Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 October 1994

48 articles found

Harmoko sees Golkar's rivals as `undemocratic'

Harmoko sees Golkar's rivals as `undemocratic' JAKARTA (JP): Harmoko, chairman of the ruling political group Golkar, considers those who do not want to see Golkar grow stronger "undemocratic, narrow minded and do not respect people's political rights." When briefing Golkar cadres in Kotamo Bagu, North Sulawesi, Sunday, Harmoko said Golkar's landslide victories in past general elections showed that most Indonesian citizens wanted the organization to expand.

Hamas asks PLO for protection from Israeli

Hamas asks PLO for protection from Israeli GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AFP): The Islamic Resistance Movement asked the Palestinian Authority yesterday to protect Hamas leaders after reports that Israel intended to murder them in revenge for the bus bombing. "I ask the Palestinian Authority to provide protection for the Islamic leaders and for all the Palestinian people," Hamas spokesman Mahmud Zahar said in a statement.

History books need reviewing

History books need reviewing DILI, East Timor: A re-evaluation of the history books used in schools is necessary to maintain children's interest in the subject, an official of the local museum says. Head of the Dili museum Paulus Susilo was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying that schoolchildren would better understand national history if they knew their local history first.

Better taxi service needed

Better taxi service needed I'd like to share my dire experience at the Soekarno-Hatta airport recently so that would-be taxi passengers can be aware of an irritating problem. On Saturday, Oct. 22, 1994, at about 6.30 p.m. on arrival at the airport's Terminal II from Surabaya, I joined the queue for a taxi. As my turn came a President taxi happened to be at the front of the taxi line.

Ex-Bapindo boss faces 14 years imprisonment

Ex-Bapindo boss faces 14 years imprisonment JAKARTA (JP): The state prosecutor asked the South Jakarta District Court yesterday to sentence Towil Heryoto, a former director of state-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo), to 14 years in prison. "We demand that the presiding judge sentence Towil Heryoto to 14 years' imprisonment for continuously allowing irregularities to occur at Bapindo," Chief Prosecutor Taslim Hasyim said.

Fruit body formed to boost industry

Fruit body formed to boost industry GRESIK, East Java (JP): Minister of Agriculture Sjarifuddin Baharsjah has recognized the newly-founded Indonesian Fruits Association (Himpunan Perbuahan Indonesia), which is expected to boost the country's fruit industry.

40 contractors arrested for counterfeiting documents

40 contractors arrested for counterfeiting documents JAKARTA (JP): The City Municipality Office announced yesterday that many contractors are operating with fake identities in the city. Harun Al Rasyid, the acting chairman of the city's pra- qualification committee, said that 40 fake identities have so far been confiscated through a number of tenders for the construction of projects owned by city-owned companies or city institutions.

Consortium to build $594.13m toll road

Consortium to build $594.13m toll road JAKARTA (JP): An Indonesian-British consortium, led by President Soeharto's eldest daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, yesterday won a contract from the government to construct a 59- kilometer toll road with an investment of Rp 1.29 trillion (US$594.13 million).

George's questioning completed

George's questioning completed YOGYAKARTA (JP): The authorities yesterday completed questioning intellectual George Junus Aditjondro, whom they are charging with defaming the government. Wearing thongs and accompanied by his lawyers from the local chapter of Legal Aid Institute (LBH), he was questioned from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. He complained of fever due to an infection on his toe but was able to answer 49 questions posted by his investigators, his lawyers said.

Franchising to be discussed

Franchising to be discussed JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya is scheduled to open a three-day franchising workshop at the end of this month. The workshop, entitled "Pan Asian Franchising", will discuss the prospects of franchising in Indonesia as it is recognized as one of the fastest ways for economic development.

Colonialism in Indonesia

Colonialism in Indonesia The wonderfully expressive letters of Mrs. Sumarsono contrast greatly with Mr. de Jong's rather desultory one complete with red herrings (The Jakarta Post, Oct. 22, 1994). Every empire, Mr. de Jong, quite literally, has skeletons in its cupboard.

Train collision injures at least 11

Train collision injures at least 11 JAKARTA (JP): At least 11 people were injured when a speeding electric train hit an idle train, stalled after unidentified technical problems, on the railway tracks high over Jl. Pangeran Jayakarta in Central Jakarta here yesterday morning. Members from the local police precinct and the Perumka railway company contacted at the scene said that the only people injured in the collision were the few commuters using the Jakarta-Bogor train service at the time.

Dogs used to stop smuggling

Dogs used to stop smuggling SERANG, West Java: Local police here are using sniffer dogs at the Merak ferry crossing port to prevent the possibility of illegal drug and firearm smuggling from Sumatra into Java. The Bakauheni-Merak ferry crossing port is quite prone to smuggling attempts of marijuana from Sumatra to Java, Banten police chief Col. Soebandy said.

'Excesses lead to violations'

'Excesses lead to violations' JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that human rights violations occur as the result of excesses happening in relation to the nation's development. "In the process of development, the violation of human rights could happen, but this is more the result of excesses," the President said during his opening address for the Second National Workshop on Human Rights.

Part-time job program

Part-time job program A total of 12,893 high school students yesterday started a program to work as part-time employees during the holiday -- an activity coordinated by the Jakarta chapter of the Education and Culture Ministry. The students are assigned to 20 government offices and 14 private companies from Oct. 24 to 29. There are four programs offered: entrepreneurship, public presentation, social activities and those hired as employees.

Asian carriers have bright prospects

Asian carriers have bright prospects SINGAPORE (AFP): A substantial jump in interim profits of Singapore Airlines (SIA) and similar gains by other Asian carriers strongly reflects better times ahead for airlines in the region, financial analysts said yesterday. "The bottomline is beginning to show that Asian carriers are riding out of turbulent weather," Jean-Loius Morisot, an Asian airline analyst with Paribas Capital Markets in Singapore said.

SGP opposes newsprint price hike

SGP opposes newsprint price hike JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Printing Press Firms (SGP) is opposed to a government plan to increase costs of newsprint, ink and electricity on the grounds the policy will make printed materials even more expensive. The association appealed to the government to provide assistance, through subsidies, to keep the prices at a reasonable level.

Solar car goes international

Solar car goes international BANDUNG, West Java: A prototype of a solar-powered car jointly developed by students of Surabaya-based Sepuluh November Institute of Technology (ITS) and the Bandung-based National Aircraft Manufacturer (IPTN) will participate in a car festival in Australia next year. The 200-kilogram, 10 square-meter car equipped with a solar cell panel, is expected to be completed by the end of this year, the Antara news agency reported.

Politeness

Politeness Like Amy Oravec (On politeness, The Jakarta Post, Oct. 19, 1994), I, too, am an American woman living in Jakarta. I, too, am sometimes (not "constantly" -- there is a big difference!) stared at by Indonesians. (Is it my streaked gray hair? My height and stature? Is my slip showing?). Although this apparent scrutiny was initially uncomfortable for me, I realized that I also stare at Indonesians! I am fascinated by the diverse facial characteristics and rich skin tones.

Govt urged to ratify more UN conventions

Govt urged to ratify more UN conventions JAKARTA (JP): To show its seriousness in the promotion and protection of human rights, the government has been urged to ratify more UN conventions covering the subject. Aisyah Amini, a member of the House of Representatives (DPR), and N. Hassan Wirajuda from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs shared the opinion that the time has come for Indonesia to ratify conventions on civil and political rights, as well as many other conventions on human rights.

Indonesia in the UN

Indonesia in the UN With a vote of 164 out of 170, Indonesia on Thursday became a member of the United Nations Security Council. As a country representing Asia and as the leader of the Non- Aligned Movement, this two-year Security Council membership gives Indonesia the chance to make a greater contribution to the efforts to settle global problems. In other words, Indonesia's election is a challenge that must be answered by stepping up the quality of Indonesia's diplomacy.

Merpati opens new routes amid optimism

Merpati opens new routes amid optimism By Hidayat Jati SINGAPORE (JP): PT Merpati Nusantara, a subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia, yesterday began servicing the route between Singapore and Bandung in West Java, aiming to achieve a load factor of 60 percent. "We serve this route everyday by F-28 aircraft with a capacity of 80 seats," Ibnu Soekotjo, a Merpati director, told reporters shortly after arriving in the Lion City yesterday.

Kim Johannes admits forging export papers

Kim Johannes admits forging export papers JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Kim Johannes Mulia, the owner of PT Detta Marina, has told government investigators that he had forged documents in order to obtain credit for his bogus export activities from the state-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo). "Kim has admitted to the investigators that he forged export documents in an effort to obtain credit from Bapindo," Chairul Imam, the acting spokesman for the Attorney General's Office said yesterday.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Diletansia 3:30 TV Series: Singing Princes 4:30 Science Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Economic Journey 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Gema Pancasila 8:05 Traditional Drama 9:00 World News 9:30 Profile and Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film : This House of Brade Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Strikes drop drastically in E. Jakarta

Strikes drop drastically in E. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Industrial strikes in East Jakarta, where 2,000 factories operate, have drastically decreased this year, possibly due to better welfare, a local official said yesterday. "In the first semester of this year 60 strikes were registered, two in July, two in August and none in the last two months," Iskandar, head of the labor standards section at the city manpower office, told The Jakarta Post.

About human rights

About human rights In this age of globalization there seems to be a growing tendency on the part of foreign countries -- especially those that extend aid to others -- to know what is happening in the other countries. A similar trend can also be observed among non- governmental organizations (NGOs) around the globe.

Illegal tree cutting in Timor

Illegal tree cutting in Timor Dili, East Timor: The illegal cutting of trees for fire wood is one of the gravest problems being faced by the forestry office here. The illegal tree cutting activities are taking place in the regencies of Ainaro, Naucau, Manatuto and Viqueqiue, Antara reported yesterday quoting a forestry office source. Forest fires have also destroyed over 9,893 hectares of forest area in eight regencies in the province, the news agency said.

Development comes first

Development comes first Brig. Gen. Wiranto, the chief of staff of the Jakarta Military Command, has stressed that national development is more important than democratization. He told members of the influential Kosgoro, a mass organization affiliated with the government-backed Golkar political grouping, over the weekend that some people still believe democratization would solve all of the country's problems.

Surtax on cellular phone handset high: Executive

Surtax on cellular phone handset high: Executive JAKARTA (JP): The large amount of government levies keeps the prices of mobile telephones in the country quite high, an executive says. "The government's levies on the sales of handheld telephones are equivalent to 182.5 percent of the import prices of the phone equipment," a director of PT Satelit Palapa Indonesia (Satelindo), Adi Rahman Adiwoso, said yesterday.

Brokers want clear-cut ruling on stocks value

Brokers want clear-cut ruling on stocks value JAKARTA (JP): The association of brokerage companies called on the stock market authorities yesterday to issue a clear-cut guideline regarding the par (nominal) value of shares listed on domestic exchanges. Achmad Sofjan, the chairman of the Jakarta Securities Brokers Club, said that the sales of shares with different par value at the same place could, in the long run, cause a market distortion.

Services for newcomers in Bekasi

Services for newcomers in Bekasi BEKASI, West Java (JP): The Bekasi administration will launch a new service making the application for new ID and family cards a simpler process for former Jakartans now residing in the Bekasi area. Suyitno, an official in charge of residential papers, said yesterday that the newcomers could collectively apply for their new ID and family cards through the head of the community.

Joint venture to produce dental gear

Joint venture to produce dental gear JAKARTA (JP): A joint venture of the Yoshida Dental Group of Japan and the Semoga Group of Indonesia will construct a plant in Bekasi east of here to produce 2,000 sets of dental care equipment per month. Semoga's president, Sunardjo Sumargono, said yesterday that 80 percent of the products will be exported to Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and the Philippines, while the rest will be marketed domestically.

Ogun halts Everest scale

Ogun halts Everest scale JAKARTA (JP): Swirling wind and freezing conditions stopped the effort of Indonesia's Gunawan Achmad and his 16-strong team to scale the 8,848-meter Mount Everest last week with just 648 meters up to go. Gunawan, or Ogun as his close friends call him, joined the International Mountain Climbing (IMC) expedition attempting to reach the summit of the world via the northern route in Tibet, starting Sept. 26.

Indictment against Yorrys lawful: Court

Indictment against Yorrys lawful: Court JAKARTA (JP): Presiding Judge Ismail Sebayang of West Jakarta District Court has rejected the request of the lawyer of Yorrys Raweyai and six others being tried for gambling. He rejected the plea to annul the prosecutor's indictment, saying that it was already perfect.

Roy wins Malaysian race

Roy wins Malaysian race JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Roy Haryanto sped to victory in the third leg of the Formula Asia racing series Sunday on the Shah Alam circuit, Malaysia, closing in on championship leader David Sonenscher of England. Roy clocked the fastest time of 27 minutes 6.56 seconds in the second race, outclassing Hong Kong's Darren Shaw who beat him in the opening race.

The Listening Post

The Listening Post * Patsy Biscoe delights children with her "storyteller book and cassette" sets; these are a fine way for your child to improve his or her English.

Police seize 162 kg of drug

Police seize 162 kg of drug PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Police have confiscated 162 kilograms of marijuana and arrested 46 men suspected of drug trafficking. Quoting police sources, Antara reported yesterday that the authorities have also seized 190 grams of marijuana seeds and handled 20 drug-related cases. Police said trained police dogs had contributed mightily to the operation.

Rawasari Timur traders will get no compensation

Rawasari Timur traders will get no compensation JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta mayor Abdul Kahfi said yesterday that there will be no compensation for traders of Rawasari Timur, Central Jakarta, whose houses will be demolished to make way for the construction of public facilities.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Borobudur Inter-Continental, Jl. Lapangan Banteng Selatan, Central Jakarta: - Kintamani Pavilion: Traditional Dances & Songs Friday, Italian Night Wednesday, all from 7 p.m.. - Pendopo Tea Lounge: Monika Rosca, pianist from Poland, daily 4 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.; Sylvia Howard, jazz/blues singer from the U.S., Monday to Saturday from 9 p.m. to 12:45 a.m.

1,495 Trisakti students graduate

1,495 Trisakti students graduate Over 1,490 graduates of the prestigious Trisakti University were honored in a gala ceremony at the Jakarta Convention Center in Central Jakarta yesterday. More than 10,000 of their relatives, including Ali Sadikin, a well known opposition leader and former governor of Jakarta, packed the convention center as well as its lobbies to watch their beloved, decked out in black caps and gowns, rewarded for their long years of effort.

Ministry defends Basofi's involvement in PDI case

Ministry defends Basofi's involvement in PDI case JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday defended the controversial involvement of the East Java governor in the crisis within the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). The director general of socio-political affairs of the ministry, Sutoyo NK, announced yesterday that Gov. Basofi Sudirman took the much-criticized initiative at the behest of the PDI leaders from 26 regencies. They had called on him to help solve their squabbles, he said.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices continued losing ground on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday in thin trading as investors remained on the sidelines. The JSX Composite Index lost another 2.4 points to close at 512.47 yesterday against 514.97 on Friday. The GTDBS-50 Index also dropped to close at 121.72, as compared to 122.21. Securities brokers said that the selling pressure further pushed Indosat share prices down on the absence of foreign support.

Natalia strolls into second round

Natalia strolls into second round JAKARTA (JP): Natalia Soetrisno cleared her first hurdle at the US$50,000 Indonesia Women's Challenger tennis championships here yesterday, edging out compatriot Mimma Chernovita 6-4, 6-3 in a topsy turvy match. Natalia, nationally ranked number three, left her fellow Indonesian, who was awarded a wild card entry to join the main drawing, on the defensive, hitting a series of long shots from the baseline.

Asiad: Complacency led to poor performance

Asiad: Complacency led to poor performance Why did Indonesia show a poor performance in the recent Asiad? Sports expert Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar attributes it to com placency. In an interview, this former assistant to the sports minister, with an illustrious 44-year career, says that sports activities involve many parties, who should act in unison. Question: How do you see our performance in the recent Asiad? Answer: In sports we use straightforward language. We call a failure, a failure.

Rallies banned in New Delhi

Rallies banned in New Delhi NEW DELHI (Reuter): Indian police have banned rallies and protests in New Delhi for four days before a Supreme Court ruling on a dispute between Hindus and Moslems over a religious site, state-run radio said yesterday. All India Radio said the Delhi police announced that rallies were banned for four days from yesterday. Newspapers said orders had been issued as a precaution before the court's ruling on the dispute at the northern city of Ayodhya.

Malaysian banks set to raise lending rates

Malaysian banks set to raise lending rates KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian banks are set to raise base lending rates (BLR) to match the rising cost of funds after lending rates hit bottom early this month, money-market dealers said yesterday. The BLR is expected to rise by 0.5 percentage points by the end of the year, the dealers said. "I think Malaysia's interest rates are still low if compared internationally and the half-percentage point rise will be not be unusually high," said one dealer.

Fire guts Bedugul forests

Fire guts Bedugul forests DENPASAR: Forests near the Bedugul tourist garden, 40 kilometers north of here, were razed by fire on Sunday. The Antara national news agency said that as of yesterday morning fire fighters had not been able to completely put out the blazes, due primarily to the scarcity of water and rivers near the fire site. Roughly 150 hectares of forests were burned down by the blaze, a local forestry office official said.

Shops go up in Tanah Abang

Shops go up in Tanah Abang A fire consumed three shops on Jl. K.H. Mas Mansyur in the Tanah Abang area, Central Jakarta. The blaze was caused by a short circuit in one of the three stores on Sunday evening. Witnesses said the a fire broke out in the stationer's shop at around 9 p.m., and by 9:30 p.m. the fire had spread to nearby shops, engulfing two furniture shops.