Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 June 1999

55 articles found

Government declares war on illegal labor exporters

Government declares war on illegal labor exporters JAKARTA (JP): The government declared an all-out battle against what it described as a well-organized network of illegal labor exporters at home and abroad whose scope had reached alarming levels.

Forex reserves slide to $15.80 billion

Forex reserves slide to $15.80 billion JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia's net foreign exchange reserves declined US$88.8 million to $15.80 billion in the week ending June 15, compared to the previous week's level of $15.89 billion.

Malaysia casts wary eye on Indonesia vote

Malaysia casts wary eye on Indonesia voteBy Nelson Graves KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): A woman leads the opposition to victory over the party which has governed the nation for decades.That's a dream for millions of Indonesians but a nightmare for those in Malaysia's dominant party.

C. Java districts could merge

C. Java districts could merge SEMARANG, Central Java: As many as 10 districts in Central Java could be merged under a new law on regional autonomy.The districts of Pekalongan, Semarang, Cilacap, Rembang, Grobogan, Karanganyar, Magelang, Salatiga, Wonosobo and Purworejo could be merged with other...

AS Hikam's warning

AS Hikam's warningFrom Rakyat MerdekaIt is interesting to take note of the warning given by Mr. AS Hikam in Rakyat Merdeka daily of June 9, 1999. Hats off to Mr. Hikam for his willingness as a political scientist to apply his expert knowledge for the establishment of a public life characterized by...

Foreign-language teachers' guide to learning

Foreign-language teachers' guide to learningBy Simon Marcus Gower This is the first of two articles on foreign language teaching. JAKARTA (JP): Education or training, like language, is a process of communication.

A tough task ahead

A tough task ahead Even though only on a caretaker basis -- at least for the time being -- the government's decision to replace scandal-riddled Attorney General Andi M. Ghalib with his deputy Ismudjoko provides President B.J.

Asian monies mixed following Japanese, U.S. comments

Asian monies mixed following Japanese, U.S. comments SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mixed against the U.S. dollar in late trading Friday as markets digested the latest economic and political comments out of both the U.S. overnight and Japan during the trading session.U.S.

Indonesia may get lower loan support from CGI: Ginandjar

Indonesia may get lower loan support from CGI: Ginandjar JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia may not be able to get a large enough loan commitment this year from the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) to finance the state budget for the next fiscal year, Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and...

Asian stock markets close varied

Asian stock markets close varied HONG KONG (AP): Asian stock markets ended the week mixed Friday, with the key index slipping in Tokyo but surging in Jakarta.The Japanese benchmark 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average edged down 39.19 points, or 0.22 percent, to close at 17,431.26.

Lawyers for blast suspects

Lawyers for blast suspects JAKARTA (JP): Police have appointed a legal defense team for the seven suspects in the April 19 blast at the Istiqlal Grand Mosque, an officer said on Thursday."We have appointed a team for them and they (the suspects) agreed with our choice," city police detectives chief...

Excelcomindo, Lippo deal

Excelcomindo, Lippo deal JAKARTA (JP): Local cellular operator PT Excelcomindo Pratama, the operator of GSM-XL, announced on Thursday that subscribers to its Pro-XL prepaid card could now refill their cards at one of Lippo Bank's 250 automated teller machines (ATMs).

Lack of mature mind

Lack of mature mind After hearing and reading the comment about the Indonesian Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI Perjuangan), I feel very sad to learn that so many "scholars" of politics and religious affairs who hold degrees, are no more than narrow-minded people.

Reform movement must be upheld: Students

Reform movement must be upheld: Students JAKARTA (JP): Alarmed by indications of a power struggle among aspiring presidential candidates and wary of the commitment of the new forces to the reform movement, students have threatened to once again return to the streets.

Basketball, rock concert at Istora

Basketball, rock concert at Istora JAKARTA (JP): Basketball fans are invited to watch a tournament featuring 15 players currently preparing for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games and rock music groups on June 27 at 4 p.m. at Senayan indoor stadium (Istora) here.

KPU accused of misusing funds

KPU accused of misusing funds JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Union Party, Sri Bintang Pamungkas, suggested on Friday that the General Elections Commission (KPU) may have misused electoral funds.

Sampoerna back in black in first quarter

Sampoerna back in black in first quarter JAKARTA (JP): PT HM Sampoerna returned to the black again in the first quarter of this year after making a net loss of Rp 120 billion in 1998.The publicly listed cigarettemaker reported on Friday a net profit of some Rp 200 billion (about US$27.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Bali's conversion rates on June 18, 1999: TT rates Bank notes rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,240.00 7,300.00 7,240.00 7,340.00Australian dollar 1 4,701.00 4,792.25 4,676.00 4,867.00Austrian schilling 1 540.29 549.84 - -Belgian franc 1 184.

Fischer urges continuity with IMF-prescribed programs

Fischer urges continuity with IMF-prescribed programs JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund's first deputy managing director, Stanley Fischer, said on Friday he was heartened by the outcome of Indonesia's June 7 general election, which passed peacefully, and with the improving economic...

Petrosea pays dividends

Petrosea pays dividends JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Petrosea, an engineering construction and contract mining services firm, will pay dividends of one U.S. cent for the 1998 financial year.The company said the dividends, approved by shareholders at the annual shareholders meeting on Friday,...

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 18, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 575 0 15,000 AHAP Insurance 525 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 375 0 20,000 Alter Abadi 525 125 7,759,000...

Bargaining with the IMF

Bargaining with the IMF In Indonesia, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is implementing a program which requires the government to reform its financial institutions, transform the country's economic structure on a grand scale and change its political conduct.

Price rally continues on JSX, but rupiah down

Price rally continues on JSX, but rupiah down JAKARTA (JP): The price rally continued on the Jakarta Stock Exchange on Friday, with the benchmark Composite Index again breaking the 700-point psychological barrier.The rupiah weakened on Friday to close the day at Rp 7,295 against the U.S.

Social problems from Asian crisis to persist

Social problems from Asian crisis to persist MANILA (Reuters): Economies in Asia may appear to be bottoming out from the regional financial crisis but accompanying social crisis is expected to linger in the coming years, the Asian Development Bank said.

Import ban on Belgian food valid on Monday

Import ban on Belgian food valid on Monday JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Industry and Trade said on Friday that the ban on imports of Belgian farm, poultry and food products would take effect on Monday.

S'pore denies RI gas problem

S'pore denies RI gas problem SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore Power Friday denied industry reports that talks on a second Singapore-Indonesia natural gas agreement had stalled over a disagreement on prices."Talks are progressing," said Singapore Power spokeswoman Alice Ong. "Nothing is settled yet.

Badminton body delays coach reshuffle plan

Badminton body delays coach reshuffle plan JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) has been working hard to improve shuttlers' performances in international events. One way was to replace the women's coaches with men's coaches in women's sectors.

Two arrested for robbery

Two arrested for robbery JAKARTA (JP): Residents in Kayu Putih, East Jakarta, apprehended two men for allegedly attempting to rob a driver early Friday.City police spokesman Lt. Col. Zainuri Lubis said on Friday the robbery attempt took place at about 12:30 p.m. at a gas station on Jl. Kayu Putih.

Garin Nugroho lands Tokyo retrospective

Garin Nugroho lands Tokyo retrospective JAKARTA (JP): Works by respected film director Garin Nugroho are being screened in a program called Garin Nugroho Retrospection held by the Japan Foundation Forum at Akasaka Twin Tower, Tokyo, from June 17 through June 20.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta:Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Misteri Wanita Dalam Ukiyo-e, at Pusat Kebudayaan Jepang - The Japan Foundation, Summitmas I, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 61-62 South Jakarta (Phone: 5201266), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., until June 30.

Police disperse anti-Soeharto rally

Police disperse anti-Soeharto rally JAKARTA (JP): Riot police dispersed a student street rally at the Semanggi cloverleaf in the heart of the capital on Friday morning, arresting 32 protesters, mostly female students.

Mahathir says in no hurry for elections

Mahathir says in no hurry for elections KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said on Friday that he could call general elections at any time but was in no hurry to organize polls.

Gus Dur proposes separation of executive powers

Gus Dur proposes separation of executive powers JAKARTA (JP): With fears of a deadlocked presidential election looming, chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Muslim organization Abdurrahman Wahid suggested on Friday a separation of power between the head of government and the head of state.

Twilite Orchestra sets stage for Popstravaganza Concert

Twilite Orchestra sets stage for Popstravaganza Concert JAKARTA (JP): Fans may have to wait weeks until they can see the Star Wars prequel, Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace here. But at least they can entertain themselves with the movie's theme music at Twilite Orchestra Popstravaganza...

Government to check dumping charges

Government to check dumping charges JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Industry and Trade said on Friday that it would investigate allegations of dumping practices against foreign hypermarket operators here.

Mosque home to Timor refugees

Mosque home to Timor refugees UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Eighty-six refugees from East Timor, who fled their province two months ago, are still being sheltered at a mosque here.One of the refugees, Jose da Silva Taneti, said here on Friday that they left East Timor because of the worsening...

Ismudjoko installed as acting attorney general

Ismudjoko installed as acting attorney general JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice /State Secretary Muladi installed former deputy attorney general Ismudjoko on Friday as acting attorney general, replacing Andi M. Ghalib, who stepped aside on Monday pending a graft investigation.

Three die as truck hits van

Three die as truck hits van BOYOLALI, Central Java: Three women died when a truck slammed into a minivan carrying workers of Safaritex textile company on Thursday night.The three women, all in their early 20s, were on their way to work late that night.According to Boyolali Police chief Lt. Col.

Government refuses to delay debate on forestry bill

Government refuses to delay debate on forestry bill JAKARTA (JP): Ministry of Forestry and Plantations Muslimin Nasution said on Friday the government had no plans to delay deliberation of the forestry bill in the House of Representatives.

Riau demands larger share in government oil revenue

Riau demands larger share in government oil revenue JAKARTA (JP): A delegation from Riau province demanded on Friday a change to the oil and gas bill currently being debated by the House of Representatives to allow the province to obtain a larger share of the government's oil and gas revenue.

Bugis in South Sulawesi

Bugis in South Sulawesi This letter was intentionally delayed to sound neither political nor emotional. Djiwandono's article Not much credit is due Habibie's presidency published on May 26, 1999, indeed hurt the feelings of people of South Sulawesi, primarily those who read the paper.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Two Hours Only 8:00 Children's Songs 9:00 Music 9:30 TV Series: The Sainth 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Sports 4:00 Regional News 4:30 English Lessons 5:00 Cultural Program 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in...

Drug addicts' sanctuaries under police's nose

Drug addicts' sanctuaries under police's nose JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives have located a number of vacant and quiet land plots in the capital which have become favorite spots for drug addicts and dealers, an official said on Friday.City police chief of detectives Col.

Six escape from Magelang prison

Six escape from Magelang prison MAGELANG, Central Java: Police in the Magelang area have launched a manhunt for six convicts who escaped from a prison here on Thursday night."We have coordinated and contacted all police stations in Central Java," Magelang Police chief Lt. Col.

Language barriers can be used to keep power

Language barriers can be used to keep powerBy Sam Wright This is the second of two articles on the role of foreign languages in Indonesian history. JAKARTA (JP): In this postcolonial world, the fracturing of Indonesian society through conflicting language demands, continues.

Officials pressing vendors for payoffs

Officials pressing vendors for payoffs JAKARTA (JP): A city official has deplored the rampant collection of fees from unregistered street vendors by city administration officials, terming it "a crime".Chrisman Siregar of the Central Jakarta public order office warned on Thursday that any officer...

Disabled cop fights for compensation

Disabled cop fights for compensation JAKARTA (JP): A retired police officer, left physically disabled from an act of retaliation allegedly committed by Army personnel, began a hunger strike on Friday to demand the National Police help cover his medical costs.First Sgt.

Defending low fare airlines

Defending low fare airlines Regarding Mr. Sawrey-Cookson's letter published on June 16, I would like to point out a few facts that Mr. Sawrey-Cookson should take into account next time he flies the hideous flight from Jakarta to London.

Investors give cold shoulder to Kramat Tunggak conversion

Investors give cold shoulder to Kramat Tunggak conversion JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is keeping a standing invitation open for investors to convert the Kramat Tunggak red- light district in North Jakarta into a shopping complex, an official of the city social services agency said on...

We didn't find human head in suspect's house: Police

We didn't find human head in suspect's house: Police JAKARTA (JP): Police have temporarily halted investigating a Cipondoh resident in Tangerang for alleged drug possession while the suspect, a chronic diabetic sufferer, receives treatment at Soekanto Police Hospital, an officer said on Friday.

Students demand poll result announcements be postponed

Students demand poll result announcements be postponed JAKARTA (JP): The announcement of the official final results of the general election should be delayed until a guarantee can be obtained that all reported claims of poll violations will be settled, a leading student group says.

Traders ask for compensation

Traders ask for compensation BOGOR (JP): At least 1,200 traders of Pasar Kembang market have asked the management of the Ramayana department store, also located there, to be responsible for the 1996 fire which gutted the market.

East Timor rival factions sign pact

East Timor rival factions sign pact JAKARTA (JP): East Timor's rival factions signed a disarmament agreement at the Ministry of Justice here on Friday, as the United Nations mission in the troubled territory accused the Indonesian Military of helping militia groups intimidate villagers and assault...

Cibogo residents angry over high-voltage tower

Cibogo residents angry over high-voltage tower TANGERANG (JP): Scores of Cibogo villagers from Kelapa Dua, Curug, Tangerang, on Friday gathered at the construction site of a high-voltage tower being erected near their village and demanded state-owned electricity company PLN move the tower to...

Violation charges prolong end to ballot count

Violation charges prolong end to ballot count JAKARTA (JP): Many harried provincial elections committees have moved back the completion of their vote counts from June 17 deadline to June 21, citing technical complications or controversy over alleged violations.