Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 August 1994

50 articles found

Irian woos transmigrants

Irian woos transmigrants JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The provincial government has allotted 4,777 hectares of land for those who want to resettle there through their own initiative. The land is available in several regencies, including Jayapura, Fak-Fak, Paniai, Manokwari, Sorong and Merauke, said head of the provincial office of transmigration Oman. Oman said most of transmigrants had chosen Jayapura and Merauke, Antara reported yesterday.

Better protection of Sulawesi forests

Better protection of Sulawesi forests UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Governor HZ Basri Palaguna pledged Saturday to intensify forestry control. Palaguna said forestry development faced major challenges such as the increasing amount of unproductive land, fires and illegal logging by nomadic farmers. "We need a wise policy to preserve the forests and protect the environment," he said as quoted by Antara.

Traffic fines to rise up to 100% as of next month

Traffic fines to rise up to 100% as of next month JAKARTA (JP): The government has announced that it will increase traffic fines up to 100 percent as of September in Jakarta as part of a plan to enhance motorists' obedience to traffic laws. City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto said over the weekend that records show that motorists tend to ignore traffic laws because the existing fines are so low.

Phase military out of civil service: General

Phase military out of civil service: General JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) should start phasing its officers out of professional positions in the bureaucracy, a respected military man says. Lt. Gen. (ret.) Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo said on Saturday the proficiency of civilians is growing in many fields and that the time is ripe for the military to stop posting its men in the civil service, with the exception of positions in defense and security institutions.

Oil industry to be provided telecommunication services

Oil industry to be provided telecommunication services JAKARTA (JP): PT Elnusa, a subsidiary of the state-owned oil company Pertamina, will establish a subsidiary to provide satellite communication services for oil industry activities, an executive says.

Japan shows the way into Chinese insurance market

Japan shows the way into Chinese insurance market By Geoffrey Murray BEIJING (Kyodo): China is finally opening up the domestic insurance business for foreign involvement, creating vast opportunities for Japanese insurers.

Seasonal workers

Seasonal workers From Jayakarta During the dry season many people leave their home towns when the harvest fails and head for Jakarta to try their luck. Jakarta has proven to be the best choice for them. We realize that the unemployment problem in Jakarta is crucial. Many workers who come to Jakarta do not meet the qualifications needed to enter the work force. With these seasonal job seekers the employment problem in Jakarta becomes increasingly complex.

Business Review Forum

Business Review Forum JAKARTA (JP): A business forum which will provide facilities for dialogs between businessmen and government policy makers will be launched during the second anniversary celebration of the Economic & Business Review Indonesia weekly magazine at the Jakarta Convention Center here on Tuesday evening.

Japan inaugurates ultra-modern International Kansai airport

Japan inaugurates ultra-modern International Kansai airport TOKYO (AFP): It has been an engineer's nightmare and a magnet for terrorist wrath, but today, Japan inaugurates its International Kansai airport, a mammoth project on the sea near Osaka designed to become the main gateway to Asia. The airport, which took eight years to complete, will be the most expensive in the world to use. It has been built on an artificial island in Osaka Bay, five kilometers from Japan's third-largest city.

Australia takes bronze medal

Australia takes bronze medal PENANG, Malaysia (Reuter): Two first-half goals by left- winger Greg Corbitt drove Australia to a 4-0 victory over Malaysia and the bronze medal at the Sultan Rajah Azlam Shah yesterday. It was a degree of consolation for Olympic silver medallists Australia whose 3-1 group match defeat by Malaysia contributed largely to their failure to make the final.

Volatile oil prices dip to lowest level in four months

Volatile oil prices dip to lowest level in four months LONDON (AFP): Oil prices showed the most dramatic movement during last week, falling to their lowest level for four months at the beginning of the week, before rising later, while palm oil soared to its highest price in over ten years.

Boosting development of less developed villages

Boosting development of less developed villages The government is allocating a special budget, beginning this fiscal year, to improve the livelihood of villagers in less developed regions. The budget is expected to cover a period of three years in the current planning. By Sjamsoe'oed Sadjad JAKARTA (JP): Statistics have revealed that the number of less developed villages is large. No fewer than 20 million people still need our commitment to help them, at least materially.

TV Today: Monday, August 29, 1994

TV Today: Monday, August 29, 1994 TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Peter Pan & the Pirates 3:00 Riang Ria 3:30 TV Series: Unsolved Mysteries 4:30 Students' Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Cultural program 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Profession 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV drama 8:05 TV Series: Van Der Valk 9:00 World News 9:25 TV Drama: Di Ujung Penantian 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Nutcracker (part 1) Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Russia, S. Korea move to semis of Independence Cup

Russia, S. Korea move to semis of Independence Cup JAKARTA (JP): Top contender Russia, which finished first in Group A, will challenge the tenacious South Korean Army, the runner-up of Group B, in one semifinal of the Fifth Independence Cup while Saudi Arabia, the champion of Group B, will face the United Arab Emirates in the other at Senayan Indoor Stadium here today.

Ismail Hasan's reelection by no means certain

Ismail Hasan's reelection by no means certain JAKARTA (JP): The reelection of Ismail Hasan Metareum as chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) is by no means certain as the party begins its congress today. Leaders of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), the largest faction in the party, announced on Saturday that it was fielding one candidate -- Matori Abdul Djalil, who is currently PPP's secretary general.

Japan delays decision on EAEC

Japan delays decision on EAEC KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama on Saturday said it was premature for Tokyo to decide whether to join the East Asian Economic Caucus (EAEC), a Malaysian plan that will remain stalled without Asia's trade powerhouse.

Kiwi rider shines at motocross c'ship

Kiwi rider shines at motocross c'ship BANDUNG (JP): Damont Smith of New Zealand, riding a Suzuki RM, won the 125cc International Lucky Strike Motocross Championship here yesterday after collecting a total of 50 points. Finishing second in the first moto, the New Zealander carded 17 points before he finished top of the second moto with another 20 points. In the third and final moto he hit trouble and was relegated to fifth.

Professor for Haryono

Professor for Haryono BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: State Minister of Population/Chairman of the Coordinating Board for Family Planning Haryono Suyono will be named honorary professor in community health from the Surabaya-based Airlangga University. The Antara news agency said yesterday the ceremony would be held at the university on Sept. 12. Haryono has been campaigning for the promotion of family health since the government launched the national family planning program in 1970.

AIDS

AIDS From Kompas Kompas (July 27, 1994) published a news article about AIDS cases in Indonesia. The article relates about the plan to change the Koja General Hospital in North Jakarta into an AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome) Hospital, the first of its kind in Indonesia, and at the same utilize it as a research center for AIDS. This initiative deserves our praise. The number of AIDS/HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) positive patients is recorded as 262 people.

S. Jakarta to have low-cost apartments

S. Jakarta to have low-cost apartments JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta mayoralty administration plans to appropriate a 17.3 hectare plot of land in West Tebet for the development of low-cost apartments. M. Yanis, a spokesman for the mayoralty administration, told The Jakarta Post over the weekend that the project proposal had been submitted to the governor's office for approval. "The proposal is being reviewed by a team from the governor's office," Yanis said.

World's oldest communist insurgences fizzling out in RP

World's oldest communist insurgences fizzling out in RP Is one of the world's oldest communist insurgencies fizzling out in the Philippines? Johanna Son of Inter Press Service reports. MANILA (IPS): According to a joke doing the rounds in diplomatic circles in the Philippine capital, the only communists left in Europe are Filipino comrades in the Netherlands.

Peace commission applauded

Peace commission applauded DILI, East Timor: The church's recent initiative to form Commission for Peace and Justice has been widely praised by local community leaders. They hope that the commission will help to create more respect for human rights in the predominantly Roman Catholic province. Florentino, chairman of the ETADEP Foundation, said the commission should address the numerous social problems stemming from racial discrimination and human rights abuses.

Murayama first to lay wreath at war memorial

Murayama first to lay wreath at war memorial SINGAPORE (AFP): Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama yesterday became the first Japanese leader to honor Singaporeans killed during the Japanese occupation in the latest test of his campaign to repair his country's image. The 70-year-old socialist premier, here on a 48-hour official visit, laid a wreath of daisies and chrysanthemums at a memorial to the hundreds who died. He bowed deep from the waist, then observed a minute's silence.

Thailand nixes RI offer

Thailand nixes RI offer BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand's Commerce Ministry has turned down an offer to exchange Thai agricultural products for Indonesian aircraft because of an ongoing trade imbalance, news reports said Saturday. Deputy Commerce Minister Chaiyot Sasomsub said after meeting with the head of a visiting trade delegation that Indonesia should buy more Thai rice before discussing a barter deal. Indonesia had earlier ordered 200,000 tons of Thai rice for delivery this year.

Banks strive to recoup Robby's debts

Banks strive to recoup Robby's debts JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bumi Daya (BBD) and Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) are searching for ways of tackling Robby Tjahyadi's debt arrears of around Rp 500 billion (US$239 million) at the two state banks. Spokesmen of the two banks said Saturday that technical and administrative solutions are being hammered out to recoup the unpaid debts of Robby, the owner of the Kanindo Group of textile companies.

Moslem-based party must sail between 2 rocks

Moslem-based party must sail between 2 rocks The competition to lead the United Development Party has been the center of controversy in the weeks prior to the start of its congress today. Social scientist Amir Santoso believes the party's biggest challenge is to simultaneously cater to both the political elite and the party's supporters .

W. Jakarta wants warehouses moved

W. Jakarta wants warehouses moved West Jakarta Mayor Sutardjianto is warning owners of warehouses in the Tambora and Tamansari areas to move out as the deadline for relocation nears. Sutardjianto says he will forcibly close down dozens of warehouses on Jl. Kalibesar Barat, Jl. Kalibesar Timur, Jl. Cengkeh, Jl. Kunir, as well as warehouses around the Kota railway station, such as those on Jl.

Hindarto: Sembiring probably killed by debt collectors

Hindarto: Sembiring probably killed by debt collectors JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto says he believes debt collectors killed controversial ex-convict Johny Sembiring in inter-gang rivalry. "The methods of the kidnappers are similar to those commonly used by debt collectors in handling debtors. Therefore, we have focussed our investigation on some such groups," Hindarto told reporters at the city police headquarters over the weekend.

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.

PPP and leadership

PPP and leadership Political congresses are more about the elections of its new chairperson than they are a platform for announcing its programs for the future. The United Development Party (PPP), which opens its congress in Jakarta today, is no exception. In this case, however, the party is not solely to be blamed. Both the PPP and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) have long complained that they have been denied freedom to introduce their programs at the grassroots level.

West Jakarta gets a new fountain

West Jakarta gets a new fountain In a bid to meet its residents' escalating demand for recreational areas, a new fountain has been constructed and opened to the public in West Jakarta. The fountain, located at the center of a 2.5 hectare pool in Grogol, was inaugurated by Mayor Sutardjianto at a ceremony over the weekend. Built by the Mayoralty Park Office at a cost of Rp 319 million (US$146,870), the fountain spouts up to 30 meters high.

KL calls for establishment of SE Asian forex market

KL calls for establishment of SE Asian forex market KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's central bank chief Saturday called for the setting up of an Southeast Asian market for financial instruments and currencies to accommodate increasing cross-border flows of capital. "We need active intra-regional foreign exchange and financial markets to promote the investment of a rising volume of cross- border capital and working funds," Bank Negara governor Ahmad Mohd. Don said.

UN rights body drops E. Timor resolution

UN rights body drops E. Timor resolution JAKARTA (JP): For the first time ever, a United Nations sub- commission on human rights rejected a draft resolution on East Timor, the Antara news agency reported. The UN's Human Rights sub-commission against discrimination and the protection of minorities in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday by secret ballot failed to adopt a resolution which would again subject Indonesia to criticism towards the integration of East Timor into the Republic.

Scholar laments poor English teaching methods in Indonesia

Scholar laments poor English teaching methods in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia needs to revamp the way it teaches the English language because the present system produces a deplorable quality of English teachers and university graduates, a scholar says.

Mandarin language

Mandarin language From Bisnis Indonesia China has the largest population in the world and its people are potential tourists to Indonesia. Hence, I think it is only logical that the Coordinating Minister Soesilo Soedarman urge tourist guides in hotels and travel agencies to learn Mandarin. Incoming tourists from China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore are quite substantial and most of them speak Mandarin.

Al Arqam protests govt ban, denies Islamic deviation

Al Arqam protests govt ban, denies Islamic deviation JAKARTA (JP): The banned, Malaysian-based Islamic movement, Al Arqam, denied authorities' accusations that they practiced deviationist teachings and challenged the recent government censure of their organization.

Goenadi may get 15 years for beheading doctor

Goenadi may get 15 years for beheading doctor JAKARTA (JP): The prosecutor in the case of the decapitated doctor wants the North Jakarta District Court to reject the defense statement and sentence the accused to 15 years in prison. Prosecutor Omsin Subarkah said in a trial session over the weekend that Alamsyah Hanafiah, the lawyer of accused killer Goenadi Tjahyo Wargo, was mistaken when he charged that the prosecution has failed to present the court proof of the defendant's guilt.

Indonesia, U.S. to hold trade and investment meeting

Indonesia, U.S. to hold trade and investment meeting JAKARTA (JP): The first annual United States-Indonesia Trade and Investment Conference here next week will discuss efforts to increase trade and investment relations between the two countries. Louis A.

Ismail Hasan's leadership put to the test at PPP congress

Ismail Hasan's leadership put to the test at PPP congress By Santi WE Soekanto JAKARTA (JP): When chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) Ismail Hasan Metareum presents an account of his leadership today, he will have to explain whether his was a successful term or one characterized with conflicts and subservience. In recent months, questions and doubts about his capability have been expressed by many people as the party prepares for its congress.

Student leaders want changes in political system

Student leaders want changes in political system JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of powerful student organizations on Saturday called for major changes in the current political system and to put sovereignty back in the hands of the people. Five student organizations who are linked in the so-called Cipayung Group held a seminar on Saturday to review the political situation in connection with Indonesia's 49th independence anniversary.

PAM Jaya told to cut leakage

PAM Jaya told to cut leakage Governor Surjadi Soedirdja ordered the City Water Company (PAM Jaya) to make serious and concerted efforts to reduce the unduly high percentage of water leakage in the distribution system. Speaking at the congress of the Indonesian Association of Water Contractors (Akaindo) over the weekend, Surjadi that with the current level of 46 percent leakage it is impossible for the company to expand its service areas.

Indonesia' import tariffs are safe from GATT Acts

Indonesia' import tariffs are safe from GATT Acts BOGOR, West Java (JP): Indonesia's import tariffs average at 20 percent, far below the 40 percent required by the Final Acts of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) that will be implemented early next year. "It means we are safe as we still have room of 20 percent, in case we have to take safeguard measures against imports which may harm our local industry," Rijanto B.

APEC to ease capital flow

APEC to ease capital flow TOKYO (AFP): A document to be adopted at an informal summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum this year seeks to ease restrictions on foreign investment in the region, a daily said here Saturday. The document, drafted by Australia and shown to APEC members, stresses that investment is vital for employment and economic growth in the Asia-Pacific region, the Yomiuri Shimbun said. The 1994 informal APEC summit will be held in Indonesia in November.

National holidays

National holidays From Kompas About one year from now civil servants will get a change in working hours and longer weekends. We have every reason to be pleased at this new government policy. But, of course, it is not without pluses and minuses. Saturday being made a holiday, Indonesia will have the same weekend-off system as Europe and America. In line with this new policy, there is something that calls for our attention, i.e. the setting of dates for national holidays.

Koreans, RP workers trapped in fighting

Koreans, RP workers trapped in fighting COTABATO, Philippines (Reuter): Philippine officials yesterday sought talks with Moslem guerrillas to try to free five South Korean engineers and more than 30 Filipinos trapped in fighting between the army and the rebels. Six rebels were believed killed and three soldiers wounded in a clash on Saturday around an irrigation project being built by the Korean Shinsung construction company in Carmen, North Cotabato province, 910 kilometers south of Manila.

Weekly Review of Jakarta Stock Exchange

Weekly Review of Jakarta Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Favorable interim results and news of good quality companies planning to go public pushed the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Composite Index past the 500 level to close at 505.33 last week, up 13.09 points from the previous week. Indonesian share prices rose despite mixed signals from the regional markets, although the weaker bond market dragged down U.S. stocks.

Batam to get 2 TV relay stations

Batam to get 2 TV relay stations BATAM (JP): Two private television companies, RCTI and SCTV, will have their US$3 million relay station dedicated by the Minister of Information Harmoko today. High ranking officials from neighboring Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei and Indonesia are expected to attend the inaugural ceremony. Among the foreign dignitaries to attend the ceremony are Malaysian Information Minister Dato' H. Mohammad Rachmat and the Singaporean and Brunei ambassadors to Jakarta.

Rebels still problem in Timor

Rebels still problem in Timor DILI, East Timor: The local military conceded Saturday that remnants of the Fretelin rebel group and social problems remain problems which hinder the development of the province. "We have to admit that the problems are affecting the development of the province, and the government must try to overcome them," said Lt. Col. Soeprapto Tarman, chief of staff of the Wiradharma military command, which oversees security in East Timor.

Murayama tells Mahathir next APEC meet in Tokyo

Murayama tells Mahathir next APEC meet in Tokyo KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama on Saturday told his Malaysian host of Tokyo's plans to host a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum next year. "Japan is chairing the APEC's annual meeting next year and would like to have a summit of APEC nations, with the consensus of all," Japanese spokesman Kishichiro Amae said after Murayama's talks with Premier Mahathir Mohamad.

Shopping in Matahari

Shopping in Matahari From Kompas On Sunday morning, July 31, 1994 I shopped at Matahari Department Store in Melawai, South Jakarta. At this particular time there were not many shoppers around. After I paid for my article I wanted to go home right away. But, to my great shock, when I arrived at the door I was stopped by the security guard because the alarm device was ringing. I was shown back to the cashier. I stayed calm because I knew I had done nothing wrong.