Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 December 1994

50 articles found

Group questions basis of clean city award

Group questions basis of clean city award JAKARTA (JP): Activists criticized the government yesterday for neglecting environmental aspects when awarding the prestigious Adipura Awards to the cleanest cities in the country. "They base the judgment on aesthetical aspects only," Mas Achmad Santosa, executive director of the Indonesian Center of Environmental Law, told a seminar organized by the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi). The view was shared by M.S.

Reservoir holds lava flow

Reservoir holds lava flow YOGYAKARTA: A reservoir built at the northernmost part of Boyong river is doing what it was intended for, diverting the lava flowing down from Mt. Merapi crater. But the dam, located only about seven kilometers from the mountain top, is already spilling over because its capacity is only 300,000 cubic meters, the Antara news agency reported.

Collection of radio taxes to be intensified

Collection of radio taxes to be intensified JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is planning to step up its collection of radio taxes in an effort to help increase regional revenues despite criticism from various groups, including the consumer group. "The intensification of the tax collection will occur because this tax has so far been neglected and we know that it has the potential of raising considerable regional revenues," Tb M.

Road accidents in West Java

Road accidents in West Java BANDUNG: A total of 405 people have been killed over the last three months in road accidents in West Java. West Java Police Chief Maj. Gen. Soebandy said that altogether there were 652 road accidents in the province during the period between September and November. Besides the 405 deaths, 473 people suffered heavy injuries and 564 sustained light wounds.

Communist insurgency ending in RP

Communist insurgency ending in RP MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos yesterday announced plans to switch most counterinsurgency duties from military to police personnel, saying the fight against communist rebels was in its "final chapters." "We are closing the final chapters of our more than 20 years of struggle against insurgency," he said, apparently referring to the movement led by the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) and its military arm, the New People's Army (NPA).

On S'pore's welfare

On S'pore's welfare I refer to the letter by Mr. Simon De Cruz, Charge D'Affaires, Singapore Embassy, Jakarta, in The Jakarta Post on Dec. 20, 1994. I unreservedly agree to the points of Mr. De Cruz's letter. It was not my intention to cast doubts on the many achievements of the Singapore government. As a Singaporean, I will be the first to admit that Singapore has made great strides since 1959.

Two more jailed over credit scam

Two more jailed over credit scam JAKARTA (JP): Two former directors of the state-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) were convicted yesterday for their role in a massive loan scandal that nearly reduced the bank to bankruptcy early this year. Judges of the Central Jakarta District Court found Sjahrizal and Bambang Kuntjoro guilty of corruption and separately sentenced each of them to six and four years imprisonment respectively.

Soeharto warns industries

Soeharto warns industries JAKARTA (JP): In an apparent major breakthrough in investment policies, President Soeharto yesterday indicated that the government will no longer allow business groups which already control upstream industries to expand into downstream industries.

Kalimantan to get 300,000 phone lines

Kalimantan to get 300,000 phone lines BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan (JP): State telecommunications company PT Telkom will begin control of Kalimantan's operations from here early next year. PT Telkom will be moving its local office from Banjar Baru in the southern part of the island.

More seats on Java trains

More seats on Java trains BANDUNG: The state railway company Perumka is adding a total of 71,218 seats on its services in Java during the period between Dec. 18 and Jan. 4 to cope with the holiday rush. A Perumka spokeswoman said the company will not be increasing its fares despite soaring demands.

S. Kalimantan elects governor

S. Kalimantan elects governor BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The South Kalimantan legislative assembly has elected Gusti Hasan Aman as the province's governor for the 1995-2000 period. Hasan Aman, who is currently the deputy governor, won 39 out of 45 votes in the election yesterday, according to Antara. If his election is confirmed by the Ministry of Home Affairs in Jakarta, he will assume office on Feb. 26. Aman replaces the current governor Muhamad Said, who did not run in the election.

Indosat clarifies

Indosat clarifies From Neraca We refer to the letter by Mr. Rudy D. Wiranto in Neraca of Dec. 20, 1994 issue concerning the laser beam display on the Indosat building. We would like to give the following explanations. * The installment of the decorative laser beam is Indosat's contribution to the beautification effort of the capital city of Jakarta.

East Timorose demonstrators back to campus

East Timorose demonstrators back to campus JAKARTA (JP): The 36 East Timorese demonstrators who were prevented by police from joining their comrades in raiding the grounds of the American embassy on Nov. 12 have returned to their respective schools and resumed their studies. Their return was confirmed by the foreign ministry's director of information, Irawan Abidin, yesterday when he said that they have been returned safely to their towns of resident.

Handbook on feminism handles typical queries

Handbook on feminism handles typical queries Persoalan Pokok mengenai Feminisme dan Relevansinya (translated from Some Questions on Feminism and its Relevance in South Asia) By: Kamla Bashin and Nighat Said Khan, 1986 Published by: PT Gramedia Pustaka Utama, 1994 Price: Rp 3,500, 66 p. JAKARTA (JP): Every Sunday evening SCTV airs the Hidden Room series, a curious and delightful look at weird experiences. Last Sunday was no exception.

Inflation from robust growth under control

Inflation from robust growth under control JAKARTA (JP) An advisor to the minister of finance, Dahlan Sutalaksana, said here yesterday that any inflation arising from the rapid growth expected in the country's economy will be kept under control. Dahlan said that the relatively low-growth target of the money in circulation and the more favorable situation in the industrial sector will be able to curb the inflationary pressure.

International crime may dominate 1995, police say

International crime may dominate 1995, police say JAKARTA (JP): Based on the crime records in 1994, National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman estimates that international crime will significantly increase in Indonesia next year. "International crime must be anticipated, particularly crime that benefits from loopholes in our economic laws," Banurusman told reporters after bestowing the Bhayangkara Utama police medals on three chiefs of staff from the Indonesian Armed Forces.

Women, power and politics nowadays

Women, power and politics nowadays By Dewi Anggraeni Today, Dec. 22, is the Indonesian Women's Day. To mark the event our correspondent Dewi Anggraeni takes a look at the role of women in modern society. MELBOURNE (JP): Right from the word go, woman has had an equal share of tasks and responsibilities to man. The world would not have been populated without one or the other. Whether it should have been populated the way it is, is a matter for debate.

INACA punishes airfare discounters

INACA punishes airfare discounters JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian National Air Carriers Association (INACA) has fined six domestic airlines Rp 10 million each for violating an agreement on allowable airfare discount levels signed in May. INACA's chairman, Soelarto Hadisoemarto, said yesterday that the penalty was imposed on the airlines as they were found offering excessive discounts to travel agencies and passengers.

Women moving forward to get better careers

Women moving forward to get better careers JAKARTA (JP): The discrimination against women in the work place often begins even before the women are recruited. Take a look at some of the job placement ads in newspapers. Many ads on job openings are made with gender requirements. They might state explicitly in the ads that they want to hire female secretaries, customer service officers or tellers.

Indonesian firms invited to attend APEC expo

Indonesian firms invited to attend APEC expo JAKARTA (JP): The South Korean government is formally inviting Indonesian companies to attend the first technology exhibition of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to be held in the Korean city of Taejon in early May next year. B.S.

Justice: An Indonesian perspective

Justice: An Indonesian perspective For many Indonesians justice is still a luxury. A number of widely publicized cases recently, notably the judicial review of the Kedung Ombo dam case, have put justice on public debate. Philosopher Franz Magnis-Suseno makes an attempt to look at justice from the point of view of average people. JAKARTA (JP): Is justice just an obsession of underemployed intellectuals or is it something felt deeply in the hearts of common people?

ABRI wants openness trend to continued next year

ABRI wants openness trend to continued next year JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) has urged all parties to maintain the trend towards political openness next year, stressing that it is ready to play its part. ABRI chief spokesman Brig. Gen Syarwan Hamid told reporters yesterday that he was confident that Indonesia's political climate would improve next year, albeit in phases.

43 kiosks confiscated

43 kiosks confiscated JAKARTA (JP): The West Jakarta administration confiscated 43 kiosks in Kebon Jeruk because they were being used for unlawful purposes, including gambling. Kebon Jeruk district Chief H. Moch. Misman said that the kiosks were confiscated because they were illegal. The 750-square-meter plot of land was formerly earmarked by the city market company PD Pasar Jaya for a market, he said. The plan, however, was changed by the former chief of Kebon Jeruk district, H.

Raise civil servant salaries

Raise civil servant salaries The view expressed by Prof. M. Arsjad Anwar of the University of Indonesia's Faculty of Economics deserves our attention. According to the professor the gap between the salaries of private business employees and civil servants is now so great that immediate measures by the government are warranted.

More students protest at embassy

More students protest at embassy JAKARTA (JP): The Russian Embassy became the target of Moslem students again yesterday, as they continued protesting Moscow's military actions in Chechnya. Around 70 members of the Communication Forum for Jakarta Moslem Students (FKMIJ) marched to the embassy carrying banners and posters condemning President Boris Yeltsin and the activities of his troops in the mainly-Moslem region.

Dharma Wanita issue

Dharma Wanita issue For close to three decades, this country has celebrated National Women's Day, which falls on Dec. 22, with ceremonies, plenty of speeches and seminars on the role of women in society, bazaars and social activities, such as paying visits to orphanages and the like. Such routine activities have not been lacking in this year's commemoration, either.

Father's role in family important

Father's role in family important JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja yesterday said that a father's role in bringing up children is similar to a mother's role. Children must be properly educated and exposed to the right knowledge to ensure that Indonesia can progress in the future. This can't be done by a mother alone, the governor said in his opening speech at a one-day seminar on a man's role.

Massage parlors and prostitution

Massage parlors and prostitution From Kompas It's no secret that massage parlors in Jakarta are disguised as brothels. Permits for massage parlors aren't controlled adequately, so their function has been distorted. Jakartan police raided several establishments. Many couples were caught red-handed during the raids. The police's actions are highly commendable. Sadly, however, Deputy House Speaker of the Jakarta Legislative Body H.

Nuke technology has various civil applications

Nuke technology has various civil applications JAKARTA (JP): Nuclear technology doesn't necessarily imply bombs, weapons or power plants. It can also mean more modern ways of doing research as well as development, an expert says. Djali Ahimsa, Director General of the National Atomic Energy Agency, explained at a seminar yesterday that nuclear technology in Indonesia has long been used in almost all aspects of science.

Government to raise pensions

Government to raise pensions JAKARTA (JP): This could be the best Christmas or New Year's present 700,000 former civil servants could ask for. Beginning in January, the government will be raising their pensions by between 10 and 20 percent. The Chairman of the Civil Service Administration Agency, Soenarko, announced yesterday that the increase will also apply for retirees of the Armed Forces. Retired judges stand to receive a 100 percent increase, he added.

Campus or shopping facility?

Campus or shopping facility? From Kompas The campus of the Widuri College of Social and Political Science, located on Jl. Palmerah Barat, South Jakarta, is being misused as a number of ruko, or shop/houses. This has resulted in the academic activities being unattended. The lectures fees have increased by 75 percent without good reason, without any additional facilities being made available. The structure of the campus management is vague.

Demolition plan upsets residents

Demolition plan upsets residents JAKARTA (JP): Twenty representatives of Cengkareng Timur residents in West Jakarta went to the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday to complain about the government's plan to demolish their houses. The delegation was received by Alihardi Kiaidemak and Muchsin Bafadal of the United Development Party (PPP) faction of the House.

Productivity begins with the family

Productivity begins with the family JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to launch a nationwide campaign to boost worker productivity by focusing attention more on what goes on in their homes rather than in the workplace. Though it remains to be seen how this will be achieved, three cabinet ministers and the leaders of the Association of Employers (APINDO) and the Labor Union (SPSI) on Tuesday signed an agreement to coordinate their efforts.

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.

Bappenas officials promoted

Bappenas officials promoted JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita yesterday inaugurated a deputy chairman, assistant chairman as well as an expert advisor to the National Development Planning and the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas). Ginandjar, who is also the chairman of Bappenas, inaugurated Herman Haeruman as a deputy Bappenas chairman responsible for regional and provincial affairs. He replaces Sugijanto Soegijoko.

Mrs. Kowara dies of cancer

Mrs. Kowara dies of cancer JAKARTA (JP): Mrs. Ratna Sumirah Kowara, the wife of E. Kowara, Chairman of several companies, including the largest bottler of Coca Cola in the country, died of cancer at 65 here yesterday, a member of the family announced last night. Mrs. Kowara's remains will be buried at the Tanah Kusir cemetery, South Jakarta, at 11:00 a.m. today. (vin)

Napan Group gets loan

Napan Group gets loan JAKARTA (JP): A syndication of domestic banks led by Bank International Indonesia (BII) yesterday agreed to provide a loan of US$52.50 million to PT Megarimba Karyatama, an affiliate of the Napan Group, for the construction of a new compressed fiberboard plant in Sumatra.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) continued gaining ground in active trading yesterday, marked by gains by some of the country's blue-chip stocks, such as Bank Internasional Indonesia, Indosat, Ciputra Development and United Tractors. The broad-based Composite Index increased by 3.63 points to close at 466.40 yesterday from 462.77 on Tuesday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index strengthened to 110.06 from 109.24.

On powerlines and safety

On powerlines and safety I hail the comments given by Mr. Norman C. Schmidt in The Jakarta Post of Dec. 17, 1994. Finally, somebody is commenting on the hazards caused by radiation of electrical installations, for which very little common knowledge exists, even with engineers. In this context I would like to cite a court decision dated Nov.

Small-scale industries to be regulated

Small-scale industries to be regulated JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will register all small-scale and home industries in Jakarta to monitor their development. The City Statistics Office chief, Poniman Suhartono, said yesterday his office will deploy 102 officials, who were trained for the purpose from Nov. 16 to Nov. 24 at the Ragunan Youth Center, South Jakarta.

Malaysia's tin output down

Malaysia's tin output down KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's tin production fell 42 percent over the year in the nine months to September, aggravated by a 15 percent fall in output in September, the statistics department said yesterday. Production for January to September fell 3,586 tons to 4,967 tons, as September's output declined by 91 tons to 524 tons.

EU fines Asian shippers

EU fines Asian shippers BRUSSELS (Reuter): The European Commission said yesterday it had banned an inland transport price-fixing agreement by the Far Eastern Freight Conference (FEFC) of shipping companies operating Europe-Asia container transport.

Junior players remain below standard: Yayuk

Junior players remain below standard: Yayuk JAKARTA (JP): World class athletes don't need much time to learn how to play their opponents, and capitalize on their mistakes. Yayuk Basuki took just 30 minutes to tame her junior male rival Ifan Taufik in a battle of the sexes tennis exhibition yesterday. The one-set match was so easy, Yayuk demanded that her juniors stiffen their training program.

Sanyoto assures of fairness in protection debate

Sanyoto assures of fairness in protection debate JAKARTA (JP): While the heated debate over protection proposed for a US$.1.7 billion olefin project grows more political, State Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo yesterday gave assurances that no protectionist measures contrary to the public interest would be adopted.

Inquiry cripples soccer

Inquiry cripples soccer KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's growing soccer match-fixing investigation has crippled the national team while some players will get higher pay as part of official attempts to end sports corruption. At least 44 players, former players and a coach have been arrested since the probe into alleged bribery began in October. Malaysia's national team is deeply demoralised, officials said yesterday.

Airport settles land dispute

Airport settles land dispute BOYOLALI, Central Java: Some 98 families whose land has been procured for the expansion of the Adisumarmo airport have finally accepted the compensation offer from the authorities. The villagers had earlier declined to accept the offer until the authorities raised the compensation level. An agreement was reached in October but the payments were only made on Tuesday.

Jagorawi will be crowded: Police

Jagorawi will be crowded: Police JAKARTA (JP): Bogor Police Chief Col. Syahrudin Z.P. reminded people planning to go to Puncak resort area to be extra careful because their will be more traffic than on normal weekends. Col. Syahrudin said on Tuesday that for three days before New Year's eve, traffic flow from the Jagorawi toll road will be very crowded.

Chess Olympics

Chess Olympics Having closely followed all the biennial Chess Olympics held between 1978 (in Buenos Aires) and 1994 (in Moscow), I must say that the Indonesian men chess teams have made a significant improvement. The average elo rating of the six players in the team has increased from 2335 in 1978 to 2390 in 1986 and 2455 in 1994.

Bidding for Timor oil opens

Bidding for Timor oil opens JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Australia are inviting investors to bid for production-sharing contracts for oil exploration and production in three of the 14 prospective areas at the Timor Gap, an offshore area disputed by the two countries.

Russia's Lukoil dents firm crisis

Russia's Lukoil dents firm crisis By Brian Killen LANGEPAS, Russia (Reuter): Russia's biggest oil conglomerate, Lukoil, is reducing debts between its subsidiaries but some workers in this Siberian outpost have not received salaries for two months. The Lukoil Financial Company, set up last year to tackle the non-payments crisis, started work this summer. It has reduced salary delays but not eliminated them, Lukoil vice-president Leonid Fedun told reporters.