Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 April 2002

82 articles found

Illegal fees

Illegal fees still rifeFrom Kompas I recently processed a permit in an office under the supervision of the finance ministry. Talking with one of the office division heads, I was told that the office had a very limited operational fund while it had to provide services to the public to process...

ROBBERY AT HOUSE OF SOEHARTO'S DAUGHTER: Police said on Thursday

ROBBERY AT HOUSE OF SOEHARTO'S DAUGHTER: Police said on Thursday they were still hunting for the criminals who robbed an employee of Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana (Tutut), the eldest daughter of former authoritarian president Soeharto, at her home on Jl. Jusuf Adiwinata in Menteng, Central Jakarta.

BCA to have 2 directors replaced

BCA to have 2 directors replaced JAKARTA: Two of PT Bank Central Asia's eight directors will soon be replaced with appointees nominated by a Farallon Capital- led consortium, a government official said Thursday.

RI-S'pore navies to give free health care

RI-S'pore navies to give free health care JAKARTA: The Indonesian and Singaporean navies will provide free medical services in Jambi for 25 days starting on April 16.An official of the Indonesian Navy's information section, Col.

Hashim goes on trial for exceeding loan limit

Hashim goes on trial for exceeding loan limit JAKARTA: Businessman Hashim Djojohadikusumo, a former president commissioner of the now-defunct Bank Industri, went on trial on Tuesday for an alleged banking law violation.

* Rare books, kris and traditional textiles, Jl. Redaksi K-168,

* Rare books, kris and traditional textiles, Jl. Redaksi K-168, Griya Wartawan, Kompleks PWI, Cipinang Muara, East Jakarta. Phone: 8195460; 8500868. Opening hour: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until April 15.

Laskar Jihad members start to upset Papuans: Thaha

Laskar Jihad members start to upset Papuans: ThahaR.K. Nugroho and Sri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura/Yogyakarta Separatist leaders have rejected the presence of the Java-based Laskar Jihad militant group in the troubled province of Papua, which they said had sparked disquiet among local...

Three killed, 35 houses burned in Maluku brawl

Three killed, 35 houses burned in Maluku brawlThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta/Ambon At least three people were killed, 12 others injured and 35 houses set ablaze in a brawl between two Christian villages on Saparua island, Central Maluku, police said on Thursday.

Indonesia, narcotics exporter

Indonesia, narcotics exporter A recent police raid on an ecstasy factory in Tangerang indicates that Indonesia has become an exporter of ecstasy, and not merely a destination or transit point for drug trafficking.

Calls for debt write-off intensify as Paris Club kicks off

Calls for debt write-off intensify as Paris Club kicks offThe Jakarta Post Jakarta As debates on whether the government should pursue a debt reduction from foreign lenders intensified here, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Tjakti and Finance Minister Boediono met on...

PT DI sues three workers for misconduct

PT DI sues three workers for misconduct BANDUNG: Bandung Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Masguntur Laupe said here on Wednesday that the police were still investigating three employees of aircraft manufacturer PT Dirgantara Indonesia for alleged misconduct during a demonstration at their work place...

Military attempts to shift E. Timor blame onto UN

Military attempts to shift E. Timor blame onto UNTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Military (TNI) seems to be trying to use the on- going ad hoc human rights trial to wash its hands of gross human rights violations in East Timor, blaming the United Nations and civilian...

Suspect in BI loan swindle to be tried in absentia

Suspect in BI loan swindle to be tried in absentiaTertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Attorney General's Office is planning to try in absentia a former director of the now-defunct Bank Surya, Bambang Sutrisno, for allegedly misusing Rp 1.96 trillion in state loans.

Rahardi dismisses lawyers

Rahardi dismisses lawyersTertiani ZB Simanjuntak and Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Prime defendant in the Rp 62.9 billion State Logistics Agency (Bulog) scandal Rahardi Ramelan has dismissed his defense team following the court's decision to extend his detention.

National land agency's status

National land agency's status BANDARLAMPUNG: Participants of a working conference discussing the National Land Agency (BPN) have urged the government to change the status of the land agency into a Ministry of Agrarian Affairs.

All Indonesians urged to support Palestine

All Indonesians urged to support PalestineA'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Indonesian people, regardless of their religions, should support the Palestinian struggle to fight against Israel, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Ribbhi Y. Awad said on Thursday.

Weak law fails preservation projects

Weak law fails preservation projectsBambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The lack of strict regulations is rendering the preservation of heritage sites ineffective, because it is not preventing the demolition of protected buildings, an expert says.

Sutiyoso prepared to build island casino

Sutiyoso prepared to build island casinoAhmad Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Governor Sutiyoso stated on Thursday that his administration was ready to build the infrastructure for casinos in the Seribu Islands, north of Jakarta, expressing his confidence that the plan would run smoothly.

RI needs debt reduction from Paris Club

RI needs debt reduction from Paris ClubFrancis Lemoine, European Network for Debt and Development (EURODAD), Brussels Indonesia is certainly the country that bore the greatest costs from the financial crisis.

Autonomy troubles Papuans

Autonomy troubles PapuansNeles Tebay Pontifical University of Urbaniana The Jakarta Post Rome 2. Zain -- More debates on Privatization is needed 1 x 32 36pt BodoniMore debate on privatization neededWinarno Zain Director Institute for Policy Studies Jakarta 3.

Iodized salt compulsory in Bantaeng

Iodized salt compulsory in Bantaeng MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi: The local representative of UNICEF, Purwanta Iskandar, said here on Wednesday that the Bantaeng regency in the province had regulated the use of iodized salt.

RI's new coach Kolev to arrive on Sunday

RI's new coach Kolev to arrive on SundayMusthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bulgarian Ivan Kolev, who is reported to have been tied to a one- year contract with the Soccer Association of Indonesia (PSSI), is scheduled to arrive in Jakarta on Sunday.

RI troops told to win hearts, minds of Acehnese

RI troops told to win hearts, minds of AcehneseLela E. Madjiah, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh The Indonesian Military (TNI) seems to be succeeding in its efforts to crush the armed separatist movement in Nanggroe Aceh Darussalam, with reports of an increasing number of armed separatists being killed...

Rupiah Rates April 11

Rupiah Rates April 11 Bank notes rates TT rates Selling Buying Selling Buying Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 10,078.00 9,078.00 9,626.00 9,530.00Australian dollar 1 5,383.67 4,844.93 5,142.21 5,086.16Brunei dollar 1 5,492.10 4,944.44 5,245.78 5,190.63Canadian dollar 1 6,341.56 5,708.72 6,057.14 5,992.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta:Exhibitions* Painting Untukmu Saudaraku Jakarta, Dinda Cafe Gallery, Taman Semanggi Cafe Area, Blok L-7/8, Jl Jend Sudirman, South Jakarta, until April 25. * Graphic Design: Signes, by French artists, National Museum, Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat No. 12, Central Jakarta: (Tel.

Calls for debt write-off mount as Paris Club starts

Calls for debt write-off mount as Paris Club startsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta As debates on whether the government should pursue a debt reduction from foreign lenders intensified here, Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti and Finance Minister Boediono met on Thursday for a...

To readers in Tanjung Karang

To readers in Tanjung Karang Readers in Tanjung Karang, Lampung, did not receive their copy of The Jakarta Post on Thursday. Technical problems at the newsroom meant that we started printing late, and we missed the delivery schedule. Please accept our sincere apologies. -- The publisher

Bali's Day of Silence

Bali's Day of Silence The people of Bali will celebrate tomorrow the coming of the annual Hindu Day of Silence. The day is popularly termed Nyepi and is part of the Balinese calendar, which is adopted from the Saka calendar.

An aversion to queue

An aversion to queue Anyone baffled by Indonesia's chaotic state of affairs may find the explanation, or at least part of it, in one trait that seems to prevail among the people in this country: An aversion to queue.

Political bills to be finalized by the end of this month

Political bills to be finalized by the end of this monthThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Although amendments to the 1945 Constitution have not been completed, the government is currently putting the finishing touches to new bills on political affairs, Minister of Home Affairs Hari Sabarno says.

MUI's antipornography movement

MUI's antipornography movementFrom Pikiran Rakyat The moral movement of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) against pornography was not only initiated by its central executives but also resulted from its national meeting in 2000, national working conference in 2001 and the consensus between MUI and...

G7 to discuss terrorism, oil price

G7 to discuss terrorism, oil price MILAN: Finance Ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) nations will discuss additional measures to stop financing for terrorism, as well as the impact of recent crude oil price hikes on the world economy, a G7 source said on Wednesday.

Unamet blamed for provoking massive rampage in E. Timor

Unamet blamed for provoking massive rampage in E. TimorTiarma Siboro The Jakarta Post JakartaMilitary witnesses testifying before the Central Jakarta Human Rights Tribunal accused the United Nations Mission in East Timor (Unamet) on Thursday of provoking a massive rampage in the former Indonesian...

Government won't arrest Aceh asylum seekers: Susilo

Government won't arrest Aceh asylum seekers: SusiloFabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The government guaranteed on Thursday that it would not arrest two Acehnese students who are now at large after their request for asylum was rejected by the Finnish government and the United Nations...

Agency set up for migrant workers

Agency set up for migrant workers JAKARTA: The government plans to establish an agency to tackle issues concerning the country's migrant workers, Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea said.

Regional tourism

Regional tourism The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) recently issued a report on developments in the nation's tourist industry. BPS noted that the number of foreign tourists visiting Indonesia through 13 points of entrance reached about 625,300 people in January and February.

Property market remains weak

Property market remains weakDebbie A. Lubis, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Property consultant PT Procon Indah said on Thursday that property demand in Jakarta would remain modest despite the current appreciation in the rupiah and a declining interest rate.

Semen Padang in severe financial trouble seeks help

Semen Padang in severe financial trouble seeks helpThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta PT Semen Padang, a 100 percent subsidiary of the publicly listed cement producer PT Semen Gresik, is said to be in such financial difficulty that even for paying the wages of its employees, it has to ask for help from its...

Execution sought for ecstasy dealers

Execution sought for ecstasy dealersYogita Tahilramani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With more and more people here producing and trafficking psychotropic drugs, including ecstasy, the courts should begin handing down the death penalty to punish these crimes, police and observers said.

Realities of jihad in Palestine

Realities of jihad in Palestine The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) has made a statement that fighting against Israel's tyranny is jihad fi sabillilah (holy war on the way of God). But should Indonesian Muslims throng to Palestine to fight along with Palestinians against Israelis? If they do so,...

Verdict in judicial bribe trial postponed

Verdict in judicial bribe trial postponedMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta It is widely rumored that many judges take bribes, but very few such cases are brought to court.No wonder, the bribery trial of a Jakarta High Court judge, Fauzatulo Zendrato, has attracted the media's...

Imported food, beverages must carry 'halal' labels

Imported food, beverages must carry 'halal' labelsAdianto P. Simamora, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister of Trade and Industry Rini. M. Soewandi said that all food and beverage products imported from overseas must carry a halal certificate -- saying the enclosed foodstuffs are appropriate for a...

JP/12/BEJ

JP/12/BEJ .pl .rmStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on April 11, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 235 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,200...

City road conditions

City road conditions Since many people haven't experienced the daily dilemma of going to work in Jakarta on a motorcycle, my experience should prove to be an eye-opener.Having lived and worked in Indonesia for over 30 years, I, like most Indonesian executives and expatriates, enjoy the luxury of...

JP/12/BEJ

JP/12/BEJ .pl .rmStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in Rupiah) on April 11, 2002 ------------------------------------------------------------------ Shares Close Change Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------ Abdi Bangsa Tbk 235 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 1,200...

City police complain over returned Bulog dossiers

City police complain over returned Bulog dossiersRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The city police complained on Thursday about the return of the dossiers on two prominent suspects in the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) graft case, saying the move was an effort to hamper their attempts to...

For eyebox

For eyebox Table RI's foreign debts (as of Dec. 2001/US$ million) Category Government Private Banks Private Non-Banks Total short-term 7.609,6 1.211,3 16.338,6 25.159,5long-term 63.793,4 5.325,4 36.965,3 106.084,0Total 71.403,0 6.536,9 53.303,9 131.

Ticket scalpers in Gambir station

Ticket scalpers in Gambir station JAKARTA: They are scarcely ever in full view. Still, scalpers can often be found roaming the Gambir railway station where at any given moment, dozens of them are swindling unsuspecting travelers hoping to pass their long weekends out of town.

Fire engulfs Philippine ship at sea, 23 dead

Fire engulfs Philippine ship at sea, 23 deadRomeo Ranoco, Reuters, Lucena, Philippines At least 23 people died in the Philippines on Thursday when fire engulfed a ferry with about 270 people on board in the latest maritime tragedy to hit the archipelago.

* Headlines: Calls for debt write-off mount 2

* Headlines: Calls for debt write-off mount 2* Opinion: Delaying privatization means higher economic cost4* City: Verdict in judicial bribe trial postponed 6* Archipelago: Three killed, 35 houses burned in Maluku brawl 7 * National: Execution sought for ecstasy dealers 8* World: White House denies...

Rp 3b missing in brothel land case

Rp 3b missing in brothel land caseThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta The City Council has found that the city has lost some Rp 3 billion (US$300,000) in income tax that should have been paid by the owners of the former Kramat Tunggak brothel complex in North Jakarta when they received compensation for their...

PDI-P plans to sue Cirebon mayor

PDI-P plans to sue Cirebon mayor CIREBON, West Java: The faction of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) at the Cirebon legislature plans to sue Cirebon Mayor Suriaatmadja for alleged irregularities in several development projects in the city in the past year.

Some retailers see higher consumer spending this year

Some retailers see higher consumer spending this yearMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta While financial institutions expect consumer spending to slow down this year, some retailers are upbeat that household consumption will increase and drive sales up.

Arroyo's spokesman takes leave

Arroyo's spokesman takes leave PHILIPPINES: President Gloria Arroyo's spokesman said on Thursday he would take a six-month leave of absence to recharge his batteries after a frenetic first year in office.

East Timor presidential candidates in public debate

East Timor presidential candidates in public debateAgence France-Presse, Dili, East Timor East Timor's two presidential candidates held their first public debate on Thursday, three days before an election which marks the final step in the territory's long and bloody road to independence.

First quarter GDP estimated at 3% to 3.5%

First quarter GDP estimated at 3% to 3.5%The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia said the economy grew by an estimated 3 percent to 3.5 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period last year on the back of improvements in investment, exports and government spending.

No paper

No paper In observance of the Hindu Day of Silence, The Jakarta Post will not be published on Saturday April 13, but our website will run as normal. The Post will appear again on Sunday. -- The Publisher

NTT has highest maternal, infant mortality rate

NTT has highest maternal, infant mortality rateYemris Fointuna, The Jakarta Post, Kupang East Nusa Tenggara (NTT) continues to have Indonesia's highest rate of maternal and infant deaths mainly due to malnutrition, making the country rank the poorest in health improvement among the 10 ASEAN members.

DPR serious about information bill

DPR serious about information billA'an Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A special committee to deliberate the freedom of information bill will be formed in early June of this year, legislator Djoko Susilo said on Thursday.

Poetry festival with int'l flavor

Poetry festival with int'l flavorKartika Bagus C., The Jakarta Post, Surakarta, Central Java A poem can express mixed feelings -- longing, restlessness, hate and many other feelings. In a poem, words come alive in their own existence, appealing to the most indifferent heart.

The Management and Staff of

The Management and Staff of The Jakarta Post wish to express our deepest sympathies and condolences on the passing of Mrs. Baridah (74 years of age) The mother-in-law of Akmal Syams, one of our managing editors, on Thursday, April 11, 2002 at Islamic Hospital Jl. Cempaka Putih, Jakarta.

A slim chance for peace in Aceh

A slim chance for peace in AcehInternational Crisis Group, Jakarta/Brussels Indonesia's efforts to end the separatist rebellion in Aceh entered a new phase in April 2001 with the launching of a military offensive against the guerrillas of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Rediscovering the Asian identity: Tolerance

Rediscovering the Asian identity: ToleranceMegawati Soekarnoputri President, Indonesia 2. Keling -- India's perspectives on ASEAN and the Asia Pacific Region 1 X 32 36pt Bodoni India's perspectives on ASEANThe Annual Singapore Lecture 2002 By Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Prime Minister of India on...

Jakarta Police to use GPS in patrol cars: Makbul

Jakarta Police to use GPS in patrol cars: MakbulDamar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta City Police Chief Insp. Gen. Makbul Padmanagara revealed on Thursday that the police would set up a new patrolling infrastructure using a Global Positioning System, which should enable them to monitor the...

Rural craftsman stands test of crisis

Rural craftsman stands test of crisisHeru Prasetya, Contributor, Yogyakarta He started his business from scratch. But thanks to his perseverance and dedication as a craftsman, Sujiman has seen his yearly turnover reach about Rp 1.5 billion.

To Rich Simons

To Rich Simons In response to the letter by Rich Simmons on Indonesians' response to Israel (The Jakarta Post, April 9), youths here are as much concerned as you are about the latest issues. We cannot only focus on one issue, we are focusing on a lot of things such as poverty, corruption, and...

Missing items in Arimbi bus

Missing items in Arimbi busFrom Media IndonesiaI have traveled on the route operated by the Arimbi bus company from Bandung to Merak for over five years. However, I've lost patience after my belongings have gone missing on the bus on several occasions.

JP/4/NELES

JP/4/NELESSpecial autonomy will not solve crimes against Papuans Neles Tebay Pontifical University of Urbaniana The Jakarta Post Rome In December 2001, the Papuans, through peaceful rallies, rejected Jakarta's offer of special autonomy and demanded the government reveal who killed Theys Hiyo Eluay,...

Sutiyoso ready to build gambling infrastructure

Sutiyoso ready to build gambling infrastructureAhmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post JakartaCity Governor Sutiyoso stated on Thursday that his administration was ready to build the infrastructure for gambling dens in the Seribu Islands, north of Jakarta, expressing his confidence that the plan would run...

TV Program: Friday, April 12, 2002

TV Program: Friday, April 12, 2002TVRI .tb .30" .90" 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings6:00 News8:00 Environment8:30 Cartoon9:00 Cooking Program10:00 News11:00 Regional News11:30 Music12:00 p.m. News1:00 Talk Show3:00 Music4:00 TV Drama6:00 News7:00 Talk Show8:00 Music9:00 News 9:30 Music: Jazz...

Rediscovering the Asian identity

Rediscovering the Asian identityMegawati Soekarnoputri President, Indonesia We are now living in fast-changing world. What often concerns us is that the changes themselves always entail problems. They can be big, they can be small and in many cases they can be cumulative in nature.

Akbar backs Megawati on TNI donation

Akbar backs Megawati on TNI donationKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta House Speaker Akbar Tandjung says there is no need for the House of Representatives (DPR) to summon President Megawati Soekarnoputri to explain the Rp 30 billion (US$3.

Politicians' behavior

Politicians' behaviorFrom KompasThe behavior of politicians in the House of Representatives/People's Consultative Assembly (MPR/DPR) should arouse the nation's grave concern.Almost none of them are of good character, and remain consistent in pursuit of their own interests.

ANZ Bank Panin, Saratoga to bid for Bank Niaga

ANZ Bank Panin, Saratoga to bid for Bank NiagaWahyudi Soeriaatmadja and Aloysius Unditu, Bloomberg, Jakarta PT ANZ Bank Panin, a venture controlled by Australia's No. 3 lender, and PT Saratoga Investama Sedaya, a local hedge fund, plan to bid for PT Bank Niaga, the second Indonesian bank offered...

Military offensive kills five separatists in Aceh

Military offensive kills five separatists in AcehIbnu Mat Noor, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh The Indonesian military (TNI) launched a two-day offensive against the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), earlier this week, resulting in the deaths of four suspected rebels, while prompting hundreds of local...

Classical melodies for Mozart enthusiasts

Classical melodies for Mozart enthusiastsTantri Yuliandini, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For centuries the music of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) has inspired budding composers and delighted listeners all over the world.

Tricky test for recovery

Tricky test for recoveryAri A. Perdana, Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Jakarta An economics student was walking with his professor when he saw a US$100 bill on the sidewalk. As he reached down for it, the professor held him back.

Sutiyoso ready to build gambling infrastructure

Sutiyoso ready to build gambling infrastructureAhmad Junaidi The Jakarta Post JakartaCity Governor Sutiyoso stated on Thursday that his administration was ready to build the infrastructure for gambling dens in the Seribu Islands, north of Jakarta, expressing his confidence that the plan would run...

4 x 10

4 x 10 Three killed, 35 houses burned in Maluku brawl Papua2 x 20Laskar Jihad starts to upset locals in Papua Ofensif2 x 20Military offensive kills five separatists in Acehntt1 x 35 NTT has highest maternal, infant mortality rates

Rachmadi ignores police summons

Rachmadi ignores police summons JAKARTA: Bambang N. Rachmadi, president director of PT McDonald's Indonesia, failed to appear at the Jakarta Police Headquarters on Thursday for questioning as a suspect in a Rp 40 billion graft case related to the state-owned social security company PT Jamsostek.

Police arrest marijuana dealer

Police arrest marijuana dealer BOGOR: The Bogor Municipal Police arrested a suspected marijuana dealer in Sempur village and seized three kilograms of dried marijuana early on Wednesday.The 26-year-old suspect, Aldi Hasan Basri, has long been a police target due to complaints from local residents.

ASEAN and prosperity

ASEAN and prosperity Finance ministers of the Association of the South East Asian Nation's (ASEAN) member states meeting in Myanmar say the region is expected to grow at 3.4 percent to 4 percent this year bolstered by global recovery and efforts to integrate member nations.