Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 June 1994

47 articles found

Foreign investment grows four-fold between April-May

Foreign investment grows four-fold between April-May JAKARTA (JP): Total foreign investment commitments, which declined more than 80 percent in the March-April period to US$411.65 million, grew by more than four times to $1.78 billion in the 16 April-May 15 period.

Girl friend of plaintiff admits to taking drugs

Girl friend of plaintiff admits to taking drugs JAKARTA (JP): A female friend of Christian van den Bosch, a Dutch national being tried at Central Jakarta District Court for drug trafficking, told the court that she had sampled the illicit drug Eva supplied by the defendant. "Yes I have tried the drug once before," testified Lies Lestari, alias Esta, in response to a question from prosecutor Suriansjah.

Governor lifts ban on Emha

Governor lifts ban on Emha SEMARANG, Central Java: Governor Soewardi has softened his stance on the ban of intellectual Emha Ainun Nadjib from addressing seminars and giving readings in the province. Soewardi said he would allow Emha to appear in public so long as the poet did not criticize the government. "A ban would only make him more popular," he said. "Let him speak...

Greater openness leaves local press with dilemma

Greater openness leaves local press with dilemma JAKARTA (JP): The greater political openness that Indonesia currently enjoys has put the local press in a difficult position, the National Press Council said yesterday. Jacob Oetama, the Council's deputy chief overseeing the organization's day-to-day functions, said that the political openness had unquestionably boosted press freedom.

The hot issues of the week

The hot issues of the week I was surprised by the comments expressed by Laurie Pierce in The Jakarta Post of June 2. She invites readers to comment on two questions concerning current issues. First: Why should the U.S. President's plea with the Singaporean government for clemency over the caning sentence for Michael Fay be considered as Western imperialist intervention?

Forecasting earthquakes and tidal waves is a no win game

Forecasting earthquakes and tidal waves is a no win game JAKARTA (JP): In the absence of any technology that can predict the occurrence of earthquakes and tidal waves, Indonesia should at least take steps to prevent massive destruction or minimize the casualty rates. Geophysicist Prof. M.T.

Indonesia vows to increase tin production

Indonesia vows to increase tin production JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will increase tin production from 28,353 tons last year to 34,000 tons this year, an executive says. Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, president of PT Tambang Timah, the state-owned tin mining company, said in a hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday that the country will continue increasing tin output to 35,000 tons in 1998. Indonesia produced only 25,794 tons of tin in 1992 and 22,163 tons in 1992.

Firm to operate railway

Firm to operate railway BANDUNG (JP): PT Lorinta, a private company, will soon operate express trains between Jakarta and the East Java capital of Surabaya, reducing travel time to nine hours, an official says. "The state-owned railway company Perusahaan Umum Kereta Api (Perumka) has invited Lorinta. The two parties are now completing a final negotiation," Director of Land Transportation Soejono of the Ministry of Transportation told reporters.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) showed no signs of recovery yesterday, adding to the dozen points lost since last week. The broad-based Composite Index fell to 484.90 from 486.11 on Tuesday, while the narrower-based GTDBS Index weakened to 115.62 from 115.98. The market saw the additional listing of Indorama, increasing the company's total listed shares to 58.56 million.

Singapore wants to host WTO

Singapore wants to host WTO SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore said yesterday it had told the United States and other GATT members of its offer to host the first meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) next year, denying comments by U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor.

Embassies told no foreigners among victims of tidal wave

Embassies told no foreigners among victims of tidal wave JAKARTA (JP): The American and Australian embassies in Jakarta yesterday received assurances that none of their citizens were killed by the tidal waves which swept across villages in southeast Java. An official of the Banyuwangi regency, where the tidal waves claimed the lives of 202 people, said that there were no foreigners among the dead.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Tarzan 3:05 Dances 3:30 TV Series: The Sword of Tipu Sultan 4:30 Women's World 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country: Jakarta 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Koran Recital 6:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama: Meniti Pelangi 8:05 TV Series: Combat 9:00 World News 9:30 Sports: World Cup: Germany vs Holland 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Ator The Invincible Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Soeharto invited to UN population meet

Soeharto invited to UN population meet JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, recipient of various international awards for his success in bringing Indonesia's population growth under control, has been invited to address the United Nation's conference on population in Cairo this September.

City sweepers go on strike

City sweepers go on strike Some 300 street sweepers hired by a private company in South Jakarta have been on strike since Sunday to protest the delay in the payment of their wages. The sweepers said they had not yet received their wages for the last three months. The demonstrations took place in front of the PT Mori Desa office, one of the four private companies that employs street sweepers in the mayoralty.

Women progress still minimal, despite strategies

Women progress still minimal, despite strategies JAKARTA (JP): Asia and Pacific countries have made little progress in the last decade in terms of ensuring equality and development for women, officials said yesterday. The second day of the Second Asian and Pacific Ministerial Meeting on Women in Development, yesterday, reviewed the condition of women in 50 countries in the region since the last World Conference on Women in 1985 in Nairobi.

99 people detained for gambling on cockfights

99 people detained for gambling on cockfights JAKARTA (JP): The police have arrested at least 99 people who have been involved in card games and gambling on cockfights over the past few days. The police also confiscated around Rp 4 million (US$1,860) in cash from the gamblers. Most of the gamblers caught were ethnic Chinese or members of the Armed Forces (ABRI) head of the operational affairs of the On-the-Alert city police squad, Capt. Syaiful Bd., told reporters yesterday.

Yayuk leaves for Wimbledon meet

Yayuk leaves for Wimbledon meet JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's number one women's tennis player Yayuk Basuki left here yesterday for the Volkswagen Championships in Eastborne, the warm-up for the prestigious Wimbledon grand slam tournament. Fresh from a four-week break after winning her third successive Indonesia Open title, the 24-year-old player will be making a fourth visit to Wimbledon, the only grand slam event which gave her memorable career results.

NGO representative lobby for stronger declaration

NGO representative lobby for stronger declaration JAKARTA (JP): Representatives of international non- governmental organizations (NGOs) are lobbying for the on-going Asia-Pacific women's conference to issue a stronger declaration, sources said yesterday.

Sexual harassment `amusing' to males

Sexual harassment `amusing' to males JAKARTA (JP): A survey reveals that the majority of male executives in Jakarta regard sexual harassment as amusing. The two-month survey, conducted by Tiara trend and lifestyle magazine, involved 193 male and female executives, between 25 and 65 years of age. Dr. Sukiat, a psychologist who led the survey, explained that sexual harassment has become an important phenomenon in society.

Dramatists discuss the future of their profession

Dramatists discuss the future of their profession By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): Do Indonesian theaters still exist and are they effectively voicing the aspirations of society? This difficult question became the main topic of a national meeting on theater last month. Organized by the Association of Indonesian Theaters, the meeting, the 10th of its kind since l969, involved dozens of scholars, stage directors, art critics, government officials and theater groups from Indonesia's 27 provinces.

Teletext geared toward markets of tomorrow

Teletext geared toward markets of tomorrow By Ati Nurbaiti JAKARTA (JP): Here's some good news: There's now a way to slightly help reduce traffic congestion! Check your TV set for information for shopping, recreation, medical help, and stock trading before jamming the streets with indefinite destinations in mind.

What is wrong?

What is wrong? Could it be that there is something wrong with policy coordination within the government? So many times within the span of just one week this rather distressing question arose as different cabinet ministers aired what seemed to be a different stance on certain issues.

PPP chief expects government pressure in upcoming congress

PPP chief expects government pressure in upcoming congress JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) says he has detected pressure from outside the party to influence the election of its new leaders. Ismail Hasan Metareum told reporters on Tuesday during a courtesy call on Vice President Try Sutrisno that he believed the government of President Soeharto would not meddle in the party's affairs.

IFAD chief here for loan agreement

IFAD chief here for loan agreement JAKARTA (JP): The president of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Fawzi Hamad al-Sultan, arrived here yesterday for a five-day visit to sign a loan agreement and to discuss other assistance for Indonesian projects.

Economy and conglomerates

Economy and conglomerates President Soeharto stressed that conglomerates will never hold the reins of the national economy because the government will stay in a position of economic control. According to the president, the conglomerates are not our economic enemies but are actually assets to country. We fully agree with the president's statement but we will always be watchful over how individuals come to form a conglomerate.

Jakarta-Shopping '94 to open soon, big discounts expected

Jakarta-Shopping '94 to open soon, big discounts expected JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will hold the Jakarta Shopping '94 to boost the capital's role as a shopping destination in the region. The three-month long event from June 16 to Aug. 10, which will be held by the city administration and the Jakarta Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN Jaya), will transform Jakarta into a shopping paradise for both domestic and foreign tourists.

Family planning agency set to elect new leader

Family planning agency set to elect new leader SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): The Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association (PKBI) has a choice between a physician, an economist or a psychologist, all noted public figures, for its chairman. The association, which has pioneered Indonesia's family planning campaign since way back in 1957, is holding its congress to discuss the strategy to take it to the end of the century and to elect its leader.

Most Indorayon land not suitable for pine trees

Most Indorayon land not suitable for pine trees JAKARTA (JP): PT Inti Indorayon Utama told the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday that of the 269,060-hectare timber estate concession it was granted in 1992, only 110,000 hectares is suitable for pine tree plantations. Indorayon's Director Semion Tarigan told a hearing with the House that the 110,000-hectares were assessed as the most suitable for the development of timber estates to supply the company's pulp and rayon mills.

Sport Minister says no easy solution for lack of funds

Sport Minister says no easy solution for lack of funds JAKARTA (JP): While the prohibition of an unpopular lottery continues to hinder national sports development, State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman encourages organizers to independently seek financial assistance for the preparation for the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima this October.

Problem loans at banks $8.7b

Problem loans at banks $8.7b JAKARTA (JP): Problem loans at all banks in the country declined from Rp 20 trillion (US$9.2 billion) last November to Rp 18.8 trillion ($8.7 billion), 10.2 percent of the total credits outstanding as of March, Governor of Bank Indonesia Soedradjad Djiwandono says. "Of the problem loans, some Rp 12.2 trillion were classified as doubtful credits and Rp 6.6 trillion as bad loans," Soedradjad said.

Sanctions can resolve nuclear row: Seoul

Sanctions can resolve nuclear row: Seoul SEOUL (Reuter): President Kim Young-sam, denouncing North Korea's refusal to submit to nuclear inspections as an "outright challenge" to the world, said yesterday sanctions would now be the only option to resolve the deepening dispute.

Dirty market

Dirty market From Neraca There is still some truth to the proverb: "Cleanliness is fundamental to health." Now if we have a look at Pasar Minggu market in South Jakarta and pass in front of Robinson's department store, we can definitely conclude that the area is filthy and unhygienic. This market is visited by people from places like Depok, Manggarai, Lenteng Agung, Jagakarsa, Pejaten and so on. The stench of the place is horrible.

Children's favorite Donald Duck turns 60

Children's favorite Donald Duck turns 60 JAKARTA (JP): The most famous duck in the world turns 60 today! Donald Fauntleroy Duck, the water fowl with the feisty personality, was "born" on June 9, 1934, with an appearance in the Disney short The Wise Little Hen. Here in Indonesia, he is loved by both children and parents alike, who call him Donal Bebek. His debut was brief: the sailor-suited duck said eight words ("Who? Me? Oh no, I've got a bellyache") and danced a clever jig.

Ferry fire kills 17

Ferry fire kills 17 CEBU, Philippines (AFP): A ferry carrying 204 people caught fire in the southeastern Philippines overnight, leaving at least 17 people dead and 27 missing, the coast guard said here yesterday. A total 160 passengers of the Flo-Succor, a 231-ton vessel based at this central Philippine port, have been rescued in the Leyte Gulf south of Samar island so far, and the search for more missing persons was continuing, Chief Petty Officer Julian Catimbang told AFP.

Teenager jailed for selling drugs

Teenager jailed for selling drugs JAKARTA (JP): Sixteen-year-old Faisal, alias Isal, was sentenced yesterday by the Central Jakarta District Court to two years and eight months imprisonment for drug trafficking. The defendant was found guilty by the panel of judges, led by Judge Prasanca, of illegally transporting 52 kilograms of marijuana from Medan to Jakarta. Prosecutor T. Zakaria had earlier demanded that the court sentence Isal, a drop out of junior high school, to four years imprisonment.

Houston's Olajuwon to `fight' New York's Ewing in NBA final

Houston's Olajuwon to `fight' New York's Ewing in NBA final By Barry Dols JAKARTA (JP): Gone are Michael and Magic, Larry and Isiah. It is fitting that this "year of the big man" in the NBA boils down to Hakeem Olajuwon's Houston Rockets against Patrick Ewing's New York Knicks. The Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year, the 6-10 (2.08 meter) Olajuwon uses his guard-like quickness to create shots inside. His trademark fadeaway jumper is virtually unstoppable.

Aussie housing center to be built in Jakarta

Aussie housing center to be built in Jakarta CANBERRA (AFP): Australia wants to build a A$500,000 (US$360,000) housing center as a showcase for its skills and building technology in Jakarta, housing minister Brian Howe said yesterday. Howe, who is also deputy prime minister, leaves today for China, Japan and Indonesia on a three-week trip during which he will discuss the proposal with his Indonesian counterpart Akbar Tandjung in Jakarta later this month.

Telkom's donation for small companies

Telkom's donation for small companies The Jakarta office of the state-owned telecommunication company, PT Telkom, gave Rp358 million (US$165,971) in donations to seven small-scale business patrons, two cooperatives and three poor villages in the Seribu Islands on Monday. John Welly, chief of Jakarta Telkom, said the donations were aimed at developing the role of small-scale businesses and cooperatives.

Deregulation is inevitable step, Moerdiono says

Deregulation is inevitable step, Moerdiono says JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono defended the decision to open new areas to foreign investment, saying the government had little choice. Moerdiono told a hearing with the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday that the deregulation package issued last week was a response to the process of globalization. "Whether we like it or not, we are part of it," he told the House's Commission II which deals with domestic politics.

Coca-Cola opens in India

Coca-Cola opens in India JAKARTA (JP): Coca-Cola was launched in New Delhi yesterday with a start of distribution from four renovated bottling plants around the Indian capital city. A spokesmen for PT Coca-Cola Indonesia said here yesterday that Coca-Cola is produced and marketed in New Delhi by four bottling companies. Coca-Cola is distributed in New Delhi through more than 20,000 retail outlets.

Kadin to sign deal with UK counterpart

Kadin to sign deal with UK counterpart The Jakarta branch of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin Jaya) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the its London counterpart on June 20, 1994. Kadin Jaya chairman Soekardjo Hardjosoewirjo was quoted by Antara as saying that the MOU was the end-result of a visit made by Kadin Jaya's executives to Britain several months ago. He added that it will encompass areas in equipment procurement and investment in infrastructure.

Graffiti

Graffiti From Media Indonesia The final examination results at Junior and Senior High Schools have been announced. To express their excitement over the happy occasion, it has long been the practice for graduates to write graffiti on each other's school uniforms. Unfortunately this graffiti-writing spreads to other locations outside schools; bus stops, the walls along the streets and other strategic places in the city. Indeed, graduating is a great thrill.

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.

Garuda suffers losses from domestic routes

Garuda suffers losses from domestic routes JAKARTA (JP): For the first time, the national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia suffered losses in the first three months of this year due to low utilization of its seat capacity on the domestic routes, the airline's president says. "There are many vacant seats in our domestic flights," Wage Mulyono told reporters after swearing in two new directors of Merpati Airlines, a subsidiary of Garuda, in a ceremony here yesterday.

Traders' plea for debt relief turned down

Traders' plea for debt relief turned down JAKARTA (JP): City councilors said the request of 20 Senen traders to slash by half their unpaid debt to the City Market Company, PD Pasar Jaya, is unreasonable. "That reason their debt is so high is simply because they cannot manage their money at all. Why can other traders pay their dues regularly? So it's clear, the mistake is on the 20 traders' part," councilor Hotma Tambunan said. Tambunan was supported by Abdulgani H.

Manado rejoices at green trophy

Manado rejoices at green trophy Manado, North Sulawesi: The Adipura Kencana award, given to this city by President Soeharto, was displayed in a motorcade on Tuesday throughout the town's main roads. Manado is one of eight cities that were awarded the trophy for the cleanest cities in Indonesia. Manado Mayor N.H. Eman brought home the trophy from Jakarta.

Two killed in highway accident

Two killed in highway accident Two people died when a minibus skidded into the wrong lane of the Jakarta-Cikampek highway and was then hit by a public bus coming in the other direction. The accident took place yesterday morning. Police identified the dead men as Sugiyanto, 48, a resident of Jl. Dewi Sartika, Bandung, and Ishak, 18, of Jl. Otto, Iskandardinata, also in Bandung. Both were passengers of the minibus.