Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 July 2001

62 articles found

Rupiah may strengthen to 8,000 against dollar: BI

Rupiah may strengthen to 8,000 against dollar: BI JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor Sjahril Sabirin said on Friday the rupiah could strengthen to Rp 8,000 against the U.S dollar, provided political stability would endure to help boost market confidence. He said he expected pressure from political instability to ease, following the relatively peaceful election of the country's fifth president. "In view of its real exchange rate, the rupiah should be valued at below 8,000 to the dollar...

Sam Poo Kong Temple belongs to everyone

Sam Poo Kong Temple belongs to everyone SEMARANG (JP): A man and his wife are deeply absorbed in prayer in front of Kyai Jangkar altar in the compound of Sam Poo Kong Temple in Semarang, while holding burning incense sticks in their hands, lifting them several times before finally placing them in a censer. The scene might be an ordinary one if the man and his wife had not been Muslims and did not wear Muslim attire.

Scientists warn of more Mount Mayon eruptions

Scientists warn of more Mount Mayon eruptions LEGASPI, Philippines (AFP): About 43,000 people fled the Philippines' rumbling Mayon volcano on Friday amid signs that it could explode for the second day running, officials said. The evacuees were packed in some 28 schoolhouses converted into camps, with officials pleading for donations as supplies were expected to last only for a week.

Store vandalized and plundered

Store vandalized and plundered TANGERANG (JP): Some 20 men vandalized a store and plundered its merchandise on Friday morning after a customer was slashed by the store owner. Samirin, 28, an eyewitness, said the incident happened after Koko Prayoga, 25, a resident of Sabi village, Balongan subdistrict, Tangerang, bought a motorcycle muffler from Sinar Jaya Motor at Jl. Borobudur Raya No 153, Bencongan Curuk subdistrict, Tangerang.

When a lunch is not really just a lunch

When a lunch is not really just a lunch By Yohana Susanto JAKARTA (JP): Our office complex during lunch hour often reminds me of a bee colony. The queen bees and drones are probably those privileged few relaxing in the open terrace cafe or getting hair treatment in the beauty salon. But it is the thousands of worker bees that catches my eyes and my respect. These restless producers are buzzing around with fierce determination to yield only the best.

Street children too, deserve an education

Street children too, deserve an education JAKARTA (JP): Like any other children, poor children in Pedongkelan slum in East Jakarta deserve an education too. About 50 street children seem to enjoy the classes in an informal school in the slum even though they have sit on the floor. Most of them were drawing on Friday. "I like this class better than begging on the street.

Government's policy on luxury cars comes under fire

Government's policy on luxury cars comes under fire By Mochammad N. Kurniawan JAKARTA (JP): The government's tax policy on luxury cars has come under fire, with critics saying the low import duty and taxes imposed on these vehicles allows the rich to flaunt their wealth at a time when many Indonesians are struggling to survive.

Three men arrested over taxi hijack

Three men arrested over taxi hijack BOGOR (JP): Police arrested three men who allegedly hijacked a Jakarta taxi from the driver at dawn on Thursday. Bogor Police chief Sr. Comr. Bambang Wasgito said his officers were forced to ram a patrol car into the taxi to force it to stop, after a chase that began when the vehicle failed to stop at a checkpoint on the busy Jl. Cileungsi. No one was injured but both cars suffered heavy damage.

India's Gopichand survives Sony's test

India's Gopichand survives Sony's test JAKARTA (JP): All England men's singles champion Pullela Gopichand of India survived a quarterfinals test on Friday over host newcomer Sony Dwi Kuncoro in a tough match in the US$170,000 Sanyo Indonesian Open at the Bung Karno Indoor Stadium.

Telkom soon to open bid for new satellite launch

Telkom soon to open bid for new satellite launch JAKARTA (JP): State-owned telecommunications company PT Telkom will open the bidding this year for the manufacture and launch of the Telkom-2 satellite. Telkom director for planning and technology Kristiono said on Friday a contract to build and launch the satellite needed to be signed by the end of this year at the latest so there would be no interruptions to Indonesia's telecommunications system.

Fraudulent ads

Fraudulent ads From Media Indonesia We have been receiving phone calls recently asking about a joint advertising campaign in the mass media in coincidence with the replacement of the Jakarta Islamic Hospital's board of directors.

Where to go in Yogyakarta:

Where to go in Yogyakarta: Exhibitions * Graphics and statue by Warsono and Yulianto, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Jl. Suroto 2 (phone: 0274-560404), until July 30. * Installation to Steal and to Provoke by Gusbarlian, Cemeti Art House, Jl. D.I. Panjaitan 41 (phone: 0274-371015, e- mail:cemetiah@indosat.net.id), until July 31. * Painting by Woro Anendiyah, Bentara Budaya Yogyakarta, Jl. Suroto 2 (phone: 0274-560404), Aug. 4-10.

Hectic day for Vice President Hamzah Haz

Hectic day for Vice President Hamzah Haz JAKARTA (JP): Hamzah Haz woke up to a whole new world before him on Friday, as the newly elected Vice President was immediately laden with various protocol matters, including a pair of adjutants at his bedroom door and the packing of belongings for his new official residence.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 27, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,350 0 491,500 Adindo Foresta 110 0 0 AGIS 140 0 232,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 1,150 -400 4,918,500 Alakasa 185 10 500 Alfa Retailindo 950 -25 324,500 Alter Abadi 80 0 2,500 Alumindo Light 675 0 0 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,075 25 4,606,000 Apac Citra 340 0 14,500...

Indonesia to host Asia Pacific film festival

Indonesia to host Asia Pacific film festival JAKARTA (JP): The medium of film crosses the waves and bridges of cultural divides, and people like TV film producer and tycoon Raam Punjabi are hoping it can also help improve the world's view of Indonesia.

Abdurrahman: Achievements and blunders

Abdurrahman: Achievements and blunders Thousands of people gathered outside the Merdeka Palace on Thursday to show their support for former president Abdurrahman Wahid. Noted lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis looks at both sides of the popular leader. Question: Abdurrahman Wahid, while addressing his supporters on Thursday, vowed to continue struggling for democracy. Will he be able to do so? Answer: Gus Dur is an ordinary person who had many achievements and made many blunders as president.

Megawati warns regions of misuse of authority

Megawati warns regions of misuse of authority SUMEDANG, West Java (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri warned regional administrations here on Friday not to misuse their authority by competing to acquire natural resources and imposing additional taxes and levies on the public.

Despite woes. SE Asia can still deliver

Despite woes. SE Asia can still deliver By Simon Tay TOKYO: The news coming out of Southeast Asia today is almost always negative. Street riots, ethnic clashes, bombs and political in-fighting flash on television screens around the world. Many commentators and investment analysts are writing off Southeast Asia because of inaction over economic policies and questionable governance. In Indonesia, for example, some say it may take up to eight years for recovery.

Indonesia must ratify 1951 UN convention

Indonesia must ratify 1951 UN convention By Enny Soeprapto JAKARTA (JP): The Convention relating to the Status of Refugees will be 50 years old this July 28. The Convention, originally designed to deal with refugee situations in Europe prior to Jan. 1 1951 was amended in 1967 by the Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. The latter removes the time limitation (events before Jan.

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.

Plan to revive information ministry opposed

Plan to revive information ministry opposed JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of journalists staged a rally in front Merdeka Selatan Palace on Friday urging President Megawati Soekarnoputri to abandon reported plans to revive the Ministry of Information which was dissolved by her predecessor in 1999. Grouped under the Indonesian Press Community (KPI), the protesters unfurled posters and banners charging that the purported plan would only result in government control of the press and freedom of expression.

Jakarta's new leader

Jakarta's new leader The swearing in of Megawati Soekarnoputri as Indonesia's fourth president in the last three fractious years brought an abrupt but largely peaceful end to the ineffectual rule of Abdurrahman Wahid. Mr. Wahid refused to vacate the presidential palace, but his resistance appeared to be futile. With the elevation on Monday of Vice President Megawati, Indonesians must now belatedly address daunting economic and social problems. Mr.

Arroyo's husband probed over bribery?

Arroyo's husband probed over bribery? MANILA (AP): President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on Friday took the first step in initiating an investigation into allegations that her husband received bribes in exchange for the recall of her veto of a telecommunications franchise deal.

Woman nabbed for possessing ecstasy

Woman nabbed for possessing ecstasy DENPASAR, Bali: A 32-year old woman, claiming to be an Australian was arrested by police at her residence on Jl. Mertasari in the Kerobokan area on Friday for alleged possession of ecstasy pills. The Denpasar police detectives chief Comr. Cahyo Budi Siswanto said that police found ten ecstasy pills stashed inside a cabinet in the bathroom of the house where Linda Jordan was staying.

Juniors tested in Bandung circuit

Juniors tested in Bandung circuit JAKARTA (JP): National junior shuttlers, joining the Indonesian Badminton Center, will have another test at the Samsung-SGS Cup in Bandung next week. The Badminton Association of Indonesia's (PBSI) West Java chapter Lutfi Hamid, also the tournament organizers' chairman, announced at a media conference on Friday that all 22 juniors in the center would compete in the circuit series.

A presidential accession

A presidential accession The quick ascension of the charismatic Vice-President, Ms. Megawati Sukarnoputri, as the country's new executive leader should satisfy the international community that Indonesia is trying to pace its steps in its hour of a unique constitutional crisis. Ms. Megawati's flair for populist gestures as also a quiet style will now be measured against Mr.

Judge's murder sends 'message of terror' to law enforcers

Judge's murder sends 'message of terror' to law enforcers The blatant manner in which the shooting of Justice M. Syafiuddin Kartasasmita took place was intended to send a "message of terror" to law enforcers who have only recently rediscovered their courage, according to Heru Susetyo Nuswanto. The director of the Center for Legal and Human Rights Advocacy (PAHAM) here reveals the findings of the center's own investigation into the murder.

Defiant PKB legislator dismissed: Muhaimin

Defiant PKB legislator dismissed: Muhaimin JAKARTA (JP): The National Awakening Party (PKB) stripped Abdul Cholik Achmad of his position on Friday in the party's board of executives and its faction at the House of Representatives (DPR) for alleged insubordination.

Two bombing suspects hold up guard, break out of jail

Two bombing suspects hold up guard, break out of jail JAKARTA (JP): Two suspects in the bombing of Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) building broke out of Cipinang Penitentiary, East Jakarta, on Friday after holding up a guard with a gun that had been smuggled into the penitentiary along with two hand grenades. East Jakarta Police, nevertheless, rearrested suspect Irwansyah minutes after his escape, but suspect Nuryadin managed to get away on a stolen motorcycle.

Asian currencies mixed; 4-month high for S'pore dollar

Asian currencies mixed; 4-month high for S'pore dollar SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Nervousness in the market over the expected release weak second-quarter economic growth figures in the U.S. kept most Asian currencies well bid against the dollar Friday. But the Indonesian rupiah closed lower as the market waits to see whether President Megawati Sukarnoputri will meet investor hopes of appointing a cabinet of economic experts next week.

S'pore trade talks won't hurt ASEAN bloc

S'pore trade talks won't hurt ASEAN bloc HANOI (Dow Jones): Bilateral trade talks between Singapore and three of its global trading partners won't hurt efforts of Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or Asean, to negotiate trade deals as a bloc, Singapore's foreign minister told Dow Jones Newswires Friday.

ASEAN told to match words with action

ASEAN told to match words with action HANOI (Reuters): Southeast Asian foreign ministers on Friday wrapped up a week of meetings with world powers on resolving regional conflicts and winning help for their troubled economies, but critics said the forum was all talk and no action.

Don't forget common people

Don't forget common people From Bisnis Indonesia I congratulate Megawati Soekarnoputri on her appointment as the country's president and Hamzah Haz as the vice president. As one of those who voted for the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) in the last election, I would like to remind Megawati about the promises made during the election campaign regarding the plight of the wong cilik (the common people).

E. Timor refugees renew demand

E. Timor refugees renew demand MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: Eurico Guterres, one of the East Timorese prointegration leaders, has urged President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Vice President Hamzah Haz to pay greater attention to the fate of about 111,000 East Timorese refugees currently living in various areas, especially in East Nusa Tenggara. "East Timorese refugees have experienced unfair treatmeant, as if they were people from other country," Eurico told The Jakarta Post here on Friday.

Third defeat for RI team

Third defeat for RI team JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian women's basketball team lost to the junior Cantonese team 58-86 in a friendly match on Friday in the Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian (SEA) Games warm-up. Team manager Max B. Lani said despite the defeat, his players showed some improvement since losing their first match to the same team on Wednesday. "The players are still making some turnovers today," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Syafiuddin was a quiet, humble person: Family

Syafiuddin was a quiet, humble person: Family JAKARTA (JP): Before Thursday, one could only have imagined it as a scene from the movie The Godfather or from a John Grisham novel. A judge, who handled top criminal cases and was renowned for refusing bribes, was assassinated in broad daylight during morning rush hour. It would not happen here, we all thought - maybe in Sicily, but not here. But on Thursday morning, Justice M.

Athletes, officials in allowance row

Athletes, officials in allowance row JAKARTA (JP): Bowlers and horse riders joining the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games training program questioned the National Sports Council (KONI) legal commission about the whereabouts of their monthly allowances on Friday. Senior women's bowler Sri Mulyani Ruzgar met commission member Cahyo Adi to lodge a complaint concerning her monthly allowances. Allowances from KONI are distributed through the Indonesian Bowling Association (PBI).

Bullets used in shooting 'made by Pindad'

Bullets used in shooting 'made by Pindad' JAKARTA (JP): The bullets used in the fatal shooting of Justice M. Syafiuddin Kartasasmita on Thursday were manufactured by state ammunitions producer, PT Pindad, police said. Chief of National Police Forensics Laboratory (Puslabfor), Brig. Gen. M. Hamim, said in a forensic report on Friday that at least two bullets of .9 millimeter caliber had "PIN" inscribed on them. PIN stands for PINDAD.

Maneuvers against Megawati

Maneuvers against Megawati From Rakyat Merdeka Together with former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid's firm resistance, especially at the moment when the People's Consultative Assembly's special session was about to proceed, it was obvious that some of those around Gus Dur were making strong endeavors not only to show their loyalty but also to position themselves favorably.

Malaysia asked to remove steel import restrictions

Malaysia asked to remove steel import restrictions JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has demanded Malaysia remove restrictions on steel imports as compensation for the delay in the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade area's (AFTA) tariff reduction scheme for the neighboring country's automobile industry.

Bomb threat at BNI office

Bomb threat at BNI office PURBALINGGA, Central Java: A mysterious caller threatened to bomb a branch office of Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) here on Friday, causing an immediate evacuation of bank employees and customers. The unidentified caller, speaking in a rough voice, said he had put a bomb in a room at the BNI office and threatened to blast the building at 12.00 that day, Purbalingga Police chief Comr. Agus Sofyan Hadi said.

Rupiah rate July 27

Rupiah rate July 27 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Commemoration of July 27 incident, Mega not present

Commemoration of July 27 incident, Mega not present JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) commemorated the July 27 tragedy on Friday, despite the absence of party chairperson and President Megawati Soekarnoputri or other senior party members.

Politicians to dominate Cabinet

Politicians to dominate Cabinet JAKARTA (JP): While President Megawati Soekarnoputri remains silent on the possible lineup of her Cabinet, Vice President Hamzah Haz suggested that most ministers be recruited from political parties in a bid to win the parties' support of the new government. Speaking to journalists after Friday prayers in the mosque opposite his private residence in East Jakarta, Hamzah said many politicians "are smart and capable of handling state affairs".

House begins deliberating bill on Papuan special autonomy

House begins deliberating bill on Papuan special autonomy JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives began deliberating on Friday a bill on special autonomy for Irian Jaya that is hoped will help resolve the problems in the country's easternmost province.

Era building gets bomb threat

Era building gets bomb threat JAKARTA (JP): The National Police bomb squad (Gegana) removed a package thought to contain a bomb from the Menara Era building in Senen, Central Jakarta, on Friday, after an anonymous caller said the building would soon be blown up. People working inside the 15-story building rushed out after learning that the building's receptionist, Nuni Suryani, had received an anonymous telephone call at 1:30 p.m.

Judges caught between bribery and shooting

Judges caught between bribery and shooting JAKARTA (JP): The murder of Supreme Court justice Syafiuddin Kartasasmita on Thursday has raised the question of whether judges should be allowed to carry guns to protect themselves. Judges from the Tangerang District Court in Banten revealed that they had asked the Supreme Court to issue them gun licenses because many of the cases they handled dealt with drug trafficking and political crimes.

Rights trial

Rights trial Correction: The founder of the National Commission for Missing People and Victims of Violence (Kontras), Munir, should have been quoted as saying in the article titled "Megawati advised to 'avoid' rights trial" that appeared in the July 26, 2001 edition of The Jakarta Post that he was skeptical of the new government's efforts to bring to court past human rights violations. We regret the misinterpretation. -- Editor

Serious action warranted

Serious action warranted The fatal shooting on Thursday morning of Justice M. Syafiuddin Kartasasmita, a junior judge for general crimes at the Supreme Court, has spread ripples of terror and alarm throughout the community.

On exit tax exemption

On exit tax exemption From Bisnis Indonesia One of my cousins has been living in Australia for study purposes for two years now. He was back in Jakarta last week on vacation. On July 16, 2001, he decided to go to Singapore on business. To the best of my knowledge, an Indonesian citizen as an overseas resident who wants to travel abroad is entitled to exemption from exit tax four times a year, regardless of the country of destination and not limited to the country where the person is domiciled.

Not all NU ulema against Megawati, Sholeh says

Not all NU ulema against Megawati, Sholeh says SURABAYA (JP): Unlike their superiors, a group of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) followers here voiced their acceptance of the impeachment of Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid.

Old City of Semarang a cause for preservationists' concern

Old City of Semarang a cause for preservationists' concern By Tarko Sudiarno SEMARANG (JP): It's mid-afternoon near the Tawang railway station. Dozens of people are engrossed in their fishing and even the busy traffic on the street between the station and the large pond does not seem to disturb them. The big, muddy pond is not actually intended for people to spend lazy afternoons trying to catch fish.

Qantas offers special fares

Qantas offers special fares JAKARTA (JP): Australian airline Qantas Airways announced on Friday special fares for Indonesian travelers flying to Australia's east coast between July 23 and Dec. 6. The company said in a statement that people traveling to Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, or Adelaide could now pay only US$430 from Jakarta and $410 from Denpasar, Bali. Those wanting to visit Perth, Western Australia, need only to pay $315 from Jakarta and $255 from Denpasar, it said.

Misuse

Misuse Megawati warns regions of misuse of authority. Page 2 July 27 Commemoration of July 27 incident, Mega not present. Page 3 Terror Judge's murder sends 'message of terror' to law enforcers. Page 5 Golf Lewis and McLardy share lead at John Deere Classic. Page 7 Indonesia 'The West Wing' looks at puzzle of RI. Page 8 Bonds Mandiri may use recapitalization bonds for BII buy. Page 10 Currencies Asian currencies mixed; 4-month high for S'pore dollar.

Wakachiku suspended from ODA projects

Wakachiku suspended from ODA projects TOKYO (Dow Jones): Japan's foreign ministry said Friday it has suspended Wakachiku Construction Co. and an unlisted company from receiving orders for Official Development Assistance, or ODA, yen-loan projects, starting today. The ministry said it meted out the punishment because Wakachiku submitted a false report to the Indonesian government in connection to a 5.25 billion yen (about US$426,800) ODA project in Indonesia.

Indonesia 'must protect' its local service sector

Indonesia 'must protect' its local service sector JAKARTA (JP): Although Indonesia has to join the global efforts to liberalize the service sector, the country should do its utmost to ensure the growth of its local service industry, a senior official of Bank Indonesia said on Friday.

Mandiri may use recapitalization bonds for BII buy

Mandiri may use recapitalization bonds for BII buy JAKARTA (JP): State Bank Mandiri said on Friday it planned using its recapitalization bonds to finance the acquisition of publicly listed PT Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII), amid difficulties to raise revenue. Bank Mandiri president E.C.W. Neloe said the bank had proposed the plan to the government.

'The West Wing' looks at puzzle of Indonesia

'The West Wing' looks at puzzle of Indonesia By Antariksawan Jusuf and Haryanto JAKARTA (JP): What is Indonesia? In some Americans' view, it is just a big confusion of a country on the other side of the world, literally and figuratively. Well, at least when it comes to Hollywood, generalizations and stereotyping are certainly nothing new.

Weekend lineup

Weekend lineup JAKARTA (JP): The following are sports competitions to be broadcast live this weekend on local TV stations (all times are in Jakarta Time): Saturday Indonesia Open Badminton Championships semifinals, RCTI, 1 p.m. Sunday WBA light heavyweight bout: Roy Jones Jr. vs Julio Gonzalez, SCTV, 9 a.m. Indonesia Open Badminton Championships finals, RCTI, 4 p.m. German GP Formula 1 race, RCTI, 10 p.m. (delayed)

Zimbabwean shot dead over heroin

Zimbabwean shot dead over heroin JAKARTA (JP): City police shot dead a Zimbabwean national at his rented home in Perbanas residential complex in Kuningan, South Jakarta, after he was caught in possession of heroin and tried to escape police arrest on Thursday. City police detective for drug crimes, Adj. Sr. Comr. Carlo, identified the suspect as Pieter Tonday, 37, whom police had caught in possession of 200 grams of heroin at his home at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday.

City to buy Timor building for council

City to buy Timor building for council JAKARTA (JP): The city administration said on Friday it planned to purchase the Timor building, located on Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur in Central Jakarta, which would become the new home of the City Council. Currently, the council occupies a building on Jl. Kebon Sirih, also in Central Jakarta.

Where to go in Semarang:

Where to go in Semarang: Performances * Band Show by Geronimo Band, Segara Cafe, Graha Santika Hotel's, Jl. Pandanaran 116-120 (phone: 024-8413115), 8 p.m., until July 28. * Concert: Titi DJ Live Show, Graha Santika Hotel's Borobudur Hall, Jl. Pandanaran 116-120 (phone: 024-8413115, 8413121, fax: 024-8413113, e-mail: gsantika@indosat.net.id, home page: Santika Hypermart.net), 7 p.m., Aug. 10.