Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 13 August 1994

58 articles found

Music royalty evaders get stern warning

Music royalty evaders get stern warning JAKARTA (JP): Police warned music royalty evaders to pay what they owe yesterday or face tough punishment. "Thus far, we prefer to resort to persuasive measures because we think stricter measures are not yet suitable. There are just too many people who remain poorly informed about the copyright law. We think what we are doing is enough for now. We will be assertive but not forceful for the time being," Lt. Col.

KL urges tappers to return to work as rubber bounces back

KL urges tappers to return to work as rubber bounces back KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): As rubber prices continue to surge, Malaysia urged smallholders yesterday to go back to tapping three years after they had been encouraged to quit the industry when prices plunged to five-year lows. Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik said the upsurge confirmed the resilience of natural rubber as a viable cash crop which could be tapped when prices were good or "kept untapped in the trees" when prices were poor.

U.S. envoy in Irian

U.S. envoy in Irian JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: U.S. Ambassador Robert L. Barry on Thursday began a visit here during which he will meet with local government and military officials. His itinerary includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the MacArthur Monument in Sentani near here, and also visits to the Baliem Valley and Timika in the Fak Fak hinterland regency, the Antara news agency reported. (emb)

Remains of MIAs returned

Remains of MIAs returned AMBON, Maluku: The Indonesian Armed Forces on Friday handed over to representatives of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) nine coffins containing the remains of Australian air force officers who died in action during World War II. The nine were crew of the B-26 Catalina, whose wreckage was discovered near Buru island in December. The plane was believed to have been shot down by Japanese forces.

Duo-pianists Iravati, Aisha a repeat success

Duo-pianists Iravati, Aisha a repeat success By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): It was almost one year ago that enchanted classical music lovers time and again broke into animated applause after the completion of each rendition at the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta. They were applauding the composition and, even more, the artists Iravati and Aisha Sudiarso.

Risjad Brasali to operate chemical plants

Risjad Brasali to operate chemical plants JAKARTA (JP): Risjad Brasali Industries (RBI), a group of chemical-based companies, will strengthen its industrial activities by operating four new chemical plants worth Rp 500 billion (US$230 million) and establishing a $76 million hydrogen peroxide plant within two years.

Suggestions

Suggestions I like Byron Black's "corner" and I imagine Indonesian English students find it useful. This is the only English newspaper that I know of, so I would think most foreigners read it. A similar "corner" to help us with the Indonesian language might be appropriate. With this opportunity I would like to say a word on pollution. I see people burning trash next to empty receptacles. Why? These fires are unsightly, smelly, unhealthy and dangerous around children.

Golf course project on Bira Island strongly condemned

Golf course project on Bira Island strongly condemned JAKARTA (JP): The development of a nine hole golf course on Bira Island, North Jakarta, has been strongly condemned by the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) for completely disregarding the perilous environmental consequences. According to a statement released here yesterday, Walhi claims that the golf course is highly destructive to the natural eco- system of the islands.

Strike leaders get fired

Strike leaders get fired SEMARANG: A local union leader said that many workers who went on strike have been fired by their employers once the disputes were over. "This is occurring at many companies in the province," said Tambah Soedjio, head of the local chapter of the All Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI).

National park policy a conundrum

National park policy a conundrum By Silvia Werner JAKARTA (JP): Creating national parks will not solve the complex problem of conserving forest areas. Areas assigned to become national park land in Indonesia are usually already surrounded, although sparsely, by traditional farmers who are seen as a threat to the park's environment.

Protection for new ventures defended

Protection for new ventures defended JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday defended its decision to offer selective protection against imports to new industrial ventures. "The basic protection policy stresses the importance of protecting the new industrial ventures," Coordinating Minister for Economy and Finance Saleh Afiff said here yesterday.

Pancasila course to be made more interesting

Pancasila course to be made more interesting JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to make the orientation course on Pancasila -- a compulsory for civil servants, politicians and professionals -- more interesting. Former vice president Sudharmono, who now heads the agency which oversees the course, said yesterday that he hoped to improve the quality of lectures to encourage people's participation in the implementation of the ideology.

Big local contractors told to look for jobs overseas

Big local contractors told to look for jobs overseas JAKARTA (JP): Big contractors in Indonesia should set their aims high, going after bigger projects or even looking for works overseas, instead of bidding for small projects in the country, an executive of a state-owned construction company says.

Indonesia denies charges of slashing plywood prices

Indonesia denies charges of slashing plywood prices JAKARTA (JP): A war of words has erupted between the Indonesian and the Malaysian plywood exporters following sharp allegations that Indonesian producers had slashed prices to undercut their Malaysian counterparts in international markets. A.

Artist incorporates mixed media works in batik paintings

Artist incorporates mixed media works in batik paintings By Linda Owens YOGYAKARTA (JP): Hovering amidst the constellation of planets, a giant, winged woman cradles the earth in her embrace. This is just one example of the symbolically rich imagery in Linda Kaun's batik and mixed media works, on display at Baleanda Gallery & Restaurant in Yogyakarta through Sept. 3. Linda dedicates this show to two related themes she has explored over the past few years: Passages and Spirit Guardians.

Indonesia has AIDS challenges ahead

Indonesia has AIDS challenges ahead The 10th International Conference on AIDS, the first in Asia where the disease is spreading fastest, was closed Thursday leaving behind some unanswered questions. By Tony Kahane YOKOHAMA (JP): As the 11,000 delegates prepare to go home, the questions raised by Dr. Michael Merson remain: What should be the priorities of the global response to AIDS? Is enough being done now? And is enough being done in Indonesia to prevent the spread of HIV? As Dr.

W. Sumatra's Koto clan to have 1st supreme chief in 162 years

W. Sumatra's Koto clan to have 1st supreme chief in 162 years JAKARTA (JP): After waiting for 162 years, the Koto clan of Nagari Paninggahan village in Minangkabau, West Sumatra, will finally have a supreme chief. In a rare and grand ceremony to be held in Nagari Paninggahan, Solok regency, on Aug. 18, Muchtar Byna, 72, a businessman and former member of the House of Representatives, will be installed as Datuk Bagindo Majolelo. Earlier, on Aug.

Youth league wants KL links with Tel Aviv

Youth league wants KL links with Tel Aviv KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The powerful youth wing of Premier Mahathir Mohamad's United Malays National Organization (UMNO) yesterday urged Malaysia's government to consider establishing diplomatic ties with Israel. "History has shown that Moslems could live in peace with Jews from the time of Prophet Mohammed," UMNO youth chief Rahim Tamby Chik told the Bernama news agency.

PAM Jaya service to some areas stopped

PAM Jaya service to some areas stopped The City Water Company, PAM Jaya, announced yesterday that its service to some areas in the city, including Menteng, will be stopped on Saturday and Sunday due to a water main repair near the Pejompongan II water treatment plant in Central Jakarta.

Thomas Cook acquisition

Thomas Cook acquisition JAKARTA (JP): The Thomas Cook Group Ltd., the leading travel and financial services group, has reached an agreement with Barclays Bank PLC to acquire its travelers cheque subsidiary, Interpayment Services Ltd. Thomas Cook announced in a release yesterday that the acquisition made it the world's largest supplier of MasterCard and Visa travelers cheques because Interpayment is the world's largest issuer of Visa travelers cheques with annual sales of US$7 billion.

British rugby club to test local rival

British rugby club to test local rival JAKARTA (JP): A touring British rugby union club, Broadstreet, will play a one off match against a local side from the International Sport Club of Indonesia (ISCI) this afternoon. Broadstreet Rugby Union Football Club is stopping in Jakarta on their way home from a series of matches in southern Australia. They will meet the ISCI team at 4:00 p.m. at the sport club in Ciputat, South Jakarta.

Chile's president to participate in the APEC summit

Chile's president to participate in the APEC summit JAKARTA (JP): Chilean President Eduardo Frei is expected to take part in the leadership meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum scheduled for November in Bogor, West Java, ambassador Fernando Cousino says. President Frei's attendance will mark the beginning of Chile's participation in the forum, the ambassador told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Kenny speaks for the sake of his fellow debt collectors

Kenny speaks for the sake of his fellow debt collectors By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): Kennedy, who is affectionately called Kenny, thought there was no use in disguising his profession to his former classmates at the UKI (Indonesian Christian University) at a reunion gathering last year in the West Java weekend resort of Puncak.

Entrance exam seeks equality

Entrance exam seeks equality The results of nation wide entrance exams for state universities were announced recently. How good is today's entrance exam system? By Syamsir Alam JAKARTA (JP): For most Indonesians, going to university is a way to secure a job and status. Unsurprisingly, most parents constantly encourage their children to pursue a university education, often disregarding the youngsters' true potential and academic performance.

Dominance in economy

Dominance in economy Prof. Dr. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, a noted senior economist, spoke about the gap in the economy where economic tycoons get easy access to business opportunities and funds from banks. The government also gives protection to their business and industries. The professor is very unhappy because the government lacks sincerity in overcoming this gap.

Atrocity victims await compensation

Atrocity victims await compensation TOKYO (Reuter): Survivors of Japanese World War II atrocities from 13 countries across the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Tokyo yesterday in a combined attempt to get compensation from the Japanese government. "This is a question of the honor of the Japanese people, and the honor of the Japanese government," said Tasrip Rahardjo, leader of a group of Indonesian former militiamen press-ganged into service in the Japanese army.

Inflation rate is accurate, chief statistician insists

Inflation rate is accurate, chief statistician insists JAKARTA (JP): The government's chief statistician said yesterday that the national inflation rate, which is released each month by the Central Statistics Bureau (BPS), is as accurate as possible. Chief of the BPS Sugito Suwito said the consumer price index is based on the price movements of a wide range of goods and services, with basic necessities such as food and housing carrying greater weight.

Mt. Batur coughs no more

Mt. Batur coughs no more KINTAMANI, Bali: Mt. Batur's activity slowed significantly on Friday to allay earlier concerns that a major eruption was imminent, according to the Antara news agency. The thick smoke, which earlier this week reached heights 300 meters above the crater, had receded to less than 100 meters by Friday. "It is quieter now," noted Gde Nurjaya, chief of the Kintamani district.

Kasiyadi return to form with win

Kasiyadi return to form with win JAKARTA (JP): Kasiyadi, who has been plagued by inconsistency throughout his career, put together a third consecutive solid round to sew up the Jakarta Golf Circuit championship yesterday. Kasiyadi shot an even par-72 to close at 2-over 290 (76,69,73,72) to tame the unforgiving Halim II layout. Four strokes off the pace were Kasiyadi's elder brother, Buari, and cagey veteran Sumarno.

SE Asian food market seen worth $60 billion by 2010

SE Asian food market seen worth $60 billion by 2010 CANBERRA (Reuter): Southeast Asia's food and agricultural product market has the potential to treble in size to US$60 billion annually by 2010, according to an Australian government report released yesterday. The value of the region's food market doubled in size in the 1980s to $19 billion in 1992, the report from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's East Asia Analytical Unit said.

ITTO aid for RI forests

ITTO aid for RI forests JAKARTA (JP): The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) yesterday agreed to provide Rp 2.5 billion (US$1.15 million) in grant to the Indonesian government to support the conservation of Bentuang Karimun forests in West Kalimantan. B.C.Y. Freezailah, the executive director of ITTO, signed the grant agreement with Director General of Forest Conservation Soedjadi Hartono in a ceremony here, which was attended by Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo.

Govt petition for stay of execution on Kedungombo

Govt petition for stay of execution on Kedungombo JAKARTA (JP): Chief Justice Purwoto Gandasubrata said yesterday that the government has petitioned for a stay of implementation of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Kedungombo land dispute. Lawyers from the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), which has represented the Kedungombo villagers in the dispute with the government, yesterday met with Purwoto to seek clarification of press reports suggesting that a stay of execution had been granted.

Indonesia expects more golds from the 12th Asian Games

Indonesia expects more golds from the 12th Asian Games JAKARTA (JP): Barring unforeseen injuries, Indonesian athletes will garner more golds than previously expected in the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima, an official of the national sports controlling body (KONI) says. Arnold Lisapaly, KONI training director, revealed his guarded optimism that, based on their latest performance, the national athletes will surpass the gold medal haul they brought home four years ago.

Noted ulemas have chosen their candidate for PPP

Noted ulemas have chosen their candidate for PPP JAKARTA (JP): Influential ulemas have chosen their candidate for the Moslem-oriented United Development Party (PPP) amid bitter factional rivalry for the organization's top spot. The 10 senior ulemas from Java and Sumatra who met in the West Java town of Garut on Wednesday declined to reveal their nominee. However, the Antara press agency quoted an insider as saying they have chosen Matori Abdul Djalil, the party's current secretary- general.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m Sports 3:30 TV Series: Sins 4:30 Pelangi Budaya 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music: Local Pop 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Lemhanas 8:05 TV Series: Midnight Callers 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.

Vicious crime

Vicious crime From time to time The Jakarta Post publishes a truly important photograph. About a month ago there was the picture of Yasser Arafat and a Jewish Rabbi bear hugging each other and grinning like a pair of long lost brothers (which of course they are). I've stuck this one up on my office wall as an image that cuts through all prejudice. Then, just the other day, Aug. 4 to be precise, there was the photo of "The Culprit".

Fourth Bapindo director faces trial

Fourth Bapindo director faces trial JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court yesterday received the dossier of Bambang Kuntjoro, the fourth director of Bapindo, in connection with the Rp 1.3 trillion ($620 million) scandal at the government-owned bank. The court has not yet set the date of the hearing. The trial of another former Bapindo director Sjahrizal, whose dossier was turned over to the same court on Tuesday, will start on Aug.23.

Fugitive minibus driver captured at last

Fugitive minibus driver captured at last JAKARTA (JP): Ramses Silitonga, the driver of the Metromini bus which careened into a river here last March killing 33 passengers, has been captured. The police announced yesterday that the suspect was captured in North Sumatra on Thursday afternoon after six months on the run. Ramses, 33, fled responsibility after the packed minibus he drove recklessly careened into the muddy and heavily polluted Sunter river along Jl.

Soldier jailed for extortion

Soldier jailed for extortion SURABAYA: The local military tribunal has sentenced a member of the military police to two years imprisonment for extortion. The court found Maj. Kuswadiono, 47, guilty of abusing his position by extorting a fellow soldier and a number of businessmen accused of taking part in a lube oil scam, the Antara news agency reported.

RCTI's programing

RCTI's programing Everyone would readily agree that RCTI's programing these past five years has largely contributed to the enjoyment of local television viewers. RCTI has consistently increased the local content of its programs over the years, which is essential to reduce dependence on too many imports. These imports are predominantly from the U.S.A. and apparently not the best that are available in the market.

Faster train service

Faster train service SEMARANG: A new railway service will be launched next week that will slash travel time between Jakarta and Surabaya to nine hours with only one stop in Semarang. The service will begin on Aug. 17 to coincide with Independence Day, said Eddy Sasongko, head of the Central Java Operation of the state railway firm PJKA. (har)

Islamic groups demand Nasreen return for trial

Islamic groups demand Nasreen return for trial DHAKA (Reuter): Radical Moslem groups demanded yesterday that the Bangladesh government bring feminist writer Taslim Nasreen back from her Swedish sanctuary and vowed to continue their street protests calling for her death. "I ask the government to immediately bring her home and punish her for committing an unforgivable crime against Islam and its followers," said Moulana Matiur Rahman Nizami, deputy chief of the Jamaat-e-Islami party.

NU opposes move to ban Al Arqam

NU opposes move to ban Al Arqam JAKARTA (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Moslem organization, appealed to the government yesterday not to outlaw the Malaysian-based Al Arqam movement, at least not on religious grounds. NU's position was publicly announced yesterday after the Fatwa Council, which issues the group's policy recommendations, deliberated. The council members met with representatives from the Al Arqam earlier in the morning.

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. Arif Rahman Hakim No. 5, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. ; at G.K.I. Pondok Indah at 6 p.m.

Singers to sing for National Day

Singers to sing for National Day The city administration will invite noted singers to take part in open air festivities to celebrate the National Day on the eve of the actual day. The 49th anniversary of the Indonesian National Day will fall on Aug. 17. The festivities will be held in the eastern parking lot of the Senayan square. According to Kenna Tarigan, chairman of the organizing committee, the fiesta will start at 7 p.m. and will last six hours.

ABRI reshuffles chiefs of strategic commands

ABRI reshuffles chiefs of strategic commands JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) yesterday announced a major reshuffle in some of its main commands, including the Army Strategic Reserves (Kostrad), the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) and the military command in East Timor. Maj. Gen. Tarub, currently chief of the Trikora Command, has been reassigned as Kostrad commandant to replace the retiring Maj. Gen.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The buying sentiment on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) remained strong yesterday despite the drop in prices of number of popular issues in the morning session. The broad-based Composite Index rose by nearly 1.5 points to close the week at 474.99, seeing a total gain of 2.19 points during the week as compared to over 16 points on the previous week. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index gained lost ground to close at 112.01 yesterday against 112 on the previous day.

Feminist seminar

Feminist seminar I was horrified, yes, horrified, to read that the U.S. in promoting its own national ideology of naive egalitarianism had organized a feminist seminar at the U.S. Embassy here in Jakarta (The Jakarta Post, July 28, 1994). The article Feminist movement can learn from U.S. rolled out a couple of hoary old chestnuts like this one for example: "The American women even participate in a traditionally male activity such as weight lifting." How rich!

Firm plans dividends

Firm plans dividends JAKARTA (JP): PT Bhuwanatala Indah Permai, a property company, announced here yesterday it will distribute dividends of Rp 20 (0.92 U.S. cent) per share to shareholders from its 1993 after- tax profit of Rp 1.37 billion ($632,942).

Plan for strict gun control gets a shot in the arm

Plan for strict gun control gets a shot in the arm By Lewa Pardomuan JAKARTA (JP): Leading lawyers and criminologists throw their weight behind the proposal by authorities to tighten the use of fire arms amidst signs of increasing abuses of their use, including in crimes. The lawyers said that the government must move fast to tighten the regulations before the situation gets out of control.

Flower, pet exhibition opens

Flower, pet exhibition opens JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja yesterday opened the 12th Flora and Fauna (Flona) Jakarta, an annual two-week exhibition of house plants and pet animals, at the Banteng Square, Central Jakarta. In his speech prior to opening the exhibition, Surjadi hoped that the exhibition would help promote environmental-based city development.

Sudomo, Siska to carry on with divorce suit

Sudomo, Siska to carry on with divorce suit JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers for both retired admiral Sudomo, and his wife Fransiska Diah Widowati, said their clients had failed to reconcile their differences and will continue with divorce proceedings.

Soeharto to open NAM's ministerial meeting on debt

Soeharto to open NAM's ministerial meeting on debt JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, the current chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), will officially open the group's first ministerial meeting on external debt here today to formulate ways of reducing the debt burdens facing its members. Coordinating Minister for Economy and Finance Saleh Afiff announced yesterday that the three-day meeting will seek solutions to the crippling debt problems encountered by developing nations.

PAL to reinstate sacked crew

PAL to reinstate sacked crew MANILA (AFP): Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) said yesterday it had reinstated 143 of 183 ground crew sacked after a wildcat strike in June, a move which sparked fresh labor unrest at the financially troubled carrier. But leaders of the PAL ground crew union rejected the latest move by the flag carrier's management, saying they would not return to work unless all 183 employees were reinstated.

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.

Joko outlasts Alan as Indonesia Open turns up the heat

Joko outlasts Alan as Indonesia Open turns up the heat By Hidayat Jati YOGYAKARTA (JP): Top seed Joko Suprianto survived a battle of champions here yesterday as he edged out Olympic gold medalist and title holder Alan Budikusuma to earn a semifinal berth in the Indonesia Open badminton championships. The hard-earned 9-15, 15-4, 18-14 victory put another notch in world champion Joko's belt.

Officer shoots the wrong man

Officer shoots the wrong man CILEGON, West Java: A sergeant chief is currently under investigation after he reportedly shot an innocent man during a raid on a house he thought was owned by motorcycle thief. He got the wrong house and shot the wrong man, the Banten Regency Police Chief Col. Susanto was quoted as confirming the report by Antara. The victim, Subalim, apparently tried to fight back when he saw a gun-wielding man break into his house.

PDI activists wants Alex

PDI activists wants Alex Leaders of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in South Jakarta have said they will support the re-election of Alex Atmasubrata, the current leader of the party's Jakarta chapter. Alex announced recently that he would run for re-election if the PDI members wanted him to do so. H.