Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 October 1995

49 articles found

'Stock mart law gives excessive power to Bapepam'

'Stock mart law gives excessive power to Bapepam' JAKARTA (JP): Lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis said yesterday that the new stock market law gives excessive power to the Stock Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) without conferring full independence on the body. "There are many obligations given to Bapepam.

Rich and poor gap

Rich and poor gap From Forum Keadilan Our country's Golden Independence Anniversary is not just a historical event to celebrate grandly, it also brings with it some oddities. Take for instance, a flour miller who is in the spotlight as a highly successful businessman. He is touted as worthy of our respect and is enjoying protection from the government. The oddities don't stop there, but are further extended with the informal meeting of top business executives in Jimbaran, Bali.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 11, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,775 75 15,000 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 2,175 -50 438,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,450 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,025 25 17,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,900 0 4,500 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 950 0 0 Aster Dharma Industry...

Indonesian oil industry to face difficult times

Indonesian oil industry to face difficult times JAKARTA (JP): Chairman and chief executive officer of Chevron Corporation Kenneth T. Derr has asked Indonesia to prepare for difficult times as a result of the steady downward trend in oil prices and increasing global competition in oil industry.

Indonesia enters 26 events at SEAG

Indonesia enters 26 events at SEAG JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia insists on taking part in 26 events at the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand, missing out on the chance to win medals in field hockey and rugby. Training director of the National Sports Council, Moch. Hindarto, said yesterday that the council had no choice but to field athletes for the 26 events during the Dec. 9 to Dec. 17 Games, saying that they have a good chance to win medals in those sports.

Moslems to pray against disasters

Moslems to pray against disasters JAMBI, Jambi: Local ulemas in the quake-stricken region are calling on local Moslems to hold mass prayers against further natural disasters, especially in the Kerinci regency. Chair of the local branch of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) Sulaiman Abdullah was reported by Antara as saying that the prayers can be held in mosques or other houses of worship.

Businessmen often neglect tax regulations

Businessmen often neglect tax regulations JAKARTA (JP): Corporate managers in Indonesia tend to neglect taxes in their decision-making processes, which, for their companies, often results in losses in the end, a tax consultant says.

Liberalize cement trade

Liberalize cement trade After having become used to hearing reports about scarcities in cement -- a phenomenon usually accompanied by escalating prices -- Indonesia is now facing a different kind of cement problem, in the form of accumulating stocks in a number of plants. Even President Soeharto found it necessary last week to instruct the excessive supplies to be exported.

Taxis in Jakarta's outskirt

Taxis in Jakarta's outskirt From Bisnis Indonesia The new transportation rule of the Directorate of Traffic and Highways which bans taxis from neighboring towns of Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi from operating in the capital. In our opinion this is an irrational act. It reflects an act by one who does not care about people. Effects of the rule are felt by both the public and taxi companies. Just imagine how many people live in Bekasi or Tangerang that work in Jakarta.

'Rights abuses foster anti-govt feelings'

'Rights abuses foster anti-govt feelings' SEMARANG (JP): The government's failure to protect human rights and reduce social inequalities is leading to the emergence of anti-government attitudes and movements, observers commented yesterday. Political scientist Novel Ali of the Diponegoro University and legislator Ircham Abdurrochim agreed that better protection of human rights is needed in order to prevent such attitudes from growing.

Two killed, 10 injured in fresh Dili rioting

Two killed, 10 injured in fresh Dili rioting DILI, East Timor (JP): Two people were killed, 10 were injured and three police officers were taken hostage in fresh rioting involving pro- and anti-government groups on Monday and Tuesday. The casualties in this latest outbreak of violence were announced by East Timor Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares yesterday.

25% import duty on cellular phones lifted

25% import duty on cellular phones lifted JAKARTA (JP): Imports of cellular phones will likely increase now that the government has lifted the import duty on several telecommunications products, a senior executive says. "Prices of handsets will absolutely drop when the government lifts the import duty, which means that more people can now afford to purchase them," a director of PT Telkomsel, Garuda Sugardo, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Taxi driver killed

Taxi driver killed JAKARTA (JP): A taxi driver was found dead inside his cab yesterday morning in Pondok Gede, Bekasi, with severe stab wounds to his body. Bekasi police chief, Lt. Col. Hari Pribadi, told The Jakarta Post that the killing might have been the work of two people and could have been carried out in the early hours of yesterday morning. "We're still studying all the information and evidence available," he said. The dead driver was found by locals early in the morning.

Cultural similarities strengthen relations

Cultural similarities strengthen relations By Mariam K. Sutalaksana JAKARTA (JP): Who would have thought music and dance from Okinawa would have an intimate correlation with the Sundanese, Javanese and Sumatran cultures? Performed at the Ballroom of Hotel Dai-chi, Jakarta, last Saturday, this dance and music show, Ryukyu no Tayori or the message from Okinawa, clearly brings forth a sense of camaraderie between Indonesia and Japan, particularly in the traditional performing arts.

Public transport group lobbies for higher fares

Public transport group lobbies for higher fares JAKARTA (JP): The organization of land transportation owners, Organda, has proposed to the Ministry of Transportation that public transportation fees be increased. A proposal submitted earlier this year drew no response from the city administration. Organda chairman Aip Syarifuddin said yesterday that the organization wanted public bus and taxi fares to be increased. The fares on regular buses should be increased from Rp 250 (11 U.S.

Islamic art still in short of supply in RI

Islamic art still in short of supply in RI JAKARTA (JP): Moslem art in Indonesia is not as varied or as widespread as it should be in a country that adopted Islam hundreds of years ago, a Moslem scholar said yesterday. Moh. Ardani of the State Institute for Islamic Studies in Jakarta said he believed Indonesia can produce a lot more works of art that reflect the religion. "What we have is not optimal yet.

Regional councils have crucial role, Yogie says

Regional councils have crucial role, Yogie says YOGYAKARTA (JP): Elected councilors may be hierarchically lower than local administrations, but their voice is crucial and always considered in any decision-making process, Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. said yesterday. Yogie told a gathering of leaders of provincial and regency- level legislative councils that under Law no.

RP to hold rice conference

RP to hold rice conference MANILA (AFP): About 500 scientists from 30 countries are expected to attend an international symposium on rice genetics to be held here later this month, it was announced yesterday. The Philippine-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) says it will host the symposium to be held from Oct. 16 to 20 in the capital Manila.

The communists' sins

The communists' sins From Forum Keadilan The purpose of the Sept. 30, 1965 coup attempt by the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) was to establish a communist Indonesia and to get rid of Pancasila state ideology. If the coup had been successful, the action would have been promptly followed by the execution of persons belonging to the opposition and religious leaders. All parties outside the communist party had to be crushed. Those who held different opinions were branded "communisto phobia".

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.

Italian shoes on show

Italian shoes on show JAKARTA (JP): Italy's Expool Consortium will hold a one-day exhibition of Italian-made shoes and handbags for the 1996 spring and summer seasons at the Enteos Club here next Wednesday. Michele Branca, commissioner of the Italian Trade Commission in Indonesia, said that the consortium, in cooperation with PT Pakuwon Jati, will also hold a similar showcase in Surabaya, East Java, on Oct. 20. (01)

Saving workers from gallows

Saving workers from gallows Many female workers have endured traumatic experiences in the Middle East. While few rape cases have been reported from the United Arab Emirates, this is no guarantee that the migrant workers there, most of whom come from Southeast Asia, the Philippines especially, can defend themselves in the face of their employers and the law. The conditions under which they work and the respect for female workers in most labor-importing countries is poor.

Employers asked to help promote foreigners' tax

Employers asked to help promote foreigners' tax JAKARTA (JP): Following its failure to reach the set target, the city revenue office is urging apartment owners and companies to notify their expatriates tenants and employees of their obligation to pay foreigners' tax annually. The revenue office collected only Rp 116 million during its foreigners' tax drive launched from Sept. 25 to Oct. 10. The target set by the office was Rp 2 billion, which is the amount of overdue taxes since 1992.

Soeharto consoles quake survivors

Soeharto consoles quake survivors JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto visited some of the survivors of the devastating earthquake in the Gunung Kerinci district of Jambi yesterday, consoling them and providing words of encouragement. Soeharto traveled by helicopter from Padang in West Sumatra to tour the town of Sungaipenuh and nearby villages in the western part of Jambi province that were ravaged by Saturday's quake, measuring 7 on the Richter scale.

'New submarine not for arms race'

'New submarine not for arms race' SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore bought a used submarine last month, not because of any regional anxiety over China's arms buildup but because it was cheap, Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew said in comments published yesterday. Singapore announced on Sept. 23 that it was buying a second- hand submarine from Sweden as part of a training package in submarine warfare. The training scheme, offered by Sweden, starts next year.

Australia helps 'Posyandu'

Australia helps 'Posyandu' JAKARTA: The government of Australia, through its Australian Agency for International Development, has provided several grants worth more than Rp 60 million (approximately US$26,583) to grassroots family welfare organizations. The grants are for a training program for activists of Posyandu village-based integrated health services in Maluku, and for the PKK family welfare movements in Jayawijaya regency, Irian Jaya. (swe)

Support for office worker

Support for office worker From Republika I am in full support of the establishment of a solidarity committee for Danang (an office worker jailed for his involvement with an unrecognized journalist association). I can well imagine Danang's future if he cannot continue his studies after he is out of prison. He will bear a grudge toward the people and the system which have brought about his suffering. He will be used by people who are not happy with the success of this country's development.

Transmigration promotes human rights: Diplomat

Transmigration promotes human rights: Diplomat JAKARTA (JP): The government's transmigration program, contrary to what its critics say, has the noble objective of fulfilling the people's basic rights, a senior diplomat said yesterday. The transmigration program is aimed essentially at improving the living standards of the people, which is an inseparable part of their social and economic rights, Hassan Wirajuda of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Investors often cheat, Joop says

Investors often cheat, Joop says JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave acknowledged yesterday that many investors have disguised their property projects as being for tourist resorts in order to obtain immediate approval from the government. "As the government has committed to developing the tourist industry, many businessmen said that their planned projects are tourism-related businesses.

Thai power firm to expand

Thai power firm to expand BANGKOK (Reuter): Major Thai power producer Electricity Generating Plc plans to expand its power generating business into Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia and Myanmar, a senior company executive said. "Under our five-year strategy, EGCO will from now on concentrate more on overseas markets in the region to sustain our growth," Amporn Pongpreecha, EGCO's managing director, told reporters.

Batam to host int'l golf meet

Batam to host int'l golf meet JAKARTA (JP): An international golf tournament will be held at the Tering Bay golf course on Batam Island, Riau province, between Oct. 28 and Oct. 29, with the players vying for the Madame Tien Soeharto Cup. Prof.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Buttons And Rusty 3:05 Sehari Bersama 3:30 TV Series: Harapan Nan Sirna 4:30 Women's Forum 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Koran Recital 6:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 Cultural Program 9:00 World News 9:30 Film 10:55 Late News 11:00 Sports: Arena dan Juara Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Hero title for Tuanku Tambusai

Hero title for Tuanku Tambusai PEKANBARU, Riau: Residents of Kampar regency enthusiastically welcomed the government's decision to confer upon their past freedom fighter, Tuanku Tambusai, the National Hero title. "This is an honor for the whole people of Riau," according to Kasim Fasdabino, spokesman of the regency administration.

Mar'ie seeks debt reduction

Mar'ie seeks debt reduction JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad has called on multilateral lending institutions to slash the debt obligations of the world's poorest countries and restructure themselves to serve the changing world economy.

Geoffrey Saba to play in Jakarta

Geoffrey Saba to play in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Geoffrey Saba, a well-known Australian pianist, will play at the Australian Embassy, Jl. Rasuna Said, Kuningan, in Central Jakarta, on Thursday Oct. 12 at 08:00 p.m. Saba, who has performed in North America, Europe, Japan, the Middle East and Southeast Asia, will be the first to play on the embassy's new piano. He will also give a master class.

Metro Jaya bus shelter

Metro Jaya bus shelter From Kompas Police have banned private cars from dropping off passengers at the bus stop in front of the Metro Jaya Police Office on Jalan Gatot Subroto, Jakarta, since Sept. 27. Those who try to do so are usually chased away by police officers. In the morning hours, however, private car drivers usually pick up passengers for free to bypass the three-in-one regulation. So what is the purpose of the restriction? Is it to enforce the three-in-one regulation?

AMINEF to sponsor university fairs

AMINEF to sponsor university fairs JAKARTA (JP): The American Indonesian Exchange Foundation (AMINEF) will sponsor two university fairs this weekend. The foundation, in cooperation with Linden Educational Services and the International Education Foundation (IEF), will hold the fairs in recognition of the increasing number of Indonesian students receiving tertiary education in the U.S.

Islamic schools need teachers

Islamic schools need teachers MEDAN, North Sumatra: A total of 32 Islamic junior and senior high schools are facing a shortage of teachers of various subjects. Head of the provincial office of the Ministry of Religious Affairs, Azhar, said yesterday that a total of 424 new teachers are need to fill the vacancies. At present there are 1,398 teachers employed in the province's 122 Islamic schools, he said as quoted by Antara.

Land for $500m sea port cleared

Land for $500m sea port cleared JAKARTA (JP): State-owned company PT Pelabuhan Indonesia (Pelindo) II started appropriating land yesterday in Bojanegara, Serang, West Java, for the construction of a US$500-million cargo port terminal. A spokesman for the Serang administration, H. Hariyoto A.S., told Antara Tuesday that in the first phase of the land appropriation, the company will clear out 200 hectares of land at a total cost estimated at Rp 40 billion (US$17.5 million) by the end of this year.

PNG defense chief says rebels out of control

PNG defense chief says rebels out of control PORT MORESBY (Reuter): Separatist rebels are out of control on Papua New Guinea's Bougainville island, where guerrilla activity has escalated in the past 10 days, the head of the country's defense force said. In a rare move, the commander of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force, Brig. Gen.

Academic ties with Malaysia

Academic ties with Malaysia PEKANBARU, Riau: The University of Riau is setting up joint programs with a number of universities in Malaysia, including an exchange of staff lecturers. Abdul Halim H.J. Hasan, dean of the School of Accounting at University of North Malaysia, said here Monday that the program could also include the exchange of students. "The cooperation should help us understand each other's curriculums," he was quoted by Antara as saying. (swe)

Irian governor urges lower lending rates

Irian governor urges lower lending rates JAKARTA (JP): Irian Jaya Governor Jakob Patipi suggested yesterday that the government take measures encouraging banks to lower interest rates on loans used to invest in the province.

Reconstruction of Ciracas murder to be kept secret

Reconstruction of Ciracas murder to be kept secret JAKARTA (JP): In order to avoid possible attacks on the suspects by angry mobs, the reconstruction of the Ciracas killings may not be carried out at the crime site, says a senior police officer. "It's not a good idea to hold the reconstruction there, as the situation is still simmering," secretary to chief of the Greater Jakarta Police Crime Investigation Directorate, Lt. Col. Edi Darnadi, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Tug-of-war within NU

Tug-of-war within NU From Merdeka The tug of war between the young leader KH Abdurrachman Wachid (Gus Dur) and the senior leader H. Abu Hasan is apparently becoming protracted and there are no signs that any of the two parties are willing to concede. Lately the conflict even seems to have sharpened, thereby leading NU into the trap of internal conflict which gives cause for concern.

Spratlys meeting signs deals

Spratlys meeting signs deals JAKARTA (JP): Delegates to a regional workshop to discuss cooperation in the South China Sea have agreed on two joint projects, one for monitoring tide levels and another on database, information exchange and networking. The two projects were approved by 50 delegates from 11 countries taking part in the five-day workshop on Managing Potential Conflicts in the South China Sea. The meeting opened on Tuesday in Balikpapan, the capital of East Kalimantan.

Resettlers turn to prostitution

Resettlers turn to prostitution PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: The minister of transmigration has said there are resettlers who have abandoned their land and become prostitutes. "I'm not blind to the situation, that instead of becoming farmers there are resettlers who work as prostitutes," Siswono was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying during a discussion with students Tuesday.

Six artists share their impressions on the art of drawing

Six artists share their impressions on the art of drawing JAKARTA (JP): Drawing is the basic scaffolding of all artistic expression. ...The Chinese call it "the bones" of the picture on which everything is hung. Drawing is an adventure, a creative experience in the mind the imagined shape. Drawing is seeing with the mind as well as the eye (Benjamin Rowland in Cave to Renaissance: Great Drawings of the World). The above paragraph quoted by Astri Wright, a Ph.D.

Nursing school ready to export

Nursing school ready to export SURABAYA: The Darul Ulum School of Nursing in Jombang, which in the past has supplied nurses to Middle East countries, is preparing to export its graduates to hospitals in the United States. Chair of the Darul Ulum Moslem foundation, K.H. As'ad Umar, told Antara that the school has produced 40 nurses, 13 of whom are now working in the Middle East. The school is currently training 240 students.

Two shot dead after attempted burglary

Two shot dead after attempted burglary JAKARTA (JP): Two burglars were shot dead by police yesterday after attempting, with four others, to rob a house on Jl. Hang Tuah I/9 in South Jakarta. One of the burglars escaped initially, but was later arrested. Chief of the South Jakarta police, Lt. Col. S.Y. Wenas, and his deputy, Maj. Muhail, said that the two men, Panil Sibarani and Ridwan Manurung, were shot dead at the crime scene.