Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 August 2001

72 articles found

Reforming Indonesia

Reforming Indonesia Indonesia's President Megawati Soekarnoputri is exceeding expectations left and right. Last week she awarded the most important positions in her cabinet to well-respected technocrats, doling out lesser posts to her coalition partners, and the markets gave their nod of approval.

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Emphasis on bilateral ties back on foreign policy agenda Newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda has again underlined the importance of "a free and active" foreign policy, set out for the first time by Indonesia's founding father and first vice president Mohammad Hatta.

British girl's tracks found

British girl's tracks found KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Their spirits lifted by finding footprints and other clues, rescuers zeroed in on Tuesday on an area where they believe they can find an "alive, but probably very weak" teenage English girl lost for six days on Southeast Asia's tallest mountain.

Dialyses too expensive

Dialyses too expensive BANDUNG: Only about 2,900 of approximately 20,000 people suffering from kidney failure in West Java can afford dialysis according to data available at RA Habibie Hospital for kidney diseases.

RI firms to join WoodmacAsia

RI firms to join WoodmacAsia JAKARTA (JP): At least 32 Indonesian companies have signed up to participate in the up-coming woodworking exhibition called WoodmacAsia2001 in Singapore, the event organizer said.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 21, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,550 0 467,000 Adindo Foresta 105 0 40,000 AGIS 140 0 58,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 1,625 0 0 Alakasa 290...

In the article Colombian artist obsessed with canvassing peace

In the article Colombian artist obsessed with canvassing peace on this page in Tuesday's edition, the name of the Colombian ambassador to Indonesia, Luis Fernando Angel Meija, was incorrectly written as Maria Clara Betancur, the Colombian ambassador to India. We apologize for the error.

Japanese auto experts here

Japanese auto experts here JAKARTA (JP): Japanese automotive experts are currently in Indonesia to give advice and provide know-how to the country's auto-parts suppliers on how to boost their competitiveness on the international market.

Pertamina to reach deal with Caltex over CPD by year-end

Pertamina to reach deal with Caltex over CPD by year-end JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina said on Tuesday it expected to conclude the negotiation of a crude- processing deal (CPD) with Singapore-based Caltex Corp.

Many students have abortions

Many students have abortions MATARAM (JP): About 240 students have come to the Family Planning Clinic (BLKB) in Mataram, the capital of West Nusa Tenggara, for abortions since January.Mataram's BLKB Director, L.

MPR annual session to begin on Nov. 1

MPR annual session to begin on Nov. 1 JAKARTA (JP): People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais revealed on Tuesday that the annual session of the Assembly would begin on Nov. 1, 2001, with its main agenda focusing on hearing the progress reports of top state institutions.

Police to launch searches for weapons, explosives

Police to launch searches for weapons, explosives JAKARTA (JP): The police plan to launch three separate year- long operations all over the city early next month to search for weapons and explosives, as well as to enforce traffic regulations.Jakarta police spokesman Sr. Comr.

3,000 teachers seek salary backpay

3,000 teachers seek salary backpay PURBALINGGA, Central Java (JP): At least 3,000 teachers of state elementary, junior and senior high schools in the regency of Purbalingga thronged the local legislature building on Tuesday demanding the disbursement of the additional backpay derived from their...

Manulife faces bankruptcy charges

Manulife faces bankruptcy charges JAKARTA (JP): Canadian-based life insurance firm PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI) is in yet another legal bout, this time fending off bankruptcy charges at Central Jakarta Commercial Court, with a verdict announced this Thursday.

Ex-bankers tried in multitrillion rupiah graft case

Ex-bankers tried in multitrillion rupiah graft case JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court began the trial against two former top officials of the now-defunct Bank Umum Nasional for allegedly misusing money from Bank Indonesia Liquidity Support (BLBI) funds.

Energy drink maker rejects recall order

Energy drink maker rejects recall order JAKARTA (JP): A company ordered by the authorities to take their popular energy drink products off the shelves have refused to do so, saying they were manufactured according to regulations.

Rp 40t planned in new bonds to secure IMF deal

Rp 40t planned in new bonds to secure IMF deal JAKARTA (JP): The government announced on Tuesday that it planned to issue bonds worth Rp 40 trillion (about US$4.67 billion) in the near future, as part of a set of preconditions designed to secure an International Monetary Fund (IMF) lending...

Shortage of diesel fuel?

Shortage of diesel fuel?Warta KotaJakartans have faced frequent shortages of diesel fuel in the last months and this has yet to be overcome, despite being discussed by the city government and the House of Representatives.

Mega, Arroyo vow to work as 'sisters'

Mega, Arroyo vow to work as 'sisters' MANILA (JP): Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri and Philippine President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo promised here on Tuesday to be like sisters to each other and continue to provide mutual support in leading their troubled countries.

KL palm oil seen firming on demand

KL palm oil seen firming on demand KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's palm oil prices may bounce beyond the 1,200 ringgit level later this year on bad weather in the United States and heavier demand from major buyers like India and China, an industry official said on Tuesday.

Inauguration set for new regency

Inauguration set for new regency JAKARTA (JP): City Council and the city administration agreed on Tuesday that the inauguration of Pulau Seribu (Thousand Islands) regency, which has been postponed twice, would be conducted next month.

Timorese women push for equality

Timorese women push for equality DILI, East Timor (AP): An influential women's group demanded on Tuesday that women's rights to be enshrined in East Timor's constitution, saying that for centuries they had been the victims of discrimination in the male-dominated society.

Researchers call for simpler permit procedures

Researchers call for simpler permit procedures YOGYAKARTA (JP): Researchers rebuffed the government's insistence on retaining the bureaucratic procedures for research permits in this era of reform.They said the procedures, which sometimes needed up to a year, were a waste of time and did not bode...

Court suspends judges' trials over legal technicality

Court suspends judges' trials over legal technicality JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta District Court suspended on Tuesday corruption trials involving two Supreme Court justices due to legal defects in the indictments.

150,000 ha of forest in E. Java damaged

150,000 ha of forest in E. Java damaged SURABAYA (JP): Some 150,000 hectares out of the total 1.1 million hectares of forest managed by the state-owned PT Perhutani Unit II in East Java have been severely damaged by plundering, an official said here on Tuesday.

Busker tried for drug possession

Busker tried for drug possession TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang District Court tried a street musician on Tuesday for the illegal possession of three grams of marijuana.Prosecutor Nellita Ariani charged that the defendant Achmad bin Muhatim, 23, a resident of Jl.

Three arrested in drug case

Three arrested in drug case JAKARTA (JP): Tanjung Priok Port Police arrested three people, suspected to be drug couriers, for being in possession of eight kilograms of shabu-shabu (crystal methamphetamine), a senior officer said on Tuesday.Chief of the port police Adj. Sr. Comr.

Bank Mandiri first half net profit up 102%

Bank Mandiri first half net profit up 102% JAKARTA (JP): The first half of state Bank Mandiri's unaudited net profit surged by a staggering 102 percent to hit Rp 1.54 trillion (about US$180.15 million) this year, from Rp 762 billion in the same period last year.Bank Mandiri president E.C.W.

Correction from Guthrie

Correction from Guthrie We represent Kumpulan Guthrie Berhad in their dispute with PT Adhiyasa Saranamas for an alleged breach of contract. In reference to the article published in Aug. 16 edition of The Jakarta Post covering this dispute, we wish to correct the statement that the South Jakarta...

Young Bin Gwan offers good Korean food

Young Bin Gwan offers good Korean food JAKARTA (JP): Blok M, particularly the area lying between the bus terminal and Jl. Melawai Raya, is well-known for its multiplicity of Japanese and Korean restaurants as, before the economic crisis, there were significant numbers of expatriates from both...

Foreign policy, neighbors first

Foreign policy, neighbors firstBy Kornelius Purba JAKARTA (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri has chosen the Philippines as the first country she will visit since replacing Abdurrahman Wahid last month.

Malaysian police tighten boat checks

Malaysian police tighten boat checks KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysian police in Sabah state on Borneo island have tightened checks on boats arriving from the southern Philippines to halt gun-running by Islamic militants in Malaysia and Indonesia, news reports said on Tuesday.

RP troops kill 20 kidnappers holding hostages

RP troops kill 20 kidnappers holding hostages ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Reuters): Philippine troops have killed more than 20 members of a kidnap gang still holding two Chinese hostages on the southern island of Mindanao, the military said on Tuesday.Southern commander Lt. Gen.

Drastic rupiah change, its benefits and risks

Drastic rupiah change, its benefits and risks The rupiah's sharp appreciation against the U.S. dollar in the last few weeks will influence the Indonesian economy positively if it is followed by stability, says Pande Raja Silalahi, a senior economic researcher at the Center for Strategic and...

Aussies intercept asylum seekers

Aussies intercept asylum seekers CANBERRA (AP): The government said on Tuesday it had intercepted another boatload of about 230 Middle Eastern asylum seekers off the northwest coast of Australia.The vessel, a rickety Indonesian inter-island ferry, was detected by aerial surveillance late Monday,...

GAM says ministers' visit touristic

GAM says ministers' visit touristic BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): GAM could not guarantee the security of the Indonesian ministers visiting the restive province, according to GAM spokesman Sofyan Daud."It depends on developments, especially when their visit is proven to cause the people and GAM to suffer...

Singapore and Indonesia to co-host Tiger Cup

Singapore and Indonesia to co-host Tiger Cup MANILA (Reuters): The ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) has announced that Singapore and Indonesia will share the hosting rights for next year's Tiger Cup.The regional body, which is responsible for running several events in South East Asia, had originally...

Presidential guards to be restructured

Presidential guards to be restructured JAKARTA (JP): Newly appointed chief of Paspampres (the presidential guards) Brig. Gen. Nono Sampono asserted on Tuesday that he would reorganize the squad so as to tighten security around the vicinity and quarters of the President and Vice President, reports...

Women better entrepreneurs than men: ADB

Women better entrepreneurs than men: ADB JAKARTA (JP): Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) led by women are more successful than those led by men, a survey conducted by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) technical assistance team for Indonesia revealed on Tuesday.

Bakrie enjoys strong sales, but suffers losses in H1

Bakrie enjoys strong sales, but suffers losses in H1 JAKARTA (JP): The publicly-listed PT Bakrie & Brothers enjoyed stronger sales in the first half of this year, but still suffered a net loss of Rp 187.3 billion (US$21.87 million).

Rupiah Rates Aug. 21

Rupiah Rates Aug. 21 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,940.00 8,940.00 8,398.00 8,482.00Australian dollar 1 526.42 593.04 556.78 562.66Austrian schilling 1 4,235.20 4,773.07 4,479.49 4,528.54Belgian franc 1 179.57 202.29 189.92 191.

1. Mandir (2x22)

1. Mandir (2x22) Bank Mandiri first half net profit up 102% 2. Pertam (3x15) Pertamina hopes to reach deal with Caltex over CPD by year-end 3. Jetro (2x20) Business sentiment in RI improving: JETRO 4. Maha (2x20) Malaysian PM proposes 'world tax' to help poor 5.

RI, Thai, RP leaders visit Singapore

RI, Thai, RP leaders visit Singapore SINGAPORE (AP): Leaders of the Philippines, Thailand and Indonesia will visit Singapore this week to meet officials in the tiny city-state to discuss the challenges they face within the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

Nuwa Wea plans to improve labor conditions

Nuwa Wea plans to improve labor conditions JAKARTA (JP): The appointment of Jacob Nuwa Wea as the new Minister of Manpower and Transmigration took many by surprise because of his being well-known as a strong supporter of workers' struggle for better welfare, which often clashes with employers.

Jail term sought for alleged killers

Jail term sought for alleged killers TANGERANG (JP): A prosecutor asked the Tangerang District Court on Tuesday to sentence two people to 20 years in jail each for a premeditated murder of their friend who refused to lend them Rp 20,000 (US$2.35).

TV today

TV todayTVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 10:00 Children's Program 10:30 30 Minutes with Anita Rahman 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 TV Drama 6:00 News...

Business sentiment in Indonesia improving: JETRO

Business sentiment in Indonesia improving: JETRO JAKARTA (JP): Japanese investors operating in Indonesia felt their businesses fared better in August, while those in four neighboring countries -- Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines -- thought their businesses worsened, a Japanese...

Taufik tipped to retain Asian badminton crown

Taufik tipped to retain Asian badminton crown MANILA (AFP): Defending men's singles champion Taufik Hidayat heads a cast of world class stars in the JVC Asian Badminton Championships here from Wednesday.Ranked fifth in the world, the baby-faced Indonesian is fresh from victory in the Singapore Open.

1. No security guarantee for Indonesian ministers in Aceh

1. No security guarantee for Indonesian ministers in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): GAM could not guarantee the security of the Indonesian ministers visiting the restive province, according to GAM spokesman Sofyan Daud.

Megawati's ASEAN tour

Megawati's ASEAN tour President Megawati Soekarnoputri's departure for a one-week whirlwind tour of ASEAN countries marks an important milestone in Indonesia's relations with the world outside. Indonesia's relationship with ASEAN countries, to cite Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda's...

Election of ITB Rector

Election of ITB RectorFrom RepublikaThe nomination and election process for the rector of the Bandung Institute of Technology reflects the highest respect of all in ITB academic circles for democracy and transparency.

Hope for Indonesia

Hope for Indonesia Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri got high marks, even from erstwhile critics, on Thursday's state of the nation address. In the first major speech since assuming the chief executive's chair on July 23, she struck a statesmanlike chord, apologizing for human rights...

Sports officials won't get SEAG holiday: KONI

Sports officials won't get SEAG holiday: KONI JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) brushed aside allegations that it would take advantage of the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games by sending a large number of officials to the biennial event.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya:Exhibition* Photo: Around the World, by 32 photographers, CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5615246), Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Saturday-Sunday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Aug. 23.Music and Entertainment* Hyatt Regency Surabaya, Jl. Jend.

Officials blame each other over foreign trips

Officials blame each other over foreign trips JAKARTA (JP): The City Council and city administration blamed each other on Tuesday for the ineffectiveness of the councillors' foreign trips following recent "complaint" letters from Indonesian consulates.

`Becak' drivers freed after violent protest

`Becak' drivers freed after violent protest JAKARTA (JP): Thirteen drivers of becak (pedicabs) were released after being questioned by police regarding their alleged role in a violent protest in the Tanjung Priok port district, North Jakarta, during the early hours of Tuesday.

Fraud involving building permit

Fraud involving building permitFrom Warta KotaIn November 2000, AH, a person claiming to be from the city's planning agency offered me his services. He offered to help arrange my building permit for the house I planned to construct in Jati Asih, Bekasi.

Young Bin Gwan: Good Korean food at Blok M

Young Bin Gwan: Good Korean food at Blok M JAKARTA (JP): Blok M, particularly the area lying between the bus terminal and Jl. Melawai Raya, is well-known for its multiplicity of Japanese and Korean restaurants as, before the economic crisis, there were significant numbers of expatriates from both...

1 x 28 48 pt NCSB

1 x 28 48 pt NCSB Foreign policy, neighbors first By Kornelius PurbaJAKARTA (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri has chosen the Philippines as the first country to visit since replacing Abdurrahman Wahid last month. 2.

Gusmao wants to be a photographer

Gusmao wants to be a photographer DILI (AP): East Timor's independence leader Xanana Gusmao doesn't want to be the territory's first president. He would rather be a photographer.But whether he can fulfill this wish is debatable.

Doctor's IDI membership

Doctor's IDI membership I am a member of the Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) under membership number IDI 35427. In mid March, 2001, I was transferred from Bengkulu province to Jakarta. In early April I registered myself at IDI's East Jakarta chapter to obtain a new membership card for which I...

Disbanding the Golkar Party

Disbanding the Golkar PartyFrom Media IndonesiaA number of social groups have demanded that the Golkar Party be disbanded, saying the party had committed sins during the New Order era and caused sufferings to the people.

Manulife faces bankruptcy charges

Manulife faces bankruptcy charges JAKARTA (JP): Canadian-based life insurance firm PT Asuransi Jiwa Manulife Indonesia (AJMI) is in yet another legal bout, this time fending off bankruptcy charges at Central Jakarta Commercial Court, with a verdict announced this Thursday.

Treat your acne right away

Treat your acne right away Dear Dr. Donya,After reading your article in The Jakarta Post, I would like to ask you if it is possible for an adult to use isotretnoin.I've had acne for almost a year, particularly infections on my chin. I've tried everything but the problem keeps returning.

Indonesia's baby-faced assassin tipped to retain Asian crown

Indonesia's baby-faced assassin tipped to retain Asian crown MANILA (AFP): Defending men's singles champion Taufik Hidayat heads a cast of world class stars in the Asian Badminton Championships here from Wednedsay.

Former officer warns of military return to politics

Former officer warns of military return to politics JAKARTA (JP): Hasnan Habib, a retired Army lieutenant general, warned here on Tuesday of the possibility of a military comeback within the nation's political arena if politicians remained immature and unprofessional.

XL, BCA tie up for mBanking

XL, BCA tie up for mBanking JAKARTA (JP): Cellular network operator PT Excelcomindo Pratama has reached an agreement with Bank Central Asia (BCA) to provide mobile banking services, better known as mBanking, for their customers, a senior executive said on Tuesday.

Caltex Indonesia output down

Caltex Indonesia output down JAKARTA (Reuters): Indonesia's biggest oil producer PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia said on Tuesday output was running at 660,000 barrels per day, down from a forecast 705,000 bpd, because of a range of disruptions.

Emphasis on bilateral ties back on foreign policy agenda

Emphasis on bilateral ties back on foreign policy agenda Newly appointed Minister of Foreign Affairs Hassan Wirayuda has again underlined the importance of "a free and active" foreign policy, set out for the first time by Indonesia's founding father and first vice president Mohammad Hatta.

Campaign against syringe sharing

Campaign against syringe sharing JAKARTA (JP): Activists and doctors urged authorities to intensify campaigns to raise public awareness about the dangers of sharing hypodermic syringes.The remarks were made in a seminar that revealed that significant numbers of drug users carrying the Human...

Equestrian team revels in SEA Games challenge

Equestrian team revels in SEA Games challenge JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian equestrian team bound for the upcoming SEA Games in Kuala Lumpur is hoping to win two gold medals at the biennial sporting event next month.

3,000 teachers seek salary backpay

3,000 teachers seek salary backpay PURBALINGGA, Central Java (JP): At least 3,000 teachers of state elementary, junior and senior high schools in the regency of Purbalingga thronged the local legislature building on Tuesday demanding the disbursement of the additional backpay derived from their...