Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 September 2002

76 articles found

The de facto governor

The de facto governor Given the poor record of the Jakarta administration over the last five years, we can almost certainly expect more of the same now that the incumbent, Sutiyoso, has been reelected by the city's legislative council as governor for the next five years.

Bankers oppose higher CAR requirement

Bankers oppose higher CAR requirementThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bankers urged Bank Indonesia not to apply the minimum 12 percent capital adequacy ratio (CAR) requirement yet as it would impede banks from resuming their lending activities.

VP lends moral support to RI Asiad team

VP lends moral support to RI Asiad teamMusthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Vice president Hamzah Haz has urged the Indonesian sporting delegation to the Asian Games to do its utmost for the sake of the nation and the country, according to a contingent's official.

IPB warns of water hyacinth menace

IPB warns of water hyacinth menaceThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta In addition to garbage and toxic waste, ponds and rivers in the city face another possible threat: water hyacinth (Eichornia crassipes), which is known locally as eceng gondok.

Sutiyoso's reelection marred with delays, security threats

Sutiyoso's reelection marred with delays, security threatsNovan Iman Santosa and Bambang Nurbianto, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso has been elected to another five year term with a commanding lead of 47 out of 84 votes on Wednesday although the City Council's special plenary meeting...

ASEAN to finalize plan for world's largest trade zone

ASEAN to finalize plan for world's largest trade zoneMartin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse, Bandar Seri Begawan Southeast Asian economic ministers will meet here from Thursday to finalize a framework agreement with China on how to create the world's biggest free trade area of nearly two billion...

2. IRAQ: 1 x 66

2. IRAQ: 1 x 66 Proliferation of weaponry has some wondering: Why single out Iraq? 3. FOREST: 1 x 50 Forest auditors accused of links to timber convict 4. MEGA: RI explores purchase of Croatian weaponry

Corruption rating?

Corruption rating?From Rakyat MerdekaThe deputy secretary-general of Transparency International Indonesia, Nurul Almy Hafild, said recently that Indonesia and Bangladesh remained the most corrupt countries in Asia.

Former finance minister Mari'e Muhammad used to compare

Former finance minister Mari'e Muhammad used to compare customs and excise officers to mechanics in a workshop. Mechanics will somehow get dirty because of the lubricating oil. It is all right as long as they do not get soaked in this oil, he said.

Minister drafts cyber bills

Minister drafts cyber bills JAKARTA: State Minister of Communications and Information Syamsul Mu'arif revealed on Wednesday that his office was drafting a set of "cyberlaws" in anticipation of the upsurge in crimes via the Internet.

Forest auditors accused of links to timber convict

Forest auditors accused of links to timber convictRendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three assessment companies appointed by the Ministry of Forestry to help filter out bad forest concession holders are being suspected of having links to certain concession holders including timber tycoon...

RI explores purchase of Croatian weaponry

RI explores purchase of Croatian weaponryAgencies, Zagreb Indonesian President Megawati Soekarnoputri has said that Indonesia is exploring the possible purchase of arms from Croatia and Bosnia Herzegovina.

New bank loans in August up 25 percent: BI

New bank loans in August up 25 percent: BIThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Bank Indonesia said on Wednesday that new bank loans increased by 25 percent, to Rp 9.5 trillion (US$1.07 billion) in August from Rp 7.6 trillion in July.

Telkom accused of discrimination

Telkom accused of discriminationMuninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) criticized state telecommunication company PT Telkom on Wednesday for discriminating between its customers.

A lesson from Akbar

A lesson from AkbarSoeryo Winoto, Staff Writer, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The Central Jakarta District Court sentenced House of Representatives (DPR) Speaker Akbar Tandjung, who is also the chairman of the Golkar Party, to three years in jail -- a year less than what prosecutors demanded -- for...

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'How to respect the law': A lesson from Akbar 2. LA12 -- 1 X 30 Fostering a democratic Islam 3. Sincu -- 1 X 32 Mutual respect in a multiethnic society

Effectiveness of Voluntary PSI

Effectiveness of Voluntary PSI Former finance minister Mari'e Muhammad used to compare customs and excise officers to mechanics in a workshop. Mechanics will somehow get dirty because of the lubricating oil. It is all right as long as they do not get soaked in this oil, he said.

RP mulls shielding petrochemicals

RP mulls shielding petrochemicalsMartin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse, Bandar Seri Begawan The Philippines sent notice Wednesday it may delay the liberalisation of its petrochemicals industry, raising concerns it could undermine the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) and hit investor confidence in the...

Public officials'

Public officials' arroganceFrom Media Indonesia Some 88 members of the House of Representatives (DPR) and 67 from the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) are apparently in breach of Law No.28/1999 on clean governance.

The euphoria must end

The euphoria must end President Megawati Soekarnoputri's statement in front of the Indonesian community in Algeria that the euphoria of reform should be limited was in fact a reflection of public sentiment.

RI, Malaysia to sign MoU on labor

RI, Malaysia to sign MoU on labor JAKARTA: Minister of Manpower and Transmigration Jacob Nuwa Wea said on Wednesday that Indonesia expected to agree to a Memorandum of Understanding on workers rights and obligations with Malaysia by the end of this month.

Broadcasting bill may revive 'TVRI' monopoly

Broadcasting bill may revive 'TVRI' monopolyKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Private television channels have continued to voice their opposition against the broadcasting bill, saying some new regulations in the bill could reinstate the monopoly exercised by state television TVRI in...

Sutiyoso reelected amid public outcry

Sutiyoso reelected amid public outcryBambang Nurbianto and Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite outrage and opposition from tens of thousands of demonstrators from various organizations and student groups, incumbent Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso was reelected for the 2002- 2007 term on...

Dengue fever claims 11 lives

Dengue fever claims 11 lives JAMBI, Jambi: The Jambi Health Office head, Hamid Syam, cautioned the public on Wednesday over the outbreak of dengue fever in the province, which has now claimed 11 lives.Hamid predicted that the five-year cycle of dengue fever epidemics would occur this year, after...

Govt to discontinue rice subsidy for 565,000 families

Govt to discontinue rice subsidy for 565,000 familiesMoch. N. Kurniawan, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Over 550,000 poor families will no longer receive government assistance through "Rice for the Poor" program in 2003 due to a reduction in the subsidy and anticipated higher rice prices, the State...

RI delays rice imports from Thailand

RI delays rice imports from ThailandThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Chairman of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Widjanarko Puspoyo said on Wednesday the planned rice import from Thailand would not materialize this year as the two countries had yet to reach agreement over a US$40 million barter deal.

Installation forms bridge between East and West

Installation forms bridge between East and WestRita A. Widiadana, The Jakarta Post, Denpasar A huge structure built out of bamboo poles shaping like a zeppelin airship greets anyone passing the Gaya Fusions of Senses Gallery in Payangan area in Ubud, some 20 kilometers north of Denpasar.

Southeast Asian MPs vow to fight terrorism

Southeast Asian MPs vow to fight terrorismBen Rowse, Agence France-Presse, Hanoi Southeast Asian parliamentarians pledged to fight terrorism on Wednesday on the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, but said they were opposed to unprovoked military action against Iraq.

Anti-Akbar campaign hots up in House

Anti-Akbar campaign hots up in HouseKurniawan Hari The Jakarta Post Jakarta Legislators continued on Wednesday with their attempt to force convicted House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung to relinquish his post as Akbar's Golkar Party renewed its threat to call for a reshuffle in the House...

Activists welcome bill against discrimination

Activists welcome bill against discriminationBerni K. Moestafa and Fabiola Desy Unidjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Activists have welcomed the submission of the anti-race and ethnic discrimination bill to the House of Representatives saying that it will ensure equal rights of all citizens.

U.S. support FTA deal with ASEAN

U.S. support FTA deal with ASEANMartin Abbugao, Agence France-Presse, Bandar Seri Begawan U.S. business leaders on Wednesday offered support for a free trade agreement (FTA) with ASEAN to keep their country engaged with Southeast Asia as China's influence grows in the region.

Flour price set to increase: Aptindo

Flour price set to increase: AptindoThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Local flour producers will gradually raise flour prices starting this month following the recent increase in the price of wheat on the international market, according to the flour producers association (Aptindo).

RI analysts dismiss al-Qaeda threat

RI analysts dismiss al-Qaeda threatBerni K. Moestafa and Muhammad Nafik, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Local analysts expressed doubt on Wednesday that al-Qaeda had any organized cells here, but warned that the country was ripe for radicalism, while at least one Muslim scholar said he had evidence of...

Disgraced Akbar takes over AIPO presidency

Disgraced Akbar takes over AIPO presidency Agence France-Presse HanoiDisgraced Indonesian legislature speaker Akbar Tandjung took over the presidency of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO) on Wednesday despite his conviction last week on corruption charges.

Mega told to stop women smuggling

Mega told to stop women smuggling NUNUKAN, East Kalimantan: President Megawati Soekarnoputri as Indonesia's first female president should take the lead in efforts to combat the smuggling of Indonesian women to Malaysia, a House legislator said here Wednesday.

Disgraced Akbar takes over AIPO presidency

Disgraced Akbar takes over AIPO presidency Agence France-Presse HanoiDisgraced Indonesian legislature speaker Akbar Tandjung took over the presidency of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO) on Wednesday despite his conviction last week on corruption charges.

Thoby reinstalled as Trisakti rector

Thoby reinstalled as Trisakti rector JAKARTA: Trisakti University was struck by an internal conflict between the Trisakti university senate and the Trisakti foundation over the tenure extension of its incumbent rector Thoby Mutis.

Kartini Emergency School gets aid

Kartini Emergency School gets aid JAKARTA: Informal schools for the children of the poor, known as the Kartini Emergency School organization, received on Tuesday more than Rp 250 million raised by the Blue League Charity Tournament.

Tropical plants and flora hot business in Bali

Tropical plants and flora hot business in BaliTri Vivi Suryani, Contributor, Denpasar Green leaves and colorful flowers are inseparable from the lives of most Balinese Hindus. For every religious occasion, they create intricate flower designs arranged with fresh coconut leaves as part of their...

Excessive sand mining threatens 'Sabo' damns

Excessive sand mining threatens 'Sabo' damnsSri Wahyuni, The Jakarta Post, Yogyakarta Sand excavation activities on the rivers at the base of Mount Merapi in Central Java are now threatening Sabo (lava control) dams constructed along the rivers to control the flow of hot lava from the volcano, a...

Ad hoc tribunal for election offenders urged

Ad hoc tribunal for election offenders urgedTiarma Siboro, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The lack of legal action taken against election irregularities in the past has sparked demands for an ad hoc tribunal to try those violating the election law.

Comedians and language

Comedians and language From Kompas Television stations should carefully choose their programs for around 7 p.m. because children watch TV at this time. Inappropriate programs will adversely influence the development -- particularly psychological -- of these children.

Shares Close Change Trading

Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Abdi Bangsa Tbk 270 0 0 Ades Alfindo Tbk 850 25 5,000 Adindo Foresta 45 0 0 AGIS Tbk 85 0 107,500 Akbar Indo Makmur 295 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 190 0 0 Alfa Retailindo Tbk 825 0 8,000...

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, September 12, 2002

Where to go in Bali for Thursday, September 12, 2002Exhibitions* Installation Art Skyplace Bamboo Airshipe Zeppelin, by Markus Heinsdorff's, Gaya Fusion of Senses, Jl. Raya Sayan, Ubud (Tel. 0361 979253), until Oct. 20. * Painting Peace is Beautiful, Shini Art Gallery, in Ubud, until Sept. 15.

Indonesia and Philippines agree to buy Thailand sugar

Indonesia and Philippines agree to buy Thailand sugarRebecca Thurlow, Dow Jones, Bandar Seri Begawan Thailand's Deputy Minister of Finance Suchart Jaovisidha said Wednesday Indonesia and the Philippines have agreed to enter into long-term contracts to buy Thai sugar, relieving the need for Thailand...

Rupiah Rates Sept.11

Rupiah Rates Sept.11Banknote rates TT ratesSelling Buying Selling BuyingRp Rp Rp Rp Australian dollar 1 5,151.67 4,599.07 4,901.60 4,848.92Brunei dollar 1 5,347.22 4,775.29 5,087.66 5,034.70Canadian dollar 1 5,976.97 5,339.02 5,686.84 5,629.05Swiss franc 1 6,270.61 5,600.11 5,966.22 5,904.

Elementary schools merged

Elementary schools merged BENGKULU: The Rejang Lebong Education Office has merged 98 elementary schools in the regency into 48 schools this academic year due to lack of students.The office chairman Tarmizi Usuludin said on Wednesday that each school merged only obtained 30 students, far below the...

Earthquake rocks Kupang

Earthquake rocks Kupang KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A tectonic earthquake measuring 5.2 at Richter scale rocked the East Nusa Tenggara capital of Kupang at 1:22 p.m. local time on Wednesday.No damage or casualties were reported, but the tremor caused hundreds of people to rush out of their houses...

Ramifications of the gubernatorial election

Ramifications of the gubernatorial electionJP/Arief Suhardiman The gubernatorial election at the City Council building on Jl. Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, on Wednesday was marred with some incidents before incumbent Sutiyoso finally won the race.

RI, UNPKF approve border pact

RI, UNPKF approve border pact ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: The Indonesian military and the UN Peace Keeping Forces (UNKPF) in East Timor signed an agreement on the tactical coordination line (TCL) here Wednesday.

Foreign investment in ASEAN undeterred by war on terror

Foreign investment in ASEAN undeterred by war on terrorAgence France-Presse, Bandar Seri Begawan Foreign direct investment (FDI) into Southeast Asia rose 13.4 percent in 2001 in a sign that alleged terrorist links in the region had little impact on investment flows, economic ministers said...

Southeast Asian MPs vow to fight terrorism, but oppose attack on

Southeast Asian MPs vow to fight terrorism, but oppose attack on Iraq Ben Rowse Agence France-Presse HanoiSoutheast Asian parliamentarians pledged to fight terrorism on Wednesday on the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks, but said they were opposed to unprovoked military action against Iraq.

1. GOVERNOR: 3 x 22

1. GOVERNOR: 3 x 22 Sutiyoso's reelection marred by delays, security threats 3. HOUSE: 1 x 36 Anti-Akbar campaign hots up in House 4. AKBAR: 1 x 33 Akbar takes over AIPO presidency 5. AIPO: 1 x 44 Southeast Asian MPs vow to fight terrorism Employees outfox raiders Passengers pilfer 5,000 blankets

Anti-Akbar campaign hots up in House

Anti-Akbar campaign hots up in HouseKurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Legislators continued on Wednesday with their attempt to force convicted House of Representatives Speaker Akbar Tandjung to relinquish his post as Akbar's Golkar Party renewed its threat to call for a reshuffle in the...

Kites, theater make Sari Madjid tick

Kites, theater make Sari Madjid tickYusuf Susilo Hartono, Contributor, Jakarta The old adage "like father like son" does not apply to the Madjid family.While her father, Abdul Madjid, is a respected elder of the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan) -- the political party led by...

Housewife nearly loses life savings

Housewife nearly loses life savings A Bekasi housewife who believed a man could magically multiply her money, narrowly avoided losing her life savings when the magician hypnotized her in a bank and attempted to escape.

Spotlight

SpotlightCitibankCITIBANK & FEUI BANKING MANAGEMENT COURSE: Citibank Peka, Citibank Indonesia's community program, and the University of Indonesia's Department of Economics (FEUI) recently launched the Citibank University Banking Course, the first such partnership between the FEUI and a private...

Indonesian to grow 3.86%: Minister

Indonesian to grow 3.86%: Minister JAKARTA: Indonesia's finance minister said Wednesday that he expects the economy to grow 3.86 percent in the third quarter compared with the same period of last year.Such growth would be slightly higher than 3.

Emergency housing could help disaster victims

Emergency housing could help disaster victimsFransiska Prihadi, Contributor, Jakarta, francika@cbn.net.id Reading newspaper' headlines in the last couple of weeks about the refugee camps in the East Kalimantan town of Nunukan should have driven home the realization that the camps are a manmade...

U.S. Ambassador clarifies call to investors

U.S. Ambassador clarifies call to investorsThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta U.S. Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce on Wednesday clarified his statement which suggested American investors "should wait" before coming to Indonesia, saying he did not mean that.

SBI rate falls to 13.78%

SBI rate falls to 13.78% JAKARTA: The weighted average interest rate on the benchmark one-month SBI promissory notes fell to 13.78 percent at an auction Wednesday from 14.07 percent a week ago, the central bank said.The fall was in line with market expectations.

Li Peng's visit

Li Peng's visit Not only is the ongoing visit of People's Republic of China (PRC) parliamentary speaker Li Peng to Indonesia important in terms of bilateral relations, it is also interesting to observe from the perspective of China's own problems.

U.S. Ambassador satisfied with RI security

U.S. Ambassador satisfied with RI securityThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta In an apparent damage containment exercise, U.S. Ambassador Ralph L. Boyce met on Wednesday senior government officials irked by his decision to close American diplomatic missions in Indonesia over a terrorist threat Jakarta said...

Suu Kyi, generals attend 9/11 ceremony

Suu Kyi, generals attend 9/11 ceremony MYANMAR: Myanmar opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Wednesday attended a memorial ceremony of the Sept. 11 attacks together with senior generals from the ruling military junta, diplomats and witnesses said.

Revolution or

Revolution or realization The cry of revolution came from Zainal Caryanto in The Jakarta Post, a feeling that no doubt many Indonesians share. His points made were valid, his criteria for such drastic action were in the main correct, but advertising ones intention to promote anarchy is unwise and...

U.S. supports FTA deal with ASEAN

U.S. supports FTA deal with ASEANJP/ASEAN U.S. business leaders offer support for free trade deal with ASEAN U.S. business leaders on Wednesday offered support for a free trade agreement (FTA) with ASEAN to keep their country engaged with Southeast Asia as China's influence grows in the region.

Disgraced Akbar takes over AIPO presidency

Disgraced Akbar takes over AIPO presidency Agence France-Presse HanoiDisgraced Indonesian legislature speaker Akbar Tandjung took over the presidency of the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Organization (AIPO) on Wednesday despite his conviction last week on corruption charges.

The good news and the major economic risks

The good news and the major economic risksMark Baird, World Bank, Country Director for Indonesia, Jakarta At the heart of the structural agenda is restoring the integrity and credibility of public institutions, especially in the civil service and justice sector.

1. PHOTO DISPLAY: 50 pt, 7 cols, 1 x

1. PHOTO DISPLAY: 50 pt, 7 cols, 1 x Ramifications of the gubernatorial election (see photo display) 2. TELKOM: 36 pt, 4 cols, 1 x 38 Telkom accused of discrimination 3. ECENG: 28 pt, 1 x 40 ITB warns of water hyacinth menace 4.

Rain fails to dissipate haze in Palangkaraya

Rain fails to dissipate haze in PalangkarayaThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Despite heavy downpours of rain over the last few days, thick haze from out-of-control forest fires is still blanketing Palangkaraya town and many parts of Central Kalimantan, forcing airline companies to indefinitely suspend...

Deyana may or may not quit Asiad

Deyana may or may not quit AsiadThe Jakarta Post, Jakarta Sandry Liong, a wushu martial arts hopeful, is most likely to abandon his dream of participating in the Asian Games, and the Indonesian contingent is facing another exit with female shuttler Deyana Lomban threatening to quit.

'Governor Sutiyoso does not have people's support'

'Governor Sutiyoso does not have people's support' Despite the controversy over his poor performance and strong public protest, governor Sutiyoso finally won the gubernatorial election on Wednesday. Some people shared their ideas on Sutiyoso's reelection with The Jakarta Post.

'Kepri province still long way off'

'Kepri province still long way off'The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Minister for Home Affairs Hari Sabarno said Wednesday that the establishment of Riau Islands province, known as Kepri, was still a long way off as the plan had to be approved by the governor of Riau province and its councillors.

AIDS, Condoms and hookers

AIDS, Condoms and hookers In response to the letter of Wawat Rusmanawati published in The Jakarta Post on Sept. 5, and the letter from Azizah Soebagijo (MTP Secretary) on Sept. 9, please allow us to clarify.1.

Workers protest new labor bills

Workers protest new labor bills MEDAN, North Sumatra: At least 700 workers from six regencies in North Sumatra grouped under The North Sumatra Labor Union NGO Forum held a rally on Wednesday at the provincial legislature to oppose the bills on labor protection and industrial dispute settlement.

SBI rate falls to 13.78%

SBI rate falls to 13.78% JAKARTA: The weighted average interest rate on the benchmark one-month SBI promissory notes fell to 13.78 percent at an auction Wednesday from 14.07 percent a week ago, the central bank said. The fall was in line with market expectations.