Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 November 1995

53 articles found

Police bust Ecstasy ring

Police bust Ecstasy ring SURAKARTA, Central Java: Police have arrested three people during a raid on a syndicate that has been supplying drug abusers with the "designer drug" Ecstasy. Surakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Herry Safrudin said the raid was carried out as the three were making a transaction at a well- known beauty salon in the Kalilarang district, Antara reported. Seven Ecstasy pills, which have a street value of over Rp 100,000 each, were seized during the raid, Herry said.

Archbishop Leo Sukoto quits

Archbishop Leo Sukoto quits JAKARTA (JP): Pope John Paul II accepted the resignation of Jakarta's archbishop yesterday. Purbo Tamtomo, secretary of the Jakarta diocese, said in a statement yesterday that Monsignor Leo Sukoto SJ's successor has yet to be appointed. The diocese's Advisory Council will elect a Catholic community administrator to lead the Jakarta diocese until the Pope appoints a new bishop. (09)

Good sales at Istiqlal Festival

Good sales at Istiqlal Festival JAKARTA (JP): The souvenir and food stands at the ongoing Second Istiqlal Festival of Islamic Arts and Culture are each making approximately Rp 3 million (US$1,311) per day, according to one of the organizers. Spokeswoman Ida Nasution said yesterday that one stand belonging to the Permata Sari Foundation, which is the organizer of the festival's bazaar, makes at least Rp 2 million, "even on the quietest days".

Bank Bira's profit rises

Bank Bira's profit rises JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bira, a private bank listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange, yesterday reported a 48.59 percent increase in its net profit in the first nine months to Rp 20.83 billion (US$9.1 million) from Rp 14.02 billion in the same period of 1994. The bank said in a financial report that its revenues from operations in the January-September period increased by 73.49 percent to Rp 30.80 billion.

Harjono takes top Ikadin post again

Harjono takes top Ikadin post again YOGYAKARTA (JP): Incumbent chairman Harjono Tjitrosoebono was re-elected yesterday to lead the Indonesian Bar Association (Ikadin) for a third consecutive five-year term. There were no fistfights this time around, in contrast with the last election five years ago, but the Ikadin congress still left many delegates with a feeling of bitterness.

Council agreement sought

Council agreement sought JAKARTA (JP): The postponed reclamation of the Mutiara coast, in northern Jakarta, will resume only if the City Council approves, the developer said yesterday. According to the developer, PT Harapan Indah, the city administration has ordered it to delay the project, which started last December, following complaints from the Muara Karang steam- power electricity plant. The City Council agreed to the delay.

Bus for women

Bus for women From Neraca Traveling in the city by public bus -- either Metromini, Kopaja, limited passenger bus, or air-conditioned bus -- is not very comfortable because, more often than not, the buses are exceptionally crowded. Worse still, as there as male and female passengers on the same bus female passengers must tolerate slight harassment by some male passengers who do it just for fun. I often see female passengers having to move to get away from being tightly sandwiched between males.

Sex tourism not tolerated

Sex tourism not tolerated KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): A local tourism official has declared a fight against sex tourism in the province. Head of the provincial office of the Ministry of Tourism, Musa Tarigan, called on hotel managers and owners not to let their hotels become venues for "the sex trade, gambling and clandestine political meetings". Tarigan said those activities "would endanger the (hotel) owners themselves", Antara reported yesterday.

RI stars lose in China Open

RI stars lose in China Open JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia suffered one of its heaviest blows in badminton this season when its top singles players flopped in the China Open semifinals in Chengdu yesterday. Women's singles world number one Susi Susanti was without her characteristic stubborn style when she faced arch rival Bang Soo- hyun of South Korea, who won the semifinal clash 11-2, 10-12, 11- 2.

Beware of pickpockets

Beware of pickpockets From Pikiran Rakyat On Oct. 31, 1995 at about 1:30 a.m. I took an Angkot bus from the Research and Development Office, Jl. Raya Timur, heading for Kebon Kelapa terminal, Bandung. I must start off that early to catch the bus to Jakarta, where I work. Most of the passengers were vegetable vendors. Before we reached the terminal most of the vendors got off, and the driver continued on to Cibeureum via Kebon Kelapa.

Judges told to be ready for officials' wrath

Judges told to be ready for officials' wrath JAKARTA (JP): Judges of the State Administrative Court must be prepared to bear the wrath of the government over their decisions, the court's chief judge said yesterday. "If we rule against a government official's policy in favor of the people, we will be accused of lacking nationalism.

EAEC initiative lacks clear future

EAEC initiative lacks clear future By Takehiko Kajita TOKYO (Kyodo): Despite nearly five years of warming up exercises, the East Asia Economic Caucus (EAEC) proposed by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad shows no sign of getting up and running any time soon. Japan, fearful of antagonizing the United States, which opposes the EAEC, has been cautious about the project, refusing to clearly state whether or not it will join the planned regional body.

South Korean prosecutors may summon Roh again

South Korean prosecutors may summon Roh again SEOUL (Reuter): State prosecutors said yesterday they were considering summoning disgraced ex-president Roh Tae-woo again after questioning heads of South Korea's top business conglomerates over his US$654 million slush fund. "Former president Roh Tae-woo can be resummoned for more questioning," senior prosecutor Ahn Kang-min told reporters.

Police bust syndicate of adulterated fuel

Police bust syndicate of adulterated fuel JAKARTA (JP): City police arrested yesterday two men and seized 50,000 liters of adulterated diesel fuel they had produced in the Pamulang district, Tangerang, about 25 kilometers south of here. Capt. Marsidi HP, head of operational affairs for the on-the- alert division, locally known as Samapta, said yesterday the suspects had mixed one part original diesel fuel and one part kerosene.

Manila, Bangkok big losers in Asian market

Manila, Bangkok big losers in Asian market HONG KONG (Reuter): Asian stock markets again failed to take their lead from Wall Street yesterday with most bourses recording losses, but the closely-watched Tokyo index gained slightly. Manila and Bangkok were the most bearish of the indices with Thai finance minister Surakiart Sathirathai attributing the local plunge to world currency market volatility.

Koran reciters join international contest

Koran reciters join international contest BANDUNG, West Java: Four local reciters of the Koran, who won the national competition in July, will soon take part in international Koran-reading contests in several countries. Antara reported yesterday that Asep Saefullah will participate in a contest in Iran, while Saadilah will compete in Thailand. Both events will take place next month. H.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Ninja Turtles 3:05 Sports 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Film Series: Bill Bixby's Wonder World Of Magic 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music: Pop Daerah 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Lemhanas 8:05 Film series: Hati Yang Mendua 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:30 Film 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Most RI kids not healthy

Most RI kids not healthy JAKARTA (JP): Only 1.8 percent of Indonesia's 29 million elementary school children, between the ages of six and nine years, are physically healthy, a recent survey shows. The figure slightly rose to 6.8 percent among children of between nine and 12 years old.

Ex-minister warns of technology pitfalls

Ex-minister warns of technology pitfalls JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia should learn from the developed countries that have suffered from the domination of technology so as not to suffer the same negative effects, an ex-minister said yesterday. Former education minister Fuad Hasan said that there are signs of Indonesia's growing fascination with technology, whose glorification could come at the expense of indigenous cultures.

KL to promote Proton

KL to promote Proton KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian industrialist Yahaya Ahmad, who has assumed control of former state-owned HICOM Holdings Bhd., said yesterday he had plans to make the country's national car industry more profitable.

PCPP starts congress without Yogie's presence

PCPP starts congress without Yogie's presence YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Association of Intellectuals for Pancasila Development (PCPP), a group which has become a source of public controversy, begins its first congress today. As of last night, the organizer of the congress had failed in his attempt to secure the agreement of Minister of Home Affairs Yogie S.M. to open the gathering. Despite this blow, the gathering will proceed, spokesman Bambang Diponegoro said.

Four large banks agree to help Bank Lippo

Four large banks agree to help Bank Lippo JAKARTA (JP): Bank Danamon, Bank Bali, Bank Internasional Indonesia and Bank Central Asia have reached an initial agreement to help Bank Lippo with its alleged financial problems, reliable banking industry sources said yesterday. The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told The Jakarta Post that the four major banks planned to inject fresh funds into Bank Lippo, which was reported last week to be in some financial difficulties.

Councilors question governor's mansion

Councilors question governor's mansion SEMARANG, Central Java: Councilors are still debating the proposal for the construction of a Rp 7.07 billion (approximately US$3.128 million) official house for the provincial governor. "The committee in charge of the budget...thinks the house is clearly too expensive," said H. Mohammad, a member of the legislative council's budget committee.

Power plants for India

Power plants for India SEOUL (AFP): South Korea's Daewoo Corp. would invest US$1.47 billion to build two steam power plants with a combined capacity of 1,000 megawatts in Madhya Pradesh, India, a company spokesman said yesterday. Daewoo would build, own and operate the plants for 30 years before selling them or extending its operation rights. The company signed an agreement in September to sell power generated from the plants to the Madhya Pradesh state government.

Belitung doesn't receive 'TPI'

Belitung doesn't receive 'TPI' From Media Indonesia During his visit to Belitung regency, South Sumatra in July 1995, the chairman of the functional group (Golkar) promised that Belitung community would be able to receive TPI (Indonesian Educational Television) without the virtue of parabola antenna as of October 1995. The promise was made before tens of thousands of people at Tanjung Pandan sports stadium.

Branta Mulia to tie up with Teijin

Branta Mulia to tie up with Teijin JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders approved yesterday PT Branta Mulia's plan to establish a joint venture company with Teijin Limited of Japan to produce polyester fiber, a raw material for tire cord. In a statement following its shareholders' extraordinary meeting, Branta Mulia said that the planned joint venture will set up a polyester fiber plant in Citeureup, south of here, with an annual production capacity of 9,300 tons.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 10, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,100 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,225 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,725 -50 204,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,050 -50 500 Anwar Sierad 1,025 -25 84,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,900 0 25,500 Argo Pantes 2,075 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,400 -50 4,204,000 Asiana IMI...

'ASEAN should be more like NATO'

'ASEAN should be more like NATO' JAKARTA (JP): An American scholar says the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) should revamp its structure and give its secretary-general greater executive power. Donald E. Weatherbee of South Carolina University, in a seminar titled Wither ASEAN? held on Thursday at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), compared ASEAN with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

Man died after falling from train

Man died after falling from train JAKARTA (JP): A man was found dead in a swimming pool after falling from a commuter train in Cakung, East Jakarta, yesterday. Suhardin bin Budiyanto, from Pontianak, fell into the pool near the Pulo Gadung industrial estate from the Jakarta-Bekasi electric commuter train, witnesses said. Maj. Tjok Sujasa, head of the Cakung police sub-precinct, said that the body of the 30-year old man was found by local residents.

Report on gambling in ships puzzle police

Report on gambling in ships puzzle police JAKARTA (JP): The recent public outcry against alleged gambling on board a vessel berthed at Tanjung Priok port, North Jakarta, has police scratching their heads. City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Dibyo Widodo told reporters here yesterday he had received no reports about gambling on any ship at the harbor.

Military defends ban on visits to E. Timor

Military defends ban on visits to E. Timor JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security Gen. (ret.) Edi Sudradjat defended yesterday the immigration authority's decision on Thursday to bar foreigners from visiting East Timor. Edi denied however that the order had come from his office or the Armed Forces office. A number of "foreign dignitaries" were barred from flying to Dili, capital of East Timor, on Thursday, while seven others, who were already in Dili, were asked to leave the province.

S'pore opens ferry terminal

S'pore opens ferry terminal SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore opened a Singapore $29 million ($20 million) passenger ferry terminal yesterday to cope with growing traffic with neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia. The Tanah Merah terminal near Changi airport will cut traveling time to Indonesia's Riau islands and the east coast of peninsular Malaysia, Minister of Communications Mah Bow Tan said. The terminal complements four regional ferry berths built in 1992 at the Singapore port.

X'mas Bazaar '95 planned

X'mas Bazaar '95 planned JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta World Trade Center is slated to hold a Christmas Bazaar on Nov. 23-24, the organizing committee said yesterday. The bazaar will take place at the Atrium, 2nd floor of the World Trade Center, Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., Eduard J. Henuhili, spokesman for the commitee said. Eduard said that the bazaar is meant to help businesspeople in the area with their shopping for Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Thief in the train

Thief in the train From Republika After attending a meeting in Jakarta, my brother left Gambir Railway Station on Oct. 18, 1995 by the Jayabaya business train for Yogyakarta at about 13.45. He had with him a briefcase containing documents, a shirt and Rp 1 million. Being very tired, after about 10 hours on the train, he fell asleep. Suddenly he felt something touching his foot, which made him wake up. He realized that his bag was gone. He tried to run after the thief but to no avail.

Canadian minister to visit RI

Canadian minister to visit RI JAKARTA (JP): Canadian Minister for International Trade Roy MacLaren is scheduled to arrive here on Monday for a two-day visit to seek opportunities to increase trade and investment cooperation with Indonesia. The Canadian embassy announced yesterday that MacLaren's visit will be part of his trip to Southeast Asia ahead of the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings in Osaka, Japan, later next week.

Church Services

Church Services * Catholic Church, University of Atmajaya, Jl. Jend. Sudirman: Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (with songs) and 5:30 p.m. * First Church of Christ, Scientist, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro 48, Menteng, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (in Indonesian) and 8 a.m. (in English). * All Saints' Anglican Church (opposite The Aryaduta Jakarta), Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim No. 5, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. with Sunday School; at G.K.I.

French accordionist back in town to amuse local audiences

French accordionist back in town to amuse local audiences By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): It would seem that Dominique Bodin has come at an inopportune time. The accordion has all but disappeared and few, if any, musicians use the instrument in performances any longer. But such a virtuoso as Bodin revives its magical lure. Jakarta's music lovers can now witness the magic every night at the newly-opened Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza hotel.

RI palm oil output to rise to 4.5m tons

RI palm oil output to rise to 4.5m tons MANILA (Reuter): Indonesia's palm oil production for 1995 is seen rising 9.7 percent to 4.5 million tons from 4.1 million tons in 1994, an official of the Indonesian Palm Oil Producers Association (GAPKI) said here yesterday. GAPKI Vice-Chairman Derom Bangun told Reuters an expansion of palm acreage and higher yields from maturing plants will boost production in 1996 to about 4.9 million tons.

Rubber futures rise

Rubber futures rise SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore rubber futures, maintaining their upward momentum, moved higher in quiet morning trade on the back of further Indonesian gains, brokers said. They said there were rumors Indonesia's SIR20 rubber FOB Jambi changed hands at 73 U.S. cents a pound, the highest level in seven months. Jambi is near the main rubber producing region on Sumatra recently hit by a powerful earthquake.

AFC's envoy upset about Siliwangi stadium's condition

AFC's envoy upset about Siliwangi stadium's condition BANDUNG (JP): The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) warned Persib Bandung yesterday that visiting players would likely refuse to play unless the club upgraded facilities at Siliwangi stadium. AFC envoy R.I.

Endorsable air tickets to start in 1996

Endorsable air tickets to start in 1996 JAKARTA (JP): Six airlines have agreed to start issuing endorsable tickets for domestic flights as of next year, in order to prevent price wars on airfares. The agreement was signed on Wednesday evening by Subagyo of Mandala Airlines, Hasan Soedjono of Sempati Air, Soepandi of Garuda Indonesia, Budiarto Subroto of Merpati Nusantara, Danny R. Sumendap of Bouraq Indonesia and Makky Perdanakusumah of the Dirgantara Air Service.

Cigarettes ads beat anti-smoking campaign

Cigarettes ads beat anti-smoking campaign JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Heart Foundation says its anti- smoking campaign has been overshadowed by a barrage of advertising launched by cigarette producers through the mass media. Association chairwoman L.A. Hanifah said smoking is still the chief cause of heart disease, the number one cause of death in Indonesia. "Smoking, especially among teenagers, is a serious concern for us," Hanifah said at the launching of National Heart Week on Thursday.

Pro-integration Timorese receive awards from govt

Pro-integration Timorese receive awards from govt JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security General Edi Sudradjat honored 13 East Timorese yesterday for their service in bringing the province into integration with the Republic of Indonesia in 1975. In a modest ceremony to coincide with Heroes Day, the East Timorese were given the title "veteran fighters".

Government urged to rid SPSI of politicians

Government urged to rid SPSI of politicians JAKARTA (JP): A leading member of the All-Indonesia Workers Union (SPSI) has asked the government to purge the union's leadership of "politicians" who represent the organization more than workers. Wilhelmus Bokha, deputy secretary-general, has opened up a battle front with his colleagues on the executive board with this stance in the run-up to the union's congress.

Religious unity vital: Soeharto

Religious unity vital: Soeharto JAKARTA(JP): The various religious communities in Indonesia must now look beyond simply fostering mutual understanding; they must forge cooperation to deal with the challenges ahead, President Soeharto said yesterday. "In the past two decades, we have made significant progress in building mutual understanding and peaceful coexistence between the various religious communities," Soeharto told a seminar on Indonesian culture last night.

PT Telkom listing gets approval

PT Telkom listing gets approval JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) has approved the evening listing of PT Telkom shares on the domestic capital markets on Tuesday, which will allow for a simultaneous listing in New York and London.

The Ecstasy problem

The Ecstasy problem Confusion is the only clear outcome of two police reports, and statements, issued recently. The first states that the Jakarta police have compiled a list of the 100 most-wanted suspects in relation to the trafficking and use of Ecstasy, a relatively new drug to Indonesia. Some names on the list are said to be relatives of important public figures here.

Rapist faces nine years

Rapist faces nine years JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor has asked the Bekasi District Court to sentence a man charged with raping a minor to nine years imprisonment. Prosecutor Supinah told the court that Melan Perangin Angin was guilty of raping an elementary school student. "The defendant gave the girl Rp 200 and threatened her not to tell anything to anybody," the prosecutor said. Suara Pembaruan evening daily reported yesterday that nine years for the rapist was reasonable.

Savings chain bosses get 3 years in jail

Savings chain bosses get 3 years in jail JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court sentenced a husband and wife yesterday to three years imprisonment each for falsifying their trading license, which they used to defraud people through an illegal savings chain. Presiding Judge Dorris A.A. Taulo said Sindi Husein and Anneke Kolondam were guilty of violating the terms of their trading license, which was issued by the Ministry of Trade's city office to PT Saptamitra Ekakarya.

Youths main target of drug traffickers

Youths main target of drug traffickers JAKARTA (JP): Although the percentage of drug abusers in Indonesia is low compared to other countries, it is still qualitatively very dangerous because the target is the younger generation, an official of the anti-drug abuse agency said.

APEC customs plan to cover nine areas

APEC customs plan to cover nine areas OSAKA, Japan (AFP): APEC's five-year action plan for customs procedures to be adopted here next weekend will cover nine areas and carry specific deadlines, a senior Japanese finance ministry official said yesterday.

'Requiem' awakens Jakarta for a night

'Requiem' awakens Jakarta for a night By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): It has, thankfully, been centuries -- perhaps more than a millennium -- since the abbot of the church of Glastonbury placed archers inside his place of worship with orders to shoot anyone in the choir who dared to divert from the prescribed modes and harmonic structures. The choir probably consisted of only monks and in those days there wasn't much structure: only someone singing either a fifth below or above the other.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Arya Duta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48,Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Monday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 1.p.m.; Los Morenos, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 7 p.m to 11 p.m. - The Tavern Pub: Yeah Yeah Boys, Sunday and Thursday,9.30 p.m to 1 a.m ; Geometrics Band, Monday to Saturday from 9:30 p.m to 2 a.m.; Yeah yeah Boys Thursday 9 p.m. to a.m.: Front line Band, Friday from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. * Century Park Hotel, Jl.