Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 August 1994

44 articles found

Russians, Saudis meet in final of Independence Cup

Russians, Saudis meet in final of Independence Cup JAKARTA (JP): Saudi Arabia, which narrowly overcame the United Arab Emirates 67-66 here yesterday, will face favorite Russia, lopsided winners earlier in the evening over the South Korean Army team 65-49 in the final of the fifth Independence Cup at Senayan indoor stadium today. The Saudis played much shakier than they did on Friday when they ejected the Koreans, even trailing 35-28 at the end of last night's first half.

Lawyers demand acquittals for Sjahrizal and Bambang

Lawyers demand acquittals for Sjahrizal and Bambang JAKARTA (JP): The lawyers of two former directors of Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) yesterday demanded that their clients be acquitted of corruption charges, saying that the government has already convicted the main culprit.

Bus kills three youths

Bus kills three youths KLATEN, Central Java: Three young motorcyclists were killed when a bus crashed into bikes in Delanggu Village on Sunday. Eyewitnesses said that the youths were racing when they fell on the ascending road. Then suddenly from the opposite side of the road a speeding bus came and ran over them. All three were killed instantly. The driver of the Solo- Bandung bus fled the scene after sensing the anger of the local people. (har/emb)

The rape of `Jugun Ianfu': A debt of honor for Japan

The rape of `Jugun Ianfu': A debt of honor for Japan By Marianne Katoppo JAKARTA (JP): The international debt crisis is being discussed extensively these days. Sixty of the so-called poorer countries are burdened by hundreds of billion debt, and urge for a 70 percent reduction.

Coach Crook

Coach Crook From Republika On Aug. 9, 1994 I left Pulo Gadung terminal, Jakarta, for Yogyakarta on a Ramayana Bus. I sat at number was 14 and I put my bag underneath the seat. My bus started at the scheduled time and there was nothing extraordinary during the voyage. But, when the bus arrived in Yogyakarta, I was shocked to find that my HP calculator and electric shaver had been stolen.

Private college forum supports government rule

Private college forum supports government rule JAKARTA (JP): BM-PTSI, a forum of private universities, said yesterday that it fully supports the government's plan to regulate the way private colleges are being administered. BM-PTSI chairman Moeslim Tahir said that after studying the proposal in depth, he does not see the proposed decree of the Ministry of Education and Culture as tantamount to interfering in the affairs of the universities.

House should learn from criticisms

House should learn from criticisms JAKARTA (JP): Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Wahono appealed to members yesterday to carry out self-examination in the face of mounting criticisms about its role in Indonesia's democracy. During a plenary session, Wahono reminded the 500-member institution that the House has been widely criticized in the past concerning its effectiveness in representing the people's interests.

Mikrolet drivers protest closed-door regulations

Mikrolet drivers protest closed-door regulations JAKARTA (JP): Many of the 12-seat Mikrolet minibuses are protesting the Jakarta chapter Land Transport Owners' Organization (Organda) decision requiring them to install a special door "handle" at one establishment. The installation of the additional lever-like handle enables the drivers to open and close the doors without having to leave the driver's seat.

Centex's profit falls by 82 percent

Centex's profit falls by 82 percent JAKARTA (JP): PT Century Textile Industry (Centex), a textile manufacturer listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange, yesterday reported an 82 percent decline in its after-tax profit to Rp 2.6 billion (US$1.2 million) in the 1993-94 year to April. Hadi Budiman, vice president of Centex, announced yesterday that the decrease resulted from unfavorable conditions on the world market.

TV stations

TV stations Correction: Yesterday's story entitled Batam to get 2 TV relay stations which appeared on this page erroneously reported that the relay station would be dedicated on Monday. In fact, it will be dedicated today, Tuesday. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. -- Editor

`Growth of cities depend on political power'

`Growth of cities depend on political power' JAKARTA (JP): A scholar said that the boom of Indonesian cities, particularly Jakarta whose population is estimated to reach 30 million over the next 25 years, is closely related to the distribution of political power.

Proposal to raise traffic fines gets mixed reactions

Proposal to raise traffic fines gets mixed reactions JAKARTA (JP): The public had mixed reactions to the city administration's plan to increase traffic fines by up to 100 percent starting this week. Some motorists said that the increase would be too burdensome while others supported the proposed hike, saying that it was understandable given high number of traffic violations.

Kedung Ombo farmers excel

Kedung Ombo farmers excel BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Central Javanese farmers from Kedung Ombo who were resettled here have been nominated to win this year's national award as role model transmigrants. The 206 families from Kedung Ombo, who are now working the land in Seluma Kiri Transmigration Site in southern Bengkulu, have been nominated for the award because they excel over transmigrants from other areas, the Antara news agency said.

Town of flowers

Town of flowers From Berita Buana In many stories and articles Bandung has always been referred to as the Town of Flowers. Also Bandung is proudly called "the Paris of Java" and many other glamorous names. Very recently I visited Bandung but I did not see any flowers around. I've often been told that Bandung is cool and fresh. I was sweating profusely. The buildings are very close to each other and traffic on public roads is mostly one way.

PPP congress

PPP congress The United Development Party (PPP) is holding a congress from Aug. 29 to 31, 1994 in Jakarta. This is an important event because PPP, PDI (Indonesian Democratic Party) and the Functional Group (Golkar) are national assets. They all strive for enhancement of the people's intellect and improvement of people's welfare.

Cutting remarks from prosecutor in murder case

Cutting remarks from prosecutor in murder case JAKARTA (JP): The prosecutor in the case of the decapitated doctor told the North Jakarta District Court to reject the defense statement of lawyer Bambang Hartono and asked the court to sentence the accused to 10 years in prison.

Bad business for plant sellers at Flona fair

Bad business for plant sellers at Flona fair JAKARTA (JP): Many plants sellers complained that they did not have good sales during the just concluded Flora and Fauna (Flona) exhibition, which was organized by the City Park Agency. The 12th Flona, a two-week exhibition of house plants and pet animals held at the Banteng Square, Central Jakarta, was closed by Deputy Governor for Social Welfare Museno on Sunday. Mrs.

Plywood makers hail Japanese tariff cut

Plywood makers hail Japanese tariff cut JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian plywood exporters yesterday welcomed Japan's plan to lower its import duties on plywood. Sudradjat D.P., a member of the advisory board of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), said that the tariff reduction will have a favorable impact on the economic development of Indonesia.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:00 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Diletansia 3:30 TV Series: International Family Classic 4:30 Science Program: Blue Planet 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Karya dan Upaya 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Profile of Artists 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Insight 8:05 Drama 9:00 World News 9:25 Finals of Merdeka Cup Basketball Tournament (live) 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Sendang Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Mandela to visit Indonesia

Mandela to visit Indonesia CAPE TOWN (Reuter): South African President Nelson Mandela will visit Indonesia this weekend, a spokesman said yesterday. Spokesman Parks Mankahlana said Mandela, who is also head of the ruling African National Congress (ANC), would leave on Thursday and return to South Africa on Sunday. He said Mandela would be going on behalf of the ANC and not as South African president. Mandela was sworn in as South Africa's first black president in May.

Rivalry for PPP top post intensifies

Rivalry for PPP top post intensifies JAKARTA (JP): Competition for the top spot of the Moslem-based United Development Party (PPP) intensified at the start of the party congress yesterday as internal bickering deteriorated. The government and the powerful Armed Forces (ABRI) remained unusually tightlipped about whom they endorsed, making it difficult to predict who will emerge as the winner of the power struggle.

In pursuit of better DPR

In pursuit of better DPR Indonesians have just heard yet another moan of discontent about the way the House of Representatives (DPR) functions. This time the lament was voiced by no less than the Speaker of the DPR, Wahono. It is saddening to note that this is not the first time a DPR figure has pointed a finger at the legislative body's failure to perform. Wahono's predecessor, Mohammad Kharis Suhud, also fretted about the problem, when he was at the helm there a few years ago.

Indonesia opposes marriage between gays

Indonesia opposes marriage between gays JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is opposed to the marriage of two people of the same sex, although the practice could cut the population growth, President Soeharto said yesterday. While recognizing that people's sexual rights should be respected, Indonesia's concept of a family also stresses the responsibility of fathers and mothers in raising a family, Soeharto was quoted as saying by State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono.

Toll road project begins

Toll road project begins UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar launched the construction of another toll road in the city on Monday. The 10.31 kilometer road will link the Makasar Industrial Zone with the Soekarno- Hatta Port and will be an extension of the Tallo Lama toll road which links the city with the Hasanuddin Airport, according to a statement by the ministry's office in Jakarta.

Satelindo to sell 30,000 GSM telephone lines

Satelindo to sell 30,000 GSM telephone lines JAKARTA (JP): PT Satelit Palapa Indonesia (Satelindo), a satellite and cellular telephone operator, plans to market 30,000 cellular telecommunications lines using the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) by the end of this year. "There are already 7,500 people asking for GSM telephone lines even though official marketing will not start until Thursday, Sept. 1," Satelindo's president, Iwa Sewaka, told reporters here yesterday.

1,670 netted in citizenship operation

1,670 netted in citizenship operation East Jakarta mayoralty administration announced yesterday that it netted 1,670 people, including 40 prostitutes, caught traveling without identification documents during a sweep late last week. Suara Pembaruan daily reported that three out of the 1,670 people asked that the mayoralty administration send them to transmigration areas outside Java because they were tired of living as poor people in the city.

KONI to send 151 athletes to Asiad

KONI to send 151 athletes to Asiad JAKARTA (JP): Amid a Rp 1.4 billion (US$646,050) deficit and after some delay, the national sports governing body (KONI) has decided to send 151 athletes in 23 sports -- including three in non-Olympic events -- to the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima in October. KONI executive Suweno said that the organization expects to win a minimum of four gold medals at Asia's biggest sporting event, all in badminton.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices continued to rally on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday with most issues gaining ground in moderate trading. The broad-based Composite Index closed 2.43 points higher at 507.75 yesterday from 505.32 on Friday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also strengthened to close at 122.44 from 121.64.

Developer of property offers new shares

Developer of property offers new shares JAKARTA (JP): PT Duta Pertiwi, a diversified property developer affiliated with the Sinar Mas Group, will offer 25 million new shares, or around 11 percent of its enlarged total of common stocks, in October. Gunawan Yusuf, president of PT Makindo Securities which is acting as a lead underwriter of the share issuance, said yesterday that the shares, which carry a nominal value of Rp 1,000 (46 U.S.

Fire razes shopping center, causing Rp 33 billion in losses

Fire razes shopping center, causing Rp 33 billion in losses JAKARTA (JP): Fire yesterday razed the Cipulir Plaza, a five- story shopping center in Cipulir, South Jakarta, causing financial losses of more than Rp 33 billion (US$15,193,370). No casualties were reported. The fire, which started around 6.50 a.m., ended at around noontime after the City Fire Department sent 18 fire engines to the location.

Depok terminal

Depok terminal From Neraca A few days before the celebration of the 49th anniversary of the Indonesian proclamation of independence, Depok Town Administration launched an operation code named "K3 Operation." K3 stands for kebersihan (cleanliness), ketertiban (order) and keindahan (beauty) and it was meant to rid the bus terminal of ticket scalpers and hawkers, and regulate vehicles entering and leaving the terminal.

German national killed in RP

German national killed in RP DAVAO, Philippines (AFP): Two unidentified armed men robbed then shot dead a German businessman in this southern city over the weekend, a police official said yesterday. Ulrich Lehman, 54, a longtime Davao resident who is married to a Filipina, was watching television with his household help when the burglars barged into his home in a Davao suburb, said senior police inspector Marcelo Pintac.

Mercy given to sect followers

Mercy given to sect followers KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has promised to show mercy to followers of a banned Islamic messianic sect, but vowed to crackdown on its leaders. "We do not want to arrest the followers ... the problem is with the leaders, many of whom are still stubborn," Mahathir was quoted in local reports yesterday saying, quashing speculation that the government would resort to mass arrests of the Al Arqam sect's members.

Industrial waste

Industrial waste From Pikiran Rakyat We residents of Cibeureum village, South Cimahi district, Bandung, West Java, are very concerned about the location of PT Cimindi Subur and PT Metro Blue Jean Washing situated at Cempaka village, Andir District.

Democracy new to us: Soeharto

Democracy new to us: Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that Indonesia has much to learn about applying modern democracy to cope with its problems. "We are aware that the democratic tradition is something which is relatively new to us," Soeharto said at the opening of the third congress of the Moslem-oriented United Development Party (PPP).

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.

YJI will hold fund raiser

YJI will hold fund raiser An official of the Indonesian Heart Foundation (YJI) said that, in a bid to collect donations from the public, it will sell cards which will enable the holders to get discounts in hospitals, department stores, drug stores and hotels. Masino, the executive director of YJI, said over the weekend that the discount cards will be sold at Rp 15,000 (around US$7) around Jakarta and at Rp 10,000 in the other areas.

Kampung Rambutan bus terminal

Kampung Rambutan bus terminal From Jayakarta Kampung Rambutan bus terminal is prone to criminal acts and violence, particularly at night. The most common crime is hold- ups. Ticket scalpers also make the situation in the terminal inconvenient. To my surprise, security personnel are rarely seen whenever a crime takes place in the area. What happens with the manned police office at the station?

White sand, good food and Phil Collins

White sand, good food and Phil Collins JAKARTA (JP): Picture this. You're having a seafood barbecue and a few drinks with friends in beach-like surroundings while watching Phil Collins in concert. That's the atmosphere that Pasir Putih grill and bar tries to recreate in the heart of the Kemang neighborhood in South Jakarta. Good food, friendly and somewhat neighborly surroundings and good, slightly loud, music.

Profiles of leading candidates for PPP chairman

Profiles of leading candidates for PPP chairman JAKARTA (JP): With the opening of the congress of the United Development Party (PPP) yesterday, six men have been named as possible candidates for the party's chairmanship. The following is a brief synopsis of each candidate. 1.

Taiwan makes big concessions in bid for entry into GATT

Taiwan makes big concessions in bid for entry into GATT TAIPEI (Reuter): Taiwan has made major concessions in its bid for entry to GATT, and plans more, to ensure the world's 13th largest trading country becomes a member by the end of the year, the island's top trade official said. "As the world's 13th largest trading country, we should be a member of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT). What are we afraid of?" Y.C.

41 concessionaires may lose logging rights

41 concessionaires may lose logging rights JAKARTA (JP): Forty one of 108 concessionaires which operate industrial forests under a transmigration scheme (HTI-Trans) will likely lose their annual logging rights. "If they do not operate industrial forests under the transmigration scheme, we will not give them annual logging rights next April," Minister of Forestry Djamaloedin Soeryohadikoesoemo told journalists after presenting awards to successful concessionaires here yesterday.

Klaten awaits Hillary Clinton

Klaten awaits Hillary Clinton KLATEN, Central Java: American First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton is expected to visit here in November -- specifically, the Tegalyoso General Hospital which was built with some American assistance. Hillary Clinton will also be checking in on the various community health centers in the area, city sources say. Hospital Director Sulaeman said he had not been informed of the planned visit but said that it is possible given the hospital's close ties with the U.S.

Perumka tells people to be more careful

Perumka tells people to be more careful Ismani, head of the Jakarta Operational Area of the state- owned railway company Perumka, reminded people to be careful when crossing the railway tracks because of the automation of railway signs throughout the city. "There is no attendant to watch over the automatic crossing door," said Ismani, adding that the train on the Jakarta-Bogor route crosses every 10-15 minutes.