Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 November 1995

60 articles found

Nationalist group concerns national integrity

Nationalist group concerns national integrity One of the new organizations has come to life in recent weeks is the National Brotherhood Foundation or YKPK whose rank and file reflect the pluralistic Indonesian society. The Jakarta Post talks to Lt. Gen. (ret) Bambang Triantoro, chairperson of the newly founded body. Question: How do you see the mushrooming of new organizations in recent weeks? Answer: I am asking myself whether the term mushrooming is right. I don't think it is mushrooming.

Writting contest results announced

Writting contest results announced JAKARTA (JP): Nulie Komerita, a high school student of SMA I, Jakarta, is the winner of the sixth annual writing competition held in celebrating the United Nations Day. The runnerup is Diana Fransyska of SMA 43 Jakarta, and Dianindah Apriani, of SMA 44 wins the third prize. At the fourth, fifth and six places are Susan of SMA Theresia, Jakarta, and Agung Setia Bakti of SMA I, Tangerang, West Java, and Erwan Pitra Jayta of SMA Islam Al-Azhar I, Jakarta.

Monetary tools may not prevent overheating

Monetary tools may not prevent overheating JAKARTA (JP): Existing monetary instruments are no longer effective in dealing with economic overheating because of the interdependence between the country's economy and world financial centers. The head of the Economic Department at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), Mari Pangestu, said yesterday the government should find new ways to solve the problem.

Barclays arm to link with Niaga Securities

Barclays arm to link with Niaga Securities JAKARTA (JP): BZW, an investment banking arm of Barclays Bank Plc. of Britain, will acquire a stake in Niaga Securities, a subsidiary of Bank Niaga, under an agreement to be signed here on Tuesday. Niaga Securities said in a statement yesterday that after the acquisition, the company will become a joint venture, with 60 percent of its shares held by BZW and 40 percent by Bank Niaga.

New Lancer may appear soon

New Lancer may appear soon Mitsubishi has launched its new Lancer in Japan but Indonesian buyers will have to wait for some time before it becomes available. According to Mitsubishi executives at the Tokyo Motor Show, where the car was unveiled, the new range will not be on sale in Jakarta for many months. The current car has been a consistent seller in Indonesia.

Defendants admit to plagiarism role

Defendants admit to plagiarism role JAKARTA (JP): The businessman being tried for plagiarizing a hydraulic analysis admitted in court yesterday that his office spent Rp 800 million to get the falsified analysis report. Aswin Osantara, director of PT Kharisma Wira Perkasa, told the Central Jakarta District Court that money was spent to copy the original hydraulic analysis for their coastline reclamation project and to pay the consultants to legalize the (copied) analysis.

Village chief election

Village chief election From Jayakarta As we know, in the election of a village chief, some of the candidates often resort to malpractice, like bribery, finding a backer, or even intimidation. Some of the elected candidates were known to have been using fake certificates. Then, while carrying out their functions as village chiefs -- the big bosses in their areas -- they begin to misbehave themselves and are involved in such misconducts as sexual harassment. What a great shame!

Duren Village and deception

Duren Village and deception From Merdeka In September, 1994, I bought a house through a five-year credit plan with Bank Bali. I chose the Duren Village housing complex located in Ciledug, Tangerang, West Java. The developer of the complex is PT Trikurnia Tirta Citra, whose office is located at Wijaya Grand Center, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. The developer promised me that the house would be handed over in April 1995. Two years have passed and the developer hasn't fulfilled its promise.

OPEC cartel facing tough times

OPEC cartel facing tough times By Karen Matusic VIENNA (Reuter): In a hi-tech and electronic global marketplace for oil, the OPEC cartel worries about becoming an anachronism. Low prices compelled the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries at a Vienna conference this week to freeze its production quotas into an unprecedented third year, despite forecasts of a surge in demand for oil.

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.

Senden extends lead in Tugu Pratama PGA

Senden extends lead in Tugu Pratama PGA JAKARTA (JP): Australian John Senden extended his lead by seven shots for a 201 after the third round of the US$250,000 Tugu Pratama PGA Asian Tour at the Bumi Serpong Damai near here. Tied for second place were Felix Casas of the Philippines and Malaysian Ali Kadir, each with a 209. Two strokes further back was another Australian Glen Joyner alone in third place.

Taxi charge system on its way in Indonesia

Taxi charge system on its way in Indonesia By Russell Williamson Indonesia may have its first taxi charge card system in place before 1997 following the formation of Cabcharge Asia in Singapore. Cabcharge Asia Pte Ltd is a joint venture between the Australian taxi charge card firm, Cabcharge Australia Pty Ltd and Singapore's CityCab Pte Ltd.

BOJ cautious about joining currency pact

BOJ cautious about joining currency pact TOKYO (Reuter): The Bank of Japan (BOJ) is cautious about joining a pact to maintain stability of Asian currencies, a senior BOJ official said yesterday. "For the moment, we are cautious about participating in the agreement," the official told Reuters. Last week, five Asian central banks signed a pact to maintain stability in Asian currencies and in the region's banking system. The Mexican peso crisis rattled some Asian currencies earlier this year.

Champ Susi pulls out of year-end tourney

Champ Susi pulls out of year-end tourney JAKARTA (JP): Top seed Susi Susanti of Indonesia will not defend her crown at the world badminton grand prix finals in Singapore next week due to a leg injury. Indonesian Uber Cup player Yuliani Sentosa has been named by the organizers to take Susi's place at the year-end tournament.

Distance learning is not a distant dream

Distance learning is not a distant dream JAKARTA (JP): Distance education may be the answer to the government's quest to provide access to education for the masses in a country as huge and scattered as Indonesia. However, using television and radio to teach students in remote areas may be a distant dream without a stronger government commitment, a senior official of the Ministry of Education and Culture said yesterday.

Trisakti to construct new campus in E. Jakarta

Trisakti to construct new campus in E. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP) : Trisakti University is going to build a new campus in East Jakarta as its campus in West Jakarta can no longer accommodate the academic activities. Rector Moedanton Moertedjo told reporters in a press conference here yesterday, which was held to announce the 30th anniversary of the university, that the 120-hectare campus in Grogol is too small for 27,000 students.

Principal suspended

Principal suspended BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: An elementary school principal, suspected of committing adultery with a neighboring housewife, has been given an indefinite time-out. Head of the Ministry of Education's North Lampung office, Sudirman Subing, alleges the man, identified only as AS, was recently caught in the act with Mrs. Oh, wife of an inter-city bus driver.

National soccer team to play last warm-up

National soccer team to play last warm-up JAKARTA (JP): To iron out the last wrinkles in its way to the 18th Southeast Asian Games soccer throne, the national team will test its skills today against the Indonesian league selection, at the Senayan stadium. The league selection will include nine import booters, who are preparing for the new season which kicks off today in Surabaya, East Java.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 24, 1995: Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,000 25 1,000 AHAP Insurance 3,225 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,550 -25 53,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 5,250 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,000 0 1,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 1,475 75 2,500 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,875 0 0 Argo Pantes 2,075 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,375 -25 714,000 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,000...

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: Maluku 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Fashion 8:05 Film series: Hati yang Mendua 9:00 World News 9:25 Music: Gita Persada 10:45 Film: The Intruder 11:45 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

House construction program exceeds government target

House construction program exceeds government target JAKARTA (JP): Construction of new low-cost houses has exceeded the government's target for the last two years, State Minister for People's Housing Akbar Tanjung said yesterday. Akbar said the government target was to build 500,000 new units during the Sixth Five Year Plan which began in April 1994.

Govt to purchase three F-100 jets for Merpati

Govt to purchase three F-100 jets for Merpati JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to pay for three Fokker F- 100 aircraft and 14 CN-235 simulators for Merpati Nusantara to help improve the air carrier's financial structure. Merpati spokesman Tondo Widodo said yesterday that if the plan is realized, the company's ratio of debt against equity may reach 2:1, as compared to the current 7:1 ratio.

Industry and innovation

Industry and innovation From Republika We are witnessing the rapid development of science and technology in this era of globalization, in which Indonesia is trying to catch up. The successful development of transportation means will also reflect the progress achieved by the nation's development program. Indonesia has proven itself in this area. IPTN, the state-owned aircraft industry, has produced the CN-235, PT PAL has produced sea vessels, and PT INKA has produced the Argo Bromo train.

Daihatsu's style on wheels comes to Indonesia

Daihatsu's style on wheels comes to Indonesia By Alastair Doak The Tokyo Motor Show always has an element of automotive culture shock, with the Japanese entry-level micro-car a particular source of wonder. This year's show, which was held last month, was no exception. Concept cars, such as the Daihatsu Town Cube, Daihatsu Midget, the Suzuki UT-1 and Subaru Vivio Bistro, were some of the more unusual highlights.

Vietnam to reform law to boost investment

Vietnam to reform law to boost investment HANOI (Reuter): Vietnam is preparing a radical reform of its land and credit laws to stimulate investment in the Southeast Asian country, an official said yesterday. New regulations, which will be published soon in the form of an "interpretation" of Vietnam's recently announced Civil Code, will for the first time allow foreign companies to mortgage Vietnamese property to raise money.

Animal quarantine causes pollution

Animal quarantine causes pollution BEKASI (JP): Thousands of families in the Mekar Wangi subdistrict in Bekasi, some 30 kilometers east of the capital, complain about bed smell coming from the quarantine of imported cows. The Cibitung District head, Wirya, said yesterday that a letter of complaint was sent to the regency on Nov. 16. But response from the regency has yet to come. The complainants said the 3.8 hectare quarantine has no waste treatment plant.

Truce at last at Salatiga university

Truce at last at Salatiga university JAKARTA (JP): The protracted conflict at the Satyawacana Christian University in Salatiga, Central Java, has come to an end with the various parties signing a truce on Nov. 20. Tony Waworuntu, head of the forum of churches that backs the university, told reporters yesterday that the violence-marred conflict, which had dragged on for nearly three years, ended with the signing of the peace pact in Salatiga.

Murder suspect denied bail

Murder suspect denied bail SINGAPORE (Reuter): A Singapore Airlines steward suspected of murdering a flight attendant in Los Angeles was denied bail yesterday pending extradition proceedings, his lawyer said. Zaini Jeloni, 27, is a suspect in the murder of Singapore Airlines stewardess Chang Yu, 23. "Bail has been denied on the basis that he is facing a charge of first-degree murder," lawyer Joseph Chellappan said. Chellappan said his client was due to appear in court again on Nov. 28.

Mahathir defends sale of companies

Mahathir defends sale of companies KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad yesterday defended his sale of government companies to "only certain" Malay individuals. The prime minister said the favored individuals would get even bigger deals if they proved successful and he would continue to nurture them until they caught up with the richer non-Malays.

Flood victims need food

Flood victims need food BANDA ACEH, Aceh: More than 5,600 victims of the recent floods in the Bendahara regency, East Aceh, have faced a food shortage for the past three days. Razi, head of the Ministry of Social Services' local office, said he has distributed all of the available food supplies and that it was enough for only 2,640 people. Antara reported that the floods have yet to show signs of receding in the areas, some 30 kilometer from the regency capital, Langsa.

RI blamed for cancellation of vital research mission

RI blamed for cancellation of vital research mission SYDNEY (AFP): A U.S.-Australian scientific program to probe the secrets of the El Nino weather phenomenon has been blocked by Indonesia because of fears it was a spy mission, scientists and officials here believe. Officials said Canberra was "very disappointed" its research vessel Franklin was twice forced to abandon missions into Indonesian territorial waters because of Jakarta's refusal or failure to approve the ship's entry.

S'pore Telecom profit up

S'pore Telecom profit up SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. said yesterday its net earnings had increased by 9.5 percent from a year ago to S$740 million (US$528.5 million) in the six months to Sept. 30. Singapore Telecom said the profit was achieved on an 11.9- percent increase in turnover to S$1.96 billion during the same period. Revenue increased despite a recent series of rate cuts.

Will Tempo reappear?

Will Tempo reappear? Last year, when a group of journalists from the now defunct weekly news magazine Tempo filed a lawsuit in the Jakarta State Administrative Court to challenge the banning of their magazine, almost everybody was pessimistic. Nobody, including the people at Tempo, thought that their fight against the minister of information could ever be successful. Regardless, their unprecedented decision to dispute the ruling was considered commendable.

Exporters awarded for perseverance

Exporters awarded for perseverance JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will present Primaniyarta awards to 68 exporting companies for their distinguished achievements and staying power during the last five years of slow export growth, an official announced yesterday.

Pharmaceutical firms seek delay of patent law

Pharmaceutical firms seek delay of patent law JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Pharmaceutical Manufacturers is seeking a deferment of the revised patent law until 2000, saying that their members are not ready to face the new patent restrictions now being considered by the government. Association deputy chairman Gunawan Pranoto warned that without a five-year deferment, many producers would be forced to shut down and workers could lose their jobs.

Try says forex ethics important

Try says forex ethics important JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno called on local foreign exchange (forex) dealers and bank managers to respect the code of conduct in their money market transactions. When opening the 17th Asia Pacific Forex Assembly here yesterday, Try also made an appeal to forex dealers and bank managers to uphold business ethics in all dealings.

Transmigration program to cultivate idle lands

Transmigration program to cultivate idle lands JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia hopes to increase its agricultural production by using thousands of hectares of fallow land in various transmigration sites soon. Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo told journalists after meeting with President Soeharto here yesterday that the ministry has received additional funding for the 1995/96 period to help enlarge cultivation areas throughout the country.

Indonesia-Australia ties strengthen

Indonesia-Australia ties strengthen By Alastair Doak The Automotive ties between Indonesia and Australia are expected to strengthen significantly in the coming years. The links will get stronger as the Indonesian car industry matures and starts to play a more significant role in the international plans of the multi-national carmakers that have already established a presence here.

Pekalongan still tense after riot

Pekalongan still tense after riot JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of police and military officers were remained on alert yesterday after a racially-charged riot on Wednesday in Pekalongan, Central Java. An anonymous police source told The Jakarta Post there was tension in town of more than 130,000 people, 325 kilometers east of Jakarta, after another smaller incident yesterday afternoon.

Value added tax feared to cause traders' unrest

Value added tax feared to cause traders' unrest JAKARTA (JP): The imposition of value added tax on traders at PD Pasar Jaya markets will cause unrest, a councilor said yesterday. The deputy chairman of the city council, Ismunandar said that the traders will not be happy about it adding that there are no regulations requiring them to pay the tax. "I believe that the traders will be unhappy with the idea of imposing value added tax, which is not required under the terms of Provincial decree No.

Military continue chase of rebels

Military continue chase of rebels JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A number of teams from the Armed Forces are continuing their pursuit of the Free Papua Organization rebels who reportedly abducted two students. Antara reported on Thursday that the students, identified as Bsy and Min, residents of the Arso Kota subdistrict, were riding to school on a motorcycle on Wednesday. They were reportedly ambushed by armed rebels of the separatist movement and taken into the forest.

Four killed over inheritance

Four killed over inheritance CILACAP, Central Java: Enraged with what he saw as unfair distribution of an inheritance, Ras, 25, allegedly slashed to death four of his relatives and seriously injured three others. Ras reportedly killed Matsolikin, his elder brother, two nephews and his own daughter on Wednesday; the victims were all asleep when Ras attacked them. With a scythe, Ras also allegedly wounded his sister-in-law, Parti Matsolikin, his mother Mrs.

Man nabbed in Cirebon for killing loan shark

Man nabbed in Cirebon for killing loan shark JAKARTA (JP): An unemployed man has been arrested in Cirebon, West Java, for allegedly killing a woman in Jakarta, police said yesterday. Lt. Col. Gories Mere, Chief of East Jakarta Police Precinct, said the suspect, Donalcius Sitompul, was picked up from his hideout in Kuningan district, Cirebon on Thursday. Sitompul is accused of killing Sanikem, a resident of Kramat Tunggak red light district on Tuesday over a debt dispute.

PT Indosat to introduce 007 for int'l calls

PT Indosat to introduce 007 for int'l calls JATILUHUR, West Java (JP): The country's international telecommunications firm PT Indosat will introduce 007, the new access code for international calls using the International Maritime Satellite (Inmarsat) services. Indosat's manager of product management, Ilham Loekito Poetranto, said that the new services are available through the Inmarsat B and Inmarsat M systems.

Moslem activists establish 'New Masyumi'

Moslem activists establish 'New Masyumi' JAKARTA (JP): Several Moslem activists braced themselves for criticism yesterday as they announced the establishment of Masyumi, a group with the same name as the defunct Islamic political party. Ridwan Saidi and Agus Miftach described the "new" Masyumi as an "Islamic group which is loyal to the state ideology Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution". "We are going to accommodate Moslem aspirations regardless of their backgrounds," Ridwan said.

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.

Market progress key to privatization

Market progress key to privatization JAKARTA (JP): The performance of the domestic stock exchanges in attracting domestic investors will be a key factor in influencing the government's decision on the location of the initial public offerings (IPO) of state-owned companies. Director General for State Companies at the Ministry of Finance Bacelius Ruru said here yesterday that the government would go ahead with its plan to privatize state companies.

Australian technology could drive national car

Australian technology could drive national car By Alexander Corne and Mitchell Mackey Indonesia's national car could be based around Australian design and technology rather than British know-how. Unconfirmed reports from the United Kingdom suggest Rover, which is owned by BMW, has decided against offering technology transfers to Indonesia, which may have included an as yet unseen V6 engine.

What they say about teachers

What they say about teachers JAKARTA (JP): The life of an Indonesian teacher is one of Indonesia's great ironies. On the one hand they are respected and called "heroes without medals". At the same time many of them struggle to make ends meet on their meager salaries, made even lower by numerous levies. Those working in remote areas have to deal with late salary payments, which can often take months to receive.

Evicted squatters threaten to build on other's land

Evicted squatters threaten to build on other's land JAKARTA (JP): Many of the evicted North Kedoya riverbank dwellers, whose homes were demolished by the authorities, said they will erect shanties on land belonging to a real estate company even though they are aware that to do so is illegal. A spokesman for the squatters told The Jakarta Post yesterday that they would soon move to the Green Garden housing complex to build shanties there. They said they cannot afford to rent housing.

School building

School building From Suara Karya It is saddening to see an elementary school with a tilted roof, broken windows, dirty walls and an inadequate playground. It looks more like a warehouse than a school. This school is in Sukanegara village in Bogor, West Java. I believe there are many other elementary schools which are in equally poor condition. I was wondering how our children can learn in such a poor building. Elementary education is the foundation on which we develop potential human resources.

Indonesian Kung Fu films

Indonesian Kung Fu films From Suara Karya Indonesian film producers are now making more serious efforts in making Kung Fu serials adapted from books. An example is the adventure stories of Wiro Sableng (Crazy Warrior) aired by RCTI on Sundays at 11:00 a.m.. The actors and actresses play their roles seriously and perform interesting moves. The scenes are smooth, and the acting techniques no less interesting than the Chinese originals.

Edi meets with Yangon generals

Edi meets with Yangon generals BANGKOK (AFP): Visiting Indonesian Defense Minister Gen. (ret.) Edi Sudrajat held talks in Yangon on Thursday with senior Myanmarese military junta members including its chief, Gen. Than Shwe, state-run Myanmarese radio said. Than Shwe, head of the Myanmarese Defense Services, is also prime minister and the chairman of the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) -- the official name of the ruling military regime.

Police to return Oki's dossier

Police to return Oki's dossier JAKARTA (JP): Police will soon return the corrected dossier on a triple murder case, allegedly committed by Harnoko Dewantono alias Oki, in Los Angeles. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna told reporters yesterday that the police have finished with the dossier and will submit it next week to the Prosecutor's Office, hopefully on Monday. But he did not reveal the detail of the correction.

Philippines wins more contracts

Philippines wins more contracts SUBIC BAY, Philippines (AFP): Philippine officials signed key infrastructure contracts with foreign firms here yesterday as this former U.S. naval base stepped up preparations to host a 1996 summit of leaders of Pacific Rim economies.

Scavengers evict hoodlums

Scavengers evict hoodlums JAKARTA (JP): More than 150 scavengers in Cilincing, North Jakarta, joined forces Thursday to stand up to street hoodlums trying to drive them out of the area. The scavengers, many who have lived in the area for over 15 years, said the hoodlums have destroyed their huts and belongings and threatened to physically harm them if they resisted. The residents rushed out of their huts, unfurling protest banners and shouting shouted at the youths.

Stamps for Aga Khan awards

Stamps for Aga Khan awards JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday signed a series of stamps to mark today's presentation of the Aga Khan awards for architecture at the Royal Palace in Surakarta (Solo). The commemorative stamps will be formally launched today. The Aga Khan, spiritual leader of the Ismaili Muslims, visited the President at the Merdeka Palace yesterday on the eve of the ceremony.

Car sales continue to grow in RI

Car sales continue to grow in RI The Indonesian automotive market is on course for a record year of 380,000 cars. Sales have been consistently strong throughout the first three quarters of the year, and the current rate only needs to be maintained in the final quarter for the 380,000 target to be achieved. The 1995 estimate was revised midyear by the Indonesian Automotive Federation, Gaikindo, from 350,000, as a result of the market's performance in the first six months.

Establishment of 'New Masyumi' queried

Establishment of 'New Masyumi' queried By Wisnu Pramudya & Santi W.E. Soekanto JAKARTA (JP): Anwar Haryono, the former leader of Masyumi, cold shouldered the establishment of a new organization bearing the name of the now-dissolved Islamic political party. "That organization is not the same as Masyumi," he said, and refused to give further comments.

New PNI says it targets young people

New PNI says it targets young people JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian National Unity (the new PNI), one of the latest mass organizations to have emerged in recent months, declared yesterday that it is targeting the young generation rather than former supporters of the Indonesian Nationalist Party (old PNI) which was disbanded in 1973. Mrs.