Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 August 1994

47 articles found

Policewoman arrival thwarts daytime robbery

Policewoman arrival thwarts daytime robbery JAKARTA (JP): A quick-witted policewoman foiled an attempted daytime robbery by a notorious gang of four thugs in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta yesterday. The officer shot and injured one of the robbers while the rest reportedly bugged out. One of the toughs was later apprehended by angry area residents, who helped the policewoman subdue the robbers. Lt. Col.

Shoe producer shows profit

Shoe producer shows profit JAKARTA (JP): PT Indosepamas Anggun, a producer of shoes under the Adidas and Reebok brands, achieved an after-tax profit of Rp 4.8 billion (US$2.21 million) during the first six months of this year. Fransiscus Welirang, the company's president, said here yesterday that the company's revenues reached Rp 61.2 billion during the first semester of this year. The company held total assets of Rp 124.14 billion as of August 30. (05)

Anti-Pancasila group found

Anti-Pancasila group found PURWOKERTO, Central Java: The authorities are investigating the activity of an organization which has openly declared its opposition to the state ideology Pancasila. The group's activities, first founded in Banten in West Java, has spread to other parts of the province including some in Central Java. Their number is put at 117 people. The issue was discussed jointly by security officers from West Java and Central Java here in Purwokerto this week. (wah/emb)

Barry, Mar'ie ink aid deal

Barry, Mar'ie ink aid deal JAKARTA (JP): The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) yesterday agreed to provide US$125 million in loans and $25 million in grants to improve Indonesia's municipal management and services in the coming five years. The agreement was signed here by Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad and U.S. ambassador to Indonesia Robert L. Barry.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Prices continued booking significant gains on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday after breaking the 500-barrier last week. The broad-based Composite Index, closed at 509.08, a 1.32 point increase from 507.75 previously. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index rose as well to close at 123.78 from 122.44 on Monday.

Death toll from Philippines' coal mine blast rises to 54

Death toll from Philippines' coal mine blast rises to 54 MANILA (AFP): The death toll from a massive gas explosion in the Philippines' biggest coal mine rose to 54 yesterday as rescuers battled noxious fumes to find 20 workers still missing one day after the accident. Asked whether any of the missing miners was still alive, Debbie Diokno, a spokeswoman of the state-owned energy giant Philippine National Oil Co.

Russia sleepwalks to Independence Cup title

Russia sleepwalks to Independence Cup title JAKARTA (JP): Basketball purists can breathe a sigh of relief, the fifth Independence Cup is now history. With last night's win, Russia can lay claim to being the best basketball team in Indonesia right now. But that's not saying much. In a game that more closely resembled a schoolyard pick-up game where the players aren't too familiar with each other's moves, a skeleton Russian team defeated Saudi Arabia 72-54.

Ismail, Matori in war for PPP top spot

Ismail, Matori in war for PPP top spot JAKARTA (JP): Matori Abdul Djalil and Ismail Hasan Metareum, emerging as the strongest contenders in the race for the top spot of the United Development Party (PPP), were locked in a war of words yesterday. In their open and escalating rivalry, Matori and Ismail Hasan claimed to have the support from the majority of the party's congress participants from the provinces and regencies. Ismail Hasan is the incumbent chairman seeking re-election.

Growth with regional stability, peace

Growth with regional stability, peace Aware of the fact that regional stability and peace is of utmost important for the country's growth, the Malaysian government continues to adopt its neutral foreign policy and to resolve through peaceful and friendly means in settling issues with its neighbors, especially with the other five member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), in which Malaysia is also a member.

Indonesian military ready to oversee Moro truce

Indonesian military ready to oversee Moro truce JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is prepared to send its military officers to help oversee the truce agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro separatist rebel movement, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday.

Five killed in mine explosion

Five killed in mine explosion SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan (JP): Five people were killed when a coal mine near the Mahakam River in Kutai Regency of East Kalimantan exploded, the Antara news agency reported yesterday. The five were workers of PT Fajar Bumi Sakti, a coal mining firm, who had been sent into the mine's tunnel to inspect the electricity installation. Four of the five were burned beyond recognition when their bodies were recovered from the tunnel.

Siswono confirms rioting by Dayaks in W. Kalimantan

Siswono confirms rioting by Dayaks in W. Kalimantan JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo confirmed yesterday that West Kalimantan's Dayak tribe was recently involved in a clash with a timber company over an escalating land dispute. Siswono was quick to lay the blame for the Aug. 11 rioting on the timber company for failing to take into account the sentiments of the Dayak people.

Darul Arqam: A historical reflection

Darul Arqam: A historical reflection Nine provinces have banned the activities of the controversial Kuala Lumpur-based Darul Arqam sect in Indonesia and press reports say other provinces are considering following suit. Intellect Azyumardi Asra doubts the ban will be effective. JAKARTA (JP): To date at least nine provincial prosecutor's offices have banned the beleaguered Darul Arqam.

Banten bonsai in big demand

Banten bonsai in big demand CILEGON, West Java: Bonsais, or dwarf plants, produced in Banten are much sought after by collectors from all corners of Indonesia, according to local collectors. Ichwan Maza and Ivan, who presented their collection at an exhibition here, said one of the most widely desired plants is the Santigi, which is found only in Banten, the westernmost part of West Java.

Cable venture set up

Cable venture set up JAKARTA (JP): An Australian company, Pacific Dunlop, announced yesterday that it has established a A$30-million (US$22.27- million) joint venture with a number of Indonesian partners to manufacture communication cables at the Balaraja industrial center in West Java.

Ex-governors, sociologist get transmigration award

Ex-governors, sociologist get transmigration award JAKARTA (JP): Former governors of Irian Jaya and Aceh and a noted sociologist were awarded by the government yesterday with the Satya Lencana Pembangunan stars for their contribution to the government transmigration cause.

Financially-strapped Inalum gets Japan aid

Financially-strapped Inalum gets Japan aid JAKARTA (JP): The Japanese government said yesterday it will provide financial assistance to Indonesia to help restart a stalled joint aluminum smelter at Asahan in North Sumatra, Kyodo reported from Tokyo yesterday.

Are self-contained cities the answer?

Are self-contained cities the answer? JAKARTA (JP): Government officials and urban city analysts have said that developing new self-contained urban centers or growth centers, which integrate industrial, cultural and housing areas in one location, is a pragmatic solution to overcoming the urban problems in Indonesia.

Developer reports profit

Developer reports profit JAKARTA (JP): PT Ciputra Development, a property developer, reported yesterday an estimated after-tax profit of Rp 56.32 billion (US$26 million) during the first semester of this year. Harun Hajadi, a director of the company, said that the estimated profit represents 55 percent of the company's projected profit for 1994. In the January-June period, the company gained revenues of Rp 235.2 billion, contributed mainly by several projects starting operations.

Keating discusses APEC preparations with Soeharto

Keating discusses APEC preparations with Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating yesterday had a telephone conversation with President Soeharto about the preparations for the upcoming meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Bogor in November. Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono told reporters yesterday that the two leaders exchanged ideas on the substance of what they expected to happen at the Bogor meeting.

More airports will serve int'l flights

More airports will serve int'l flights JAKARTA (JP): Foreign visitors will have easier access to several tourist destinations in Indonesia, as more airports in the country will be able to accommodate international flights. A report from the Directorate General of Tourism released yesterday said a new airport in Medan, North Sumatra -- which will replace the present Polonia Airport -- will be equipped with a 4,000-meter runway.

Steel plant protested

Steel plant protested SEMARANG: Thousands of villagers in Jrakah district in Tugu staged a demonstration outside the plant of PT Inti General Yaja Steel because of allegations that it is polluting the air. The villagers said the steel plant emits black smoke, and many people living in the area have started coughing. People have also complained that their laundry has been affected. The company has been ordered to install a dust collector to reduce the pollution caused by its plant.

Companies told to operate night fleet

Companies told to operate night fleet The head of the City Land Transportation and Traffic Control Agency (DLLAJ), J.P. Sepang, said that public transit companies operating in the city had to mobilize 30 percent of their fleets for night transportation in order to meet the increasing public demand for that service. "Night transportation will be launched officially starting next week," Sepang said.

Honoring Java's royal heritage through Kraton Festival

Honoring Java's royal heritage through Kraton Festival Text and photos by Mulkan Salmona YOGYAKARTA (JP): For an entire week visitors to the ancient royal city of Yogyakarta witnessed a series of spectacles that many of Yogya's older citizens had seldom, if ever, seen before. The occasion was this year's Kraton Festival, an annual event which aims at popularizing Java's ancient court traditions.

1,000 workers go on strike

1,000 workers go on strike Around 1,000 workers of PT Cometa Can Corp., a can factory, went on strike yesterday in front of the factory's office in Pluit Muara Karang, West Jakarta. The workers demanded that the regional minimum wage be raised from Rp 3,800 (US$1.74) to Rp 6,000. They also pushed for management to increase their monthly salaries and fulfill their obligation to provide worker benefits such as health insurance.

Responsibility of political parties

Responsibility of political parties In his speech before the United Development Party (PPP) congress on Aug. 29, 1994, President Soeharto emphasized that the program and the personnel of the party's Board of Executives are crucial in determining the progress of national development. The president also stressed that the social political forces should not work only for the benefit of their own members, but they should also have responsibility for state affairs.

Sumitro launches a new book

Sumitro launches a new book Perkembangan Pemikiran Ekonomi: Dasar Teori Ekonomi Pertumbuhan dan Ekonomi Pembangunan. By Sumitro Djojohadikusumo Publisher: LP3ES, 422 pages, 1994. JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's most senior and respected economist, 77-year old Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, is known as an outspoken analyst. He does not mince words when a particular situation or development requires him to prescribe caution.

AIDS awareness night in Jakarta

AIDS awareness night in Jakarta The Indonesian AIDS Foundation, in cooperation with Aid for AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome,) will hold an AIDS awareness night on Sept. 15 at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center. The charity night, featuring musical performances and painting exhibitions, will also be supported by famous Indonesian singers such as Vina Panduwinata, Harvey Malaiholo, Emilia Contessa, Dewi Yull, Ruth Sahanaya and Utha Likumahua.

Deal on gold study

Deal on gold study JAKARTA (JP): PT Newmont Nusatenggara, an American-Indonesian joint venture, has assigned Flour Daniel Inc. of the United States to carry out the first-phase optimization study of its project, aimed at gold and copper production on Sumbawa island. In a statement made available here yesterday, the company announced that the study will determine the best way to develop, mine and process ore.

Aussie engine could clean up Asian cities, designers say

Aussie engine could clean up Asian cities, designers say CANBERRA (AFP): A new two-stroke engine designers believe could help clear the air of Asian cities polluted by the exhaust emissions of millions of motorcycles was unveiled here yesterday. The Perth-based Orbital Engine Corp. (OEC), developers of revolutionary car engine technology designed by West Australian inventor Ralph Sarich, claims its latest system cuts emissions by 95 percent.

RI told to learn from multinational firms

RI told to learn from multinational firms JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian companies should learn from multinational companies in developing human resources, says noted economist Djisman S. Simandjuntak. Djisman said yesterday that multinational companies are much more competitive and efficient than local firms, despite the expense of better treatment of the labor force.

Gateways

Gateways From Neraca According to statistics, 20 Jakarta residents died between January and August this year from fires. The fire service recorded 482 fires during this period. Many causes of the fires are known, but the majority of them are caused by human error and negligence. In many cases the fire brigade cannot get to the fire. Many roads in `kampongs' are too small for the fire engine to pass and the fire can therefore easily spread to a larger area.

Govt to award athletes, coaches and referees

Govt to award athletes, coaches and referees JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to award athletes, coaches, officials, referees and various institutions with the Satya Lencana stars during the celebration of the National Sports Day on Sept. 9, says the Minister of Sport and Youth Affairs Hayono Isman. Hayono said Monday that all athletes and officials who participated in the Uber and Thomas Cups will get the awards. Indonesia won both of badminton's most prestigious team honors three months ago.

ASEAN countries plan to produce own TV programs

ASEAN countries plan to produce own TV programs BATAM, Riau (JP): Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plan to produce their own television programs as a way of countering the cultural intrusion through TV programs supplied from the West, Minister of Information Harmoko disclosed yesterday. "We reached the informal agreement last year," Harmoko said referring to the meeting of ASEAN's information ministers in Manila.

Shopping in Singapore

Shopping in Singapore Although it is probably a sin to find the misfortunes of others a source of amusement, I could not contain my smile as I read Mrs. Fauzia's letter on Aug. 26 complaining at the way she was cheated during her shopping spree in Singapore. I too had reason to visit Singapore recently and found the experience refreshingly different from Jakarta.

Military wants PPP to end conflict and consolidate

Military wants PPP to end conflict and consolidate JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung told the United Development Party (PPP) yesterday to end its factional bickering and consolidate. PPP should learn from past experience that internal conflict has hindered its own development and progress, he said when addressing about 800 participants of the four-day congress which opened Monday. Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M.

Container trucks impounded

Container trucks impounded The Jakarta Office of the Ministry of Transportation announced that it has impounded more than 300 container trucks for a series of violations. Abdul Karim, the head of the office, said the trailer trucks had been impounded because of technical problems, primarily malfunctioning braking systems, or missing vehicle documentation. The trailer trucks were impounded at a site in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, and at another site on Jl.

Govt to probe Kanindo's fake export documents

Govt to probe Kanindo's fake export documents JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo promised yesterday to investigate a potential rescuer of the debt-ridden Kanindo Group which has been linked to the issue of fake export documents.

Buses with New Model Route system

Buses with New Model Route system From Neraca I commend the PPD city bus company's introduction of its New Model Route (RMB) on its Patas AC buses. It has been found to be effective in discouraging drivers to fill their buses with too many passengers and to drive recklessly in the city's traffic. The drivers of the ordinary buses usually have to earn as much money as they can in order to pay the daily rental fee. That is why these drivers race around picking up as many passengers as possible.

Fighting rape

Fighting rape From Republika The recent rape and murder of a female student that took place in Bogor, West Java, and other forms of violence in society are apparently the result of the increasing availability of pornographic shows. Pornographic films are shown on television and cinemas and pornographic pictures are printed in some publications.

Message from H.E. Dato' Dali M. Hashim,

Message from H.E. Dato' Dali M. Hashim, Malaysian Ambassador to the Republic of Indonesia Today, August 31, 1994 Malaysia celebrates her 37th independence anniversary. On this very joyful day, I would like to warmly congratulate all the people of Malaysia wherever they are, including those staying in the Republic of Indonesia. In this opportunity, let me congratulate the government and the people of the Republic of Indonesia who commemorated the 49th independence anniversary on August 17, 1994.

Team to better prepare workers to be sent abroad

Team to better prepare workers to be sent abroad JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has formed a joint team to work out a plan on manpower as part of the efforts to improve the competitiveness of Indonesians working abroad. Soegiyo, the chairman of the City Council's Commission E on social welfare, said yesterday that the joint team includes members of the City Council and officials from the City Manpower Office.

Indonesia must make voting a tradition, scholar says

Indonesia must make voting a tradition, scholar says JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia should make voting a tradition in deciding some of the political issues, and not insist on consensus all the time, according to a noted political scholar. Prof. Dr.

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.

Surjadi hopes MRT done during his time

Surjadi hopes MRT done during his time JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja expressed hope that the oft-delayed urban Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project, which will link Blok M in South Jakarta with the Kota area in West Jakarta, will be completed while he is still in office. "I hope the project will be finished while I am still serving my term of office," Surjadi told reporters on the steps of City Hall on Monday.

Horse show down graded

Horse show down graded KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Organizers of a local horse competition on Sumba Island have had to downgrade a traditional horse show because the government ruled against bringing in horses from other areas. The ban was slapped down by the Directorate General of Animal Husbandry because of fears that the imported horses could bring diseases to island, the Antara news agency reported.

Transport allowance

Transport allowance From Suara Karya It is becoming increasingly difficult for civil servants to find a place to live near their Jakarta offices. This is because the city is continuously and rapidly developing. Every morning you see flocks of civil servants on the outskirts of Jakarta being herded onto city buses. Civil servants can't dream of buying a piece of land or a home in the city area because it is way beyond their reach.