Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 August 2000

56 articles found

Lawyers proclaim Djoko's innocence

Lawyers proclaim Djoko's innocence JAKARTA (JP): Defense attorneys of Djoko S. Tjandra, the main defendant in the high-profile Bank Bali scandal, insisted on Monday that their client had not caused any loss to the state as the Rp 546 billion (US$61.3 million) commission for PT Era Giat Prima (EGP) was the bank's own money. Reading out a 1,000-page written rebuttal to the 18-month jail term earlier sought by prosecutor Antashari Azhari for Djoko, the team of eight defense attorneys, led by O.C.

'Rodad': Wonosobo's religious art show

'Rodad': Wonosobo's religious art show By Bambang M WONOSOBO, Central Java (JP): The cool town located at the foot of Sumbing and Sindoro mountains has charmed millions of people with its breathtaking scenery. But the gorgeous landscape on the Dieng Plateau is not the only fascination that Wonosobo has to offer. Visitors often come to the town to see its cultural shows, the best known being a religious art performance called Rodad.

Asian Airlines seek common voice to meet new challenges

Asian Airlines seek common voice to meet new challenges KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Regional aviation leaders declared Monday that while many airlines have soared out of Asia's financial crisis, closer solidarity was now needed to weather new hurdles which challenge the industry.

Cutline

Cutline WWF & BTNUK The carcass of a Javan rhinoceros, one of the world's most endangered mammals, lies decomposing in the Ujung Kulon National Park. The rhino's remains were found by a rhino population monitoring team on Aug. 1. The 2.4 meter long dead rhino is thought to have died of natural causes because it retained its 18 centimeter-long horn, which is the most precious part for rhino hunters.

Government blasted over Internet restriction

Government blasted over Internet restriction JAKARTA (JP): Foreign investors and local Internet companies blasted the government on Monday over its controversial policy to ban foreign investors from entering the country's Internet- related businesses, calling it unrealistic. Patrick Alexander, managing partner of global venture capital firm, Batavia Investment Management Limited, which currently owns the majority interest in local Internet company Astaga Group, said the ban was a blunder.

Malaysia palm oil closes higher on duty-free news

Malaysia palm oil closes higher on duty-free news KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian palm oil futures closed higher on Monday, boosted by news that Malaysia may allow local companies to export crude palm oil (CPO) duty-free this year, traders said. Private forecaster Ivan Wong's crop estimates for July also lifted market sentiment, they said. The benchmark third position October futures contract ended up 21 ringgit at 1,043 ringgit ($274.47) a ton.

Pertamina to sign gas contract with Singapore Power

Pertamina to sign gas contract with Singapore Power JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina said on Monday it expected to sign a deal in November with Singapore Power for a 20-year supply of natural gas from Central and South Sumatra to Singapore. Pertamina's exploration and production director Gatot K. Wiroyudo announced that the negotiation on the terms of the contract were expected to be completed this month.

On 'jilbab'

On 'jilbab' From Pikiran Rakyat Commenting on the so-called jilbab lontong (Mr. Asep Ridwan used this term in a recent letter to the editors in Pikiran Rakyat), this is some kind of explanation about the correct jilbab (female headwear that exposes the face but not the ears, neck or hair), meaning the one recommended by hadiths.

TV today

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Songs 8:30 Music 9:30 Dialog 10:00 Music 10:30 Documentary 11:30 Dialog 12:00 p.m. Interval 2:30 Children's Performance 3:00 Documentary 3:30 Music 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Talk Show 5:30 News (in English) 6:00 Sports 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 MPR's Annual Session (live) 10:00 News Program 2 5:30 p.m. News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 City News TPI 5:30 a.m.

Megawati 'refuses' to read progress report

Megawati 'refuses' to read progress report JAKARTA (JP): While relations between President and Vice President are said to be congenial, aides close to Megawati Soekarnoputri said the fact that she did not read Monday's key presidential report was evidence of her dissatisfaction with it. Monday's "incident" was the second time in less than three weeks she has reportedly rejected reading a presidential report.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Film * French Film at CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Purnawarman 32 (Phone 4212417), 2 p.m., 6:30 p.m.: Le bonheur est dans le pre, August 8. E.T. I'Extraterrestre, August 11. Indiana Jones et le Temple Maudit, August 15. Jurassic Park, August 18. Music and Entertainment * Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 390 (Phone: 022 2500303): - SOB Fun Pub, at 9 p.m.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Aug. 7, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Country's illness not cured yet

Country's illness not cured yet Unfortunately President Abdurrahman Wahid has, up to now, not brought any good fortune to the nation and country even though he possesses a strong legitimacy to rule this country. The political elite are at odds with each other and most of the time are only thinking of their own interests. Nonetheless, the President is continuing to say controversial things which confuse many people while doing nothing significant to cure the country's illnesses.

Why Indonesia should legally protect its environment better

Why Indonesia should legally protect its environment better By Sarah Waddell JAKARTA (JP): Virtually every national constitution revised or adopted since 1970 has addressed environmental concerns. An important question in view of the constitutional amendments that will be considered by the Indonesian People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) this month is will Indonesia be the only country in recent times not to take the opportunity to strengthen constitutional protection of its natural heritage?

GAM commander emerges from hiding, calls for end to unrest

GAM commander emerges from hiding, calls for end to unrest BANDA ACEH, Aceh (JP): The armed wing commander of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM), Tengku Abdullah Syafiie, made his first public appearance on Sunday after months of hiding, calling for his followers to "support Aceh independence through a diplomatic struggle rather than putting up a war".

BPK reviews work over past 10 months

BPK reviews work over past 10 months JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) said on Monday that during the 10 months President Abdurrahman Wahid has been in office it completed four audits of state financial transactions worth Rp 901.88 trillion (US$101 billion).

Prosecutors in Soeharto trial to be protected

Prosecutors in Soeharto trial to be protected JAKARTA (JP): With the South Jakarta District Court yet to decide on a venue for the trial of former president Soeharto, the Attorney General's Office took significant measures on Monday for the safety of prosecutors in the alleged corruption case. According to Attorney General Marzuki Darusman, his office had coordinated the security matter with police and military officers to ensure the safety of both the prosecutors and the trial as well.

More NU-affiliated civilian militiamen head to Jakarta

More NU-affiliated civilian militiamen head to Jakarta SURABAYA (JP): At least 2,000 Banser civilian militiamen are leaving for Jakarta from Surabaya over the next two days, despite pleas by police for them to stay at home. Khusnul Huda Sholeh, the secretary of the East Java branch of the Ansor Youth organization, said here on Monday that two buses carrying 100 Banser members left for Jakarta from the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) East Java branch office on Jl. Raya Darmo, Surabaya, on Sunday.

Five injured in Suratin semifinals

Five injured in Suratin semifinals BOGOR (JP): At least five people were seriously injured during a clash between supporters of Semen Padang and Persijatim (East Jakarta Persija) during the Suratin Cup soccer semifinals at Pajajaran Stadium here on Monday. The five victims were rushed to Salak Hospital. They were identified as Dian (28), Dudi (26), Usman (26), Wahono (40) and Afridon (40). Dian, Dudi, Usman and Afridon are residents of Bogor, and Wahono is from Jakarta.

Mobs loot 8,000 hectare forest

Mobs loot 8,000 hectare forest SEMARANG: About 8,000 hectares of teakwood forest in Blora regency of Central Java have been looted by local residents so far this year, an official said Monday. "The groups usually brandish weapons during their operation and they do not hesitate to resist arrest if any official tries to stop them," Blora Forest chief Bambang Kartono said, adding that the regency has around 33,000 hectares of teakwood forest.

Tax not for the people

Tax not for the people From Jurnal Indonesia The lower-class people are always being pushed aside. In this ruining of the country they always become the victims, while as citizens they have performed their duties well. I can give an example. For a transaction amounting to Rp 250,000 I must pay stamp duty, whereas for a lower-class man like myself, the transaction amount alone is already painful enough, almost unbearable, yet I still have to pay the stamp duty.

Legislators dissatisfied with President's progress report

Legislators dissatisfied with President's progress report JAKARTA (JP): Many legislators said they were less than satisfied with the President's progress report on Monday, saying it was being too general and lacked depth and factual data. House of Representatives Speaker and Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung said the speech lacked any elaboration on concrete measures taken by the administration. He described the contents of the speech as a mere justification for the administration's shortcomings.

PABBSI makes one-sided decision to expel Supeni

PABBSI makes one-sided decision to expel Supeni JAKARTA (JP): New officials of the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association (PABBSI) one-sidedly expelled women's weightlifter Supeni from its Olympic Games training program on Monday just two days prior to its final selection at Pringsewu, Lampung. The expulsion sparked controversy in the meeting between the National Sports Council (KONI) and officials of Olympic-qualified sports' organizations.

Sabotage suspected in Pertamina refinery blast

Sabotage suspected in Pertamina refinery blast JAKARTA (JP): The Pertamina refinery in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan was damaged by an explosion on Monday morning, raising suspicions of a plot to disrupt the country's fuel supply system during the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), state oil company Pertamina confirmed.

Government told not to worry about House's criticism

Government told not to worry about House's criticism JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives called on the administration not to be averse to criticism from the legislative body, saying such censure was a normal democratic process aimed at ensuring a system of checks and balances which was lacking in past administrations. House Speaker Akbar Tandjung, in his progress report to the People's Consultative Assembly on Monday, said the House was merely performing its control function.

ALRI helping build a just Indonesia

ALRI helping build a just Indonesia By Marcus Einfeld SYDNEY, Australia (JP): On July 25 this newspaper published an article by Bob Burton, editor of the Mining Monitor published in Australia by the Mineral Policy Institute under the heading "Small donation for big payoff?" The principal target of its criticisms was Rio Tinto Ltd (Rio), but in the process the article delivered a most unfair broadside against Australian Legal Resources International (ALRI), a non-government non-profit...

Cabinet reshuffle crucial to improving performance

Cabinet reshuffle crucial to improving performance JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid must reshuffle his discredited Cabinet to improve the performance of his administration, particularly on the economic front, economists said. An economist from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, Pande Raja Silalahi, said want of an effective economic team was one of the major weaknesses of the current administration. "The problem has been in the absence of a solid economic team.

S. Arabian found dead in hotel

S. Arabian found dead in hotel JAKARTA (JP): A 29-year-old man with a Saudi Arabian passport was found dead in a hotel room on Jl. Pramuka, Central Jakarta on Monday, a police officer said. The victim, identified as Shaker M.S. Akitaibi, is believed to have died from a drug overdose, Central Jakarta Police detectives chief Sr.Insp. Hendra Suhartiyono said. "Shaker was found by a security guard at about 11 p.m.

Asian currencies weaken as rupiah recoups early losses

Asian currencies weaken as rupiah recoups early losses SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Asian currencies weakened late Monday, as the Thai baht's steep decline overshadowed the market's relief that the meeting of Indonesia's top legislative body started smoothly, currency watchers said.

Open your trunk, please: Security

Open your trunk, please: Security JAKARTA (JP): There was tight security for anyone entering the People's Consultative Assembly compound during the opening day of the Annual Session on Monday. Everyone's identity was carefully checked and non-Assembly members required a special pass to get in. Cars were thoroughly screened, each having to open their trunks, resulting in a line of cars waiting to enter.

Jakarta traffic

Jakarta traffic From Media Indonesia Considering the increasing number of traffic regulation violations, as well as traffic accidents in Jakarta, more serious and effective measures must be taken by the officials or agencies involved in curbing the current extremely disorganized traffic conditions in Jakarta. I am sure that if they do not do as requested, Jakarta's traffic will get worse, more disorganized and hazardous to all road users.

What's wrong with the reform process?

What's wrong with the reform process? What should we expect from the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR)? Political analyst J. Soedjati Djiwandono shares his views. JAKARTA (JP): At the end of the Yogyakarta meeting on Aug. 1, the President stated that he and the other national leaders at the gathering had agreed that the August meeting would just be an Annual Session of the MPR, without attempts to unseat him.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 7, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 655 -25 25,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 305 -5 20,000 Alakasa Industrindo 900 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 895 0 6,000 Alter Abadi 275 0 892,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,250 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 345 0 13,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,195 5 1,661,500 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.

Dharma Jaya proposes a meat center

Dharma Jaya proposes a meat center JAKARTA (JP): In response to growing public concern over the selling of wild boar meat as cheap beef, city-owned slaughterhouse firm PD Dharma Jaya proposed the establishment of a pork center to control the quality and distribution of meat, an official said on Monday. PD Dharma Jaya president Prabowo Soenirman said that with the establishment of the center, his office would be responsible for monitoring the health of the animals as well as pork distribution.

Gus Dur pledges to work harder

Gus Dur pledges to work harder JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid apologized to the nation on Monday for the shortcomings of his first 10 months in office and pledged to work harder to lift the country out of its current predicament. Presenting his annual progress report to the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the President said the problems were immense and complex to begin with, and that many were the legacy of the past administration's misrule.

Bali has new Denpasar Bishop

Bali has new Denpasar Bishop DENPASAR, Bali: Mgr. Benyamin Y. Bria Pr was consecrated as the new bishop of Denpasar in a modest ceremony here on Sunday. Benyamin filled the vacant position left by the late Mgr. Vitalis Djebarus SVD, who passed away on Sept. 22, 1998. Thousands of people, including several bishops from Indonesian dioceses, attended the ceremony at the Holy Spirit Cathedral in Renon area, The ambassador of the Holy Vatican Mgr. Renzo Fratini and the Netherlands' Breda Bishop, Mgr.

President confirms plan to reshuffle his Cabinet

President confirms plan to reshuffle his Cabinet JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid gave his strongest signal yet on Monday that he plans to take a backseat role after he reshuffles his Cabinet in the not too distant future. In off-the-cuff remarks to the People's Consultative Assembly, the President said he would concentrate more on the "little details" of foreign affairs, with the help of his foreign minister.

Picturesque MPR to educate public

Picturesque MPR to educate public JAKARTA (JP): Is there anybody who doesn't know who People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) Speaker Amien Rais is? Apparently, the National Information Agency believes many still do not. That is why they are displaying one-meter-high pictures of Amien, along with those of Assembly deputies, under spotlights inside the front entrance of the Assembly building.

Four Taiwanese ships detained

Four Taiwanese ships detained MAUMERE, East Nusa Tenggara: Four fishing boats from Taiwan with 48 crew, all Taiwanese nationals, on boards have been netted by Navy officers for illegally entering Indonesian waters, acting regent of Lembata Piter Boliama Keraf said on Monday. "The four ships, KM Samudra Golintas 11, KM Samudra Golintas 40, KM Golintas 46, and KM Golintas 228 were noticed last Saturday by First Sgt. L.T. Bataona at the Loang beach, Nagawutun district," he told The Jakarta Post.

Religious message

Religious message From Media Indonesia Religious leaders consisting of KH. Ali Yafie, Rev. Natan Setiabudi, Fr. Ismantoro, Oka Adiputra, and Ali Suripto have issued ten joint moral messages. Similarly, the Popular Social Inter Exchange Agency (BISMA), with distinguished figures representing several religions H. Sulastomo, Nurcholish Madjid, Fr. Yatno Yuwono, Buddhist Monk Vijito, Frans Seda, Said Aqiel, Siti Hartati Murdaya, Ciputra, John N.

Indonesia against antidumping rules

Indonesia against antidumping rules BANDUNG (JP): Indonesia called on Monday for a review of the World Trade Organization's (WTO) antidumping regulations, saying that these regulations have been manipulated by industrialized countries to become protectionist measures.

Cambodia calls on ASEAN unity

Cambodia calls on ASEAN unity PHNOM PENH (AFP): Just over a year after joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Cambodia says its membership has yielded benefits but urges the group to unify its approach to globalization. "The outcome is positive. We could not allow ourselves to stay outside ASEAN," Minister of Foreign Affairs Hor Namhong said in an interview.

MPR chauffeurs have their day

MPR chauffeurs have their day JAKARTA (JP): What do chauffeurs of members of the Cabinet or People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) do when their bosses are busy attending the proceedings? They watch them together on television. During Monday's opening session, the chauffeurs gathered in the lobby of the main building and attentively watched the proceedings on television. Most seemed quite involved, as if watching a political soap opera.

400,000 students fail to get into state universities

400,000 students fail to get into state universities JAKARTA (JP): Around 400,000 high school graduates, or around 85 percent of the students who took this year's state university entrance examinations (UMPTN), have failed to get places at the universities of their choice. According to the exam results announced on Monday, 73,540 students passed and are hence able to continue studying at one of the country's 45 state universities.

Renun River dilemma brought about by deforestation

Renun River dilemma brought about by deforestation By Benget Simbolon Tnb. JAKARTA (JP): The government's plan to divert the Renun River into Lake Toba in North Sumatra to raise the lake's water level has been received with skepticism. The Renun River diversion may not be sufficient to save Lake Toba, which has dropped by about three meters from 905.14 meters above sea level over the last 15 years.

Abdurrahman's account

Abdurrahman's account Indonesians all over the country can draw a breath of relief. President Abdurrahman Wahid's progress report of his first year in office appeared to be received well enough, if not enthusiastically, by the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). In the streets of Jakarta, where tens of thousands of troops and police were deployed ready for trouble, life proceeded as usual despite protests by a few hundred demonstrators trying to march on the Assembly.

RI sovereign debt a laggard in Asia: S&P

RI sovereign debt a laggard in Asia: S&P SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Indonesia's political turmoil, weak currency, and lagging reform make its sovereign debt the "weakest credit story" in Asia, Standard & Poor's Managing Director for Sovereign Ratings David Beers said Monday.

UN patrol captures East Timor militiamen

UN patrol captures East Timor militiamen CANBERRA (Agencies): An Australian army patrol has shot and captured an armed East Timorese militiaman in one of two gunfights near the border with Indonesian West Timor, defense officials said on Monday. About 15 Australian UN troops clashed with two or three militiamen armed with automatic weapons near the town of Batugade, about a kilometer from the West Timor border, on Sunday afternoon, an Australian Defense department spokesman said.

KL, Finland consider aid for RP rebels

KL, Finland consider aid for RP rebels JOLO, Philippines (AFP): Finland and Malaysia are considering aid projects in the southern Philippines to coax Muslim extremists to free more than a dozen hostages held for over three months, officials said on Monday. Chief hostage negotiator, Roberto Aventajado, said Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad had tapped two senior officials to meet with him to firm up an aid package for areas controlled by the Abu Sayyaf in southern Jolo island.

Peace and calm as MPR begins Annual Session

Peace and calm as MPR begins Annual Session JAKARTA (JP): Peace and calm prevailed in the capital on Monday as some 700 legislators gathered for the opening of the 12-day Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). A similar mood also prevailed in the country's other major cities. In Jakarta, several groups of protesters staged peaceful and orderly rallies in separate places, allowing traffic to run smoothly on the city's main streets. City police spokesman Supt.

Will the nation's top leaders stick to their pledges?

Will the nation's top leaders stick to their pledges? The following is an excerpt from an interview with Cornelis Lay, a political observer in Gadjah Mada University, Yogyakarta, where President Abdurrahman Wahid, Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri, Speaker of the House of Representatives Akbar Tandjung and Speaker of the People's Consultative Assembly Amien Rais met last week.

Tenaga eyes RI power plants

Tenaga eyes RI power plants KUALA LUMPUR (Dow Jones): Malaysia's dominant power company Tenaga Nasional Bhd. will develop and implement two power projects in Indonesia, national news agency Bernama reported late Friday. Tenaga's wholly-owned subsidiary TNB Engineering & Consultancy Sdn. Bhd. has signed two agreements with Indonesian companies for the projects. The definitive agreements will be finalized within six months and TNB Engineering will proceed to raise financing for the projects.

Reenactment of bomb blast set for Tuesday

Reenactment of bomb blast set for Tuesday JAKARTA (JP): In an effort to refresh the chronology of the last week bomb blast outside the residence of Philippine Ambassador Leonides T. Caday in Central Jakarta, City Police would reenact the bombing on Tuesday, an officer said. City police spokesman Supt. Zainuri Lubis said on Monday that the reenactment would take place at the scene of the incident. "It's aimed at ascertaining the chronology of the bomb blast," he said.

Ruben tops Hamdani, Edhi ties Danny

Ruben tops Hamdani, Edhi ties Danny JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grand Master (GM) Ruben Gunawan beat FIDE Master Hamdani Rubin in the 56th move using the Sicilian defense in the semifinal of the 34th Chess Olympic Games national selection tournament here on Monday. In other semifinal action, International Master Danny Juswanto forced a tie with GM Edhi Handoko in the 76th move employing the Modern defense. The four chess players all qualified to represent the country in the Olympics from Oct.

Fate of regional faction still unclear

Fate of regional faction still unclear JAKARTA (JP): The plenary meeting of the People's Consultative Assembly's Annual Session skirted controversy on the issue of a regional representatives faction when it referred to the issue to be discussed in a commission. "I personally agree with the establishment of a regional representatives faction. But let the matter be discussed by the Assembly's commission," Assembly Speaker Amien Rais said at the opening of Monday's plenary session.

Mujahiddin congress calls for Islamic law

Mujahiddin congress calls for Islamic law YOGYAKARTA (JP): A three-day Mujahiddin Congress ended here on Monday after recommending that the Criminal Code (KUHP) be replaced with Syariah Islamic law and the National Commission for Human Rights (Komnas HAM) be disbanded. Chairman of the congress' organizing committee Irfan S. Awwas said that the KUHP was a Dutch colonial inheritance and needed to be discarded because it was against the teachings of all religions.