Archive: 2 August 2001
73 articles found
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Moral victory of democracy supporters
Moral victory of democracy supporters From Koran Tempo The victory celebrated by some of the people today is not substantial, as the victory has been reached unfairly. Most Indonesian people have noticed that there is a group that has shown its prejudice by making sarcastic and exaggerated remarks, frequently not based on clear thinking and objectivity. The same tendency has also been shown by the mass media, political observers and even legislators.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Military training for tae kwon do team
Military training for tae kwon do team JAKARTA (JP): The national tae kwon doins being groomed for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games are to have their discipline and fighting spirit boosted in a two-week military-style training stint. Secretary-general of the Tae Kwon Do Association (TI) Adrian Lumowa, was quick to add that the training, which would be conducted in a Marine facility, would not be strenuous.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
99 missing in Nias flood
99 missing in Nias flood MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Twenty-eight people are dead and 99 more are missing after storms hit two districts in Nias regency, North Sumatra early on Tuesday morning. The death toll is expected to rise. Ealier records from the province's Natural Disaster Monitoring Unit that were made available to the media said that 789 people were missing, 23 were dead, three were injured and 145 homes had been carried away by floodwater in the Lahusa district.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Approved FDI jumps by 113.2% in first half
Approved FDI jumps by 113.2% in first half JAKARTA (JP): The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) said on Wednesday that approved foreign direct investment (FDI) jumped by 113.2 percent to US$4.96 billion in the first half of this year compared to the same period last year. The board said in a statement, however, that the number of FDI projects only increased by 1.2 percent to 666, compared to the same period last year, which saw 658 projects.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
U.S. must prevent chaos in RI
U.S. must prevent chaos in RI By Tom Plate Why U.S. must not let Indonesia devolve into anarchy LOS ANGELES: The problem with moral purity of the political kind is that it can produce consequences of the most immoral kind. That will be the case in Indonesia if the United States adopts what would in effect be a hands-off policy, as many Western human rights groups are advising. Such a course would prolong Indonesia's agony and cause many more deaths than if the U.S. is properly involved.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Arrest of officials 'won't affect' Thai-Myanmar ties
Arrest of officials 'won't affect' Thai-Myanmar ties BANGKOK (AP): A Myanmar government spokesman professed bewilderment on Wednesday at charges by an international press freedom group that the country's military regime detains journalists in brutal conditions and tightly restricts freedom of information.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
A tale of two systems in Jakarta's transport
A tale of two systems in Jakarta's transport This is the first of two articles on transportation in Jakarta by Heru Dewanto, who heads the Center for Technology and Industry Development. He is also CEO of the Jakarta-based Rekainfra International company which is among the consultants for the city's mass transit project.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Activist says councillors plan overseas trips
Activist says councillors plan overseas trips JAKARTA (JP): City councillors are again planning to travel overseas -- this time to Japan and Argentina -- to engage in comparative studies in disaster and garbage management, following their controversial trip to Los Angeles last month, an activist said on Wednesday.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah Rates August. 1
Rupiah Rates August. 1 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Government has no reason to delay back pay: Andi
Government has no reason to delay back pay: Andi JAKARTA (JP): The delayed disbursement of additional back pay derived from salary hikes of civil servants over the last six months shows the central government's mismanagement of regional autonomy, an observer said on Wednesday.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Customs boasts faster service
Customs boasts faster service JAKARTA (JP): Responding to exporters' concern, customs and excise claim its export inspection service has saved more time through improved efficiency, after the government took over the task from state owned PT Superintending Company of Indonesia (Sucofindo) on Wednesday. Customs and excise documents reveal the office has cut short a number of procedures resulting in a more efficient inspection service.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
RP rebels kill two civilians
RP rebels kill two civilians ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Two civilians were killed in a raid by Muslim separatists in the southern Philippines, violating a truce amid peace talks being held in Malaysia, the military said Wednesday. The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrillas swooped on Tuesday on a small village in Alamada town in North Cotabato province and indiscriminately fired on farmers' huts, the military said.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Artist Dodog Soeseno's imagery of a fertile Eden
Artist Dodog Soeseno's imagery of a fertile Eden By Carla Bianpoen JAKARTA (JP): Traditionally, the Garden of Eden is interpreted as a place of great happiness, the abode of the earth's first creatures. Many also believe it was this garden where humankind became forever marked with sin. In the view of the Indonesian painter Dodog Soeseno, however, the garden is a space where a man's fantasies may dwell and find bliss, or frustration.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Blast injures 6 people
Blast injures 6 people JAKARTA (JP): The Atrium Plaza in Senen, Central Jakarta, was rocked on Wednesday by a bomb that exploded at 8:10 p.m. just in front of the shopping mall's entrance, injuring six people. The explosion caused great panic among the visitors, who immediately ran out of the building. The explosion was so strong that the windows and glass door of the Pizza Hut across the street were shattered.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Asian currencies mixed; equity inflows boost won
Asian currencies mixed; equity inflows boost won SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed late Wednesday, largely in rangebound trade, with the dollar failing to make much headway as markets braced for more dismal economic data out of the U.S., dealers said. The steep falls in U.S.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
E. Java province opens radio station
E. Java province opens radio station SURABAYA (JP): East Java Governor Imam Utomo launched on Wednesday a new radio station, JT-FM 92.7 Radio Musik Indonesia, which is owned by the local provincial administration, with the aim of disseminating information about its development achievements to the public. About 40 percent of its programs will consist of information about the local administration's achievements and policies, Gunarto, an official of the provincial administration, said.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
KL's trade surplus down
KL's trade surplus down KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's trade surplus in June fell 30 percent from a year earlier due to a sharp slowdown in exports, official figures showed Wednesday. June's 3.3 billion ringgit (US$868.42 million) surplus compared with 4.7 billion ringgit a year earlier, the Statistics Department said in a statement. It was the country's 44th consecutive trade surplus since November 1997, the department said.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Nahdlatul Ulama
Nahdlatul Ulama NU to stay out of politics: Salahuddin Page 2 Chaos U.S. must prevent chaos in RI. Page 4 Tennis Agassi suffers shock defeat in Montreal. Page 7 Cremation Mass cremation rite liberates dead souls. Page 9 Currencies Asian currencies mixed, equity inflows boost won. Page 11 Astra Astra sees profit if rupiah stays below 9,500 to dollar. Page 12 China's ire Australia moves to control damage after China's ire. Page 13
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
KL mounts huge security drive to enforce ban on rallies
KL mounts huge security drive to enforce ban on rallies KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Hundreds of riot police backed by water cannon deployed across a key Malaysian state to enforce a ban on political gatherings by the country's biggest opposition party, police and opposition leaders said Wednesday. Police have been enforcing the indefinite ban on open-air political gatherings imposed nationwide two weeks ago, citing security concerns.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
'Code Red' virus fails to wreak havoc after much hype
'Code Red' virus fails to wreak havoc after much hype JAKARTA (JP): The much hyped computer virus, Code Red, failed to wreak havoc on Internet systems in Indonesia and other countries on Wednesday, the day it was scheduled to attack for the second time this month. PT Agranet Multicitra Siberkom (Agrakom), which operates the popular Detikcom online news portal, said it had not detected any unusual activities with its Internet system.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
2. 4Heru -- 1 x 40
2. 4Heru -- 1 x 40 A tale of two systems in Jakarta's transport 3. Islam -- 1 x 35 Autonomy revives hopes in sharia law
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
10-year sentence sought for blast suspects
10-year sentence sought for blast suspects JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutors on Wednesday sought a 10-year sentence for the two suspects who allegedly hurled a grenade at the Malaysian embassy compound here last year. However only one of the suspects, Iswadi H. Jamil, was present during the trial at the South Jakarta district court. The other suspect, Corp. Ibrahim Hasan, was tried in absentia after having escaped detention at Cipinang Penitentiary.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Gun smuggling attempt foiled
Gun smuggling attempt foiled MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): The police foiled an attempt on Wednesday to smuggle arms into the restive regency of Poso at Soekarno-Hatta seaport, Makassar. The police arrested a suspect identified as Are, 35, who was carrying two .45 caliber guns while he was disembarking from MS Lambelu at the port. The ship was on the way from Jakarta to Ambon. Soekarno-Hatta port Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Kadarusman told newsmen that Are was nabbed while boarding a taxi.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Council asked to approve controversial theater project
Council asked to approve controversial theater project JAKARTA (JP): The city administration asked the city council to approve the controversial Great Theater project in Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) on Wednesday. E. Sjahrial, the cultural agency head of the administration, said the construction of the theater was mandatory considering that Jakarta, as the capital city, had no theater of an international standard in its acoustics, stage and capacity.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Inflation rate expected to slow: BPS
Inflation rate expected to slow: BPS JAKARTA (JP): For most Indonesians, life is still difficult with the price of most goods and services soaring, as mirrored by the increasing inflation rate in the first seven months of this year. Inflation, as measured by the consumer price index (CPI), was up 2.12 percent in July from the previous month's level, sending year-on-year inflation to 13.04 percent, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported on Wednesday.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Bali guards its tourist appeal
Bali guards its tourist appeal DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Blue Lagoon and Suddenly Susan's star Brooke Shield just ended her two-week honeymoon with her new husband in a luxury villa in Bali. Veteran rock star David Bowie and his supermodel wife Iman are frequent visitors to this resort island, and have even reportedly built an exclusive residence in the area.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Foreign tourist arrivals up in June, BPS report
Foreign tourist arrivals up in June, BPS report JAKARTA (JP): The number of foreign visitors arriving in Indonesia rose slightly in June to 388,900 from 367,000 in the previous month, the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) reported on Wednesday. The bureau attributed the 5.7 percent increase in tourist arrivals to improvements in the domestic security situation as well as being the peak season with many travelers on summer vacation.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Singapore banks face difficult year: ING Barings
Singapore banks face difficult year: ING Barings SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore banks face a brutal environment over the next 12 months as the impact of consolidation and an onslaught of foreign competition erodes earnings, Dutch banking group ING Barings said Wednesday. Of the city-state's five banks, only three will survive the wave of mergers now taking place, the group said in a report.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Give up legislative
Give up legislative post first From Rakyat Merdeka After reading in Koran Tempo the biodata of the vice presidential candidates on July 26, 2001 and the results of the People's Consultative Assembly's Special Session on July 27, 2001, I concluded that the installment of Hamzah Haz as vice president was unconstitutional. Here are the reasons: 1. According to his biodata, Hamzah Haz holds the post of deputy speaker of the House of Representatives for the 1999-2004 period. What does this mean?
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Power's corrupting effect
Power's corrupting effect (Former President Abdurrahman) Wahid was keenly aware of the need to attack widespread corruption and cronyism to promote democracy in Indonesia. Facing fierce resistance from those with ties to the old regime willing to resort to terrorism against opponents. Wahid sought to reveal the full scope of the Suharto family's vast accumulation of ill-gotten wealth. But Wahid became embroiled in a political finance scandal and began rejecting criticism.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Southeast Asia dogged by problems of key members: DBS Bank
Southeast Asia dogged by problems of key members: DBS Bank SINGAPORE (AFP): Corruption scandals dogging the leaders of the Philippines and Thailand, and the inexperience of new Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri, have regional financial markets on edge, Southeast Asia's largest bank said Wednesday.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
NU to stay out of politics, Salahuddin says
NU to stay out of politics, Salahuddin says JAKARTA (JP): An executive of the largest Muslim organization Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) said on Wednesday that it would better for the organization to stay out of politics to enable it to focus on social and religious activities. NU deputy chairman Salahuddin Wahid said the organization had to avoid being dragged into party politics again.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
No clues in Semarang bombing, say police
No clues in Semarang bombing, say police SEMARANG (JP): Police have yet to find any clues in the recent bombing at Christ Alfa Omega Tabernakel Bethel Church in Semarang, which injured two women on Tuesday. Central Java Police chief Insp. Gen. M.A. Erwin MAP said on Wednesday that the bombing was still a mystery. "However, people must remain calm, and trust the police," he told Antara.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Stock quotations on JSX
Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug 1, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,350 0 23,500 Adindo Foresta 115 0 145,000 AGIS 140 0 520,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 1,600 200 1,710,000 Alakasa 180 -10 500 Alfa Retailindo 975 0 32,000 Alter Abadi 85 0 52,500 Alumindo Light 700 0 0 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,075 0 690,500 Apac Citra 385 0...
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Yori's photos a loving tribute to old buildings
Yori's photos a loving tribute to old buildings By Aendra H. Medita JAKARTA (JP): Traces of the legacy of history found in old buildings and architecture are recorded in the extraordinary pictures of photographer-cum-architect Yori Antar. His camera explores the details of his subjects, revealing all that they are -- their almost human-like qualities of strength and arrogance -- through deeply moving images.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bali:
Where to go in Bali: Exhibitions * Arts: Hierarchy by Koniherawati, Seniwati Showspace, Jl. Raya Ubud (Phone: 0361 975485), 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Aug. 29. * Kebiar Seni VII Taksu, Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Gianyar (Phone: 0361 975136), until Oct. 2. Film A schowcase of Classic to Contemporary Films, Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud, every Tuesday, 8 p.m.. Film makers: Fellini - Antonioni - Tornatore - Salavatores - Benigni - Bertolucci.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Megawati 'won't reopen' ministry of information
Megawati 'won't reopen' ministry of information JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) secretary-general Sutjipto said on Wednesday that President Megawati Soekarnoputri would not reestablish the information ministry, as feared by many activists and figures in the media.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
13 people killed in train-truck collision
13 people killed in train-truck collision PEKALONGAN, Central Java (JP): At least 13 people were killed and eight others injured after a train, the Empu Jaya, traveling between Purwokerto (Central Java) and Jakarta hit an intercity bus at a railway crossing close to the Kemisik River in the village of Pakulaut, Magersari district, Tegal regency, some 165 kilometers west of the Central Java capital of Semarang in the early hours of Wednesday.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's grains move sends positive signal
Indonesia's grains move sends positive signal SINGAPORE (Reuters): Strife-torn Indonesia's move to lift a three-and-half-month ban on South American grains could not have come at a better time. The rupiah is strengthening, the feed market is facing a supply squeeze, South American grains are currently the cheapest option available and importers have started dipping their toes in the market after a long lull.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Illegal immigrants stranded in Lombok
Illegal immigrants stranded in Lombok MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara (JP): The 251 illegal Middle Eastern immigrants stranded on Bima island last month have been moved here where their legal status will be determined. The immigrants, 248 Iraqis and three Afghans, moved here on Sunday have been accommodated at Wisma Nusantara in Ampenan area under tight security. Fifty six of the refugees are children. Spokesman for the West Nusa Tenggara Police command, Adj. Comr.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Three injured in jail brawl
Three injured in jail brawl JAKARTA (ANTARA): Three Cipinang prison inmates were injured in a brawl between two rival groups on Wednesday, two days after police conducted an intensive cell-to-cell search for weapons and dangerous objects inside the state penitentiary. The injured prisoners were being treated at Kramatjati Police Hospital, said Jatinegara Police chief commissioner Supardi.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Rural banks enjoy higher profit: BI
Rural banks enjoy higher profit: BI JAKARTA (JP): The net profit of rural banks rose to Rp 116 billion (US$12.08 million) last year or 15 times higher than the Rp 7 billion recorded in 1999, Bank Indonesia said on Wednesday. Bank Indonesia director for rural bank supervision Abdul Salam attributed the banks' performance to the rural sector's stronger resilience against the economic crisis.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Oil rebounds as U.S. crude stocks show surprise fall
Oil rebounds as U.S. crude stocks show surprise fall LONDON (Reuters): World oil prices rebounded on Wednesday following a surprise drop in U.S. crude inventories which pointed to tighter supply ahead of the northern winter. London futures for Brent Blend crude oil jumped by 28 cents to US$24.97 per barrel by midday, recouping some of the 47 cents lost in the first two days of the week.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Housemaid steals employer's valuables
Housemaid steals employer's valuables TANGERANG (JP): A housemaid stole valuables from the house of her employer, TV presenter Detty Supandi, on Jl. Maleo XIII No. 14, Bintaro Jaya, Tangerang, on Tuesday, police announced on Wednesday. The suspect, Ita Hariyanti, 18, allegedly committed the crime only one day after she was hired by Detty, according to Tangerang Police chief Adj. Sr. Com. Alfan Richwanto.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Don't lift sanctions on Myanmar: RSF
Don't lift sanctions on Myanmar: RSF BANGKOK (AFP): International press advocacy group Reporters sans Frontieres (RSF) has appealed to the European Union and United States not to lift sanctions against Myanmar prior to the release from prison of 18 journalists.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
'No sex business in Monas, please'
'No sex business in Monas, please' JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has pledged to properly manage the area around Monas, which is currently disorganized and has become a hot spot for the sex industry. Dozens of cafes in the area will be closed down and the area will also be cleared of street vendors, according to Abdul Kahfi, deputy governor for administrative affairs. He alleged that cafes were being used for trading alcohol and soliciting sex.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
How Britain and U.S. covered up RI massacre
How Britain and U.S. covered up RI massacre By Isabel Hilton LONDON: As Megawati Soekarnoputri struggles to hang on to control of Indonesia in the latest round of political upheaval, news has been published of how the British government covered up one of the worst massacres of the 20th century. The slaughter in 1965 -- of up to a million alleged communist sympathizers -- was carried out by Gen. Soeharto, who ousted Megawati's father, President Sukarno, to become Indonesia's military dictator.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
'Defiant' police officer goes on hunger strike
'Defiant' police officer goes on hunger strike JAKARTA (JP): One of eight police officers being detained by National Police on charges of insubordination, has gone on a hunger strike because of unfair treatment, one of the officers' 40 lawyers said on Wednesday. Lawyer Suci Madio said the officer, Adj. Sr. Comr. Herman Kotto started his hunger strike on Tuesday morning. He is being detained with his colleagues at Police Mobile Brigade (Brimob) Headquarters in Kelapa Dua, south of Jakarta.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Extortion by ex-convicts
Extortion by ex-convicts From Warta Kota Stories such these have been reported in the media recently where passengers of Patas (air-conditioned express buses) serving the Ciputat-Kota, Blok M-Kota and Lebak-Kota routes are extorted by so-called ex-convicts. "We don't want to impose on you, but we need money to return to our hometowns and stop committing crime in Jakarta. A thousand or two rupiah will surely not make you poor," say these men.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Marcos kept gold in late Kim's name
Marcos kept gold in late Kim's name SEOUL (AFP): The late Philippine dictator Ferdinand Marcos has deposited multi-billion-dollar-worth gold bars at a Swiss bank in the name of the late North Korean leader Kim Il-sung, a report said Wednesday. The secret bank account was opened at the Union Bank of Switzerland (UBS), Seoul's Munhwa Ilbo newspaper quoted a former Marcos aide as saying.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia suffers second defeat
Indonesia suffers second defeat JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian men's basketball team, preparing for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, suffered its second straight defeat in the Philippines National Basketball League (NBL) invitational, beaten 66-75 by the University of Manila team on Wednesday. Both teams were tied 22-22 after the first quarter in a rough game. But the national team failed to maintain its form, trailing 26-40 after the second quarter.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Hanrahan breaks mark to share the lead
Hanrahan breaks mark to share the lead JAKARTA (JP): Thailand-based American Greg Hanrahan broke the Taman Dayu Golf Club's course record during the second day of the Rp 350 million (US$35,000) 2001 Olympic Open at the Pandaan, East Java-based course by carding a five-under-par 67 for an aggregate four-under-par 140 on Wednesday.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Discipline vital to the nation
Discipline vital to the nation I think a lack of discipline in various sectors has so far been one of the main causes of stagnation in development, as well as corruption, collusion and nepotism (KKN). We in Indonesia are still lagging behind not only the advanced and newly industrialized countries but also some developing countries in upholding discipline in the daily life of the people. Look for example at the attitude of people on the road.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
No compromise with separatists
No compromise with separatists JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): The Indonesian Military (TNI) will never compromise with secessionists, Trikora Military Commander Maj. Gen. Mahidin Simbolon said here on Wednesday. "TNI is committed to safeguarding the sovereignty and integrity of Indonesia," said Simbolon, who oversees security in Irian Jaya. Simbolon said that Irian Jaya was relatively peaceful, but admitted that occasionally separatist groups attacked military and police posts.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Last act of mismanagement
Last act of mismanagement The move by Ministry of Finance secretary general Widjanarko to abruptly end state-owned PT Superintending Company of Indonesia (Sucofindo)'s contract to inspect non-oil exports at preshipment points on Aug. 1 is bizarre indeed.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Astra sees profit if rupiah stays below 9,500 to dollar
Astra sees profit if rupiah stays below 9,500 to dollar JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed auto manufacturer PT Astra International said it was hoping to end the year in profit, despite a first half net loss of Rp 993.1 billion (about US$103 million), providing the rupiah strengthened to below Rp 9,500 to the dollar. Astra corporate secretary Aminuddin said on Wednesday the company was expecting a turn around in this year's second half on the back of a stronger rupiah.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Challenges facing the new govt
Challenges facing the new govt From Koran Tempo The new government under President Megawati Soekarnoputri will have to work toward important objectives not yet achieved during the administration of former president Abdurrahman Wahid. These include economic recovery, poverty eradication, lowering of the high rate of unemployment and avoiding national disintegration.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's exports, imports slow in June, says BPS
Indonesia's exports, imports slow in June, says BPS JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's international trade activities slowed in June, with both exports and imports down from the previous month. According to data released from the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) on Wednesday, exports in June declined slightly by 0.96 percent to US$4.80 billion from the previous month due to a decrease in both oil and gas and non-oil and gas exports.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Not as good as promised
Not as good as promised From Kompas On June 6, my elder brother bought a newly conditioned and officially guaranteed cellular phone Nokia 3330 from Toko Beryl Indo Perkasa on Jl. Pemuda, Padang. The next day, after turning on the phone for five minutes, he realized it was not working well, although it was fully charged. He tried several times to activate it, but to no avail. He went to the store to return it on June 8.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
'No foreign intervention to free Irian hostages'
'No foreign intervention to free Irian hostages' JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government vowed on Wednesday to use peaceful means in its attempt to release two Belgians held hostage by armed separatist rebels in Irian Jaya. Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Agum Gumelar said that the Indonesian government continued seeking the release of the two Belgians by "persuasion and dialog".
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Phillips Petroleum shelves East Timor gas pipeline
Phillips Petroleum shelves East Timor gas pipeline SYDNEY (Agencies): Phillips Petroleum announced Wednesday the indefinite shelving of plans to build a US$750 million gas pipeline between East Timor and Australia. The decision also jeopardizes $6.5 billion worth of downstream investment in both the fledgling United Nations-administered territory and Australia.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Suffering creatures
Suffering creatures I would just like to write to say how much I applaud The Jakarta Post in being so supportive of conservation and environmental issues. Another excellent article in July 31 edition brings readers' attention again to this horrific trade in animals that abounds here and how helpless we all seem to be in trying to do something about it.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Human behavior depicted in commercials
Human behavior depicted in commercials From Kompas TV commercials are so astonishing in terms of their style and language that I, as a viewer, often wonder whether I am still in Indonesia, a highly cultured country renowned for its polite and religious people and their customs and mores. Laden with sexual suggestiveness, today's TV commercials are expressed in vulgar and almost pornographic language. Sometimes, judgment on behalf of the censors seems to be lacking.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Autonomy revives hopes on sharia law
Autonomy revives hopes on sharia law By Fajar Nursahid JAKARTA (JP): The recent passage of a bill granting special autonomy for Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, which includes a provision for the implementation of sharia (Islamic laws) for Muslims there, has revived discussion on the subject. Inspired by Aceh, some Muslim groups in South and Central Sulawesi provinces have renewed their call for the adoption of the Islamic law in their own regions.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia's challenge
Indonesia's challenge Applause, tears and relief greeted the election in Indonesia's parliament of Megawati Sukarnoputri to succeed Abdurrahman Wahid, the elderly, obstinate and ineffectual President dismissed for incompetence after 21 chaotic months in office.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Portugal guarding Guterres' family
Portugal guarding Guterres' family LISBON (Reuters): Portugal has put the family of a former Timorese militia leader under 24-hour guard because of death threats, a Foreign Ministry spokesman said on Wednesday. The wife and four children of former pro-Indonesia militia chief Eurico Guterres have been in Portugal for about a month and are under tight security, spokesman Horacio Vale Cesar said. "This is not a political case," he said.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Dept. Store owner's relative kidnapped, Rp 7b ransom
Dept. Store owner's relative kidnapped, Rp 7b ransom JAKARTA (JP): A man was kidnapped on Saturday evening, apparently because he was mistaken for his brother, owner of the country's largest retail chain PT Matahari Putra Prima, a police officer said on Wednesday. Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bahrul Alam said that Bill Dharmawan, the younger brother of Hari Dharmawan, was kidnapped and his abductors have demanded a ransom of Rp 7 billion (US$777,000).
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
'Ngerit' mass cremation rite liberates dead souls
'Ngerit' mass cremation rite liberates dead souls Text and photos by I Wayan Juniartha GIANYAR, Bali (JP): Even the scorching sun had no power to stop dozens of youths in Tulikup village, which lies on the border between Gianyar and Klungkung regencies, some 27 kilometers east of Denpasar, from holding a mass cremation ritual.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia eyes Japanese loan for million dollar bridge: Report
Malaysia eyes Japanese loan for million dollar bridge: Report KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Work on a 2.3 billion ringgit (US$605 million) bridge in Malaysia's northern Penang state is expected to begin in 2003 once funding from Japan is secured, a report said Wednesday. The 9.2 kilometer (5.75 miles) bridge-cum-tunnel, based on the Tokyo Bay Bridge design would connect Bagan Jermal on Penang island's northern tip with Butterworth on the mainland.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Witness calls $95m disbursement a graft
Witness calls $95m disbursement a graft JAKARTA (JP): An expert witness of the Development Finance Comptroller (BPKP) Hadi said the disbursement of some Rp 904 billion (US$95 million) to Bank Bali could be categorized as corruption, as Bank Indonesia derived it from the account of the state treasurer. "The owner of the account is the Ministry of Finance.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
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.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Taiwan sends back thousands of RI workers every month
Taiwan sends back thousands of RI workers every month JAKARTA (JP): Taiwan sends back 2,000 Indonesian migrant workers each month due to their lack of skills and ability to speak Mandarin, Indonesian migrant worker supplier agency (PJTKI) official said. Autonomous Agency for the Supply of Migrant Workers to Taiwan (BO Taindo) Chairman Paul Mingo said on Wednesday that from around 5,000 Indonesian workers sent to Taiwan each month, only 3,000 were able to stay and work in the country.
Thu, 02 Aug 2001, 00:00 WIB
Parties scramble to get their members into new Cabinet
Parties scramble to get their members into new Cabinet JAKARTA (JP): With only a few days remaining before a new Cabinet line-up is announced, political parties are jostling with President Megawati Soekarnoputri or her aides and Vice President Hamzah Haz to get their candidates into the Cabinet. Major political parties and mass organizations have reportedly put forward their names to Megawati and Hamzah Haz, and those names will be discussed at a private meeting on Thursday.