Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 December 1994

50 articles found

Dony sweeps men's titles at Indonesia Masters

Dony sweeps men's titles at Indonesia Masters JAKARTA (JP): Donny Susetyo ended a long slump by sweeping two men's titles at the Indonesia Masters tennis championships yesterday. Donny powered his way to a 6-3, 7-6 (7-0) victory over national number three Eddy Kusdaryanto for the men's singles crown in yesterday's final played at Hilton tennis courts. The 21-year-old Davis Cupper completed his winning day when partnering with Teddy Tanjung earned him the doubles title.

Fire razes 15 houses

Fire razes 15 houses JAMBI, Jambi: Fire razed at least 15 houses in Rajawali subdistrict of the city on Wednesday night. No casualties occurred, Antara reported yesterday. The fire which began at one of the houses at around 7:30 p.m. was extinguished within two hours. Jambi Police Chief Col. Saiful Arsat, who was at the site to personally oversee the fire fighting effort, said the cause was not yet known. He said the fire spread quickly because the houses were largely made of wood planks. (emb)

Many state schools require renovation

Many state schools require renovation JAKARTA (JP): City Council members are pressuring the municipal administration to make renovation or reconstruction of a number of dilapidated city-owned school buildings top priority. Atje Muljadi, chairman of the City Council's Commission D for development affairs, told reporters yesterday that the council will help speed up the renovation by processing documents for phasing out the city property.

Politics should not be an issue for NU: Yogie

Politics should not be an issue for NU: Yogie By Santi WE Soekanto and Petty Prihartini TASIKMALAYA, West Java (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Yogie S. Memet told members of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) yesterday that they are free to channel their political aspirations through any of the three political parties in Indonesia.

95 firms violate manpower regulations

95 firms violate manpower regulations JAKARTA (JP): The government has prosecuted 12 companies this year and will send 83 others to court for alleged violations of manpower regulations, a Ministry of Manpower official said yesterday. The ministry chief spokesman Fachri Thaharuddin said to Antara that most are being prosecuted either for violating minimum wage regulations or for failure to provide mandatory social insurance, overtime payment, work leave and safe working environments.

Paternalism, democracy don't go hand in hand

Paternalism, democracy don't go hand in hand By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): In a seminar I attended recently I was asked to comment upon a paper which, to me, is very difficult to digest. It discusses the problem of generating a socio-cultural system which is capable of moving our present political system into a more democratic stage.

Jeremy Monteiro builds his band and his empire

Jeremy Monteiro builds his band and his empire By Paul W. Blair JAKARTA (JP): How jazz groups come together is often a fascinating story. Consider, for instance, the chronicle of the Jeremy Monteiro ensemble. They are appearing for the next three evenings at the Jak Jazz festival that is underway on five outdoor stages at Plaza Timur in Senayan. Jeremy Monteiro is a Singaporean keyboard player who is definitely not content to sit passively at home waiting for the telephone to ring.

Talks with Suu Kyi hailed

Talks with Suu Kyi hailed BANGKOK (Reuter): Myanmarese Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw said yesterday that recent meetings between his country's military rulers and detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi helped build mutual understanding and were likely to continue. Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai said Ohn Gyaw gave the assurances after he enquired after Suu Kyi in a one-hour meeting also attended by Thai Foreign Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Public participation in master plans invited

Public participation in master plans invited JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita said yesterday that the drafting of spatial master plans should involve the private sector, including individuals. "So far the public, both private firms and individuals, have not been involved in preparing the general spatial planning and urban development planning, as suggested by the Zoning Law No.

Plastic surgery on Merapi victims underway

Plastic surgery on Merapi victims underway YOGYAKARTA (JP): Doctors will begin performing plastic surgery today on victims of the Mount Merapi eruption. The victims have been receiving treatment for their serious burn injuries. As of yesterday, the death toll in the Nov. 22 eruption stands at 52 but is, sadly, expected to increase because many of the 29 victims hospitalized with burn injuries are in very critical condition.

Pusan to apply for 14th Asiad

Pusan to apply for 14th Asiad SEOUL (Reuter): South Korea plans to apply to host the 14th Asian Games in 2002 in Pusan, its second largest city, officials said yesterday. A Pusan city official said the city would submit the application to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in January. "Our city will be able to finish all preparations, including facilities, by 2000," said the official.

UI opens Non-Aligned Movement study center

UI opens Non-Aligned Movement study center By Achmad Nurhoeri JAKARTA (JP): The prestigious state University of Indonesia has established a center to study the development of the Non- Aligned Movement (NAM), of which Indonesia is now chairman. The Center of Analysis for NAM Studies hopes to produce studies that could be used by the 112-nation movement as the basis of its policy-making decisions.

Assyabaab goes top after crushing PSM

Assyabaab goes top after crushing PSM JAKARTA (JP): Surabaya's Assyabaab chalked up its second consecutive win in the Indonesian Soccer League competition by trouncing Ujungpandang's PSM 2-0 on Wednesday. The win, which was picked up on its home soil at the Gelora November 10 Stadium, sent the Surabaya club to the top of the East Division standings with six points after two outings. On Sunday, the opening day of league competition, Assyabaab beat Yogyakarta's PSIM 3-1.

Jak Jazz opens to drizzle, applause

Jak Jazz opens to drizzle, applause JAKARTA (JP): The fourth international Jakarta jazz festival was officially opened yesterday by Governor Surjadi Soedirdja with one of five stages still being completed amid drizzle which washed across the capital. Ireng Maulana, the executive director of the organizing committee said a 'pawang hujan', a person believed to have the power to stop rain, had been asked to intervene with the weather.

IDI plans public complaints bureau

IDI plans public complaints bureau JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) plans to set up a bureau in charge of handling public complaints about the behavior of certain physicians. IDI chairman Azrul Azwar said yesterday that people fed up with doctors' professional service could file their complaints with the bureau beginning in January.

Aussie, British insurers enter RI

Aussie, British insurers enter RI JAKARTA (JP): Australian and British insurance companies have entered the Indonesian market by teaming up domestic partners to set up joint ventures. The QBE Insurance Group of Australia has teamed up with PT Pool Asuransi Indonesia to establish a joint venture here with a paid-up capital of Rp 15 billion (US$6.8 million).

Railway system projects underway

Railway system projects underway JAKARTA (JP): The Director General of Land Transportation, Soejono, announced yesterday that only 35 percent of Greater Jakarta's railway system projects have been completed. "We hope in the year 2004 all of the projects will be completed. We predict that 325 economic class and air-conditioned trains will be serving 1.6 million people," he told the Antara news agency yesterday.

Boar hunting season opens

Boar hunting season opens BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Governor Adjis Achmad officially sounded the call to the hunt on Wednesday for dozens of marksmen from Jakarta, saying that the wild boars they are after are the cause of human poverty. "Boars can impoverish rural people because they devour entire village crops," Adjis Achmad said during a ceremony signaling the departure for the hunt of 178 sharpshooters in a convoy of 112 cars.

Seeking Gus Dur's explanation

Seeking Gus Dur's explanation From Pelita I am not surprised by Bung Rahman Wahid's suggestion that the time has come for Indonesia to consider diplomatic relations with Israel. But his statement published in the Jerusalem Post on Nov. 4, 1994 needs explaining. He said: "We had to learn democracy from you, we had to learn humanitarian values from you." And he confirmed the validity of his statement in Republika, Nov. 27, 1994.

RI investors encouraged to do mining in Australia

RI investors encouraged to do mining in Australia JAKARTA (JP): Australia is inviting Indonesian investors to do business in Australia's mining sector, while offering its technology to Indonesia's mining industry to help meet the rapidly increasing mining demands in the Asia-Pacific region. "Indonesia and Australia are both well endowed with rich natural and human resources.

Witnesses give testimony defending accused Yorrys

Witnesses give testimony defending accused Yorrys JAKARTA (JP): The defense lawyer for Yorrys Raweyai, a prominent figure of Pemuda Pancasila being tried for organizing a gambling den, presented two witnesses yesterday at the West Jakarta District Court. The two witnesses were security guards working at the storehouse of Abidin, one of the other six defendants on trial, where the gambling activities allegedly took place. They are Kasan Sudia, 30, and Salim Ardim, 40.

Water and Air Police Squad marks 44th anniversary

Water and Air Police Squad marks 44th anniversary JAKARTA (JP): The National Water and Air Police Squad celebrated its 44th anniversary with a series of attractions, including a show-of-force parade and 'senam joget' (dancing exercise, above photo) at its base in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, yesterday. The morning activities were attended by a large number of senior police officers, including National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman, and ship crew members berthed near the base.

Apartment sales boom

Apartment sales boom The Nov. 17 regulation issued by the public housing minister on the sales of apartments should be welcomed as an effort to protect the interests of consumers. We are not sure, though, whether the ruling, which we think should have been issued last year, will be effective enough to prevent a bust, as predicted by many analysts, in the apartment market boom.

Three nabbed while drug trafficking

Three nabbed while drug trafficking PEKALONGAN, Central Java: Three persons the police have long suspected of drug trafficking were finally caught in the act on Wednesday. Pekalongan Police Chief Sofyan Nasution said that his men seized 110 grams of heroin powder from the three people caught peddling the contraband at a losmen (inn). He said the three men have long been known to deal drugs and that the police had been watching them.

China in property fever

China in property fever BEIJING (Reuter): China's booming property market has offered a deal that city fathers in Hangzhou could not refuse -- the sale of City Hall itself. Following fierce bidding, land-use rights to the prime lakeside site were sold to Chinese and Indonesian developers for US$1,228 a square meter, the official Xinhua news agency said on Wednesday. The size of the site and value of the sale were not disclosed.

ABRI's stance

ABRI's stance A gratifying statement was made by the Chief Commander of the Armed Forces, Gen. Feisal Tanjung. Under the political system of Pancasila Democracy, the commander said, the Armed Forces (ABRI) should take the stance that all political players are friends. "In this context differences in political opinion and perception are possible so long as they fit within the framework of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution," he said.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) closed lower in hectic trading yesterday after aggressive European institutional profit-taking amid active buying of blue-chip shares of Indosat, BDNI, Barito Pacific Timber and Astra Int'l. Indosat recorded the largest trading volume of 2.41 million shares, followed by BDNI with the trading of 1.07 million shares, Barito Pacific with 857,000 shares and Astra Int'l with 220,000 shares.

Indonesia hires foreign coach

Indonesia hires foreign coach JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, out to retain its reputation as the number one gymnastics nation in South East Asia, has hired two other foreign coaches to be in charge of its gymnasts, now training hard for the 14th SEA Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The coaches are Golitch Alexander from Russia and Takako Watanabe from Japan. Together with another Russian coach Kouznetsov Iouri, who has been in the country since July last year, they will be in charge of the gymnasts.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m TV Series: Kubuto 3:05 Langka & Unik 3:30 Science Program 4:00 School Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:30 Science Film 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Harmony Kehidupan 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 You Should Know 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dinamika 8:05 Nusantara Star 9:00 World News 9:30 Quiz: Berpacu Dalam Melodi 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Dunhill League competition

Dunhill League competition From Merdeka It is interesting to follow reports on the preparations of the football teams which are eager to participate in Dunhill League Tournament. But why is it called "Dunhill League" instead of "Indonesian League?" OK, that's none of my business. It is the business of the sponsor and the All Indonesia Football Association. Bravo Dunhill. And I thank the association for its readiness to open its door to foreign players.

World rubber growers, users hold talks in KL

World rubber growers, users hold talks in KL KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): World rubber producers and consumers opened talks yesterday amid optimism that differences could be narrowed here before the conclusion of a new price pact at UN- brokered talks in Geneva in February.

Three injured in Merpati plane slide

Three injured in Merpati plane slide SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): Three people were badly injured when a Fokker-28 of Merpati Nusantara Airlines with 78 people aboard slid into a ditch after landing Wednesday night. The Jakarta-outbound plane was broken into three. A wing was crushed and landing gears came loose and scattered around the wreckage.

Narcotics laws need review: Psychiatrist

Narcotics laws need review: Psychiatrist JAKARTA (JP): Dadang Hawari, a noted psychiatrist from the University of Indonesia, says that the existing narcotic laws badly need revising in order to reduce drug abuse in Indonesia. "It is high time for the government to revise the old laws issued in 1976 to enable it not only to adjust to present developments but also to anticipate future trends," he said. Dadang made the remarks on Wednesday in a one-day seminar on drug prevention among students.

Manado to host Press Day activities

Manado to host Press Day activities MANADO, North Sulawesi: Governor C.J. Rantung has appointed the organizing committee for 1995 National Press Day celebrations in the city next February, Antara reported. The committee is headed by Sinjal, who is aided by Nico Pesik as secretary and Husein as treasurer and 17 other members, including journalists Bidden Kandores and Max Maramis. (emb)

Airport toll road sinking faster

Airport toll road sinking faster JAKARTA (JP): The Sediatmo toll road, which heads out to the Soekarno-Hatta airport, has sunk 80 centimeters, more than the 25 cm anticipated, an official of the city administration says. Dargono Danuprawiro, head of the Jakarta public works office, said on Wednesday that the subsidence will possibly continue and worsen uncontrollably.

RI economic prediction a serious matter

RI economic prediction a serious matter By Makmur Keliat NEW DELHI (JP): Beyond any doubt, prediction is of great importance to human beings, especially when it encourages people to keep with their ambitions. Henceforth there is nothing wrong with the recent prediction that Indonesia will become the world's fifth largest economy by 2020. It should be realized, however, that prediction does not assure accomplishment.

Leaks in tests for subdistrict chiefs

Leaks in tests for subdistrict chiefs TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang administration is investigating alleged leaks in the screening tests for candidates for the 50 subdistrict chief seats. "We are conducting a thorough investigation, and we will impose stern penalties on anyone found guilty," Tangerang Regent Syaifullah Abdurachman said yesterday. He said the selection committee also discovered that a candidate had submitted a fake diploma.

NU wins praises for its brave decision

NU wins praises for its brave decision By Santi WE Soekanto and Petty Prihartini TASIKMALAYA, West Java (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Moslem organization, began its 29th congress with declarations by its leaders which virtually put a plug on recent efforts to drag it back into politics. President Soeharto opened the five-day congress by stating his approval of the organization leaders' decision to reaffirm its 1984 vow to shun party politics.

Intense promotion

Intense promotion November is a special month for the promotion of tobacco in Indonesia even though Heroes' Day is commemorated on the tenth and the National Health Day is observed on Nov. 11. Sports people across the nation promoting the tobacco industry. Here are the facts: 1. Lucky Strike International Motorcross Championships 1994 on the Raffles Village circuit, Grand Final is held in Cibubur, Jakarta, Nov. 12-13. 2. Bentoel (kretek) Super Motorcross, Worldclass Action, Surabaya, Nov. 10-11.

Merapi eruption

Merapi eruption From Kompas The Merapi eruption revealed that thousands of people live on dangerous slopes of the volcano, and many of them have become victims of the calamity. The eruption has destroyed assets, cattle and productive lands. This natural catastrophe should serve as a lesson to all of us. The government, nature lovers and national figures should be aware of the problem of population and the supporting capacity of nature.

Satya Wacana rocked by more feuding

Satya Wacana rocked by more feuding SALATIGA, Central Java (JP): The Satya Wacana Christian University was rocked by more feuding after the foundation which owns the college appointed its new executive board on Wednesday. Senior staff lecturer Reverend Broto Semedi led the protest yesterday against the appointment of the board which he said was undemocratic and ignored the aspirations of the college's staff and students.

Universities sign pact to stop student brawls

Universities sign pact to stop student brawls JAKARTA (JP): Police and military officers witnessed the managements of two privately-owned universities sign a pact yesterday to put an end to brawls like that involving their students on Wednesday.

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.

Housing loan disbursement unjust

Housing loan disbursement unjust JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Agrarian Affairs Soni Harsono said yesterday the fact that 70 percent of housing loans totaling Rp 28.2 trillion (US$12.8 billion) have gone for the purchase of upper class housing reflects injustice in the disbursement of credit.

Tangerang warns extortionists

Tangerang warns extortionists TANGERANG (JP): The regent of Tangerang, H. Syaifulah Abdurrahman, told traders of the Ciputat market, South Jakarta, whose kiosks were destroyed by fire on Oct. 20, to report to the authorities any officials asking them for money for occupying the space of a temporary market built there. The regent said that the Tangerang administration has decided that the space in the temporary market is free of charge.

Tale of two discos

Tale of two discos CIREBON, West Java: The Cirebon Regency Office gave its blessing to the opening of the Papillon Discotheque and Billiard in Indramayu, 65 kilometers southwest of the city, just a week after a similar club was ransacked by a mob.

Haj registration in S. Jakarta

Haj registration in S. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The number of Jakartans registering at South Jakarta's haj affairs office for next year's pilgrimage to Mecca has so far reached 1,900. Zachrudin Zen, head of the haj affairs office, said on Wednesday that the registrants are expected to join pilgrimage ritual instruction in their respective district offices.

Environmental conscience

Environmental conscience I am writing this letter to you because I am deeply troubled. As an American citizen who has lived and worked in Indonesia, I too, am concerned about preserving the beauty and overall majesty of your country of more than 13,640 islands. In America, manufacturers are expected to produce products that do not degrade or pollute the environment. It is a company awareness policy to do so because of public and bureaucratic pressures.

S'pore regional strategy

S'pore regional strategy BANGKOK (Reuter): Thailand is a priority in Singapore's bid to go regional by expanding business abroad and investing overseas, Singapore Trade and Industry Minister Yeo Cheow Tong says. "Being part of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and traditional trading partners, Thailand is obviously a priority in our strategy to go regional," said Yeo, visiting Bangkok for the launch of the Thailand-Singapore Business Council.

President's daughter chosen as RI Red Cross chief

President's daughter chosen as RI Red Cross chief JAKARTA (JP): Businesswoman Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, the eldest daughter of President Soeharto, was elected chief of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) yesterday, replacing Ibnu Sutowo. Mbak Tutut, as she is better known here, was elected unanimously in a PMI national congress that ended yesterday.