Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 August 1994

51 articles found

Fire destroys Lampung forest

Fire destroys Lampung forest BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Fire razed some 2,000 hectares of forest in the Mesuji district in North Lampung this week. A.S.M. Panjaitan, the Lampung Forestry Chief, said the fire has caused financial losses exceeding Rp 4 billion ($1.9 million). Some 200 forest rangers have been sent to the area to contain the fire, Panjaitan said. He said that the authorities had thought that the fire had been extinguished on Monday.

Organda insists on raising fares for public transit

Organda insists on raising fares for public transit JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Chapter of Public Transport Owners' Organization (Organda DKI) has insisted on its proposal for an increase in the fares of public transit vehicles despite the government's strong objection towards the proposal. "We will keep demanding for an increase," Aip Sjarifuddin, the Organda DKI's chairman, told The Jakarta Post yesterday after a hearing with the City Council's Commission D on development.

Expo by 49 artists marks Independence anniversary

Expo by 49 artists marks Independence anniversary JAKARTA (JP): Highlighting the 49th anniversary of Indonesia's independence, Edwin's Gallery holds a ten-day exhibition to last until Sunday evening, presenting realistic, surrealistic, expressionistic and abstract works of 49 local painters. The exhibition, called Gema Empat Sembilan, which literally means "The Echo of Forty Nine", is designed to reflect the development of Indonesian painting since independence.

Young Designers Contest 1994: In search of distinction

Young Designers Contest 1994: In search of distinction By Dini Djalal JAKARTA (JP): Fashion designers from Europe and North America are looking to "the Orient" for inspiration. In his spring and summer collections, Jean Paul-Gaultier dressed his models in nose-rings and bright saris as an homage to Indian and Masai culture. Vietnamese-style collarless jackets in earth colors or indigo, fastened by ornate silk buttons, are now a wardrobe staple.

EasyCall

EasyCall In response to Mr. Ahmad Sidik's comments regarding his service from PT. Telematrixindo (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 10, 1994) we wish to comment as follows: First, we apologize to Mr. Sidik for any inconvenience which may have been caused. Further, we would point out that since its launch in October 1993 EasyCall has experienced rapid growth in its subscriber base due to its innovative and unique products and its continually expanding service throughout Indonesia.

Unqualified opinion for Pertamina from BPKP

Unqualified opinion for Pertamina from BPKP JAKARTA (JP): The Government Audit Agency (BPKP) yesterday awarded an 'unqualified' opinion on the 1992-93 financial statement of the state oil company Pertamina, making it the fifth such opinion in the last five years.

Aussie, RI ministers to meet on economy

Aussie, RI ministers to meet on economy JAKARTA (JP): Four Indonesian and five Australian ministers will meet in Canberra next week to advance the bilateral economic agenda for the next two years, a spokesman for the Australian Ministry for Foreign Affairs said yesterday. The spokesman said in a statement made available here that the Indonesian delegation, who will attend the second Australia- Indonesia Ministerial Forum at the Hyatt Hotel on Aug.

12 top crossers in Bandung race

12 top crossers in Bandung race JAKARTA (JP): The international motorcross championship series will resume on Aug. 27-28 in Bandung, West Java, where 12 world- beaters are pitted against local riders. Big names from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and several European countries have confirmed their entry at the Lucky Strike-sponsored race, the third leg of the series, at Gardenville Mountain Park View circuit in Lembang, 15 kilometers west to West Java capital.

AT&T awarded contracts

AT&T awarded contracts JAKARTA (JP): PT Telkom, the state-owned domestic telecommunication company, has awarded four contracts worth more than US$100 million to AT&T of the United States for the supply and installation of digital switching and transmission equipment, fiber optic cables and operational systems throughout Indonesia.

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.

Alatas denies inviting Taiwan's president to APEC

Alatas denies inviting Taiwan's president to APEC JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas yesterday denied reports that Indonesia has invited Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting scheduled for November. "(The reports) are not at all based on facts," Alatas said in a statement here yesterday. He further added that Indonesia has not yet delivered any invitations to the meeting due to be held on Nov.

PSN may enter RP

PSN may enter RP MANILA (AFP): A subsidiary of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) is eying an alliance with Indonesian, Singaporean and U.S. firms for a US$900 million satellite-based mobile telephone system in Asia, an official said yesterday. Ramon Cojuangco, president of the cellular phone firm Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel), said "negotiations are still going on" and that details of the partnership still had to be finalized.

Angkot transport in Bandung

Angkot transport in Bandung From Pikiran Rakyat On the morning of Aug. 8, my 18-year daughter rode the popular Angkot public transport car from Karapitan to Merdeka road in Bandung. When she got out of the car, she had barely touched the ground when the Angkot sped away -- leaving her unconscious at the side of the road with wounds on her feet. Paying the Angkot is a dilemma in itself.

Aussie court upholds Timor Gap treaty

Aussie court upholds Timor Gap treaty CANBERRA (AFP): Australia's High Court yesterday endorsed the government's right to sign a treaty with Indonesia to exploit the rich undersea oil fields between the two countries. In a unanimous decision, the full bench of the High Court rejected submissions that Australia had no constitutional right to take part in the 1989 Timor Gap Treaty.

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.

Near-miss reported at KL airport

Near-miss reported at KL airport KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): An airline pilot suddenly aborted landing his Boeing 737 to avoid crashing into another passenger jet at Kuala Lumpur's international airport on Tuesday, aviation officials said yesterday. The near-miss, reported by the pilot, was due to a damaged multimillion dollar radar system, the officials said. Flights have been delayed since Sunday after fire damaged the 16.5 million ringgit (US$6.45 million) system at the airport on Saturday night.

Confusing signals

Confusing signals Set against the spirit of deregulation which has long been the hallmark of the Indonesian government, the recent official comments on the protection of petrochemical plants are ringing out confusing signals. Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo has guaranteed tariff protection for the US$ 1.6 billion olefins industry of PT Chandra Asri.

Convicts pass school exams

Convicts pass school exams MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Twenty-nine inmates of the Mataram Correctional Institution recently passed their examinations to obtain the equivalent of a primary school diploma. "These convicts were illiterate when they came here," I Wayan Puspa of the local justice office was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Ten pro-democracy students to be released

Ten pro-democracy students to be released JAKARTA (JP): Ten students jailed on charges of insulting President Soeharto will soon be released by order of the Supreme Court, their lawyers said yesterday. Student sources said their colleagues, nine in the Salemba penitentiary and one in Pondok Bambu womens penitentiary, would be freed this morning.

Kalijodoh brothels closed

Kalijodoh brothels closed The West Jakarta administration have closed 29 brothels at the Kalijodoh, unauthorized redlight district as part of the city administration sponsored campaign against prostitution. Karsidin, the head of the mayoralty public order office, said that the closure of the brothels was a follow-up of agreement between him and pimps, who promised to shut down those brothels before Aug. 17.

Jakarta's PPP chapter gives its support to Ismail Hasan

Jakarta's PPP chapter gives its support to Ismail Hasan JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta chapter of the United Development Party (PPP) yesterday announced its support for the candidacy of the party's incumbent chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum, for the upcoming election that will take place in Jakarta this month. Chairman of the chapter, H.M Djufrie Asmoredjo, said Jakarta and its five branches had agreed to throw their support behind Ismail Hasan's reelection at a PPP congress.

No Paper

No Paper In observance of Prophet Muhammad's birthday The Jakarta Post will not appear tomorrow. The Post will resume publication on Monday. -- Publisher

Independence speech

Independence speech In his speech at the House of Representatives (DPR) to mark Independence Day, President Soeharto explicitly placed Indonesia in the global context. Some nations have been successful in raising the prosperity and the prestige of their people. Some are limping their way forward, still others fail. In fact, the key to success is the prevalence of the spirit of nationalism, unity and a sense of togetherness.

NU offers to bring Arqam into its fold in case of ban

NU offers to bring Arqam into its fold in case of ban JAKARTA (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Moslem organization, has offered to bring Al Arqam into its fold if the government bans the Malaysia-based Islamic movement. NU Chairman Abdurrahman Wahid made the offer on Wednesday night as a ban against Al Arqam becomes imminent.

The Koreans have yet to reach settlement

The Koreans have yet to reach settlement The Jakarta Post Asia correspondent Harvey Stockwin analyses and comments on the initial agreement attained by North Korea and the United States after their third round of high-level talks in Geneva last week. HONG KONG (JP): In the end it was neither a joint communique nor a joint statement. It was not even, as some North Korean diplomats had earlier hinted, a joint declaration.

Indonesia likely to give Asian Games soccer a miss

Indonesia likely to give Asian Games soccer a miss JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia appears poised to bail out of the soccer competition of the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan this October. Executive chairman of the national sports governing body (KONI) Soeweno said yesterday that the All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) had already bowed out due to the strict standards applied by KONI. "Mr.

Govt wants returning workers to use Damri bus

Govt wants returning workers to use Damri bus JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Manpower is urging Indonesian workers returning from work assignments abroad, especially women, to use a special bus fleet provided by the state transportation company PT Damri.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m Cartoon: I'm Telling 3:05 Science Film: Langka dan Unik 3:30 TV Series: Wars in Peace 4:00 Students' Quiz 4:30 Flora & Fauna 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 8:00 Special Program: Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW 9:00 World News 9:30 Berpacu Dalam Melodi 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Adam Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Tansil to appeal against corruption indictment

Tansil to appeal against corruption indictment JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Eddy Tansil plans to appeal the 17- year prison term handed to him by a Jakarta court last week for swindling the government out of $448 million, his lawyers said yesterday. F.X.L. Soewadi of the Gani Djemat law firm which defended Tansil in Central Jakarta District Court, said yesterday that his client has agreed to file an appeal with the Jakarta High Court.

1800 families relocated for container terminal plan

1800 families relocated for container terminal plan JAKARTA (JP): Nearly 1,800 families from the 9,037 in the North Koja subdistrict, North Jakarta have been relocated to pave the way for the construction of the new container terminal. S.J. Sagino, an official of the land clearance team for the mammoth cargo terminal project, told newsmen on Tuesday that his unit had already paid Rp 80 billion (US$36.84 million) to 1,886 families as compensation for their land.

Indonesia will continue forestry ads overseas

Indonesia will continue forestry ads overseas JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Forestry Community (MPI) will continue advertising in other countries to inform people of Indonesia's sustainable forestry development, in spite of a recent suspension of television commercials in Britain.

Matori makes scathing attack on PPP leader

Matori makes scathing attack on PPP leader JAKARTA (JP): United Development Party (PPP) Secretary General Matori Abdul Djalil -- with an eye on the party leadership -- made a scathing attack yesterday on incumbent chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum, saying that the party's poor showing in the last election was attributed to the leadership. Matori told a press conference that the party would continue to lose its supporters if it maintained its current strategy.

Final try out for sepak takraw

Final try out for sepak takraw JAKARTA (JP): The national sepak takraw team will leave for Thailand tomorrow for a series of friendly matches which serve as the final try out prior to the Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan in October. Coach Aris Medeng said yesterday that during the Aug. 20-29 overseas stint, his team of six is tipped to tackle the Thai national squad.

Climbers saved from forest fire

Climbers saved from forest fire SALATIGA, Central Java: Search and Rescue (SAR) officers have saved nine hikers and their two guides who were trapped in a raging forest fire on the slopes of Mt. Merbabu. The fire has already razed some 200 hectares, including pine forest, despite efforts by the authorities and the local people to contain it. Witnesses said the strong wind made the job difficult. The nine climbers were students from Jakarta and Surakarta.

China, Vietnam talks failed

China, Vietnam talks failed HANOI (Reuter): Vietnam said yesterday it had failed to reach agreement with China in talks this week on the disputed Spratly and Paracel Islands in the South China Sea but they agreed to keep talking. "These talks have brought about better understanding of each other's positions," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Ho The Lan told a press briefing. "However, it is impossible to reach agreement on such complicated questions within one or two negotiations," she said.

HK firm gets stake in Bakrie & Brothers

HK firm gets stake in Bakrie & Brothers By Frits H. Pangemanan HONG KONG (JP): AIG Investment Corp. (Asia) Ltd., a Hong Kong financial company, signed an agreement here yesterday to purchase PT Bakrie & Brothers shares worth US$125 million to support the latter's expansion programs. The chairman of Bakrie & Brothers, Aburizal Bakrie, told reporters after signing the agreement with the president of AIG Investment, Cesar C.

Gas station owners not informed of relocation plan

Gas station owners not informed of relocation plan JAKARTA (JP): An executive of the gas station owners' association said that the union has not received official notice from the city administration about the planned relocation of gas stations which occupy areas formerly designated for use as parks. A.S.

Bush to visit RI

Bush to visit RI JAKARTA (JP): Former United States President George Bush will visit Indonesia following the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum leaders meeting to address regional economic and political issues, says an executive of the U.S.-based Citibank. "We don't have the exact date yet but it will be after the APEC leadership meeting," Maarten J. Hulshoff, chief executive and general manager of Citibank's Jakarta branch, said yesterday.

A Letter from Australia: `Bahasa' is popular in Australia

A Letter from Australia: `Bahasa' is popular in Australia "I write this column in a hope that we will increase our understanding of each other. It is essential for us, as neighbors, to be friends in the region. We will only develop this friendship through knowing more about each other," says Ros Kelly, a Member of Parliament who recently resigned as Minister for the Environment. Dear friends, I just returned from a two-week trip to the United States.

Mass fumigation for dengue planned

Mass fumigation for dengue planned The Central Jakarta Health Office will carry out a mass fumigation in six districts the mayoralty in November for free to prevent the spread of hemorrhagic dengue fever in line with the increasing number of victims in the past six months. At least 445 people, including five who were reported dead, have been infected by the disease in Central Jakarta. Most of the victims hail from Kramat, Cempaka Putih Barat, Cideng and Joharbaru sub-districts.

Sempati to use Garuda's service facilities

Sempati to use Garuda's service facilities JAKARTA (JP): The privately-owned Sempati Air will utilize the maintenance facilities of state-owned Garuda Indonesia under a memorandum of understanding signed by the two companies here yesterday. "Our maintenance facilities will provide various technical services for Sempati," the president of Garuda, Wage Mulyono, said after signing the agreement.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices closed generally higher on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday, with most issues gaining ground in a light trading. The broad-based Composite Index closed 9.28 points higher at 492.87 yesterday, as compared to 483.59 on Tuesday. The bourse was closed on Wednesday, the 49th anniversary of the country's Independence Day. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index strengthened slightly to 118.15 from 116.06.

The government gives hope to convicts serving life-terms

The government gives hope to convicts serving life-terms JAKARTA (JP): The government's move to give prisoners serving life sentences the chance to redeem themselves and regain their freedom is being hailed by a member of the National Commission on Human Rights.

Indonesia to upgrade Taiwan office

Indonesia to upgrade Taiwan office TAIPEI (Reuter): Indonesia, which has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan, is to upgrade its presence in Taipei because of rapidly growing business links, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce Chairman John Oetoro said. "Because economic relations have risen, I have proposed the promotion of this chamber of commerce to an Economic and Trade office, just as Taiwan has in Jakarta," Oetoro said in a telephone interview earlier this week.

Kazakhstan's foreign minister begins two day visit

Kazakhstan's foreign minister begins two day visit JAKARTA (JP): Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev of Kazakhstan arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma airport last night to begin a two- day visit to Indonesia. Saudabayev is scheduled to meet with Minister of Trade Satrio Budiardjo Joedono and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas today.

UNPAR choir at Erasmus Huis

UNPAR choir at Erasmus Huis The Bandung-based Parahyangan University (UNPAR) choir will present a special concert at the Erasmus Huis on Saturday and Sunday. The concert will feature a Capella classical music compositions written by Romantic composers such as Anton Bruckner, Camille Saint Saens, C. Stanford, Johanes Brahms and Maurice Ravel.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Nusa Dua Beach Hotel: Budaya Stage - Legong Buffet Dinner, Friday; Ramayana Buffet Dinner, Monday. Coffee Shop - Indonesian Night with Joged Dance, Saturday. Village Night with Frog Dance, Tuesday. Notte Italiana with Capo Dastro Quartet, Thursday. Poolside - BBQ Night with Hawaiian Band, Wednesday. * Sheraton Lagoon Nusa Dua Beach: Poolside Terrace - Janger Cultural Performance, Friday. Pasar Ikan Seafood Market, Saturday.

E. Timor history lesson on trial

E. Timor history lesson on trial DILI, East Timor: Primary and high schools in the province this year begin learning the history of East Timor as a supplement to Indonesian history. East Timor Education Chief Soekarman said that teaching East Timor history is still on trial and therefore the books are only issued to teachers as guidelines, Antara reported.

121 city officials brought under heel

121 city officials brought under heel Governor Surjadi Soedirdja announced that he has dismissed 19 city officials and sternly punished 102 others for various violations. The governor made the announcement at a flag raising ceremony marking Independence Day at City Hall on Tuesday. Of the 102 officials, at least 76 had their regular salary raises postponed and 25 had their promotions delayed.

Woman caterer wanted over food poisoning

Woman caterer wanted over food poisoning JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta police are still searching for a female caterer who provided meals believed to have caused an outbreak of food poisoning among workers of PT Charoen Pokphand Indonesia on Wednesday. "We are still looking for the woman," Lt. Col. Latief Rabar, a spokesman for City Police, announced yesterday. An employee of PT Charoen Pokphand identified the woman caterer as Bu (Mrs.) Enny, but he claimed to have no idea about her whereabouts.

Punish sex workers

Punish sex workers From Neraca I fully support the police's measures to curb the sex business and gambling activities in large cities like Jakarta, Bandung and Semarang and also in Bali. Such businesses always have a negative impact which ultimately leads to crime. My notes show that during the last month the police have nabbed hundreds of high class comfort women who offer tariffs ranging from Rp 250,000 to Rp 500,000, or even millions of rupiah for a meeting.