Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 June 1994

52 articles found

Visa to Malaysia

Visa to Malaysia At the Malaysian Embassy in Jakarta, there is a dedicated counter to handle visa applications for nationals from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal; in essence, the citizens of the Indian subcontinent. My wife's cousin from Bangalore, India and two of her friends recently visited us in Jakarta. They wished to stop over in Johore, Malaysia on their return trip from Indonesia to India.

Fire claims two offices, eight cars

Fire claims two offices, eight cars JAKARTA (JP): At least eight cars and two buildings were burned in a fire at a vehicle repair and service shop on Jl. Masjid, Petukangan Utara, Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, Thursday evening. There were no fatalities reported. However, police found the smoldering remains of three Mercedez vehicles among the wreckage. Police initial estimates of losses are around Rp 500 million (over US$230,000).

U.S. official in East Timor

U.S. official in East Timor DILI, East Timor: An official of the U.S. State Department is visiting the province to see progress the territory has made since its integration with Indonesia. The Antara news agency said Scott Butcher of the ASEAN Affairs bureau, will visit East Timor between June 4 and 6. During his stay, he will visit Lautem regency and will meet local leaders such as Roman Catholic Bishop Mgr. Felipe Belo Ximenes, Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares and Military Commander Col.

Budget for warships 'too high': Gen. Edi

Budget for warships 'too high': Gen. Edi JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security Gen. (ret.) Edi Sudradjat acknowledged that the US$1.1 billion budget proposed for the procurement of 39 warships from Germany is excessive. "I tend to agree that it is too high," Edi told reporters yesterday when asked to comment on the budget being proposed by State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie who is overseeing the procurement.

Paper users ask the government to lift duties on paper imports

Paper users ask the government to lift duties on paper imports JAKARTA (JP): Paper users want the government to lift duties on paper imports to help them survive against the high prices set by domestic paper monopolies. "The government should lift tariffs on paper imports to force domestic producers to lower prices to proper, more reasonable levels," the chairman of a forum for paper users, Yoza Suryawan, said in a hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR) here yesterday.

New policy on foreign investment gets mixed reactions

New policy on foreign investment gets mixed reactions JAKARTA (JP): The opening of a variety of strategic industries to foreign investment has met with overall approval from observers, but many remain skeptical about the government's commitment to making deregulation work.

Wayang Week features rich variety of puppet theater

Wayang Week features rich variety of puppet theater By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): From towering structures in masque dramas to tiny puppets manipulated by fingers; from lavishly costumed and decorated performances to the impromptu simplicity of street shows; from stories based on age-old myths, legends and fairy tales to portrayals of episodes in this angst-ridden century...

Shuttlers champs to tour C Java

Shuttlers champs to tour C Java JAKARTA (JP): The triumphant Indonesian shuttlers who recently took a double victory, winning both the Thomas and Uber Cups, will hold a victory tour of Central Java. They will pass through four cities including Yogyakarta, Solo, Semarang and Kudus. Antara reported that the two teams already paraded in Yogyakarta yesterday and met the city's public figures including Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X.

AIDS cases in RP rises to 510

AIDS cases in RP rises to 510 MANILA (AFP): The Philippines' reported cases of infection with the deadly AIDS virus rose to 510 with 16 new cases this April, the Health Department said here yesterday. The department's AIDS monitoring unit said that of the 510 found positive for the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS, at least 143 had developed the fatal disease and 83 had died.

Mayor criticized over his remarks on scavengers

Mayor criticized over his remarks on scavengers JAKARTA (JP): City councilors yesterday strongly criticized West Jakarta Mayor Sutardjianto for his derogatory remarks over the presence of scavengers in his territory. "An administrator like him is by no means expected to express such words," said Muhammad Rodja from the PPP (United Development Party) faction at the City Council.

Red Beret skydivers still leading after fifth day

Red Beret skydivers still leading after fifth day JAKARTA (JP): Skydivers from host team Kopassus A, spearheaded by its ace diver Sumeri, continued to lead the team-accuracy contest on the fifth day of the "Kopassus Open and International 1994" with a total score of 0.41 on Thursday. Sumeri, who scored his third perfect landing, however, only managed to finish third in the single-accuracy event with a score of 0.04.

Indonesia hosts Asia-Pacific conference on women's roles

Indonesia hosts Asia-Pacific conference on women's roles JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will host an Asia-Pacific conference next week which will discuss the role of women in development, and will serve as a prelude to next year's Fourth World Women's Conference in Beijing.

Senayan set to stage Milan-Persib match

Senayan set to stage Milan-Persib match JAKARTA (JP): Organizers of today's international friendly pitting soccer giant AC Milan against Persib Bandung consider Senayan stadium in fine condition for the match. Committee chairman Agum Gumelar said after a brief visit to the 100,000-seat stadium yesterday that the venue is qualified to hold any world-class competition.

Bapindo defense still in dark on specific charges

Bapindo defense still in dark on specific charges JAKARTA (JP): A leading lawyer representing one of the four former Bapindo directors said yesterday he was still puzzled about the charges against his client, although he is drawing nearer to comprehension. Hotma Sitompul, the lawyer for Bambang Kuntjoro, told The Jakarta Post that the investigation by the Attorney General's office has so far failed to shed any light on what his client was allegedly involved with.

Asia-Pacific health experts battle against cigarette firms

Asia-Pacific health experts battle against cigarette firms The battle between worried health experts and aggressive cigarette companies intensifies in the Asia-Pacific. Ramon Isberto of Inter Press Service reports. MANILA (IPS): Alarmed by the tobacco industry's high-powered marketing drive into Asia-Pacific, governments there may soon impose a region-wide total ban on tobacco advertisements by the year 2000.

Tidal waves kill over 150 in East Java

Tidal waves kill over 150 in East Java JAKARTA (JP): Tidal waves triggered by a major earthquake destroyed several settlements along the coast in the southeastern Java town of Banyuwangi before dawn yesterday, killing more than 150 people. The huge waves which struck shortly before 2 a.m. caught most people in their sleep.

Switzerland

Switzerland By Richard Pedler JAKARTA (JP): In the words of team captain Alain Geiger, "Switzerland is not exactly a football-crazy country," and the richest citizens in Europe consider the players' demands for US$30,000 USA'94 qualifying bonuses "greedy." But with the simultaneous discovery of four "world-class" players, all with Bundesliga clubs, coach Roy Hodgson has been able to take Switzerland to their first major finals for 28 years.

Laws for everybody

Laws for everybody I am a European living in Singapore and travel frequently to beautiful Indonesia where I read your daily papers. I am very fed up with these Americans, complaining about the canning of vandals and criminals in Singapore. In fact, I was very disappointed that the Singaporean government lost face under the pressure of Clinton and his breed and gave only four strokes to that criminal Fay. In fact the majority of Singaporeans were disappointed.

Festivals of gambling

Festivals of gambling KUDUS, Central Java: Central Java Police Chief Maj. Gen. A.A. Soegijo has ordered local officers here to closely monitor various so-called traditional festivals because they are being used as fronts for gambling. "We cannot tolerate any kind of gambling," Soegijo said, stressing that their will be a police crackdown. The festivals opened in the last month feature several attractions including bowling, horse racing, roulette and the Chinese gambling game Tjap Jie Kie.

Correction

Correction Correction: The share breakdown for Planet Hollywood (PH) restaurant is as follows: Sudwikatmono's family, 40 percent, Piet Yap's family, 20 percent, Hano Maeloa and Widjaja's family, 20 percent and Sutowo's family, 20 percent, not 60 percent by Adiguna Sutowo and 40 percent by Sudwikatmono as reported yesterday. We apologize for the error. -- Editor

PT STAR refuses to acquire the defunct Bank Summa

PT STAR refuses to acquire the defunct Bank Summa JAKARTA (JP): The creditors of the defunct Bank Summa will have to wait longer to get their money back, as PT Sira Tama Agra Raya (STAR) has scrapped at a plan to buy the bank -- at least until its current owners sweeten the pot.

We are not stagnant, Evans tells RI envoy

We are not stagnant, Evans tells RI envoy SYDNEY (AFP): Foreign Minister Gareth Evans has rejected criticism by Indonesia's ambassador to Canberra that Australia is in danger of becoming "a stagnant, inward-looking, sulking" country. The Australian government was stung by Ambassador Sabam Siagian's remarks, which came at a time when ministers from Prime Minister Paul Keating down have been working to expand and develop links with all Asian countries, and particularly Indonesia.

PPP politicians cool on inter-faction talks

PPP politicians cool on inter-faction talks JAKARTA (JP): Politicians of the Moslem-backed United Development Party (PPP) have rejected proposals for a meeting between the various factions to put an end to internal bickering in the run-up to the party's August leadership election. Mardinsyah and Sofyan Usman said on Thursday such talks would only worsen the friction because the conflicting sides would fight for their factions instead of for the good of PPP.

Troops bombard rebel hideouts

Troops bombard rebel hideouts ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Reuter): Government troops yesterday bombarded mountain hideouts of fundamentalist guerrillas accused of bombings and kidnappings in the southern Philippines, the region's military commander said. Troops launched ground and air assaults around Patikul in Sulu island to flush out rebels belonging to the radical Abu Sayyaf group.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Sports: World Cup Preview 3:30 TV Series: The Cave of Golden Rose 4:30 Youth Drama 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film: Anything for a Laugh 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country: Riau 6:15 Village program 6:30 Jazz 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dianrana 8:05 TV Series: Midnight Caller 9:00 World News 9:30 Music Program 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Gitar Tua Rhoma Irama Program 2 4:30 p.m.

RP wary of trade pact of ASEAN, Australasia

RP wary of trade pact of ASEAN, Australasia CANBERRA (Reuter): The Philippines would be cautious about entering a mooted Australasia-ASEAN trade pact because of Manila's reluctance to cut trade tariffs quickly, President Fidel Ramos said in an interview published yesterday. "We would have to be sure because of the differences in the levels of development," Ramos, interviewed in The Australian newspaper, said of the chances of entering the proposed pact.

Jakarta's PHRI to hold congress

Jakarta's PHRI to hold congress The Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) will hold its provincial plenary congress on June 9 at the Dai-Ichi Hotel, Central Jakarta. Arman Rachman Iskandar, chairman of the Jakarta chapter of the organization, told a press conference yesterday that the congress would be preceded by a seminar titled Upgrading the Quality of Professional Human Resources in Anticipation to the 2000s.

New hotels in N. Sumatra

New hotels in N. Sumatra MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Coordinating Minister for Industry and Trade Hartarto inaugurated 10 projects on Thursday, all of which dealt with the hotel, postal and telecommunications businesses. The projects were built with a total investment of Rp 46 billion (US$21.42 million.) The facilities include four, star-rated hotels, three post offices and three automatic telecommunication centers.

Indonesia's top musician joins anti-nuclear campaign in Japan

Indonesia's top musician joins anti-nuclear campaign in Japan JAKARTA (JP): Noted composer Harry Roesli will take part in an anti-nuclear campaign in a number of Japanese cities in an effort to prevent the export of the country's nuclear technology to Indonesia. "We are not ready for nuclear plants. We are not even ready to take care of buses and public toilets," he told reporters last night preceding his departure for Tokyo.

Wooing foreign investors

Wooing foreign investors The deregulation of foreign investment, as announced on Thursday, is perhaps the most liberal measure ever taken regarding the treatment of foreign investors. Though most businessmen had expected a more comprehensive reform package that would also cover manufacturing and trade, the single deregulation measure contained in Government Regulation No.20/1994 is certainly a boon to foreign investors.

Govt goes ahead with its plan to appoint top grade schools

Govt goes ahead with its plan to appoint top grade schools JAKARTA (JP): An official says the authorities will forge ahead with their plan to appoint six state-run high schools as top grade schools, saying that such a policy will not create exclusivity among high schools here. "The only advantage for the appointees is more freedom to accept students from any part of the city.

Mass rally planned today in support of anti-crime drive

Mass rally planned today in support of anti-crime drive JAKARTA (JP): The public will simultaneously rally today at each district military command across the greater Jakarta to express their support for Operation Cleansing. "The planned rally clearly shows the overwhelming enthusiasm on the part of the public to join forces with the police in waging a war against crime," Brig. Gen.

Radio Korea, a listening alternative for Indonesians

Radio Korea, a listening alternative for Indonesians By I. Christianto SEOUL (JP): Through the inventions of those such as Sammuel F.B. Morse and Guglielmo Marconi, people throughout the world are able to enjoy point-to-point communication via radio broadcasting. The Voice of Korea, also known as Radio Korea, is an international radio broadcast transmitted from Yoido-Dong Youngdungpo-Ku, Seoul. Radio Korea, a member of the Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) division, was founded on Aug. 15, 1973.

Indonesian media is not for sale, legislators say

Indonesian media is not for sale, legislators say JAKARTA (JP): The government's plan to allow foreign investors to own mass media in Indonesia met fierce resistance in the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday. Stung by the plan announced by the government on Thursday, legislators warned the move would not only endanger local values but also put the national integrity at stake.

Indonesian navy ship reported sinking off France

Indonesian navy ship reported sinking off France PARIS (Agencies): Rescue helicopters plucked 38 sailors from a crew of 52 aboard an Indonesian military transport ship sinking in rough seas off western France yesterday, authorities said. Naval authorities in the western Brittany port of Brest said the ship, the KRI Teluk Lampung, was sinking rapidly about 230 miles off Spain's Cape Ortegal in the Bay of Biscay between France and Spain, Reuters reported.

Petronas LNG plant on line

Petronas LNG plant on line KUALA LUMPUR (UPI): Petronas, Malaysia's national petroleum company, expected its second US$7.5 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant to begin production in January, Chairman Azizan Zainal Abidin said yesterday. "Construction of the LNG plant started in March 1992. Overall progress to date is 85 percent. We should be able to begin commissioning the first of the three trains in January 1995, two months ahead of schedule," Azizan said.

Abang and None contest planned

Abang and None contest planned The North Jakarta Mayor's office is inviting male and female residents between 18 and 25 years of age to participate in the 1994 Abang and None (Mr. and Miss) Jakarta contest. Winners of the contest will later compete with other participants from the city's five mayoralties in an Abang and None contest at the national level. Those interested in taking part in the contest are invited to register with the North Jakarta Tourism Office.

Swedish racer Eriksson set for Medan rally

Swedish racer Eriksson set for Medan rally JAKARTA (JP): World-class rally driver Kenneth Eriksson of Sweden is confident he will be able to tame the demanding track in Medan when he guns his Mitsubishi Evolution in the North Sumatra Rally. "Though this will be my first appearance in Indonesia, I have learned a lot of the difficult rally venues from videos and thorough discussions with my Mitsubishi teammate Kenjiro Shinozuka," Eriksson told newsmen here yesterday.

ADB lends $40m to RI

ADB lends $40m to RI MANILA (AFP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said here it had approved a US$40 million loan for rural health and population projects in Indonesia. The Manila-based ADB said in a statement that the loan would go to improving general health as well as maternal and child health programs and family planning activities in the Sumatran provinces of Aceh, Riau, South Sumatra, Lampung and West Sumatra.

Tobacco laws do not cause unemployment

Tobacco laws do not cause unemployment I was privileged to be invited to Indonesia to speak at the National World No Tobacco Day Symposium in Jakarta on May 31, 1994. I was very impressed by the considerable amount of community work and publicity already carried out by the Indonesian Heart Foundation, the Cancer Foundation, LM3 and others on the dangers of smoking, with particular emphasis on informing and protecting Indonesia's children from taking up the habit.

'Forbes' latest list of richest tycoons sparks debate

'Forbes' latest list of richest tycoons sparks debate JAKARTA (JP): The Forbes Zibenjia business magazine's latest list of the richest businessmen in East Asia has stirred debate among several financial analysts as to who is really the richest tycoon in Indonesia. The list of the ten top richest Chinese businessmen which was quoted by several newspapers here from Reuters early this week included three Indonesian businessmen-- Soedono Salim, Prajogo Pangestu and Eka Tjipta Widjaja.

Hardiyanti to visit Manila for road project

Hardiyanti to visit Manila for road project MANILA (AFP): Indonesian President Soeharto's daughter Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana is to visit the Philippines next month to present a proposal for a US$450-million road project here, a senior official says. The announcement of the visit came amid a diplomatic row involving Manila and Jakarta over the former's hosting of an ongoing human rights conference on East Timor, the former Portuguese colony which has been integrated into Indonesia since 1976.

Air link with Taipei

Air link with Taipei MANADO, North Sulawesi: A Taiwan-based airline Trans Asia Airways will begin service linking Taipei and Manado via the southern Philippine city of Davao next month, North Sulawesi Governor C.J. Rantung said. "Initially, it will be a charter service, but we hope eventually it will become a regular scheduled service," Rantung said.

Family planning agency moves into banking -- of sperm

Family planning agency moves into banking -- of sperm JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (PKBI), which pioneered birth control programs in Indonesia as long ago as 1957, is now studying the prospect of opening the country's first sperm bank. "We have sent our members abroad to study how to set up and run such a bank. We will also complete the feasibility study on its clinical aspects," PKBI chairman Kartono Mohamad told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * 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. to 11:30 p.m.

Security issues are multi-faceted: Defense chief

Security issues are multi-faceted: Defense chief JAKARTA (JP): The government has to exercise greater wisdom in dealing with various security issues, such as labor disputes and a soaring crime rate, tracing them to the source of the problems, Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat said yesterday.

Fierce competition hurts small shipping firms

Fierce competition hurts small shipping firms JAKARTA (JP): Government deregulation in 1992 opened the shipping business to large companies which have become a threat to their less efficient rivals. The Association of Small Shipping Businesses (Pelra) said yesterday that the regulations have affected small firms because many big and foreign shipping companies, mostly with large capital, have greater economies of scale.

Partinah, a woman who devoted her life for her country

Partinah, a woman who devoted her life for her country By Riyadi JAKARTA (JP): Partinah Iskandar is one of the few living Indonesian women who took part in Indonesia's struggle for independence. A septuagenarian, Partinah is now an active member of Wirawati Catur Panca -- Sanskrit for woman fighter of 1945 -- an organization of women who showed their bravery during the flaming years of the Indonesian revolution.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices continued to close lower on the Jakarta Stock Exchange yesterday in volatile trading. The Composite Index, which lost six points to 487.1 on Thursday, closed lower at 486.72 yesterday. Meanwhile, the narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index closed slightly lower at 116.24 from 116.38. Among the top gainers were Inco (up Rp 275), Ultra Jaya (up Rp 300) and Petrosea (up Rp 450).

Remains of British MIA handed over

Remains of British MIA handed over JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia yesterday handed over the recently uncovered remains of a British servicemen who died fighting the Japanese in Riau 50 years ago. The remains of Royal British Navy commando Lt. Gregor Riggs were handed over by Head of the Indonesian Armed Force's Center for Character Building, Brig. Gen. Abdullah Hadi, to the British government through Charles Gray, deputy head of mission at the British Embassy in Jakarta.

Jakarta won't vie Kalpataru award

Jakarta won't vie Kalpataru award Jakarta has decided not to send its representatives to compete for the prestigious Kalpataru environment award this year.

DPR urges government to deliver four bills on tax reform soon

DPR urges government to deliver four bills on tax reform soon JAKARTA (JP): The government, which wants to revise the country's tax system to increase revenues, was challenged yesterday by the House of Representatives (DPR) to deliver four bills on taxes by the end of this year.