Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 July 1994

40 articles found

Tansil denies misusing Bapindo funds

Tansil denies misusing Bapindo funds JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Eddy Tansil yesterday denied that he had misused the funds loaned to him by Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) and that he was the cause for the bank losing Rp 1.3 trillion $448 million. Tansil disclosed publicly for the first time, during a court hearing, details of how he had used the Rp 927 billion ($436 million) loan from Bapindo to prove his point that he had been managing the funds properly until he was arrested in February.

Riau ready for Koran recital meet

Riau ready for Koran recital meet PEKANBARU, Riau: Delegates to the national Koranic reading contest, more popularly known as the MTQ, began arriving here on Thursday for Sunday's event. The contingents from Central Java, Aceh, North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Irian Jaya were the first to arrive for the week-long contest, the Antara news agency reported.

Productivity boosting widely misunderstood

Productivity boosting widely misunderstood JAKARTA (JP): The idea of improving productivity has been widely misunderstood by companies in Indonesia, says a businessmen. Vice Chairman of the Supervising Board of Strategic Industries (BPIS) Giri S. Hadihardjono said that companies have introduced various modern and sophisticated equipment thinking that they could quickly improve their workers' productivity.

Economists ask for leniency in U.S. trade policy

Economists ask for leniency in U.S. trade policy JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian economists expressed their dissatisfaction in a World Net dialogue here yesterday over the U.S. policy on trade with Indonesia. Rizal Ramli, the managing director of Advisory Group in Economic, Industry and Trade (Econit), said that the U.S. trade policy for Indonesia is not as lenient as that for China. The dialog, jointly organized by the Indonesia Economists Association (ISEI) and the U.S.

Canada to beef up trade with Asia

Canada to beef up trade with Asia OTTAWA (AFP): Canadian Foreign Minister Andre Ouellet leaves for a tour of Asia this month in a major Canadian initiative to improve relations with the Asia/Pacific Rim region. The foreign minister's visit will be followed up in November with a tour to China, Hong Kong, Indonesia and possibly one other country by Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien.

Malaysia bars RI's batik sarong

Malaysia bars RI's batik sarong JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian batik sarong is barred from entering Malaysia because of protectionist barriers, the Malaysian embassy's chief commissioner of trade, Sukandar Abdul Latif, said. However, Latif told The Jakarta Post here yesterday that other kinds of Indonesian batiks could be exported to Malaysia.

Yayuk leads RI squad to Federation Cup

Yayuk leads RI squad to Federation Cup JAKARTA (JP): Yayuk Basuki leads a team of three which desperately needs a lucky draw to carve out another piece of history at the Federation Cup women's tennis team championship finals in Frankfurt, Germany. The squad, made up by Yayuk and her talented juniors Romana Tedjakusuma and Natalia Soetrisno, left for the July 18-24 championship yesterday without offering a worth expecting feat to their home fans.

Producers to ease cement shortage

Producers to ease cement shortage JAKARTA (JP): Cement producers yesterday pledged to increase supplies to ease domestic shortages, but proposed that the government increase local reference prices to encourage new investments to expand production capacity. Soepardjo, an executive of the Indonesian Cement Association (ASI), told The Jakarta Post yesterday that in the short term, producers are ready to increase production with the support of imported clinker, a material used for cement production.

Bataks can contribute to Indonesian democracy

Bataks can contribute to Indonesian democracy JAKARTA (JP): The social system of the Bataks, the largest tribe in North Sumatra, places its members in a position to help develop democracy in Indonesia. There is one major drawback however -- the Bataks aren't assertive enough and this has somewhat minimized their influence in the nation building process. This was revealed during a seminar on tribalism and nationalism as applied to the Batak people.

Govt told flexibility best long-term security policy

Govt told flexibility best long-term security policy JAKARTA (JP): The government must be more accommodating and receptive to people's demands according to Vedi Hadiz. Vedi Hadiz, director of the Society for Political and Economic Studies, told a seminar on Wednesday that the government would be better off avoiding the emergence of any people's movements which can destabilize the nation once they start rolling.

Injuries reported in Dili commotion

Injuries reported in Dili commotion JAKARTA (JP): Several people were injured yesterday when a student demonstration turned into a commotion when police tried to disperse them, the local military said yesterday. Maj. L. Simbolon, spokesman for the East Timor military command, said 10 people were held for questioning and eight others were treated for injuries. "Security forces did not hurt any demonstrator in the incident.

Five-star hotel at Lippo Village to open soon

Five-star hotel at Lippo Village to open soon JAKARTA (JP): The Imperial Century Hotel and Resort, a five- star hotel-cum-luxury resort in Tangerang, a fast growing town 23 kilometers west of Jakarta, will be opened in September, the hotel management said. "The construction work is now in its final stages," said the hotel general manager, Malcolm McLauchlan. "The soft opening of the hotel will be held on Sept.

Governor sued for slander

Governor sued for slander BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Hundreds of spectators flocked to the city's district court on Tuesday to see the trial of Governor H.M. Said, who was accused by lawyer H.M. Fachrie Doemas of ruining the latter's reputation, Antara reported. The plaintiff accused the governor of ruining his reputation by suggesting that his diplomas were forged. Said's lawyer pointed out that the suggestion did not come from the governor but rather from the South Kalimantan Police.

Spirit of togetherness

Spirit of togetherness Speaking on the occasion of the Waisak celebration on July 12, 1994, President Soeharto said that the sociocultural society of Indonesia is a natural phenomenon. So we have to respect each other in our social life. According to the President, we have no choice but to nurture the spirit of togetherness, so that differences prevailing among us become a dynamic force in our course to progress and achieve common goals. This perception is not new.

Subdistricts given more autonomy over finances

Subdistricts given more autonomy over finances JAKARTA (JP): More than 260 subdistricts in the city now have greater freedom in managing their own finances under a bill on the subdistrict financial management system just passed by the City Council. The bill, which was approved by the council during a plenary session on Wednesday, is also aimed at facilitating the subdistrict offices to improve their services to the community.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The listing of Indofood Sukses Makmur shares on the market here yesterday fueled a strong buying mood, driving most share prices towards a recovery in active trading. The broad-based Composite Index gained 7.08 points to close at 460.29 from 453.21 on Wednesday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also rose to 108.33 from 107.93.

Soeharto dedicates national days to the poor

Soeharto dedicates national days to the poor WONOGIRI, Central Java (JP): President Soeharto yesterday dedicated the national Agriculture Day, Cooperatives Day and Family Planning Day to the poor people of Indonesia. The President returned to the once poor village of Wuryantoro in Wonogiri, where he spent part of his childhood, to celebrate the three national days. "I lived in Wuryantoro from 1929 to 1935, so I can feel the suffering of the poor people.

Man who stalked women on wheels captured at last

Man who stalked women on wheels captured at last JAKARTA (JP): Police said they have captured a hard core repeat offender believed to have robbed thousands of car-driving women over the past two years. "We hope with his arrest, women who drive cars can feel safe now," Lt. Col. Gories Mere, chief of the General Crime Office of the Investigative Directorate of the city police told a press conference yesterday.

Jakarta grinds to a halt during World Cup semis

Jakarta grinds to a halt during World Cup semis JAKARTA (JP): Yesterday's morning rush hour in Jakarta saw traffic flowing smoothly along the city's normally jam packed streets as people remained glued to their televisions watching the World Cup semifinals. Many areas in the city looked a strange, yet preferable, sight, as cars moved easily along major highways and the usually congested streets.

Sorry, no lunch money: Silalahi

Sorry, no lunch money: Silalahi JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Administrative Reform T.B. Silalahi has ruled out the possibility of providing meal allowances for civil servants now that their daily working hours will soon be extended. "It's not feasible at the moment because of budget constraints," Silalahi was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying yesterday.

Rubber producers, consumers upbeat after 3-day meet

Rubber producers, consumers upbeat after 3-day meet KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Delegates from key rubber producing and consuming nations concluded three days of informal talks yesterday expressing optimism that a global rubber-pricing pact could be achieved this year. The high-level working group meeting in Kuala Lumpur was held ahead of U.N.-sponsored talks in Geneva this October to renegotiate the International Natural Rubber Agreement (INRA). "The informal talks have been constructive.

RP military may lose in conflict

RP military may lose in conflict MANILA (AFP): Philippine military chief, Gen. Arturo Enrile admitted yesterday that the country's poorly-equipped military would likely lose in any armed conflict over the disputed Spratly islands chain. He cited this as another reason for a military modernization program which he estimated would cost 50-to-70 billion pesos (US$1.85-$2.6 billion) over five years.

C. Java water crisis deepens

C. Java water crisis deepens TEMANGGUNG, Central Java: The ongoing severe drought is forcing people in two subdistricts here to walk three kilometers each day to obtain water. They have to go that distance to Manggut and Kalimundu villages, which still have water. When they get there they have to stand in line for up to six hours to get their ration. "This is exhausting and some of us are too tired to work afterwards," one villager complained.

Midwives set for course in London

Midwives set for course in London JAKARTA (JP): The government has selected 30 nurse instructors from four colleges in Indonesia to undergo training at the Royal College of Midwives (RCM) in London. The World Bank-funded education program is part of the government's drive to reduce the maternal and infant mortality rates in the country, Minister of Health Sujudi said on Wednesday after briefing the 30 participants.

Telkom's subsidiaries

Telkom's subsidiaries JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Finance is studying the feasibility for the planned establishment of two subsidiaries by the state-owned domestic telecommunications company PT Telkom. Telkom's development director, Koesmarihati Sugondo, told The Jakarta Post here yesterday that the two planned subsidiaries will include PT Sambungan Komunikasi Satelit Perminyakan (SKSP) and PT Batamindo.

Police bust two vehicle theft gangs, seize seven cars

Police bust two vehicle theft gangs, seize seven cars JAKARTA (JP): Police announced yesterday that they have busted two gangs of automobile thieves and confiscated at least seven stolen vehicles from them. Maj. Endang Sunjaya, chief of the theft unit of the general crimes office at the city police headquarters, told a press meeting yesterday the two groups were called "Gang of Didi Ambon" and "Gang of Surawi." He spoke in the company of Lt. Col.

Water park slated for Bekasi

Water park slated for Bekasi BEKASI (JP): The Bekasi regency administration will build a water park similar to that of the Ancol dreamland, North Jakarta, and a sports center in a 7.9 hectare site at the Karang Kitri scout camping ground in the Margahayu subdistrict, East Bekasi. "When the project finishes, Bekasi residents will no longer have to go to Ancol because the park will resemble that of the Jakarta resort," said Hayati Katoppo of PT Reka Pastika, which will develop the site.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m World Cup 1994, rerun 4:00 Quiz 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Cultural program 6:05 Nusantara the beloved country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Sebaiknya Anda Tahu 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dinamika 8:05 Bintang Nusantara 9:00 World News 9:25 Journal of World Cup 1994 9:55 Youth Program 11:00 Late News 11:10 Film: Indio 2 Program 2 4:30 p.m.

RI government to pick one more GSM operator

RI government to pick one more GSM operator JAKARTA (JP): The government will hold an open bid to choose a qualified company to operate cellular telecommunications using the latest technology, called the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM), an executive says.

Ex-Fretilin leader speaks for RI at UN committee

Ex-Fretilin leader speaks for RI at UN committee JAKARTA (JP): A former leader of an East Timor armed separatist movement spoke in favor of the integration of the former Portuguese colony and said he is proud to be an Indonesian citizen. Fransisco Xavier Amaral, a former leader of Fretilin which has been fighting for a separate state for the last 19 years, told the United Nations' Decolonization Committee in New York that East Timor is firmly part of Indonesia.

Visitors to JF below target

Visitors to JF below target The organizers of the Jakarta Fair (JF) have indicated that the number of visitors to this year's fair, which has entered its final week, will unlikely reach their target. As of yesterday, the 26th day of the 28-day fair, the number of visitors to the fair had reached only 1.9 million people, far below the target of three million people.

Freeport to boost copper supply to its Spanish sister firm

Freeport to boost copper supply to its Spanish sister firm JAKARTA (JP): PT Freeport Indonesia (FI), the Indonesian copper and gold mining subsidiary of Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc. (FCX) of the United States will provide its Spanish sister company, Rio Tinto Minera S.A. (RTM), with approximately one half of its copper concentrate requirements in 1996.

Batak photographer searches for roots through pictures

Batak photographer searches for roots through pictures By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): A Batak ethnic photographer, in his bid to search for his cultural roots, has produced a collection of pictures highlighting his people's life and destiny. Unfortunately, the collection is far from a complete documentation of the entire experience of the ethnic group.

Bank Mashill to open four sub-branches this year

Bank Mashill to open four sub-branches this year JAKARTA (JP): PT Bank Mashill Utama, a private domestic bank listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange, will expand its business network in Jakarta and West Java. The bank's president, Antonius T. Windoe, told reporters after its annual shareholders meeting yesterday that the bank will open four new sub-branch offices in Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi by the end of the year.

Star tenors to highlight soccer final match

Star tenors to highlight soccer final match JAKARTA (JP): In the world of opera, the most exotic of all music, sopranos once ruled supreme. From Francesca Cuzzoni (Handel's time - 18th century) to... let's say today's Frederika von Stade or Montserrat Caballe, their movements and theatrics on, as well as (perhaps even more) off stage, have been followed avidly.

Students blast ASEAN meeting

Students blast ASEAN meeting BANGKOK (AFP): A Myanmarese student group yesterday blasted Thailand's invitation to Myanmar to attend the ASEAN foreign ministers meeting here next week, but said it would not do anything violent to disrupt the conference. Rumors that the dissidents would launch bombings or other terrorists attacks during the July 22-27 conference "are completely false," the All Burma Students' Democratic Front (ABSDF) said in a statement.

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 12:30 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.

Drought disrupts water supply

Drought disrupts water supply JAMBI, Jambi: A drought has caused the wells of local residents to dry up and has disrupted the supply from the city's clean water supplier company. In the densely populated areas, people are turning to other sources of water, such as the river mouth and swamps. Those who usually obtain water from dams have also complained of the situation and now must get their water from swamps more than 50 meters from their houses.

`Tribal Tech' to perform here

`Tribal Tech' to perform here A jazz group from the United States, Tribal Tech, is scheduled to hold a one-night performance here tomorrow. The presentation of the group's guitarist, Scott Henderson, and bassist, Garry Willis, will take place 9 p.m. at the 21 Concert Hall of Ratu Plaza, Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta. This show will be followed by a performance featuring noted Indonesian jazz player, Bubby Chen, and other local musicians.

Siam to operate in Vietnam

Siam to operate in Vietnam BANGKOK (Reuter): Siam Commercial Bank Plc plans banking joint ventures in Vietnam and Nepal with local partners, the bank told the Stock Exchange of Thailand. A bank called Vina Siam Bank to be set up in Hanoi, Vietnam, has US$15 million registered capital, of which SCB and unlisted Thai agribusiness conglomerate hold an equal 33 percent stake. The remaining 34 percent will be held by Vietnam Bank for Agriculture. SCB's investment is $4.95 million.