Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 June 1998

56 articles found

Japan hails RI debt plan

Japan hails RI debt plan JAKARTA (JP): Japanese Finance Minister Hikaru Matsunaga said yesterday the Japanese government welcomed the foreign debt rescheduling deal signed by Indonesia and international banks Thursday. "We highly welcome this agreement which would help Indonesia restore confidence of international markets in her economy and currency," Matsunaga said in a statement sent by the Indonesian office of Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry.

Students charged with killing officer freed

Students charged with killing officer freed BOGOR (JP): The police released three Juanda University students on Thursday night, hours ahead of schedule, after detaining them for almost a month on charges of killing a senior police officer. Bogor Police chief Lt. Col. M. Ruslan Riza said the release, originally scheduled for 9 a.m. yesterday, was conducted at 11 p.m. Thursday for security reasons.

RP 50,000 note carrying Soeharto's image still valid

RP 50,000 note carrying Soeharto's image still valid JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia said yesterday the 50,000 note carrying former president Soeharto's image was still legal tender despite rumors it would no longer be honored. "We hope the public will not believe baseless rumors which say that transactions will be rejected when using the Rp 50,000 note, because it is still valid," the central bank's legal affairs head Bambang Setijoprodjo said in a media statement yesterday.

Ministry wants delay of Jonggol township plan

Ministry wants delay of Jonggol township plan JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Forestry and Plantations has requested that a 30,000-hectare township project linked to one of Soeharto's son be put on hold until the developer settles a dispute with the ministry.

Sembawang fixes RI gas deal

Sembawang fixes RI gas deal SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): There has been a breakthrough in a bid by a Singapore consortium led by diversified conglomerate Sembawang Corp. to buy Indonesian gas for power stations and petrochemical industries in Singapore, under a multibillion dollar deal, a local daily reported yesterday. The details of three separate agreements have been fixed with Indonesia's Pertamina and foreign oil companies developing the West Natuna gas fields, the Business Times said.

Government to honor oil, mining contracts

Government to honor oil, mining contracts JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto said yesterday that all contracts signed by the ministry would be honored, including contracts of work in the mining sector and production-sharing contracts in the oil sector. "The mines and energy ministry will not change agreements that have been signed," Kuntoro told reporters.

Leaders escalate crisis

Leaders escalate crisis TOKYO (AP): Missteps by leaders in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand destroyed market confidence in Southeast Asia and worsened its economic crisis, Singaporean Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew was quoted as saying yesterday. "Really it was a lack of understanding by the leaders that this was a crisis of confidence," Lee was quoted by Kyodo News as telling an international conference in Tokyo.

Bandung artists set out to fight prejudice

Bandung artists set out to fight prejudice JAKARTA (JP): Bandung artists are doing their part in helping to patch up strained race relations. To help raise awareness about victims of the May riots, most of whom were Chinese- Indonesians, they are scheduling performances at Festival Ganesha '98 today. The event at Jl. Ganesha, Bandung, starts at 3:15 p.m. and features Sundanese arts led by artist Aida Liem.

Executives defend Soeharto fundations

Executives defend Soeharto fundations JAKARTA (JP): Former top government officials currently running four of former president Soeharto's largest foundations said yesterday they would not relinquish the Rp 2.63 trillion (US$2.39 million) accumulated in the foundations' account to the government, but would instead continue their various social projects.

OPEC oil price rose to $12.96

OPEC oil price rose to $12.96 LONDON (Reuters): The price of OPEC's basket of seven crudes rose to US$12.96 a barrel on Thursday from $12.50 a barrel on Wednesday, the OPEC news agency said quoting the OPEC Secretariat. The basket comprises Algeria's Saharan Blend, Indonesia's Minas, Nigeria's Bonny Light, Saudi Arabia's Arabian Light, Dubai of the UAE, Venezuela's Tia Juana and Mexico's Isthmus.

Hotline service for crisis victims

Hotline service for crisis victims JAKARTA (JP): The psychology school of the University of Indonesia (UI) has launched a hotline service for people traumatized by the economic crisis and recent social unrest, Antara reported. The project's chairwoman, Saparinah Sadli, said yesterday the economic crisis and recent riots in the city had led to serious psychological problems in the population, with some people experiencing panic attacks, depression and trauma.

Bekasi regent asked to go

Bekasi regent asked to go JAKARTA (JP): Fifty-seven members of the Karawang-Bekasi Islamic Students Union (HMI) packed the local council chamber Wednesday, demanding Bekasi regent Mochammad Djamhari resign. The students also asked the council to reject Djamhari's nomination to be a candidate in November's election for the next two-year term as regent.

ISA promotes RI-Swedish ties

ISA promotes RI-Swedish ties At first glance, it would difficult to find two cultures further apart than those of Indonesia and Sweden. Most Swedes like to say what's on their mind, while Indonesians prefer to avoid such a direct approach. Most Swedes find that everything in Indonesia takes time, while most Indonesians accept such a system that, although slow, is successful. Such comparisons are very simple, and one cannot conclude that the two countries have nothing in common.

UN asks RI to free jailed E. Timorese

UN asks RI to free jailed E. Timorese UNITED NATIONS (Reuters): United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan has called on Indonesia's new president, B.J. Habibie, to release East Timorese political prisoners, excluded from a recent amnesty, UN spokesman Fred Eckhard said Thursday.

Bakrie subsidiary urged to fulfill deal

Bakrie subsidiary urged to fulfill deal JAKARTA (JP): Councilors yesterday urged the city administration to stop dragging its heels and force PT Catur Swasakti Utama, a subsidiary of the widely-diversified Bakrie group, to fulfill the terms of a land exchange deal with the city.

CGI to discuss financial aid to RI next month

CGI to discuss financial aid to RI next month JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) will convene in Paris at the end of next month to find ways to help the country extricate itself from the crisis. World Bank country director Dennis de Tray said here yesterday that the meeting, to be held July 29 and July 30, would be "slightly different" from the usual CGI meetings because the situation here was totally different from the past.

Court revokes Pakpahan book ban

Court revokes Pakpahan book ban JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta State Administrative Court has issued a by-verdict revoking a ban on labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan's book Rakyat Menggugat (The People's Suit). Azet Hutabarat, who led the team of lawyers processing Muchtar's appeal, said in a media statement here yesterday that a panel of judges presided by Marina Sidabutar granted the lawyers' request and ordered the Attorney General's Office to suspend a ban on the book's distribution.

Habibie, Harmoko lack sense of crisis: Emil

Habibie, Harmoko lack sense of crisis: Emil JAKARTA (JP): Leading opposition figure Emil Salim said yesterday the intention of President B.J. Habibie and House Speaker Harmoko to call a general election for next year showed they were insensitive to realities of the country's crisis. "They have failed to show a sense of crisis," Emil said in a discussion held at the Atma Jaya University.

Pertamina admits facing cash flow problems

Pertamina admits facing cash flow problems JAKARTA (JP): The president of state oil and gas company Pertamina admitted yesterday that importing fuel and crude oil for its refineries was causing the company cash flow problems because of the sharp depreciation in the value of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar. He said that the recent fall in the value of the rupiah had significantly increased the subsidy required to keep fuel prices constant in rupiah terms.

Indonesia's Asiad attendance 'need review'

Indonesia's Asiad attendance 'need review' JAKARTA (JP): The deepening financial crisis should prod the National Sports Council (KONI) to consider sending a small team to the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December, former secretary- general of the council Kahpi Suriadiredja said yesterday. He said the council's plan to send a big team to compete in 21 sports in the quadrennial event was unrealistic because it would be unable to cover daily expenses of athletes during their stay in Bangkok.

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, June 6, 1998

Where to go in Jakarta: Saturday, June 6, 1998 Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Fenomena Ayam, by Syarief Hidayat, at Galeri TC, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 24A, South Jakarta (Phone: 7194278), Sunday, at 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., until June 30. * Art Exhibition: Works of Suromo, at Lontar Gallery, Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until June 8. Discussion at 7 p.m., June 9.

Golkar saves Bantul regent

Golkar saves Bantul regent YOGYAKARTA: A special plenary session of the Bantul council called to decide whether to dismiss regent Sri Roso Sudarmo had to be postponed yesterday after Golkar council members abruptly left the room after hearing testimony from the regent. "I still can't understand why they just upped and left. The agreement was that a decision would be taken today," said a fuming H. Ikhwanudin of the United Development Party.

Advice for Harmoko

Advice for Harmoko The reform tide has come washing over Golkar at last. All of a sudden, Indonesia's largest political organization, which won each and every general election held under the New Order regime of former president Soeharto, is tottering. Its chairman, Harmoko, who led Golkar to such a sensational victory in the 1997 general election, has suddenly become outmoded and has been asked to resign. Reform hurts.

Scare tactics to stop illegals

Scare tactics to stop illegals SINGAPORE (DPA): Passengers aboard ferries between Indonesia and Singapore are being treated to video clips showing illegal immigrants being arrested and handcuffed by Singaporean authorities, reports said yesterday. The videos, aimed at scaring illegal immigrants away, also show Singapore officers raiding construction sites and apartments, and combing the jungle for illicit foreign workers. "They are strict with (illegal) immigrants here.

Govt lacks full data on forest concessions

Govt lacks full data on forest concessions JAKARTA (JP): The government admitted yesterday it still lacks reliable data on the ownership and operations of the country's timber companies, which are often blamed for causing forest fires and damaging the environment.

Sexual abuse victims to report to police

Sexual abuse victims to report to police JAKARTA (JP): The police cannot fully guarantee solving all sexual abuse cases from last month's riots due to several basic investigation obstacles, an officer said yesterday. One of the critical problems always facing police in such cases is the reluctance of many victims to report incidents to the police, City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said. "The victims usually feel embarrassed.

Debt-rescheduling deal

Debt-rescheduling deal Barring any major political turmoil and massive social unrest until an elected government is installed sometime next year to replace the transitional Habibie administration, the agreement on the rescheduling of US$80 billion in Indonesian corporate foreign debt will contribute to gradually strengthening the rupiah's exchange rate.

Crash victims buried with honors

Crash victims buried with honors JAKARTA (JP): All 12 victims of Thursday's helicopter crash in the mountainous Viqueque regency in East Timor were given military funerals in separate ceremonies yesterday. Chief of Udayana Regional Military Command Maj. Gen. Yudomo Sastro Suhardjo and three other victims were buried at Kalibata Heroes Cemetery in South Jakarta, in a ceremony chaired by Army Chief of Staff Gen. Subagyo Hadisiswoyo.

Economist urges BI to broaden policy focus

Economist urges BI to broaden policy focus JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia must take its blinkers off in its single-minded pursuit of stabilizing the rupiah to focus instead on curbing inflation and breathing new life into dying domestic businesses, economists advised yesterday. Mari E.

Hamami visits 17 suspects in Trisakti scene

Hamami visits 17 suspects in Trisakti scene JAKARTA (JP): Former City Police chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata visited the 17 suspects of the Trisakti shooting incident at Military Police Headquarters in Guntur, South Jakarta, yesterday to give them his support. The 17 officers are scheduled to face a military tribunal today for their alleged involvement in the shootings which killed four Trisakti University students during a demonstration on May 12.

U.S. wants clear timetable for Indonesian election

U.S. wants clear timetable for Indonesian election WASHINGTON (AP): The United States wants new Indonesian president B.J. Habibie to establish a clear timetable for holding a general election to select new members of the House of Representatives/People's Consultative Assembly, a senior Clinton administration official said.

New places for power bill payment

New places for power bill payment JAKARTA (JP): State electricity company PLN has announced new payment locations for its customers in the Jatinegara district and its surrounding areas, effective this month. "We have introduced several new locations for bill payment to replace the old locations which were ruined and burned during the recent rioting," Tunggono, head of PLN's distribution office for Jakarta and Tangerang, said in a statement Thursday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 05, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 500 75 50,000 AHAP Insurance 550 0 0 Alter Abadi 575 -25 425,000 Alumindo Light Metal 400 0 703,000 Alumindo Perkasa 200 -75 7,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 300 -50 73,000 Aneka Tambang 1,450 -25 4,146,000 Anwar Sierad 125 -25 110,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

President Habibie signs ILO convention on unions

President Habibie signs ILO convention on unions JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie signed yesterday an International Labor Organization (ILO) convention that guarantees workers freedom to organize. Decree No. 83/1998 corresponds to ILO Convention No. 87 concerning freedom of association and protection of the rights to organize. The convention says workers and employers have the right to establish their own organizations or join existing unions without prior approval from anyone.

Organized groups behind recent riots: Sandyawan

Organized groups behind recent riots: Sandyawan JAKARTA (JP): Catholic priest Sandyawan Sumardi disclosed findings that support the recent conclusion of the National Commission on Human Rights that last month's riots, in which almost 1,200 people died, were organized. In a seven-page report published yesterday, Sandyawan, a rights activist for the Volunteers for Humanity, said that a common pattern had preceded rioting in all five of Jakarta's mayoralties.

Instability 'threat to ethnic Chinese safety'

Instability 'threat to ethnic Chinese safety' JAKARTA (JP): Ethnic Chinese businesspeople said yesterday they were still hesitant to continue their businesses in Indonesia as political instability remains a threat to their safety. The businesspeople said at a seminar that last month's riots in Jakarta and other cities reflected the fragility of their status as Indonesian citizens.

Govt eases restrictions on press

Govt eases restrictions on press JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Muhammad Yunus revoked a controversial regulation enacted by his predecessor Harmoko 14 years ago which gave the minister the right to revoke the license of press publications.

Asian market ignore Indonesia's debt deal

Asian market ignore Indonesia's debt deal SINGAPORE (Reuters): A landmark deal tackling Indonesia's massive corporate debt gave Asian markets little pre-weekend cheer yesterday. Under the deal, international banks agreed to reschedule Indonesia's US$80 billion of private sector debt, throwing a lifeline to the country's debt-ridden firms and brightening the mood on Jakarta's stock market.

Swedish firms committed to Indonesia's economy

Swedish firms committed to Indonesia's economy Swedish Ambassador to Indonesia Mikael Lindstrom was interviewed earlier this week on his opinion on economic and industrial issues in Indonesia from the Swedish perspective, now that they are of such critical importance to Indonesia. Lindstrom mentioned, clearly with some pride, that firms from his homeland were resolutely sticking to their investments here despite the recent upheaval and dire economic situation.

Pudjiadi expects net profits to fall

Pudjiadi expects net profits to fall JAKARTA (JP): PT Pudjiadi and Sons Estates expects another big decline in net profit this year as foreign exchange debts and declining revenues will likely further hit the publicly listed hotel operator, the company's senior executive said yesterday. Company president Lukman Pudjiadi said foreign debt repayment, the decline in the property market and the slowdown in foreign tourist arrivals would cause a further plunge in revenue.

Pertamina vows to secure Premium gasoline supply

Pertamina vows to secure Premium gasoline supply JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina said yesterday it would increase Jakarta's fuel supply to avoid fuel shortages as experienced on Wednesday. Pertamina made the statement following reports that some gas stations in Jakarta ran out of Premium gasoline on Wednesday. Some motorists queued up at gas stations through the night.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on June 5, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Children's Film: Red Shoes 3:05 Documentary Film: Pesona Flora 3:30 Science Film: Ticket to Adventure 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Sports 5:30 TV Series: Big Brother Jake 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 Saturday Night Music 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Saturday Night Music (contd.) 8:30 Literature Program: Roman Sastra 9:00 World News 9:35 Quiz: Kuis...

Chinese Indonesians launch political party

Chinese Indonesians launch political party JAKARTA (JP): Encouraged by the new openness sweeping Indonesia, a group of Chinese Indonesians launched a political party here yesterday to campaign for racial equality. "We want to defend our rights and create true harmony among Indonesian citizens," Ponijan, director of the Widyatara language school and a founder of the Chinese Indonesian Reform Party (PARTI), told The Jakarta Post.

'Surya' apologizes for mistake

'Surya' apologizes for mistake SURABAYA: The East Java-based Surya daily admitted yesterday that it had made a mistake in a report which said that opposition figure Amien Rais was among those earmarked to receive a total of Rp 260 billion (US$22.6 million) for helping to topple former president Soeharto.

RI debt worries not over: Bankers

RI debt worries not over: Bankers TOKYO (Reuters): Japanese bankers and analysts yesterday welcomed a deal on rescheduling Indonesia's private debt, but said more needed to be done to ensure firms in the crisis-hit Southeast Asian nation could pay back their loans. "The agreement will speed up the resumption of fund disbursement by the IMF and the World Bank, but it may not be enough to ensure we get funds back," said a senior Japanese bank official who declined to be identified.

Banks named to back up privatization program

Banks named to back up privatization program JAKARTA (JP): The government appointed nine international investment banks yesterday to assist in the partial privatization of 12 state companies. The institutions are Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers, Merrill Lynch, Jardine Fleming, Morgan Stanley, Paribas, Credit Suisse First Boston, UBS/SBC Warburg Dillon Read and Salomon Smith Barney.

Cambodian army takes ex-rebels

Cambodian army takes ex-rebels ANLONG VENG, Cambodia (Agencies): The largest group ever to defect from the Khmer Rouge guerrilla movement was integrated into the Cambodian army yesterday in a ceremony at this former rebel headquarters near the Thailand-Cambodia border. Government and military officials, foreign diplomats and journalists watched 3,563 guerrillas shed their olive-green Khmer Rouge fatigues for army uniforms and pledge allegiance to Phnom Penh.

Hotel holds social activity

Hotel holds social activity BOGOR (JP): The management of the four-star hotel Novotel Bogor invited 40 orphans aged between six and 12 years to enjoy its services, including morning coffee and lunch on Thursday. Besides enjoying the services, guests from the Assaidah orphanage were guided round the hotel's facilities by company executives and ended their day out with a dip in the swimming pool.

What are new parties up to?

What are new parties up to? By Ignatius Haryanto JAKARTA (JP): Just like water gushing forth when a clogged tap is suddenly opened, the people's craving to set up political parties is at the height of its intensity. In less than two weeks, at least nine groups have turned into political parties. The Musyawarah Kekeluargaan Gotong Royong (MKGR) has declared itself a political party, followed by Partai Karya Ulama Indonesia (the Indonesian Ulemas Functional Party).

Reform in attitude

Reform in attitude Chinese-Indonesians are often blamed for an assortment of things and become the scapegoats whenever anything goes wrong. They are the easiest target because they are a minority. In normal circumstances, the not so kind sentiment toward the ethnic Chinese remains hidden.

Acquisitions may rise in oil sector

Acquisitions may rise in oil sector SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Indonesia's hard times are likely to spur merger and acquisition activity in its oil and gas patch during the second half of 1998, according to oil company officials surveyed by Dow Jones Newswires. "Out of the adversity will come some opportunity," said Bill Fanagan, president and chief executive of Gulf Indonesia Resource Ltd. (GRL), a Jakarta-listed unit of Gulf Canada Resources Ltd. (GOU).

The fate of ethnic Chinese

The fate of ethnic Chinese I am writing in response to Sumarsono Sastrowardoyo's letter of May 30. Mr. Sumarsono prefers to blame the victim rather than look in the mirror and realize that because of people with an attitude like his, Indonesia is a country where the ethnic minority is systematically persecuted and lives under the constant threat of racial terror.

NGO protests Hardijanti's involvement in toll road

NGO protests Hardijanti's involvement in toll road JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of activists from non-governmental organization Pijar Indonesia, took over the Semanggi 2 toll road entrance gate yesterday afternoon because they thought it was operated by Soeharto's eldest daughter. After a 30-minute occupation of the gate, during which they allowed an enormous flow of cars to pass through without paying, the protesters were finally informed that the toll road on Jl.

Debt agreement fails to lift ailing rupiah

Debt agreement fails to lift ailing rupiah JAKARTA (JP): A debt accord between Indonesian debtors and their foreign creditors failed to lift the ailing rupiah, currency traders said yesterday. The rupiah closed unchanged at 11,550 against the U.S. dollar in thin trade, dealers said. In contrast to the rupiah, prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) rose slightly as investors responded positively to the debt deal, stockbrokers said.

'Stop burdening students'

'Stop burdening students' JAKARTA (JP): The city office of the Ministry of Education and Culture has instructed all headmasters in the capital to cease forcing students to buy particular brands of school uniforms and accessories. Head of the office Alwi Nurdin told reporters here on Thursday that schools had been ordered to let students and parents decide what to buy on their own.