Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 July 1994

47 articles found

Kadin: Deregulation still inadequate

Kadin: Deregulation still inadequate JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) considers the deregulatory measures introduced by the government last month to be inadequate for improving the competitiveness of Indonesian products overseas. "The government should follow last month's deregulatory measures with new ones that have more comprehensive coverage and a reduction of bureaucratic procedures," Kadin's chairman, Aburizal Bakrie, told reporters here yesterday.

Problems hamper RI trade with Australia: NAFED

Problems hamper RI trade with Australia: NAFED JAKARTA (JP): Non-tariff barriers and a lack of regular product supplies and supporting institutions have hampered the development of bilateral trade between Indonesia and Australia.

Court fines students for `boisterous actions'

Court fines students for `boisterous actions' JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta district court yesterday imposed a Rp 2,500 (US$1.16) fine on each of the 41 students and activists arrested the day before during a hunger strike. Lt. Col. Latief Rabar, spokesman of the Jakarta police force, told The Jakarta Post the charges were based on Chapter 510 of the Criminal Code, which forbids the staging of "boisterous actions" in public places without permission from police officials.

Fair visitors complain about shoddy bus service

Fair visitors complain about shoddy bus service JAKARTA (JP): Visitors to the 1994 Jakarta Fair (PRJ) have expressed dissatisfaction with the poor services provided by public transportation vehicles operating to and from the Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, fair grounds.

India to place new envoy

India to place new envoy JAKARTA: The Indian government has appointed Sudhir Tukaram Devare as the Indian ambassador to Indonesia, replacing Vinay Verma. The Indian embassy said yesterday that Devare is a senior officer of the Indian Foreign Service who gained extensive diplomatic experience through his assignments in Moscow, Washington, Geneva and other places. A chemistry graduate who joined the Indian Foreign Service in July 1964, Devare is currently serving as ambassador in Kiev.

8,000 workers strike for meal allowance and wage increase

8,000 workers strike for meal allowance and wage increase JAKARTA (JP): Some 8,000 workers of a shoe factory in Serang, West Java, went on strike yesterday, demanding that their meal allowance be increased from the current sum of Rp 800 (37 US cents). "Out of that amount, we still have to pay a Rp 140 fee to the caterers. How can we get three, nutritious meals a day with the Rp 660 that is left?" asked one of the striking workers of PT Nikomas Gemilang.

Paiton looks for underwriters

Paiton looks for underwriters JAKARTA (JP): PT Paiton Energy Company, a Japanese-American- Indonesian consortium awarded a contract to set up two power units in Paiton, East Java, has appointed Chase Manhattan Bank N.A. of the United States and Industrial Bank of Japan to coordinate loans for its project. Paiton Energy will establish two coal-fired units, with a combined capacity of 1,230 megawatts, under build-own-and-operate based contract with the government.

Spotlight captions

Spotlight captions Photo A: Japanese JP/arh CONGRATULATIONS: Jakarta Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochamad Hindarto (left) shakes hands with Japanese Ambassador Kimio Fujita at a ceremony for the Japanese Self Defense Force's anniversary held on Wednesday at the Ambassador's house.

State asset reports require double checking: Sumarlin

State asset reports require double checking: Sumarlin JAKARTA (JP): Reports on state assets must be examined thoroughly, Chairman of the Supreme Audit Agency, J. B. Sumarlin, said yesterday. "We need a balance sheet to know the developments of all of our state assets -- what, how many and where they are," he said here yesterday after submitting a report on the agency's auditing of state budget implementation in the first semester of 1993-1994 to the House of Representatives.

OSJ's concert highlights Jakarta's birthday

OSJ's concert highlights Jakarta's birthday By Gus Kairupan Jakarta (JP): Jakarta is in the midst of festivities commemorating its 467th anniversary. Among the events was the concert presented by the Jakarta Symphony Orchestra (OSJ) under the direction of Yudianto Hinupurwadi on Thursday at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta.

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.

Indonesia will buy no wine before its time

Indonesia will buy no wine before its time By David Zweifler JAKARTA (JP): California wine makers are adopting a contrary approach to wine making. To many, this would seem a bad time to get involved with the Indonesian wine market. Others would say that there never was a good time to get involved with the Indonesian wine market. So why, last Friday and Saturday, were Eric P. Wente and James Fetzer hosting a promotional event here in Jakarta? They're banking on the future.

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.

Many fake land deeds revoked

Many fake land deeds revoked JAKARTA (JP): The chief of the Jakarta Land Agency, Sunar, announced yesterday that his office has revoked hundreds of fake land certificates. "I can't remember the exact number, but we've nullified hundreds of bogus certificates," Sunar said. He explained that his agency had received a number of complaints and reports about bogus certificates, which it followed up with field investigations that confirmed their existence.

New work week scheme tied to productivity

New work week scheme tied to productivity JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Administrative Reforms TB Silalahi said yesterday that the trial run for the long weekend scheme for civil servants should aim at increasing productivity. "Longer work hours does not guarantee higher productivity," he said. Silalahi was elaborating on the government's plan for a five- day-work-week for civil servants, which will reduce the number of working days but increase the number of working hours per day.

Cambodia still divided by factional rifts

Cambodia still divided by factional rifts By Yuli Ismartono JAKARTA (JP): When Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Hun Sen, Cambodia's two prime ministers, visited Jakarta recently, they took pains to convince potential investors that their country is a safe place to do business. "I am very pleased to report that the coalition government of the Kingdom of Cambodia is working extremely well," Ranariddh told members of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) at a luncheon meeting.

Carrots, sticks at Telkom

Carrots, sticks at Telkom BANDUNG: The state-run telecommunication company, PT Telkom, gave rewards to some 85 dedicated employees and punished 122 others at its headquarter here. The rewards and penalties were presented by the president of the company, Setyanto P. Santosa, during a recent ceremony. "This step is a part of the company's program to upgrade the mentality of the employees," Setyanto said.

Construction of Senen flyover postponed

Construction of Senen flyover postponed JAKARTA (JP): A bizarre administrative error regarding the payment of compensation for the owner of a house to be demolished has impeded the construction of a flyover in the Senen area, Central Jakarta. The building, located on Jl. Kramat Raya, has yet to be pulled down, reportedly because the officers in charge of the project had given the compensation payment to the wrong person.

Accor opens three new hotels in the capital

Accor opens three new hotels in the capital JAKARTA (JP): Accor Asia Pacific Corporation (AAPC), a joint venture of the France-based Accor, and Quality Pacific Corporation Ltd. of Australia, will open new hotels in Jakarta and Bekasi, West Java, in the near future. The hotels, classified as boutique hotels, include the 345- room Ibis Slipi on Jl. S. Parman, West Jakarta, the 92-room Ibis Cikarang in Bekasi and the 100-room Arcadia Hotel on Jl. Wahid Hasyim, Central Jakarta.

Bapepam defends price intervention in primary market

Bapepam defends price intervention in primary market JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) yesterday defended the agency's price intervention on the primary market. "In emerging markets like Indonesia, price intervention is still needed. But it is a temporary measure," Bacelius Ruru told reporters.

Blok M vendors march again to council over escalators

Blok M vendors march again to council over escalators JAKARTA (JP): A group of traditional, small-scale traders who occupy the first floor of the Melawai 4 building, South Jakarta, once again went to the City Council to protest a statement made by South Jakarta Mayor Pardjoko which they described as almost dictatorial.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices continued to close lower on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) here yesterday. The broad-based Composite Index closed 1.9 lower to end at 452.2 from 454.1 on Thursday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also closed 0.77 points lower at 107.39 from 108.16. Trading volume totaled 9.9 million shares worth Rp 44.93 billion (US$20.81 million).

Cloud seeding plan recommended by Geophysics Agency

Cloud seeding plan recommended by Geophysics Agency JAKARTA (JP): The Meteorological and Geophysics Agency recommends that the government initiate cloud seeding to overcome the wide-spread drought problem which threatens vast food crops across Indonesia. Agency chairman Karjoto warned yesterday farmers in the provinces had begun to feel the bite of the current dry spell, saying that cloud seeding should be conducted in the near future.

Ships complete oil spill cleanup

Ships complete oil spill cleanup SINGAPORE (Reuter): A South Korean oil tanker and a Greek bulk carrier collided off Singapore early yesterday, injuring one person, and creating a minor oil spill, the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) said. The collision between the 37,389-ton Greek-registered bulk carrier World Achilles 2 and the 186,507-ton Korean-registered Honam Pearl occurred about eight km (five miles) south of Singapore, near St John's Island.

Pakistani MPs due here

Pakistani MPs due here JAKARTA: A seven-member parliamentary delegation from Pakistan is due here today for a four-day goodwill visit. The visit is part of regular parliamentary exchange between Indonesia and Pakistan aimed at strengthening relations between the two countries. The delegation, led by Muzaffar Ahmad Hashmi, will call on deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, J.A. Katili, and other noted politicians, the Pakistan embassy said yesterday.

S'pore container handling up

S'pore container handling up SINGAPORE (AFP): A survey conducted by the Port Authority of Singapore (PSA) has forecast 15-percent growth in container handling for 1994, a PSA publication said yesterday. Singapore handled 9.05 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) last year, a 20-percent increase over the previous year and eight percent more than a previous forecast, the PSA said in the monthly Portview newsletter.

Managing leisure

Managing leisure How long does it take to cover a distance of 100 feet? A study revealed that for the average Indonesian it takes 27.2 seconds. The Japanese take first place by clocking in at 20.7 seconds. They are followed by the British with 21.6 seconds and the Americans with 22.5. We cannot help but be reminded of that survey because of the present debate over the government's decision to introduce a five-day-work week, which is planned to start in August of next year.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m World Cup 1994 - rerun 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 Dinamika 8:05 TV Series: Midnight Caller 9:00 World News 9:25 Journal of World Cup 1994 9:55 Music 10:45 Late News 10:55 World Cup 1994, Italy vs Spain - live 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 Music TPI 5:30 a.m.

Three-in-one kids

Three-in-one kids From Kompas I was deeply moved to witness plain-clothes security officials using violence during a raid on kids who were offering themselves as additional passengers to qualify cars for entrance into the three-in-one restricted zone. The incident took place at Kuningan area, South Jakarta. Some of the kids were arrested. I was wondering why they had to use violence in this operation. I was almost moved to tears at seeing such an incident.

Volunteer for 14 years

Volunteer for 14 years From Suara Karya I am Luis Soares, an elementary school (SD) graduate. In 1980 I was appointed "volunteer employee" of PMI, the Indonesia Red Cross Society, by its Relief Operation Team in East Timor which issued me with a Letter of Decision No. 0306/SKP/VII/1980. My stipend was Rp 15,000 per month. In 1985 I took an employment test but until now I have never been told of the result.

New prerequisite for petro-product dealers

New prerequisite for petro-product dealers JAKARTA (JP): Distributors of gasoline, kerosene, diesel, lubricating oil and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) will have to pay their income taxes before receiving deliveries from the state oil company Pertamina under an agreement signed here yesterday. Director General of Tax Fuad Bawazier said that the agreement will boost state revenues from the taxes on oil products by up to 500 percent and will be made effective on Aug. 1 of this year.

Citrus seedlings destroyed

Citrus seedlings destroyed JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Quarantine authorities in Manokwari have destroyed more than 1,600 citrus seedlings known to carry a disease which threatens to spread in the province. The seedlings have what they call citrus vien phloem dege (CVPD) disease, which is common in Java but still unknown in Irian Jaya, quarantine spokesman L. Saiba said.

KL tightens labor terms

KL tightens labor terms KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Foreigners wishing to work in Malaysia will have to undergo medical tests in their home countries by Kuala Lumpur-sanctioned doctors, a report said yesterday after a study showed many alien workers carried contagious diseases.

Foreigners netted in ID inspection

Foreigners netted in ID inspection At least 5,590 people who were traveling without identification cards, including two foreigners, were apprehended in a citizenship inspection from July 6 to 7 in Kebayoran Lama and Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, "The operation is aimed at increasing awareness of Jakartans towards the necessity to carry valid ID any time they go out," said Soemarto, head of the South Jakarta Population Office.

Japan increases Indonesian aid to some US$1.67b

Japan increases Indonesian aid to some US$1.67b JAKARTA (JP): Japan, one of the biggest creditor members of the Consultative Group for Indonesia (CGI), increased its aid commitment to Indonesia, yesterday, to US$1.67 billion this fiscal year from $1.44 billion last fiscal year.

Malaysia gets Thomas Cup revenge

Malaysia gets Thomas Cup revenge JOHOR BARU, Malaysia (Reuter): Malaysia got a measure of revenge for losing the prestigious Thomas Cup to Indonesia when its top men Rashid Sidek and Ong Ewe Hock advanced to the semifinals of the Malaysian Open yesterday with hard-fought victories over Indonesian opponents. Ong Ewe Hock overcame Barcelona Olympic champion Alan Budikusuma 15-9, 6-15, 15-3 before thousands of screaming fans in Johor Baru's indoor stadium.

Suggestions

Suggestions One topic which at times appears in your columns is the Jakarta City Revenue Office's complaint about parking revenue. Last year, they were Rp 1 billion short of their Rp 9 billion target. Next year's target is Rp 14 billion. Not bad considering that two years ago the target was Rp 3 billion and the actual collection Rp 1.5 billion, or only 50 percent of the target. Last year's collection reached 89 percent but the target was too low.

Traffic: Order, please!

Traffic: Order, please! From Neraca Can we hope for the city authority to bring order to the chaotic traffic on the road in front of the campus of Christian University of Indonesia (UKI) in Cawang? On June 27 I witnessed a tragic accident there. In the midst of the rush hours a PPD 900 A city bus serving the Depok-Pasar Baru route ran over the thighs of a man who unfortunately fell while jostling to get onto the bus.

CGI pledges $5.2b in new aid to RI

CGI pledges $5.2b in new aid to RI JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank-chaired Consultative Group for Indonesia (CGI) yesterday committed US$5.20 billion in new loans and grants to Indonesia for the 1994/1995 fiscal year, 1.7 percent higher than last year.

Request to PT Telkom

Request to PT Telkom From Bisnis Indonesia For the past three weeks, from Wednesday to Friday, there have been traffic jams on Jl. Kali Malang in the vicinity of Bumi Satria Kencana, Bekasi. The congestion is caused by hundreds, even thousands, of people scrambling to file requests for new telephone connections at the local PT Telkom office.

Road accidents

Road accidents From Kompas Road accidents often take place at Jl. Yos Sudarso, North Jakarta, apparently because many sidewalk vendors are encroaching into the street. So far, the authorities have not taken serious measures to keep order despite the fact that casualties are increasing. I asked the vendors about the legality of their presence on the site knowing that it is not appropriated for such business.

ICMI is not engaged in sectarianism: Minister

ICMI is not engaged in sectarianism: Minister JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) should not be upset by the numerous allegations that it plays sectarian and primordial politics, its vice chairman says. Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto used the ICMI annual congress as a platform to deflect accusations that the powerful organization has sacrificed its social service role for a political one.

OTC to ease listing terms to attract small-scale firms

OTC to ease listing terms to attract small-scale firms JAKARTA (JP): PT Bursa Paralel Indonesia, the country's over- the-counter stock market, will ease its listing requirements to attract small-scale companies, says the market's new president, Tito Sulistio. Tito told a three-day international conference on capital market activities here yesterday that small- and medium-scale companies will be the main targets in the future.

Cilacap airport expanded

Cilacap airport expanded CILACAP, Central Java: The expansion of Tunggulwulung airport is near completion and is now ready for Fokker-27 passenger planes. The airport's runway has been extended from 660 meters to 1,600 meters. Visiting Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said yesterday that a private airline has expressed interest in opening a Jakarta-Cilacap-Yogyakarta route. The southern coastal town in Central Java aims to develop tourism projects to attract more holidaymakers.

Ferries to serve Seribu Islands

Ferries to serve Seribu Islands Two luxurious ferries, KM Betok I and KM Betok II which are owned by PT ASDP, a state-owned water transportation company under the Transportation Ministry, will begin serving the Marina, Ancol and Seribu Islands routes this month. "We have almost finished the required preparations for the operation of the ferries, including the development of wharves on Tidung and Kelapa islands," said Imran GP, a section head at the Jakarta Office of the Transportation Ministry.

Save UNAS campus

Save UNAS campus From Suara Pembaruan As an alumnus of the National University (Unas), I was deeply concerned over the never-ending row involving the university. Each conflicting party apparently defends its position and interest which has brought about uncertainty to the students. The students have to virtually stop their campus activities, including taking state examinations and attending lectures. This is a big loss to the students.

S'pore tightens credits

S'pore tightens credits SINGAPORE (AFP): Banks in Singapore are tightening up housing loans to buyers of private properties in a bid to discourage speculators who have driven prices up by as much as 40 percent from a year ago. Several local banks have in recent weeks been reducing the size of loans to borrowers thought to be buying properties for speculation, bank officials said yesterday. "This is in response to the market situation.