Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 July 2001

58 articles found

More attention to the environment

More attention to the environment From Sinar Pagi Instant noodle company PT Indofood Sukses Makmur (ISM) has a factory in West Ancol, North Jakarta. With the ISO standard it has achieved, the company should adopt an attitude of hospitality and concern for its environment without discrimination, but so far the opposite has happened.

East Timor to seek ASEAN membership in 3 to 5 years

East Timor to seek ASEAN membership in 3 to 5 years HANOI (AP): East Timor is hopeful of joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations within the next three to five years, its foreign minister said on Monday. "It will take a few years. First we have to get our house in order - the elections, the institutions," Foreign Minister Jose Ramos-Horta said.

Apathetic security guard

Apathetic security guard From Business Indonesia My eight-year-old nephew became separated from his parents when they were shopping at the Karawaci Lippo Supermall in Tangerang, at 8 p.m. on July 14. The child and his parents looked for each other for 30 minutes. Losing hope, my nephew tried to ask a security guard to help him find his parents by making an announcement over a loudspeaker.

Christmas bombing suspect gets 15 years in jail

Christmas bombing suspect gets 15 years in jail BANDUNG (JP): The Bandung District Court sentenced on Monday Muhammad Iqbal to 15 years imprisonment for his involvement in a Christmas Eve bomb blast in Bandung last year which killed four people. The sentence was far lighter than the life sentence the prosecutor had demanded. The 42-year-old Iqbal kept his head down and began to cry when the verdict was handed down by presiding judge Hazli Saleh.

It's Mega's moment

It's Mega's moment JAKARTA (JP): Megawati Soekarnoputri could well have been thinking, "She who laughs last laughs longest," as she was sworn in as the country's president on Monday. Before the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) members who voted against her in the 1999 presidential election, Megawati vowed to cooperate with all elements of the nation to cope with the problems the country was facing.

'Bung Karno' Sports Center

'Bung Karno' Sports Center From Kompas Recently, quite a lot exhibitions and the like have been held at the East Park of the "Bung Karno" Sports Center, at Senayan, Jakarta. In fact, to hire a space in the area is very costly and various extra charges must be covered. For example, the official charge for holding an exhibition is Rp 100 million; while there is an unofficial fee to be paid amounting to 250 percent of the official rent.

Court to issue verdict on Golkar

Court to issue verdict on Golkar JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Court expects to rule on a case against the Golkar Party on July 30. Laila Marzuki, a member of the panel of justices hearing the case, vowed that the court would be objective in its ruling, Antara reported. "There isn't any justice who can be bought, not even by a king," he said.

ASEAN struggles for stability as Indonesia simmers

ASEAN struggles for stability as Indonesia simmers HANOI (Reuters): Southeast Asian foreign ministers stressed the need for stability on Monday as political turmoil in Indonesia cast a shadow over their annual gathering and raised the specter of fresh regional upheaval.

Australian firms ready to protect staff, assets in RI

Australian firms ready to protect staff, assets in RI SYDNEY (AFP): Australian companies with interests in Indonesia were preparing Monday to protect their employees and assets if the political turmoil in Jakarta escalates, company officials said. Mining giant BHP Billiton Ltd, Coca Cola Amatil Ltd, ANZ Banking Group Ltd and Qantas Airways Ltd were among the estimated 400 Australian companies with operations throughout Indonesia.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 23, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,425 0 120,500 Adindo Foresta 120 30 50,000 AGIS 145 10 7,913,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 925 195 1,793,500 Alakasa 175 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 1,000 0 773,000 Alter Abadi 85 0 21,000 Alumindo Light 675 0 39,000 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 190 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,225 50 14,143,500 Apac Citra...

Capital shaken by two more bomb explosions

Capital shaken by two more bomb explosions JAKARTA (JP): After two churches in East Jakarta were hit by bomb blasts on Sunday, the capital was shaken again by two further explosions on Monday, just hours before Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri was appointed president. A 26-year-old woman, Lita Sugiarto, suffered serious stomach injuries when a parcel bomb she received at her aunt's residence at Jl. Semarang No. 23, Menteng, Central Jakarta, exploded a few minutes after 1 p.m.

Staple food supplies ample

Staple food supplies ample JAKARTA (JP): People should not worry about food supplies as the city has more than enough for at least one month, an official said on Monday. "Even if the supply of staple food is halted for one month because of any incident, we'll still have enough," head of the city economics bureau, Dameria Saragih, was quoted by Antara as saying. He said the city's logistics depot had at least 86,013 tons of rice, not including the 2,700 tons that arrived in the capital on Monday.

PT Indoprom apologizes

PT Indoprom apologizes After carefully reading the letter from Mr. Peter Ward (The Jakarta Post, July 17, 2001, Indoprom did not contact me), we must conclude that this problem has occurred due to a miscommunication between Mr. Peter Ward and Indoprom. As the head of the subscription division, I do not personally handle the complaints of our subscribers, leaving this task to my subordinates. However, as their manager I am fully responsible for all of their actions.

Asia warm-up tour for Indonesian SEAG basketball teams

Asia warm-up tour for Indonesian SEAG basketball teams JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's and women's basketball teams will leave for a series of overseas tryouts in China, Hong Kong and the Philippines to warm up prior to the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur in September. Women's team coach Wang Chang-yu of China said on Monday that the 14-strong team would warm up in China between Tuesday and Sunday. They would also play friendly matches with Hong Kong from July 31 to Aug. 4.

Children are a piece of white paper

Children are a piece of white paper By Jonminofri Nazir JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian children, especially those living in Jakarta, usually have similar tastes. Today, most of them love T-shirts, bags, shoes, books or any other product bearing the cuddly Teletubbies characters. Birthday boys and girls no longer demand red-nosed clowns to enliven their parties; instead, they cry for Teletubbies' TinkyWinky, LaaLaa, Dipsy or Po. It used to be Pokemon.

Rupiah rate July 23

Rupiah rate July 23 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Satelindo offers new service

Satelindo offers new service JAKARTA (JP): Cellular operator PT Satelindo launched a new service on Monday enabling its Mentari subscribers to continue receiving calls and messages using the short message service (SMS) even when their prepaid credits had been used up. "As of today (Monday), customers will be able to receive calls and SMS until their cards expire," Satelindo's senior executive vice president for cellular service Jan Nilsson said in a statement.

Rony expected to retain form in Indonesia Open

Rony expected to retain form in Indonesia Open JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's men's singles Rony Agustinus is expected to retain his top performance at the US$170,000 Indonesia Open to begin on Wednesday at Bung Karno Indoor Stadium. Coach Agus Dwi Santoso told The Jakarta Post upon his arrival from Malaysia on Monday that he had not set a special target for the world-ranked 31st Indonesian, but only expected him to continue his top form.

ASEAN mull outright elimination of tariffs in 2003

ASEAN mull outright elimination of tariffs in 2003 HANOI (AFP): Southeast Asian nations are discussing plans to do away with import tariffs by 2003 for early implementation of a free-trade area despite a sharp economic downturn in the region, according to a top ASEAN official.

Agencies report no increase in travel

Agencies report no increase in travel JAKARTA (JP): The uncertain political situation in the capital used to be a blessing in disguise for travel agencies, airline companies and hotels, as many people rushed to find a "safer place". But things no longer seem to be that way. Even though the political situation has heated up recently, there has been no sign of an exodus. Sales and marketing manager of Panorama Tours Tom M.C.

Association upbeat about furniture export growth

Association upbeat about furniture export growth JAKARTA (JP): A furniture association executive voiced optimism on Monday that the country's furniture exports would meet the government's growth target of 9.75 percent to reach a value of US$1.8 billion this year despite a low growth of 2 percent and 3 percent in the first half of the year. Chairman of the Indonesian Furniture Club -- which groups furniture-makers, traders and bankers -- Yos S.

Bush leads world in hailing Megawati's post

Bush leads world in hailing Megawati's post JAKARTA (JP): Congratulatory remarks and comments flooded in immediately after Megawati Soekarnoputri was sworn in as president, including from United States President George W. Bush who said he was looking forward to working with the new Indonesian leader. Bush urged Megawati on Monday and all other parties in the country to work together to maintain peace.

The making of a president

The making of a president JAKARTA (JP): The events of Sunday and Monday will stand out in the annals of Indonesian history. Below is a chronology of the key events marking Abdurrahman Wahid's last two days in office and the elevation of Megawati Soekarnoputri to the presidency. July 22, 2001 9 a.m. Political party leaders hold talks with Vice President Megawati.

Fired workers demand severance payments

Fired workers demand severance payments TANGERANG (JP): Some 700 out of 1,200 dismissed workers of PT Bertoni Sari Jaya, a shoe manufacturer in the Manis Industrial Zone on Jl. Raya Serang, Banten, staged a rally at the Tangerang manpower office on Monday, demanding their overdue severance pay. The rally was marred with violence as protesters threw stones and broke several windows of the manpower office.

Mega fulfills her destiny

Mega fulfills her destiny JAKARTA (JP): Many believe that the events which transpired on Monday and saw Megawati Soekarnoputri appointed as president was destiny. After the general election in 1999, many had assumed she would become president as her party, the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), gathered the most votes in what was deemed the most democratic poll in the country in 44 years.

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.

KL in US$1b takeover bid

KL in US$1b takeover bid KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The Malaysian government on Monday announced a takeover bid worth almost $1 billion for a unit of the country's most indebted conglomerate Renong Bhd -- the first step in taking control of the entire group. Khazanah Nasional Bhd, the government investment arm, announced an offer for all shares in United Engineers Malaysia Bhd (UEM) at 4.50 ringgit (US$1.18) a share.

Jakarta quiet as Megawati ascends to the presidency

Jakarta quiet as Megawati ascends to the presidency JAKARTA (JP): After being apparently undeterred by the rising political tension of the last two days, the city was remarkably quiet on Monday during the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly that appointed Megawati Soekarnoputri to the presidency.

Medicines

Medicines Over one third of Indonesians can't afford prescriptions. Page 2 Bombs Capital shaken by two more bomb blasts. Page 3 SMEs How to ensure SMEs prosper. Page 4 Artist Artist Bimo Chondro lives in two worlds. Page 6 Tariffs ASEAN mulls outright elimination of tariffs in 2003. Page 10 Shares Asian share markets weaken on prevailing black mood. Page 11 Record Sludnov breaks his own record at World C'ships. Page 13 Coup Burundian soldiers mutiny, attempt a coup. Page 14

Gus Dur committed legal blunder: Expert

Gus Dur committed legal blunder: Expert JAKARTA (JP): Observers said here on Monday that Abdurrahman Wahid committed legal suicide by issuing a legally baseless decree which included matters beyond his legal jurisdiction. The weak legal basis of the decree was highlighted further when the Supreme Court's opinion, albeit not legally binding, confirmed that the decree was invalid, facilitating the way for the People's Consultative Assembly to oust him.

More people killed in Aceh

More people killed in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: At least two people were killed and seven others injured in three separate armed conflicts on Sunday, an officer and a rebel said on Monday. Spokesman for the Banda Aceh Military District Command, Maj. Edi Sulistiadi, said the first incident took place in Seumira village, some 25 kilometers east of here, during which a member of the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) was shot dead and four others were injured and arrested.

Trial of judges to begin on Thursday

Trial of judges to begin on Thursday JAKARTA (JP): The trial of Supreme Court judges Supraptini Sutarto and Marnis Kahar, charged with accepting bribes, is scheduled to be opened on Thursday by the Central Jakarta District Court. Judge Andi Samson Nganro of the Central Jakarta District Court, who will one of the judges handling the case, said on Monday that it would be presided over by Judge Rusdi As'ad.

Abdurrahman sings duets with friend

Abdurrahman sings duets with friend JAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid chose to remain oblivious to his presidential demise on Monday, as he spent time singing duets with a colleague and insisting that he would not vacate the palace, despite having been formally deposed as top executive. According to aides, Abdurrahman did keep up with proceedings by listening to the television. However, he tried to hide any sign of tension as he engaged in various activities.

Japan sends forest loan to RI

Japan sends forest loan to RI JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Forestry said that it would receive equipment worth 32 million yen (about US$259,000) in grants from the Japanese government in February next year as part of the latter's promise to help Indonesia prevent forest fires. Ministry spokesman Soedarmo said on Monday that the equipment would be used to preserve national parks, including Way Kambas in Lampung, Gunung Palung in West Kalimantan and Berbak in Jambi from the threat of fire.

Saving Leuser ecosystem poses a long-term challenge

Saving Leuser ecosystem poses a long-term challenge By Serge Wich MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): The Leuser ecosystem is one of the most important rain forest preserves in the world and arguably the most important in Southeast Asia.

Japan's trade surplus with Asia plunges 45.6%

Japan's trade surplus with Asia plunges 45.6% TOKYO (AFP): Japan's trade surplus with the rest of Asia slumped 45.6 percent in June from a year earlier as the global slowdown stalled Japanese exports to Asian nations, economists said. Japan's surplus with the Asian region stood at 276 billion yen (US$2.24 billion), with exports falling 9.4 percent to 1,713.5 billion yen and imports rising 3.8 percent to 1,437.5 trillion yen, the finance ministry said Monday.

First base jumping in M'sia

First base jumping in M'sia KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The world's tallest buildings will play host to at least 40 daredevil skydivers from the United States, Europe and the Middle East in the first international base jumping tournament, Malaysian organizers said Monday. The Malaysian International Championship of Extreme Skydivers 2001 is scheduled to be held Aug. 27 through Sept.

Artist Bimo Chondro lives in two worlds

Artist Bimo Chondro lives in two worlds By Adrian Smith JAKARTA (JP): Paradoxes perplex the psyche when it comes to Bimo Chondro. Bimo works at a bank, but he is also an artist. Bimo likes to appear in black, though his paintings are all about color. He is, it seems, the hub of an extensive social network, though artists are often conceived of as outcasts, denied acceptance in the name of individualist expression. Bimo's trademark is guileless, though his acumen resides elsewhere.

Bomb hoaxes in Surabaya, protest rally in Pasuruan

Bomb hoaxes in Surabaya, protest rally in Pasuruan JAKARTA (JP): Peace and calm prevailed in almost all regions of the nation while the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) proceeded with its Special Session to dismiss Abdurrahman Wahid as president and name his deputy Megawati Soekarnoputri as Indonesia's fifth president on Monday. Two bomb threats were made in the East Java capital of Surabaya on Monday, while security personnel found 80 bullets for an FN pistol near railway tracks on Jl.

Play a fun way to nurture children's love of nature

Play a fun way to nurture children's love of nature By Bayu Dwi JAKARTA (JP): School holidays are memorable times for children, as they get the chance to forget their tiring school assignments and enjoy themselves. Unlike children from well-off families who can fly abroad to visit famous places like the Disneyland, those from the middle and lower classes must be satisfied staying in the city or visiting relatives in other towns and cities.

News on Abdurrahman boosts rupiah

News on Abdurrahman boosts rupiah SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Hopes that President Abdurrahman Wahid's ouster will bring a quick settlement to Indonesia's political crisis vaulted the rupiah to its highest finish against the dollar in more than four months Monday. Spillover effects from the positive sentiment also helped the Singapore dollar and Thai baht strengthen. Elsewhere, the New Taiwan dollar edged higher, while the South Korean won and Philippine peso weakened.

Solution to waste problem

Solution to waste problem From Warta Kota After reading an article in Warta Kota written by Wimar Artinas titled Hello ... Bang Yos complaining about waste -- a common issue in Jakarta -- and suggesting a solution to it, I am of the opinion that all of us must seek a solution to this problem. I happen to have a friend involved with environmentally friendly and efficient machines capable of recycling plastic waste into diesel oil.

How to ensure SMEs prosper

How to ensure SMEs prosper By James Castle, Todd Callahan & Andri Manuwoto JAKARTA (JP): At the beginning of 2000, many economists predicted that Indonesia's economic growth would continue to falter due to the extraordinary problems faced by the government and business community. On the surface, this view appeared plausible. The exchange rate of the rupiah was still very vulnerable to depreciation.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Painting Realitas Orang Biasa by Agus Djatnika, Galeri Bandung, Jl. Siliwangi 16, until July 28. * Exotic Batik by Mitramas Agung Kencana, Grand Hotel Preanger Bandung, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 81 (Phone: 022 4231631), 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., until July 31. Film * Video Screening, Quasimodo D'El Paris, 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m., CCF French Cultural Center, July 26. Performances * Traditional Performance Ketoprak Mataram Prahara, Gedung Kesenian Rumentang Siang, Jl.

Thousands of Gus Dur's supporters stage rally

Thousands of Gus Dur's supporters stage rally JAKARTA (JP): At least 2,000 people from various groups staged a rally in front of Merdeka Palace, Central Jakarta, on Monday in support of ousted president Abdurrahman Wahid.

BPPT set to sell expertise to private sector

BPPT set to sell expertise to private sector JAKARTA (JP): The state-run Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) is formulating a new policy which will enable it to sell its expertise to the private sector, according to a senior official of the agency. Deputy head of the BPPT Jana Tjahjana Anggadiredja said on Monday that the policy would allow the agency's work units to enter into partnerships with the private sector.

TNI and police refuse to enforce decree

TNI and police refuse to enforce decree JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) and the National Police stated on Monday their refusal to enforce a presidential decree that would have suspended the People's Consultative Assembly, the House of Representatives and the Golkar Party. Accompanied by the Military's top brass, TNI Commander Adm. Widodo A.S.

Yogya council apologizes

Yogya council apologizes From Republika An Australian parliamentary delegation visited the Yogyakarta Council on July 5, 2001. The delegation arrived at the Council at 10 a.m. as scheduled, but unfortunately the council heads were not present to receive them. With this letter, the Yogyakarta's council would like to apologize for our failure in receiving the Australian parliamentary guests at the scheduled time and explain why. The Council heads were to receive the guests at 10 a.m.

Bank Mandiri wants indemnity for BII acquisition

Bank Mandiri wants indemnity for BII acquisition JAKARTA (JP): State Bank Mandiri said it was asking the government for indemnity to protect the bank against potential losses, such as from bad loans, arising after the acquisition of PT Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII). Bank Mandiri chief financial officer K. Keat Lee said the indemnity would cover potential losses that were not detected during the due diligence on BII. "We have raised the issue of representative warranties and indemnities.

RI's crisis won't hurt rubber deal

RI's crisis won't hurt rubber deal BANGKOK (Dow Jones): An agreement on rubber reached between the ministers of Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia won't collapse despite the political crisis in Indonesia, Thailand's Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Natee Khlibtong told Dow Jones Newswires in a recent interview. Natee said the agreement was agreed upon by the three governments and will be implemented despite domestic crisis which may occur in any one of the countries.

MPR factions eyeing vacant VP position

MPR factions eyeing vacant VP position JAKARTA (JP): Following the unanimous appointment of Megawati Soekarnoputri as the new President on Monday, the major factions in the People's Consultative Assembly will be fighting tooth and nail for the vacant vice presidency over the next two days.

Victims' family compensated

Victims' family compensated GRESIK, East Java: State-owned social security company Jamsostek paid on Monday Rp 49.1 million in compensation to relatives of two victims killed in a recent fire on a tanker. Fire broke out and gutted the Salawati on July 15 as it sat in the compound of the state-owned ship factory, PT PAL Surabaya. The victims were Supaat, 44, and his son-in-law, Muhammad Saicu, 27. Both victims were residents of Jl. Sunan Giri V in Kawes Anyar village in Gresik.

Rupiah soars to four-month high

Rupiah soars to four-month high JAKARTA (JP): Frenzied dollar selling on fear of a bullish rupiah at the end of the country's political battle pushed the local unit to a four-month high when it ended Monday's trading at Rp 10,230 against the U.S. dollar, experts said. Khalil Rowter, head of fixed income research at PT Danareksa Sekuritas said players had either cut losses or taken profit from the sharp rise in the local unit.

Over one third of Indonesians can't afford prescriptions

Over one third of Indonesians can't afford prescriptions BANDUNG (JP): Between 30 and 40 percent of Indonesians can no longer buy prescriptions due to the prolonged economic crisis that has resulted in the soaring price of drugs, an expert said on Saturday. Newly appointed professor at the school of public health of the Bandung-based Padjajaran University, Uton Muchtar Rafei said the price of medicines in Indonesia is uncontrollable, and compared with other countries, much too high.

RP, ASCOPE to sign gas pact

RP, ASCOPE to sign gas pact SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): State-owned Philippine National Oil Co. and the Asean Council on Petroleum, or ASCOPE, will sign a memorandum of agreement in the first quarter of next year for the Philippines to participate in the proposed trans-Asean gas pipeline, according to the Philippine Star Monday. Energy Secretary Vincent Perez said Philippines' involvement in the pipeline would enhance economic integration among Asean members, including the Philippines.

Is IBRA effective?

Is IBRA effective? From Neraca It is said that the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) is managed by professionals. However, according to Rizal Ramli it is managed by amateurs. Those in charge at IBRA are paid more than ministers and even the President, yet their performance continues to be questioned. The deputy chairman of House of Representatives Commission IV, Rosyid Hidayat, pointed out the conspiracy to use up the assets currently handled by IBRA.

End of an era?

End of an era? The removal of President Abdurrahman Wahid by Indonesia's highest policy-making body, the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), in a Special Session on Monday has brought to a close one of the most extraordinary episodes in contemporary Indonesian history. A highly respected moderate Muslim scholar known for his inclusive and democratic ideas, Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid rose to become Indonesia's fourth president in more than half a century on Oct. 20, 1999.

Cleric tried for rape

Cleric tried for rape CIREBON, West Java: The Sumber District Court began hearing the trial of cleric Solihin, a teacher at the Nurul Iman Islamic boarding school, who is charged with raping a student, Antara reported on Monday. Prosecutor Sri Lestari said the defendant sexually assaulted his student in May at the school, and later sexually assaulted her several more times.