Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 May 2000

60 articles found

Britons strike up love affair with sounds of Javanese gamelan

Britons strike up love affair with sounds of Javanese gamelan By Helly Minarti LONDON (JP): Peter Smith arranged rice-cakes, possibly bought in London's Chinatown, and colorful flowers in a bamboo basket. He put them in front of the gong at the back of a Javanese gamelan set.

United we stand

United we stand From Pikiran Rakyat We feel the economic crisis day in day out, as the rate of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar ranges from Rp 7,000 to Rp 8,000. The government has made numerous efforts to stabilize the economy of this beloved country.

New civilian militia concerns Fak Fak residents

New civilian militia concerns Fak Fak residents JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): The establishment of a civilian militia led by the deputy chairman of the regency legislative council is causing unease among Fak Fak residents.

Distributor Tigaraksa reports lower profit

Distributor Tigaraksa reports lower profit JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed consumer and household goods distributor PT Tigaraksa Satria reported on Thursday an 85 percent drop in its 1999 net profit to Rp 30.4 billion (US$3.8 million) from Rp 204 billion ($25.5 million) in 1998.

New diesel oil policy rattles fishing companies

New diesel oil policy rattles fishing companies JAKARTA (JP): Industrial users of diesel oil, notably fishing companies, in eastern Indonesian areas, are shocked by a new policy of state oil company Pertamina which will fix the price of diesel oil at the international level starting next month.

Seaport police in dilemma over containers at Tanjung Priok

Seaport police in dilemma over containers at Tanjung Priok JAKARTA (JP): Tanjung Priok Seaport Police (KP3) in North Jakarta admit that they're still unable to properly examine every container coming in and out of the country's busiest seaport. KP3 chief Lt. Col.

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, May 5, 2000

Where to go in Jakarta: Friday, May 5, 2000 Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Pelepasan Energi by Sulan, at Indo Steak Restaurant, Menara Kadin, 2nd fl, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said Blok 3-5, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until May 11. * Sculpture Exhibition: Klein Plastiek, at Erasmus Huis, Jl. H.R.

Indonesian journalists honored for sacrifices

Indonesian journalists honored for sacrifices BOSTON, Massachusetts (Agencies): Indonesian senior journalist Mochtar Lubis was among the 50 journalists from over five continents to be named "world press freedom heroes" by the International Press Institute (IPI) on Wednesday.

Exclusive designs?

Exclusive designs? From Republika The mass-media business has recently been highlighted by the presence of Mandarin-language newspapers. Some of them are the Mandarin Post, Suar 168 and He Bing Ribao. I heard that some others will also hit newsstands.

Skepticism clouds inquiries into shootings, atrocities

Skepticism clouds inquiries into shootings, atrocities Once powerful generals are facing inquiries into various crimes. Munir, co-founder and advisory board member of the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) shares his reasons for pessimism with The Jakarta Post.

Hitachi to export 500 kV GCB to U.S.

Hitachi to export 500 kV GCB to U.S. JP/msa JAKARTA (JP): PT Hitachi Power System Indonesia completed on Thursday testing of its 500 kilovolts Gas Circuit Breakers (GCB), the largest ever manufactured by the company.

ADB to focus on poverty, aid fund replenishment

ADB to focus on poverty, aid fund replenishment MANILA (AFP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will review strategies tackling poverty and efforts to reinforce the bank's main soft loan facility at annual talks in Thailand starting this weekend, officials said.

Piracy rises in RI waters

Piracy rises in RI waters KUALA LUMPUR (AP): As Asian nations struggle to keep piracy at bay, bandit attacks on ships in Indonesian waters and nearby busy sea channels are rising, according to a new maritime survey.

Asian currency swap plan could progress

Asian currency swap plan could progress CHIANG MAI, Thailand (Dow Jones): East Asian finance and monetary heads meeting at the Asian Development Bank's annual gathering in Chiang Mai are expected to put more flesh on the bones of a proposed currency-swap agreement.

RP govt hostage negotiator threatens to quit

RP govt hostage negotiator threatens to quit JOLO, Philippines (AFP): The negotiator attempting to secure the release of 21 mostly foreign hostages here threatened to quit on Thursday unless government troops lifted their siege on the Muslim militants holding them.

Stock quotations on JSX

Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 4, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 775 0 0 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 400 0 215,000 Alakasa Industrindo 900 -25 4,000 Alfa...

Habibie skips questioning over campaign donations

Habibie skips questioning over campaign donations JAKARTA (JP): Former president B.J. Habibie failed to comply to a request to appear before the General Elections Commission (KPU) on Thursday to explain his alleged contributions to the Crescent Star Party (PBB) and other political parties last year.

Military tribunal to try other Trisakti suspects

Military tribunal to try other Trisakti suspects JAKARTA (JP): National military police chief Maj. Gen. Djasrie Marin hinted on Thursday that the Jakarta military tribunal would soon try several city police personnel, who were allegedly involved in the May 1998 Trisakti shooting incident.

Nine dead in C. Sulawesi earthquake

Nine dead in C. Sulawesi earthquake MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): A tectonic earthquake measuring 6.5 on the Richter scale and huge tidal waves hit the Banggai islands in Central Sulawesi on Thursday, killing at least nine people and destroying hundreds of houses.

Local chess players shine in JAPFA International Open 2000

Local chess players shine in JAPFA International Open 2000 JAKARTA (JP): Local chess players showed their style by surpassing top foreign opponents in the second round of the JAPFA International Open 2000 at Grand Bali Beach Hotel at Sanur, Bali.

Four killed as troops clash with militants in Maluku

Four killed as troops clash with militants in Maluku AMBON, Maluku (JP): At least four people were killed and 18 others wounded in clashes between security forces and militant groups in Ternate, North Maluku, late on Wednesday, officials said. Maluku Military Commander Brig. Gen.

Johny quizzed over role in East Timor violence

Johny quizzed over role in East Timor violence JAKARTA (JP): Former Army deputy chief of staff Lt. Gen. Johny Lumintang was questioned at the Attorney General's Office on Thursday over his alleged role in last year's East Timor mayhem.

Australia supports RI democracy

Australia supports RI democracy The following article is based on a presentation by Kim Beazley, leader of the opposition in the Australian Federal Parliament and chairman of the Australian Labor Party at the Indonesia Australian Business Council breakfast meeting in Jakarta on May 2, 2000.

RI economy on the road to recovery: ADB

RI economy on the road to recovery: ADB JAKARTA (JP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) says Indonesia has emerged from the economic crisis and is now on the path to recovery. The bank said in a report that a broad based economic recovery commenced as early as late last year and was continuing now,...

Kia to resume Timor national car project after June

Kia to resume Timor national car project after June JAKARTA (JP): The government said on Thursday that South Korean car manufacturer Kia Motors Corp. would resume the Indonesian national car project after June, pending the restructuring of the project's massive debts.

Traders cash in on people's love for old cassettes

Traders cash in on people's love for old cassettes By Hera Diani JAKARTA (JP): In the 1960s, president Sukarno banned western music such as rock and pop, which he called ngak-ngik-ngok (disturbing) music, or in other words, rubbish.

Generals in the dock?

Generals in the dock? Perhaps it is the novelty of the phenomenon. Or it could be the expectation that with such highly placed officials as former military commanders testifying before the country's judicial and law enforcement authorities, Indonesians will finally learn what crimes were committed...

Asian Olympiad brings physics down to earth

Asian Olympiad brings physics down to earth TANGERANG (JP): Physics is generally considered one of the toughest subjects and one that most students will do their utmost to avoid if they can. Yet students who packed the weeklong first Asian Physics Olympiad here the other day found physics more than...

Dewi hurt in hotel scuffle

Dewi hurt in hotel scuffle JAKARTA (JP): Ratna Sari Dewi Soekarno, 60, widow of the country's first president, suffered a split lip during a dispute with a reporter at the Regent Hotel in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Thursday evening, an official said. Setiabudi Police chief Maj.

RI could get stake in S'pore-Japan trade pact

RI could get stake in S'pore-Japan trade pact SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong Thursday raised the possibility of including Indonesia's industrial Batam island in a proposed bilateral trade agreement between Singapore and Japan.

Crossing guards seek changes to outmoded system

Crossing guards seek changes to outmoded system JAKARTA (JP): Railway crossing guards still operating manual indicator devices have suggested state railway company PT Kereta Api Indonesia (PT KAI) immediately replace them with automatic ones to avoid further accidents.

Qantas flies into Dili

Qantas flies into Dili DILI (AP): Qantas Airways Ltd. became the second Australian airline to inaugurate services to East Timor Thursday, but competition on the lucrative route linking Dili with Darwin hasn't resulted in better prices for travelers.

Minister suggests Inhutani hold all forestry rights

Minister suggests Inhutani hold all forestry rights JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry and Plantations Nur Mahmudi Ismail proposed on Thursday the appointment of state-owned Perum Inhutani as the single holder of the country's forestry concession rights.

Falling trees land on vehicles in storm

Falling trees land on vehicles in storm JAKARTA (JP): Vehicles in several parking lots were damaged after trees and branches fell on them when a storm lashed the capital on Thursday afternoon. No fatalities were recorded but the downpour, which lasted less than two hours, inundated several major...

Swimmers warm up in national event

Swimmers warm up in national event JIMBARAN, Bali (JP): The National Age Group Swimming Championships would serve as a tryout for Indonesian athletes before competing in the ASEAN Age Group Swimming Invitation, said the Indonesian Swimming Federation (PRSI) Secretary General Abdurrahim Napitupulu...

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on May 4, 2000: Bank notes rates Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S. dollar 1 7,450.00 8,450.00 Australian dollar 1 4,392.52 4,986.35 Austrian schilling 1 481.80 546.72 Belgian franc 1 164.35 186.49 Brunei dollar 1 4,331.40 4,915.65 Canadian dollar 1 4,989.

KONI sees Thomas/Uber Cup as Olympic stepping-stone

KONI sees Thomas/Uber Cup as Olympic stepping-stone JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) considers the Thomas and Uber cups, badminton's premier team events, as the benchmark for its goals in the Olympic Games in Sydney in September.

AAAA seeks support for reelection of Bob Hasan

AAAA seeks support for reelection of Bob Hasan JAKARTA (JP): The Asian Amateur Athletics Association (AAAA) is drumming up support for the reelection of Mohamad "Bob" Hasan as the organization's chairman.

Cacuk leads real estate sale in Singapore

Cacuk leads real estate sale in Singapore SINGAPORE (Bloomberg): Cacuk Sudarijanto, chairman of Indonesia's bank restructuring agency (IBRA), meets with potential buyers in Singapore Friday (today) of the US$7.5 billion of real estate under the agency's control.

Woman sues doctors for leaving bullet in her body

Woman sues doctors for leaving bullet in her body JAKARTA (JP): A woman filed a Rp 2.4 billion (US$320,000) lawsuit against three doctors over a bullet that was not removed from her right hip during an operation last July.

Pelti to file Fed Cup complaint

Pelti to file Fed Cup complaint JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) will file a complaint with the International Tennis Federation (ITF) to protest a nontechnical disruption during the Fed Cup Asia Oceania Zone group one playoff, team manager Martina Wijaya said on Thursday.

Violence continues despite peace plan

Violence continues despite peace plan JAKARTA (JP): Violence continues to plague the restive province of Aceh ahead of next week's peace accord between the Indonesian government and the separatist Free Aceh Movement (GAM).

Asia crude prices down, sluggish trade on China

Asia crude prices down, sluggish trade on China SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian and Persian Gulf crude values are lower late Thursday from Wednesday, with spot trade sluggish on the absence of Japan-based and China-based buyers.

JSX, Danareksa ink deal

JSX, Danareksa ink deal JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) and Danareksa Investment Management have signed a memorandum of understanding on developing investment products that comply with the Islamic syariah law.

Job seekers outnumber vacancies

Job seekers outnumber vacancies BOJONEGORO, East Java: Unemployment remains a major concern in this small East Java town, with the number of registered unemployed 13 times higher than available job vacancies.

President encourages Arabs to invest here

President encourages Arabs to invest here JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid courted Arab investors on Thursday, assuring them his administration would establish a conducive environment for their operations.

Kiwi Brands changes name

Kiwi Brands changes name JAKARTA (JP): PT Kiwi Brands Indonesia, the parent company of PT Kiwi Indonesia and PT Prodenta Indonesia, has changed its name to PT Sara Lee Indonesia. President of Sara Lee Indonesia Spike Braunius said on Wednesday the change which became effective on April 12 also...

Gosper backs E. Timor's inclusion in Olympics

Gosper backs E. Timor's inclusion in Olympics SYDNEY (AP): International Olympic Committee vice president Kevan Gosper is backing the latest bid to have East Timor included in the Sept. 15-Oct. 1 Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Additional food for refugees

Additional food for refugees ATAMBUA, East Nusa Tenggara: Care International has supplied additional food for 6,200 malnourished East Timorese children and women in refugee camps in Atambua. Herman Y. Watin, a staff member of Care International, said here on Thursday that since January aid...

Monetary aides fret over Asian forex systems

Monetary aides fret over Asian forex systems WASHINGTON (Dow Jones): The International Monetary Fund and some of its biggest financial backers are growing worried about what they say may be a tendency among recovering Asian economies to revert implicitly to fixed exchange-rate systems.

RI future 'hinges' on handling of military

RI future 'hinges' on handling of military JAKARTA (AFP): The future of post-Soeharto Indonesia hinges on how the nation handles its military, according to a report by the International Institute of Strategic Studies (IISS) released Thursday.

Chopin recitals at the Dharmawangsa

Chopin recitals at the Dharmawangsa JAKARTA (JP): The works of Chopin, one of the greatest musical masterpieces, will fill in the air at the Dharmawangsa hotel in South Jakarta, this weekend. The Nusantara Symphony Orchestra, formerly known as the Nusantara Chamber Orchestra, will perform the...

S'pore board to visit RI

S'pore board to visit RI SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore trade officials will lead local companies on visits to Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand to explore business opportunities, a statement said Thursday.

Two corners of RI at the Sydney Opera House

Two corners of RI at the Sydney Opera House By Dewi Anggraeni SYDNEY (JP): You close your eyes and relax your senses. Almost involuntarily images of peaceful West Javanese countryside descend on you. Then scenes of folktales of Nagari Pasundan begin to insinuate themselves into your consciousness.

DLLAJ criticized for seizure of water truck

DLLAJ criticized for seizure of water truck JAKARTA (JP): Public Land Transportation Agency (DLLAJ) officials are in trouble after they allegedly unlawfully seized a water truck on Monday during a routine operation in Rawa Buaya, West Jakarta, a city official said on Thursday.

Navy needs more ships, aircraft to safeguard waters

Navy needs more ships, aircraft to safeguard waters SEMARANG (JP): Navy Chief of Staff Adm. Achmad Sutjipto said Indonesia required at least 239 patrol ships and 114 aircraft to safeguard its waters. Sutjipto said in a written statement presented during a seminar on maritime affairs at Diponegoro...

Comparison between IBRA and Danaharta

Comparison between IBRA and Danaharta This is the second of two articles by Sidhesh Kaul, a Jakarta- based regional commentator on political and economic affairs, on bank restructuring efforts in Indonesia and Malaysia.

Educators disappointed with allowance increase

Educators disappointed with allowance increase JAKARTA (JP): The decision to increase the functional allowance for teachers by 150 percent failed to elicit praise from educators. The policy still reflects the government's unfairness toward the profession, teachers and education experts told The...

IndoExchange.com to launch textile portal

IndoExchange.com to launch textile portal JAKARTA (JP): IndoExchange.com, Indonesia's first Internet company that specializes in business and financial information and transactions, will soon launch a textile portal and facilitate online insurance transactions.

Foreigners arrested on sodomy charges

Foreigners arrested on sodomy charges MEDAN: Local police arrested two foreigners on Thursday on charges of sodomizing underaged boys. Police arrested the two men -- Rendal Mardet, 29, and Manfred H.X Has, 56, -- during a raid on the house they were renting in the Rivera Tanjung Morawa housing...