Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 September 2001

82 articles found

Phuket eyes US$1.6b revenue

Phuket eyes US$1.6b revenue BANGKOK (DPA): Benefiting from the downturn in tourism to Bali, Thailand's Phuket island resort is expected to attract almost 4 million visitors this year, generating some US$1.6 billion in revenues, news reports said on Sunday.

Reducing traffic jams

Reducing traffic jamsFrom Koran TempoThe number of vehicles in Jakarta keeps increasing everyday resulting in more traffic jams in the capital city. To reduce traffic jams, the city administration has implemented the 3-in-1 system, which allows only cars with three or more passengers (including the...

Wushu fighter Susyana owes it to father for SEA Games laurel

Wushu fighter Susyana owes it to father for SEA Games laurel KUALA LUMPUR (JP): The well-known idiom "Like father like son" has found a new pretext for female wushu fighter Susyana, who attributes part of her success at the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games to her childhood training...

Man sprouts new teeth at 95

Man sprouts new teeth at 95 HANOI (Reuters): A 95-year-old Vietnamese man who watched his teeth gradually drop out for 20 years has started teething again and now has a dozen new ones, an official newspaper reported on Monday.

24,000 Malaysians laid off

24,000 Malaysians laid off KUALA LUMPUR (AP): About 24,000 Malaysians have lost their jobs in the first eight months of this year, mostly due to the drying up of U.S. demand for electronics exports, news reports said Monday.

War in SE Asia not possible: Malaysian deputy premier

War in SE Asia not possible: Malaysian deputy premier HONG KONG (Agencies): China will not go to war -- except over Taiwan -- and a regional conflict in Southeast Asia is "not possible", a prominent regional politician said Monday.

Stop removing public art!

Stop removing public art!From KompasI am dismayed that nice, beautiful drawings displayed at public sites across the capital have now disappeared. The city has now turned into a jungle of concrete buildings with polluting motorized vehicles racing along its highways.

Indonesia, Malaysia in badminton final

Indonesia, Malaysia in badminton final KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Defending champion Indonesia will renew its arch-rivalry in the men's badminton team with Malaysia at the Southeast Asian Games after they both scored a convincing 3-0 win in their respective semifinals on Monday.

Malaria kills 10 in Banjarnegara

Malaria kills 10 in Banjarnegara BANJARNEGARA, Central Java (JP): At least 10 people have died and dozens others have been treated for malaria after an outbreak of the potentially fatal disease hit the village of Karanganyar last month, a non-governmental organization revealed on Monday.

Becoming a train driver is no piece of cake

Becoming a train driver is no piece of cake Text and photos by Tarko Sudiarno YOGYAKARTA (JP): To the public, it may seem easy to operate a locomotive. You could drive it back and forth while sitting in the locomotive operator's room, perhaps having something to eat or drink at the same time.

Cyclists help Indonesia move into second place

Cyclists help Indonesia move into second placeBy Novan Iman Santosa JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's cycling team led the nation's charge up the leader board on the third day of the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games here on Monday, which saw host Malaysia surge further ahead at the top of medals table.

VP criticized for voicing party's interest

VP criticized for voicing party's interest JAKARTA (JP): Despite the absence of laws regulating a separation of party leaders from state leaders, political analysts suggested on Monday that state leaders avoid prioritizing their parties' interests.

Government urged to provide legal basis for IBRA

Government urged to provide legal basis for IBRA JAKARTA (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri needs to immediately sign a new decree to provide a legal foundation for the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency (IBRA) to work "properly" from, a senior legislator said on Monday.

Coffee exporters ask govt to impose quota scheme

Coffee exporters ask govt to impose quota scheme JAKARTA (JP): Local coffee exporters called on the government to introduce a quota scheme to limit the market share of foreign exporters operating in the country.

2. Minyak (1x28)

2. Minyak (1x28) Legislators differ over fuel hike plan 3. Intel (2x16) Taiwan's VIA files suit against Intel 4. Tour (2x12) EATOF vows to boost tourism 5. Rice (2x18) India's rice support not to impact exports 6. IBRA (3x10) Govt urged to provide legal basis for IBRA 8.

Train drivers: Too stressed-out to relax properly

Train drivers: Too stressed-out to relax properly By Sri Muninggar Saraswati JAKARTA (JP): Many kids love traveling by train. They can have so much fun inside the carriages, they can even walk from one to another. Therefore, train seats are always fully booked, especially during holidays.

Reducing traffic jams

Reducing traffic jamsFrom Koran TempoThe number of vehicles in Jakarta keeps increasing everyday resulting in more traffic jams in the capital city. To reduce traffic jams, the city administration has implemented the 3-in-1 system, which allows only cars with three or more passengers (including the...

Weightlifting event returns to KL Games

Weightlifting event returns to KL Games KUALA LUMPUR (AP): At least five nations have hopes of weightlifting medals as the sport returns to the Southeast Asian Games this week after an absence of four years.

Best employers in Asia

Best employers in Asia JAKARTA (JP): Malaysia and China dominated the list of the top 20 best employers in Asia, each with five companies, according to a recent survey conducted by human resources consulting firm Hewitt Associates.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sep 10, 2001: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,475 -25 50,000 Adindo Foresta 100 0 25,500 AGIS 135 0 158,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 700 -25 17,500...

Jonathan secures second gold as Malaysia denied a clean sweep

Jonathan secures second gold as Malaysia denied a clean sweep KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Jonathan Sianturi won the gymnastics men's artistic individual all-round for his second gold medal at the 21st Southeast Asian Games on Monday, stealing a bit of Malaysian thunder.Seasoned Jonathan collected 53.

Jakarta's Art Summit

Jakarta's Art Summit With the third month-long Jakarta Art Summit moving into its last week, it is interesting to take stock of the degree to which the organizers have succeeded in achieving their set objectives -- which is to instill a greater understanding of the development and problems in...

SEA Games Results

SEA Games ResultsWushuMen's Qiangsu 1.Oh Poh Soon (Mas) 9.33 points 2.Willie Wang (Phi) 9.33 3.Lim Yew Fai (Mas) 9.15EquestrianTeam Dressage 1. Malaysia 2. Thailand 3. IndonesiaFencingMen's Foil 1. Nontapat Panchan (Tha) 2. Edi Suwart Sucipto (Ina) 3.

Medal tallies

Medal tallies Gold Silver Bronze Total Malaysia 30 15 18 63 Indonesia 15 13 17 45 Thailand 12 15 16 43 Vietnam 10 11 16 37 Philippines 6 14 16 36 Singapore 6 6 5 17 Myanmar 4 5 14 23 Brunei 0 0 3 3 Cambodia 0 0 1 1 Laos 0 0 0 0

New deadline set for City Neon's building

New deadline set for City Neon's building JAKARTA (JP): Despite Governor Sutiyoso's order for the immediate demolition of an illegal building in the eastern parking lot of Bung Karno sports stadium complex, the Central Jakarta mayoralty announced on Monday a new deadline for the demolition.

Budget gap pressures RP to print money: IMF

Budget gap pressures RP to print money: IMF MANILA (Dow Jones): International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that the Philippines' burgeoning budget deficit raises the risk of the central bank printing new money to finance the national debt and providing bailout loans to the government.

Transportation projects 'won't fix traffic problems'

Transportation projects 'won't fix traffic problems' JAKARTA (JP): The numerous transportation projects undertaken by the city administration will not solve Jakarta's traffic problems, a transportation observer said on Monday."The administration plans to build a bus terminal.

Charter

Charter Major parties reject inclusion of Jakarta Charter. Page 2 Transport Transportation projects 'won't fix traffic problems'. Page 3 Debt The rigors of debt mousetrap. Page 4Tennis Aussie Hewitt rips Sampras for first Grand Slam title. Page 7Train School stresses loco engineers must stay alert.

Victim of hypnotism

Victim of hypnotismFrom Rakyat MerdekaCrimes in Jakarta are on the rise and they are increasingly adopting a variety of different modus operandi.At 11.30 a.m. on Aug. 31, 2001, my elder sister had just finished shopping at Hero Supermarket in Menteng when a young man approached her to ask about...

The rigors of debt mousetrap

The rigors of debt mousetrapBy Vincent Lingga JAKARTA (JP): The rigors of the debt trap, which has gripped the government since 1998, will steadily and so sharply increase the portion of inflexible spending items in the state budget within the next few years that the government investment's...

Cycling

Cycling Men's 4km individual Pursuit 1. Suwandra (Ina) 04.50.371 - New SEA Games record 2. Robert Lee (Mas) 04.53.511 3. Panupong Maneepong (Thai) 04.59.826Men's Sprint 1. Samai (Ina) 2. Josiah Ng (Mas)

[b]Europe upbeat on

Europe upbeat on new WTO round, Asians cautious 2. China ( 3 x 14 )China to lure foreign capital with WTO entry 3. Bush ( 2 x 20 )Souring U.S. economy poses dilemma for Bush 4. Icann ( 2 x 21 )Internet body faces conflicting power plays 5. Japan ( 2 x 12 )Dismal economy data hits Japan 6.

S'pore offers training to Indonesian officials

S'pore offers training to Indonesian officials SINGAPORE (AP): Hundreds of officials from cities and provinces in Indonesia will come to Singapore to hone their administrative skills now that they've been granted more autonomy, a business school said Monday.

Woman meets former robber

Woman meets former robber TANGERANG (JP): A woman who met a former mugger of hers at a bank here on Monday promptly reported him to the police who arrested him.Rini had bumped into two men at a junction along Jalan Raya Mauk in Jatiuwung on Aug. 24, a policeman said.

Major parties reject inclusion of Jakarta Charter

Major parties reject inclusion of Jakarta Charter JAKARTA (JP): The country's two largest parties reiterated their intention to reject inclusion of the Jakarta Charter in Article 29 of the 1945 Constitution, viewing the United Development Party (PPP)'s effort to institute the doctrine for Islamic...

Abducted Aceh community leaders released

Abducted Aceh community leaders released BANDA ACEH (JP): After being held hostage by Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members for 22 hours, four community leaders and one driver were released unharmed on Sunday.

Legislators, analysts

Legislators, analysts differ on dealing with Aceh's problems JAKARTA (JP): While a former minister has called for a cease- fire in the war-torn province, most legislators and analysts do not see eye to eye on how to deal with problems in the restive province of Aceh.

Mixed reaction over fuel price

Mixed reaction over fuel price JAKARTA (JP): Several legislators of the three largest factions of the House of Representatives gave mixed reactions on Monday to the government's proposal to raise fuel prices by 30 percent next year.

Counterfeit tickets flood soccer match

Counterfeit tickets flood soccer match KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Officials were probing the use of forged tickets Monday after 25,000 spectators crammed into a stadium at a Southeast Asian Games soccer match where 18,000 tickets were printed.

RI palm oil sales to China seen up sharply

RI palm oil sales to China seen up sharply JAKARTA (Reuters): Solid demand and increased quotas will lift Indonesia's palm oil exports to key buyer China by over a third to at least 550,000 tons in 2001, the Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association (GAPKI) said on Monday.

Reasonable rupiah exchange rate

Reasonable rupiah exchange rateFrom Suara KaryaCurrently, monetary officials and economic observers are busy talking about the drastic strengthening of the rupiah over the past few weeks. Since president Abdurrahman Wahid's descent, the rupiah became stronger by about 2,200 points, a praiseworthy...

Irene wary of thigh injury

Irene wary of thigh injury JAKARTA (JP): Less than 48 hours before the start of track and field competition at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games here, Indonesian sprinter Irene Truitje Joseph said on Monday she had yet to fully overcome a recurring thigh injury.

Independent assessment on debt urgent for Indonesia

Independent assessment on debt urgent for IndonesiaBy Juergen Kaiser SIEGBURG, Germany (JP): In the running up to this week's meeting of the Paris Club of official bilateral creditors, Vice President Hanzah Haz had -- surprisingly for some -- stated that Indonesia was "in dire need of debt...

IMF queries delay in BCA divestment

IMF queries delay in BCA divestment JAKARTA (JP): A senior official of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) met with House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung on Monday to stress the importance of the planned sale of Bank Central Asia (BCA) just several hours before the Fund's board of...

Legislators, analysts differ on Aceh issue

Legislators, analysts differ on Aceh issue JAKARTA (JP): While a former minister has called for a cease- fire in the strife-torn province, most legislators and analysts do not see eye to eye on how to deal with problems in the restive province of Aceh.

Korea to get LNG from Arun plant

Korea to get LNG from Arun plant SEOUL (Dow Jones): One liquefied natural gas cargo will arrive in South Korea Tuesday from Indonesia's Arun gas field, the Ministry of commerce, Industry and Energy, or Mocie, said Monday.

Rupiah Rates Sept.10

Rupiah Rates Sept.10 Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 8,600.00 9,600.00 9,055.00 9,145.00Austrian schilling 1 566.43 632.64 596.39[G 602.65Australian dollar 1 4,441.04 4,962.24 4,676.00 4,727.05Belgian franc 1 193.21 215.80 203.43 205.

Red tape hampers butterfly exports

Red tape hampers butterfly exports BIAK, Irian Jaya: A foundation which coordinates exports of local rare butterflies said red tape was hampering the development of its trade, Antara reported on Monday.

Life is hard when driving a train

Life is hard when driving a trainBy Sri Muninggar Saraswati JAKARTA (JP): Many kids love traveling by train. They can have so much fun inside the carriages, they can even walk from one to another. Therefore, train seats are always fully booked, especially during holidays.

Another case of law enforcement

Another case of law enforcement Further to our earlier letter published on Aug. 31, 2001, we have now received a reply from Bandung attorney's office that confirmed the defendant Bambang Tjanadi bin Hasyim Tjanadi was sentenced to a one-year jail term by Bandung District Court.

GAM releases Aceh community leaders

GAM releases Aceh community leaders BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): After being held hostage by Free Aceh Movement (GAM) members for 22 hours, four community leaders and one driver were released unharmed on Sunday.

School stresses train engineers must stay alert

School stresses train engineers must stay alertText and photos by Tarko Sudiarno YOGYAKARTA (JP): To the public, it may seem easy to operate a locomotive. You could drive it back and forth while sitting in the locomotive operator's room, perhaps having something to eat or drink at the same time.

UN accepts E. Timor election results

UN accepts E. Timor election results DILI, East Timor (Agencies): The United Nations certified the results of East Timor's first democratic elections Monday, ahead of the inauguration of the country's new 88-member assembly.The UN-run electoral commission pronounced the Aug.

China signals it can wait on Taiwan reunification

China signals it can wait on Taiwan reunification BEIJING (AFP): China's key policy maker on Taiwan, Vice Premier Qian Qichen, said on Monday that Beijing can be patient in waiting for Taiwan to be reunited with the mainland as he spelled out the "favorable" conditions the island could enjoy if...

S'pore launches film on AIDS

S'pore launches film on AIDS SINGAPORE (DPA): Open-air films have been launched in Singapore to educate Indian workers on AIDS and the dangers of unprotected sex, it was reported on Monday.The films are part of an educational campaign in the Bengali and Tamil languages targeting mainly foreign...

PAS leader says govt full of thieves

PAS leader says govt full of thieves KOTA BARU, Malaysia (AFP): Malaysia's government is full of thieves who fear an Islamic state because their hands would have to be chopped off, a leader of the main opposition party said on Monday.

Local coffee exporters ask govt to impose quota scheme

Local coffee exporters ask govt to impose quota scheme JAKARTA (JP): Local coffee exporters called on the government to introduce a quota scheme to limit the market share of foreign exporters operating in the country.

Ade released, but remains a witness

Ade released, but remains a witness JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta Police have released veteran singer Ade Manuhutu after he was held for questioning over his alleged involvement in counterfeiting money, an officer said on Monday.South Jakarta Police chief of detectives Comr.

Firearms seized during operations

Firearms seized during operations JAKARTA (JP): City police confiscated 95 firearms and arrested 104 people during routine operations held in the past two weeks from Aug. 25 to Sept. 7, police spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam announced on Monday.

Business and regional autonomy

Business and regional autonomy Even before regional autonomy became a fact, fears had been expressed by the business community that regional governments would try to increase their revenues by issuing all kinds of tax rulings and regulations.

Water shortages hit Mataram

Water shortages hit Mataram MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Parts of Mataram, including Senggigi Beach resort, have been hit by water shortages during peak hours because of heavy use, the town's water authority said on Monday.

Hino plans Thai truck plant

Hino plans Thai truck plant TOKYO (Dow Jones): Hino Motors Ltd., hoping to boost its sales in Southeast Asia, may start making its own small trucks in Thailand, instead of simply assembling those of Toyota Motor Corp., Hino said Monday.Last month, Toyota lifted its equity stake in Hino to 50.

Rp 3.8t in irregularities found in state finances

Rp 3.8t in irregularities found in state finances JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) reported on Monday that it had found some 1,643 cases of financial irregularities involving a total sum of Rp 3.

Indonesia in need of strong Navy: President

Indonesia in need of strong Navy: President JAKARTA (JP): President Megawati Soekarnoputri said on Monday that Indonesia needed to develop a strong navy to guard the country's territorial waters."A strong naval force reflects a nation's dignity, thus (by having one), we can gain the respect of...

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung:Bandung Art Event 2001 Painting Exhibition, Galeri 16, Jl. Raya Cibeureum 16, until Sept. 22. Painting Exhibition: Mawas Diri, by Rosid, Buddy Siswanto and Azis Suryanegara, Galeri Hidayat, Jl. Sulanjana 36 (Phone: 022 4208257), until Sept. 16.

Four missing students found

Four missing students found JAKARTA (JP): Rescue workers and fishermen have found four of the seven junior and senior high school students who went missing after being dragged by waves off Kiaralawang beach in the Cinangka district of Serang regency, Banten on Sunday, a report said.

2. Market ( 1 x 35 )

2. Market ( 1 x 35 ) Tokyo share slide shakes Asian confidence 3. Oil ( 1 x 35 ) Oil prices slightly lower due to profit-taking 4. Gold ( 2 x 22) Europe gold prices firmer, but cautious of BoE sale 5. Palm ( 2 x 20 ) RI palm oil sales to China seen up sharply

Practical solutions to help protect precious forests

Practical solutions to help protect precious forestsBy Nigel Sizer JAKARTA (JP): East Asian ministers, together with officials from Europe, Japan and the United States, are gathering in Bali this week to explore how they can combat illegal logging.

Tito questioned over Tommy's impounded cars

Tito questioned over Tommy's impounded cars JAKARTA (JP): Police have questioned Pratikto "Tito" Prayitno Singgih, a son-in-law of former president Soeharto, in connection with a recent raid on an automotive workshop, during which police seized cars believed to belong to his fugitive brother-in-law...

Agus Santoso devotes his time to turtles

Agus Santoso devotes his time to turtlesBy Bambang M. BANTUL, Central Java (JP): Care for one's environment starts at home. This is also true for Bantul resident Agus Santoso and his family in Yogyakarta.

Oil prices slightly lower due to profit-taking

Oil prices slightly lower due to profit-taking SINGAPORE (Reuters): Oil prices were slightly lower on Monday as the market stepped back from last week's gains and cashed in some profits.Benchmark October delivery U.S. light crude futures last traded at 0656 GMT (01.56 at Jakarta time) at US$27.

Europe upbeat on new WTO round, Asians cautious

Europe upbeat on new WTO round, Asians cautious HANOI (Reuters): Europe talked up the likelihood of a new world trade round this year as it began economic meetings with Asia on Monday, but Asian officials warned of hard bargaining to address developing countries' concerns.

EATOF vows to boost tourism

EATOF vows to boost tourism YOGYAKARTA (JP): Eight provinces out of nine East Asia Inter- Regional Tourism Forum (EATOF) founding members issued a joint declaration here on Monday stating their intention to empower East Asian tourism by strengthening multilateral relations among EATOF members.

In some regencies, education prioritized after roads

In some regencies, education prioritized after roads The education system in Indonesia, which has often been labeled one of the worst in the world, faces complicated financial, human resource and managerial problems.

Being a market leader is a result of hard work

Being a market leader is a result of hard workBy Jonminofri JAKARTA (JP): The Honda Astrea Legenda motorcycle is really like a legend. Some 6,000 units of this model were immediately sold following the TV commercial aired last June, even though this new product had yet to be officially launched.

Sutiyoso to set new decree on Pulo Gebang bus terminal

Sutiyoso to set new decree on Pulo Gebang bus terminal JAKARTA (JP): The city administration announced on Monday that it planned to issue a new gubernatorial decree which would allot 10-hectares of land owned by state-owned developer Perumnas, in Pulo Gebang, as a plot of land for a bus terminal to...

RI veteran swimmer steals 100m SEAG race

RI veteran swimmer steals 100m SEAG raceBy Novan Iman Santosa KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Veteran Richard Sam Bera of Indonesia lived up to his reputation as the fastest swimmer in the region when he defied younger opposition to retain the prestigious 100-meter freestyle gold medal at the 21st Southeast...

'Elang' team to battle bombs, terror

'Elang' team to battle bombs, terror JAKARTA (JP): The city police's anti-terror and bomb squad completed a six-day training program on Monday aimed at sharpening their skills in dealing with bomb and terrorist related crimes.Squad instructor Adj. Sr. Comr.

East Timor eyes economic ties with Indonesia

East Timor eyes economic ties with IndonesiaBy Yemris Fointuna DILI, EAST TIMOR (JP): The United Nations Transitional Administration in East Timor (UNTAET) is planning to forge economic cooperation between the former Portuguese colony and Indonesia's province of West Timor, the other half of the...

Victim of hypnotism

Victim of hypnotismFrom Rakyat Merdeka Crimes in Jakarta are on the rise and they are increasingly adopting a variety of different modus operandi.At 11.30 a.m. on Aug. 31, 2001, my elder sister had just finished shopping at Hero Supermarket in Menteng when a young man approached her to ask about...

Clarification on back pay demanded

Clarification on back pay demanded JAKARTA (JP): At least 200 elementary and high school teachers from Garut in West Java staged a protest at the House of Representatives building here on Monday, demanding disbursement of six months' back pay which is nearly three months overdue.

ASEAN encouraged to coordinate trade laws

ASEAN encouraged to coordinate trade laws SINGAPORE (AP): Southeast Asian countries should harmonize their trade laws to avoid losing massive amounts of foreign investment to China, law officials from around the region said at a conference.