Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 November 1995

47 articles found

Indonesia could be top rubber producer after 2000

Indonesia could be top rubber producer after 2000 KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Indonesia is expected to overtake Thailand as the world's number one rubber producer after the year 2000 while Malaysia is likely to keep its third position, a senior INRO official said yesterday.

'Prima Raga' time schedule

'Prima Raga' time schedule From Kompas I am a fan/active participant of Prima Raga (gymnastics) program aired on ANteve at 6:30 a.m. But the time slot of the program has changed to 8:00 a.m. as of Oct. 16. I live in a housing complex in Bekasi and the my front yard is too small for exercising. Morning walks are not favorable because the air is heavily polluted with exhaust smoke.

PSM gets Rp 150b loan

PSM gets Rp 150b loan JAKARTA (JP): PT Putra Surya Multifinance will expand its consumer financing program with Rp 150 billion (US$66.66 million) in syndicated loans from eight local banks. The five-year loan for PT Putra Surya Multifinance (PSM), a subsidiary of property developer PT Putra Surya Perkasa which is listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange, was syndicated by Bank Universal, Bank Dharmala, Bank Bukopin, Bank Duta, Bank Nasional, Bank Panin, Bank Jaya and Bank Tamara.

Telenovelas and the Indonesian

Telenovelas and the Indonesian From Media Indonesia In observing the Youth Pledge we have to ask ourselves: How much do we love the Indonesian language? The Indonesian language as used in society is disheartening. Do we not realize that our predecessors, after going through a long and tiring process, successfully declared the "Youth Pledge," a consensus, which, among other things, adopted the Indonesian language as the national language.

APEC officials head for free trade accord

APEC officials head for free trade accord OSAKA, Japan (AFP): Senior officials of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum yesterday tied up loose ends for a last-minute accord on free trade as differences between Beijing and Washington threatened to spill over into ministerial talks. The summit's success had been threatened by differences over the treatment of sensitive sectors such as agriculture, which some members wanted to exempt from the agreement.

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.

Parking fraud

Parking fraud From Kompas Since Citraland Mall adopted a parking scheme which charges its customers on an hourly basis, parking fraud frequently occurs. Parking attendants are taking advantage of neglectful customers. They charge a higher fee than they should. Although I am never directly involved in that fraudulent practice, once I argued about an overpayment I made with the parking attendants. They tend to take car-park users lightly.

One killed as floods hit the country

One killed as floods hit the country JAKARTA (JP): A two-month old baby was killed and thousands of houses were submerged as torrential rains hit a number of areas in the country over the past few days. Baby Yahya, son of Karmin and Ranti, was killed when a strong downpour destroyed 27 houses in Tawang Rejo village in the Gemarang district near Madiun, East Java, on Monday.

Cooperation in flood prevention vital: Governor

Cooperation in flood prevention vital: Governor JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja says it is impossible to rely on the city administration to overcome the flood problem. "The municipality does not have adequate funds to make Jakarta free from flooding," the governor told reporters yesterday. "Therefore, the people's cooperation in flood prevention is necessary," he added. People should not live along riverbanks and should not dump garbage into the rivers or waterways, he said.

Seminar on housing

Seminar on housing JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Protection Foundation and the Warta Ekonomi weekly magazine will hold a seminar on housing at the Jakarta Design Center on Jl. Gatot Subroto on Nov. 30. Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja is scheduled to be the keynote speaker. The other speakers are Sonny Keraf, Zumrotin K. Susilo of the foundation, Enggartiasto Lukita of the REI real estate association, Aca Sugandi, an environmentalist, Mohammad S.

'SPSI has done little for workers': Imam

'SPSI has done little for workers': Imam JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI), long criticized for allegedly doing little in defending workers' rights, will start today its fifth congress. President Soeharto will open the gathering at the State Palace this morning, while Vice President Try Sutrisno is scheduled to close it on Sunday.

Angry workers beat Australian to death

Angry workers beat Australian to death JAKARTA (JP): Aquiles Galardo, an Australian citizen employed by a local company owned by business tycoon Aburizal Bakrie, was beaten to death by irate workers on Monday. The 40-year old expatriate was attacked by hundreds of workers of the Trans-Bakrie company in Sumuranja, Serang, West Java, following a quarrel between him and several others.

Nova Corp eyes Sumatra natural gas pipeline

Nova Corp eyes Sumatra natural gas pipeline JAKARTA (JP): Nova Corporation of Canada, whose activities include the provision of natural gas and petrochemicals services, will bid for a contract to construct a 540-kilometer natural gas transmission pipeline in Sumatra, the company's chief executive officer said yesterday. J.E. Newall said the project consists of the construction of a pipeline connecting Asamera, Duri and Batam in central and southern Sumatra and Riau.

Siemens fiber optic cable

Siemens fiber optic cable MUNICH (DPA): The German electrotechnology concern Siemens said yesterday it is setting up a joint venture in Indonesia to produce fiber optic cables outside of Jakarta. Siemens said it holds a 51 percent stake in the venture set up with PT Trafindo Perkasa. For some US$16 million, a plant will be built at Cilegon outside Jakarta.

Principal sells school books

Principal sells school books AMBON, Maluku: A school principal has reportedly sold books and school supplies provided by the government for the Togutil tribe in the Wongongira village, Tobelo subdistrict. "What the principal did was wrong," Zua Fasihu, head of the provincial office of the Ministry of Education, told Antara yesterday. However, "we haven't received written reports about this incident. Once we have, we'll take action".

Chinese fencers polish Indonesian athletes

Chinese fencers polish Indonesian athletes JAKARTA (JP): Ten fencers from China will spar with their Indonesian counterparts being groomed for the 18th Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand. "They rank among the top eight in China. They will make excellent sparring partners for our athletes," Eman Sumusi, deputy secretary-general of the Indonesian Fencing Association, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Hayono says he won't lead Kosgoro

Hayono says he won't lead Kosgoro JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman announced yesterday that he does not want to be nominated for the chairmanship of Kosgoro. He made the statement after meeting with President Soeharto, citing his full activities as a cabinet minister. As of Monday afternoon he was still receiving support from many representatives of the influential organization, and was widely considered to be one of the strongest contenders.

Trade deficit

Trade deficit From Neraca I felt greatly dismayed by the results of the special report from the limited cabinet meeting of the economical, financial and industrial sector. The report said that the trade deficit is increasingly swelling. Exports do not balance imports. And for August 1995, the trade deficit in the non-oil sector reached US$498.4 million. In fact, for October 1995, the deficit was $174.3 million.

Plagiarism needs more attention

Plagiarism needs more attention By Ignas Keleden This is the first of two articles exploring academic life in Indonesia taking a clue from the recent case of alleged plagiarism by a student of a respected university. JAKARTA (JP): The recent alleged case of academic plagiarism at the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University deserves more attention than it has been given.

New law gives legal basis for mutual fund industry

New law gives legal basis for mutual fund industry JAKARTA (JP): The new capital market law provides a strong legal foundation for the development of a mutual fund industry in Indonesia, says Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad. Mar'ie said yesterday that the new capital market law, which will become effective in January, does not only stipulate guidelines for the operation of mutual fund companies but also rulings related to the protection of investors.

Jakarta hosts Champions Cup league quarterfinals

Jakarta hosts Champions Cup league quarterfinals JAKARTA (JP): The Asia Football Confederation yesterday turned down Bandung's Persib bid to host the Champions Cup league quarterfinals at the end of this month and picked Jakarta instead. A Persib spokesman, Dwi Koernianto, quoted a statement released by the confederation yesterday that Bandung does not have a representative venue to host the quarterfinal round-robin matches.

RI determined to retain supremacy in SEA Games

RI determined to retain supremacy in SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council discounted yesterday a changing schedule of the 18th Southeast Asian Games closing ceremony as a threat to Indonesia's title defense attempt. Indonesia's project officer of the Games, Arie Sudewo, told reporters yesterday that the national team would battle it out to retain its supremacy, whatever event preludes the closing ceremony on Dec. 17.

Nine more questioned over Timika killings

Nine more questioned over Timika killings JAKARTA (JP): Military investigators are questioning nine more soldiers over the possibility that they played a role in the recent murder of villagers in Timika, Irian Jaya. Brig. Gen. Amir Syarifudin, who heads a military team investigating the incidents, said yesterday that the nine soldiers have so far been questioned only as witnesses and none have been detained.

Telkom shares floated

Telkom shares floated JAKARTA (JP): State-owned domestic telecommunications company PT Telkom made its local and overseas initial share listing debut last night, receiving moderate investor support. At the opening of a special trading session at the Jakarta Stock Exchange at 9:30 p.m. (14:30 GMT), Telkom shares opened at Rp 2,175 (95.06 U.S. cents) against the initial offering price of Rp 2,050. The high was Rp 2,200 and the low Rp 2,125.

Killer of bus driver face 10 years in jail

Killer of bus driver face 10 years in jail JAKARTA (JP): Public prosecutor urged yesterday that the East Jakarta District Court sentence two unemployed men to 10 years imprisonment for killing a city bus driver. Prosecutor Ruswadi AR told the court that Wanto Kumpul, alias Boon, and Darmanto killed Sanin on Jl. Raya Sentek, East Jakarta on July 12 for unknown reasons. Judge Ridjal presided over yesterday's trial.

Jakarta calls for OPEC to retain oil production ceiling

Jakarta calls for OPEC to retain oil production ceiling JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will propose that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) retain its current oil production ceiling amid concern about rising output among non- member countries.

Red Cross donations

Red Cross donations From Neraca I was annoyed by the way some youths at Pulogadung bus terminal forced people entering the terminal to donate to the Red Cross. It is not the amount of money that matters but their unethical attitude that causes concern. Surprisingly, local transport supervisors were there witnessing the act of those young people, yet did nothing about it. The same practice is also found at Kampung Rambutan bus terminal and many other major terminals.

No table

No table Notice: The evening listing of PT Telkom shares drove the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) to close yesterday's trading sessions at 11:30 p.m.. This page, which has an earlier deadline for printing, therefore, does not carry the table of stock prices. -- Editor

Regulation on sale of drugs needed

Regulation on sale of drugs needed JAKARTA (JP): A regulation is needed in order to curb the illegal distribution of drugs in the capital city, a member of the city council said. "The illegal distribution of drugs in Jakarta needs to be strictly controlled and for this we need a regulation," member of the Jakarta City Council's Commission B for economic affairs Subagyo told Antara yesterday.

Tour invitation

Tour invitation From Bisnis Indonesia Earlier this month, my wife and I went to the Royal Bali Vacation Club office on the seventh floor of the Wisma Bank Dharmala, on Jl. Sudirman, in answer to an invitation by telephone from Ms Iin to follow a tour program. The caller promised to give us a voucher permitting us to stay at Kuta Palace Hotel (a five-star hotel), Legian, Bali, for three days, free of charge. We were briefed by Mr.

Two indicted over unauthorized book

Two indicted over unauthorized book JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court heard yesterday that two men charged with running an unauthorized campaign to launch a book about Vice President Try Sutrisno did not know that Try had not been informed about the book. "I was not aware that the author, Ichsan, hadn't yet contacted Try," defendant Samsudin Ali told the court yesterday.

Foreign firms interested in cordless phone business

Foreign firms interested in cordless phone business JAKARTA (JP): Six foreign telecommunications operators have expressed an interest in participating in the ownership of PT Telepoint Nusantara, a private firm which operates cordless telephones. The company's managing director, Ali Chendra, said yesterday that Telepoint is looking for a strategic partner to strengthen and expand its business in telecommunications.

Reporters to get own houses

Reporters to get own houses BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Governor Adjis Achmad promised yesterday to build houses for members of the local branch of the Indonesian Journalists Association. The gesture was meant to improve ties between the press and administrators, Antara reported. "I'll try to find a housing location near downtown so that you reporters won't have problems in conducting your activities," he said in a press conference during the province's 27th anniversary.

Developing countries need environment funding: Try

Developing countries need environment funding: Try JAKARTA (JP): Without more global funding, developing countries will not be able to live up to the Convention on Biodiversity, Vice President Try Sutrisno said here yesterday. They need to look for other financial resources, he told a United Nations meeting of environment ministers. "This is particularly true in view of the fact that developing countries have foreign debt problems," he said.

Maksum gets his first elo rating

Maksum gets his first elo rating JAKARTA (JP): Maksum Firdaus is assured of his first elo rating of 2,345 after beating FIDE Master Syarif Mahmud in the eighth session of the Enerpac elo rating chess tournament on Monday evening. FIDE is the world chess governing body. The 10-session, 10-day tournament has pit 10 non-rated players against 10 rated players since Nov. 4. The non-rated players will gain their first elo rating of 2,325 if they win at least five points.

Design mistakes cost billions

Design mistakes cost billions NABIRE, Irian Jaya: The government suffered a loss of at least Rp 1.4 billion (approximately US$620,000) because of design mistakes in a bridge construction project in Paniai regency. Antara quoted the head of the local office of the Ministry of Public Works, E. Saefudin, as saying that the mistakes occurred in the designs of the Wanggar Bridge in Nabire, and the Mosairo Bridge in Napan.

Government urged to ease control on local media

Government urged to ease control on local media JAKARTA (JP): The government must loosen its grip on the press to avoid an exodus of readers to the foreign press, observers said yesterday. Experts and academics at a seminar in Yogyakarta warned that continued government intervention in the local media could lead to the latter losing their credibility, causing consumers to turn to foreign sources of information.

Jiang wades into row over Japan's war past

Jiang wades into row over Japan's war past SEOUL (Reuter): Chinese President Jiang Zemin yesterday charged into the middle of a row between his host South Korea and Japan by warning of a threat from Japanese militarists. Both Jiang and his South Korean counterpart Kim Young-sam, in a news conference, chastised Tokyo for its view of history that touches raw nerves in both their countries.

Telkom to install 35,000 new phone lines this year

Telkom to install 35,000 new phone lines this year JAKARTA (JP): State-owned domestic telecommunications firm PT Telkom will install 35,000 new telephone lines for residents of Jakarta and Tangerang by the end of the year. Jimmy R. Villanueva, head of Telkom's West Jakarta branch, said yesterday that new customers will no longer have to make down payments on installation fees prior to connection.

Canadian premier to lead large mission

Canadian premier to lead large mission JAKARTA (JP): Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien will lead hundreds of business executives in a mission called Team Canada during his Indonesian visit early next year, Canadian Minister for International Trade Roy MacLaren said here yesterday. The prime minister will make Indonesia his main destination on his planned trip to South and Southeast Asia, said MacLaren, who ended his two-day visit here yesterday.

Students held for rock throwing

Students held for rock throwing JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta police detained 19 local high schools students on Monday for throwing stones at passing vehicles on Jl. Enggano. Some of the students were released several hours later after their parents and teachers agreed to deal with them properly, the Suara Pembaruan evening daily reported yesterday. Before attacking the passing cars, the students were involved in a brawl with students from other schools.

Hoteliers complain of hefty tax

Hoteliers complain of hefty tax JAKARTA (JP): Hoteliers in the capital city are complaining about excessive tax payments which can hamper the growth of their businesses. "Hotels in Jakarta, which run several side businesses in addition to their room supply, have to pay development tax, entertainment tax and value added tax," chairman of the Association of the Jakarta Hotel Comptrollers, Diyak Mulahela, said yesterday.

Organda makes another attempt

Organda makes another attempt JAKARTA (JP): Organda, the organization of land transportation owners, repeated its demand for increased bus fares yesterday, saying its members could go out of business if the current fares are maintained. The head of Organda's Jakarta branch, Aip Sjarifuddin, said that some of its members operating Kopaja and Metro Mini buses are only charging Rp 300 per person.

East Timorese seek asylum at Japan embassy

East Timorese seek asylum at Japan embassy JAKARTA (JP): A group of East Timorese youths yesterday climbed the fence into the Japanese Embassy compound, seeking political asylum. The government promptly responded that they are free to go. Tokyo, however, said it was unlikely to give the youths refuge as its legal system was not capable of offering such protection.

Oil companies ask govt for more incentives

Oil companies ask govt for more incentives JAKARTA (JP): American and Indonesian business executives have again called on the government to improve incentives for investment in oil and natural gas exploration and development. "This incentive package should include consideration of adjustment of tax consolidation policies," David Jhirad, deputy assistant secretary for international energy of the U.S. Department of Energy, told the sixth Indonesia-U.S.

Govt revokes 26 firms' tax registration numbers

Govt revokes 26 firms' tax registration numbers JAKARTA (JP): The Directorate General of Taxes has revoked tax registration numbers of 26 companies after audits showed that they violated tax rulings. Director General of Taxes Fuad Bawazier said yesterday that the measure was taken after thorough audits were taken of the corporate taxpayers. Earlier, in July, Fuad canceled the tax registration numbers of 51 companies for various violations of tax rulings.

Three men arrested for stealing container

Three men arrested for stealing container JAKARTA (JP): Tanjung Priok port police have arrested three men, including two Excise and Customs officials, for allegedly stealing a container reportedly containing unassembled cars. Head of port police chief, Lt. Col. Timbul Sianturi, said yesterday the two Excise and Customs officials, identified only as MT and MF, and one other suspect, AK, told police that the stolen box contained two luxury sedans.