Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 November 1994

45 articles found

Lessons on environmental awareness needed

Lessons on environmental awareness needed JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja urged teachers on Saturday to help improve the environmental awareness of the public by teaching their students to treat animals and plants with respect. Sarwono said teachers should tell the students about the need for "civilized treatment of flora and fauna".

No empty promises, please!

No empty promises, please! SERANG, West Java: Members of the local branch of the ruling political group Golkar were reminded not to lure the people with empty promises during the 1997 election campaigns. Amin Ibrahim, General Secretary for Golkar's West Java chapter, urged local Golkar members to refrain from giving promises which are impossible to keep. "People are more critical nowadays," he said, as quoted by the Antara news agency.

Large companies asked to help the smaller

Large companies asked to help the smaller SUKABUMI, West Java (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad on Saturday called on large private companies to extend a helping hand to cooperatives and small enterprises. "Please follow in the footsteps of state companies which have put aside small portions of their profits for the development of cooperatives and small businesses," Mar'ie said at the inauguration of the Education and Training Center for Integrated Farming Management.

Jakarta applies three methods for expansion

Jakarta applies three methods for expansion JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has applied, simultaneously, three development methods to expand the area of Jakarta. They are: extension, intensification and establishment of new satellite cities. Chief of City Planning Office Udin Abimanyu said Saturday the area extension method has been applied by the city since the 1960s in the Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi areas, known as the buffer zones of Jakarta.

Planet Hollywood and language

Planet Hollywood and language SCTV's live broadcast of the opening of the Planet Hollywood restaurant on Oct. 22, 1994, saddened me. The use of the Indonesia language, Bahasa Indonesia, was incorrect. The Master of Ceremonies and several important figures mixed the Bahasa Indonesia lavishly with English. Such presentations to the public cannot help but to have an extensive influence on society. I know that some English words have no equivalents in Indonesian, especially technical terms.

Philippines urged to lower tariffs

Philippines urged to lower tariffs MANILA (AFP): The Philippines should lower its tariffs even before the other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to force its industries to be more competitive, Economic Planning Secretary Cielito Habito said here. Habito also said the fall in the inflation rate to 7.8 percent in October would enable the Philippines to ask the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a more relaxed monetary program in future negotiations.

Firms must pay for industrial apprenticeship program: Expert

Firms must pay for industrial apprenticeship program: Expert BANDUNG (JP): The new industrial apprenticeship program launched by the Ministry of Manpower should be financed by the industrial community because they are the chief beneficiary of the program, according to a German expert.

Security for water system increased

Security for water system increased The city-owned water company PAM Jaya is deploying over 2,310 employees to safeguard its water distribution networks. Syamsu Romli, the firm's president, said over the weekend that the employees, who are will be on stand-by 24-hours-a-day three days before and after the leadership meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum next week, are to prevent the possibility of distribution stoppage.

Malaysian, Thai, Indonesia bike makers accused of dumping

Malaysian, Thai, Indonesia bike makers accused of dumping KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia and the European Union are headed for a legal standoff over accusations that the country along with Thailand and Indonesia are dumping cheap bicycles on the European market, newspapers reported here yesterday. Malaysia's International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz said the complaint was formally lodged at the Commission by the European Bicycle Manufacturers Association on Feb. 3.

Three Indonesian tennis players ousted

Three Indonesian tennis players ousted JAKARTA (JP): Three Indonesian tennis players yesterday were eliminated in the qualifying round of the US$100,000 Wismilak Open Championships in Surabaya, East Java, the third stop of the World Tennis Association (WTA) tour in Asia. Lisa Andriyani fell 1-6, 3-6 to Ludmila Varmuzona from San Marino. Agustine Limanto lost 2-6, 4-6 to Australia's Kerry Anne Guse.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Peter Pan & Pirates 3:00 Children's Program: Riang Ria 3:30 TV Series: Unsolved Mysteries 4:30 School Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Program 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings: Hindu 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 Film Series: Santa Barbara 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Health service in Timor improves

Health service in Timor improves DILI, East Timor: Health services here have reportedly improved, as the doctor to patient ratio now nears the ideal of 1:5,000. Spokesman for the provincial health office Carlos Pereira said Saturday that services in all the 67 health community centers in East Timor are being strengthened by newly graduated medical students and apprenticing physicians, the Antara news agency reported.

Pasar Minggu to remian catchment area

Pasar Minggu to remian catchment area JAKARTA (JP): In line with regional city planning, Pasar Minggu will continue to be a water catchment area until the year 2005, said South Jakarta Mayor Pardjoko. "People who intend to build houses in this area should understand and obey city planning in the area and the standard construction coefficient," Pardjoko said at a book launching ceremony on Saturday, the Antara news agency reported.

Telkom introduces new phone cards

Telkom introduces new phone cards The state-owned telecommunications company, PT Telkom, is introducing seven kinds of telephone cards to highlight the leadership meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Setyanto P. Santoso, PT Telkom's president, said over the weekend that four of the seven cards bear an orchid logo and the other three carry the logos of APEC-PT Telkom, the Bogor Palace and the National Monument (Monas).

Human rights in APEC

Human rights in APEC One of the many interesting issues in the air prior to the convening of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Bogor is the United States' intention to bring up the issue of human rights. We have reservations concerning this because such an issue might mar the image of Indonesia in the face of the world. As stated by President Soeharto in a recent workshop on human rights, violation of human rights could have happened in the process of development.

Share prices closed higher across the board last week

Share prices closed higher across the board last week JAKARTA (JP): Driven largely by good performance in the regional bourses, share prices closed higher across the board last week. Buoyant trading by bargain hunters on a number of blue chip stocks boosted the JSX (Jakarta Stock Exchange) Composite Index early in the week. The index closed the week 4.19 points up at 520.60. It appears that the market has reached its floor this year, thus down-side potential looks minimal.

APEC members urged to adopt customs reforms

APEC members urged to adopt customs reforms JAKARTA (JP): The Brussels-based World Customs Organization urged members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to support broad-based customs reform in the region instead of relying on pre-shipment inspection. "The full support of the government and the customs management will be crucial as no solution can be imposed on unwilling administrations," the organization's director for valuation, J.M.

Bus firms warned to discipline drivers

Bus firms warned to discipline drivers JAKARTA (JP): The Land Transportation and Traffic Control Agency is threatening to revoke the operation licenses of bus companies and other public transit vehicle firms whose drivers frequently violate route regulations. HM Djuhdi, head of the agency's transportation business development office, said over the weekend that the drivers of the companies to face the stern actions chronically refuse to enter bus terminals on their designated routes.

The APEC summit

The APEC summit Jakarta's main roads are much cleaner these days. Perhaps for the first time in history flowers are arranged at many strategic points, particularly along the city's major thoroughfares. Beggars and street vendors have vanished overnight from crossroads. It is not often that one see such a thorough facelift in this capital city.

Soeharto halts tryout of 5-day school week

Soeharto halts tryout of 5-day school week JAKARTA (JP): Trial five-day school weeks in some elementary and junior high schools will be abolished by the end of the year as President Soeharto believes they pose overly heavy burden to the students. The President worries that the shorter week, with their condensed curriculum and longer daily learning hours, will have a negative impact on children's development in the long run.

Police still investigating Blok M firecracker blast

Police still investigating Blok M firecracker blast BOGOR, West Java (JP): Police have not yet identified the culprit in the firecracker explosion at a bus terminal near the Blok M Shopping Mall in South Jakarta on Wednesday morning. A security guard was injured in the blast. "We have yet to identify the culprit or culprits behind the incident. Nor have we been able to uncover the motive," Deputy to the National Police chief for Operational Affairs Maj. Gen.

RI to host 2nd meeting of APEC ministers

RI to host 2nd meeting of APEC ministers JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia plans to host the second meeting of finance ministers of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) in April 1995 to discuss financial ties among members. Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance Yusuf Anwar told reporters here on Saturday that the meeting, to be held on April 15 and 16, will follow up on the results of the first finance ministers' meeting in Honolulu in March this year.

Duty on methanol lowered

Duty on methanol lowered JAKARTA (JP): The government has lowered the import duty on methanol from 10 percent to five percent. Methanol is used for the production of glue for plywood, from 10 percent to five percent. Decree No. 542/KMK.01/1994 of the Minister of Finance states the reduction of the tariff on methanol was effected last Thursday.

Seven killed in rain storms

Seven killed in rain storms GROBOGAN, Central Java: Rain storms killed seven people and injured four more here last week. In addition, at least 200 houses, mosques, school buildings and government offices were damaged in the process. The storms also destroyed a Rp 11.5 billion (about US$5.4 million) pavilion in the Java Miniature Park in the provincial capital of Semarang. Most of the seven were crushed by falling trees and collapsing houses, the Antara news agency reported.

BLIB produces first class instructors

BLIB produces first class instructors By Ridwan M. Sijabat BANDUNG (JP): Name the most prestigious college in this city and every one will agree it is the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). But Bandung is also home to dozens of top notch colleges to stake the city's claim as one of Indonesia's main centers of excellence. Something about the Bandung air and atmosphere, it seems, makes it an ideal place to study.

Singapore may import gas from Indonesia

Singapore may import gas from Indonesia SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore may buy natural gas from Indonesia to meet its fuel needs for power stations which will more than double by 2004, a minister said on Saturday. "When the (Indonesian) Natunas (gasfield) is in operation, we would be interested in discussing to supply gas ...we would be happy to offtake some of its production," said Yeo Cheow Tong, Minister for Trade and Industry.

Contaminated premium gasoline

Contaminated premium gasoline I herewith enclose a copy of my report at the South Jakarta Police Precinct on Nov. 3, 1994. In short, the gas station at Fatmawati No. 4 was (is?) selling contaminated premium. I let my driver fill up with 35 liters early in the morning on Nov.1, at about 6:45 a.m.. We have bought fuel from this station for over eight years.

Steady Safe joins Volgren

Steady Safe joins Volgren PT Steady Safe, a publicly listed transportation company, has acquired a 70-percent stake of PT Volgren Indonesia, a producer of aluminum bus bodies. A spokesperson of Steady Safe told The Jakarta Post over the weekend the share takeover was aimed at strengthening the company's operation of city buses, while joining the government's program of rebuilding old city buses of the Jakarta administration-owned public transportation firm PPD.

Orderly succession expected

Orderly succession expected JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, currently in his sixth five- year term, reaffirmed over the weekend that Indonesia already has a well established mechanism for choosing its president based on the 1945 Constitution. "The people should not worry too much and unnecessarily make much noise about the need for searching for a new president," Soeharto was quoted as saying on Saturday.

Don't blame Singapore

Don't blame Singapore I refer to the letter by Carl Chairul (The Jakarta Post, Oct. 31, 1994) entitled S'pore's complaint. Being a Singaporean, I am here for some business reasons and I am not pleased to hear Mr. Chairul complaining against his neighboring country. Like the other three million Singaporeans, I too was affected by the haze, caused by the forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan. I could not breath properly back home because the haze had reached an unhealthy level. At least, Mr.

Extinct species ignored

Extinct species ignored JAKARTA (JP): Most governments in the world have failed to fully implement the international convention on the protection of endangered species. The World Wide Fund (WWF) said on Saturday that 124 countries, which signed the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), have not adopted the convention in their national policies, Antara reported.

PT Karwell to offer 20m shares

PT Karwell to offer 20m shares JAKARTA (JP): PT Karwell Indonesia, a textile producer, will offer 20 million new shares that will account for 30.77 percent of its total common stocks early next month, the company's executives say. Frans Seda, the firm's chief commissioner, told reporters on Friday that the shares, each with a nominal value of Rp 1,000, will be sold at a price between Rp 2,900 (US$1.3) and Rp 3,000 each.

Govt urged to consider relations with Israel

Govt urged to consider relations with Israel JAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid, the chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama organization and a controversial politician, has said that the time has come for Indonesia to consider diplomatic relations with Israel. He said a new stance is more relevant now that several Arab countries have signed peace accords with the Jewish state.

RI to host banking meet

RI to host banking meet JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will host the fifth biennial conference of the Asian and Pacific Association of Banking Institutes in Bali this week. The Indonesian Bankers Institute (IBI), the host of the four- day conference, said over the weekend Bank Indonesia (Central Bank) Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono is scheduled to open the meeting at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur.

Simpler procedures sought for church building permit

Simpler procedures sought for church building permit JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Roman Catholic Conference (KWI) is urging local administrations to simplify application procedures for church building permits so as to maintain a harmonious relationship between different religious believers. The Central government has delegated its authority to regents and mayors when issuing building permits for houses of worship for all religions.

Civil servants making sure Bogor is clean

Civil servants making sure Bogor is clean JAKARTA (JP): The Bogor city administration has deployed 1,500 personnel from various government institutions to clean the parks around Bogor Presidential Palace and to tidy up the city's foliage. Bogor Mayor Eddy Gunardy said that such activities employing members of the national civil service are expected to help improve the city's image and give the impression that it deserves the honor of hosting an international conference of such magnitude.

Arief's firing is internal problem of the university

Arief's firing is internal problem of the university JAKARTA (JP): The government has no intention of intervening in the internal conflict currently roiling the Christian University of Satya Wacana, Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro says. Speaking shortly after a meeting with President Soeharto here on Saturday, Wardiman said the decision is in compliance with the President's guidance. "Since the recent dismissal of Dr.

Faldo disqualified as Kay wins Dunhill Masters

Faldo disqualified as Kay wins Dunhill Masters JAKARTA (JP): Unaware of breaking the local rules of golf cost the runaway leader Nick Faldo of England the Alfred Dunhill Masters title and disqualification from the championship at Bali Golf and Country Club yesterday. It was a dramatic and unexpected finale to the tournament that the former world number one Faldo had dominated and looked certain to win, then having to surrender it to Canadian Jack Kay.

CorelFLOW!: For serious jobs and sheer fun

CorelFLOW!: For serious jobs and sheer fun By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Corel Corporation seems determined in becoming the leader in the Windows-based graphics world. Here's one of its products that I briefly mentioned some time ago in my review of new products in the PC world. I got a copy of CorelFLOW!

Will next century be Asia-Pacific era?

Will next century be Asia-Pacific era? By Yasuhiko Shibata TOKYO: The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which groups some of the world's fastest growing economies, is to hold a summit in Indonesia next week. A key issue will be whether APEC members decide to make a stronger commitment to the Asia-Pacific free-trade zone advocated by the United States, or whether to stick to local cooperation. Also at issue will be Japan's policy toward APEC, which still remains unclear.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

Research on Jambi dwarves

Research on Jambi dwarves JAMBI, Jambi: Deborah Martyr, is a British scholar conducting research on the existence of dwarf people living in Kerinci Seblat national park. For many people in Jambi, the dwarves exist in fairly tales and some even claim to have seen them. But Kerinci regent Bambang Sukowinarno said that Martyr, 36, was among the few who had discovered traces of their existence when she began her research on the dwarves early last year.

Ngada to have new airport

Ngada to have new airport KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The regency of Ngada plans to build an airport in Marapokot next year when its capital is moved from Bajawa to Mbay. Spokesman for the Ngada government Thimtius Mesakh Hermanus said Saturday that Minister of Transportation Haryanto Danutirto had endorsed the plan. Haryanto, Thimtius said, stated that the project could be completed by 1999, Antara reported.

Donation to WWF fund

Donation to WWF fund We would like to express our thanks for the generous donation we received on Nov. 3, 1994, from The Jakarta Post on behalf of those readers who completed their Life Style Survey.

Vietnam applies for ASEAN membership

Vietnam applies for ASEAN membership BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Reuter): Hanoi has formally applied to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the staunchly anti-communist group formed at the height of the Vietnam War, senior ASEAN officials said. The officials, in Brunei for an ASEAN senior officials' meeting which ended last Friday, said Vietnam submitted a formal letter of application two weeks ago. Brunei, the smallest ASEAN member, currently chairs the standing committee.