Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 August 2001

74 articles found

LP3ES must find ways to revive its influence

LP3ES must find ways to revive its influence By Rikza Abdullah JAKARTA (JP): Anyone attending the glamorous 30th anniversary reception of the Institute for Social and Economic Research, Education and Information (LP3ES) at the ballroom of the five- star Hilton Hotel in Jakarta on Monday evening would have thought that the organization, well-known for its prestigious publications, is at its peak.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Environment 8:45 News: Hallo, Metro Indonesia 10:00 Children's Program 10:30 30 Minutes with Anita Rahman 11:00 Regional News 12:00 p.m. News 1:00 Psychology 2:00 News 2:15 Debating 3:15 Children's Program 3:40 Quiz 4:15 Children's Program 4:30 Traditional Performances 5:00 News 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 News 7:00 Talk Show 8:00 Quiz 9:00 Music 10:00 News 10:30 Music 11:30 Film Program 2 5:30 p.m.

Wither Indonesian tourism?

Wither Indonesian tourism? Saving Indonesia's tourist industry By Imam Syafii JAKARTA (JP): With the appointment of Indonesia's new president and vice president, followed by the installment of the Gotong Royong Cabinet, the country's tourist industry hopes the new government will bring political stability and economic growth.

From Koran Tempo

From Koran Tempo Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra is now trying to bring our fourth president to court. Won't this attempt trigger again an outbreak of counterproductive political conflict? Isn't President Megawati's wish that all sectors of the nation, former president Abdurrahman and the National Awakening Party (PKB) included, work together to bring this country out of the protracted crisis? We are a forgiving nation.

Postal service

Postal service From Koran Tempo On July 18, 2001, I sent a money order of Rp 150,000 from the post office in Bogor, West Java, to my parents Hj. Rosdiana S of Jl Tangkahan Batu No. 166, Sigara-gara village, Patumbak, Medan, North Sumatra. I have used the money order service of PT Pos Indonesia (the state-owned postal service company) several times and my parents have always received it safely at the latest two weeks after I sent the money.

New intent to reform

New intent to reform The fewer programs of action stipulated in the new Letter of Intent (LoI) signed by the Indonesian government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Monday do not by any means indicate fewer daunting reforms ahead. Nor does it reflect a more relaxed stance on the part of the IMF with regard to the disbursement of its extended facility.

Govt appoints consultant to value KPC stake

Govt appoints consultant to value KPC stake JAKARTA (JP): The government has appointed a consultant to appraise the value of the 51 percent stake in East Kalimantan- based coal mining firm PT Kaltim Prima Coal (KPC) on offer for divestment. The director general of geology and mineral resources at the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources, Wimpy S. Tjetjep, confirmed the appointment of the consultant saying that it should speed up the protracted negotiation over KPC's share price.

Officials unaware of embassy's road closure

Officials unaware of embassy's road closure JAKARTA (JP): City Governor Sutiyoso and Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Sofjan Yacoeb on Monday claimed they were uninformed about the closure of part of Jl. Muhammad Yamin in Central Jakarta by the British Embassy following a bomb threat received by the embassy two weeks ago. City Governor Sutiyoso said that he did not know about the closure of the road in front of the British Embassy. "I have yet to receive a report about a permit to close the road.

TEST

TEST Mr. Horst Kohler Managing Director International Monetary Fund Washington, D.C. 20431 Dear Mr. Kohler: Despite many domestic uncertainties and a weaker external environment, the Government of Indonesia has made renewed progress in its economic program supported by an Extended Arrangement of the Fund. We have strengthened fiscal policies to achieve the original 2001 budget deficit target, and reestablished a base money path to contain inflationary pressures.

No trips abroad starting next year, says PPP

No trips abroad starting next year, says PPP JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party (PPP) decided on Monday to forbid its 13 councillors from going on overseas trips, but allowed them to proceed with planned tours for the rest of the year. The decision came amid mounting public criticism that the tours, which councillors claim are for comparative studies, were inefficient and wasteful. "Starting next year and until 2004, PPP councillors are forbidden from going on these trips.

Detention period extended for GAM negotiators

Detention period extended for GAM negotiators BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): The Aceh Police have extended the period of detention of six negotiators from the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM) by another 40 days, reportedly for the sake of facilitating further investigation and inquiry. Arie Maulana, a defense lawyer for the GAM negotiators, said on Sunday that the extension followed the expiry of their original term of detention on Aug.

10 feared trapped in Mt. Slamet fire

10 feared trapped in Mt. Slamet fire PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): Ten hikers are feared to be trapped by a fire on Central Java's Mt. Slamet, which started on Sunday, according to local police. "We asked them to come down, but they ignored our request and we had to leave them," Banyumas Police chief Sr. Comr. Nata Kesuma said on Monday, adding that he was with 130 police officers trekking on the mountain when the fire started.

East Timor, a new nation is born

East Timor, a new nation is born By Kusnanto Anggoro JAKARTA (JP): An independent state of East Timor is being born. On Aug. 30, 2001, the second anniversary of the referendum that resulted in the separation of East Timor from Indonesia, the East Timorese will vote in national elections for an 88-member Constituent Assembly that will have three months to write and adopt a constitution that will determine what type of political system East Timor will adopt.

Sundanese culture copes with modernization

Sundanese culture copes with modernization By Yuli Tri Suwarni BANDUNG (JP): Children nowadays are becoming strangers to the local folk stories of Ciung Wanara, Lutung Kasarung and Sangkuriang. In fact, they are more familiar with the Japanese cartoon characters of Crayon Sinchan, Doraemon and Pokemon, England's Teletubbies or the Irish boy band Westlife. This trend shows the strong influence of sophisticated telecommunication devices, in this case television, in the globalization era.

PDI-P opposes Gafur's win of North Maluku governorship

PDI-P opposes Gafur's win of North Maluku governorship MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan)'s faction at the North Maluku legislative council opposed the victory of Abdul Gafur, a Golkar Party member, in the province's gubernatorial elections. Elly Soplely, chairman of PDI Perjuangan's provincial chapter, said in Manado on Sunday that Gafur's victory in the elections was marred by money politics.

Councillors complain about low salary

Councillors complain about low salary JAKARTA (JP): City councillors celebrated on Monday their second year in legislature with a "complaint" that they were paid less than their fellow councillors in other provinces. Council deputy speaker Djafar Badjeber disclosed that their monthly salary of Rp 7 million (approximately US$777) was much lower than the salaries of councillors in the provinces of East Java and West Sumatra, who are reportedly paid Rp 15 million a month.

KL mulls coal purchases, gas and oil collaboration

KL mulls coal purchases, gas and oil collaboration KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Monday expressed Malaysia's desire to work with Indonesia on oil and gas exploration and to buy more coal to reduce the country's dependence on gas. "We have invested in plantations. But we are willing to collaborate in other areas, like (Malaysia's state energy company) Petronas to work with (Indonesian counterpart) Pertamina in oil and gas concession areas.

Nonpolluting 'becak'

Nonpolluting 'becak' It is with dismay that I read recently of the war that has been declared against becak (pedicab) drivers in Jakarta. Surely the becak is the most inoffensive means of public transportation on the streets of Jakarta. My dismay was compounded when within days of the article was a front-page photo highlighting pollution in Jakarta.

Transmigration site abandoned

Transmigration site abandoned BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Almost 1,500 hectares of arable land made available to transmigrants in Bengkulu has been deserted for almost ten years as the local administration there failed to install an irrigation system. Antara reported on Monday that the area, located in the village of Tirta Makmur in Lubuk Piang district of Muko-Muko Utara regency, was earmarked for people whose villages were flooded in the controversial Kedungombo dam project in Central Java.

Ragunan zoo struggles to maintain its popularity

Ragunan zoo struggles to maintain its popularity Text and photo by Bambang Parlupi JAKARTA (JP): Ragunan zoo in South Jakarta is a popular place to visit, particularly during holidays. Few know, however, the zoo, which is now located near Pasar Minggu area, was formerly located in Cikini, Central Jakarta. According to its history, Taman Margasatwa Ragunan, or Ragunan Wildlife Reserve, was first set up by a Dutch flora and fauna lovers organization.

JSX bomber flown to Jakarta from North Aceh

JSX bomber flown to Jakarta from North Aceh JAKARTA (JP): The convicted executor of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) bombing last year, Ibrahim Hasan, has been flown on Monday afternoon from Lhokseumawe in North Aceh to Jakarta by helicopter and is expected to arrive in the capital later in the evening. Spokesman for Aceh Security Operation Lt. Col.

Bus crash kills four in Bogor

Bus crash kills four in Bogor BOGOR (JP): Four people were killed and 10 seriously injured on Monday morning in a bus collision on Jagorawi toll road in the Sentul area, which witnesses said was caused by the bus driver's negligence. Passengers of Indah Murni bus repeatedly warned bus driver Cecep Syahputra of his reckless driving as soon as they left Baranangsiang bus terminal in Bogor, said one passenger, Tuti, 35, who suffered light injuries. But the driver did not listen, she added.

Haze

Haze East Kalimantan forest fires feared to spread. Page 2 Foreign trips No trips abroad starting next year, says PPP. Page 3 East Timor East Timor, a new nation is born. Page 4 LP3ES LP3ES, a place that has produced many famous scholars. Page 5 Golf Woods claims sudden death playoff victory. Page 7 Culture Sundanese culture copes with modernization. Page 8 Prambanan Prambanan lures rare birds. Page 9 BCA Govt plans to sell 51% stake in BCA, Niaga this year.

American found dead

American found dead JAKARTA (JP): An American lawyer was found dead in room 1423 of the Mandarin Oriental in Central Jakarta on Monday afternoon. The victim, identified as 50-year-old Mark Anthony Christiny, a resident of 205 West 57th Street, New York 10107, was found dead by the bellhop at around 2 p.m. Central Jakarta Police detectives chief Adj. Sr. Comr. A.R. Yoyol confirmed the incident, but was unable to specify a cause of death.

WB aids coral reef preservation

WB aids coral reef preservation MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The World Bank and the Global Environmental Facility (GEF) have extended grants totaling US$10.9 million to support the preservation of coral reefs in the Taka Bonerate National Marine Park in Selayar district. "They chose Taka Bonerate as it is the world's third biggest atoll after Kwajalein in the Marshall Islands and Suvadiva in the Maldives," said DM Akib Patta, head of the Selayar district administration on Saturday.

Stronger public role sought on environmental protection

Stronger public role sought on environmental protection Indonesia is facing serious environmental problems, such as unchecked illegal logging, untreated waste dumping and forest fires. The new State Minister of Environment Nabiel Makarim discussed his plans and views in an interview with The Jakarta Post's Tertiani Simanjuntak and Pandaya. The following are excerpts. Question: Could you identify main environmental problems that the government has to solve? Answer: There are three.

Telkom must stop advertising itself

Telkom must stop advertising itself From Rakyat Merdeka On Aug. 10, 1999, I submitted an application for the installation of a new telephone line in my residence in the Tegal Alur Kalideres area to the state-owned company Telkom of Sumur Bor chapter, Kalideres, West Jakarta. Unfortunately, I am still waiting for the telephone line to be connected and have to be content keeping my phone number 6069027 and application number 1248899.

Upholding human rights

Upholding human rights The lack of will on Indonesia's part to bring human rights violations in this country to justice has compelled the international community to involve itself deeper in the issue. It cannot be denied that the sense of pride runs deep in this nation. However, it is no longer possible to regard human rights as a purely local or domestic issue. Whether we like it or not, human rights has become a universal concern.

Groups rapped for cowardly actions

Groups rapped for cowardly actions Both the major Bahasa Malaysia dailies hit out at the so- called freedom fighters who carry out violent attacks in the name of jihad (struggle), saying that their actions only served to ruin the image of Islam. Berita Harian said many groups, under the guise of jihad or mujahidin, had diverted from the original, noble struggle of jihad and had no similarity with the history of Islamic heroes or fighters.

UN praises East Timor's peaceful campaigning

UN praises East Timor's peaceful campaigning DILI, East Timor (Agencies): United Nations officials said on Monday the campaign for East Timor's historic elections has been one of the most peaceful that the world body has supervised in many years. Even so, UN peacekeepers said they are ready to react to any outbreak of violence and Indonesia has temporarily closed the land border with the nascent nation in case of trouble.

1. Trip - 48 MM, 3 cols, 3 lines, 3x 15

1. Trip - 48 MM, 3 cols, 3 lines, 3x 15 No trips abroad starting next year, says PPP 2. Tebet - 28 HBC, 3 cols, 2 lines, 2x24 Robbers shoot victim, get away with Rp 180m 3. Council - 36 NCSB, 3 cols, 2 lines, 2x16 Councillors complain about low salary 4. Bogor - 26 HBC , 1 cols, 3 lines, 3x10 Bus crash kills four in Bogor 5. Cipinang - 36 HBC, 2 cols, 3 lines, 2x20 Prison to install metal detector, X-ray scanner 6.

Housemaid jailed for stealing

Housemaid jailed for stealing TANGERANG (JP): A housemaid was sentenced to one-year imprisonment on Monday for stealing her employer's valuables at Poris housing complex in Tangerang. Presiding judge Sitinjak of the Tangerang District Court said in the verdict that the defendant Saroh, 21, who was from Sembaga village, Tegal, Central Java, began working for her employer Tri Daintini on May 27. After working for four days, Saroh said she wanted to return to her village.

New LoI hailed by economists, analysts

New LoI hailed by economists, analysts JAKARTA (JP): Economists and analysts hailed the new Letter of Intent (LoI) signed on Monday by the Indonesian government for the International Monetary Fund (IMF), saying the targets outlined in the agreement are rational and attainable. "All economic reform targets stipulated in the Letter of Intent are achievable," said economist Pande Raja Silalahi of the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).

JAKARTA (JP): A metal detector and an X-ray scanner will be

JAKARTA (JP): A metal detector and an X-ray scanner will be installed in Cipinang penitentiary in East Jakarta next month in an effort to make the jail more secure, an official said here on Monday. Everyone, including the penitentiary staff, will have to pass through the security devices before entering, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said.

Malaysia still has faith in privatization, but is more careful

Malaysia still has faith in privatization, but is more careful now - Mahathir KUALA LUMPUR (AFX): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said his government still has faith in privatization but is more careful in implementing the policy after the failure of several privatized companies. "Privatized companies, like other companies, can fail, and a number of the privatised companies in Malaysia have failed due to the economic turmoil of 1997/98 ...

Latest letter of intent between Indonesia, IMF

Latest letter of intent between Indonesia, IMF The following is the full text of the new Letter of Intent signed by the Indonesian government and the International Monetary Fund on Tuesday. 1. This memorandum builds upon the economic program described in the Memoranda of Economic and Financial Policies (MEFP) of Jan. 20, 2000 and updated on May 17, 2000 and Sept. 7, 2000, with particular emphasis on the 2001 program. I. MACROECONOMIC FRAMEWORK AND POLICIES 2.

Asian currencies mostly up late as stock markets surge

Asian currencies mostly up late as stock markets surge TOKYO (Dow Jones): Most Asian currencies rose modestly late Monday, spurred by the surge in many of Asia's stock markets despite the yen's slight fall against the U.S. dollar. But with important U.S. economic data out later this week, the Asian currencies are expected to drift sideways for the rest of the week, analysts said. The Indonesian rupiah closed lower Monday as local companies bought dollars to service their debts, traders said.

Australia, RI turn away asylum ship carrying Afghans

Australia, RI turn away asylum ship carrying Afghans CANBERRA (Agencies): Australia refused entry on Monday to a Norwegian freighter carrying hundreds of Afghan and other boat people, the first time it has turned back a ship carrying asylum seekers. Indonesia, the nearest port of call, and Norway did the same. The freighter Tampa, the unwitting player in the saga, rescued 369 men, 43 children and 26 women from a sinking wooden ferry near Indonesia on Sunday after an SOS call.

Suu Kyi's NLD hopeful over talks with junta

Suu Kyi's NLD hopeful over talks with junta YANGON (Reuters): Myanmar's opposition National League for Democracy (NLD) expressed optimism on Monday over talks with the ruling military as United Nations special envoy Razali Ismail began a four-day visit to mediate the dialog.

Malaysia more careful in privatization: Mahathir

Malaysia more careful in privatization: Mahathir KUALA LUMPUR (AFX): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said his government still has faith in privatization but is more careful in implementing the policy after the failure of several privatized companies. "Privatized companies, like other companies, can fail, and a number of the privatised companies in Malaysia have failed due to the economic turmoil of 1997/98 ...

Malaysia still has faith in privatization, but is more careful

Malaysia still has faith in privatization, but is more careful now - Mahathir KUALA LUMPUR (AFX): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said his government still has faith in privatization but is more careful in implementing the policy after the failure of several privatized companies. "Privatized companies, like other companies, can fail, and a number of the privatised companies in Malaysia have failed due to the economic turmoil of 1997/98 ...

Women activists push for more seats in government

Women activists push for more seats in government JAKARTA (JP): Women activists demanded on Monday that at least 30 percent of all seats in the executive and legislative branches of government be allocated to women at the 2004 general election to redress the current gender imbalance in politics.

Death sentence for Tommy

Death sentence for Tommy From Rakyat Merdeka The murderer of Supreme Court justice Syafiuddin Kartasasmita admitted that he had directly received Rp 100 million and a 9 mm caliber Beretta pistol from Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra. The three people reportedly directly involved in the murder case are Tommy, the shooter and the RX King motorcycle rider. A death sentence under Criminal Code No. 340 is what Tommy deserves.

Thirty-year-old research center, first home of famed scholars

Thirty-year-old research center, first home of famed scholars J. Soedradjad Djiwandono is a former governor of Bank Indonesia and currently a senior visiting research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) of Singapore. He was one of many people conveying their congratulations in a publication released on the 30th anniversary of the LP3ES research institute. The following are excerpts of his statement sent to LP3ES.

Govt and IMF sign new LoI

Govt and IMF sign new LoI JAKARTA (JP): After eight months of delay, the government signed on Monday a Letter of Intent (LoI) with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), giving Indonesia a much needed boost in renewing confidence among the international financial community.

FPI, PPMI demand Islamic law

FPI, PPMI demand Islamic law JAKARTA (JP): Some 5,000 supporters of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) and the Indonesian Muslim Workers Association (PPMI) took to the streets on Monday, demanding the revival of the Jakarta Charter on Islamic law in the 1945 Constitution. The demonstrators, mostly clad in white robes and headdresses, marched from the Slipi flyover to the House of Representatives/ People's Consultative Assembly compound on Jl.

Robbers shoot victim, get away with Rp 180m

Robbers shoot victim, get away with Rp 180m JAKARTA (JP): While police and senior city officials were discussing plans to crack down on street crimes, an audacious robbery took place on Monday in the busy Tebet area of South Jakarta, during which a man was shot in the leg and Rp 180 million (US$21,176) stolen by the criminals. Tebet police Second Insp. Darmono said the incident took place at around 11:00 a.m.

6Window for IMF

6Window for IMF ...the GOI has accelerated the transfer of staff to the regions, such that a total of 2.1 million civil servants will be transferred by end-2001, reducing the central government payroll to 1.6 million... IBRA's recently established audit committee has reviewed IBRA's internal controls and audit framework, so as to ensure a clearer delegation of authority fand greater transparency ...

Opportunities for pedicab drivers

Opportunities for pedicab drivers From Warta Kota One of our activities in the Cilandak Study Workshop (SKB) of the Ministry of National Education is to develop human potential through extra curricular education. With regard to our task and public discussion about the problem of pedicab drivers in Jakarta, I would like to share the following information to related parties over possible solutions to the problem of pedicab drivers.

Bali only wants skilled people

Bali only wants skilled people DENPASAR, Bali: Bali governor Dewa Beratha warned unskilled people not to seek employment in the province, saying that unskilled people lacking identity documents had only created population problems. "Bali's administration has never banned anyone from entering and living on this island paradise, but don't enter Bali to work if you don't have adequate skills," Antara quoted Beratha as saying on Monday.

Australia cannot distance itself from Asia

Australia cannot distance itself from Asia The following is based on the address of Australia's Prime Minister John Howard in on Aug. 22, in which he outlined his foreign policy. The function in Canberra was held by the Menzies Research Center. CANBERRA: In the broadest sense, Australia's international relations shape the prosperity and security of Australians. First, the basics need to be right.

Govt's new plan on Aceh gets mixed responses

Govt's new plan on Aceh gets mixed responses JAKARTA (JP): The government's plan to take resolute action against the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) amid an ongoing negotiation process currently under way in restive Aceh, has received a mixed response from both legislators and political observers.

1. BCA (3 x 15)

1. BCA (3 x 15) Govt plans to sell 51% stake in BCA, Niaga this year 2. Comment (3 x 14) New LoI hailed by economists and analysts 3. Cement (2 x 20) Govt to sell remaining Gresik stake to Cemex 4. KPC (2 x 24) Govt appoints consultant to value KPC stake

[i]... Brunei is one step ahead of the Philippines in its

... Brunei is one step ahead of the Philippines in its determination to prevent the kingdom from becoming a haven for dirty money laundering...

State accounts receivable

State accounts receivable From Bisnis Indonesia One potential state asset that could create fresh funds is state accounts receivable resulting from bad debts at state banks. But these accounts would have to be converted into liquid assets first.

Govt plans to sell 51% stake in BCA, Niaga this year

Govt plans to sell 51% stake in BCA, Niaga this year JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to sell off another 51 percent stake in the publicly listed PT Bank Central Asia (BCA) and Bank Niaga by the end of this year, pending consultation with the House of Representatives. According to the new Letter of Intent (LoI) signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the government is committed to privatizing a majority of its shares in BCA and Bank Niaga this year.

RI, Malaysia to combine antiterrorist effort

RI, Malaysia to combine antiterrorist effort KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Indonesian and Malaysian leaders agreed here on Monday to step up efforts to prevent international terrorism spreading to both countries, officials said. Indonesian foreign minister Hassan Wirayuda said President Megawati and her Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad had agreed at their meeting to increase bilateral cooperation in dealing with terrorism.

Prison to install metal detector, X-ray scanner

Prison to install metal detector, X-ray scanner JAKARTA (JP): A metal detector and an X-ray scanner will be installed in Cipinang penitentiary in East Jakarta next month in an effort to make the jail more secure, an official said here on Monday. Everyone, including the penitentiary staff, will have to pass through the security devices before entering, Minister of Justice and Human Rights Yusril Ihza Mahendra said.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Bandung Art Event 2001 Exhibitions: Painting: Ruang Alternatif X, Galeri Adira, Jl. Kiaracondong 33 E (Phone: 022 7216758), 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., until Sept. 8. Painting, Galeri 16, Jl. Raya Cibeureum 16, until Sept. 22. Painting: Mawas Diri, by Rosid, Buddy Siswanto and Azis Suryanegara, Galeri Hidayat, Jl. Sulanjana 36 (Phone: 022 4208257), until Sept. 16. Painting: Rupi-Rupi Rupa, LennArt, Kampung Daun Culture, Cafe Gallery and Spa, Jl. Sersan Bajuri Km 4,7, until Sept.

Prambanan lures rare birds

Prambanan lures rare birds Text and photo by Bambang M. PRAMBANAN (JP): Hardly spotted in its natural habitat now, some rare gelatik (Java sparrows) have picked an unusual site, the beautiful Prambanan temple, as their last resort in search of a permanent home. Situated on the border of Central Java and Yogyakarta provinces, the birds can be spotted flying around and on top of this 1145-year-old Hindu temple.

[b]

LP3ES, a place that has produced many famous scholars By Rikza Abdullah JAKARTA (JP): Anyone attending the glamorous 30th anniversary reception of the Institute for Social and Economic Research, Education and Information (LP3ES) at the ballroom of the five- star Hilton Hotel in Jakarta on Monday evening would most probably think that the organization, well-known for its prestigious publications, is at its peak achievements. 2.

JAKARTA (JP): An independent state of East Timor is being

JAKARTA (JP): An independent state of East Timor is being born. On Aug. 30 2001, the second anniversary of the popular consultation that resulted in the separation of East Timor from Indonesia, the East Timorese will vote in national elections for an 88-member Constituent Assembly that will have three months to write and adopt a constitutions that will determine what type pf political system East Timor will adopt. The Fretilin will very likely dominate the government. 2.

Robbers shoot victim, make away with Rp 180 million

Robbers shoot victim, make away with Rp 180 million JAKARTA (JP): While police and senior city officials were discussing plans to crack down on street crimes, an audacious robbery took place on Monday in the busy Tebet area of South Jakarta, during which a man was shot in the leg and Rp 180 million (US$21,176) stolen by the criminals. Tebet police Second Insp. Darmono said the incident took place at around 11:00 a.m.

Soedradjad: LP3ES should make constructive efforts to survive

Soedradjad: LP3ES should make constructive efforts to survive J. Soedradjad Djiwandono is a former governor of Bank Indonesia and currently a senior visiting research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) of Singapore. He was one of many people conveying their congratulations in a publication released on the 30th anniversary of the LP3ES research institute. The following are excerpts of his statement sent to LP3ES.

Rupiah Rates Aug.27

Rupiah Rates Aug.27 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Susanto, Andrean set for world chess event

Susanto, Andrean set for world chess event JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) has picked Susanto Megaranto and Andrean Susilodinata to represent the country at the Junior World Chess Championship, which will be held in Oropesa del Mar, Spain, from Oct. 20 to Nov. 3. The number of players is three less than that of the 2000 squad, which saw the participation of Taufik Halay, Tirta Chandra and Ferry Ferdiansyah. "Taufik was looking shaky today.

Govt to sell remaining Gresik stake to Cemex

Govt to sell remaining Gresik stake to Cemex JAKARTA (JP): The government announced on Monday that it planned to divest its remaining 51 percent stake in publicly listed cement producer PT Semen Gresik to the Mexican-based PT Cemex Indonesia, a move that will net the government US$520 million. State Minister of State Enterprises Laksamana Sukardi said pressure to raise revenue for the state budget required the government to push ahead with the sale of Semen Gresik.

Soedradjad: LP3ES should make constructive efforts to survive

Soedradjad: LP3ES should make constructive efforts to survive J. Soedradjad Djiwandono is a former governor of Bank Indonesia and currently a senior visiting research fellow at the Institute of Southeast Asian Studies (ISEAS) of Singapore. He was one of many people conveying their congratulations in a publication released on the 30th anniversary of the LP3ES research institute. The following are excerpts of his statement sent to LP3ES.

ASEAN auto sales up in first half despite economic slowdown

ASEAN auto sales up in first half despite economic slowdown SINGAPORE (AFP): Motor vehicle sales in the four biggest Southeast Asian markets rose 7.8 percent from a year ago to 489,676 units in the first six months of 2001, according to an industry monitor. Regional sales are expected to maintain their pace for the rest of the year despite an economic slowdown and a steady decline in Philippine sales, Automotive Resources Asia (ARA) Ltd. said in a report received here Monday.

Court refuses to defer trial

Court refuses to defer trial JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court rejected a request from Hendra Rahardja's lawyers to postpone his trial until the Supreme Court made a statement on the case. Hendra, a former commissioner of Bank Harapan Sentosa (BHS), is accused of abusing Rp 2.7 trillion (US$317.65 billion) in Bank Indonesia liquidity support. The court is trying Hendra, along with Eko Edi Putranto and Sherny Konjongian, in absentia since their whereabouts are unknown.

Thai floods kill 170 people

Thai floods kill 170 people BANGKOK (Reuters): Monsoon floods in northern Thailand over the last three weeks have killed 170 people, displaced 6,661 villagers, and devastated thousands of houses and roads, the Interior Ministry said on Monday. The ministry said in a statement flooding brought by tropical storm Usagi had wreaked havoc on 35 provinces since Aug. 10. The hardest-hit area was the province of Phetchabun where 126 people drowned or were swept away by mud slides.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug 27, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,500 -25 152,500 Adindo Foresta 110 0 5,000 AGIS 135 0 88,000 Akbar Indo Makmur 1,275 -550 2,280,500 Alakasa 300 -20 2,000 Alfa Retailindo 950 0 36,000 Alter Abadi 90 10 15,000 Alumindo Light 650 -25 10,500 Andhi Chandra 2,025 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 210 0 0 Aneka Tambang 1,000 0 686,500 Apac Citra 350...

History museum closed temporarily

History museum closed temporarily JAKARTA (JP): The history museum at Taman Fatahilllah in West Jakarta will be temporarily closed for fumigation of the main hall from Aug. 28 to Aug. 31. The museum, famous for its colonial furniture collection, will be open to public again starting Sept. 1.

ASEAN auto sales up despite economic slowdown

ASEAN auto sales up despite economic slowdown SINGAPORE (AFP): Motor vehicle sales in the four biggest Southeast Asian markets rose 7.8 percent from a year ago to 489,676 units in the first six months of 2001, according to an industry monitor. Regional sales are expected to maintain their pace for the rest of the year despite an economic slowdown and a steady decline in Philippine sales, Automotive Resources Asia (ARA) Ltd. said in a report received here Monday.