Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 September 1994

46 articles found

RI is pondering exporting elephants

RI is pondering exporting elephants JAKARTA: The government, dismayed over the damage caused by the huge number of elephants destroying plantations and housing areas in Sumatra, is toying with the idea of exporting the giant beasts. The Ministry of Forestry will consult the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and international organizations to explore the possibility of exporting Sumatran elephants, ministry office spokesman, Kardjono, was quoted by Antara news agency as saying yesterday.

Pact signed to protect RI's workers in Malaysia

Pact signed to protect RI's workers in Malaysia JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Malaysia signed yesterday an agreement on recruitment of Indonesian workers to be employed in plantations in Malaysia. The memorandum of agreement was signed by president of the state-owned PT Binajasa Abadi Karya (PT Bijak) Suramsihono and Director of the Malaysian employment agency Global Access SDN.

Malaysia freezes yen loans: report

Malaysia freezes yen loans: report KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has no immediate plans to borrow money from Japan as the soaring yen was seriously affecting its economy, a local financial daily here reported yesterday. "One-third of the total federal government debt is in yen and we are at the mercy of the Japanese," the Business Times quoted Mustapha Mohamed, Malaysia's deputy finance minister, as saying.

Indonesia, Singapore to sign air agreement

Indonesia, Singapore to sign air agreement JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Singapore will sign an air agreement later this month to allow their airlines to increase flight services, Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said here yesterday. "The bilateral air agreement will be signed by President Soeharto and Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong at their meeting in Yogyakarta at the end of this month," Haryanto told reporters after meeting with Soeharto at the latter's residence here.

Natuna and the Spratlys

Natuna and the Spratlys From Sinar Pagi One of the most important international sea lanes located in Indonesian territorial waters adjoins the South China and Natuna Seas. At an international conference on the Law of the Sea, Indonesia agreed to apply the principle of free passage for international shipping in the area, including war ships, as long as the country's safety and sovereignty are guaranteed.

Only six battalions situated in East Timor

Only six battalions situated in East Timor DILI, East Timor (JP): The Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) denied an Australian press report yesterday that it deploys 15 combat battalions to suppress low-level separatist rebellion. Maj. Gen. Adang Ruchiatna, Commander of the Udayana Military Command which oversees security in Bali, Nusa Tenggara and East Timor, said that ABRI only has six battalions here. Adang was responding to an Aug.

`Gifts' of public space in Pondok Kopi to be probed

`Gifts' of public space in Pondok Kopi to be probed JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said here yesterday that he will question East Jakarta's mayor about civil servants who have allegedly taken bribes from a real estate developer. "The government will check the reports thoroughly before taking any measures against the suspected officials," Surjadi said, adding that he does not tolerate corruption.

RP businessmen reject plan to reduce import tariffs

RP businessmen reject plan to reduce import tariffs MANILA (AFP): The Philippines' top business leaders yesterday rejected a government plan to reduce import tariffs to a uniform rate of five percent in six years, saying it could wreak havoc on local industries.

Marianas deports 14 RP workers

Marianas deports 14 RP workers MANILA (Reuter): The U.S.-linked Northern Marianas government has deported 14 Filipinos for illegally working in the territory, the Philippine foreign office said yesterday. The 14, including seven women, denied they were working illegally although many had expired entry permits and had entered the area on tourist or business visas, a foreign office statement said. They were arrested on Aug.

Sulawesi tribe opposes Lake Lindu dam project

Sulawesi tribe opposes Lake Lindu dam project JAKARTA (JP): The indigenous people of Central Sulawesi are opposing the government's plan to turn their Lake Lindu, the hub of their cultural activities and livelihood, into a multi-purpose reservoir. "We are not here to fight against the government. We are only afraid of losing our homes," said Gesadombu, 63, the Tribal Chief of the Lindu plains, during a press conference here yesterday.

Aussies urge growth triangle involving Indonesia and PNG

Aussies urge growth triangle involving Indonesia and PNG JAKARTA (JP): Australia is inviting Indonesia to create a new growth triangle that will also involve Papua New Guinea (PNG). "The idea of the new growth triangle was presented in a seminar on tourism development held recently in Darwin, Australia.

50,000 more mangrove trees planted

50,000 more mangrove trees planted JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirja signed a plaque on mangrove replacement project yesterday followed by the planting of 50,000 mangrove trees in North Jakarta. The planting of the 50,000 mangrove trees marks the final stage of the five-year project. The planting will continue through Sept. 11.

DPR angry at smuggling of workers

DPR angry at smuggling of workers JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) attacked the government yesterday for doing little to stop smuggling of workers to neighboring Malaysia. The DPR commission I in charge of security and foreign relations said the Indonesian government seemed to close their eyes to the long-standing problem of worker smuggling.

Export tax on CPO counter-productive

Export tax on CPO counter-productive JAKARTA (JP): Economist Sjahrir yesterday lamented the government's policy of introducing an export tax on crude palm oil (CPO) products, saying that such a measure is counter- productive against efforts to foster non-oil exports. "Amid the wretched performance of our non-oil exports, what has been introduced by the Ministry of Finance is very, very difficult to understand," Sjahrir said after speaking about thermal power plants.

Sumarlin role in Bapindo's scandal major: Ex-director

Sumarlin role in Bapindo's scandal major: Ex-director JAKARTA (JP): The role played by former finance minister J.B. Sumarlin in the Rp 1.3 trillion (US$620 million) loan scandal at the state-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) was re- asserted yesterday by another former director of the bank.

C. Java factories polluting rivers

C. Java factories polluting rivers DEMAK, Central Java: Two rivers in Demak regency are heavily polluted by industrial waste dumped by factories in nearby Kudus regency and the city of Semarang. PT Pusaka Raya Kudus, a big paper factory in Kudus, has dumped waste into Wulan River, while Babon River is being polluted by the waste from another factory in the Genuk Industrial Estate. The local people can no longer use the water, which has turned reddish, to wash and cook.

Peace prospects seem to brighten for Sri Lanka

Peace prospects seem to brighten for Sri Lanka By Minoli de Soysa COLOMBO (Reuter): Sri Lanka's new People's Alliance government and Tamil rebels fighting for a separate state are making tentative moves towards peace, but political analysts said on Sunday an early settlement was unlikely. Rebel leader Velupillai Prabhakaran last Friday released 10 policemen from custody and said he was ready for dialogue.

Economists and legislators greet cut in tax rates

Economists and legislators greet cut in tax rates JAKARTA (JP): Economists and legislators greeted the new tax bills yesterday but warned the government to strengthen the capacity and skills of its tax officials to effectively enforce the new legislation. Marie Pangestu, the chief economist of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), said the significant reduction in the income tax rates would undoubtedly improve the business climate.

Rerouting of domestic flights to support tourism industry

Rerouting of domestic flights to support tourism industry JAKARTA (JP): The planned rerouting of domestic flights, which will offer direct services to several destinations, will support the growth of the tourism industry, Director General of Tourism Andi Mappi Sammeng said yesterday. He told a two-day workshop on tourism product improvement at Hotel Wisata International that direct air links between remote cities will be very helpful for both domestic and foreign tourists.

Washington's Asian policy to focus more on business

Washington's Asian policy to focus more on business By Christopher Hines HONG KONG, Sept. 5 (AFP) - Members of a high-powered US business delegation that swung through Hong Kong after a presidential trade mission to China say they witnessed a historic shakeup in US policy towards Asia. US policy, according to the delegates, is now focused on winning business contracts and creating jobs back home over the political and security concerns of the Cold War era.

KL power for Thailand

KL power for Thailand KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia said yesterday a four-member consortium led by listed Landmarks Bhd. would soon be licensed to build a 660-megawatt power plant costing 1.3 billion ringgit (US$520 million) to supply electricity to Thailand. Energy Minister Samy Vellu Sanglimuthu said he would represent Kuala Lumpur at negotiations next yesterday in Bangkok on the plan by the Perlis Power consortium to transmit and sell electricity to southern Thailand.

Absentee landownership

Absentee landownership Minister of State Secretary Moerdiono, in an address during the inauguration of five deputy heads at the National Land Agency in July 1989, criticized the phenomenon of absentee landownership. According to Moerdiono, absentee landownership -- the ownership of rural lands by people in the cities -- should be prevented because it could have a serious impact. He said the land was being used as a commodity in order to gain huge profits.

Indonesia may cut team to Hiroshima Asian games

Indonesia may cut team to Hiroshima Asian games JAKARTA (JP): Several national athletic bodies will voluntarily drop athletes who fail to make progress during their final training sessions prior to the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima next month. Executive chairman of the national governing sports body (KONI), Soeweno, said yesterday that a considerable number of boxers and cyclists will be omitted when the national contingent is announced tomorrow.

Friendly tennis matches for VIPs

Friendly tennis matches for VIPs JAKARTA (JP): A friendly tennis exhibition, aimed at fostering relations among members of the Bakrie Rasuna Sport Club, will be held at Cilandak Sport Center, South Jakarta, on Saturday, the club's spokesman said yesterday. Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sport Hayono Isman, and chairman of the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) Cosmas Batubara are among the VIPs who are expected to take part in the exhibition.

Three suspects shot dead by police officers

Three suspects shot dead by police officers JAKARTA (JP): City police have shot to death three criminal suspects, one believed to have raped a night-shift employee after dragging her off a bus. According to the East Jakarta police the three were shot as they tried to flee an on-the-spot investigation of their case and attack police personnel.

`Femina' establishes `Friends of Botanical Gardens'

`Femina' establishes `Friends of Botanical Gardens' By Lenah Susianty BOGOR, West Java (JP): The weekly women's magazine Femina went out of its way to celebrate its 22nd anniversary and established a foundation called Mitra Kebun Raya Indonesia, or Friends of Indonesian Botanical Gardens.

Mar'ie to announce 'the real rescuer' of Kanindo soon

Mar'ie to announce 'the real rescuer' of Kanindo soon JAKARTA (JP): Finance Minister Mar'ie Muhammad promised yesterday to announce next week "the real rescuer" of the debt- ridden Kanindo Group. The minister told newsmen that negotiations over the takeover of Kanindo, which operates a number of textile plants in Central Java, were almost complete. At least two business consortia have been widely reported to have been engaged in intensive negotiations to take over the ailing Kanindo.

Moro talks end on high note despite unresolved issues

Moro talks end on high note despite unresolved issues JAKARTA (JP): The Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and the Philippine government expressed satisfaction yesterday at the conclusion of their peace talks, despite failing to resolve core issues of defense and the implementation of a Moro provisional autonomous government.

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 Students' World 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Belief in God the Almighty 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Insight 8:05 Music 9:00 World News 9:30 National Film Appreciation 10:50 Late News 11:00 Film: Bill Program 2 4:30 p.m.

TV broadcast not well received

TV broadcast not well received I am an Englishman married to an Indonesian lady living in Cilacap, Central Java. I am writing to get some information because nobody I know seems to care about television services. I have a satellite dish and a receiver for my TV which enables me to tune in around 12 channels, but at peak viewing hours especially around 8 p.m.

PPP congress democratic: Government

PPP congress democratic: Government JAKARTA (JP): Despite reports of dissension within the newly established executive board of the United Development Party (PPP), the government considers the party's recent congress to be "democratic". President Soeharto congratulated the party's new executive board yesterday and asked them to consolidate. "Good job. Now continue the consolidation efforts," President Soeharto was quoted as saying by Minister of Home Affairs Yogie S.M.

PT Pudjiadi Prestige will offer 26 million shares

PT Pudjiadi Prestige will offer 26 million shares JAKARTA (JP): Property developer PT Pudjiadi Prestige Ltd., a division of the Jayakarta Group, will offer 26 million new shares, or 26 percent of the enlarged number of its common shares, to the public next month. The company's president, Sjukur Pudjiadi, said yesterday that the shares will be sold at Rp 2,400 (US$1.10) to Rp 2,700 each, which will offer a price earning ratio of 7.8 times to 8.7 times.

Fly the flag, orders the mayor

Fly the flag, orders the mayor North Jakarta Mayor Suprawito announced yesterday that the people in his mayoralty should hoist the national flag on Sept. 10 and Sept. 11 to celebrate the city's achievement in winning the Parasamya Purnakarya Nugraha, achievement award presented by the central government to the city. The mayor said that he will reprimand anyone reluctant to fly the flag. The award will be on public display in a parade across the mayoralty on Sept. 11.

The ocean shipping business

The ocean shipping business From Sinar Pagi In the past there were three big shipping companies, Gesuri Lloyd, Samudera Indonesia and Trikora Lloyd, owned by Adil A. Nurimba, Sudarpo and Budiardjo. In the early 1980s Adil Nurimba, alias Liem Eng Hay, was able to buy a number of container transports of more than 10,000 deadweight tons. Now their names have as good as disappeared from the world of shipping in Indonesia.

Workers abroad

Workers abroad From Merdeka One of the businesses which is most often reported by newspapers is in the business of sending Indonesian workers, especially female workers, abroad for companies. A total of four ministers of manpower over the last two decades have attempted to send only those workers who are highly qualified. In reality, however, the job qualifications of those who have been sent abroad does not improve; the men only become qualified as drivers and the women as domestic helpers.

Traffic police versus city bus

Traffic police versus city bus From Kompas On Aug. 6, 1994 I boarded a Metromini S-74 bus from Jalan Veteran to Blok M. It was the first time ever I rode on a Metromini bus whose driver was not a driver from hell. When the bus passed Jalan Pakubuwono VI the driver saw a group of police in the distance and he ordered his conductor to close the front door in compliance with the new regulation. The rear door was already closed.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices further strengthened on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday amid reports on the government's plan to lower income tax rates. The broad-based Composite Index booked an increase of nearly four points to close at 519.41 yesterday from 515.55 on Friday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also rose to end the day higher at 126.4 against 125.57.

Bob Hasan among 12 new IOC members

Bob Hasan among 12 new IOC members JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian timber tycoon Mohammad "Bob" Hasan was among 12 new members elected yesterday to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in place of Dadang Suprayogi, who retired. Bob, as Indonesia's representative for the world's sports governing body, will serve his term until he reaches 75 years of age.

Tugu manages Arco pension

Tugu manages Arco pension JAKARTA (JP): Atlantic Richfield Indonesia Inc. (Arco) has assigned PT Asuransi Jiwa Tugu Mandiri, an insurance firm affiliated with the state oil company Pertamina, to manage its employee pension fund under an agreement signed yesterday. The agreement was inked by Tugu Mandiri's president, A.B. Ghifari, and Arco's president and resident manager, T.N. Machmud.

Asiad organizers work to end boycott threat

Asiad organizers work to end boycott threat TOKYO (Reuter): Asian Games organizers yesterday asked the head of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) to let them know which heads of state he has invited to the event as a disastrous Chinese boycott of the games looms closer. The invitation issue involving OCA President Ahmad al-Fahad of Kuwait has turned into a diplomatic and security nightmare for Japanese officials for the games which open on Oct. 2 in Hiroshima.

Jeewon shares offer PER of nine times

Jeewon shares offer PER of nine times JAKARTA (JP): PT Jeewon Jaya Indonesia, an export-oriented manufacturer of car stereos, satellite video receivers, high quality tuners and wire harnesses, will offer 6.1 million shares to the public, at an estimated price-earning ratio of around nine times, far below the official limit of 13 times.

Ex-pilot arrested for illegal possession of guns

Ex-pilot arrested for illegal possession of guns JAKARTA (JP): An ex-pilot has been arrested by the South Jakarta police for illegal possession of handguns along with 15 bullets. The police accidentally found the guns belonging to Reno Syaifullah, 36, a former pilot of Derazona and Gatari charter airlines, on Friday after a friend of his was arrested for using an expired credit card. However, South Jakarta police chief Lt. Col.

Tony wins national rally

Tony wins national rally JAKARTA (JP): Tony Hardianto and his co-driver Ian Sujono took wins in the fourth-leg of the two-day national rally in Palembang, South Sumatra, Antara reported yesterday. With the victory, Tony accumulated a total of 100 points, 70 of which he collected on the first day. He also recorded the fastest time of two hours 48 minutes 59 seconds in 285 kilometers.

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.

More transmigrants for East Timor

More transmigrants for East Timor DILI, East Timor: The provincial transmigration office is planning to resettle 1,000 families, including several from outside the province, in Besusu village, Manufahi regency, by the end of the 1994/1995 fiscal year. Acting chief of the local transmigration office, E.J. Klau, told Antara news agency yesterday that 25 percent of the new transmigrants are expected to come from other provinces.

Embarrassed at department store

Embarrassed at department store From Pikiran Rakyat On Aug. 29, the Pikiran Rakyat daily reported the negligence of a department store's cashier in Bandung whose actions caused problems for many of the store's customers. The cashier frequently did not remove the security alarm tags from customers' purchases. As a result, the security guards of the store stopped the customers and treated them rudely when the alarms went off as the customers tried to leave the store with their purchases.