Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 10 September 1994

51 articles found

Ismail plays down threat from ulemas

Ismail plays down threat from ulemas JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) is playing down a threat by ulemas to remove their support from his political organization in rejection of his re-election. Appearing calm as usual, Ismail Hasan said yesterday that he did not see the opposition by some ulemas to his leadership as a serious threat to PPP's performance in the 1997 general election.

12 consortia to joint phone project tender

12 consortia to joint phone project tender JAKARTA (JP): The government has chosen 12 consortia to take part in the tender for the establishment of two million telephone lines within the current Sixth Five-Year Development Plan (Repelita VI) period.

W. Java's chief prosecutor dies

W. Java's chief prosecutor dies BANDUNG: The chief of the West Java High Prosecutors Office, Soegeng Soemartopo Marsigit, died on Friday after a stroke, according to the Attorney General's office in Jakarta. Soegeng, 59, died in the Hasan Sadikin General Hospital in Bandung. Hailing from Kebumen, in Central Java, he once served in the House of Representatives in 1967. His career as an government attorney took him to prosecutors offices in Java and Kalimantan. (02)

Palm oil prices sink as India turns to soyoil

Palm oil prices sink as India turns to soyoil KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Palm oil prices, which surged to nine- year highs this week on talk of Indian demand, tumbled after New Delhi turned to soybean oil imports for the first time in many years, regional traders said yesterday. The drop came after traders in Buenos Aires said on Thursday that Argentina had shipped 15,000 tons of soybean oil to India, priced at $679 a ton. "This is bad news for palm oil," one Singapore trader said.

City public transportation back to normal

City public transportation back to normal JAKARTA (JP): City public transportation returned back to normal as most minibus drivers ended their sit-in strike yesterday. Passengers at many bus terminals and shelters were able to be commuted at most hours and the daily view of the packed, long lines of minibuses can be seen again at most terminals.

Govt told to probe criminal aspects of debt-ridden firms

Govt told to probe criminal aspects of debt-ridden firms JAKARTA (JP): Economist Kwik Kian Gie criticized the government's handling of debt-ridden companies, saying it has failed to tackle the criminal aspects. He criticized the government's handling of the Kanindo textile group, in which it's only apparent concern is with the group's operational stability, while the possible criminal aspects have been left untouched.

If you can't beat them, employ them

If you can't beat them, employ them JAKARTA (JP): The government is proposing the employment of elephants at plantation and forest estates in the hopes that this will balance the protection of the species against stopping the recurrent elephant attacks on villages -- which are the cause of costly, and sometimes lethal, damage.

No law to bar monopoly and conglomeration here

No law to bar monopoly and conglomeration here JAKARTA (JP): The concentration of businesses in certain groups through monopolistic practices and conglomeration continues to happen in Indonesia because there is no law preventing it, economist Kwik Kian Gie said yesterday. "I almost get bored because I have raised such an issue several times on many different occasions," Kwik told a three-day workshop of the Ministry of Trade.

New police chief inducted

New police chief inducted SEMARANG: National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman on Friday inducted the new chief of Central Java Police and the new governor of the Police Academy. Brig. Gen. Wadyo Purnomo was appointed governor of the academy in place of Maj. Gen. Poeloeng Soehartono. Brig. Gen. Harimas was appointed as Central Java Police Chief in place of Maj. Gen. A.A. Soegijo. Wadyo was previously assistant to the National Police Chief on social and cultural affairs.

Malaysia raids outlawed Al Arqam sect commune

Malaysia raids outlawed Al Arqam sect commune KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian authorities yesterday raided a commune of the outlawed Al Arqam Moslem sect and detained 121 people, including the daughter-in-law of sect leader Ashaari Muhammad. It was the first government raid on one of the sect's settlements and came a day after Premier Mahathir Mohamad provided what he said was photographic evidence of plans by the banned group to become a military force.

China attracts most of Taiwan's investment

China attracts most of Taiwan's investment TAIPEI (AFP): China attracted investment worth US$652 million in 687 projects from Taiwanese enterprises in the first eight months of this year, an economic official said yesterday. Taiwan-authorized investments in other overseas countries totaled 197 projects worth $1,146 million, a 15-percent rise in value, the official said.

Tanah Abang market `more secure'

Tanah Abang market `more secure' The security condition in Tanah Abang market, Central Jakarta, has improved following the implementation of an army-sponsored crime crackdown, a kiosk owner says. The authorities launched the Cleansing Operation earlier this year, whose operation area includes the 250-year-old Tanah Abang, one of the biggest traditional markets in the capital. Komar Hadi, the kiosk owner, however, told The Jakarta Post that minor thefts still occurred every month.

Still no lunch money

Still no lunch money SEMARANG: Central Java Governor Soewardi says employees of the provincial administration will not get lunch money with the introduction of longer working hours beginning this month. Rumors have been circulating that employees will receive lunch money of between Rp 500 and Rp 750 a day because they now have to work from morning until late afternoon, with a lunch break in between. Previously, they could have lunch at home after work.

Protection for female workers inadequate: Seminar

Protection for female workers inadequate: Seminar JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief, in a rare admission of the negative side of the sending of workers abroad, conceded yesterday that many Indonesian female workers are legally unprotected due to poor law enforcement. "You'd shed tears if you knew what some of our sisters went through in their workplace," Latief said during a seminar to discuss the condition of women workers.

Imbalances in city's development programs deplored

Imbalances in city's development programs deplored JAKARTA (JP): As the capital city won the Parasamya Purnakarya Nugraha award, many of its residents see the rapid development as having been concentrated only on particular areas. "I admit that the physical development in some parts of the city is rapid. New apartments, high-rise buildings and flyovers are being built, but it has hardly affected my neighborhood," Mrs Dundjung, a housewife who lives in West Jakarta, said.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Sports 3:30 TV Series: Sins 4:30 Pelangi Budaya 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music: Local pop 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Lemhanas 8:05 TV Series: Midnight Callers 9:00 World News 9:30 Aneka Irama 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: The Assassin Program 2 4:30 p.m. Sports 5:30 City News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 English News Service 8:00 TV Series 8:30 Music TPI 5:30 a.m.

Eight killed in railway crash

Eight killed in railway crash BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Eight people were killed and 35 others injured when a freight train smashed into an inter city bus at a crossing in Terbanggi Besar in central Lampung during the early hours of the morning on Friday, the Antara news agency reported. Three of the dead were beyond recognition when their bodies were removed from the bus wreckage. The bus driver was among the dead.

Condominium not for expats

Condominium not for expats This is in response to Jeremy Duncan Roy Gibbons' letter on Aug. 27, 1994. I have the impression that Gibbons is ill informed about conditions in Indonesia. Being a developing country does not mean that all the people are poor, all hoping to get money from expatriates.

RI team's poor show closes track meet

RI team's poor show closes track meet JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's men's 4x100m relay team yesterday closed the three-day Indonesia Open track and field championships by clocking 40:06, most likely too slow for a medal at the upcoming Asian Games in Hiroshima. However, national coach Pieter Noya hinted that the team will be sent to the Games although he had earlier set 40 seconds as the break point for deciding whether they would be sent. Antonius M.

Two Barito log suppliers hand over 49% shares to govt

Two Barito log suppliers hand over 49% shares to govt JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry Djamaloedin Soeryohadikoesoemo announced yesterday that PT Aya Timber and PT Yayang Indonesia in South Kalimantan have agreed to hand over 49 percent of their respective equity shares to government-run firms in return for the renewal of their forest concessions.

Tourist festival inaugurated in N. Sulawesi

Tourist festival inaugurated in N. Sulawesi MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno inaugurated a one-month cultural and traditional sports festival here on Thursday evening as part of the country's efforts to promote tourism in the province. The festivity, called Bunaken Festival, will feature various traditional sports and dances, folk music and the religious rites of the Minahasa, Bolaang Mongondow, Sangihe Talaud and Gorontalo ethnic groups of the province's four regencies.

Saving Sumatra's elephants

Saving Sumatra's elephants Are the days when Sumatra's wild elephants can freely roam about over? One cannot help but foresee such a picture after learning of a proposal from Transmigration Minister Siswono Yudohusodo a few days back that culling the elephants' numbers is the only way of controlling the Sumatran pachyderm population. Siswono's plan includes shooting elephants with tusks longer than 30 centimeters.

WW II bomb caught fire

WW II bomb caught fire JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The local port could have been the site of a massive explosion when a World War II bomb caught fire before it was dumped into the sea. Fortunately, the bomb was ditched into the water before it could explode, reported a coast guard officer. "It could've been a major disaster," said Yustin Syaranamual, head of the port's coast guard unit.

Banks operate joint ATM

Banks operate joint ATM JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bali, Lippobank and Bank Internasional Indonesia have agreed to cooperate in using the electronic funds transfer technology in the form of an affiliated ATM network with an on-line system called ALTO, an executive said here yesterday. PT Daya Network Lestari the company preparing the ALTO network.

APEC vision contains ambiguities

APEC vision contains ambiguities Advisers of Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation have recently presented their report that incorporates proposals to achieve APEC's vision to President Soeharto. Economist Hadi Soesastro discovers ambiguities in this report that could have been avoided. JAKARTA (JP): It is useful, and perhaps, necessary for APEC to have a vision. A vision gives its participants a sense of direction, a sense of mission, and a basis for drafting a common blueprint.

Youth group denies debt collection

Youth group denies debt collection Pemuda Pancasila, a prominent youth group, has emphatically denied allegations that the organization is involved in illegal debt collection work or any other criminal activity. "It's wrong to allege that Pemuda Pancasila is a debt collection group," said Yapto Soerjosoemarno, the chairman of Pemuda Pancasila, in a meeting on Thursday. His comments were directed at a report published recently by a local weekly.

Malaysia to invest in plantations in Indonesia

Malaysia to invest in plantations in Indonesia KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia, once the world's largest natural rubber producer, yesterday said it was no longer interested in expanding rubber cultivation and would instead invest in plantations in Indonesia.

Asian trade meeting in Bali

Asian trade meeting in Bali JAKARTA (JP): The National Agency for Export Development (NAFED) will host the eighth annual meeting of the Asian Trade Promotion Forum (ATPF) in Bali from Sept. 13 to Sept. 16. NAFED said here yesterday that ATPF will discuss trade promotion in the new economic environment in the post Uruguay Round era.

Taiwan's APEC delegation

Taiwan's APEC delegation TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan has sent a 15-member delegation to attend the senior officials meeting (SOM) of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Yogjakarta, Indonesia. Leading the Taiwan delegation at the Sept. 12-14 meeting will be Shen Kuo-hsiung, foreign ministry department director on international organizations. Board of Foreign Trade Deputy Director Lin Yi-fu is also in the mission.

Cirebon's mask dancers are confronting changing times

Cirebon's mask dancers are confronting changing times Text and photos by Hartoyo Pratiknyo GEGESIK, West Java (JP): The strip of lowland plain running along West Java's northern coast from Losari, near the border of Central Java, to Indramayu in the west is one of the richest rice growing areas in Java. It is an ancient land and one of the oldest centers of Islamic expansion on the island. The influence of Islam runs strong and deep among the people of the area.

RI set to tame Qatar in U-19 soccer meet

RI set to tame Qatar in U-19 soccer meet JAKARTA (JP): A reconnaissance mission has provided Indonesia with a morale booster ahead of their match against Qatar as the 29th Asian under-19 soccer championship finals kick off tomorrow evening. "We are of the same attack-minded breed, and we need to apply more pressure to win," national coach Danurwindo said yesterday after observing his opposing side's practice at Lebak Bulus stadium on Thursday evening.

All quiet on the labor front, official says

All quiet on the labor front, official says JAKARTA (JP): The increase in the minimum wage levels in nine provinces on Aug. 1 went into effect without any real trouble, a senior official of the Ministry of Manpower said yesterday.

Two East Timor rebels captured

Two East Timor rebels captured DILI, East Timor (JP): The military has captured two rebels in Ermera, about 85 kilometers west of here, but plans to return them to their families instead of punishing them. The new chief of the East Timor military command, Col. Syahnakri Y.K., said yesterday that Domingos Gomes, 25, and Delfonso, 23, were captured on Sept. 4 due to a citizen's tip.

Ayamaru lake dries up

Ayamaru lake dries up JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The fast depletion of the water level of Ayamaru lake in the Sorong regency is threatening the existence of fish species, some of them are rare. B. Lingga of the local environmental office blamed the decline on the continued practice of slash and burn farming by a number of tribes living in the area, the Antara news agency reported. The practice is destroying the forests in the area which in turn affect the water level of the lake.

Fire destroys thirty buses of city-owned PPD

Fire destroys thirty buses of city-owned PPD JAKARTA (JP): Thirty city-owned PPD city buses parked at the firm's repair and service center in Norogong, Bekasi, north of here, went up in flames on Thursday afternoon. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. A. Latief Rabar told reporters here yesterday the fire is believed to have started from a cigarette butt discarded in the bushes behind the PPD repair workshop by a passerby.

Road upgrading project nears completion

Road upgrading project nears completion JAKARTA (JP): The road upgrading project stretching 44.6 kilometers linking Jakarta and Cikande is nearing completion, says the head of the West Java branch of PT Hutama Karya. "We are optimistic that the project will be fully completed next March, one month ahead of schedule," M.

Church Services

Church Services * Catholic Church, University of Atmajaya, Jl. Jend. Sudirman: Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m., 10:30 p.m. (with songs) and 5:30 p.m. * First Church of Christ, Scientist, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro 48, Menteng, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (in Indonesian) and 8 a.m. (in English). * All Saints' Anglican Church (opposite The Aryaduta Jakarta), Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim No. 5, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. ; at G.K.I. Pondok Indah at 6 p.m.

Thai, RP want ASEAN meeting before APEC

Thai, RP want ASEAN meeting before APEC BANGKOK (Agencies): Philippine President Fidel Ramos and Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai have called for an informal meeting of the six member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to work out a 'joint stance' prior to the second summit meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Indonesia in November.

Hotel forced to spend additional funds to buy water

Hotel forced to spend additional funds to buy water JAKARTA (JP): A four-star hotel on Jl. M. H. Thamrin has been forced to buy 254 tons of water due to the malfunction of the city water installation. "We have bought 254 tons of water from Kramat Jati water installation, East Jakarta, since Wednesday when the water supply from the city started to decrease in pressure," said Ningsih A. Chandra, the corporate public relations manager of President Hotel yesterday.

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.

New hotel set up in Cikini

New hotel set up in Cikini JAKARTA (JP): PT Griyawisata Hotel Management and Consultant, a domestic hotel management firm, will open a three-star hotel on Jl. Cikini, Central Jakarta, next year. The hotel management agreement was signed here on Thursday by the company's president Idris Siregar and Ontoseno, president of PT Citrapuri Bhumicikini, the majority shareholder in the US$17 million hotel. Griyawisata controls a 15-percent stake in the planned hotel.

Bystander killed in duel

Bystander killed in duel A worker stabbed one of his colleagues to death over the weekend while fighting over a prostitute at the Pelapela red light district in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta. The 19-year-old victim, identified only as Sbr, was initially trying to break up a fight between two other men. Police said that both of the men, who were intoxicated at the time, were competing for a date with one of the favorite prostitutes in the area.

Quake rocks Ternate again

Quake rocks Ternate again TERNATE, Maluku: The tiny Ternate isle off of Halmahera was rocked by an earthquake measuring 5.4 on the Richter scale on Tuesday. There were no reports of casualties. Ternate and the neighboring Halmahera island were hit by a devastating earthquake early this year leaving at least two people dead and thousands of people homeless.

Talks on islands deadlocked

Talks on islands deadlocked JAKARTA (JP): Negotiations on the disputed islands of Sipadan and Ligitan ended in an impasse yesterday as Indonesia formally rejected Malaysia's proposal for arbitration by the United Nations' International Court of Justice (ICJ). "At present we as yet do not feel it necessary to involve a third party in resolving the bilateral matter between our two countries," said Izhar Ibrahim, the head of the Indonesian delegation, yesterday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) closed lower in swift profit-taking yesterday, with the broader- based Composite Index easing slightly after recording gains in the last four weeks. The index yesterday closed at 532.35 from 532.84 on Thursday. The narrow-based GTDBS-50 Index also posted a slight rise to 130.41 from 130.21.

Experts see RI role in world diplomacy as continuing

Experts see RI role in world diplomacy as continuing JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is likely to remain influential in world diplomacy even after it rescinds its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1995, experts in international relations said yesterday. Speakers at a seminar to review two years of Indonesia's leadership of the 111-nation movement agreed that the chairmanship has further helped promote Indonesia's international standing as well as influence in international forums.

Strict deadline on haj registration

Strict deadline on haj registration JAKARTA (JP): The government will strictly enforce the registration deadline for the next haj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, so every participant can be subjected to adequate health checks. Next year's deadline will be three months prior to date of departure.

Exhibition and seminar to promote traditional textiles

Exhibition and seminar to promote traditional textiles JAKARTA (JP): The National Museum will hold an international seminar and exhibition next week to portray the virtue of Indonesia's traditional textiles, something which Indonesians tend to underestimate. The museum's chief Suwati Kartiwa told reporters yesterday that many museums around the world use their collection of Indonesian cloths as the main point of reference and subject of study.

ID checks at discos

ID checks at discos BALIKPAPAN, East Kalimantan: Police have enforced ID checks at the city's night clubs and discotheques to prevent minors from entering. "We are barring minors to stop them from indulging in an unhealthy environment, including using drugs and drinking alcohol," Balikpapan police chief Lt. Col. Sutarjo said as reported by the Antara news agency. Last weekend alone, police caught 40 minors trying to enter discotheques, he said.

City still needs more bus stops

City still needs more bus stops The city administration is still ignoring City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochamad Hindarto's call to build more bus stops in several strategic areas. The Antara news agency reported yesterday that in some areas in South and Central Jakarta many people crowd around at unauthorized spots to stop the buses. The areas which still need more bus stops are on Jl. Senen Raya, Jl. Kramat Raya, Jl. Kwitang, Jl. Matraman Raya, in Central Jakarta and Jl. Gatot Subroto, Jl.

Public phone out of order

Public phone out of order From Neraca The public telephone in my area has been out of order for more than three months and no one from Telkom (telephone company) has ever shown up to repair it. As a result residents who have to make important calls have to go elsewhere to find a telephone. Through this letter I appeal the public telephone in question, which is located on Gang Tengah, Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, be repaired as quickly as possible.