Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 July 2001

63 articles found

SE Asia seeks global role -- and global help

SE Asia seeks global role -- and global help HANOI (Reuters): Southeast Asian foreign ministers met major global powers on Thursday in an effort to recapture a credible role on the world stage and win international assistance for their crippled economies. The Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) is struggling to rebuild its relevance in the face of nagging internal divisions, declining economic clout and the growing regional political and economic ascendancy of China.

Police expo in September

Police expo in September JAKARTA (JP): In commemoration of its 55th anniversary, the National Police will hold a four-day exhibition called "Police Expo 2001" from Sept. 27 to Sept. 30 at Bung Karno sports stadium, in Senayan, Central Jakarta. The exhibition is the second of its kind, aimed at showcasing police security equipment and products. Police' technology and equipment such as safety, fire and security devices will be displayed in the expo.

Crooks posing as psychics

Crooks posing as psychics From Media Indonesia Early in November last year, I had the misfortune of being cheated by a swindler named Lila binti H. Tibi and her accomplice Eka Iktriastuti. This is the way they run their operation: they proclaim themselves as psychics who have an orphanage. They then create a situation in which you become helpless by saying that you are under the influence of magic spells.

Edy admits to hiding evidence

Edy admits to hiding evidence YOGYAKARTA (JP): Sec. Adj. Insp. Edy Wuryanto, who is being tried by the military tribunal here for concealing evidence in the murder of local journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, also known as Udin, admitted to the panel of judges that he had taken and concealed a notebook belonging to Udin. In the second day of his trial, Edy, a detective at the National Police headquarters, said that he had no idea where the notebook was now. "I think I have lost it.

Reshuffle in Indonesia's national soccer team still needed

Reshuffle in Indonesia's national soccer team still needed JAKARTA (JP): Following an evaluation of its recent tour to Perth, experimentation with a player reshuffle is still considered necessary for Indonesia's national soccer team prior to the start of its campaign in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur starting on Sept. 2. Team manager Irawadi D.

Regulation for newcomers

Regulation for newcomers From Koran Tempo On July 17, 2001 Koran Tempo carried a story on page B6 regarding Central Kalimantan's drafting of a regulation on Madurese moving to the province. I personally think the province should have known better than to come up with such a regulation. This is totally unacceptable. They know that Indonesia is made up of many ethnic groups which have been living side by side across the archipelago for many years.

Traffic in Senen rerouted

Traffic in Senen rerouted JAKARTA (JP): Traffic passing along Jl. Letjen Suprapto and Kramat Bunder heading to Senen train station from Cempaka Putih and vice versa will be temporarily rerouted starting July 27th to August 14th due to railway repair works along the street. According to DLLAJ (the City Land Transportation Agency), while the railway is being repaired, one side of the street will be closed.

Look out for a return to authoritarianism

Look out for a return to authoritarianism An advocator for the Constitution's overhaul, Smita Notosusanto, shares some major concerns expected under the new president. Smita is from the Center for Electoral Reform (Cetro), which is part of the 23-strong Coalition of Non-Governmental Organizations for a New Constitution. Question: Would you hope for more democracy under President Megawati Soekarnoputri?

Computer terms in Indonesian

Computer terms in Indonesian Your article of July 21, 2001, titled "PC software in Indonesian to be launched", really amused me, especially the terms that are supposed to be used in the software such as tetikus for computer mouse, sandi lewat for password, and most of all unduh for download.

RP bans imports of meat and bone meal

RP bans imports of meat and bone meal MANILA (Dow Jones): The Philippine Department of Agriculture has ordered a temporary ban on meat and bone meal imports from all countries, Agriculture Secretary Leonardo Montemayor said Thursday. The ban was provided for under a memorandum order signed by Montemayor July 18.

On new Cabinet

On new Cabinet From Media Indonesia As a low-ranking civil servant, I would like to propose to the fifth president of the Republic of Indonesia that she should establish her cabinet in the spirit of reform and regional autonomy. She should refrain from both disbanding government agencies/ministries and setting up new agencies/ministries as either way it is the performance of the civil servants that will be harmed.

Korean car makers expect larger share of local market

Korean car makers expect larger share of local market JAKARTA (JP): South Korean car makers KIA and Hyundai are upbeat they will be able to control a larger share of the Indonesian market despite tight competition in the local market. San Gunawan, sales and marketing director of PT KIA Mobil Indonesia, said he hoped KIA's market share, which is only about three percent at present, would be able to increase to 15 percent in five years.

KL opposition party mulls alliance exit

KL opposition party mulls alliance exit KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's main Chinese-based opposition party said on Thursday it would decide next month whether to leave the nation's opposition front after a row with the alliance's Islamic party.

Vietnam may cut robustas, eyes arabicas: Sources

Vietnam may cut robustas, eyes arabicas: Sources SINGAPORE (Reuters): Vietnam, the world's largest robusta coffee producer, may destroy some plantations to reduce oversupply and promote the aromatic and higher quality arabica variety, industry sources said on Thursday. Indonesia is also seeking to boost arabica output, but so far it is growing at a snail's pace because of high maintenance costs, soil, altitude and climate requirements.

Will Hamzah change his modest ways?

Will Hamzah change his modest ways? JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of Hamzah Haz's neighbors found many changes at his private house in narrow Jl. Tegalan, Pal Meriam, East Jakarta, but many questioned whether the new Vice President would change his modest ways. Known as a devoted Muslim, Hamzah always attends a mass prayer at the mosque he founded in front of his house whenever he is at home. Hamzah has lived there since 1981. "Pak Hamzah is a religious man.

Judge who sentenced Tommy to prison gunned down

Judge who sentenced Tommy to prison gunned down JAKARTA (JP): Justice M. Syafiuddin Kartasasmita, who sentenced former president Soeharto's son and golfing buddy to jail for corruption, was shot dead on Thursday morning while driving to work at the Supreme Court. Eyewitnesses said they saw four men on two motorcycles forcing Syafiuddin to stop his Honda CRV jeep on Jl. Serdang Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, at about 8:30 a.m.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 26, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,350 -50 246,500 Adindo Foresta 110 0 340,000 AGIS 140 0 155,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 1,550 350 5,487,000 Alakasa 175 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 975 0 170,500 Alter Abadi 80 -5 16,000 Alumindo Light 675 0 20,500 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 10 6,000 Aneka Tambang 1,050 -25 4,318,000 Apac...

An unlikely duet

An unlikely duet After two days of tense meetings, Indonesia's highest policy- making body, the People's Consultative Assembly, has put its faith in Hamzah Haz, chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), to assist President Megawati Soekarnoputri as the country's vice president. In stark contrast to the election of Megawati as president last Monday, which practically constituted a mere brief formality, voting for the vice-presidential position proceeded far more tediously.

Uncle, nephew run over by old sedan on sidewalk

Uncle, nephew run over by old sedan on sidewalk TANGERANG (JP): A young child was killed instantly with a broken skull while his uncle died in a medical clinic hours later after an out-of-control old Chevrolet sedan hit them on a street sidewalk on Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto, some 500 meters from the new Cileduk Mall in Cileduk, Tangerang, on Thursday morning. An officer of Cileduk subprecinct police First. Adj. Insp.

Former governors to be questioned over alleged Kemayoran land scam

Former governors to be questioned over alleged Kemayoran land scam JAKARTA (JP): The City Council will question two former governors over the change of status of 44 hectares of land at the site of the former Kemayoran airport, Central Jakarta, from the city administration's control to that of a private company.

PKB

PKB Amien calls on PKB faction to rejoin Assembly. Page 2 Trial Two justices go on trial for 'receiving' bribes. Page 3 Capability Megawati is capable of confounding critics. Page 4 Tennis Sampras sees off Chang to reach quarterfinals. Page 7 Prejudice Leprosarium battles society's prejudice. Page 8 Export target BPEN pessimistic on govt 2001 export target. Page 10 Currencies Dollar falls against euro, yen pushes Asian currencies higher. Page 11 Oil cuts Bush warns U.S.

Officials to enforce travel bans

Officials to enforce travel bans JAKARTA (JP): The Directorate General of Immigration has announced that the passports of every person who is banned from traveling abroad will be taken and temporarily held by the immigration office that issued the document. The new policy is intended to prevent criminal suspects who have been slapped with travel bans from fleeing the country, Director of Immigration Control and Measures Mohammad Indra said in a media release on Thursday.

Megawati advised to 'avoid' rights trials

Megawati advised to 'avoid' rights trials JAKARTA (JP): Observers have suggested that President Megawati Soekarnoputri had better avoid efforts to bring to court past human rights violation cases if she wants to stay in power until 2004. Munir, from the National Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras), said on Wednesday that efforts to reopen such rights cases would only result in a confrontation with the military, which had made a comeback into the political arena.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Variety Show 10:00 Children's Program 11:00 Regional News 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Talk Show 2:00 News 2:15 Debating 3:15 Music 4:15 Children's Program 4:30 Regional Program 5:00 News 5:30 Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Dialog 8:00 Music 9:00 Puppet Show 10:00 News 10:30 Puppet Show (contd.) 11:30 Talk Show Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:00 Music 7:30 News (in English) 8:30 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m.

Court orders further probe of Estrada

Court orders further probe of Estrada MANILA (AFP): An antigraft court sent one of three corruption- related cases against ousted Philippine leader Joseph Estrada back to state prosecutors on Thursday, saying further investigation was needed. The Sandiganbayan court, in a resolution, remanded the case to Ombudsman Aniano Desierto and ordered him to conduct "further preliminary investigation" into the charge that Estrada illegally used an alias to conceal secret bank accounts.

Nokia launches new product

Nokia launches new product JAKARTA (JP): Finnish handphone manufacturer Nokia introduced on Thursday its newest model, the Nokia 9210 Communicator, to the Indonesian market. The 9210, unlike the older 9110i, is equipped with a color screen featuring 4096 colors. In addition to standard handphone functions, the 9210 also operates as a personal digital assistant capable of accessing the Internet.

5Window for Smita

5Window for Smita ... she should start drafting a new Constitution if she does not want to face the same fate as Gus Dur.

BPEN pessimistic on government's 2001 export target

BPEN pessimistic on government's 2001 export target JAKARTA (JP): The National Agency for Export Development (BPEN) said on Thursday the government's 2001 non-oil and gas export target of US$51.3 million would be difficult to meet given the weak export performance in the first five months of the year. BPEN chairman Gusmardi Bustami said non-oil and gas exports between January and May decreased by 0.09 percent to $18.6 billion, compared to the same period last year.

Two justices go on trial for 'receiving' bribes

Two justices go on trial for 'receiving' bribes JAKARTA (JP): Two Supreme Court justices went on trial at the Central Jakarta District Court on Thursday for allegedly receiving Rp 50 million in bribes each. Defendants Supraptini Sutarto and Marnis Kahar were accused of receiving the money from a middleman named Endin Wahyudin in order to win a land dispute case in 1998. The two defendants are being tried separately.

Rupiah rate July 26

Rupiah rate July 26 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Ginandjar, looking good!

Ginandjar, looking good! I would like to congratulate Ginandjar on his miraculous recovery! It appears that he no longer requires the wheelchair, or perhaps the life support machine and intravenous drips that prevented him from turning up at the Attorney General's Office a couple of months ago to answer charges of corruption. The debilitating sickness that we witnessed only a short while ago is no longer apparent and Ginandjar seems to be in top health.

Gus Dur leaves Merdeka Palace for U.S.

Gus Dur leaves Merdeka Palace for U.S. JAKARTA (JP): For thousands of passionate supporters, former president Abdurrahman Wahid left the Merdeka Palace on Thursday afternoon full of grace. Before officially leaving the palace for the U.S., where he will undergo a medical checkup, Abdurrahman addressed thousands of his supporters who had been waiting in front of the palace since morning.

Eleven ISPs to operate under Lintasarta networks

Eleven ISPs to operate under Lintasarta networks JAKARTA (JP): Data communications company PT Aplikanusa Lintasarta said on Thursday that 11 Internet service provider (ISP) companies across Indonesia would soon begin rolling out their services using a wholesale dial-up solution.

A classically good time at Classic Rock

A classically good time at Classic Rock JAKARTA (JP): It was a Saturday afternoon at The Jakarta Post and as usual, I was languidly doodling while eying the twelve voluptuous new hackettes who had just jetted in from the New York Times for a spot of on-the-job training (don't believe a word he says - Ed). Suddenly, the telephone nestling expectantly at my elbow rang out shrilly. It was my editor, a cad and a bounder if ever there was one. "Get your ass over here," he bawled down the line.

Palm oil competitive despite higher rupiah

Palm oil competitive despite higher rupiah KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones): The sharp decline in the local price of Indonesian crude palm oil as a result of the stronger rupiah has reduced returns to local farmers, but has ensured that Indonesian palm oil remains competitive in the international market, traders and industry participants say.

National team reshuffle still needed

National team reshuffle still needed JAKARTA (JP): Following an evaluation of its recent tour to Perth, experimentation with a player reshuffle is still considered necessary for Indonesia's national soccer team prior to the start of its campaign in the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Kuala Lumpur starting on Sept. 2. Team manager Irawadi D. Hanafi said on Thursday that he and coach Benny Dolo had decided to drop four of the team's 24 players, replacing them with one goalkeeper and one defender.

Shogun, a fraudulent gift

Shogun, a fraudulent gift From Warta Kota On July 16, I received a letter from a company called Zwitsal PT Sara Lee Body Care Indonesia stating that I was a winner in a promotion called "Zwitsal Gives Away Prizes" and would therefore receive a Suzuki Shogun motorcycle as my prize.

Official slashed over parking argument

Official slashed over parking argument JAKARTA (JP): Two suspected hoodlums were arrested in Menteng, Central Jakarta, by police on Wednesday afternoon, for allegedly slashing a city official who banned them from managing street parking. Yoga, 25 and Iwan, 30, were arrested in their rented house near Blora Market in Central Jakarta along with the evidence, a blood-stained sword. Menteng Police chief Comr. Eky H.F said that the victim, Edi Manurung, 52, was head of the city parking management.

Hamzah's win gets mixed reaction

Hamzah's win gets mixed reaction JAKARTA (JP): People in the capital had mixed reactions to the election of Hamzah Haz, chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), as the country's new vice president on Thursday. Many residents of Tanah Abang, where many Betawi (native Jakartan) people live, carried PPP's green flag and shouted "Hamzah! Hamzah!" as they were driven around the area in pickups. Tanah Abang is one of the party's strongholds in the capital.

New Cabinet to accommodate all major parties: Pramono

New Cabinet to accommodate all major parties: Pramono JAKARTA (JP): Officials of President Megawati Soekarnoputri's Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) confirmed on Thursday the new Cabinet lineup would represent all of the political powers in the House of Representatives. The party's deputy secretary-general, Pramono Anung, said the proportional representation of political parties in the Cabinet would be aimed at maintaining political stability.

Dollar falls against euro, yen pushes Asian currencies higher

Dollar falls against euro, yen pushes Asian currencies higher SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The dollar's decline against the euro and yen opened the door for a rally in Asian currencies on Thursday, helping the Singapore dollar climb to a two-month high. The U.S. currency has been losing ground over the past few sessions, particularly against the euro, amid uncertainties about weak corporate earnings and the overall state of the U.S. economy.

Telkom won't sell subsidiaries

Telkom won't sell subsidiaries JAKARTA (JP): State-owned telecommunications company PT Telkom denied on Thursday rumors that it would sell its shares in nine of its subsidiaries.

Government told to focus on unemployment

Government told to focus on unemployment JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) has called on the government to focus on the creation of more job opportunities in its new economic agenda. Kadin chairman Aburizal Bakrie said on Thursday that creating job opportunities should become the government's primary objective. "All other policies should either comply with or support this primary objective," Aburizal said in a media conference.

Poor countries say farm reform key to trade round

Poor countries say farm reform key to trade round GENEVA (Reuters): Key developing countries have signaled strongly this week that they will refuse to agree to a new global trade round unless the big powers pledge to work to end all farm support, diplomats said on Wednesday.

Hamzah elected new VP

Hamzah elected new VP JAKARTA (JP): Hamzah Haz was elected the country's ninth vice president on Thursday, bringing with him renewed hope for peace with a call for political parties to come together to support President Megawati Soekarnoputri's government. Speaking before a plenary session of the People's Consultative Assembly, Hamzah said harmonious cooperation between major political parties was needed to help the nation emerge from its prolonged crisis.

RP police arrest murder suspect

RP police arrest murder suspect MANILA (AFP): Philippine police said on Thursday they arrested a suspect in the murder of a popular Japanese jazz musician here earlier this week. Police identified the suspect as Alex Ilagan, 32, a masseur who admitted to having an affair with harpist Tadao Hayashi, who was found dead in a pool of blood in his suburban Manila home on Monday. A witness identified Ilagan as the last person seen with Hayashi before the murder, police said.

Leprosarium battles society's prejudice

Leprosarium battles society's prejudice Text and photo by Erma S. Ranik SINGKAWANG, West Kalimantan (JP): At first glance there is nothing unusual about Abdul Gani Mahmud, except that he is seated in a wheelchair. And then you see his gnarled hands and feet, the signs that he has suffered from leprosy. The 51-year-old is a resident at Alverno Leprosarium in Singkawang, Bengkayang regency, who along with 34 other patients receives free medical treatment.

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.

Amien calls on PKB faction to rejoin Assembly

Amien calls on PKB faction to rejoin Assembly JAKARTA (JP): People's Consultative Assembly Speaker Amien Rais called on the National Awakening Party (PKB) faction during the closing speech of the Special Session on Thursday to rejoin the Assembly. "I sincerely hope that members of the National Awakening Faction (FKB) return and participate in the Assembly," Amien said, followed by loud cheers from Assembly members.

Fire destroys 400 houses

Fire destroys 400 houses BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Fire destroyed at least 400 houses in the densely populated subdistrict of Pelambuan in Banjarmasin, the capital of South Kalimantan on Wednesday evening, leaving some 2,300 people homeless. No fatalities were reported. Governor Sjachriel Darham and the Mayor of Banjarmasin, Sofyan Arpan, handed over aid, including food on Thursday for the fire victims.

RI women's team beaten in friendly

RI women's team beaten in friendly JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's women's basketball team suffered a humiliating 145-39 loss to the Canton senior team in its second friendly in Canton, China, on Thursday, during the teams warm-up tour for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Team manager Max B. Lani said in a press release after the game that his players were too nervous to compete against the Canton team, which stands in fourth place in the local senior league.

'Tomb Raider' not satisfying but not a total disaster either

'Tomb Raider' not satisfying but not a total disaster either By Joko E.H. Anwar Tomb Raider **1/2 out of four stars; Action/Adventure, 100 minutes; Starring Angelina Jolie, Noah Taylor, Iain Glen, Daniel Craig, Christopher Barrie, and Jon Voight; Directed by Simon West; A United International Pictures/Paramount Pictures/Mutual Film Company Production JAKARTA (JP): Every time those guys in Hollywood make a movie based on a popular video game, people start to think, "Whom do they think they are...

Megawati is capable of confounding critics

Megawati is capable of confounding critics By Richard Woolcott SYDNEY, Australia: Megawati Soekarnoputri, who was sworn in on Monday evening as President of Indonesia, has the capacity to surprise her Australian and Western critics. She offers Indonesia a fresh opportunity after the failed Abdurrahman Wahid presidency. In January 1998 I wrote in a Sydney newspaper that although Megawati was "a focus for urban dissent", she had "no chance of becoming president of Indonesia".

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Java-Instituut in Photos, Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kav S-3, Kuningan, South Jakarta (Phone: 5241069), until July 28. * Painting, Ceramics Paul Husner, F. Widayanto, Galeri Minima - Maxima, Jl. Sultan Iskandar Muda 88D, Arteri Pondok Indah (Phone: 7207171, 7209009), 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., until Aug. 23. * Painting Barli Sasmitawinata, Sriyanto Gallery, Jl. Gedung Hijau Raya 36, South Jakarta (Phone: 7503117), until Aug. 7.

German coach faces jail term

German coach faces jail term KUALA LUMPUR (AP): A German soccer coach is under investigation for allegedly training a Malaysian state team for the past seven months without a work permit, a news report said Thursday. Karl Weigang faces a prison sentence of up to six months and a fine of 1,000 ringgit (US$263) if found guilty of working illegally for the Perak state soccer body, Perak Immigration Director Ishak Mohamed said.

PT DI workers go on strike

PT DI workers go on strike BANDUNG: Around 200 employees of aircraftmaker PT Dirgantara Indonesia (PT DI) went on strike on Thursday, while many others have returned to work after the company had to suspend operations last week following the demand by employees for an increase in salary. The striking workers, grouped under the Workers Communication Forum gathered at the Management Center Building in the PT DI complex, demanding that the management increase their salary.

Probation sentence sought for Ngadinah

Probation sentence sought for Ngadinah TANGERANG (JP): A prosecutor asked the Tangerang District Court on Thursday to sentence labor activist Ngadinah to a probation period for inciting other workers to join a strike. Prosecutor Eka Widyastuti said that defendant Ngadinah would be sentenced to seven months in jail if she repeated the same offense within a year.

Pertamina finds oil in Irian

Pertamina finds oil in Irian JAKARTA (JP): State owned oil and gas company Pertamina announced on Thursday that it had discovered an oil and gas reserve on Salawati Island in Irian Jaya. "The reserve contains 7 million metric barrels of oil and 17 billion cubic feet of gas," Pertamina said in a statement, adding that it had concluded drilling at the Salawati O-1 (SLO-1) well on July 2. The layer test of the well discharged 583 barrels of oil per day and 8.5 million cubic feet of gas per day.

Observers and experts applaud Hamzah's victory

Observers and experts applaud Hamzah's victory JAKARTA (JP): Hamzah Haz's victory in the vice presidential election was received positively by politicians, observers and experts alike, who said Hamzah would complement President Megawati Soekarnoputri to form an effective government. Fahmi Idris, the chairman of the Golkar Party faction in the People's Consultative Assembly, hailed the vice presidential election as very democratic and transparent, and accepted Hamzah's victory.

Foreign exchange traders enjoy brisk business

Foreign exchange traders enjoy brisk business JAKARTA (JP): As the rupiah continued to strengthen on Thursday after the People's Consultative Assembly voted Hamzah Haz as the new Vice President, some people rushed to sell their dollars, fearing that rates would continue to fall. The rupiah closed at 9,775 to the US dollar, as against 9,960 before Hamzah's victory.

Inco's net earnings plunge to $7.4m in Q2

Inco's net earnings plunge to $7.4m in Q2 JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed nickel mining company PT International Nickel Indonesia (Inco) reported on Thursday that its net earnings for the second quarter period this year had plunged to US$7.4 million from $29.2 million recorded in the same period last year. Inco president and chief executive officer Rumengan Musu attributed the drop in earnings to weaker nickel prices amid weaker global economic activities resulting in softer nickel demand.

It's Sony-Gopichand in quarterfinals

It's Sony-Gopichand in quarterfinals JAKARTA (JP): Young Indonesian shuttler Sony Dwi Kuncoro cruised into the quarterfinals of the US$170,000 Sanyo Indonesia Open quarterfinals, where he will face All England champion Pullela Gopichand of India. Sony easily defeated Ismail Saman of Malaysia 7-2, 7-5, 7-2 in their third-round match on Thursday at the Bung Karno Indoor Stadium, where he enjoyed the raucous support of the home fans who filled the bleachers.

Megawati to begin first official domestic trip

Megawati to begin first official domestic trip JAKARTA (JP): Newly elected President Megawati Soekarnoputri will on Friday make her first official domestic trips to Sumedang, West Java, Palu, Central Sulawesi and Makassar, South Sulawesi.