Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 October 1995

45 articles found

Garuda's expansion plan has 1995 deadline

Garuda's expansion plan has 1995 deadline JAKARTA (JP): Garuda Indonesia, the national flag carrier, has been given until the end of the year to increase the number of its domestic routes, a company spokesman said yesterday. Jansius Siahaan said that Garuda will lose its license to expand its domestic services if it fails to meet the deadline.

Jakarta Bay festival soon

Jakarta Bay festival soon JAKARTA (JP): A festival of marine-related activities begins today at the Sunda Kelapa port and the Bahari Museum in North Jakarta. Lasting until Oct. 15, some festival events will be held in the Seribu Islands, just north of the capital. The 1995 Jakarta Bay Festival, the first of its kind, will present 10 activities which relate to the sea, according to Pudjo Basuki, head of Jakarta office of the tourism, post and telecommunications ministry.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Horrible Honchos 3:05 Talk Show: Gita Wicara 3:30 Science Film 4:05 Among Us 4:30 Documentary 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Science Program 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music Contest: Asia Bagus 8:05 Lintasan Sinetron 9:00 World News 9:25 Music 10:25 Film 11:05 Late News 11:15 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Japanese firms eying Myanmar as next target

Japanese firms eying Myanmar as next target By Noriko Sato TOKYO (Kyodo): More Japanese companies are contemplating investing in Myanmar since the release of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in July. "Myanmar was almost forgotten before, but suddenly, people want to know all about it," says a spokesman at the Myanmar Center for Business and Information, which was set up in Tokyo by Myanmar's military government to respond to the new interest among Japanese companies.

RI, Sweden share lead in bridge meet

RI, Sweden share lead in bridge meet JAKARTA (JP): Collecting 55 points, Indonesia topped the West Group on the opening day of the Bermuda Bowl men's team world bridge championships in Beijing on Monday. Indonesia took the group lead in the 16-team tournament after an unexpectedly easy 21-9 win over France, a 23-7 victory over Venezuela and an 11-19 loss to South Africa.

Castro invited to visit Beijing

Castro invited to visit Beijing BEIJING (AFP): China's President Jiang Zemin has invited Cuban leader Fidel Castro to make an official visit to China, the official Xinhua news agency said yesterday. The invitation was handed over Monday by Prime Minister Li Peng during a two-hour stopover in Havana where he had talks with Castro. The agency did not give any details of the talks. Li was flying to Peru after visiting Mexico.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Aryaduta Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Monday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Los Morenitos, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Los Paraguas, Friday and Saturday from 7:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Boece & Ayu (pianist and singer), Tuesday and Saturday, from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Pianist of Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 p.m.

More political openness

More political openness When I was waiting for a bus at an empty bus stop in Jakarta, I discovered a photocopy of a pamphlet pinned on the wall. It drew my attention because of the printed and handwritten messages it contained. The message conveyed was in a straight tone and could lead to public tension. It is no wonder that the government alerted the public to be wary of rumors (The Jakarta Post Sept. 29, 1995). Nevertheless, circulating pamphlets is one of today's invisible phenomena.

House faction probes assault on councilor

House faction probes assault on councilor JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party (PPP) is sending a special team to investigate the recent attack on one its councilors in Surabaya. Chairman of the PPP faction at the House of Representatives Hamzah Haz announced the plan yesterday and expressed his party's disgust with the act of intimidation against Andy Soedirman. Such actions, he added, undermine the role of legislative bodies.

Soeharto to tour the Americas

Soeharto to tour the Americas JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will embark on a lengthy overseas trip this Sunday that will take him to Colombia, the United States, where he'll visit the United Nations headquarters in New York, and Suriname. Soeharto will be in the holiday resort of Cartagena, Colombia, between Oct. 17 and 20 to attend the 11th summit of the Non- Aligned Movement (NAM).

Tribal title for commander

Tribal title for commander MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: Eight chiefs of 18 local tribes conferred upon Maj. Gen. A. Dunidja, the commander of the Trikora Military Command, the traditional title of Kayau Anem. The title, which literally means "the defender and the carrier of peace", was given to Dunidja in appreciation of his contribution in securing peace and order in the regency. The Marind tribe's chief Bernardus Ndiken announced the honor in a ceremony on Monday.

Government vows attention to oil industry concerns

Government vows attention to oil industry concerns JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday Indonesia would continue to pay attention to the hopes and interests of its business partners in the oil industry regarding the various procedures and regulations that affect their operations.

Australia may reject Timor asylum seekers

Australia may reject Timor asylum seekers CANBERRA (Reuter): Australia could reject East Timorese seeking political asylum because they may be Portuguese nationals, Foreign Minister Gareth Evans said yesterday. Evans was responding to local media reports that government legal advisers had said some East Timorese asylum-seekers could be classified as Portuguese citizens, making them ineligible for refugee status in Australia.

Solve problems at early stage

Solve problems at early stage PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo told local officials on Monday to nip resettlement problems in the bud. Addressing officials at a working meeting Monday, Siswono said Indonesia's transmigration program has for some time been under international scrutiny, because it allegedly destroys local cultures. He said that even one wrong move could draw an unfair amount of attention.

Minister's swipe at Djajanti

Minister's swipe at Djajanti Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo's public allegations late last month that the Djajanti Group's plywood subsidiary, PT Nusantara Plywood, in East Java purchased 4,000 cubic meters of illegally-cut logs, is not the first swing he has taken at large forest-based business groups.

RI raises LSWR exports

RI raises LSWR exports SINGAPORE (Reuter): Indonesia has offered an additional 300,000 to 400,000 barrels of low sulfur waxy residue (LSWR) for export in October, industry sources said yesterday. Indonesia's state-owned oil company Pertamina had already allocated a total of 3.92 million barrels of LSWR in October. With additional barrels this month, Indonesia's total LSWR exports will peak at 4.22-4.32 million barrels, the highest this year.

Birla expands business

Birla expands business JAKARTA (JP): The Birla Group of India, which currently operates four companies in Indonesia, is investing US$50 million this year for the expansion of its businesses here. The group announced yesterday that part of the investment will be used to expand the production capacity of the group's PT Indo Bharat Rayon, which manufactures rayon fiber in Purwakarta, West Java.

Marine experts still puzzled by 'warm pool'

Marine experts still puzzled by 'warm pool' JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian and foreign scientists said yesterday that they are still puzzled by the "warm pool" phenomena found in the Pacific Ocean that has altered climatic conditions in the region in recent years. What is certain so far is that land and water areas close to the "warm pool" region experience prolonged rainy seasons, floods, a decline in fish production and a rise in agriculture production.

Koja homes won't face arbitrary demolition

Koja homes won't face arbitrary demolition JAKARTA (JP): City Military Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Sutiyoso guaranteed yesterday that arbitrary demolition of houses in Koja Utara, North Jakarta, will not happen. "I assure that the residents can stay there securely until the compensation problem is settled," Sutiyoso told reporters. He explained that adding that City Military Command is now functioning as a mediator between area residents and PT Pelindo II.

Donation from Jakarta Red Cross

Donation from Jakarta Red Cross JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta branch of the Red Cross has sent two trucks of food, medicine, blankets and clothes to the victims of the Jambi earthquake. Jakarta branch chairman H.M. Muas said that the donation included 5,000 articles of used clothing, 500 blankets and 320 boxes of instant noodles. "We have also provided Rp 11 million in cash for the victims," he said on Monday, as quoted by Antara.

Probe of cemetery land scandal in last phase

Probe of cemetery land scandal in last phase JAKARTA (JP): City Secretary Harun Al Rasyid says that the city inspector claims that the investigation into a land scam allegedly masterminded by an official from the city cemetery agency will be completed soon. Harun said yesterday that the investigative team has been working ever since the governor ordered the city inspector to investigate the case last week. "We hope the team will finish its job and make detailed reports to the governor this week.

Piracy stalls RI's home entertainment

Piracy stalls RI's home entertainment By Marselli Sumarno JAKARTA (JP): Gope Samptani's experience epitomizes the prospects of the home video business in Indonesia. In 1988, Gope and seven other importers began a video business. In the two years he spent in the new field, he imported more than 300 Mandarin and American films. The video cassettes he imported, however, faced stiff competition from much cheaper pirated cassettes. He therefore couldn't sell his stock.

HK, RI set up fishing firm

HK, RI set up fishing firm JAKARTA (JP): PT Minasanega Perkasa and Giant Enterprises Limited of Hong Kong have agreed to establish a joint-venture company to engage in fishing in Indonesia's Exclusive Economic Zone. Under an agreement signed on Monday evening by Minasenaga's director, M. Ng. Abiyoso, and Giant Enterprise's president, Liu Chaoying, the joint venture will invest in fishing vessels, machinery and other equipment.

Quake relief operation hits snags

Quake relief operation hits snags JAKARTA (JP): The huge relief operation now underway in the earthquake-stricken regency of Gunung Kerinci in Jambi, Sumatra, was beset yesterday by problems in channeling relief supplies to the quake victims. Many villages that were devastated by Saturday's powerful earthquake remained in urgent need of food, medicines and blankets, according to reports reaching Jakarta yesterday.

Golkar seeks to reform campaign rules

Golkar seeks to reform campaign rules JAKARTA (JP): The ruling political group Golkar announced yesterday that it will push to reform the electoral laws regulating political campaigns and rallies. The reforms will deal primarily with procedures concerning the campaign period, which is generally lively and at times intense.

APEC talks extended for lack of progress

APEC talks extended for lack of progress TOKYO (AFP): The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum has extended talks for a third day after failing to make progress on preparing a free-trade plan during two days of talks, a Japanese official said yesterday. "Members haven't reached agreement in four or five different areas. The situation is not yet solid," he said, referring to the 25-year "action agenda" which is supposed to be adopted at next month's summit in Osaka.

Soeharto dedicates hotel

Soeharto dedicates hotel JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto inaugurated the five-star Regent Hotel Jakarta yesterday, five years after the initial ground breaking in May 1988. The 364-room hotel began its soft operation in July, nearly four years behind schedule.

Soccer to be contested early at SEA Games

Soccer to be contested early at SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): Soccer, the most prestigious event at the upcoming 18th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, will be contested earlier than Dec. 9, the day the Games formally opens. "Soccer competitions will start on Dec. 3. Booters can be accommodated at the athletes' village from Dec. 1, although the village will be officially opened on Dec. 6," said Ishadi, the spokesman for the National Sports Council, on Monday. Soccer will be contested first.

RI reports 34 more cases of HIV carriers

RI reports 34 more cases of HIV carriers JAKARTA (JP): Thirty-four more people have reportedly tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) over the past three months, bringing the total to 346 as at the end of last month. However, State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono, disclosing the latest official HIV figures yesterday, said he thought the actual number of people carrying the virus is far higher.

28 arrested for attacking officers

28 arrested for attacking officers JAKARTA (JP): City police arrested at least 28 people yesterday in connection with Monday's attack on security officers at the house of a suspect in the case of the recent brutal murder of a mother and her children in Ciracas, East Jakarta. The people are still in custody for questioning about their suspected roles in the clashes, which resulted in the destruction of property and a number of injuries.

PT Keramika gets loan

PT Keramika gets loan HONG KONG (Reuter): Bank Brussels Lambert Singapore said it has won the mandate for a US$80 million term loan for Indonesia's PT Keramika Indonesia Assosiasi. A bank official said it would launch a syndicated term loan for the ceramics company around the middle of the month, but it would not disclose the terms of the loan or other details. The ceramics company was listed on the Jakarta stock exchange last December.

Facility for female night-shift workers

Facility for female night-shift workers JAKARTA (JP): Companies employing female workers at night should provide their employees with transportation home, as stipulated by government regulation, the All Indonesia Workers Union (SPSI) reiterated yesterday. "Female workers who are on night shift have to be taken to and from work by the companies employing them," said Salam Sumangat, chairman of the SPSI's Jakarta branch.

'MPR should convene more than once'

'MPR should convene more than once' JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the body in charge of electing a president, should convene at least twice during its five-year term to ensure greater presidential accountability, says an observer. Noted political observer Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo made the suggestion during a seminar on politics yesterday, saying that such revision from the current practice would also maintain people's sovereignty.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 10, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,700 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 2,225 75 297,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,450 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,000 -25 260,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,900 50 112,000 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 950 0 0 Aster Dharma...

Polluted spring causes diarrhea

Polluted spring causes diarrhea DILI, East Timor: At least 185 people on Atauro Island, some 11 miles north of here, suffered from diarrhea after using water from a polluted spring, a local health official said yesterday. Head of the provincial office of the Ministry of Health Dr. Rustam S. Pakaya told Antara Monday that although most of the villagers received medical treatment, four of them were admitted into intensive care. "Thankfully, no one was killed by the disease," Rustam said.

Violence society

Violence society In Jakarta the house of Philipus Kia Lejab, the suspected murderer of Rohadi's wife and three children in Bambu Apus, East Jakarta, has been destroyed. Even the houses of several of his relatives in Bambu Apus were set on fire. In Surabaya, a band of people attacked the Wonorejo neighborhood, where the mayor of Surabaya lived.

'STAR TV' set to enter Indonesia next year

'STAR TV' set to enter Indonesia next year ADELAIDE (Reuter): News Corp Ltd chairman and chief executive Rupert Murdoch said he expected "great growth" at Hong Kong-based satellite broadcaster STAR TV over the next year and said STAR was planning to soon expand into Indonesia. "We expect to see great growth in the next year.

Stop promoting communism

Stop promoting communism Clandestine circulars have recently been passed around with the purpose of creating unrest and dissident feelings. The way it has been done is not unlike the practices deployed by the banned Indonesian Communist Party and this is, understandably, a cause of great concern to the authorities. No doubt, the presence of former Indonesian Communist Party members cannot be shrugged off lightly.

Alatas proposes cooperation in South China Sea

Alatas proposes cooperation in South China Sea JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia urged countries bordering the South China Sea yesterday to set aside any territorial disputes they may have, and start forging cooperation in the area. "The time has come to begin implementation of the cooperation projects," Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas told delegates at the workshop on managing conflicts in the South China Sea, which got underway in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan, yesterday.

New credit guarantee fund inaugurated

New credit guarantee fund inaugurated JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin), in cooperation with the ruling Golkar party, inaugurated a credit guarantee fund company last night to help spur the growth of small businesses. At a ceremony at the Hilton hotel, the guarantee fund company, named PT Penjamin Kredit Pengusaha Indonesia, was set up with an initial paid-up capital of Rp 6.16 billion (US$2.7 million), far below the original target of Rp 50 billion.

Non-business factors a hurdle for PTP listing

Non-business factors a hurdle for PTP listing JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's state-owned plantation firms (PTP), which have been criticized by the World Bank as inefficient, could go public if non-business factors could be overcome, according to one expert. Ridwan Dereinda, director of the Center for Agribusiness Development and Studies, told reporters yesterday that, from a business standpoint, the state plantations are fit to be listed on stock exchanges.

Discotheques, bars closed

Discotheques, bars closed JAKARTA (JP): Six discotheques and bars in four mayoralties have been closed by the City Law and Order Office for violating their hours of operation, an official early this week. Toha Reno, the secretary of the team in charge of the operation, said that the amusement centers are Puspita on Jl. Juana, Tiga Kuda on Jl. Cikini Raya, Monggo Mas on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, Top 10 Discotheque on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, Cleopatra on Jl.

Rice focus has stunted progress in fruit

Rice focus has stunted progress in fruit JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has been slow in developing studies in the science and technology of fruit cultivation because it has put most of its efforts into achieving self-sufficiency in rice, an official says.

Questioning HKBP leadership

Questioning HKBP leadership PWT Simanjuntak said at his press conference that "if the dissident reverends and church members defy our call for repentance, we will have no choice other than to expel them," as you put in The Jakarta Post on Oct. 4, 1995. His statement is very strange because his leadership is not guaranteed by our church's constitution, nor supported by most HKBP members. His leadership is illegal.

Aterballetto due here

Aterballetto due here JAKARTA (JP): Reputable Italian dance troupe Aterballetto, with its main creator and choreographer Amedeo Amodio, is slated to perform in Jakarta on Oct. 13. The Italian Embassy said in a release yesterday that the one- day show will take place at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta in Central Jakarta at 8 p.m. The troupe will present a program of various choreographies by several artists. It is intended to draw a comparison between two dance cultures, the American and European.