Archive: 5 May 1998
52 articles found
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Workers want union leaders to step down
Workers want union leaders to step down JAKARTA (JP): More than 200 workers and labor activists staged a protest at the headquarters of the All-Indonesia Workers Union Federation (FSPSI), demanding an increase in the minimum wage, the resignation of the federation's leaders and lower prices for basic commodities. The protesters, representing 13 labor unions under the federation umbrella, called for a 20 percent increase in the minimum monthly wage.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Two officers detained in garlic scam: Source
Two officers detained in garlic scam: Source JAKARTA (JP): Two police officers have been detained for possible involvement in the alleged sale of more than seven tons of garlic earmarked as material evidence in court, a police source said yesterday. The officer of the city police headquarters, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said officers whom he identified only as YL and NG were under investigation by the city police internal affairs unit.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
A word of warning
A word of warning Student demonstrations on campuses have caught the public's attention both domestically and abroad. Many people in the country sympathize with students' feelings toward the high cost of living as, after all, most of us are in the same boat. While admiring the young generation's ability to voice their ideals, there is also a concern that they may take their protests to the street.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Media chided over sticker reports
Media chided over sticker reports JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso accused the media yesterday of "unbalanced reporting" which has led to the public rejection of the planned traffic sticker system. He said media reports on the controversial plan -- aimed at easing traffic congestion on Jl. Jend. Sudirman and Jl. MH Thamrin -- had focused people's attention on the negative aspects and ignored the advantages.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
11 activists jailed for ignoring police order
11 activists jailed for ignoring police order JAKARTA (JP): Eleven supporters of government critic Megawati Soekarnoputri were sentenced to two months and 23 days for ignoring a police order during a Feb. 11 demonstration. They were the last group of 157 people tried at South Jakarta District Court on the same charges. Thirty-five people were fined Rp 2,500 and the remaining 122 were sentenced to between two months and 10 days or two months and 23 days.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
50 students and officers injured in scuffles
50 students and officers injured in scuffles JAKARTA (JP): More than 50 student demonstrators and security personnel were injured in scuffles yesterday in Palu, Central Sulawesi, Medan, North Sumatra, and Bandung, West Java. It was another day of protests as thousands of students in widespread pockets of the country continued their unceasing demonstrations for political and economic reforms.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto pledges no more monopoly of clove trading
Soeharto pledges no more monopoly of clove trading JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto promised yesterday a new agency would not be formed to take over the clove monopoly of the soon-to-be-disbanded Clove Marketing and Buffer Stock Agency (BPPC). "There are concerns that BPPC will form a new agency ...
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
War-era artillery shell kills six
War-era artillery shell kills six HANOI (AP): An artillery shell from the Vietnam War killed six people and injured three others in the Mekong Delta province of Tien Giang, local press reports said yesterday. The incident took place last week when farmer Nguyen Van Kieu, 40, threw into a fire the 105mm shell he collected late last year while dredging a canal near his house.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bandung:
Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Photo exhibition: Asiatica, at Savoy Homann, Panghegar Heritage Hotel, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 112 (Phone: 022 432244), 3 p.m. to 9 p.m., until May 9. * Art exhibition: Recent Works - Made in Indonesia, by Susanna Samanek, at Galeripadi Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 329 Bandung (Phone: 022 2500578), Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., May 9-31. * Graphics exhibition: Seni Grafis Kritis Era Weimar, at Soemardja Gallery, School of Art and Design, Jl.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian currencies edge higher against dollar
SE Asian currencies edge higher against dollar SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies edged at touch higher against the U.S. dollar during thin Asian trading yesterday. With many traders returning to their desks after a long weekend, and markets in Tokyo and London closed for public holidays, trading activity was lethargic at best.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Japan to give SE Asia new aid
Japan to give SE Asia new aid SINGAPORE (AP): Trying to reassure Japan's neighbors that it will help lead them out of economic turmoil, Japanese Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi said yesterday his government is considering an additional US$20 million in aid to Southeast Asia. Obuchi made the announcement during a policy speech in Singapore, the last stop on his three-nation tour of the region.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Three injured in Tanah Abang fresh clash
Three injured in Tanah Abang fresh clash JAKARTA (JP): A clash between two groups of residents rocked Kebon Melati subdistrict, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, yesterday, leaving three people severely injured. The fracas erupted at about 9 a.m. after Hengki, 24, was badly beaten up by a group of Irianese boys, who lived at Mess Cendrawasih boarding house on Jl. Kebon Melati III, Caca, one of the local residents, said. "These groups have frequently been involved in quarrels for some time.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 4, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 600 0 0 AHAP Insurance 500 0 0 Alter Abadi 975 0 264,000 Alumindo Light Metal 350 -25 77,000 Alumindo Perkasa 300 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 0 12,500 Aneka Tambang 1,475 -75 1,483,000 Anwar Sierad 225 0 85,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Soemitro still in critical condition
Soemitro still in critical condition JAKARTA (JP): The former chief of defunct internal security agency Pangkopkamtib, Gen. (ret) Soemitro, was still unconscious and in critical condition last night after suffering a stroke Friday. "Father is still in a critical condition... There is still no sign that he is regaining consciousness," his daughter, Mely Kartahadimadja, told The Jakarta Post when contacted by phone yesterday. She said Friday's stroke was the third suffered by the general.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rates for Tax Payment
Rates for Tax Payment JAKARTA (JP): The new official conversion rates as the basis for payment of import duty, value-added tax on goods and services, sales tax on luxury goods, export tax and income tax, valid from May 4 to May 10: U.S.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Camdessus approves IMF payments to RI
Camdessus approves IMF payments to RI SINGAPORE (Reuters): International Monetary Fund (IMF) Managing Director Michel Camdessus said yesterday he had recommended the IMF resume bailout payments to Indonesia. Camdessus told a news conference in Singapore he was convinced Indonesia was strongly committed to implementing the financial reform package it had agreed with the fund.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Officials no show at art show
Officials no show at art show BENGKULU: Local officials here are said to have little appreciation for the arts. The head of the provincial office of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Mardansyah, said such a failure was evident in the low attendence of officials at yesterday's opening of the Bengkulu-Padang Panjang Art Festival here. "The opening is evidence of this fact. Out of 50 invitations I personally signed, only one or two officials attended," he said as quoted by Antara.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Unwise statement by Hartono
Unwise statement by Hartono From Pikiran Rakyat I would like to comment on Minister of Home Affairs R. Hartono's recent statement that student demonstrations reflect group interests and cannot be considered representative of the people's voice. It is utterly impossible to make a classification whether somebody represents the whole people, part of the people or none of the people because the value of a struggle is considered the same for both the leaders and those who are led.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
PPP rejects Soewardi
PPP rejects Soewardi SEMARANG, Central Java: The United Development Party (PPP) in Central Java said it would fight to reject the renomination of Governor Soewardi for a second term. The chairman of the party's provincial branch, Thoyfoer, said yesterday that PPP would do its utmost to realize the aspirations of intellectuals and religious leaders rejecting the renomination were represented in the provincial legislature. "Those aspirations are objective, spontaneous and are not contrived.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Planet Hollywood Bali put on hold
Planet Hollywood Bali put on hold JAKARTA (JP): Finally, a Planet Hollywood Bali? Not quite. Planet Hollywood Jakarta's executive director, Juan R. Jimenez, said that plans for a Bali Planet Hollywood were postponed recently to early September, next year. "It's the crisis and everybody's suffering. We'll have a second board meeting this December to finalize the plans. Rights to open are already in hand," Juan said Monday. The good news for visitors?
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt raises fuel, electricity prices
Govt raises fuel, electricity prices JAKARTA (JP): The government increased yesterday fuel prices by between 25 percent and 71.43 percent and electricity tariffs by 20 percent to reduce subsidies and curb the state budget deficit. The new prices are effective as of today. Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto said yesterday the government had no choice but to increase fuel and electricity prices.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tangerang drivers go on strike
Tangerang drivers go on strike TANGERANG (JP): Dozens of public transportation minivan drivers went on strike in the Kebon Nanas area here on Saturday in protest at the administration's plan to change their route. In the morning, the drivers of R03A minivans plying the Serpong-Cikokol route stopped fellow drivers to urge them to join the strike. The action led to a heavy traffic jam in the area.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:45 TV Series: The Big Valley 3:05 Children's Program: Album Kenangan Anak 3:30 Village Program 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Music: Lagu Pop Daerah 5:00 English Lessons 5:30 Documentary 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 My Country: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Music: Prestasi dan Lagu 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Music: Prestasi dan Lagu (contd.) 8:30 Talk Show: Dialog 9:00 World News 9:35 Music: Pesona...
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia, Australia and overcoming the Asian crisis (2)
Indonesia, Australia and overcoming the Asian crisis (2) This is the second of three articles based on former Australian prime minister Paul J. Keating's lecture at the University of New South Wales in March on the impact of the Asian economic crisis on the region in his capacity as visiting professor of public policy.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Earthquake hits the Philippines
Earthquake hits the Philippines MANILA (AP): A strong earthquake struck the northern Philippines early yesterday but there were no immediate reports of injuries or serious damage, officials said. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said the quake, which registered an initial magnitude of 5.7, struck at 7:31 a.m. and was centered at sea about 54 kilometers southeast of Palanan in Isabela province.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Muladi: Law enforcers must improve their image
Muladi: Law enforcers must improve their image JAKARTA (JP): The country's law enforcers must improve their professionalism despite the adversities they face, including a low salary, Minister of Justice Muladi said here yesterday. He acknowledged that poor compensation of judges and other law enforcers was one reason the quality of law enforcement and judges was often in question.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Thai central bank chief quits
Thai central bank chief quits BANGKOK, Thailand (AP): The governor of Thailand's central bank resigned yesterday following a probe into his role in depleting the country's foreign reserves, a miscalculation that helped trigger the Asian economic crisis. "There has been direct criticism over my job and the Bank of Thailand, which has affected its performance," Chaiyawat said in a statement.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Youths jailed for killing ojek driver
Youths jailed for killing ojek driver BOGOR (JP): The Bogor District Court has sentenced two teenagers to six years in jail for killing an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver. Presiding judge Martini said on Wednesday the defendants, identified as Ahmad and Usep, were found guilty of killing Usman in Cibalung village, Cijeruk district in Bogor on Jan. 6 this year. "The two defendants planned the killing the day before Usman was murdered because they wanted to steal his motorcycle," Martini said.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
City traffic paralyzed by gas station queues
City traffic paralyzed by gas station queues JAKARTA (JP): Transportation in the city nearly ground to a halt yesterday evening due to long queues of vehicles at gas stations following the government's decision to increase fuel prices up to 71 percent. Traffic jams progressively got worse after working hours, when people intending to go home became trapped in bumper-to-bumper traffic. Motorists reported that they took hours to cover distances of only two to three kilometers.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
S'pore to boost water production
S'pore to boost water production SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore may have desalination plants in operation by 2011 which produce enough water to replace the supply from Malaysia agreed under one of two agreements, the Straits Times said yesterday.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Traffic snarl maps city
Traffic snarl maps city JAKARTA (JP): A massive traffic snarl was the order of the day yesterday when thousands of motorists and motorcyclists queued for gasoline after the government announced an increase in fuel prices. Officials at the city public order office said most of city's main roads were heavily jammed. These were Jl. Rasuna Said, Jl. Sahardjo, Jl. Casablanca, Jl. Sisingamangaraja, Jl. Pasar Minggu, Jl. Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta, and Jl. Kebon Sirih, Jl. Merdeka Selatan, Jl.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on May 4, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Putting prices up could be playing with fire
Putting prices up could be playing with fire The government has raised fuel prices and electricity billing rates. Economist Kwik Kian Gie discusses social impacts of the price hikes. Question: Do you think that the fuel and electricity price hikes will provoke a violent response from a people already hard hit by the impact of the monetary crisis? Kwik: That will depend very much on how cleverly the government can explain the reasons for the price hikes to the people.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
ADB offers 100 scholarships
ADB offers 100 scholarships KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is offering 100 scholarships to students at the Kendari-based Haluoleo University, the third assistant of the rector, LM Arsyad Teno, said here over the weekend. "Similar scholarships have also been offered to our lecturers wishing to take a postgraduate or doctoral program," he said as quoted by Antara. He added the university was now selecting students eligible for the scholarships.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Four people tried in abortion case
Four people tried in abortion case JAKARTA (JP): Four people were indicted at the Central Jakarta District Court yesterday for assisting in the running of two clinics offering illegal abortions. Prosecutor Shinta Susanti said the defendants -- Sri Sumiyati, 34, Suprih alias Kampret, 40, Syamsudin, 29, and Tarinah, 52 -- allegedly worked for the Amalia and Herlina clinics in Tanah Tinggi between 1989 and last November. "The defendants had helped the owners of the abortion clinics," Shinta said.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Can UN direct disarmament? (2)
Can UN direct disarmament? (2) By Imron Cotan and Iwan Wiranataatmadja This is the second of two articles on the efforts of the UN to eliminate weapons of mass destruction. JAKARTA (JP): Some major powers, especially the United States, the United Kingdom and France, have taken a more narrowed and rigid position by blocking the Conference on Disarmament to negotiate the treaty to ban totally nuclear weapons.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
12 new aides name for Vice President
12 new aides name for Vice President JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Saadilah Mursjid swore in yesterday 16 high-ranking officials including 12 new aides for Vice President B.J. Habibie. Former Armed Forces sociopolitical affairs chief Lt. Gen. Muhammad Yunus Yosfiah was installed as the Secretary of Development Operations, replacing AM Hendro Priyono who was appointed transmigration minister in March. Lt. Gen. (ret) Z.A. Maulani was appointed the Vice President's Secretary.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
It never rains but it pours
It never rains but it pours As the Dutch saying goes, Een ongeluk komt zelden alleen (misfortune never comes singly) which seems to be the case with my colleague, Mrs. Nelly's (not her real name) family. In the beginning, her 13-year-old son broke his arm as the result of a nasty fall when maneuvering on his skateboard.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia's reform drive faces stubborn obstacles
Malaysia's reform drive faces stubborn obstacles KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia has taken steps to woo foreign investors, but analysts said loan defaults and high interest rates will discourage fund managers from rushing back into the market. They said Malaysia has started making the right moves to court investors, from raising the ceiling on foreign stakes in telecommunications companies to closing down ailing stockbrokage firms.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia eyes berths at world junior c'ships
Indonesia eyes berths at world junior c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia enters the Asia/Oceania qualifying tournament for the World Junior Tennis Championship today in an upbeat mood. National coach Deddy Prasetyo said yesterday both the boys' and girls' teams held a great chance to win berths to the world meet because they could match their opponents technically. "Our team is made up of national best players who are experienced in international competitions," Deddy said.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Swallowing a bitter pill
Swallowing a bitter pill The Indonesian government finally decided yesterday to implement the most painful measures of its economic reform package by raising fuel prices by between 25 percent and 71 percent and electricity tariffs by an average of 20 percent this month and another 20 percent in both August and November.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices fall 0.6% on political concerns
Stock prices fall 0.6% on political concerns JAKARTA (JP): Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) closed 0.6 percent lower yesterday on the back of negative sentiment following the government's announcement that fuel and power prices would be increased, stock brokers said.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Modern touch at British school
Modern touch at British school JAKARTA (JP): British ambassador Robin Christopher is scheduled to open a modern technology facility at the British International School in Pondok Aren, Tangerang, today. The building is a blend of technology and art, the school's officials said. The building, although monolithic in appearance from the outside, has plenty of space inside and makes use of natural light.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Economists, legislators decry rate increases
Economists, legislators decry rate increases JAKARTA (JP): Economists and legislators denounced yesterday the government's decision to jack up fuel and electricity prices, saying the steep hikes were prompted by the government's failure to manage the energy sector efficiently. The Econit Advisory Group said fuel and electricity subsidies could have been maintained if both the state-owned oil company Pertamina and the state-owned electricity company (PLN) managed their sectors soundly.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI says protests border on anarchy
ABRI says protests border on anarchy JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto warned yesterday that the military would clamp down hard on student protesters who take their demonstrations off campus. Gen. Wiranto told journalists after meeting President Soeharto at the Bina Graha presidential office that on a number of recent occasions when protests moved outside the campuses the result was anarchy, causing injuries and destruction of property.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
House supports probe into disappearances
House supports probe into disappearances JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives urged the state security apparatus yesterday to "seriously investigate" the abduction of student and political activists. The legislative body also said the investigators should be unpartisan in their inquiry.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
People has to pay more for public transportation
People has to pay more for public transportation JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Communications Giri Suseno Hadihardjono announced yesterday increases for city, intercity, ferry and sea transportation fares effective today due to the government's decision to raise fuel prices. The minister said fares for land transportation in Java and Bali would be increased between 50 percent and 66 percent. The increases in other regions outside Bali and Java were between 6 percent and 14 percent.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Shell sets up new Asian unit
Shell sets up new Asian unit SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Units of the Royal Dutch/Shell Group (RD) in Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand and the Philippines have established a group to coordinate their refining, supply and trading activities, a Singapore-based Shell spokeswoman said yesterday. Shell's Singapore-based South East Asia Coordination Group was set up in January 1998, the spokeswoman said, confirming an article in yesterday's edition of Singapore's Business Times.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Government urged to review defective policies
Government urged to review defective policies JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives urged the government yesterday to be open-minded and hear the people's calls for reform.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Low-cost apartment needs Rp 15 billion
Low-cost apartment needs Rp 15 billion JAKARTA (JP): The city administration plans to spend Rp 15 billion (US$1.8 million) on building low-cost apartments on Jl. Sindang Koja in North Jakarta this year, an official said. "The construction of the two-block apartment will cost Rp 10 billion while the remaining Rp 5 billion is for the land acquisition," project manager, Bindu Hutapea, said. He said the six-story blocks would stand on a 3.6-hectare plot.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
China holds 12 Indonesians in tanker hijacking
China holds 12 Indonesians in tanker hijacking BEIJING, China (Reuters): Police in China's Hainan island have detained 12 Indonesians on suspicion of hijacking a Malaysian- flagged oil tanker and sailing it into Chinese waters to smuggle its cargo, a Hainan official said yesterday. They face charges of piracy, smuggling and illegal entry, said the official, who declined to be identified.
Tue, 05 May 1998, 00:00 WIB
Firms submitting financial statements late to be fined
Firms submitting financial statements late to be fined JAKARTA (JP): The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) will penalize all publicly listed companies which failed to meet the April 30 deadline for submitting their 1997 financial statements. Bapepam chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta said yesterday he had no choice but to introduce disciplinary measures because the agency had given companies four months to prepare their balance sheets.