Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 November 1995

53 articles found

Feisal brands asylum seekers 'unpatriotic'

Feisal brands asylum seekers 'unpatriotic' JAKARTA (JP): Commander of the Armed Forces (ABRI) Gen. Feisal Tanjung yesterday called the East Timorese youths who recently requested political asylum at foreign embassies "irresponsible" and "unpatriotic". Speaking during a visit to a number of military commands and bases in Dili, East Timor, Feisal said that if the youths had loved their country, they would have stayed and worked hard to develop their homeland.

Indonesia needs 3 million barrels of diesel next month

Indonesia needs 3 million barrels of diesel next month SINGAPORE (Reuter): Indonesia's diesel import requirements for December are estimated at three million barrels and kerosene requirements at around 1.8 million barrels, a source with state- owned oil firm Pertamina said yesterday. He said Pertamina is still waiting for the December purchase program from its affiliates and could not comment on the volumes that have already been purchased.

Indonesia could become Asian financial center

Indonesia could become Asian financial center JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, with its free foreign exchange regime and the rapid growth of its economy, has the potential to become one of leading financial centers in Asia, an executive said yesterday. Putu Antara, an executive at Bank Rama, said Indonesia, as an emerging market, has enough international recognition and attracts a great deal of foreign fund managers.

Foreign interest boosts Telkom share price

Foreign interest boosts Telkom share price JAKARTA (JP): Telkom shares on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) closed Rp 150 (seven U.S. cents) higher at Rp 2,325 yesterday supported by strong foreign interests to buy, brokers said. Telkom stayed at the top of big volume and value with approximately 47 million shares traded, compared to the total trading volume of about 85.15 million shares on the exchange.

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.

Union hopes to bolster image with new name

Union hopes to bolster image with new name JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesian Workers Unions (SPSI), which has officially changed its name into the Federation of the All Indonesian Workers Unions, yesterday pledged to work hard towards improving its image among workers in the country. The new name, a mere addition of the word federation, was endorsed at the just concluded congress which saw the union formally reverting to its old form as a federation of a number of trade unions.

Crimes on the road

Crimes on the road From Kompas On Nov. 18, 1995 at about 7 p.m., I drove my car home along Jl. DI Panjaitan, East Jakarta. I took the most right lane as I wanted to turn right into Jl. Pemuda. As usual there was a long line of cars waiting to turn. Suddenly there was a loud sound at the right side of my car. I turned my head and saw a young man holding a stone and pounding on the windshield.

New haj registration disfavors rural folks

New haj registration disfavors rural folks JAKARTA (JP): The government's new computerized haj registration system has one major flaw -- it discriminates against the rural people. This was disclosed during a House of Representatives hearing with officials of the Ministry of Religious Affairs on Wednesday.

Good, bad and moderate

Good, bad and moderate For years some people have been unhappy with the way the authorities assess security conditions here. Officials always come to the conclusion that "the situation is stable and fully under control", yet there is always a reason to justify heightened vigilance. Indonesian Communist Party remnants, "liberals" and, more recently, the so-called OTB, or formless organizations, have been routinely been cited as a cause for extra security measures.

Crimes on Jl. Sudirman

Crimes on Jl. Sudirman From Neraca Many of the crimes taking place on the roads are organized. The gang usually operates between the Kartika Plaza Hotel and the Landmark Center on Jl. Sudirman. They hold up the victims (usually night workers) threatening them with weapons. Victimized myself, I would like to warn fellow workers to be on the alert when using this particular road. Also I hope that the security agents patrol the vulnerable area.

Three rioters tried in Dili

Three rioters tried in Dili DILI, East Timor: Three youths, aged between 16 and 19, went on trial on Wednesday for their involvement in the September rioting which extensively damaged public facilities. Armindo da Costa, Jose da Costa and Kristovao Paicao pleaded guilty to charges of assault and causing damage to public facilities. Prosecutor Bambang Sutoyo said Armindo and his schoolmates threw stones at police officers, a number of kiosks and a mosque at Komoro Market, West Dili.

Student brawls

Student brawls From Bisnis Indonesia The safety of Rangkas Bitung-Kota train passengers is jeopardized because the train often becomes a target of student brawls. Students not on the train throw stones at student passengers while the train is in motion. As a regular train commuter, I'm terrified every time the train passes through Palmerah Station, heading towards Permata Hijau. At this particular site, student brawls breakout almost every day, especially after school hours.

Narrow outlook

Narrow outlook Reading the letter entitled Back to traditional food (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 16, 1995), I think that the writer (name withheld) is narrow-minded. The "back to basics" program in terms of food should be seen in a broader meaning, instead of only literally interpreted. I think the program is mainly directed toward the younger generation, who live in larger cities.

The Philippines inherits APEC nightmare

The Philippines inherits APEC nightmare By Peter Starr OSAKA, Japan (AFP): With Asia-Pacific leaders agreeing to free trade and investment in 15 sectors over the next 25 years, the Philippines has inherited a nightmare in having to bring together more than a thousand different plans for concrete actions starting in 1997, officials say.

Asian crude prices unmoved by output freeze

Asian crude prices unmoved by output freeze SINGAPORE (Reuter): Crude oil prices in Asia barely moved yesterday on OPEC's decision to freeze its output ceiling into an unprecedented third year, with traders instead focused on developments in Iraq and Nigeria.

Over 370 servicemen punished since January

Over 370 servicemen punished since January JAKARTA (JP): The City Military Police have punished 24 servicemen and police officers for various violations in the last month, bringing the total to 376 since January, Commander Col. Djasri Marin said yesterday. Fifteen of the officers were found to have committed crimes, eight to have breached military discipline and one to have violated a traffic law, Djasri said. They were all caught during last month's discipline drive among military men.

Montblanc 'Memorium' award for Gombloh

Montblanc 'Memorium' award for Gombloh JAKARTA (JP): Renowned pen producer Montblanc Simplo GmbH yesterday recognized the efforts of late songwriter Sudjarwoto Sumarsono. Sudjarwoto's wife accepted the annual Montblanc Memorium award from President of Montblanc Asia-Pacific James P. Nolan. The award is presented to individuals in recognition of contributions to the fields of art, music and literature.

Asian bourses may woo back foreign funds

Asian bourses may woo back foreign funds LONDON (Reuter): The last traces of euphoria on Asian bourses have faded but rock bottom prices and an expected fall in U.S. interest rates next year could redirect investments to the region from Western markets, analysts said.

State revenues estimated to exceed target

State revenues estimated to exceed target JAKARTA (JP): State revenues during the current fiscal year (1995-1996) are estimated to exceed the set target by 3.6 percent or Rp 2.8 trillion (US$1.2 billion), it was concluded yesterday in a hearing between the Ministry of Finance and the House Budgetary Commission.

4,000 rabies cases in past five years

4,000 rabies cases in past five years JAKARTA (JP): More than 4,000 cases of rabies were found in the capital over the last five years a city councilor said. Syarif Zulkarnaen Ginting of the commission for public welfare said yesterday that in the period of 1990-1994 between 590 and 1,396 patients a year were treated for rabies. This year, up until July, 400 rabies patients had been recorded, he added.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Sheraton Lagoon Nusa Dua Beach: Poolside Terrace - Janger Cultural Performance, Friday. Pasar Ikan Seafood Market, Saturday. Frog Dance Cultural Show, Wednesday. Cafe Lagoon Restaurant - Yodel Group Entertainers, Friday/Sunday/Monday/Thursday. Indonesian Hot Pot Night, Friday. Batak Trio Entertainers, Tuesday. * Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua: Pasar Senggol - Balinese Arts & Crafts, daily. Sunset Procession, daily. Ramayana Dance, Thursday.

Keep national perspective, Moerdiono says

Keep national perspective, Moerdiono says BUKITTINGGI, West Sumatra (JP): Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said yesterday that the government has no objection to the emergence of new mass organizations, as long as they do not lead to the disintegration of the nation. The presence of these new organizations is welcome, but their founders must always keep nationalism in mind, Moerdiono said in a discussion about what the national political agenda should be for the next 50 years.

Dancers, choreographers to join anti-AIDS drive

Dancers, choreographers to join anti-AIDS drive JAKARTA (JP): Traditional dancers, choreographers and puppet masters will join the anti-AIDS campaign which the government plans to launch on international AIDS day this Dec. 1. The Indonesian AIDS Foundation organized a workshop yesterday dealing with the dangers of the Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), for the benefit of those involved in traditional performances.

The Listening Post

The Listening Post * Stress sets are a tradition in this column, as long-time readers may recall. During the years I've taught English to Indonesians, I've noticed that this aspect of recognition and pronunciation is the singly most troublesome aspect of the language for them. This is a serious matter, as errors in stress placement in English sentences frequently lead to misunderstandings.

Extremist threat haunts RP peace talks

Extremist threat haunts RP peace talks MANILA (Reuter): The Philippines and the country's biggest rebel group resume talks in Jakarta next week haunted by threats of extremist violence if they fail to reach agreement on ending a 23-year Moslem revolt for self-rule. "I hope the idea that time is running out will dawn on the government...If we can't solve this problem now, the next peace talks will be in the next century," Moslem rebel officer Abraham Iribani said yesterday. The Nov. 27-Dec.

Pizza Hut responds

Pizza Hut responds We are referring to Mr. Chandramouli's letter in The Jakarta Post dated Nov. 18, 1995 entitled Prices go up, sizes go down. First of all, on behalf of Pizza Hut management, we would like to thank him for his comments and apologize for any inconvenience caused. As always, we review any customer's comments with great concern and full attention. Our company management thrives on improving its standards and this can only be done through criticism.

'Don't bring up past generations' mistakes'

'Don't bring up past generations' mistakes' JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto told the younger generation yesterday to emulate the good deeds of past generations and avoid repeating their mistakes. He also said the younger people should not keep bringing up the mistakes of the past generations with the intention of discrediting them.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 23, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 975 0 3,500 AHAP Insurance 3,225 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,575 0 271,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 5,250 -50 90,000 Anwar Sierad 1,000 25 49,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 1,400 -1,000 500 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,875 25 1,000 Argo Pantes 2,075 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,400 100 1,229,000 Asiana...

Govt to study villagers' complaint

Govt to study villagers' complaint BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The provincial administration will look into complaints by 750 residents of Gunung Agung village about a private company's plan to appropriate their land. Antara reported yesterday that 12 representatives of the villagers, upset because of the plan, recently lodged a protest with the provincial legislative council. The villagers claimed they did not know the land they have been living on for decades was part of a production forest area.

Astra wins contest

Astra wins contest JAKARTA (JP): PT Astra International, a major producer of automotive vehicles, announced yesterday that it won the first prize in quality control competition at an international exposition in Singapore. "The 12th competition was conducted by the National Productivity Board of Singapore, in which 27 circles from seven countries participated," a statement issued by the company said. Astra produces various Japanese vehicles, including Toyota, Daihatsu and Isuzu.

Organda may scrap bus rental system

Organda may scrap bus rental system JAKARTA (JP): The Land Transport Owners Association, Organda, has vowed to improve its services to the public by applying a new system to pay its bus drivers. Head of the Organda Jakarta branch, Aip Sjarifuddin, said yesterday that the rental system currently applied has proven to be the cause of drivers' recklessness, which has provoked public outrage. An appropriate method to pay its drivers would be the target system, he said.

Councilors to study official houses

Councilors to study official houses SEMARANG, Central Java: In response to public uproar over the planned construction of a Rp 7 billion (US$3.086 million) official residence for the governor, the provincial legislative council will "study" the official houses of governors of West and East Java.

Power holders use Islam as political vehicle

Power holders use Islam as political vehicle YOGYAKARTA (JP): Power holders tend to use Islam as a political vehicle, Moslem scholar Ahmad Syafii Maarif said yesterday. History shows time and again that kings, presidents and leaders use Islam to achieve their "immoral" political ambition, he said at a seminar on religions at the Muhammadiyah University here.

Military appeals for calm after riot

Military appeals for calm after riot JAKARTA (JP): The Central Java military command yesterday appealed to people in Pekalongan for calm after the town was rocked by communal violence the previous night. Brig. Gen. Djoko Subroto, the chief of staff of the Diponegoro Military Command, specifically appealed to the Moslem community for restraint, according to an advance report by the Semarang- based Suara Merdeka daily, made available to The Jakarta Post last night.

No 'shock measures': BI governor

No 'shock measures': BI governor JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono assured yesterday that the government would never again use "shock measures" to curb the impact of economic overheating. He said that the "no shock measure" policy had been clearly stated during the early stage of the present cabinet and that "I and the minister of finance have reached a firm commitment not to adopt such a policy".

300 people netted in discipline drive tried en masse

300 people netted in discipline drive tried en masse JAKARTA (JP): More than 300 people netted in the discipline drive were tried in two big tents set up in the yard of the Tangerang police office yesterday morning. Most of them, 193 people, were ticketed for traffic violations. The deputy head of the Tangerang Police Precinct, Maj. Bambang Hudanto, said that the highest fine was Rp 300,000 (US$132) for a truck driver whose truck was overloaded.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Amazing 3:05 Science Program 3:30 Science 4:05 Student Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:30 Pelangi Budaya 5:00 Regional News 5:25 Face of My country 5:30 Library World 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: South Sulawesi 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Karya Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dinamika 8:05 Music: Bintang Nusantara 9:00 World News 9:25 Quiz: Siapa Dia 10:55 Film: Good By Mr. Chips 11:45 Late News 11:55 Film: Good By Mr. Chips (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Jakarta airport wins Aga Khan Award

Jakarta airport wins Aga Khan Award JAKARTA (JP): The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, the main gateway to Indonesia's capital of Jakarta, has been named one of the 12 winners of this year's prestigious Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The spacious airport structure, with its roof modeled on the traditional Javanese joglo house, and surrounded by well-tended gardens, was designed by French architect Paul Andreu and his Indonesian team. It won the award for its innovative landscaping design.

House backs tourism project in Kapuk Naga

House backs tourism project in Kapuk Naga JAKARTA (JP): A commission of the House of Representatives yesterday said it fully supports the government's plans to develop a huge tourism project on the coast at Tangerang, West Java, as long as it complies with environmental regulations.

Will APEC experiment work?

Will APEC experiment work? The excitement of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting has just ended and the leaders of 18 economies are back home. Noted economist Mari Pangestu, who attended the talks, look at the tasks lying ahead for each country. JAKARTA (JP): How should one view the results of the Osaka APEC meeting? The answers differ according to one's expectations about APEC, as well as the understanding of the relevance of the APEC process itself.

Traffic jam at Ciledug Raya

Traffic jam at Ciledug Raya From Kompas It was a relief to me after I moved to Cinere from Petukangan, Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta. During my four-year stay at Petukangan, I never had a day without being stuck in a traffic jam on my way to the office and back home. There are many factors that cause the problem. Jl. Ciledug Raya is the only main road connecting South Jakarta and Tangerang, so that all vehicles -- public transportation and private cars -- use this road.

Thousands resettlers accepted in Fakfak

Thousands resettlers accepted in Fakfak MANOKWARI, Irian Jaya: Fakfak Regent Suparlan Pasambuna said around 5,000 families of resettlers from some of the most densely populated islands, particularly Java, have so far been accepted in the region. "We hope the resettlers, now living in the East Mimika and Kokas subdistricts, would help improve the region's economic situation and break the isolation of the remote region," Suparlan was quoted by Antara as saying.

Romana shoots for golden sweep in SEAG tennis

Romana shoots for golden sweep in SEAG tennis JAKARTA (JP): Women's singles defending champion Romana Tejakusuma vowed yesterday to play her best at the 18th Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai -- but refused to talk about her silent rivalry with teammate Yayuk Basuki. Romana said she is in top form and prepared to retain her gold medal, thanks to her overseas stint in the United States. The 21- year-old player left Indonesia four months ago for her university in Houston, Texas.

RI and Egypt should forge closer relations: Soeharto

RI and Egypt should forge closer relations: Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Egypt should forge an even closer relationship, President Soeharto said on Wednesday. In his speech accepting the credential letters of Egypt's new ambassador to Indonesia, Mahmoud Mohamed Osman, the President said closer ties between the two are bound to help development in their respective countries.

Gang rape trial starts under heavy security

Gang rape trial starts under heavy security JAKARTA (JP): The trials of 11 men charged with rape and robbery of a mother and her teenage daughters in Bekasi last July opened yesterday under tight security measures. The men were tried in three separate trials in Bekasi, 30 km southeast of here. In one of the sessions, Bonen, Mamat and Deddy Setiawan were charged by Prosecutor Baringin Udjung with gang rape and robbery of the women.

Alta Moda opens 2nd store

Alta Moda opens 2nd store JAKARTA (JP): A second store of Alta Moda, a boutique of designer fabrics sporting names such as Versace, Chanel and Armani, was opened yesterday. Spokesperson for the boutique Swantomo said the second store on Jl. Fatmawti, South Jakarta, was opened in response to public demand for high-quality fabrics. Swantomo said Alta Moda's original Central Jakarta store was too small to provide an extensive collection of brandname fabrics.

Maspion signs PVC deal

Maspion signs PVC deal BANGKOK (Reuter): Thai Plastic and Chemical Plc. said yesterday Siam TPC Singapore Co. Ltd. had signed a joint venture agreement with Maspion Group of Indonesia to set up a plant producing a PVC resin in Surabaya, Indonesia. Siam TPC Singapore is wholly owed by Siam TPC, which is partly held by Thai Plastic and Chemical. In a statement to the Stock Exchange of Thailand, the company said the agreement called for setting up a company called PT Siam Maspion Polymers.

Palm oil-based lubricant on sale

Palm oil-based lubricant on sale KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia yesterday launched the world's first palm oil-based synthetic automotive lubricant after a two years' research to expand the commodity's use for industrial purposes, a minister said. Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik said the launch of "Castrol Palmtec" -- a two-stroke motorcycle engine oil, proved palm oil's versatility for both food and industrial applications.

Fire on Jl. K.H. Hasyim Ashari

Fire on Jl. K.H. Hasyim Ashari JAKARTA (JP): Fire caused by a cooking accident gutted three stalls, a house and part of the file room in the Tax Office building on Jl. K.H. Hasyim Ashari, Central Jakarta yesterday. Police said the fire originated from an oil stove at one of the stalls about 5:00 am when a cook Sunarti, 26, accidentally nudged the stove causing the fire. No fatalities were reported and the total loss is being calculated. (05)

Salomon names RI chief

Salomon names RI chief HONG KONG (Reuter): Salomon Brothers said yesterday that Bharat Parashar was appointed president director of PT Salomon Brothers Nusa Securities of Indonesia, its joint venture with PT Bakrie Finance Corp. The new venture is currently applying for its license from the Indonesian Capital Markets Supervisory Board. Parashar will take over responsibility for its operations in early January.

$893m pulp project starts

$893m pulp project starts JAKARTA (JP): PT Adindo Hutani Lestari, a timber company partly owned by businesswoman Siti Hediati Prabowo, is developing a timber estate and pulp industry with a total investment of Rp 2.01 trillion (US$893 million) in Bulungan, East Kalimantan. "Rp 210 billion of the investment will be used to develop the 230,000 hectares of timber estate, while the remaining Rp 1.8 trillion will be invested in a pulp plant," the company said in a statement.

Basketball parade to boost SEAG bid

Basketball parade to boost SEAG bid JAKARTA (JP): A massive parade involving 7,000 people will cap the month-long celebration of the 44th National Basketball Day on Sunday morning. Basketball enthusiasts will walk along a seven-kilometer main road from the National Monument to the ABC field at Senayan. During the procession, participants will very briefly demonstrate their basketball skills at certain spots along the route.

Ayala buys Menara shares

Ayala buys Menara shares MANILA (Reuter): Ayala Land Inc. said it signed a deed of sale for a 25 percent equity acquisition in PT Menara Duta, the property arm of Indonesian conglomerate Tigaraksa. The deal was worth US$110 million, the real estate giant told the Philippine Stock Exchange. Details were not immediately available.