Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 September 1994

54 articles found

Abdurrahman breaks glasses

Abdurrahman breaks glasses SURABAYA: Abdurrahman Wahid, the chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama Moslem movement and leader of the Forum for Democracy, was forced to cancel a seminar appearance at the last minute on Tuesday because he broke his glasses. Gus Dur, as Abdurrahman is popularly known, was just about to embark on his flight from Jakarta on Tuesday when the incident happened, the Antara news agency reported.

New deregulatory measures planned

New deregulatory measures planned JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo said here yesterday that the government is preparing new deregulatory measures to improve the business climate and industrial efficiency in the country. Speaking to newsmen following his meeting with President Soeharto, Tunky said that simplification of licensing procedures remains an essential factor in attracting both foreign and local investors.

Wanted rapist of night bus passenger captured

Wanted rapist of night bus passenger captured JAKARTA (JP): Police on Tuesday evening arrested a man believed to have participated in a gang rape on a hitchhiker last week in front of the Indonesian Christian University (UKI) in Cawang, East Jakarta. The suspect, identified as Toni Matondang, 30, a resident of East Jakarta, was arrested at around 7 p.m. near the Cawang intersection while extorting money from bus drivers who parked their vehicles there, said Lt. Col.

Al Arqam meets Malaysian official in Chiang Mai

Al Arqam meets Malaysian official in Chiang Mai CHIANG MAI, Thailand (AFP): A Malaysian official had a brief meeting with members of the controversial Al Arqam Moslem sect in Chiang Mai yesterday in a bid to ease tensions, a sect official said here. Malaysia officially outlawed the messianic sect last Friday for threatening public order and spreading deviationist teachings.

Telkom charts own strategy for human resources management

Telkom charts own strategy for human resources management PT Telekomunasi Indonesia's commitment to human resources development is evident from the moment one steps into the elevators at its headquarters in Jakarta. A large poster details the state-owned telecommunications company's goals of accurate, responsive and conscientious behavior for employees.

KFC appoints new french fries supplier

KFC appoints new french fries supplier JAKARTA (JP): PT Fast Food Indonesia, the franchisee of Kentucky Fried Chicken in Indonesia, has appointed PT Sekar Bumi, a private frozen food company, as the sole supplier of french fries. "PT Sekar Bumi will supply 2,000 tons of frozen french fries a year to meet the needs of 107 Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) outlets all over the country," the director of PT Fast Food Indonesia (FFI), J.D.

U.S. makes last minute check on Indonesian labor

U.S. makes last minute check on Indonesian labor JAKARTA (JP): The United States is currently making a last minute check on the condition of Indonesian workers, which is crucial in deciding whether or not to continue granting trade privileges to Jakarta. A team from the U.S. Trade Department has been in Indonesia this week to meet with representatives of both the official and the unofficial trade unions as well as human rights organizations.

Jakarta-Cirebon bus fare

Jakarta-Cirebon bus fare From Kompas On behalf of myself and my friends from the low income bracket I would like to draw the attention of the authorities to the indiscriminate bus fares imposed on us who are regular Jakarta- Cirebon commuters. On May 17, 1994 I was charged Rp 5,000 although the official price of Rp 3,500 was clearly printed on the ticket of PO Warga Baru. After some time another bus company, PT Armada Jaya Penunjang Sari, charged me Rp 6,000.

Five firms, one institution win management awards

Five firms, one institution win management awards JAKARTA (JP): Five private companies and the National Family Planning Board (BKKBN) won management awards last night from the Manila-based Asian Institute of Management and the Hong Kong- based Far Eastern Economic Review magazine.

Say it more often with letters

Say it more often with letters JAKARTA (JP): Indonesians aren't writing enough, an official of the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunication says. Director of Post Marsoedi said the 294.3 million letters handled by the post office during the first semester of 1994 is still a meager amount compared to the true potential for a country of Indonesia's size.

YKCI may sue 3 entertainment firms

YKCI may sue 3 entertainment firms JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesia Creative Arts Foundation (YKCI) is considering suing three businessmen in the entertainment industry because they are refusing to pay royalties for the music they use for commercial purposes. Candra Darusman disclosed the plan to reporters prior to the foundation's meeting with the businessmen, government officials and members of the House of Representatives at Kartika Chandra Hotel yesterday.

Ticket for Utut to Grand Prix PCA

Ticket for Utut to Grand Prix PCA JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's leading chess wizard Grand Master (GM) Utut Adianto secured a ticket to the Grand Prix PCA professional chess tourney next Monday in London after scoring the third place at the Lloyd Bank Masters on Tuesday. Antara reported that Utut went through a five minute speed- chess match with eight other chessmen at the end of the Masters, which took place in London, because all of the nine players had equal points of 7.5 MP.

Seven nabbed for trying to bribe police officers

Seven nabbed for trying to bribe police officers JAKARTA (JP): Police announced yesterday that they have collared seven people, including four traffic violators, for attempting to bribe officers on duty. "Don't ever bribe traffic police anymore. Otherwise, you shall be collared like those people," Col. Soeroso, chief of the traffic directorate at the city police headquarters, told reporters.

GATT promises better dispute settlement

GATT promises better dispute settlement JAKARTA (JP): The new principles of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which will take effect early next year, promise more hope for developing nations in negotiating trade disputes with industrial countries, Coordinating Minister for Industry and Trade Hartarto says.

Deal on chemical project

Deal on chemical project SINGAPORE (AFP): A German company, UHDE GmbH, and Singapore's Sembawang Projects Engineering Company Pte. Ltd. (SEMPEC) have been jointly awarded a US$60 million contract to build a hydrogen peroxide plant in Indonesia, it was announced here. A statement from SEMPEC said the plant, to be built for PT Risjad Brasali Peroxida, would be located at Cikarang in West Java and due for completion in the second half of 1996.

Limited number of doctors accepted as civil servants

Limited number of doctors accepted as civil servants JAKARTA (JP): More than 2,000 doctors who have dedicated their services to the public were denied entry into the civil service when the Ministry of Health limited recruitment to 300 this year. A statement from the ministry's public relations office dated Aug. 30, made available to The Jakarta Post yesterday, said examinations were conducted last week to select 300 doctors out of the 2,400 who registered.

APEC wants free trade in 2020

APEC wants free trade in 2020 JAKARTA (JP): A special task force of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum yesterday handed President Soeharto their report which calls for establishing an Asia- Pacific free trade region by the year 2020. C. Fred Bergsten, the chairman of APEC's Eminent Persons Group (EPG), delivered the report which will serve as a proposed guideline for the forum's future outlook.

One-way traffic create problems

One-way traffic create problems Deputy Governor for Economic and Development Tubagus M. Rais has said that the one-way traffic policy, which was introduced in some areas in the city to alleviate traffic congestions, has failed. "It even creates new problems," Rais said yesterday. The policy was introduced earlier this year by the City Land and Traffic Control Agency (DLLAJ) to overcome Jakarta's notorious traffic problems.

Rhino couples sent home

Rhino couples sent home BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Several Sumatran rhinoceros couples will soon be returned from Britain to their original habitat in southern Sumatra because they failed to produce any offspring. The two-horned rhinos were sent to the London Zoo several years ago as part of the effort to breed them in captivity, the Director General for Preservation of Forest and Conservation of Nature Soedjadi, said as reported by Antara.

Cases of irregularities involving Rp 8.65 billion reported

Cases of irregularities involving Rp 8.65 billion reported JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications yesterday reported several cases of irregularities in the state-run companies under its supervision, which happened over the last 18 years and involves Rp 8.65 billion (US$7.97 million).

Limited access for foreign players in Indonesia league

Limited access for foreign players in Indonesia league JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesia Football Federation (PSSI) will only give foreign players limited access to Liga Indonesia, the country's brand new soccer league, at least for this season, an official says. "This decision is valid for the 1994/95 season which starts in September," said Agum Gumelar, chair of the Amateur League of the PSSI Tuesday.

Indonesia rejects abortion

Indonesia rejects abortion The issue of abortion continues to draw attention and provoke public debate. Abortion deals with a fundamental matter, human lives. Even though Indonesia is carrying out a family planning program, it strongly rejects abortion as a family planning method. With the advances in science and technology, abortion might be the most effective way to support a family planning program but it has provoked a long debate on whether abortion equals murder.

RI to set up national information infrastructure

RI to set up national information infrastructure JAKARTA (JP): Professionals, academic experts and executives of private and state-owned companies are expected to cooperate in establishing a high-tech information infrastructure to improve competitiveness of Indonesian businesses, an executive says. The president of the state-owned domestic telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), Setyanto P.

Japan gets regional support for UN bid

Japan gets regional support for UN bid TOKYO (AFP): Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama received near unanimous support for Tokyo's bid to join the UN Security Council during his recent tour Asian tour, but the question is far from resolved at home. Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand all unreservedly supported Japan becoming a permanent member of the Security Council joining Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

Talks on victims' release to resume

Talks on victims' release to resume SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines (AFP): Talks to free seven South Koreans held by Moslem rebels in the southern Philippines will resume Friday, negotiators said yesterday. Governor Norodin Matalam, co-chairman of the negotiating panel said he had met with Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) chief Al Hadji Murad at an undisclosed place late Tuesday to seek the release of the Shinsung Construction Corp. workers.

Management principles of Bank Bali appreciated

Management principles of Bank Bali appreciated Bank Bali must rank as one of Asia's most outstanding companies if its tally of Asian Management Awards is considered a gauge of excellence. This year's awards for People Development and Information Technology join honors for Financial Management in 1992 and Information Technology in 1991.

Producers moan about high tariffs on plastic materials

Producers moan about high tariffs on plastic materials JAKARTA (JP): Plastics producers yesterday spoke out against high tariff protection for materials which has led to substantial increases in production costs. "The main problem is that import duties and surcharges are also imposed on several derivatives of polyethylene and polypropylene that have not been produced domestically," Chairman of the Indonesian Plastics Manufacturer Association (Apindo) A. Sarbini said yesterday.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Tarzan 3:05 Children's Creativity 3:30 TV Series: Gunsmoke 4:30 Scouts Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Koran Recital 6:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama: Meniti Pelangi 8:05 TV Series: Combat 9:00 World News 9:30 Sports: Arena dan Juara 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Tides of War Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Workers, management stick to their guns

Workers, management stick to their guns JAKARTA (JP): Negotiations between the workers and management of PT Cometa Can Corp., a West Jakarta-based can factory, began yesterday, as the strike there entered its second day. "We will stay on strike until management fulfills all our demands," said a female worker who asked to remain anonymous.

Prudent management lead firms to excellence

Prudent management lead firms to excellence It may come as a surprise to some that this year's two recipients of the Asian Management Awards from Indonesia in the category of Financial Management do not hail from the world of finance or banking.

Police break NGOs meeting

Police break NGOs meeting SURAKARTA: A meeting of 15 non-governmental organizations at the headquarters of the Yaphi Foundation was dispersed by police on Wednesday because it did not have authorities permission. Agus Dodi of the Gita Pertiwi organization said the meeting mainly discussed the government's plan to issue a decree regulating the activities of NGOs. Police came and broke up the meeting one hour after it began and took two organizers, Theo Wahyu and Harsono, for questioning.

`Attorney General's office not slow in handling Kanindo case'

`Attorney General's office not slow in handling Kanindo case' JAKARTA (JP): A senior official of the Attorney General's Office yesterday rejected the allegation that his office has been slow at investigating the debt scandal at the Kanindo textile company. Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes A.

Cipulir fire still a mystery

Cipulir fire still a mystery Police were still at loss over the cause of fire which gutted the Cipulir Plaza in South Jakarta Monday. Lt. Col. Latief Rabar, a spokesman for City Police, said yesterday that the team from the national police headquarter's criminal laboratory was scheduled to begin examining the location today in order to find the exact cause of the fire.

Rumors on bad debtors

Rumors on bad debtors We were encouraged by the central bank's (Bank Indonesia) announcement last April that it was conducting special examinations of problem banks and of companies suspected of being in trouble with servicing their debts. We welcomed the special auditing as quite an essential measure to ascertain the exact size of non-performing assets at state banks and to accurately diagnose the problems behind the bad credits.

The 25-year-old `Trubus' has sizable circulation

The 25-year-old `Trubus' has sizable circulation By Samsudin Berlian JAKARTA (JP): Once, it was recommended to close down but now, entering its 25th anniversary, the Trubus hobby and agricultural magazine enjoys a relatively sizable circulation and loyal readers. At first glance the monthly does not look very attractive, even with virtually all the colors of the rainbow on its cover, but for those in the know, however, it is simply the best of its kind in the country.

Mahathir tells citizens to prevent man-made disasters

Mahathir tells citizens to prevent man-made disasters KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad urged citizens to shoulder greater responsibility for preventing man-made disasters as the nation celebrated its independence anniversary yesterday. Unlike neighboring Indonesia and the Philippines, along the earthquake and volcano-prone "ring of fire", Malaysia has been spared natural disasters, but is plagued by "tragedies of our own doing", Mahathir said.

Design of Awards trophy based on history

Design of Awards trophy based on history The Asian Management Awards trophy presented to award recipients at last night's awards ceremony in Jakarta is designed and executed in glass by award-winning international artist Impy Pilapil. It uses an emblem endorsed by King Charles I of Spain --the two pillars of Hercules and the scrolled motto Plus Ultra. Hercules was the most venerated Greek hero.

Food producers told to affix `halal' label

Food producers told to affix `halal' label JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Ulema Council (MUI) yesterday appealed to all food, beverage and drug manufacturers to have their products labeled halal (permitted in Islam), to reassure their Moslem consumers. MUI Chairman Hasan Basri told reporters yesterday that by having their products certified by the council, manufacturers will dispel any lingering doubts Moslems have about buying and consuming their products.

Govt to collect $11m in radio frequency fees

Govt to collect $11m in radio frequency fees JAKARTA (JP): The government will collect some Rp 24 billion (US$11 million) from private radio stations throughout the country for fees of frequency utilization rights (BHP), an official said.

The Asian Management Awards Year IV

The Asian Management Awards Year IV Board of Judges - Indonesia Drs Rachmat Saleh Pres. Commissioner Bank Muamalat Drs John A. Prasetio Managing Director Prasetio, Utomo & Co. Dr Djunaedi Hadisumarto Assistant for Econ. Affairs Menko Ekku & Wasbang H. Surasa Asian Institute of Management List of Winning Organizations - Indonesia General Management: PT ASTRA INTERNATIONAL CEO - Mr. T. P. Rachmat Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 22 Jakarta 10120 Financial Management: PT CHAROEN POKPHAND INDONESIA CEO - Mr.

PPP congress haggles over electoral board

PPP congress haggles over electoral board JAKARTA (JP): Delegates to the congress of the United Development Party (PPP) last night began deliberating the formation of the seven-member electoral board that will select the new party leadership today. Representatives from the 27 provincial party chapters and 300 regency branches were asked to propose seven names. The board members are those who obtain the most votes.

Siemens and Bimantara form power partnership

Siemens and Bimantara form power partnership JAKARTA (JP): Siemens AG of Germany and Power Gen. of Britain will likely join the Bimantara Group in constructing two coal- fired power generating units in Paiton, East Java, with a combined capacity of 1,200 megawatts (MW) at a cost of US$2.1 billion. Kurt W.

Firms asked to set up union

Firms asked to set up union Governor Surjadi Soedirdja is urging companies operating in the city with more than 25 workers to set up local chapters of the All Indonesia's Workers Union. Surjadi said on Tuesday that there were 22,900 companies in the city with more than 25 workers and that 8,814 of them meet all the requirements to set up their own workers' unions. "But thus far only 655 have set up the unions," he said.

Indonesia must step up professionalism

Indonesia must step up professionalism THERE will be no outright givens, no certainties of investment and economic prosperity, in the fiercely competitive business times looming ahead, management experts warn. Staggering technological advancements have made the global village a reality, traversing borders and bringing the latest developments into even the most remote areas in the world. The dynamics of conducting business have changed inexorably.

Bintang criticizes PPP congress from the sidelines

Bintang criticizes PPP congress from the sidelines JAKARTA (JP): United Development Party (PPP) chairmanship aspirant Sri Bintang Pamungkas, who has been relegated to the sidelines of the ongoing party congress, accused party leaders yesterday of engineering the gathering to protect their own interests. "Members of the PPP central executive board are behaving like warlords as if they own the party," Bintang said.

Motorist extorted

Motorist extorted Recently, at the corner of Jl. Laswi and Jl. RA Martadinata in Bandung, my wife drove through a traffic light that turned orange just as she entered the intersection and she was stopped by a policeman. The policeman said that she had driven through a red light. It did not matter that the light had just turned orange and was not red when she made the turn. According to the policeman, the fine was Rp 7,500, but she had to pay Rp 10,000 to get her driver's license back.

PPP faces mounting obstacles in regions, delegates say

PPP faces mounting obstacles in regions, delegates say JAKARTA (JP): As the elites of the United Development Party (PPP) wrestle over leadership positions at their ongoing congress, some regional cadres warn that the party must never abandon its supporters in the outlying areas. Delegates from Bali, West Nusa Tenggara and Irian Jaya said separately yesterday that they face mounting obstacles and challenges in maintaining their existence.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices continued to improve on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday after the broad-based Composite Index broke the 500-barrier last week. The JSX broad-based index ended 1.17 points higher at 5190.26 yesterday, as compared to 509.09 on Tuesday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index increased to 124.34 from 123.78.

RP posts 5.07 percent GNP growth

RP posts 5.07 percent GNP growth MANILA (AFP): The Philippines' gross national product (GNP) grew 5.07 percent in the first half of 1994, boosting hopes that the country's struggling economy was finally on the way to recovery, officials said yesterday.

Tax imposed on CPO exports to protect local producers

Tax imposed on CPO exports to protect local producers JAKARTA (JP): The government, beginning today, will introduce an export tax on crude palm oil (CPO) products to protect local producers and to stabilize domestic cooking oil prices.

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.

Asian Management Awards well recognized in Indonesia

Asian Management Awards well recognized in Indonesia It was a glittering evening of thanks and appreciation last night at the Jakarta Hilton International as representatives of six Indonesian companies stepped forward to receive the 1993 Asian Management Awards.

Sex-less night life

Sex-less night life BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: City authorities are confident that they can develop attractive tourism in the city without resorting to sex and gambling industries. Head of the tourism office Idrus Djaendarmuda said he would not tolerate any entertainment or tourist center involving sex or gambling. The city's night life could still be lively without the two Idrus said.

Riau festival opened

Riau festival opened North Jakarta Mayor Suprawito opened the exhibition of Riau Sea People, a food and culture festival representing the Riau coastal area, at the Bahari Museum in North Jakarta yesterday. The festival, held by the North Jakarta Tourism Sub-Office in coordination with the Bahari Museum, presented cultural performances and more than 50 seafood dishes. (yns)