Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 July 1994

57 articles found

`Ondel-ondel' artists deplore disappearance of Betawi villages

`Ondel-ondel' artists deplore disappearance of Betawi villages By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): On Tuesday morning, last week, two old artists of ondel-ondel (traditional Betawi puppet show) together with three young apprentices left their respective villages of Tegal Tangki and Rawa Meneng in Subang regency, West Java, to try their luck in Jakarta. After a day-long trip by bus and train, the five street musicians arrived in the city in the evening.

Church Services

Church Services * Catholic Church, University of Atmajaya, Jl. Jend. Sudirman: Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m., 10:30 p.m. (with songs) and 5:30 p.m. * First Church of Christ, Scientist, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro 48, Menteng, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (in Indonesian) and 8 a.m. (in English). * All Saints Anglican Church (opposite The Aryaduta Jakarta), Jl. Prapatan, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. * Jakarta Community Church, Jl.

Yogie appoints three new director generals

Yogie appoints three new director generals JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. installed three new director generals in his office yesterday, each promoted from within the ministry. Sumitro Maskun, a former head of the ministry's research and development agency, was installed as the director general of public administration and regional autonomy.

Water subsides in Kedungombo

Water subsides in Kedungombo GROBOGAN, Central Java: The water level in the Kedungombo dam has dropped by six meters from the original level of 92 meters because of the long dry spell. Spokesman for the Grobogan administration Tjipto Santoso said the situation at the dam will be critical if the water level falls below 80 meters. Despite the decrease, regions irrigated by the system originating from the dam have not suffered a water shortage, he added. (har/par)

RI, U.S. hold joint naval exercises

RI, U.S. hold joint naval exercises JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Navy is to launch a joint exercise with its American counterpart in waters around Bali and East Java beginning today. The Indonesian Navy will deploy a corvette, KRI Fatahilah while the U.S. Navy will use two ships, USS Reuben James and USS Camden during the four-day drill, according to the Antara news agency quoting a statement from the Navy's information section.

KL's biggest team set for Indonesia Open

KL's biggest team set for Indonesia Open JAKARTA (JP): Malaysian ace shuttlers are listed among the big names who will compete in the Indonesia Open badminton championships in Yogyakarta next month However, there have been questions about their entry due to the busy August programs in which they have to don the national colors in the Commonwealth Games.

Jakarta needs negative type blood donors

Jakarta needs negative type blood donors JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Chapter of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI DKI) has said it is having difficulty meeting the increasing demands for B negative blood due to a lack of donors. "There are only 53 negative rhesus blood donors in the city," said Suhantini, the head of blood transfusions unit of PMI DKI. "With the small number of donors, it is difficult to meet the demand.

Thailand concerned over security in South China Sea

Thailand concerned over security in South China Sea By Pandaya BANGKOK (JP): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai expressed concern yesterday over security in the South China Sea, calling for "preventive diplomacy" to settle the smoldering conflict over the Spratly Islands. "The competition for ocean space and resources in the South China Sea is a particularly worrisome prospect," Chuan said when opening the 27th ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting.

S. Korea to raise LNG imports from RI

S. Korea to raise LNG imports from RI JAKARTA (JP): South Korea, which now annually imports 5.6 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Indonesia, yesterday confirmed an import increase by initialing contract agreements for the deliveries of another 2.2 million tons a year.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The price drop continued yesterday on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), with the broad-based Composite Index losing another two points to close at 459.07 against Thursday's 461.13. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also lost ground to close at 109.46 against 110.00. Securities brokers said the buying mood was worsening as more investors took sale positions to ward off further loss.

Ring road will connect East, West Jakarta

Ring road will connect East, West Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): People who live in South Jakarta will soon be freed from traffic congestion as the Ministry of Public Works has started to extend the Jl. TB Simatupang outer ring road from its terminal at Pondok Pinang in South Jakarta to Joglo in the west. A spokesman for the South Jakarta mayoralty told The Jakarta Post yesterday that there are two main road projects underway here now. They are the extension of Jl.

RI pushes for peaceful bid on Spratlys

RI pushes for peaceful bid on Spratlys By Pandaya BANGKOK (JP): Indonesia drummed up stronger support yesterday for its move to seek a peaceful solution to the potentially explosive conflict over the oil-rich Spratlys in the South China Sea. Indonesia's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas, when addressing the annual ASEAN foreign ministerial meeting, said that the current relative stability in the Asia Pacific provided a good opportunity for peace efforts.

More rice fields in Bekasi may disappear

More rice fields in Bekasi may disappear BEKASI, WEST JAVA (JP): A property developer's plans for developing the Cikarang district threatens 3,000 hectares of productive rice fields in Bekasi, West Java. PT Grahabuana Cikarang, an industrial and real estate developer affiliated to PT Kawasan Industry Jababeka (KIJ), will turn a 5,400 hectare plot in Cikarang, Bekasi, into industrial and real estate developments.

School books arrive late

School books arrive late SORONG, Irian Jaya: Fifty packages of urgently needed books for elementary and junior high schools are lying idle in a warehouse because the local education office cannot pay the port fees. The books, which should have been distributed before the start of the new school year last week, have been at the warehouse for the last two months, the Antara news agency reported.

Vietnam observer at GATT

Vietnam observer at GATT GENEVA (AFP): The world trade body GATT has awarded Vietnam observer status, the Geneva-based organization said. Vietnam's ambassador to international organizations in Geneva, Nguyen Luong, said his country wanted to become a full member of GATT, or the successor World Trade Organization, when it is set up next year. He said that thanks to economic reforms under way in Vietnam since 1989, external trade has grown 20 percent per year and foreign investment has mushroomed.

Lawyers fail to meet governor

Lawyers fail to meet governor SEMARANG: Central Java governor Soewardi rejected four lawyers yesterday from the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) who intended to have a discussion about the fate of displaced villagers in Kedungombo. The lawyers, led by Adnan Buyung Nasution, wanted to talk about a Supreme Court ruling that granted 34 displaced farmers compensation higher than the local government was willing to offer.

Vatican praises religious life in Indonesia

Vatican praises religious life in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Cardinal Francis Arinze, a high-ranking Vatican official, yesterday praised the Indonesian government's success in nurturing religious harmony in the country. "Indonesia is a country that has given us a sample of how the government can support harmonious existence between religions," Cardinal Arinze said at a meeting at the Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI) headquarters.

City to fight deviant sects

City to fight deviant sects JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta's Security Agency (Bakorstanasda Jaya) will form a special team to protect the capital from deviant sects which can harm the peaceful life of religious community. "We will form this special team to be called Satgas Ulama (special team for Islamic scholars) to hamper the presence of deviant sects which could bring separation in the religious community, especially the Moslem," chief of Bakorstanasda Jaya AM Hendropriyono said.

Yogie to keep hands off PPP congress

Yogie to keep hands off PPP congress JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. promised yesterday that the government would stay out of the contest for leadership of the United Development Party (PPP) which will take place at its congress in Jakarta in late August. Yogie, however, urged the Moslem-based party to make sure that they could elect their chairman in just one congress and not let the issue drag on, as occurred with the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) last year.

Insurance firm's profit declines

Insurance firm's profit declines JAKARTA (JP): Interest rate declines slashed last year's profit by 6.2 percent for PT Asuransi Dayin Mitra, an insurance company. The firm's after-tax profit declined from Rp 5 billion (US$2.3 million) in 1992 to Rp 4.69 billion last year, the firm's board of directors said in a report to the annual shareholders meeting here yesterday.

TV Today: Saturday, July 23, 1994

TV Today: Saturday, July 23, 1994 TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m Sports 3:30 TV Series: Sins 4:30 Pelangi Budaya 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science program 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Fashion 8:05 TV Series: Midnight Caller 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film Program 2 4:30 p.m. Sports 5:30 City News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 English News Service 8:00 TV Series: Room for Two 8:30 Music TPI 5:30 a.m.

Rights council to probe report of labor abuses

Rights council to probe report of labor abuses JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights has promised to investigate allegations of abuse regarding the rights of workers in North Sumatra and West Kalimantan.

Hospital opens baby feeding lounge

Hospital opens baby feeding lounge The first resting lounge for breast-feeding mothers in Indonesia is now open in St. Carolus Hospital, Central Jakarta. The lounge, called Maria Goretti, was opened Thursday to commemorate National Childrens Day, which is today, and International Breast-feeding Week from Aug. 1 to 7. "We are concerned with the future of our children," said Mrs. Ati Wardiman Djojonegoro, wife of Minister of Education and Culture.

Fire hits Bali hotel

Fire hits Bali hotel DENPASAR, Bali: Fire hit the Dhyana Pura hotel in the Kuta beach resort on Friday, damaging 21 of its 86 rooms. There were no casualties. The fire started in one of the cottages, quickly spreading to five others nearby, the Antara news agency reported eyewitnesses as saying. The fire brigade put the blaze out within two hours. The hotel is owned by Dhyana Pura Foundation, a subsidiary of the Indonesian Protestant Council.

87% of listed companies audited by foreign firms

87% of listed companies audited by foreign firms JAKARTA (JP): About 87 percent of companies listed on Indonesia's stock markets were audited by members of the world's six big accounting firms, says an executive of an international accounting company. Terry Underwood, an executive of Arthur Anderson in Japan, said that based on these statistics, there is no reason for foreign investors not to rely on financial reports of listed companies in Indonesia.

Rubber producers to propose raising INRO's reference price

Rubber producers to propose raising INRO's reference price KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Rubber producers said yesterday they would press for a rise in the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) reference price to enhance its market intervention following the current price surge. "It sure is time to adjust the reference price. We will discuss this at next month's INRO special session," said Sucharit Promdej, executive director of the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries.

Classical music symphony with a focus on youth

Classical music symphony with a focus on youth By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): "Pray for me, please", said 17-year-old Dominicus Levi Gunardi, who was about to play Liebestod, an excerpt from Wagner's opera Tristan and Isolde, arranged for piano by his father-in-law, Franz Liszt. Of course I answered "I will" though I doubted that this brilliant young pianist needed any. Prayers are for those who are unprepared for the job they've taken on.

Rice scarcity

Rice scarcity The drought has struck again and reports on scarcity of rice in various regions are in the news. This has triggered a price hike of rice, ranging from 30 to 100 percent in the affected areas. It is not clear whether the rice shortage is caused by the spell of drought or by the speculators' ruling. Bulog's Chief has assured that rice stock is sufficient, so why this shortage?

Governor wants public support for anti-AIDS campaign

Governor wants public support for anti-AIDS campaign JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja wants Jakartans to work hand in hand with city officials in the state-sponsored drive to prevent the spread of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. "Based on the latest data from the Ministry of Health, 74 of the 214 people suffering from AIDS in the country are Jakartans," Surjadi said. Surjadi was speaking at the opening of a one-day workshop on AIDS prevention at City Hall yesterday.

Bakrie denies dissension among Kadin ranks

Bakrie denies dissension among Kadin ranks By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Aburizal Bakrie yesterday denied that the creation of the National Cooperation Forum of Company Associations (FKAP) is a revolt by several eminent members of the chamber. "We support it. The creation of the forum is good as long as it doesn't turn into an organization," Aburizal said here yesterday.

Indonesia hosts Argentina in 1995 Federation Cup

Indonesia hosts Argentina in 1995 Federation Cup FRANKFURT, (Agencies): Indonesia, whose dreams of reaching into the world elite group of women's tennis in the Federation Cup was shattered by Bulgaria last Wednesday, has another uphill task next year when it hosts top seed Argentina in Jakarta. In Group One, Indonesia will have a home clash against top- seed Argentina while the Slovak Republic will travel to Australia.

ADB study starts off new growth triangle

ADB study starts off new growth triangle MANILA (AFP): The creation of a growth triangle comprising the contiguous areas of Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand can now be realized with the completion of an Asian Development Bank (ADB)- led study, ADB officials said here yesterday.

Akishino will study birds in Indonesia

Akishino will study birds in Indonesia TOKYO (AFP): Prince Akishino, second son of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko, will visit Indonesia next month to study birds, government officials said yesterday. During the private Aug.4-14 visit, approved at a cabinet meeting yesterday, Prince Akishino, 28, will observe birds on the island of Sumatra. The prince made a similar ornithological research tour to Indonesia last year.

Subject to our own creation

Subject to our own creation Shortages in cement supplies have occurred practically every year since the early 1970s. Each time the result is an increase in prices to well above the local reference prices set by the government. Each time this is followed by a "dialog" between the government and cement producers, who usually propose an increase in local reference prices. And each time their demand is met.

Malaria sweeps Sepekan Island

Malaria sweeps Sepekan Island SUMENEP, Madura: Malaria has killed one person and affected 284 others in Sepekan, an islet off the eastern tip of Madura. Some 100 people have been hospitalized for treatment, the Antara news agency reported. Chief of the local health office Muda'im said that the disease was first detected only a week ago and is spreading quickly.

PT Indah Kiat's profits plunge by 25.6%

PT Indah Kiat's profits plunge by 25.6% JAKARTA (JP): PT Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper Corporation yesterday reported a 25.6 percent decline in last year's profits due to "domestic and international financial constraints." A director of the company, Njauw Kwet Meen, said at its annual shareholders' meeting here that last year's profits were Rp 31 billion lower than the Rp 121 billion recorded in 1992.

Smacks may be necessary to educate children

Smacks may be necessary to educate children By Tri Hafiningsih Abuse or education? As the following interviews by The Jakarta Post reporter Tri Harfiningsih show, the line of distinction between the two is not always as easy to draw as it may seem. Yet, the question is worth pondering as Indonesia celebrates National Children's Day today. JAKARTA (JP): Physical punishments may give your children a better understanding of what is good or bad, some parents say.

AFC, Coca Cola sign big deal

AFC, Coca Cola sign big deal JAKARTA (JP): Asia's latest performance at the just concluded soccer extravaganza - the World Cup finals - in the United States which saw debutant Saudi Arabia make it to the second round has prompted Asian Football Confederation (AFC) to further boost soccer in the region. In an effort to make the sport further develop Asia's highest soccer governing body, AFC signed a multi-million dollar sponsorship with Coca-Cola recently in Kuala Lumpur.

Indonesia needs more trade lawyers

Indonesia needs more trade lawyers JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia needs more legal experts specializing in international trade who can deal with any potential legal problems in implementing the new General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), noted economist Mari Pangestu says. "Few Indonesians understand GATT," Mari told journalists when responding to a question on what the country should do in preparation for the full implementation of GATT.

Dispute affects study

Dispute affects study From Suara Karya As a father of a student attending the National University located in Ragunan, South Jakarta, I felt very sad and angry when I saw a number of the university's security guards forcibly take control of the laboratory. They barred students from entering the laboratory to do any kind of activity.

Malaysian admits receiving gold coin

Malaysian admits receiving gold coin KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A Malaysian businessman has admitted that he received but later misplaced a Standard Chartered Plc gold coin worth US$10,000, reported by the British media to have gone missing after being lent as a sample to a minister.

Dry season hikes vegetable prices

Dry season hikes vegetable prices Prices of vegetables at the Kramat Jati wholesale market in East Jakarta have risen by seven to 22 percent in the past few weeks following a decline in vegetable yields in production areas as a result of the dry season. Herman, the head of the data and transportation unit at the market, revealed yesterday that the price of all types of vegetables have risen compared to the previous month.

Problem with housemaid

Problem with housemaid From Kompas A friend of mine in Sidotopo, Surabaya, introduced a house maid to me on June 18, 1994. The housemaid, whose name is Yusi, is 16 years old and has no identity card. Previously she lived with her parents and eight other children in a hut close to an unused train wagon left on railway track in Sidotopo. Her father is Alex Chandra Andi, 35 years old, and her mother, Supiah, is about 30 years old and is expecting another baby.

People struggle for fresh water

People struggle for fresh water SEMARANG, Central Java: The prolonged drought affecting the province has forced people in many areas of the region to walk for many kilometers to obtain fresh water. Among the areas suffering the most are Kaliori, Sulang, Sumber and Pancur, where the locals must find other water sources because their wells have gone dry. "It's difficult to find water. Many wells have stopped producing water and there is no pipe water," said Hartono, a resident. (har/par)

Final tenders for three power plants project approved

Final tenders for three power plants project approved JAKARTA (JP): The government, after tough negotiations for half a year, has finally reached agreement with three consortia on the pricing of three major power projects planned to be established in Java at a total cost of US$1.67 billion. "The new bidding prices reflect a 22-percent decline from $2.14 billion offered by the consortia in their first proposal to the state-owned electricity company PLN on Feb.

Bandung sees first rain in months

Bandung sees first rain in months BANDUNG (JP): Drizzle fell on the city on Thursday, the first rain seen in the area for months, when the government experimented with cloud seeding to induce rain. The rain fell on the city only briefly, for about 15 minutes. But the shower, also the result of efforts to artificially create rain, lasted longer in the Nagrek area just outside the city.

Minister's son injured in car accident

Minister's son injured in car accident JAKARTA (JP): A sedan plunged into the fountain of the Hotel Indonesia roundabout, killing the driver and injuring three passengers, including a son of a minister, early yesterday morning. A reliable source at the traffic directorate of the City Police told reporters yesterday the accident took place at approximately 1:15 a.m. The "Mazda Capella" sedan was reportedly driven by Hairomi, 37, a resident of Jl.

Iodine deficiency threatens populace

Iodine deficiency threatens populace SURABAYA: Minister of Health Sujudi said iodine deficiency threatens 30 million people in 26 provinces with the dwarf syndrome and goiter. "The government will cooperate with private companies and cooperatives to distributing iodized salt," Sujudi said as quoted by the Antara news agency. The most susceptible areas for the diseases, Sujudi said, are the highlands of East Java, Central Java and Kalimantan.

Police seize two tons of smuggled garlic

Police seize two tons of smuggled garlic JAKARTA (JP): Police announced yesterday that they have arrested ten women for smuggling two tons of garlic through the Tanjung Priok port, but released them later for undisclosed reasons. "We have freed the suspects after questioning them intensively," Lt. Col. Latief Rabar, spokesman for the city police.

Beware of white ants

Beware of white ants In the so-called colonial era, I recall that my Dutch teacher used to state that teak wood is the best wood in the world, a house built of teakwood would last forever. The wood is so hard, it easily withstood the ferocity of white ants. However, that was half a century ago and times have changed. Recently many people have complained of the harassment they suffer from white ants.

Comic nostalgia alive and well in `Flinstones'

Comic nostalgia alive and well in `Flinstones' By Jim Plouffe JAKARTA (JP): Some have criticized The Flintstones for being too simple and some have complained about the lack of plot or any real action, but they have all missed the fact that the film is simply a nostalgic look at everyone's favorite stone age family. From the beginning, you realize that the movie will be true to the cartoon that you grew up with.

Builders concerned about cement shortage

Builders concerned about cement shortage JAKARTA (JP): Builders, crying out over the substantial increase in cement prices, yesterday urged the government to take measures to end shortage of supplies of the construction material.

Abused children face lack of medical and legal protection

Abused children face lack of medical and legal protection By Santi W.E. Soekanto Unquestionably, it would be easy to find more pleasant themes to write about to mark National Children's Day. In the following couple of articles, however, we deliberately choose to spotlight the question of child abuse as a reminder that some darker sides to the lives of children still exist in this country.

Kapuas expedition finds giant squirrel in heart of darkness

Kapuas expedition finds giant squirrel in heart of darkness JAKARTA (JP): A 40-day expedition, along the rivers of Kapuas and Mahakam stretching from west to east Kalimantan, concluded yesterday in Samarinda with a bonus -- the belief that they may had discovered a new animal species.

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.

Officials questioned for corruption

Officials questioned for corruption BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Two officials at the Bengkulu city administration are being questioned by the provincial high prosecutor's office for alleged corruption. Chief of the office, Army Boer, said the officials are suspected of embezzling money from two state banks. The embezzled money had been intended for financing market, road and housing projects, he added, Antara reported. (par)

Major art gala in November

Major art gala in November A major art gala is planned for this November as part of the commemoration for the 50th anniversary of Indonesia's independence in 1995. Called the "Senimania Republika '94", the event is jointly organized by the Republika daily newspaper and the Jakarta Art Council (DKJ). The organizers said they intend to make this an annual event to contribute to Indonesia's calendar of arts. This year's theme of the art gala, to be held from Nov.