Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 January 1995

52 articles found

No more decorated graves

No more decorated graves JAKARTA (JP): Head of the city cemetery office Sjafril Zainuddin said yesterday that in an effort to fulfill plans to turn cemeteries into green areas, the office will not give permits to build boarders around graves. "The office is responsible for turning three percent of the city into green areas, therefore, we should work hard to rearrange the city's cemeteries," he said.

'Don't intervere with BPS operations'

'Don't intervere with BPS operations' JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono warned government institutions here yesterday not to interfere with the independence of the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) in fixing its data. "No parties are allowed to influence the data recorded by the statistic bureau, which guarantees the objectivity and credibility of its works," Moerdiono said in his address at the opening of BPS's national congress.

A television program watchdog?

A television program watchdog? The idea to establish a formal organization to protect the public against programs that are "incompatible with the nation's identity" is being tossed about again. This time, the idea was proposed by House of Representatives member Suko Waluyo and a number of other speakers at a seminar on "Television and the National Identity".

Susi edges to third round in Japan Open

Susi edges to third round in Japan Open TOKYO (AFP): World number one Susi Susanti stretched her match winning streak to 15 when she outgunned Japan's Chikako Nakayama in the second round at the US$125,000 Japan Open badminton championships yesterday. The first Olympic champion from Indonesia, appearing in top form since her surprising defeat to Japanese national champion Hisako Mizui at the Asian Games in October last year, raced to an 11-3, 11-1 thrashing.

Govt to convert swamp into productive areas

Govt to convert swamp into productive areas JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to transform large tracts of swamp into commercially productive areas such as paddy fields, cash crop plantations, fisheries and even residential areas, a senior official from the Ministry of Public Works says. Director General for Water Resource Development Soeparmono said on Tuesday that Indonesia currently has 33 million hectares of swamp, nine million hectares of which could be converted into productive land.

Jakartans to get more information about city plans

Jakartans to get more information about city plans JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja assured ulemas (Moslem leaders) yesterday that the city administration would actively disseminate information about city planning programs to Jakartans as one means of reducing conflicts.

More disclosures expected from new forestry method

More disclosures expected from new forestry method JAKARTA (JP): The government expects greater disclosures and an increased collection of levies from the forestry industry after the implementation of a new standardized accounting method, a minister says. "The new accounting system will help the government improve the supervision of the industry's conservation efforts.

RI urges Third World countries to improve ties

RI urges Third World countries to improve ties JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has urged fellow developing countries to strengthen their trade ties in the face of new attempts by rich industrialized countries to attach labor and other social clauses to their trade relationships.

Radio to support tourism

Radio to support tourism JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Radio Communications Users (RAPI) will support the development of the country's tourist industry by installing radio rigs at remote tourism destinations. "We will soon contact local offices of the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications throughout the country to find out which areas need such devices," the association's chairman, Eddy M. Nalapraya, told reporters here yesterday.

China's energy thirst a regional concern

China's energy thirst a regional concern By Rizal Sukma JAKARTA (JP): China's rapid economic growth in the last 15 years has brought about a number of serious problems for the country. One of those problems is that China has to deal with energy problems as a result of its heavy concentration on industrialization in its effort to modernize the country.

Informal training

Informal training From Merdeka I wonder why the Jakarta Office of the Department of Education and Culture instructed the Principals of the Junior/Senior High Schools to attend an informal training program in a hotel in Puncak, West Java, which costs Rp 350,000. Doesn't the Ministry or the Governor have a special budget for such a project, and why is it held out of town? Must the schools extort the parents to finance the training?

Man gets 20 years for murder

Man gets 20 years for murder KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia (AFP): An Indonesian pig farm worker was sentenced to 20 years in jail by a Malaysian court yesterday for killing his one-year-old daughter because he believed his wife had been unfaithful. According to testimony, Lambertus Siga, 36, slit the toddler's throat with a long machete while she was asleep because she bore no resemblance to him.

NEW DEPUTY:

NEW DEPUTY: JP/bsr Outgoing City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto (foreground) installed Col. Hamami Nata (right) as the new deputy chief of the city police yesterday. Hamami, 48, still an adjutant to President Soeharto, replaces Brig. Gen. Dibyo Widodo (left), who is going to replace Hindarto tomorrow. The new official, born in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, graduated from the Indonesian Armed Forces Academy in 1970 and took a management training course in London in 1985.

TV programs

TV programs From Media Indonesia The existence of several private television stations -- RCTI, SCTV, ANteve and quite recently Indosiar -- indicates that Indonesia has made considerable progress. This is possible thanks to the development progress in all sectors. However, there is something to be concerned about. Most of the programs feature violence and love affairs, which are detrimental to the viewers in general, particularly the younger generation.

OIC stresses need for coordinated propagation

OIC stresses need for coordinated propagation JAKARTA (JP): Religious leaders from 22 member nations of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) concluded their two-day meeting here yesterday, agreeing to coordinate their Islamic da'wah, or propagation, efforts. Over 100 Moslem experts deliberated at length about the various difficulties they face in spreading Islam and about strategies for improving the welfare of its followers.

When RP 1st lady learns badminton

When RP 1st lady learns badminton JAKARTA (JP): Basketball is the most popular sport in the Philippines, but badminton may move up on the popularity list under first lady Amelita Ramos, the country's new chairman of badminton association. Mrs. Ramos, a renown Filipino shuttler in late 1950s, intends to study badminton skills from neighboring countries Indonesia and Malaysia, George Piano, the Philippines team manager at the Japan Open badminton championships, said yesterday.

PT Duta Anggada to issue bonds worth Rp 100 billion

PT Duta Anggada to issue bonds worth Rp 100 billion JAKARTA (JP): PT Duta Anggada Realty, a property company listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), announced its plan here yesterday to issue bonds worth Rp 100 billion (US$46.5 million) to finance new property projects.

Mollusks polluted not fish

Mollusks polluted not fish From Kompas I would like to make a correction to the article about Minamatabyo (Minamata disease) in Kompas on Jan. 8, 1995. The article states that the people of Minamata became ill after eating mercury polluted fish. The pollutant is produced by the Chisso fertilizer plant. It is not the fish that are polluted but the shellfish. If the fish had been polluted the area affected would be bigger than just Minamata, because fish roam as far as hundreds of miles away.

Launch of Proton in Manila

Launch of Proton in Manila KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is to launch in Manila this week the first of his country's Proton car imported by a Philippines' joint venture auto firm, officials said yesterday. Mahathir is due to leave for Manila on Saturday to launch the Proton Wira and return the next day, Malaysian officials said. The car, shipped to the Philippines in a semi-knocked down form, is to be fitted with tyres and batteries in Manila, an auto source said.

New police chief for East Java

New police chief for East Java SURABAYA: Brig. Gen. Roesman Hadi was inducted yesterday as the new chief of the East Java police, taking charge of the province that has the third-highest crime rate in Indonesia. Roesman, formerly chief of the North Sumatra Police, replaced Maj. Gen. Emon Rivai Arganata, who will move back to the National Police headquarters in Jakarta pending his next assignment.

HK firm starts Jepara power plant project

HK firm starts Jepara power plant project JEPARA, Central Java (JP): PT Consolidated Electric Power Asia (CEPA) Indonesia, a subsidiary of CEPA Ltd. of Hong Kong, has begun construction of a US$2 billion coal-fired power plant in Tanjung Jati amidst a controversy on land appropriation.

Settlers refuse to be resettled

Settlers refuse to be resettled JAKARTA: A group of Javanese settlers, moved to Lampung under the government's transmigration program, visited the National Commission on Human Rights on Tuesday complaining that they were being harassed by the local authorities to move once again.

Soeharto may run again in 1998, Scholar says

Soeharto may run again in 1998, Scholar says By Pandaya KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): President Soeharto may opt to stay in power beyond 1998 if political conflicts among interest groups continue unabated, a political scientist said yesterday. Riswandha Imawan told a seminar that rivalry among these groups would intensify in the last three years of Soeharto's current sixth five-year term in office.

Telkom promises better service to customers

Telkom promises better service to customers JAKARTA (JP): Chief of the Jakarta office of the state-owned telecommunications company PT Telkom, John Welly, told a special gathering of customers yesterday that the company is always trying to give better service to its customers. "We realize that we have to be more open to feedback about the company's service," John said, adding that the gathering was one means of providing better service.

Hitachi products

Hitachi products From Bisnis Indonesia Referring to the report titled PT Mekardaya markets heavy equipment Halla-Hitachi to KTI we would like to make a correction. We, PT Hexindo Adiperkasa as an exclusive distributor of Hitachi Construction Machinery Co. Ltd., Japan, would like to announce that the report by PT Mekardaya is false and needs clarifying. The following is a statement by Hitachi Construction Machinery, Japan, signed by S. Ueda in his capacity as Director of International Division.

Seeking aid

Seeking aid From Bisnis Indonesia Our child, 6 years-old, was born with male and female genitals. It is our intention to have this operated on so that our child can live a normal life. But we do not have the financial resources to help our child. I work as a driver and my wife works in a textile factory. With this is mind we kindly ask readers for donations to help pay for the operation. The combined incomes of my wife and I cannot solve the problem.

Packaging firm reports profit

Packaging firm reports profit JAKARTA (JP): PT Fajar Surya Wisesa, a paper board producer which listed its shares on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) last month, yesterday announced a 223 percent increase in its after- tax profit to Rp 37.2 billion (US$16.87 million) last year.

Rendra protests censorship

Rendra protests censorship BANDUNG, West Java: Rebel poet W.S. Rendra attended a poetry reading event at the Saparua Sports Hall on Tuesday but declined to take the stage after learning that police had forbidden him to read four of the 12 poems he had been scheduled to read. Rendra, who is accustomed to police bans, said he had read the four works in Surabaya earlier this month and there had been no problem.

Aussie-RI ties beyond just good neighbors

Aussie-RI ties beyond just good neighbors JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian-Australian relations are moving beyond being simply two good neighbors, and into a more pragmatic one, that promises to be mutually beneficial. Australia's ambassador to Indonesia, Allan Taylor, stressed this fact yesterday, pointing to the principles of tangible and mutual benefits which guide the relationship between the two countries.

Kartika Plaza gets new GM

Kartika Plaza gets new GM JAKARTA (JP): The Kartika Plaza Beach Hotel in Bali said yesterday that it had appointed a new management team. The hotel, whose management was assumed by PT Jakarta International Hotel & Management this year, said in a statement made available that it appointed Paulo Fill as its general manager and Emmett McHentry as its financial controller. (hdj)

Lippo Village and surroundings

Lippo Village and surroundings From Bisnis Indonesia The Lippo Village project in Tangerang has become a topic of discussion in the community. Lippo has succeeded in constructing high-rise buildings in a very short time. That the Tangerang community, especially those who live around the Islamic Village and Kelapa Dua Housing Complex, is very proud of this project is indisputable. Unfortunately, the development of its surroundings does not match the magnificence of the Village.

Cambodian FM here for 3-day visit

Cambodian FM here for 3-day visit JAKARTA (JP): Cambodian foreign minister Ung Huot, who was scheduled to arrive here this morning, hastened the start of his three-day visit here and touched down at Soekarno-Hatta international airport yesterday evening. Officials at the foreign ministry said that yesterday's arrival was actually in accordance with the initial plan, which was then changed to today's date due to perceived flight route problems.

Trainees demand jobs in Korea

Trainees demand jobs in Korea JAKARTA: Students of a vocational school in Cianjur, West Java, have turned to the National Commission on Human Rights for help in their dispute with the school's management, which they say has failed to keep its promise to place them in jobs in South Korea. Around 50 students, who said they represented more than 1,700 of their others, told the commission on Tuesday that they had each paid Rp 1 million ($490) to PT Binawan Group, which operates the school.

Telecom companies join up

Telecom companies join up SINGAPORE (Reuter): Four state-run Southeast Asian telecommunications companies said yesterday they had formed an alliance to offer "one-stop shopping" to multinational firms. Singapore Telecoms, Telekom Malaysia, PT Indosat of Indonesia and Philippines Long Distance Telephone Co, said in a statement the as yet unnamed joint venture company would be based in Kuala Lumpur.

RI, PNG sign coffee deal

RI, PNG sign coffee deal LONDON (AFP): Indonesia and Papua New Guinea have signed the new International Coffee Agreement, it was announced in London on Tuesday by Celsius Lodder, executive director of the International Coffee Organization. The new members are important, as Indonesia is now the world's third-ranking coffee exporter and the first for robusta, while Papua New Guinea is among the world's 15 leading exporters.

RI, Malaysia on border talks

RI, Malaysia on border talks DENPASAR, Bali: Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed on the delineation of some 39.33 kilometers of their common border in the northern part of Kalimantan. Suryatna Soebrata, the secretary general of the Ministry of Home Affairs who headed the Indonesian delegation to the border talks, said that 20.9 km of the new border lines were between East Kalimantan and Sabah, while the other 18.43 km were between West Kalimantan and Sarawak, Antara reported.

Judical autonomy guaranteed

Judical autonomy guaranteed JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday guaranteed that the courts of law will continue to have autonomy as mandated by the 1945 Constitution. "As President of the Republic of Indonesia, I truly understand the ruling of the Constitution. And I will always respect this rule," Soeharto said in his keynote address opening the national conference of all appeal judges, including those serving in the Supreme Court.

Trust in justice

Trust in justice Why, asked a tearful mother last week, was the rapist and murderer of her six-year-old daughter jailed for only 20 years? The South Sulawesi district court judge, a woman, replied: "Justice had been done." But for the bereaved mother it did not appear that this was so. Other people, too, might feel that the court has failed to act as the last bastion of the people. Unlike other crimes, rape leaves the victim with deep, life- long scars.

Extra supervision for high schools

Extra supervision for high schools JAKARTA (JP): City Security and Order chief Kusaeni has announced that the Jakarta section of the Agency for National Stability and Security (Bakorstanasda Jaya) will carry out extra surveillance at 50 high schools in Jakarta. The surveillance operation has been code-named Wijaya Kusuma ("Flower Victory"), he said yesterday. "The operation is aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency, including street brawls," Kusaeni said, as quoted by Antara.

Pepsi declares 'cola' war in Indonesia

Pepsi declares 'cola' war in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): After some years of absence in Indonesia, Pepsi- Cola International (PCI) yesterday declared cola war on the "real thing." Lance Tanaka, president of PCI for the Asia-Pacific region, told a press conference here yesterday that Pepsi was geared up to increase its share of the country's carbonated drink market from less than five percent now to 35 percent within the next five years.

Oki trial vanue not yet decided: Surjono

Oki trial vanue not yet decided: Surjono JAKARTA (JP): Just where the Los Angeles triple murder case will be heard is yet to be decided and will depend on the findings of Jakarta police's current investigation, Chief Justice Surjono said yesterday.

Many government critics are undemocratic: Try

Many government critics are undemocratic: Try JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno took a shot yesterday at government critics who complain of a lack of democracy under the present administration, saying that they are not democratic themselves.

Police parking lot closed

Police parking lot closed JAKARTA (JP): The parking lot in front of the City Traffic Police Directorate has been closed temporarily due to preparations for a ceremony on Friday for the inauguration of Jakarta's new police chief. According to city police spokesman Lt. Col. Bambang Haryoko, the parking area is being used by personnel who are rehearsing exercises to perform during Friday's ceremony. During the ceremony, National Police chief Gen.

More traffic violators on toll roads ticketed

More traffic violators on toll roads ticketed JAKARTA (JP): Police ticketed a total of 358 traffic violators on toll roads in and around the city during a six-day operation beginning Jan. 14, says National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. IK Ratta. "Although the number is quite high, almost 60 cases per day, no accidents took place," Ratta said on Tuesday.

Wismoyo new chairman of Sports Council

Wismoyo new chairman of Sports Council JAKARTA (JP): As had been expected, Army Chief of Staff Wismoyo Arismunandar was last night unanimously elected the chairman of the National Sports Council (KONI).

Massive quake demonstrates why Japan is what it is (2)

Massive quake demonstrates why Japan is what it is (2) This is the second of two articles by The Jakarta Post Asia correspondent Harvey Stockwin who sets the Kansai Earthquake against the background of Japan's traditional psychology. HONG KONG (JP): Despite a lengthening casualty list, the major Kansai Earthquake still pales by comparison with the Great Kanto one in Tokyo and Yokohama 72 years ago when 140,000 died.

Indonesia shines in bridge meet

Indonesia shines in bridge meet JAKARTA (JP): A solid partnership of Hengky Lasut and Eddy Manoppo lifted Indonesia's pride at the world invitational bridge tournament in The Hague by finishing third. The American pair of Zia Mahmood-Rosenberg, who gave their country the world championship title last year, won the Jan. 19-22 bridge event. The invitational meet pitted the world's elite 16 pairs who played round-robin matches. Danish pair of Auken-Koch took the second spot.

Hundreds of houses bulldozed

Hundreds of houses bulldozed JAKARTA (JP): Bogor city administration will summon a developer, identified only as PT FMP, for bulldozing hundreds of houses in the Citeureup district, Bogor without paying any compensation. Antara reported on Tuesday that the official of the administration, who asked not to be named, said PT FMP had bulldozed the houses to make way for the construction of real estate and golf course projects.

Mandela kicks off four-day visit to India

Mandela kicks off four-day visit to India NEW DELHI (AFP): South African President Nelson Mandela praised India for its staunch opposition to apartheid as he received a 21-gun salute and red carpet welcome at the start of a four-day visit here yesterday. The South African leader, who arrived here late Tuesday, reviewed an army, navy and air force guard of honor outside the majestic downtown presidential palace to officially kick off his first visit to India as head of state.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 25, 1995: Trading Shares Close Change Volume ------------------------------------------------------ ADES ALFINDO 2,400 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 2,000 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,350 -50 20,500 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,000 -300 1,000 ANWAR SIERAD 1,800 63,500 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 2,000 -50 182,000 ARGO PANTES 2,600 7,500 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,925 50,000 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY...

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.

2,043 nabbed in operation

2,043 nabbed in operation JAKARTA (JP): Law and order officers have arrested 2,043 people during Operation Yustisi (Operation Justice) in South Jakarta over the last two years for violating regulations on sanitation and peace and order. Total fines collected from violators during the operation, launched in November, 1993, reach Rp 12 million (US$5,454), South Jakarta Mayor Pardjoko said.