Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 18 July 2001

72 articles found

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. JAKARTA (JP): Market analyst Yenny Fadjar of PT Harita Kencana Securities said the property sector had been generally stagnant. "Since 1998, the sector has been stagnant. This is partly due to our weak banking sector.

Microsoft's Office XP: Is it a compelling upgrade?

Microsoft's Office XP: Is it a compelling upgrade? By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): You must have heard a lot about it already: Microsoft has just launched the latest version of its Office productivity suite. Instead of giving it the name of Office 2002, the software maker everybody loves and hates at the same time has chosen the two letters XP to distinguish it from the earlier versions, Office 97 and Office 2000.

Komnas HAM hopefuls fail first test

Komnas HAM hopefuls fail first test DENPASAR, Bali (JP): A public debate on Monday concluded that Bali's four candidates for National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) posts failed their first test of credibility.

IBRA to decide on status of BCA sale

IBRA to decide on status of BCA sale JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) said on Tuesday it would decide on its divestment of PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) by Friday following calls to re-tender the sale of the bank. IBRA chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta said that the agency would evaluate how to decide on BCA's sale through a private placement on Friday. "This (divestment) is an ongoing process.

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.

120 boxes of fake lubricant seized

120 boxes of fake lubricant seized PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Police confiscated about 120 boxes containing about 20 cans each of fake engine lubricant from Jl. Ahmad Gang I, Sokaraja Kidul, Sokaraja subdistrict on Monday night. In an operation headed by Banyumas Police chief Sr. Comr. Nata Kesuma, 16 drums containing 200 liters of the fake lubricant were also seized.

Kashmir reacts with gloom, anger and despair as summit fails

Kashmir reacts with gloom, anger and despair as summit fails SRINAGAR, India (AP): Kashmir reacted with gloom, anger and despair Tuesday at the failure of the India-Pakistan summit, which had raised hopes of modest progress toward resolution of the five-decade dispute over the Himalayan territory.

Golkar prepares for the MPR special session

Golkar prepares for the MPR special session JAKARTA (JP): The Golkar Party will hold a one-day national working meeting on Wednesday to discuss the party's preparations for facing the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly, a party executive disclosed on Tuesday.

ExxonMobil has no fixed date for operation

ExxonMobil has no fixed date for operation JAKARTA (JP): The government and state oil and gas company Pertamina voiced optimism that ExxonMobil Oil Indonesia Inc. would resume its gas operation in Aceh on Wednesday, but the unit of American firm ExxonMobil Corp. again refused to give a fixed schedule. Iin Arifin Takhyan, Pertamina's director for upstream operations, said the latest technical preparations at the Arun gas fields were proceeding much more smoothly compared to last week's work.

General Motors launches two Subaru sports models

General Motors launches two Subaru sports models JAKARTA (JP): American giant automaker General Motor Corp. is introducing two sports cars, the Subaru Impreza WRX and the Subaru Forester, to strengthen its foothold in the country's auto market. Geoff Bedford, director of sales operations for GM Asia Pacific said the Subaru brand would add to the list of GM's products available on the domestic market, which currently includes Opel and Chevrolet.

A privilege through memberships

A privilege through memberships JAKARTA (JP): In the United States there are several private golf clubs that only allow up to 200 members and whose membership and annual fee run into the millions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of dollars, respectively. The clubs are indeed very exclusive as they do not allow nonmembers to use their course. In Indonesia, the story is slightly different.

IBRA to offer 25% debt haircut, lower dollar rate

IBRA to offer 25% debt haircut, lower dollar rate JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) plans to offer indebted state enterprises a 25 percent reduction on their debt principals, and private corporate debtors a lower dollar rate to prompt them to settle their debts this year. IBRA chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta said on Tuesday the offer was valid for the 44 state firms which owed debts to the agency.

Think of the people's needs

Think of the people's needs From Pikiran Rakyat After the increase in fuel prices, I have been questioning what are our legislatures in the House of Representatives (DPR) mean by "... for the sake of people", when speaking to the media. Which people? The aspiration of the people has not heeded by members of the DPR. Earning sufficient income, they are not really affected by the fuel hike.

Military Police chief fired for 'escape' of Army suspect

Military Police chief fired for 'escape' of Army suspect JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Police chief Col. Joestiono's head was the first to roll on Tuesday morning after the shocking escape from custody of an Army soldier who had been charged with being involved in the bombing of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) building last September. Joestiono was dismissed after Second. Corp.

Protect the Jakartans

Protect the Jakartans From Warta Kota As an employee of a private company, I often go home late in the evening. I always feel worried when I am on the streets in Jakarta. Recently, I read news of criminal acts taking place almost daily, conducted, in particular, during the evening, which often involved violence. Many people say they are not aware that these crimes are being committed. It is said, however, that almost every street in Jakarta could pose a danger.

Focusing on reform process in TNI

Focusing on reform process in TNI By Philippe Raggi PARIS (JP): The problem of the policy of reform in the Indonesian armed forces (TNI) raises several questions. If the number of seats allotted to the TNI at the legislature and at the People's Consultative Assembly decreases in the coming years and if that was accepted by soldiers, it is less certain that the same can be said concerning reform of the territorial military structure and TNI's budget.

People prefer religious, 'How to' books

People prefer religious, 'How to' books JAKARTA (JP): "Things that rich people teach their children about money that poor and middle class people do not." That is the blurb on the front cover of a book titled Rich Dad Poor Dad by author Robert T. Kiyosaki. Yes, it is one of those "how to get rich" books, and apparently, it is among the best-selling books that publisher Gramedia has sold at the Jakarta Book Fair.

Lawmakers asked to be in Jakarta

Lawmakers asked to be in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): People's Consultative Assembly speaker Amien Rais has asked all the Assembly's members to remain in the capital from Thursday onwards in anticipation of the possible issuance of a presidential decree declaring a state of emergency.

Timorese youths call for integration

Timorese youths call for integration YOGYAKARTA: Some fifty members from East Timorese prointegration groups held a modest ceremony on Tuesday at Yogyakarta's East Timor Students Dormitory to celebrate what they called "the 25th anniversary of East Timor's integration to Indonesia". Participants of the ceremony, residing in Yogyakarta and its surrounding towns, sang the national anthem Indonesia Raya as they raised the Indonesian red-and-white flag.

FIFA changes W Cup dates in Africa

FIFA changes W Cup dates in Africa JOHANNESBURG (AFP): International soccer governing body FIFA said Monday it was changing the dates of two vital World Cup qualifiers in Africa. The Group C matches featuring Algeria against Egypt in Annaba and Namibia against Senegal in Windhoek were originally scheduled for July 27 and July 28 respectively.

Jakarta Military Police chief fired over 'escape' of suspect

Jakarta Military Police chief fired over 'escape' of suspect JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Police chief Col. Joestiono's head was the first to roll on Tuesday morning after the shocking escape from custody of an Army soldier who had been charged with being involved in the bombing of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) building last September. Joestiono was dismissed after Second. Corp.

A crust above the rest at California Pizza Kitchen

A crust above the rest at California Pizza Kitchen JAKARTA (JP): Any pizza restaurant with a publicity spiel that sounds like something from Genesis -- as in the Bible, not the group -- is just asking, no, begging, to be cut down to size. "First there was the BBQ chicken. Then came Thai Chicken, BLT and Tandoori. Then ...

Text and photo

Text and photo by Nuraini Razak JAKARTA (JP): Nervous teenage girls squeeze into their flashy designer clothes backstage. They then apply eyeliner and lipstick with careful precision before admiring their reflection in the mirror. They all have the same hope: winning the cover girl contest.

Megawati must also quit, says Gus Dur

Megawati must also quit, says Gus Dur MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid suggested here on Tuesday that he and Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri were a one-package deal thus if he resigns, both have to go.

M'sia given August deadline in tariff row

M'sia given August deadline in tariff row BANGKOK (Reuters): Thailand said on Tuesday it has given Malaysia until Aug. 10 to come up with a list of trade concessions to compensate for Kuala Lumpur's decision to retain tariffs on automobile imports. A trade protocol agreed last November gave Malaysia until July 19 to negotiate with Thailand on non-monetary compensation. After that, it must offer Thailand a proposal. If Thailand does not accept the offer, it can then take retaliatory action.

In-home hospice care helps terminally ill die with dignity

In-home hospice care helps terminally ill die with dignity By Ida Indawati Khouw JAKARTA (JP): When her father was diagnosed with terminal prostate cancer three years ago, Nusinah was in despair. She not only knew that she would lose her father, but also realized the burden she would face having to take care of him day and night while tending to her two sons. The eldest of five siblings, Nusinah had to make a difficult decision.

Police officer killed by 11 drunk assailants

Police officer killed by 11 drunk assailants JAKARTA (JP): A police officer was mobbed and stabbed to death on Tuesday by at least 11 unidentified, intoxicated assailants, some of whom were reportedly Military Police officers, on Jl. Lautze Raya in Sawah Besar, Central Jakarta. Central Jakarta Police chief Sr. Comr. Mathius Salempang identified the victim as Chief Brig.

Sjamsul ordered to return soon

Sjamsul ordered to return soon JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes Bachtiar Fachri Nasution has instructed tycoon Sjamsul Nursalim, a suspect in the mismanagement of the Rp 10 trillion (US$1 billion) Bank Indonesian Liquidity Support (BLBI) fund, to return to Indonesia immediately. "I have ordered Sjamsul Nursalim to return to Indonesia immediately...And his family have promised that he will soon return to Indonesia after he gets wells," Bachtiar said, as quoted by Antara.

Sindbad full of Middle Eastern promise

Sindbad full of Middle Eastern promise JAKARTA (JP): Bomb incidents at Slipi intersection aside, Petamburan, on the border between Central and West Jakarta, has always been a thriving part of the city, an area that never seems to sleep. Lying on the edge of Tanah Abang, it is full of small businesses, workshops, sidewalk restaurants and the multiplicity of other urban paraphernalia, human and otherwise, that characterize the busier parts of the city.

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. However, the property market is still down, at least according to stock market analysts and property consultants.

Arutmin suspends operations due to blockage by illegal miners

Arutmin suspends operations due to blockage by illegal miners JAKARTA (JP): Coal mining company PT Arutmin Indonesia halted on Tuesday its mining activities in Satui, Kotabaru regency, South Kalimantan due to blockage by illegal colliers.

Telkomnet Instan in Bontang

Telkomnet Instan in Bontang JAKARTA (JP): State-owned telecommunications firm PT Telkom has extended its Internet access service, TelkomNet Instan, to people in Bontang, East Kalimantan and Pontianak, West Kalimantan. The two cities are in addition to the existing three cities in Kalimantan that have access to Telkomnet Instan, the head of Telkom's multimedia division, Walden R. Bakara, said on Tuesday.

Man gets 8 years in jail for murder

Man gets 8 years in jail for murder JAKARTA (JP): Murder defendant Aminuddin was sentenced to an eight-year jail term by a judge on Monday for the premeditated murder of his adopted son, Rendi, 3, on Jan. 2, this year. Judge Poerwanto J.L. of the East Jakarta District Court said on Monday that prosecutor Patorang Halim had proven to the court that Aminuddin, a taxi driver, had been persuaded by his jealous second wife, Ratmi, 30, to strangle Rendi.

Hunger strikers vow to go the distance

Hunger strikers vow to go the distance JAKARTA (JP): Students conducting a hunger strike at the parking lot of the National Commission on Human Rights (Komnas HAM) office vowed on Tuesday to continue with their action until their detained colleagues were released by the police. "It doesn't matter how long it takes.

Orientation program for new students

Orientation program for new students BOGOR, West Java (JP): As many as 26,000 junior high school (SMP) and senior high school (SMU) students here started a one- week orientation program on Monday to help them adapt to their new schools. Two days will be devoted to on-site tours, and four days to a number of subjects such as student rights and obligations, civics, morality, and leadership.

Police trained on property rights

Police trained on property rights JAKARTA (JP): Tired of poor enforcement in safeguarding intellectual property rights, the Indonesian Intellectual Property Society (IIPS), has taken the initiative in funding and running a program to better educate law officers in this field. The group's secretary-general V. Henry Soelistyo Budi said the fact that police and law enforcers, such as prosecutors and judges, know little about the issue has hindered the fight against property rights violations.

On the fast lane into oblivion?

On the fast lane into oblivion? By Avie K. Utomo JAKARTA (JP): It's 6:47 a.m. on Saturday. A speeding S-Type blue Jaguar passes on Jagorawi toll road. The person behind the wheel is driving fast to join his already waiting golfing buddies. They are supposed to start playing at exactly 7:09, but if they miss it, they have to wait 45 minutes, provided another group had not shown up. The thought of waiting for not being there on time, he floors the gas pedal to 165 kmh. He makes it on time.

RI needs leader with vision

RI needs leader with vision From Suara Karya While awaiting the special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) scheduled for Aug. 1, 2001, it is worthwhile examining the political history of Indonesia. Since the leadership of the first president, Sukarno, to the present leadership of President Abdurrahman Wahid, the people's aspiration to be a just and prosperous nation based on the state philosophy, Pancasila, has never been fulfilled.

Explosion startles S. Jakarta residents

Explosion startles S. Jakarta residents JAKARTA (JP): After a recent string of blasts, a small explosion shocked residents of the Gudang Peluru Complex in South Jakarta on Tuesday morning. No fatalities or injuries were reported following the explosion, which was reportedly caused by firecrackers placed inside an empty energy-drink bottle. The blast occurred at a minibus depot and damaged a surrounding wall.

Indonesia fails at Ladies Cup

Indonesia fails at Ladies Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian women karatekas participating in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games missed taking home any medals from the Ladies Cup Open Tournament in Tokyo over the weekend. "The tournament's kumite (fighting) events were dominated by European karatekas. Even Japan only grabbed one gold.

RI greenfields among the region

RI greenfields among the region JAKARTA (JP): Golf Digest Indonesia in its June 2001 edition identified Indonesia as home to some 250 golf courses. In the edition, the monthly presented "the best golf courses in 100 countries" in the Planet Golf column.

Mugging on pedestrian bridges

Mugging on pedestrian bridges From Media Indonesia I would like to ask both the police and "Tibum" (local government public order officials) to seriously address the security of pedestrian bridges on Jl. Jenderal Sudirman and those in the Senayan area, in particular, the bridge in front of Pintu Satu Senayan and Ratu Plaza, where pickpocketing and mugging is rife. Criminal actions usually take place at times when it is uncrowded, such as between 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

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.

U.S. Dollar Rates July.17

U.S. Dollar Rates July.17 Latest Previous %Change Yen 125.16-21 125.43-51 -0.22 Euro* 0.8513-18 0.8530-34 -0.20 Sterling 1.3995-.4 1.3994-00 +0.01 Swiss Franc 1.7751-61 1.7708-18 +0.24 Canadian Dollar* 1.5360-70 1.5380-86 -0.13 Australian Dollar* 0.5063-68 0.5074-79 -0.22 New Zealand Dollar 0.4055-62 0.4058-65 -0.07 Deutsche Mark 2.2958-72 2.2926-37 +0.14 Czech Koruna 39.658-88 39.633-63 +0.06 Hungary Forint 296.11-61 297.74-46 -0.55 Danish Krone 8.7394-34 8.7213-57 +0.21 Norwegian Krone...

'RI child labor scene one of worst in Asia'

'RI child labor scene one of worst in Asia' JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian children face some of the worst conditions in all of Asia, the International Labor Organization (ILO) said here on Tuesday. The international body said child labor conditions here ranked third worst in Asia behind India and China.

Mayasari buses strike again

Mayasari buses strike again JAKARTA (JP): Some 42 bus crews from the Mayasari bus company went on strike on Tuesday to protest at the company's decision to increase the daily rental fee. The City Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ)'s Rustam Effendy said that the buses, plying the Blok M-Pulogadung route, started their strike at about 6 a.m. "But the strike ended within two hours while the drivers' demands were still being discussed," Rustam told reporters at City Hall.

Every computer needs a peripheral

Every computer needs a peripheral By 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. The main different is perhaps that, unlike the output of the computer system, the output of our stomach is not normally to be displayed.

Asian currencies mixed late, MAS fears lift S'pore dollar

Asian currencies mixed late, MAS fears lift S'pore dollar SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed late Tuesday, with market players precariously holding on to their heavy long-dollar positions, dealers said. Except for the Philippine peso, which nudged new six-month lows, Asian currencies consolidated within tight ranges as participants were wary of raising the ire of the region's central banks, dealers said.

Indosat plans to sell subsidiaries, focus on telephone business

Indosat plans to sell subsidiaries, focus on telephone business JAKARTA (JP): State-owned telecommunications company PT Indosat plans to sell several subsidiaries and its shareholdings in non-core businesses to focus on the cellular and fixed-line telephone business, a company senior executive said Tuesday.

Juniors need to improve performance: PBSI

Juniors need to improve performance: PBSI JAKARTA (JP): Looking to the future of badminton, the official in charge of athlete development at the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI), Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar, pointed out the necessity to improve junior shuttlers' speed and power. "Indonesian shuttlers have always been known for their strokes instead of speed and power, but the trend is changing, as shown by the South Korean shuttlers," he said on Tuesday.

IBRA to offer 25% debt haircut, lower dollar rate

IBRA to offer 25% debt haircut, lower dollar rate JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) plans to offer indebted state enterprises a 25 percent reduction on their debt principals, and private corporate debtors a lower dollar rate to prompt them to settle their debts this year. IBRA chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta said on Tuesday the offer was valid for the 44 state firms which owed debts to the agency.

Announcement

Announcement Due to the increase in production costs over the past year, which have been exacerbated by the recent increase of fuel and electricity prices, The Jakarta Post, while continuing to provide readers with up-to-date news and high quality information, has been compelled to raise its subscription and retailing prices. As of Aug.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 17, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,425 25 132,500 Adindo Foresta 115 -5 51,000 AGIS 140 0 535,500 Alakasa 160 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 975 0 119,000 Alter Abadi 85 5 8,000 Alumindo Light 650 25 333,500 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 190 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,200 50 26,294,000 Apac Citra 350 -5 82,500 Aqua Golden 14,000...

Plane passengers have lucky escape

Plane passengers have lucky escape HANOI (Reuters): More than 160 passengers on a domestic flight in Vietnam had a lucky escape over the weekend after their aircraft encountered severe turbulence and was forced to make an unscheduled landing, official media reported.

Bandung aircraft workers on strike

Bandung aircraft workers on strike BANDUNG, West Java (JP): Over 9,000 workers of state aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia went on another strike on Tuesday to demand company director Jusman S. Djalal step down for failing to eradicate graft in the company and not tripling their basic salary.

House expects revised central bank law soon

House expects revised central bank law soon JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives expects to finalize amendments to the central bank law during their next sitting, which will run from mid-August to November, a legislator said on Tuesday. Muhaimin Iskandar of the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction said that legislators planned to resume the debate on the government-proposed changes to the central bank law next month after the House's recess.

Malaysian palm oil futures end higher

Malaysian palm oil futures end higher KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Gains in Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) electronic trading inspired more speculative buying of Malaysian palm oil futures on Tuesday, pushing some contracts up by the daily limit again. Benchmark third-month October ended up 100 ringgit at 1,214 ringgit, its highest since April 25, 2000. Volume was heavy at 3,416 lots. "CBOT (electronic trading) is very strong and helping push up prices," said one trader in Kuala Lumpur.

Rupiah rate July 17

Rupiah rate July 17 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Police, military in show of force for special session

Police, military in show of force for special session JAKARTA (JP): More than 5,600 armed military and police personnel, two police helicopters, numerous armored vehicles, water canon and hundreds of motorcycles were deployed on Tuesday as part of a dress rehearsal for protecting the upcoming special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

Malfunctioning landing gear closes down Juanda Airport

Malfunctioning landing gear closes down Juanda Airport SURABAYA (JP): A Navy Bufallo training airplane of the Eastern Fleet Command with malfunctioning landing gear on Tuesday afternoon forced Surabaya's Juanda International Airport in East Java to turn away domestic and international airplanes. An officer with state airport operator Angkasa Pura I, Yuwono Kramadibrata, confirmed the accident, saying that the aircraft developed trouble after two test flights. "The first landing had no problems.

Support sought for garbage processing plant

Support sought for garbage processing plant JAKARTA (JP): A private firm met the City Council on Tuesday, seeking council's approval for the development of a garbage processing plant which would change the city's trash into environmentally friendly organic fertilizer. PT Bio fertilizer Indonesia's president B. Wiradidjaja said, if it was agreed, the construction of the plant could be built in Duri Kosambi, West Jakarta, with a total investment of Rp 54 billion (US$4.9 million).

Introspection

Introspection From Koran Tempo The failed meeting at Bogor Palace (July 9, 2001) is indicative of the deep political rift between President Abdurrahman Wahid and various parties, such as the House of Representatives (DPR) and police. This is caused by President Abdurrahman's bombastic statements, such as his threat to declare a state of emergency and dissolve the House of Representatives should a compromise not be reached by July 20. Through his spokesperson Yahya C.

Days of uncertainty

Days of uncertainty Official assurances of security notwithstanding, there is no denying the ominous sense of uncertainty that is beginning to grip the Indonesian capital city as the scheduled date for the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to convene in a special session approaches.

Are we witnessing Indonesia's destruction?

Are we witnessing Indonesia's destruction? Whether or not the country disappears from the world map could be determined within the next few days, writes analyst J. Soedjati Djiwandono. JAKARTA (JP): During a meeting of around a dozen members of the UN secretary-general's Advisory Board on Disarmament Matters in New York in the early 1990s, I remember calling the U.S. assault on Iraq a pointless exercise.

Surabaya braces for chaos prior to MPR special session

Surabaya braces for chaos prior to MPR special session SURABAYA, East Java (JP): The East Java Police have detected mass movements aimed at creating unrest in several areas in the province ahead of the planned special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), an officer said. Speaking during a meeting with local leaders of political parties, mass organizations and non-governmental organizations on Monday evening, East Java Police deputy chief Brig. Gen.

Mysterious phone call

Mysterious phone call From Warta Kota On July 13, 2001, around 1:30 p.m., I received a call on my cellular phone from a person (Supeno?) claiming to be an adjutant commissioner of the Jakarta Police. His mobile phone number is 0818687646. I was shocked to receive such a call on my cellular phone. When asked where he got my number from, he said he had informants in my office.

Police and military in a show of force

Police and military in a show of force JAKARTA (JP): More than 5,600 armed military and police personnel, two police helicopters, numerous armored vehicles, water canon and hundreds of motorcycles were deployed on Tuesday as part of a dress rehearsal for protecting the upcoming special session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR).

RI loses to Vietnam, India in pepper exports

RI loses to Vietnam, India in pepper exports BOGOR (JP): Indonesia is losing out to Vietnam and India in pepper exports, as the country has fallen from the top of the list of pepper exporters to third place this year, according to an official. Sumpeno Putro, Indonesia's agricultural attache to the European Union, said here on Monday that Indonesia's pepper exports plunged as many importing countries had turned their orders to Vietnam.

Export agency slams Australian imports ruling

Export agency slams Australian imports ruling JAKARTA (JP): A government-sponsored export promotion body slammed the Australian government on Tuesday for imposing a strict importation ruling, which it claimed curbed Indonesian and other neighboring countries' exports of food, beverages and shrimp products to the country.

Picking the proper clubs

Picking the proper clubs JAKARTA (JP): Taking up the game of golf can be a confusing process for beginners because there are so many options when it comes time to select your equipment. There is a wide range of prices to choose from, depending on brand, specifications, materials and so on. And those players who have mastered the basic skills of the game may want to add a club or two to their bag in order to cut their scores.

Aussie cattle exporters watch RI

Aussie cattle exporters watch RI MELBOURNE (Reuters): Australia's live cattle exporters are closely watching Indonesian politics as turmoil surrounding the future of President Abdurrahman Wahid dampens hopes for a surge in trade this year. Exports to Indonesia have been recovering steadily since the Asia crisis-inspired slump in 1997, and had been expected to increase this year on the 297,000 heads of cattle sold in 2000.

PT KAI refuses blame for accident

PT KAI refuses blame for accident PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The state-owned railway company (PT KAI) must not be blamed in the deadly collision between a coal train and a Tasima Star 2000 intercity bus in Prabumulih, South Sumatra, on Sunday, an official said on Monday. Basnawi, spokesman for Division III of the South Sumatra Railroad, said that based on the Article 16 of Law No. 13/1992 on the Indonesian Railroad Company, other vehicles have to give way to trains passing through crossings.