Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 January 1995

51 articles found

Tournament of Roses

Tournament of Roses From Kompas Indonesia has once again won an award in the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California, U.S. For 1995, under the theme Island of Eden -- Quest for Adventure, Indonesia succeeded in winning the prestigious Grand Marshall Award and was categorized as the most creative design. Unfortunately, this is the last time that Indonesia will be participating in the tournament, which was financed by the Nusantara Flower Foundation.

Students protest for workers

Students protest for workers BANDUNG: Hundreds of students turned up at a solidarity rally held, for workers of PT Jersindo Platknitting, at the campus of the Bandung Institute of Technology on Tuesday, urging the government to intervene and help the plight of the workers. The students said that after all avenues to resolve their conflicts with management had been closed, the workers have no one else to turn to.

Why MUI Chairman?

Why MUI Chairman? From Bisnis Indonesia? Lately the Chairman of the Indonesian Council of Ulema (MUI), Hasan Basri, has made frequent appearances on Indosiar television. He congratulates the new TV station that is owned by the tycoon Liem Sioe Liong, also known as Soedono Salim. Has the ulema made careful consideration in congratulating Indosiar, because this station is airing violence and sex films.

Rematch sure for Yayuk at Australian Open

Rematch sure for Yayuk at Australian Open MELBOURNE, Australia (Agencies): Indonesia's lonely flag carrier in top-flight tennis, Yayuk Basuki, overcame a partisan crowd and center court nerves here yesterday to win a third round spot and a rematch against Germany's Anke Huber in the Australian Open.

RI conveys condolences to Japan

RI conveys condolences to Japan JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, both in his personal capacity and on behalf of the Indonesian nation, has conveyed his condolences to the government and people of Japan following Tuesday's devastating earthquake.

U.S. firm to win $1.4b deal

U.S. firm to win $1.4b deal BANGALORE, India (AFP): U.S. power giant Cogentrix Energy Inc. was reassured yesterday of winning a US$1.4 billion contract to build a power plant in the southern Indian state of Karnataka. The newly-elected Karnataka government told visiting U.S. Commerce Secretary Ron Brown in Bangalore, the state capital and India's leading hi-tech center, that a final agreement would be signed with Cogentrix in a month's time.

'Halal' auditing introduced for food, cosmetics firms

'Halal' auditing introduced for food, cosmetics firms JAKARTA (JP): The institute authorized to issue halal (permissible under Islamic teaching) certificates moved Moslems a step closer to peace of mind by introducing an "internal halal auditing" program. Chairperson of the institute for the assessment of food, medicine and cosmetics of Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI), Dr.

Disappointed by developer

Disappointed by developer From Kompas I want to share my bitter experience of buying a house in Bukit Cimanggu Villa housing complex from PT P.G.P. I paid for the house to be built at Blok M-I No 17, type Tampaksiring (250- 330 square meters) in hard cash amounting to Rp 202,956,800 on Dec. 27, 1993. Unfortunately, after receiving payment the developer disappointed me. At my insistence, the developer finally made a work order on Jan.

Five day work week trials to be reviewed

Five day work week trials to be reviewed BANDUNG, West Java: The government will review its five working days experiment in June to decide whether the plan will be continued or terminated, a cabinet minister has said. Minister for Administrative Reforms T.B. Silalahi said on Wednesday that the results of the appraisal would be submitted to President Soeharto in July. The shorter working week has been implemented on a trial basis for the past several months.

Capital market bill states stronger law enforcement

Capital market bill states stronger law enforcement JAKARTA (JP): The bill on the capital market will provide a stronger base not only to ensure fair trading but also to encourage trading activities. Bacelius Ruru, chairman of the Capital Market Supervisory Agency, said yesterday that the stronger investigation power to be endowed to the agency would make law enforcement more effective.

Yogie okays candidates

Yogie okays candidates MANADO, North Sulawesi: Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. has approved all three of the candidates for the gubernatorial election proposed by the North Sulawesi legislative assembly. Assembly chief speaker J.D.P. Takanendengan said he had received a letter from Yogie consenting to the candidacy of Abdullah Mokoginta, Maj. Gen. E.E. Mangindaan and Tangkudung, Antara reported. The election is slated for Jan.

Vietnamese hijacker sentenced to 20 years

Vietnamese hijacker sentenced to 20 years HANOI (Reuter): Ho Chi Minh City's People Court has sentenced a Vietnamese to 20 years in jail for trying to hijack an Indonesian plane by threatening to set himself on fire, the official newspaper Saigon Giai Phong reported yesterday. Van Viet Hoai Niem Tu, 46, attempted to hijack a plane belonging to Indonesia's Garuda International airline last May when he and 109 other Vietnamese boatpeople were being repatriated to Vietnam, the newspaper said.

Councilors want authorities to protect city property

Councilors want authorities to protect city property JAKARTA (JP): Councilors have asked city administration to resolve a problem concerning the setting-up of fences, by the developer PT Al, around city assets in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. Vice speaker of City Council, Ismunandar told reporters yesterday that the matter should be cleared up because the developer is violating a regulation.

Dengue fever spreads in Dili

Dengue fever spreads in Dili DILI, East Timor: One person has died and five others hospitalized because of dengue fever, the local health office said. The office's chief, Rustam Pokaya, said he has ordered his staff in the province to be alert and take the necessary preventive measures against the spread of the disease. A similar message has also been aired throughout East Timor via the state-owned RRI radio station, Rustam said. (yac/emb)

Binawan Praduta denies leaving workers stranded

Binawan Praduta denies leaving workers stranded JAKARTA (JP): Labor supplier PT Binawan Praduta broke its long silence yesterday to deny reports that it had extorted money from workers and had broken its promise to send over 1,700 job seekers to South Korea. The Jakarta-based company allegedly took Rp 1.1 million (US$500) from each job seeker lured by its promise that they would earn a monthly wage of $300 in South Korea.

'TPI' pledges to improve its programs

'TPI' pledges to improve its programs JAKARTA (JP): The privately-owned Cipta Televisi Pendidikan Indonesia (TPI) education television station has pledged to improve its programs and services amid keen competition among television stations in the country. N. Syamsuddin Ch. Haesy, TPI's director of operations, told reporters that in conjunction with the station's fourth anniversary on Tuesday l995 will become a significant year for Indonesia's television world.

EU helps with anti-AIDS campaign

EU helps with anti-AIDS campaign JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia yesterday launched a project to control and contain the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including AIDS, with the assistance of the European Union. The project is chiefly intended to impede the spread of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Indonesia's major cities -- Jakarta, Surabaya and Bandung.

Many Indonesian garment products pirated: Oetojo

Many Indonesian garment products pirated: Oetojo JAKARTA (JP): Many Indonesian garment products have been the objects of international piracy since the nation become one of the world's largest textile exporters, Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman said yesterday. "Several trademarks of our clothing products have been pirated in foreign markets," Oetojo said yesterday.

RI to re-establish Olympic committee

RI to re-establish Olympic committee JAKARTA (JP): The re-establishment of Indonesia's National Olympic Committee (KOI) seems to just need the formal go ahead at a three-day congress held by the National Sports Council (KONI) next week. "We have discussed separating KOI from KONI since our meeting in January last year," Timbul Thomas Lubis, chairman of the committee for the Jan. 23-25 congress said yesterday. "The decision is all up to the congress," he added.

Freighter sinks in Lombok strait

Freighter sinks in Lombok strait MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: A freighter sank in the Lombok Strait recently, swept under by a violent storm. All 14 people on board the KM Bunga Cendana were reported safe after fleeing to safety on emergency rafts, Yudustar, head of the Lembar port in West Lombok, told Antara. The freighter was on its way from Surabaya, East Java, to Kalalhi in East Nusa Tenggara, South Sulawesi when the calamity occurred, he said. He did not say when it occurred.

Four people die from Dengue fever

Four people die from Dengue fever JAKARTA (JP): Head of the City Health Office Soeharto Wirjowidagdo said yesterday that four people suffering from Dengue fever had died during the period between October, 1994, and January this year. The four victims were among 377 people infected with the disease in the October-January period, he said, adding that two of the four died in October, one in November and the last one this month.

Water stoppage in Jakarta

Water stoppage in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Extensive water stoppages occurred in many areas of Jakarta on Tuesday, Wednesday and today as the city water company PAM Jaya strived to repair a leaking main pipe on Jl. Jatibaru Raya, Central Jakarta. The company announced that the areas affected in Central Jakarta mayoralty are parts of Menteng, Jl. Cideng, Jl. Kebon Sirih, Jl. Abdul Muis, Jl. Gajah Mada and the downtown area. Other affected areas are Jl.

Thailand ready for big summit (1)

Thailand ready for big summit (1) By Vitit Muntarbhorn This is the first of a two-part articles on social development issues in Thailand. BANGKOK: One of the key international events of 1995 will be the World Summit on Social Development due to take place in Copenhagen in March. It will focus on three themes, namely poverty alleviation, employment expansion, and social integration.

State palm oil mills inefficient: Expert

State palm oil mills inefficient: Expert JAKARTA (JP): State-owned palm oil mills are inefficient because they employ obsolete technology, claims an industry expert. "State plantation companies usually use machines made in 1908, which creates inefficiency and additional unnecessary costs of around Rp 500 million (around US$200,000) for every plant with a capacity of 30 tons of fresh fruit per hour," Takal Barus, a senior researcher at the Palm Oil Center in Medan, North Sumatra, said yesterday.

Oki's lawyers unable to meet with client

Oki's lawyers unable to meet with client JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers from Ruhut Sitompoel, Tommy Sihotang & Associates were unable to meet with their client Harnoko Dewanto, alias Oki, the main suspect of a triple murder in Los Angeles, due to "the absence" of authorized officers.

10 gas stations to be removed

10 gas stations to be removed JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta mayoralty has set the end of 1997 as the deadline for ten owners to move their gas stations built on park areas to different locations. "The deadline was set in line with Jakarta Governor's instructions to return the city's park areas to their original function," said H.M. Mustari, assistant for the mayoralty's economy, development and welfare affairs office. The gas stations to be removed include those built on Jl. Pakubuwono II, Jl.

UI gets new professor

UI gets new professor JAKARTA (JP): Dr. Farid Anfasa Moeloek, a lecturer from the Medical School of the University of Indonesia (UI), was inducted as professor yesterday. During the inauguration ceremony, which was led by UI rector Prof. M.K. Tadjudin, Farid delivered a speech entitled "The shift of basic thinking in obstetrics and gynecology as the foundation of health reproduction science". At the ceremony the new professor was accompanied by his wife and his three children.

Olefin protection boosts imports of plastic products

Olefin protection boosts imports of plastic products JAKARTA (JP): Imported plastic goods will continue flooding the Indonesian market if the government provides tariff protection for a US$1.7 billion olefin plant controlled by PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Center, warns an executive.

Yogya runway cleared

Yogya runway cleared YOGYAKARTA: The Adisucipto airport was reopened on Wednesday, after the authorities managed to remove a Boeing 737-200 from the end of a runway, stuck and abandoned since Monday night. The plane, belonging to the private operator Sempati Air, skidded upon landing and overshot the runway by about 110 meters. All 54 people on board were safe but the plane suffered heavy underside damages and its front wheel broke was dug deep into the soil.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices primarily closed higher on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday with most issues gaining ground in light trading. The broad-based Composite Index closed 0.73 points higher at 449.84, as compared to 449.1 on Tuesday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also slightly strengthen to close at 107.33 from 107.15. Yesterday's losers included Bank Rama (down Rp 550) and Kalbe Farma (down Rp 400).

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

No change on APEC plan

No change on APEC plan TOKYO (Reuter): The huge earthquake which hit central Japan on Tuesday is unlikely to prompt any change in plans for the next meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Osaka in November, foreign ministry officials said yesterday. "At this point there is no impact (on the plans) and there are anyway still 10 months to go before the APEC meeting," one official said. Japan will host the APEC ministerial meetings, set for Nov.

Never ending story

Never ending story On Dec. 2, 1994, at 10 p.m., my car was hit by a President taxi. I signaled the driver of the taxi to pull over in front of the Grand Hyatt in order to exchange names, addresses, etc. Instead, the President taxi sped away and I was left with my damaged car in a big cloud of black smoke. After overcoming my surprise, I chased the President taxi on Jl. MH Thamrin, running a red light and driving helter-skelter as though participating in a slalom on the Swiss Alps.

Hassle-free environment key to Batam's success

Hassle-free environment key to Batam's success By Riyadi BATAM, Riau (JP): Hassle-free trading and investment in Batam has resulted in miracle economic growth on the island, Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo said yesterday.

Pedestrian bridge

Pedestrian bridge From Neraca In the effort to solve the traffic problem on Jl. Raya Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, a pedestrian bridge has been installed. The problem now is that the pedestrian bridge is wrongly placed. Because the pedestrian bridge is precisely in front of the railway terminal so the pedestrians have to go around a long ways to reach it. As a result, very few people seem to have made use of the facility.

Bad hotel service

Bad hotel service From Media Indonesia From Dec. 29 to 31, 1994 I spent my holidays in Manado (North Sulawesi) enjoying the Bunaken sea park. Then I went to stay at the Kawanua City Hotel. I particularly chose this hotel because it is under the management of the well-known Sahid Group. But in reality I was very disappointed in the conditions and services of the hotel. The air condition was not fully functional. My complaints about it went unanswered.

Depreciation to be checked at 3%-4%

Depreciation to be checked at 3%-4% CORRECTION: The headline of our story Rupiah depreciation limited to 40% on this page yesterday was erroneously printed and did not accurately reflect the content of the story itself. The headline of the story, which was based on Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad's remarks to reporters after a meeting with the House of Representatives, should have read Rupiah depreciation will be limited to between three percent and four percent.

Incessant rain flood 32 areas

Incessant rain flood 32 areas JAKARTA (JP): The city's public works office reported yesterday that constant rain pouring down over the last few days had inundated 32 locations by 10-25 centimeters. An official of the office Leo Yanmer Sianturi said that the flooded locations included Jl. Jelambar Raya and Jl. Kapuk Muara in the west of the city. Among those in the central part of the city are Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Jl. Rasuna Said, Jl. Suprapto, Jl. Matraman, Jl. Pinangsia Raya, Jl. P.

Low-cost apartments

Low-cost apartments JAKARTA (JP): Thamrin Djamain, president of the city-owned housing company PD Sarana Jaya, is reminding residents of low- cost apartments that they are not allowed to rent or sublet their units to other people without consent of the management. Djamain said that the reminder was intended mainly to help improve discipline and was part of the city administration's drive to encourage people to stay at the buildings.

Govt asks banks to extend credit for coffee sector

Govt asks banks to extend credit for coffee sector JAKARTA (JP): The government has urged banks to expand credits for the expansion of coffee plantations to help maintain the country's position as the third largest producer and exporter of coffee in the world, an official says. "We expect that the banking industry will realign its credit policy to help improve the coffee sector," H.

Man tried for 'selling' wife

Man tried for 'selling' wife JAKARTA (JP): A man was arraigned at the South Jakarta District Court yesterday for allegedly selling his wife to a pimp who later employed her as a prostitute. Yudi Hariadi Sutikno is charged with "selling" his wife, Rini Sundari, to a woman named Yuni Saputra, who is believed to have prostituted Rini at her house on Jl. Lembah Cireundeuy Permai, South Jakarta. Judge Doris A.A.

Local wrong perceptions hinder tourism development

Local wrong perceptions hinder tourism development JAKARTA (JP): The unfavorable perception among local people of the development of tourist facilities is hampering the promotion of the tourism which has been fostered for 25 years. "There are three basic unfavorable perceptions about the development of the tourist industry in the country.

Oki coverage spawns debate on trial by press

Oki coverage spawns debate on trial by press JAKARTA (JP): The barrage of news in the past week about the Los Angeles triple murder and the role played by Harnoko Dewanto, alias Oki, the main suspect, has spawned another debate on whether or not the media goes overboard to the point of trial by the press. Oki's family has certainly been upset about the way the Indonesia press has dug up dirt from his past, even alleging that he was connected with an international drug syndicate.

Gus Dur still very much in charge of NU

Gus Dur still very much in charge of NU KUDUS, Central Java (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid was still very much in charge of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) when he led a massive ceremony on Tuesday night to mark the Moslem organization's 71st anniversary. Abdurrahman, more affectionately known by his supporters as Gus Dur, arrived at the Kudus Sports Hall to a long, standing ovation from approximately 20,000 people.

Population of orangutans in E. Kalimantan declining

Population of orangutans in E. Kalimantan declining JAKARTA (JP): The government estimates the number of orangutans in East Kalimantan to be 300, warning that the orangutan population is dwindling as a result of forest exploitation activities. Head of the provincial office of the Natural Resource Conservation Agency, Budiman Amien, said in the East Kalimantan capital of Samarinda on Wednesday that the primates were also threatened by tuberculosis and hepatitis, which were prevalent.

Freeing cement prices

Freeing cement prices Indonesia's Minister of Trade Satrio B. Joedono revealed last week what we hope will eventually set a precedent for restoring market forces in the prices of industrial products still subject to government control. Joedono told newsmen that the domestic cement prices, which rose steeply last year to far above the government-set local reference prices, need to be adjusted to international market quotations.

Traffic problem

Traffic problem From Sinar Pagi With the removal of the Regent's Office and other Services from Bogor to the Cibinong district in West Java, the traffic in this area has become increasingly congested. The two-lane road between Cibinong and Bogor has been widened to become a six-lane road. Unfortunately, this has not been supported by necessary facilities such as traffic lights and sufficient road signs.

Central bank reaffirms realistic exchange rate

Central bank reaffirms realistic exchange rate JAKARTA (JP): The governor of Bank Indonesia, the central bank, reaffirmed yesterday the importance of maintaining a realistic exchange rate of the rupiah. "A realistic exchange rate policy is highly important, especially in coping with the pressures on our balance of payments and in checking the current account deficit," Governor Soedradjad Djiwandono said after addressing a meeting of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Garuda to sell aircraft for quick cash infusion

Garuda to sell aircraft for quick cash infusion JAKARTA (JP): Garuda Indonesia, the country's flag carrier, will only sell its idle Airbus A300-B4 and Fokker F-28 aircraft for cash as it needs money to improve its financial structure. Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto told reporters yesterday that any party interested in procuring the aircraft should pay in cash. "It must be in cash or not at all," he said.

Productive use of funds urge

Productive use of funds urge JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Economic and Development Affairs Tb. Rais stressed that the presidential aid for least- developed villages should be used for productive activities. "The funds should be used as a capital for activities which can raise the standard of living of poor people and also pay back the aid," Rais told residents of the Kamal Muara subdistrict on Tuesday. Rais said the success of the activities is very important.

Local youths leave for Japan

Local youths leave for Japan MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Forty-three youths from the province left for Japan on Wednesday to undergo two years of industrial apprenticeship, Sukirno, the head of the local manpower office, said. The youths had already undergone three months of basic training to learn Japanese and about Japanese culture. They will be employed at various Japanese companies with earnings of around Rp 2 million ($900) a month, Antara reported.