Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 December 1994

54 articles found

More residents complain over electric cables

More residents complain over electric cables JAKARTA (JP): About 30 people representing 84 families in Kampung Dukuh, Ciledug, Tangerang, complained to the House of Representatives yesterday about high voltage cables over their houses. The complaint was made following similar protests stage by 120 families of the nearby Ciledug Indah housing complex. The Kampung Dukuh residents were received by several members of the Golkar faction of Commission VI overseeing mines and energy.

8,000 officers on duty over the New Year holiday

8,000 officers on duty over the New Year holiday JAKARTA (JP): A total of 8,076 security personnel will be deployed to secure the city over the Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations. According to City Police spokesman Lt. Col. Bambang Haryoko, the number of personnel consists of those from the police, military and other related institutions. The personnel will be assigned in a 20-day operation, code named Operasi Lilin (Operation Candle), beginning next Monday and lasting to Jan.

Minimum wage in Lampung hiked

Minimum wage in Lampung hiked BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The provincial government will increase the standard daily minimum wage from Rp 3,000 (US$1.5) to Rp 3,500 as of April next year. The local branch of the All-Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI) welcomed the plan yesterday and said that the government should see to it that employers abide by the regulation. "The pay rise is very reasonable for Lampung and I see no reason why employers should have any objections," deputy local SPSI chairman M.

Comments on the leadership of Hendropriyono

Comments on the leadership of Hendropriyono JAKARTA (JP): Following the induction of Maj. Gen. Wiranto as the new City Military Commander to replace Maj. Gen. Hendropriyono yesterday, here are comments about Hendro and Wiranto made by several figures from various walks of life: Gen.

Sahid Group expands to fishery business

Sahid Group expands to fishery business JAKARTA (JP): The Sahid Group will further diversify its line of business by establishing a joint venture in fisheries with two Chinese companies, with a total investment of US$50 million, the group's president says. Sukamdani Sahid Gitosardjono told journalists yesterday that the two Chinese partners are China Great Wall Industries Corporation and China Xinxing Corporation.

Aspac gets 2nd win Kobatama finals

Aspac gets 2nd win Kobatama finals JAKARTA (JP): Powered by Bobby Parks and Felix Bendatu, defending champion Aspac of Jakarta yesterday pipped Pacific of Surabaya 95-78 on the second day of the Intercity Professional Basketball League's final leg. With the victory, Aspac, behind which most of the Senayan Basketball Hall's spectators threw their weight, have remained undefeated since the league's kick-off here in September and maintain its lead. On Tuesday it whipped Hadtex of Bandung 92-73.

Jakarta Golf Club project underway

Jakarta Golf Club project underway JAKARTA (JP): PT Megacity Development Corporation, the owner of the Jakarta Golf Club, a 31-tower apartment project in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, held a ground-breaking ceremony yesterday to start the construction of the prestigious five-year project. The ground-breaking ceremony was attended by Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, who is chairman of the Kemayoran Complex Board of Management, and Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tandjung.

AFC plans soccer summit

AFC plans soccer summit KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The president of the Asian Football Confederation plans a special summit of world soccer leaders to resolve a growing row with FIFA president Joao Havelange. Sultan Ahmad Shah said yesterday he wanted a meeting of the heads of the five continental federations to end a dispute over Havelange's appointments that threatens to undermine the authority of the international governing body.

Coca Cola responds

Coca Cola responds We appreciate the interest of Ted and Jea Henning (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 2, 1994) in protecting the natural beauty of Indonesia. The Coca Cola system in Indonesia is in the process of switching to stay-on tabs for can packages. It was only very recently that the technology to manufacture such packages became available in this country. Now that it is available, we can assure Ted and Jea Henning that such can packages will enter the Indonesia market very shortly.

Making sense of Gus Dur and the Nahdlatul Ulama

Making sense of Gus Dur and the Nahdlatul Ulama By Santi WE Soekanto JAKARTA (JP): Covering the recent congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) was as memorable an experience as being plunged into a deep river when one can't swim. One would need to be quite detached to see that NU, the largest Moslem organization here with more than 28 million followers, is a picture of paradox.

W. Jakarta prone to crimes

W. Jakarta prone to crimes JAKARTA (JP): West Jakarta mayoralty recorded the highest number of crimes last month, with a total of 186 cases, said the spokesman for the City Police, Bambang Haryoko. Bambang was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying that the crime cases in the mayoralty consisted mainly of vehicle thefts, robberies and extortion. He said that East Jakarta is ranked second with 180 cases and South Jakarta the third with 177 cases.

Censorship policy questioned

Censorship policy questioned JAKARTA (JP): Noted writer Sapardi Djoko Damono yesterday questioned the government's censorship on literature, pointing out that fiction should realistically reflect society. Sapardi in particular attacked four areas regarded as sensitive in literature and in public discourse that are bound to draw the attention of government censors. The four areas, known by the Indonesian acronyms of SARA, are: ethnicity, religion, race and tribal group.

Floods, landslides sweep Cilacap

Floods, landslides sweep Cilacap PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Floods and landslides have swept the southern regencies of Cilacap and Banyumas over the past week, killing at least one person. The disasters have also caused material loses estimated at Rp 210 million (US$100,000), Cilacap regent Mohammad Supardi said yesterday.

Wiranto asked to anticipate Jakarta problems

Wiranto asked to anticipate Jakarta problems JAKARTA (JP): Army Chief of Staff Gen. Wismoyo Arismunandar asked newly-installed Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Wiranto yesterday to detect and stop any efforts made to undermine the unity of the nation, as early as possible. In his speech at the induction of Wiranto as the new commander, replacing Maj.

Traffic detour on several roads

Traffic detour on several roads JAKARTA (JP): The city land transportation office announced yesterday that the traffic flow in several roads in East Jakarta and North Jakarta will be detoured starting tomorrow due to road repairs. According to a statement made available to The Jakarta Post yesterday, the traffic detour in North Jakarta mayoralty will occur on Jl. Yos Sudarso, Jl. Semper, Jl. Danau Sunter Utara, Jl. Kebantenan and Jl. Kampung Bandan. In East Jakarta the detour will affect Jl.

Asia Africa Forum needs tripartite funding

Asia Africa Forum needs tripartite funding By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat BANDUNG (JP): The executive assistant of the Non-Aligned Movement Nana Sutresna yesterday underlined the importance of a tripartite financing mechanism involving the developed nations in implementing South-South cooperation programs.

KL, S'pore plan joint exercise

KL, S'pore plan joint exercise KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Kuala Lumpur plans to test the skill and speed of its navy in reacting to potential threats in a joint exercise with Singapore in the Malacca Strait this week, Malaysian navy officials said yesterday. The three-day exercise that begins Friday would cover some 500 square nautical miles and attempt to assess the navy's ability to react within a short period, said Malaysian navy fleet commander Ahmad Ramli Mohamad Nor.

Merpati to open city check-in counter

Merpati to open city check-in counter JAKARTA (JP): Merpati Nusantara Airlines, a subsidiary of the national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia will open a city check-in counter next month for passengers traveling from Jakarta and Surabaya, East Java. Merpati's spokesperson, Agus Soedjono said yesterday the new service will begin on Jan. 1 at the Gambir railway station in Central Jakarta and Gubeng railway station in Surabaya.

BPS given PBBB grade for payment capability

BPS given PBBB grade for payment capability JAKARTA (JP): PT Pefindo, Indonesia's first credit rating agency, has awarded a PBBB+ grade for the 25-year bonds of the publicly listed Bank Papan Sejahtera (BPS) The bonds, the seven debt instruments issued by BPS, are the first debt instruments that have been rated by Pefindo since its establishment in December, last year.

Maritime official warns of upsurge in pirate attacks

Maritime official warns of upsurge in pirate attacks KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Maritime officials have warned of an upsurge in pirate attacks in a strait off Indonesia, with nine ships raided in the space of six weeks. A spokesman for the International Maritime Bureau's Asian regional office said late on Tuesday there were 82 reported cases of piracy worldwide so far this year against 103 last year.

Ometraco, Accor tie up to build three star hotels

Ometraco, Accor tie up to build three star hotels JAKARTA (JP): PT Ometraco Realty, a public property firm, signed two agreements yesterday with Accor Asia Pacific, an international hotel management company, for the creation of a hotel development company and a hotel management firm. Under the agreement, which was signed here by Ometraco's president F.X.

Ulemas campaign against possible ties with Israel

Ulemas campaign against possible ties with Israel JAKARTA (JP): Over 50 respected ulemas yesterday pressured the House of Representatives into joining their campaign against what they saw as possible links with Israel. Led by Abdul Rasyid A. Syafei, a well-known kyai (Moslem leader) here, the ulemas met with leaders of the United Development Party faction of the House, including Hamzah Haz and Zarkasih Nur.

Businessmen help fight poverty

Businessmen help fight poverty SURABAYA, East Java: The latest trend in the city: community leaders and entrepreneurs join hands to fight poverty. East Java governor Basofi Sudirman said that more and more entrepreneurs and community leaders are raising funds to support poverty eradication projects. Governor Basofi said, "It's a terrific trend. I think efforts to wipe out poverty will bring more results if more quarters contribute," Antara reported.

Mount Salak sets momentum for geothermal station

Mount Salak sets momentum for geothermal station JAKARTA (JP): Gunung Salak in West Java is setting the momentum for the accelerated development of geothermal resources in Indonesia. Two new geothermal power stations at Mount Salak with a combined capacity of 110 megawatts (MW), and one with 55v MW at Mount Darajat, about 80 kilometers southeast of Salak, are to be dedicated by President Soeharto today. An additional capacity of 220 MW is in the pipeline at the Salak power complex.

Private sector and poverty

Private sector and poverty President Soeharto proposed this week that employees of private companies set aside part of their wages to help the poor. This kind of contribution is not a new thing to civil servants. Judging from the generally better wages received by employees in the private sector, the proposal does not sound unrealistic. If the proposal turns into reality, still it will be a minuscule contribution to the poor now numbering 27 million people. But, quantity is not the issue here.

Business participation needed in transmigration

Business participation needed in transmigration JAKARTA (JP): Cabinet ministers agreed yesterday that entrepreneurs must involve themselves in speeding up the development of transmigration areas. They said during a seminar that businessmen could contribute technology and money to develop transmigration sites into business centers and make the state-sponsored program a success.

Industrial awards presented

Industrial awards presented JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto presented yesterday the Upakarti industrial awards to 44 businessmen and companies from 14 provinces who have contributed greatly to the development of small firms, cooperatives and craftsmen. The Upakarti awards are presented annually to businessmen and firms who are assessed by an industry ministry-led team as greatly helpful in developing small enterprises and cooperatives through various forms of assistance and business linkages.

Political turmoil casts new shadow over Asiad glory

Political turmoil casts new shadow over Asiad glory BANGKOK (AFP): Political turmoil has thrown up a new threat to Thailand's plans to host the 1998 Asian Games, with an important deadline looming. For the second straight week, the cabinet failed Tuesday to reach any agreement on a sports complex, accommodation and a rapid-transit link meant to be built for the Games.

Supermarkets mushrooming

Supermarkets mushrooming From Pelita Supermarkets are mushrooming in the town of Depok. Of course, the community happily welcomes the supermarkets because the people will be able to enjoy modern facilities made available in the supermarkets. Nevertheless, I also would like to remind the entrepreneurs to give fair chances to the small-scale traders in the area. The two parties should complement to each other, so that they grow together harmoniously. ANDI M Depok, Bogor West Java

Thai premier bounces back with new lineup

Thai premier bounces back with new lineup By Tony Austin BANGKOK (Reuter): Dismissed last week as a lame duck, Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai has suddenly taken wing with a new coalition partner lifting his government's hopes of lasting until its full term ends in 1996. Only four days after the New Aspiration Party had quit his coalition without waiting to be expelled, the opposition Chart Pattana party said on Monday it was ready to switch sides and restore Chuan's parliamentary majority.

Monk, policeman arrested in bust

Monk, policeman arrested in bust BANGKOK (Reuter): Thai police said yesterday they had arrested a Buddhist monk, a policeman and three civilians on charges of drug trafficking. Acting on a tip-off police raided a petrol station in a Bangkok suburb late on Tuesday and arrested the five men whom hey found in possession of 74,000 amphetamine tablets. The monk was formally defrocked by a senior monk, then charged along with the four others.

Govt steps up tax effort

Govt steps up tax effort BOGOR, West Java (JP): The government, which will introduce a series of new tax laws next month will strengthen the law enforcement among taxpayers in efforts to broaden the tax base, Director General of Tax Fuad Bawazier says. "It is our commitment to tightening the supervision of tax collection and to taking measures against any tax evaders," Fuad said in a one-day seminar at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB) yesterday.

PBSI gets more training centers

PBSI gets more training centers JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) received financial aid on Tuesday from five private companies to fund five of its provincial training centers.

UI lecturer denies punching student

UI lecturer denies punching student JAKARTA (JP): Purnawidhi Wardana, a lecturer at the University of Indonesia's law school, denied here yesterday reports that he punched a student activist during a rally on the campus compound on Tuesday. "I did drive away the student rally because their noise was disturbing an examination in one of the law school classes. However, I did not punch anybody," Purnawidhi, a lecturer of law philosophy, told The Jakarta Post.

Disgraced general appears as tycoon

Disgraced general appears as tycoon BANGKOK (AFP): Suchinda Khrapayoon, a former Thai Army chief who took power in a coup in 1991 and was forced from office in disgrace a year later, has waged a quiet but successful business campaign to return from the ashes of history.

City, UI to promote social discipline

City, UI to promote social discipline JAKARTA (JP): The city administration and the University of Indonesia (UI) are now working together to produce an operational concept in order to boost the social discipline in Jakarta. The city administration spokesman, Soesila Darmoadji, said in a press release made available to The Jakarta Post yesterday that the governor is hoping the concept will be applicably effective in promoting social discipline in the city.

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.

Modernland cancels plan to issue warrants

Modernland cancels plan to issue warrants JAKARTA (JP): The publicly listed Modernland Realty has canceled its plan to issue warrants, initially designed as sweetener for its mandatory convertible bonds. Michael V. Aribowo, a commissioner of the company, said yesterday that the decision not to issue the warrants was made following the appeal from the chairman of the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam).

Radisson to open new hotels

Radisson to open new hotels JAKARTA (JP): The worldwide hotel chain of Minneapolis, Radisson Hotels International, which opened its Plaza Suite Hotel in Surabaya, East Java, last year, plans to operate two new hotels in Yogyakarta and Jakarta next year.

Japan's Eximbank, Daiwa lend to RI

Japan's Eximbank, Daiwa lend to RI TOKYO (AFP): The Export-Import Bank of Japan and Daiwa Bank Ltd. will extend US$50 million in low-interest loans to small- and medium-sized Japanese ventures in Indonesia, an Eximbank spokesman said yesterday. The spokesman said the arrangement between the two banks was the first of its type and could serve as a model for future cooperation with other Japanese banks operating in developing countries.

Students mark arrests of fellow activists

Students mark arrests of fellow activists JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of students marched to the House of Representatives wearing gags yesterday to mark the anniversary of the Dec. 14, 1993 arrest of 21 students for insulting President Soeharto during a demonstration. One female student sprinkled flower petals along the way in imitation of a funeral procession, while some of her friends pantomimed scenes of torture, death and mourning.

RI men's team beats Chile

RI men's team beats Chile JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia earned mixed results at the 12th round of the Chess Olympics in Moscow on Tuesday, with its men's team storming to a big win over Chile. In a contrasting style, the national women's team scrambled all the way in its 0-3 rout by Germany.

Late delivery

Late delivery Due to technical problems at our office, some subscribers outside Jakarta may have received their copy of The Jakarta Post later than usual yesterday. We apologize for the inconvenience caused. -- Publisher

Merapi victims

Merapi victims From Republika The Merapi disaster is still fresh in our minds. Our attention is now focused on the fate of the evacuees still housed in barracks and tents. They are apparently fed up with their monotonous life-style. But the most disheartening thing for them is the fact that they are not allowed to go back to their homes, where they have placed their hopes.

Deluxe brothel owner jailed for nine month

Deluxe brothel owner jailed for nine month JAKARTA (JP): Judge Stephanus Sutrisno of the South Jakarta District Court yesterday sentenced Hartono Setyawan, the owner of a high-class brothel, to nine months imprisonment. "The panel of judges has decided to punish Hartono with a nine month jail term because the defendant was proven guilty of collecting profits from prostitution," said judge Stephanus in his verdict.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) started recovering yesterday, with most shares gaining ground both in the morning and evening sessions. The JSX Composite Index gained 6.3 points to close at 453.37 from 447.04, the lowest level since August last year. The big increase in the key index was driven by a significant rise in prices of several bluechips including Indosat, Gudang Garam, Barito and Sampoerna.

Indorama's bonus shares

Indorama's bonus shares JAKARTA (JP): PT Indorama Synthetics, a major blended synthetics yarn producer in the country, said yesterday that it will issue one bonus share for every two equity shares owned by its existing shareholders. The bonus shares will be issued from the conversion of the company's capital gains raised during the initial public offering, S.P. Lohia Indorama's vice president said in a release made available here yesterday.

Obituary

Obituary Abdurrachman Surjomihardjo, a senior researcher and noted historian, died yesterday at the age of 65 after suffering from liver complications. Abdurrachman, who dedicated most of his life to history, has been a staff researcher at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences since 1964. He worked mostly with the institute's Department of National Culture Research. His retirement earlier this year did not stop him from continuing his work.

New subscription rate

New subscription rate Due to increases in the price of newsprint and in production costs, The Jakarta Post has increased its monthly subscription rate to Rp 18,000 as of January 2, 1995. The new unregistered mailing rate has gone up from Rp 48,000 to Rp 54,000 for a three-month subscription. The new rates are applicable throughout Indonesia.

Wanted: Dramas with local touch

Wanted: Dramas with local touch JAKARTA (JP): Director General for Culture Edi Sedyawati has challenged Indonesian drama series producers to come up with stories that have a touch of Indonesian identity. "Producers should be challenged to discover their own national identity and, if necessary, abandon the symbols which have become the property of 'western' movies," she said.

Women wrestlers to rock Bali

Women wrestlers to rock Bali JAKARTA (JP): An unusual sporting exhibition is expected to amuse people in Bali when 15 professional women wrestlers from Japan stage a series of bouts at the Bali Hyatt Hotel in Sanur, Denpasar, from Dec. 16 through 20. "The wrestlers include Manami Toyota, the Asia- Pacific and the U.S. champion," Ayun Sundari, spokesperson for the Bali Hyatt Hotel told Antara yesterday. The ladies will perform six exhibition matches.

Assault on reporter probed

Assault on reporter probed JAKARTA: Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung has ordered an investigation into last week's attack on a Suara Timor Timur journalist in Dili. "The police will handle the case," Tanjung told journalists here yesterday. Earlier this week, Minister of Information Harmoko urged the authorities in East Timor to take action against members of the Pemuda Pancasila youth group who allegedly beat up journalist Jacobus Herin and ransacked the newspaper's editorial office.

Police search for mini bus attackers

Police search for mini bus attackers JAKARTA (JP): The City Police are still searching for two people who attacked a mini bus driver, Hadi Santoso, on Dec. 7 in the Ciputat area, South Jakarta. The City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Bambang Haryoko told Antara on Tuesday that one of the attackers has a military hair cut while the other one has long hair. According to Capt. Syaiful, Hadi was driving his mini bus on the Ciputat-Munjul route, South Jakarta, at around 11 p.m.

Why extra price?

Why extra price? Having happily lived in Jakarta since March, 1994, I have become accustomed to the "special treatment" that I am given by local residents. Even when this "special treatment" entails paying a higher price for goods and services I don't complain or gripe. I understand that my monthly wage, although being very modest by expatriate standards, is nevertheless more than many Indonesians could hope to earn in a year. Consequently I expect to often pay a little extra.