Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 August 1994

47 articles found

Two held for alleged role in factory theft

Two held for alleged role in factory theft JAKARTA (JP): Tambora, West Jakarta police have apprehended two members of a gang believed to have broken into a garment factory in the district two months ago. Lt. Col. Latief Rabar, a spokesman for City Police, said yesterday that the two, along with six other members of the gang, robbed Fa Standard T-shirt factory on Jl. Tiang Bendera in the wee hours of June 6 and made away with an estimated Rp 24 million.

What about Kanindo workers?

What about Kanindo workers? SEMARANG: Central Java legislators have expressed concern about the fate of some 11,000 employees of PT Kanindoteks, the giant weaving company which is reported to be in dire financial difficulty. "If the report is correct, then the first thing we have to do is to save the 11,000 workers," Tambah Soedjio, a member of the province's legislative assembly, told The Jakarta Post.

Australia calls for greater autonomy in E. Timor

Australia calls for greater autonomy in E. Timor CANBERRA (Agencies): Australia yesterday urged Indonesia to allow greater political autonomy and to withdraw many of its troops stationed in the province of East Timor. Foreign Minister Gareth Evans told the Australia-Indonesia Ministerial Forum here that the situation in East Timor was an area of disagreement which required frank bilateral exchanges.

Apartment residents complain of bad water

Apartment residents complain of bad water JAKARTA (JP): Residents of Tanah Abang low-cost apartment complex are complaining about the poor quality of water distributed by the City Water Company (PDAM Jaya). "We cannot use the water for bathing or drinking directly out of the tap because it is muddy, stinking and contains live worms," Thamrin Oemar, the head of community unit within the apartment complex, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Disguised TV crew

Disguised TV crew From Kompas In July there was a group of people in Salatiga who claimed to be the crew of a well known private television station in Jakarta. They said they wanted film some places they had visited in the city. By the way they were speaking and the logo on their T-shirts, they really looked like the station's TV crew. Those not skeptical of the way they presented themselves, were conned.

HK to host WB, IMF meet

HK to host WB, IMF meet HONG KONG (AFP): The Hong Kong government welcomed yesterday the decision by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to hold their general meetings here after China takes over sovereignty in July 1997. Reacting to a decision by the World Bank and IMF boards of governors late Monday to hold their 1997 general meetings in Hong Kong from Sept.

City mulls over ban on 12-seat night minivans

City mulls over ban on 12-seat night minivans JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is considering banning the operation of the unauthorized 12-seat minivans at night and calling for the compliance of big public transport companies to fully utilize the 24-hour permits.

Two Irianese die of dengue

Two Irianese die of dengue JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Two persons have died since the outbreak of dengue fever in the city, Irian Jaya Health Office chief S.M. Siahaan said. Siahaan added that the 26 others affected by the disease have been saved, the Antara news agency reported. (emb)

RP `comfort women' welcome Murayama with protests

RP `comfort women' welcome Murayama with protests MANILA (Reuter): Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama arrived in the Philippines yesterday to be confronted by angry women demanding compensation for being used as sex slaves by Japanese soldiers in World War II. A small group of former "comfort women" marched under driving rain to near Murayama's hotel to demand US$200,000 each in compensation.

Better coordination in supervision urged

Better coordination in supervision urged JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno called on cabinet ministers yesterday to improve coordination in pursuing the country's development programs. In his address at a cabinet meeting on development supervision, Try warned that the lack of coordination would harm the whole development effort. The coordination meeting on development supervision, held every six months, was attended by all ministers not on official trips.

HK tourist drowns in Bali

HK tourist drowns in Bali JAKARTA: A boat carrying 10 tourists from Hong Kong sank off the Gunung Payung coast near the resort island of Bali, killing one of the tourists, a local police official said Tuesday. Captain Nyoman Ade said by telephone from Bali that the boat, manned by a local crew of two, had been chartered by the tourists to cruise along the coast Monday when it sank, AFP reported.

No flags in posh areas

No flags in posh areas From Neraca I would like to express my concern over the failure of many residents in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta, to hoist national flags during the celebration of the independence day, which runs counter to the Jakarta Governor's instruction. Along Jl. Sutan Sjahrir, for example, many families were not hoisting the red and white flags and no gate-ways were erected. I wondered why they did not pay heed to the governor's instruction?

Harmoko revamps Golkar wing at the House

Harmoko revamps Golkar wing at the House JAKARTA (JP): The unprecedented reshuffle in the House of Representatives (DPR) wing of Golkar, announced on Monday, reflects the ruling party's intention to stop dissension within its own ranks once and for all, political analysts said. Golkar chairman Harmoko revamped Golkar in a single stroke, removing members closely associated with his predecessor Wahono from key positions.

Yayuk reaches career high world ranking

Yayuk reaches career high world ranking JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian number one women's tennis player Yayuk Basuki earned a morale booster for her U.S. Open campaign as she reached her career high world ranking, following her torrid showing at the just concluded Canadian Open. The latest world rankings issued by the Women Tennis Association (WTA) on Monday moved up the 23-year-old Yayuk to 28 from her previous number of 34.

Give female workers a break, say Kowani

Give female workers a break, say Kowani JAKARTA (JP): The Corps of Indonesian Women (Kowani) appealed to employers and educators yesterday to give women workers better opportunity to enhance their careers. Kowani chairperson Enny Busiri said in a workshop yesterday that women workers in Indonesia are still subject to discrimination in the workplace and even at schools.

Turkish tourists jailed for theft

Turkish tourists jailed for theft SURABAYA: Two Turkish tourists were sentenced to 45 days imprisonment for stealing a total of Rp 2.14 million ($1,023) from local banks, money changers and a taxi driver. Cem Camci and Mochammad Callacas, both 29 years old, were found guilty by the local district court on Tuesday for stealing. The two arrived in a rented car from Jakarta in July on their way to Bali. They visited a number of banks and money changers during their brief stay.

Chef Ken Hom in Grand Hyatt

Chef Ken Hom in Grand Hyatt American-born chef Ken Hom, who hosts "Ken Hom's Chinese Cookery" on the BBC, will present his culinary skill from Sept. 1 to 10 at Grand Hyatt hotel in Central Jakarta. Ken Hom who is also known as a food consultant, instructor, travel writer and entrepreneur will orchestrate his team to prepare an exciting mixture of eastern spices and western ingredients.

Two more Bapindo directors arraigned over loan scam

Two more Bapindo directors arraigned over loan scam JAKARTA (JP): Two more former Bapindo directors were arraigned in court yesterday in connection with the massive loan scandal at the government-owned bank. Sjahrizal and Bambang Kuntjoro were formally charged with corruption during two separate hearings at the Central Jakarta District Court.

Another business bust

Another business bust Only about five months after 51-year-old Robby Tjahjadi succeeded in convincing Golkar members of the House of Representatives that he and his Kanindo business group did not have even a single cent in bad debts, his business empire is about to collapse under an estimated Rp 500 billion (US$230 million) in debts to two state banks alone.

APEC business meeting

APEC business meeting JAKARTA (JP): The first business meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which will be attended by more than 100 business leaders from 15 member countries opens today at the Le Meridien Hotel.

New corporate law needs conformity

New corporate law needs conformity JAKARTA (JP): An official warned yesterday that the draft on corporate law related to limited companies should be in conformity with the draft on the capital market law, which will be submitted to the House of Representatives (DPR) later this year. Bacelius Ruru, the chairman of the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam), told the House's special committee for the deliberation of corporate law that the two laws should accommodate one another.

Independence pioneers

Independence pioneers President Soeharto said that the sacrifice made by the nation in its struggle for independence was great. And we should be proud of the achievements made by our heroes. This was said before the congress of the Association of Indonesian Pioneers of Independence. On the occasion the president also emphasized that we should make continuous and tireless efforts to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices rose on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday with most issues gaining ground in moderate trading. The broad-based Composite Index yesterday closed at 496.30, almost four points higher than Monday's 492.41. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index increased to 119.04 from 117.72.

Business group to hold census on street vendors

Business group to hold census on street vendors JAKARTA (JP): The Coordinating Agency for the Development of the Informal Sector/Small-scale Business Group (GUS) will conduct a census on sidewalk vendors in October in a bid to gradually rid all of Jakarta's main streets from the informal traders. "The census is scheduled to last two months," an executive of GUS, Agus Djazuli, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Amateur golfers battle for top honors at BSD

Amateur golfers battle for top honors at BSD JAKARTA (JP): A huge field of more than 300 golfers, men and women, will tee-off today for the prestigious national trophies - the Soeharto and Tien Soeharto Cups at the Bumi Serpong Damai Golf and Country Club.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Prince Valiant 3:05 Gita Wicara 3:30 Science World 4:05 Comedy: Gara-Gara Si Miun 4:30 Documentary 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: South Sulawesi 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Langka Tapi Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Variety show: Asia Bagus 8:05 Spectrum 9:00 World News 9:30 TVRI anniversary celebration 10:35 Late News 10:45 Traditional culture: Wayang Kulit Program 2 4:30 p.m.

APEC's eminent figures due to meet Soeharto

APEC's eminent figures due to meet Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), C. Fred Bergsten, will present the group's second report to President Soeharto, currently the chairman of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, here next week. The report, drafted during a policy session in Tokyo in July, contains a blueprint for the implementation of proposals introduced during last year's inaugural APEC Leaders Meeting on Blake Island, Seattle.

Drought may slash rice output by 4%

Drought may slash rice output by 4% JAKARTA (JP): The current drought may slash four percent off this year's rice output from last year's production of 48.1 million tons, a senior agriculture official said yesterday. Director General of Food Crops and Horticulture at the Ministry of Agriculture Amrin Kahar told a press conference that the current drought has caused the failure of 111,000 hectares of rice fields, out of the total area of 441,000 hectares affected by the drought.

Conrad, JIHD sign hotel management deal

Conrad, JIHD sign hotel management deal JAKARTA (JP): PT Jakarta International Hotels & Development (JIHD) yesterday signed an agreement to assign the American Conrad Hotels to manage a five-star hotel, Conrad Jakarta, which will start operating by the end of 1997. The agreement was signed by JIHD's president, Jusuf L. Indradewa, and Conrad's president, Eric M.

PPP candidates shy away from open debate

PPP candidates shy away from open debate JAKARTA (JP): A scheduled public debate among leading candidates for the upcoming chairmanship election in the United Development Party (PPP) was severely watered down yesterday when a number of the important figures failed to show up. Only two did come to the debate -- Sri Bintang Pamungkas and Mathori Abdul Djalil. The gathering was organized by a group of political journalists and held at the Press Council Building.

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.

Clinton to APEC summit

Clinton to APEC summit WASHINGTON (AFP): President Bill Clinton will combine a mini- Asian tour with his visit to Indonesia in November for the APEC summit, the White House said Monday. Clinton will visit the Philippines on November 13 at the invitation of President Fidel Ramos, before going on to Indonesia for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum summit November 14 and 15, White House spokeswoman Dee Dee Myers said.

UI will get new professor

UI will get new professor E.K.M. Masinambow, 63, a prominent expert in ethnolinguistics at the School of Literature at the University of Indonesia (UI), will be inducted as professor at the new campus in Depok on Saturday. The university's public relations office said yesterday that during the ceremony Masinambow will present a scientific paper entitled Paradigms of Language and Socio-cultural Environment Studies.

5-day school week to be phased in

5-day school week to be phased in JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro says schools will be encouraged to implement the short five-day working week in phases. Wardiman was quoted as saying by the Antara news agency as saying yesterday that he does not foresee any problem in implementing the shorter school week.

Parking fee in Bogor

Parking fee in Bogor From Media Indonesia As a motorist I park my car in Sartika Plaza, on Jalan Otto Iskandardinata, regularly with a Rp 300 parking fee which I pay when I leave. But lately the parking attendants have demanded Rp 500 irrespective of the length of parking time. When I questioned the increase of fees, the parking attendants said that the area has recently been turned into an official parking lot.

Five day work week

Five day work week From Suara Karya I read a report in Suara Karya a few months ago that civil servants in this country would have to work only five days a week but their daily working hours would be increased. As a civil servant, I applaud the enforcement of the five day work week for civil servant. It makes me very happy and encourages me to improve my working performance and increase my sense of responsibility in doing all my jobs.

Police determined to quickly solve Sembiring murder

Police determined to quickly solve Sembiring murder JAKARTA (JP): Police have said they are optimistic that the kidnap-murder case of ex-con Johny Sembiring will be solved soon due to adequate evidence and the existence of a living witness. "This is not so difficult a case so, I think, we can quickly solve it," Brig. Gen. Rusdihardjo, investigative director of the National Police, told reporters yesterday.

Transportation fees hike

Transportation fees hike From Jayakarta A suggestion has come from the Organda transportation industry association to increase the fares of public transportation vehicles in Jakarta. This is bad news for users of the public transport system as the price hike will not be coupled with service improvements, and besides salaries are not increasing. A city bus is almost always overloaded with passengers and riding them is an unpleasant experience because of the traffic jams.

Bawazier to crack down on tax evaders

Bawazier to crack down on tax evaders JAKARTA (JP): In an effort to crack down on groups abusing their tax-free status, Director General of Taxation Fuad Bawazier said yesterday that his office will begin taking a closer look at social foundations. He announced after an inauguration ceremony of the State School of Accountancy (STAN) in Tangerang, West Java, that several individuals have profited by hiding behind foundations to evade taxes.

UN prepares for abortion debate at Cairo meet

UN prepares for abortion debate at Cairo meet JAKARTA (JP): The topic of abortion is likely to be a contentious one at the international conference on population and development in Cairo next month, a UN representative said yesterday. Ali Ugur Tuncer, the resident director of the UN Population Fund, stressed however that the seminar will treat the question of abortion strictly as a health issue and not a family planning matter as many have suggested. "Abortion is not contraception.

China wants to improve investment ties with RI

China wants to improve investment ties with RI JAKARTA (JP): China wants to improve cooperation with Indonesia in technology development through improved investment cooperation, a visiting Chinese official says.

Exploring northern frontier style Indian food at Hazara

Exploring northern frontier style Indian food at Hazara JAKARTA (JP): Declaring that Hazara is a good restaurant is like stating that the comets crashing into Jupiter last month were a nice sight. The new Indian restaurant combines delicious food, superb service and a soothing atmosphere to give the diner what they deserve.

RI as Australia's spreengboard into Asia

RI as Australia's spreengboard into Asia By Jason Szep SYDNEY (Reuter): Putting aside historic fears of Indonesia's military and wrestling with its human rights record, Australia is fast strengthening ties with its northern neighbor in what experts see as at the heart of its drive into Asia. Australia and Indonesia began two days of ministerial talks yesterday aimed at defining the terms of their economic relationship for the next two years.

Yogyakarta hosts Supercross race

Yogyakarta hosts Supercross race JAKARTA (JP): Yogyakarta will host the Bentoel International Supercross `94 featuring 56 international as well as around 16 domestic motor crossers at the Mandala Krida stadium on Sept.3 and 4 an official said. "The one-day event will feature junior 80cc, international 125cc, master 250cc and the 50cc numbers for the under ten-year old contenders," said Bob Nasution, executive chairman of the Indonesian Association of Motor Sports (IMI).

Rail crash kills three

Rail crash kills three BANDUNG: Three people were killed when their transit van was smashed by a train in Jl. Arjuna near Ciroyom Market on Tuesday. The van's driver and another passenger were injured and immediately taken to the Hasan Sadikin hospital, witnesses said. The van apparently forced its way through although the rail gates were already down just as the train from Sarijadi to Ciroyom came by. The accident was inevitable.

Repair shop owners reprimanded

Repair shop owners reprimanded The City Land Transportation and Traffic Control Agency (DLLAJ) has reprimanded 80 owners of vehicle repair shops for parking their customer's vehicles on the roadside or sidewalk. "We will not allow the use of these areas for parking lots because it causes traffic jams, disturbs order and reduces pedestrians' comfort," Herman Tonglo Langi, a DLLAJ sub- divisional head in charge of traffic and public transport control, said.

Astra's profit rises sharply

Astra's profit rises sharply JAKARTA (JP): PT Astra International, Indonesia's largest producer of automobiles, yesterday reported a 79.12 percent increase in after-tax profits to Rp 114.43 billion (US$53 million) during the first semester of this year. Astra's Senior General Manager Aminuddin said here yesterday that revenues increased by 48.22 percent to Rp 4.12 trillion in the January-June period from the same period of last year.