President

IBRA needs strong leadership: President CANBERRA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said here on Tuesday that the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) needed strong leadership to improve the performance of the agency."I may say there are two kinds of people.

Several urban children lack birth certificates

Several urban children lack birth certificates JAKARTA (JP): Half of Indonesian children in urban areas do not possess birth certificates, an official said on Monday.In villages, the figure was even lower with around one third of the children not having the certificates, an executive of the State...

Cibinong Police arrest car thief

Cibinong Police arrest car thief BOGOR (JP): Cibinong police arrested a car thief suspect and confiscated two vans from his home in a village in Cibinong on Sunday, police said on Tuesday.Abdul Rohim, a suspected leader of a car thief syndicate, had allegedly been involved in several car theft...

Where to go in Surabaya

Where to go in SurabayaExhibition* Painting by Cak Kadir, Balai Adika, Mandarin Oriental, Majapahit Hotel Jl. Tunjungan 65 (Phone: 031 545 4333), July 9 - 10.Film* Monthly French Film, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5615246), every Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, 6:30 p.m.

Landslide kills two in Padang

Landslide kills two in Padang PADANG, West Sumatra: Two workers were feared dead after being buried alive while two others sustained severe injuries in a landslide in Bukit Ngalau, Indarung, Padang on Tuesday.The accident took place in the morning following a night's downpour at a silica quarry.

Hendrawan, Tony get cash bonuses

Hendrawan, Tony get cash bonuses JAKARTA (JP): Hendrawan and Tony Gunawan received cash bonuses from the East Java administration for their success at the World Championships in Seville, Spain, earlier this month.

Indonesia coaches to check strength of soccer rivals

Indonesia coaches to check strength of soccer rivals JAKARTA (JP): National soccer coach Benny Dolo and his assistant Mundari Karya left for a one-day trip to Kuala Lumpur to observe Malaysia's and Thailand's teams perform in the qualifying round of the Merdeka Cup tournament on Tuesday evening.

Attorney General Lopa's moves create hope, skepticism

Attorney General Lopa's moves create hope, skepticism JAKARTA (JP): The courageous moves of newly installed Attorney General Baharuddin Lopa in investigating powerful people suspected of graft has raised hope as well as skepticism about the government's efforts to uphold the law.

Helping people get jobs fast

Helping people get jobs fast SURABAYA (JP): Bagus Supomo has always had an obsession; to help young people get jobs easily and help the hotel industry find capable and qualified human resources.A veteran hotel employee, he knows too well how hotels find many of their new recruits disappointing...

RI, Australia pave way for better ties

RI, Australia pave way for better tiesBy Meidyatama Suryodiningrat CANBERRA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid and Prime Minister John Howard emerged from their historic summit meeting here on Tuesday officially putting behind them the diplomatic discord that has been disrupting ties between...

President's accountability a must: PDIP

President's accountability a must: PDIP JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) is pressing ahead with the original agenda of the People's Consultative Assembly special session, namely to ask President Abdurrahman Wahid to account for his government's poor...

National chess c'ship in Bali

National chess c'ship in Bali JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) will hold its national championships in Denpasar, Bali, from July 9 to July 19, with the knock-out format being used in the men's senior division.

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.

Rupiah rate June 26

Rupiah rate June 26 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 10,875.00 11,875.00 11,318.00 11,432.00Australian dollar 1 5,619.11 6,144.13 5,848.01 5,914.92Austrian schilling 1 680.62 743.64 708.35 715.90Belgian franc 1 232.17 253.66 241.62 244.

In search of institutes of higher education

In search of institutes of higher education SURABAYA (JP): After having long been dubbed the city of Indamardi (industry, trade, maritime and education), Surabaya today is striving to be just as popular for its tertiary education.

Interdepartmental team to studytoll increase

Interdepartmental team to studytoll increase JAKARTA (JP): The government will establish an interdepartmental team to study a possible 30 percent increase in tolls on major toll roads this year, according to Minister of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure Erna Witoelar.

On BII Visa Card

On BII Visa Card We are referring to our customer's complaint BII Visa Card in The Jakarta Post, June 18, 2001.Through this letter we would like to state that we have settled the case directly with Mr. Jaya Wijaya.We also would like to thank him for his input on our service development.

Suwondo may get three years for Bulog scam

Suwondo may get three years for Bulog scam JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid's former masseur Muhammad Alip Agung Suwondo is facing a possible three-year jail term for his alleged role in the Bulog scandal.

Stock index rise unusual: JSX

Stock index rise unusual: JSX JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) is "investigating" last week's market activities, as an "unusual" trading pattern led to a sharp 4.8 percent gain in the JSX Composite index.

Tension grips Pontianak as four die in clashes

Tension grips Pontianak as four die in clashes JAKARTA (JP): Tension continued to grip the West Kalimantan capital of Pontianak on Tuesday, as Madurese refugees refused to be relocated following clashes with locals that claimed four lives.

Activists claim police cells seriously overcrowded

Activists claim police cells seriously overcrowded JAKARTA (JP): Activists from the Anti-Torture Network visited on Tuesday the headquarters of the city police and the West, North and East Jakarta police, and reported that their detention cells were seriously overcrowded.

Residents storm police station over shooting

Residents storm police station over shooting JAKARTA (JP): Residents of the Johar Baru district in Central Jakarta stormed the compound of the local police station on Tuesday, following the fatal shooting of a local man by police.The residents were armed with sharp weapons and steel rods.

BI issues new ruling on money laundering

BI issues new ruling on money laundering JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia has issued a new ruling to help curb money laundering activity, the central bank deputy governor Achjar Iljas said on Tuesday.Achjar said that the "know your customers" regulation provided guidelines for banks to detect...

U.S. envoy visits Maluku

U.S. envoy visits Maluku AMBON, Maluku: United States consul general Robert A. Pollard held a briefing with civil emergency administrators in Maluku on Tuesday to discuss the province's security condition.The envoy met with Pattimura Military chief of staff Col.

Irian Jaya

Irian Jaya Govt rejects referendum in Irian Jaya. Page 2 Bulog scam Suwondo may get three years for Bulog scam. Page 3U.S. U.S. diplomacy in South Asia limited. Page 5Tennis Venus and Dokic cruise, Hingis crashes again. Page 6Capital accord Basel supervisors delay start of new capital accord.

Rose is Rose

Rose is Rose Reading Give me back my hot spot in The Jakarta Post, June 23, 2001, I would now like to give my comment.I was first attracted to The Jakarta Post because of its crossword puzzles, which then were not as complicated as they have become.

Indonesia, UNTAET sign deal on peacekeeper murder probe

Indonesia, UNTAET sign deal on peacekeeper murder probe KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): Indonesia and the United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) signed an agreement on Tuesday on an investigation into the killing of a UN Peacekeeping Force member in East Timor last year.

RI pushes ahead with WPF

RI pushes ahead with WPF CANBERRA (JP): Indonesia is pushing ahead with its idea of establishing a West Pacific Forum and on Tuesday received a nod of support from Australia to convene an inaugural ministerial meeting next year.

Councillors in conflict over parking operators

Councillors in conflict over parking operators JAKARTA (JP): City councillors have recently been busy with attempts to pave the way for private parking operators to manage the city's off-street parking.

Independent team to take over Ariawest

Independent team to take over Ariawest JAKARTA (JP): The government will install an independent management team to temporarily take over the day-to-day operations of telecommunication services in West Java and Banten run by PT AriaWest International, a senior official said.

Semen Cibinong's $250m write-off plan OK'd

Semen Cibinong's $250m write-off plan OK'd JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of publicly listed cement producer PT Semen Cibinong approved on Tuesday management plans to write off the company's controversial "missing" deposits worth over US$250 million, clearing the way for Swiss cement group Holcim Ltd.

RP on high alert ahead of Estrada trial

RP on high alert ahead of Estrada trial MANILA (AFP): Philippine security forces were on high alert in Manila after an anti-graft court judge on Tuesday refused to change the scheduled open-court appearance of deposed president Joseph Estrada on perjury charges.

Police's neutrality

Police's neutralityFrom Media IndonesiaRegarding the present political development, in particular the leadership of the National Police, the Communications on Police Performance Monitoring would like to state the following:1.

Cleaning up dirty money

Cleaning up dirty money Indonesia, which has so far been ranked among the most corrupt countries in the world, has now gained notoriety as a suspected conduit for money laundering. This is defined as the processing, through the banking system, of the proceeds of crime, in order to disguise their...

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.

Bus drivers strike over rental fees

Bus drivers strike over rental fees JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of passengers were stranded again on Tuesday morning when over 680 bus drivers from the city's largest bus operator, PT Mayasari Bhakti, continued their strike on Tuesday.Two hundred of the company's drivers stayed off the road on Monday.

Why not resign gracefully?

Why not resign gracefully?From Koran TempoPolitics is merely a game and a fact of life. Even Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid has become the president of the Republic of Indonesia. Gus Dur himself once said: "Who would have thought that a man who is unable to read can become a president".

Asian wheat demand seen steady

Asian wheat demand seen steady PHUKET, Thailand (Reuters): Asian wheat consumption is unlikely to drop in the coming months despite higher world prices, a senior U.S. trade official said on Monday.Rising prices -- thanks to declining world wheat stocks -- are unlikely to deter importers such as...

Nureyev the star comes down to earth

Nureyev the star comes down to earthBy Bruce Emond JAKARTA (JP): Put it down to a touch of exaggeration derived from nostalgia and love when one of the commentators in Nureyev: The Last Ten Years, a film which is part of the current exhibit of memorabilia of the late dancer at the National Museum,...

RP '01 GDP seen at 2.6%

RP '01 GDP seen at 2.6% MANILA (Dow Jones): The Philippine economy is expected to grow 2.6% year-to-year in 2001, a rate well below the government's target of at least 3.3%, according to a regional economic think tank funded by the Australian government.

Asia in danger of slipping into a recession: UBS Warburg

Asia in danger of slipping into a recession: UBS Warburg SINGAPORE (AFP): Some Asian countries have a high risk of slipping into a recession because of the fragility of the Japanese economy, investment bank UBS Warburg said Tuesday.

Myanmar-Thai ties 'back to normal'

Myanmar-Thai ties 'back to normal' YANGON (AFP): Relations between Myanmar and Thailand are returning to normal after a rocky period where opposition groups attempted to "destroy" the friendship, a senior member of Myanmar's junta said on Tuesday.The regime's number three, Lt. Gen.

Drug therapy essential in treating lupus

Drug therapy essential in treating lupusBy Maria Endah Hulupi JAKARTA (JP): "Rita" was an active young woman who woke up one morning complaining of painful joints. She felt better after seeing a rheumatologist, but a few days later an awful rash developed on her face and she had a mouth ulcer.

Rabies claims three lives

Rabies claims three lives KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Rabies has killed three people here over the past two weeks, and infected dozens of other who are now receiving intensive medical care.The Eddy Sabara General Hospital told Antara that there had been 49 dog-bite cases recorded since January.

Female independence activist dies

Female independence activist dies JAKARTA (JP): Independence movement activist, Sihwati Nawangwulan, who is also the wife of former Indonesian minister for foreign affairs and ambassador to the United Nations Ruslan Abdulgani, passed away here on Tuesday morning at the age of 85.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSXStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 26, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,475 -25 132,500 Adindo Foresta 115 -5 270,000 AGIS 140 -5 354,500 Alakasa 150 0 0 Alfa...

BI's forex reserves up

BI's forex reserves up JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia said on Tuesday that the country's foreign exchange reserves slightly increased to US$28.67 billion as of June 22, compared to $28.50 billion in the previous week.

Reports reflect a changed Australia

Reports reflect a changed AustraliaBy Rob Goodfellow WOLLONGONG, Australia (JP): The positive reaction of the Australian press to the visit of President Abdurrahman Wahid (Gus Dur) demonstrates an ever-maturing level of sensitivity, insight and analysis into the complex bilateral relationship...

U.S., Belgium to supply arms to East Timor army

U.S., Belgium to supply arms to East Timor army DILI (Reuters): The United States and Belgium have agreed to sell East Timor weapons, including more than 1,200 assault rifles, for its new defense force, a senior UN official said on Tuesday.The weapons worth $1.

Arun work put on hold after bomb blast

Arun work put on hold after bomb blast JAKARTA (JP): American oil and gas company PT ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia Inc. has suspended works for the start-up of its Arun gas fields in Aceh, following a bomb explosion at one of its gas pipelines, an ExxonMobil official said on Tuesday.

Fung to be nominated as assistant coach

Fung to be nominated 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 Jakarta.

PSSI-McDonald's futsal team in Balikpapan

PSSI-McDonald's futsal team in Balikpapan JAKARTA (JP): The Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI)- McDonald's Indonesia futsal team will hold a coaching clinic in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, to help promote the new sport.

Police shoot fleeing prisoner

Police shoot fleeing prisoner BOGOR (JP): Cianjur Police officers arrested four out of eight prisoners who had fled separate locations on Monday evening, police said on Tuesday.The police shot one of the four fleeing prisoners, Dadang Mustofa, as he attempted to resist police arrest, Bogor Police...

BI sees 4.5% to 5.5% growth in 2002

BI sees 4.5% to 5.5% growth in 2002 JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia predicted that the economy would enjoy higher growth of between 4.5 percent and 5.5 percent in 2002, compared to between 3 percent and 4 percent estimated for this year.

Govt to establish team to study toll increase

Govt to establish team to study toll increase JAKARTA (JP): The government will establish an interdepartmental team to study a possible 30 percent increase in tolls on major toll roads this year, according to Minister of Settlement and Regional Infrastructure Erna Witoelar.

Open voting system

Open voting systemFrom Media IndonesiaThe conflict between President Abdurrahman Wahid and the House of Representatives has been going on for quite a while and is becoming more alarming. In the New Order era, political power was in the hands of a dictatorial and authoritarian president, but today...

Former State Secretary questioned

Former State Secretary questioned JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office questioned former state secretary Moerdiono on Tuesday in relation to a corruption case involving the dredging of the Mahakam River in East Kalimantan, which inflicted Rp 39 billion (US$3.9 million) in losses on the state.

Ex-cooperative chief takes away Rp 200m

Ex-cooperative chief takes away Rp 200m CILACAP, Central Java: The head of a joint-venture employees' cooperative in Cilacap has disappeared with half of Rp 200 million worth of profits earned from the sale of its shares.

RI still committed to rights tribunal, challenges remain

RI still committed to rights tribunal, challenges remain CANBERRA (JP): Top Indonesian officials here on Tuesday pleaded for international patience and understanding on the delicate domestic complexities involved in their efforts to bring the perpetrators of alleged human rights abuses in East...

Bakrie to build two CPO plants

Bakrie to build two CPO plants JAKARTA (JP): Plantation firm PT Bakrie Sumatra Plantation (BSP) said on Tuesday it planned to build two new crude palm oil (CPO) plants in Sumatra worth a total of US$12.3 million in joint ventures with two Singaporean and Malaysian firms.

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.

Indonesia reigns at Merlion Cup

Indonesia reigns at Merlion Cup JAKARTA (JP): The national rowing team being prepared for the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games won the overall title at the Merlion Cup in Singapore, bringing home seven of eight gold medals at stake over the weekend.

Locals take over road

Locals take over road JAKARTA (JP): Villagers of Kenali Asam Bawah subdistrict in Jambi have blocked off the access road to an oil field jointly owned by state oil firm Pertamina and Canadian oil and gas firm Gulf Resources for more than a week.

PRSI to hold polo event

PRSI to hold polo event JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Swimming Federation (PRSI) will organize a water polo tournament to scout new talent and to prepare for the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Kidnappers seek international discussion on 'Free Papua'

Kidnappers seek international discussion on 'Free Papua' JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): An Irianese separatist group that has taken hostage two Belgian filmmakers is demanding President Abdurrahman Wahid bring the Irian Jaya issues before an international forum, a church official said on Tuesday.

SSI will remain in the red this year

SSI will remain in the red this year JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed property and construction firm PT Surya Semesta Internusa will remain in the red this year, despite a growth in sales, a senior executive of the company said on Tuesday.

Light still shining bright on Cahaya Kota restaurant

Light still shining bright on Cahaya Kota restaurant JAKARTA (JP): Cahaya Kota, established in 1942 under the name Tueng Kong, is one of the oldest Cantonese restaurants in town.It used to occupy a plot of land in the Menteng Raya area, right on the spot where the Pak Tani statue now stands.

More legislators reveal their wealth

More legislators reveal their wealth JAKARTA (JP): Amid the topsy-turvy of preparations for the upcoming special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), a total of 13 members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and the MPR finally submitted forms on their wealth to the Civil...

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)...

China's H1 GDP to grow 8%

China's H1 GDP to grow 8% BEIJING (Reuters): In a sign that China is defying the global economic slowdown, the government has forecast gross domestic product will grow near or at 8 percent in the first half of this year, a state newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Asian currencies mixed late amid debate on Fed rate meeting

Asian currencies mixed late amid debate on Fed rate meeting SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed late Tuesday as participants refrained from taking aggressive positions in the market, amid uncertainty over the magnitude of an anticipated U.S.

Govt rejects referendum in Irian Jaya

Govt rejects referendum in Irian Jaya JAKARTA (JP): The government turned down on Tuesday the Papuan Presidium Council's demand for a self-determination referendum in Irian Jaya, saying the troubled province remains part of Indonesia.Minister of Defense Mahfud M.D.