Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 April 1994

40 articles found

Officials probe hunger strike by boat people

Officials probe hunger strike by boat people JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations High Commissioner on Refugees (UNHCR) and Government officials left for Galang island in Riau yesterday to try and put an end to hunger strikes by over 500 Vietnamese boat people. Between 500 to 1,000 Vietnamese have gone on hunger strikes since Thursday to protest talks on their planned repatriation during a meeting between President Soeharto and visiting Vietnamese President Le Duc Anh here today.

Improving accountability

Improving accountability The cloud thrown over the Indonesian banking industry by the US$436 million loan scandal at the state-owned Development Bank of Indonesia (Bapindo) may have a silver lining after all; Thursday, the central bank (Bank Indonesia) signed two cooperation agreements aimed at improving the accountability and internal auditing of banks.

Indonesia still attractive for foreign investment

Indonesia still attractive for foreign investment JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has the potential to become the most attractive country for foreign investment, said Chairman of Harvest International Inc. Harvey Goldstein. Goldstein told a two-day seminar on joint ventures, which ended yesterday, that Indonesia's single-digit inflation and 18 major deregulation policy packages released since 1982 offer advantages to foreign investors.

Why green passports?

Why green passports? Many Indonesian would-be haj pilgrims, who were using green passports, were arrested by the Saudi Arabian government and were even reportedly placed in jail. They were found guilty of using green passports, which means that they participated in the pilgrimage through illegal channels. (The government-sponsored pilgrims use brown passports.) We believe that Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher will be able to settle this case without causing any trouble.

Better safety for

Better safety for Jakarta's trains The state-owned railway company is replacing the hand-operated signal points at major railway stations in the greater Jakarta area with computerized signal systems in order to improve operational safety.

Yayuk beats compatriot Natalia

Yayuk beats compatriot Natalia JAKARTA (JP): Home favorite Yayuk Basuki delighted her public with a 6-2, 6-1 warm-up victory over compatriot Natalia Soetrisno in their opening round match of the Indonesia Open women's tennis championships here yesterday. Defending champion Yayuk, despite a number of unforced errors, regained her confidence to blow out her junior with eight ballistic aces and thunderous forehand strokes in the 45-minute match which seemed like a strict tennis clinic for Natalia.

Indonesia urged to respond effectively to people's needs

Indonesia urged to respond effectively to people's needs JAKARTA (JP): A group of Indonesian and foreign non- governmental organizations (NGO) has urged the government to pay more attention to the needs of the people, saying the government should not merely concern itself with the management of economic development.

ASEAN At A Glance

ASEAN At A Glance Fisherman shot dead in RI waters SINGAPORE (AFP): A Singapore fisherman was shot dead after the trawler he was on was fired upon after entering Indonesian waters two days ago, a police spokeswoman said yesterday. The spokeswoman said some members of the trawler's crew were also injured in the incident on Sunday night but declined to give details.

Custom office attacked for port corruption

Custom office attacked for port corruption JAKARTA (JP): Customs officials are again causing unnecessary delays and costs at Indonesia's main ports, claim surveying companies and importers. "The delay in port clearing time in March reached a 'crazy' level," Amirudin Saud, the chairman of the Indonesian Importers' Association (GINSI), told The Jakarta Post yesterday. "Earlier this morning I personally encountered a case of customs officials collecting illegal fees," he said.

New suspects in Bapindo investigation

New suspects in Bapindo investigation JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's office is apparently exploring the possibility that four more executives of Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) were involved in the scam that has cost the bank Rp 1.3 trillion ($620 million).

ASEAN businessmen suggest establishment of regional development

ASEAN businessmen suggest establishment of regional development bank JAKARTA (JP): The ASEAN Business Forum, grouping business executives of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has proposed the establishment of a regional development bank.

`Primadosa' author makes first legal move against government

`Primadosa' author makes first legal move against government JAKARTA (JP): Wimanjaya K. Liotohe, who is under police investigation for his book that many found insulting to President Soeharto, has confronted the authorities on the legal front by filing a lawsuit against the government for banning his book. The Jakarta State Administrative Court yesterday opened the first hearing on Wimanjaya's complaint against Attorney General Singgih for the ban of Primadosa (Prime Sins).

Rais confirms reports on city hall plan to add buses

Rais confirms reports on city hall plan to add buses JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor on Economy and Development Tb. M. Rais yesterday confirmed reports that the city plans to add 1000 wide-bodied buses to meet the growing demand for public transportation. Rais said the new fleet will only ply main thoroughfares and will supplant the medium-sized buses on those routes. "Next time, the main thoroughfares such as Jl. MH Thamrin and Jl.

Tifico estimates loss at Rp 15 billion

Tifico estimates loss at Rp 15 billion JAKARTA (JP): PT Teijin Indonesia Fiber Corporation (PT Tifico) which lost Rp 6.6 billion (US$3 million) in the second half of last year is projected to suffer another loss of Rp 15 billion within the first six months of this year.

Businessmen want to invest in Vietnam

Businessmen want to invest in Vietnam JAKARTA (JP): Many Indonesian businessmen are interested in investing in Vietnam, which is regarded as an emerging country in Southeast Asia, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Aburizal Bakrie said.

Where to go in Jakarta, April 27

Where to go in Jakarta, April 27 Jangan hapus: Dai-ichi Hotel, JAMZ Music o The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 00:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m.

ASEAN adopts green plan to cope with free trade area

ASEAN adopts green plan to cope with free trade area BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (AFP): Southeast Asia's booming economies adopted yesterday a "green" plan to cope with increased investments and trade arising from their move to set up a free trade area, officials said yesterday. Under the five-year plan, the six-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) would integrate sound environment policies with the ambitious objectives of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), they said.

Saudi Arabia denies deportation plans

Saudi Arabia denies deportation plans JAKARTA (JP): Saudi Arabia Ambassador Abdullah Abdulrahman Alim gave assurances yesterday that his government will not arrest or deport Indonesians planning to perform the haj pilgrimage, whether they have been officially approved or not. "I want to calm the people and dispel any lingering doubts. The Saudi Arabia Kingdom has never and will not deport any pilgrims," Abdullah told reporters.

Malaysian ban on British firms hits Russian MiGs

Malaysian ban on British firms hits Russian MiGs KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia's ban on buying British products or services has found an unlikely victim -- the Russians, who are selling 18 MiG-29 fighter-jets to the government, industry sources said yesterday. Russia needs to replace some power equipment on the fighters with British-made parts to meet Malaysian specifications, but cannot because of Malaysia's ban on government contracts with British firms, the sources said.

Perumnas investigated for selling out public lands

Perumnas investigated for selling out public lands JAKARTA (JP): The City Housing Company, Perumnas, will be held responsible if it is proved to have transferred its ownership of the 14-hectare tract of land in Pondok Kopi, East Jakarta, to PT Nusa Persada, which has developed the land into a housing complex for middle-class people called the Malaka Country Estate.

Vietnam President lobbies to join ASEAN

Vietnam President lobbies to join ASEAN JAKARTA (JP): Vietnamese President Le Duc Anh yesterday campaigned President Soeharto to ensure the speedy inclusion of his country into the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN). "Vietnam is making great efforts to prepare so as to be able to become a full member of ASEAN," Anh said during a banquet at the State Palace last night.

Legend leaves legacy of anti-liberalism

Legend leaves legacy of anti-liberalism By Soetjipto Wirosardjono JAKARTA (JP): If there is a value worth preserving in a change from traditional to modern society it is the maintenance of harmony with nature. Traditional belief systems hold that everything has been created by God to build a harmonious life among natural beings. The goal of individual and social life is to have everything set in order, at its proper balance and in due harmony.

Bukaka and two Malaysian firms start ambitious power project

Bukaka and two Malaysian firms start ambitious power project JAKARTA (JP): Bukaka Teknik Utama, an Indonesian engineering company, along with two Malaysian companies will embark on an ambitious plan to set up a coal-fired power station in Bukit Asam, South Sumatra. This power station is expected to meet the high demands for power in Sumatra and Java, and to export power into the Malaysian peninsula.

Seven hardcore criminals arrested at Bongkaran

Seven hardcore criminals arrested at Bongkaran JAKARTA (JP): The personnel of Operation Cleansing captured another seven criminals in a raid on their hideouts in the Tanah Abang district, Central Jakarta, red-light district, bringing to 669 people to have been netted in the army sponsored anti-crime operation. "They are hardcore criminals, who are among those targeted by the operation," Lt. Col. Didi Supandi, spokesman for the Jakarta military command, told reporters yesterday.

Your Letter

Your Letter Meetings don't solve crimes From Media Indonesia We often hear that the government officials, from the low to the top ranks, are holding a meeting to discuss the latest problems, such as how to wipe out criminals. Usually, the meetings last for about three days and the participants are accompanied by their wives.

Violence not answer to labor rifts

Violence not answer to labor rifts JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday highlighted the need for workers and managements to negotiate disputes and avoid resorting to violence. Commenting on the racially-tinged labor unrest in Medan, North Sumatra, last week, the President urged all companies to respect workers' rights by paying them the minimum wage and allowing them to set up shop level unions.

Strikes at two factories in Pulo Gadung

Strikes at two factories in Pulo Gadung JAKARTA (JP): More than one thousand workers from two companies operating in the Pulo Gadung industrial estate, East Jakarta, went on strike yesterday, demanding higher wages and the signing of a collective labor agreement. Most of the 900 women working for PT Young Indonesia Textile company, a producer of cotton, were on strike for a second day.

Government to ease foreign investment restriction

Government to ease foreign investment restriction JAKARTA (JP): The government, trying to grapple with the drop in foreign capital inflows, plans to ease restrictions on foreign portfolio and direct investment.

JP/2/across

JP/2/across Across the Archipelago Protest barred in East Timor DILI, East Timor: The military will not tolerate any demonstration and will punish all who cause instability in the territory, Major Ladean Simbolon of the local military command announced yesterday. Simbolon issued his statement in response to rumors that demonstrations are in the offing against the replacement of Armindo Hariano Soares as assistant to Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares.

Li Peng draws

Li Peng draws Kazakhstan protest ALMA-ATA (Reuter): Premier Li Peng drew the first open protest of his landmark tour of Central Asia and Kazakhstan yesterday, as activists slammed China's nuclear tests near this region's border. Earlier, Premier Li signed an historic accord delineating a 1,700 km (1,050 mile) border between China and Kazakhstan. Li also granted the former Soviet republic a 50 million Yuan credit.

ILO Deputy Director to celebrate 75th anniversary here

ILO Deputy Director to celebrate 75th anniversary here JAKARTA (JP): The Deputy Director of the International Labor Organization (ILO), Heribert Maier, will arrive here on Sunday to begin a five-day visit to commemorate the organization's 75th anniversary. Maier's visit will be highlighted by a reception with Indonesia's Minister of Manpower, Abdul Latief, on May 3.

Police, relatives still in the dark about Beng Seng's murder

Police, relatives still in the dark about Beng Seng's murder JAKARTA (JP): Both the police and relatives of Nyo Beng Seng, the entertainment businessman who was killed by masked hit men recently, are still in the dark about the murder. Beng Seng's relatives have insisted they know nothing about the suspected murderers' identities, while police in the Penjaringan subprecinct have said there has been no progress in their investigation.

APEC needs to identify trade, investment barriers

APEC needs to identify trade, investment barriers JAKARTA (JP): The working group on small and medium sized enterprises within the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum yesterday ended its two-day meeting with recommendations for intensive study of trade and investment barriers in the region.

Batik factory

Batik factory relocation goes on The South Jakarta mayoralty administration said it sticks to its plan to relocate 182 batik factories in Setiabudi area despite objection from their owners. Ramal Partawidjaya, the head of South Jakarta Law and Order Bureau, said Tuesday that 10 of factories operating in the area have already changed their businesses while three biggest factories in the area have been given time to relocate their factories to areas outside Jakarta until March next year.

JAKARTA (JP): Share prices fell again yesterday, continuing a

JAKARTA (JP): Share prices fell again yesterday, continuing a voyage to the center of the earth on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX). The broad-based Composite Index closed lower at 454.32 from 454.40 on Monday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index fell to 105.98 from 107.97. A broker said the Composite Index was revised with the listing of 28.82 million shares of Bunas Finance and 27 million shares of Dharmala Sakti Sejahtera.

Project Motivation, a wheelchair for everyone

Project Motivation, a wheelchair for everyone By Martina Tobing JAKARTA (JP): Let's say a disability has confined you to a wheelchair for life. You must go shopping for one. But where to go and what kind to get? Western society has a large range of choices -- for a price. For anywhere between US$800 to $3,000 you can satisfy your physical, functional and esthetic needs. What will it be: a standard chair with removable armrests and swing-away, elevating legrests?

Chartered plane crashes in Kalimantan mountain

Chartered plane crashes in Kalimantan mountain JAKARTA (JP): Search and Rescue (SAR) workers struggled yesterday to locate 10 people whose small chartered airplane crashed into a mountain in West Kalimantan in adverse weather on Monday. The authorities have spotted the two-engine Britten Norman plane on Mt. Saran about 500 kilometers east of Pontianak, West Kalimantan's capital.

Young swimmer breaks shameful record

Young swimmer breaks shameful record JAKARTA (JP): National women's swimmer Catherine Surya has been banned two years from any competition for using steroids in last year's National Games (PON), but is set for an overseas training session in Australia. The penalty imposed on Catherine by the Indonesian Swimming Association (PRSI) has been valid since September of last year. Catherine won seven gold medals and holds five national records during the PON.

Indonesians buy Australian apartments

Indonesians buy Australian apartments JAKARTA (JP): Twenty-one Indonesians bought units in a soon to be built Australian apartment building last week amidst concern that a large amount of foreign exchange have left the country.

Indosepamas profit rises

Indosepamas profit rises JAKARTA (JP): PT Indosepamas Anggun, the manufacturer and exporter of Reebok and Adidas sports shoes, has reported a 230 percent increase in its consolidated after-tax profit to Rp 14.2 billion (US$6.6 million) in 1993 from Rp 4.3 billion the previous year. The company's president, Franciscus Welirang, said yesterday that the company's earnings per share increased substantially to Rp 835 last year from Rp 269 in 1992.