Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 November 1995

47 articles found

Developers complain about land brokerage

Developers complain about land brokerage JAKARTA (JP): The association of real estate developers voiced their complaints yesterday about land brokers who dictate their prices to developers, whose business tend to suffer as a result. "This has become a serious problem for the construction business," chairman of Real Estate Indonesia (REI) Enggartiasto Lukita told a hearing with Commission V of the House of Representatives here.

Bekasi's drainage system

Bekasi's drainage system From Bisnis Indonesia In the past, floods caused by heavy rains only inundated the BTN housing complex in Bekasi, a dormitory town 20 kilometers east of Jakarta. Now floods also invade other housing complexes. In housing complexes with a relatively low location, flood waters can reach a height of more than a half meter. Apparently Bekasi's regional administration issued building permits without considering a drainage system.

RI attracting foreign media

RI attracting foreign media JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is drawing greater international media interest, judging from the growing number of foreign journalists working in the country, particularly over the past year. The Jakarta Foreign Correspondents' Club (JFCC) said yesterday that it now has more than 60 members.

Resettlement successfully alleviates poverty

Resettlement successfully alleviates poverty JAKARTA (JP): Participants in the international seminar on population resettlement agreed yesterday that, despite differences in background, transmigration programs have proven successful in reducing social disparity. Representatives from Ethiopia, Brazil, the Philippines, Vietnam, Bangladesh and Indonesia all said resettlement also promotes regional development, on the condition that governments sponsor the programs and then monitor progress.

'Salah Asoehan'

'Salah Asoehan' Correction: Salah Asoehan, which won three awards at the first Indonesian Sinetron Festival last year, was directed by Ami Priyono, not by Marissa Haque as mentioned in the photo caption on page one in Sunday's paper. Marissa, director of PT Rana Artha Mulia, was the producer. We regret the error. -- Editor

Minister plants 11,110 trees

Minister plants 11,110 trees JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar symbolically planted 11,110 trees along the Sunter riverbank, Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan, Central Jakarta yesterday. Accompanied by State Minister for Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja and Deputy Governor Tubagus Rais, Radinal also led the cleaning of a river on Jl. Bunga, East Jakarta.

No Christmas break in police crackdown

No Christmas break in police crackdown JAKARTA (JP): There will be no rest for drug dealers, gamblers, hoodlums, prostitutes and other criminals during the coming Christmas and New Year's holidays. City police yesterday said they are prepared to continue the current crackdown on criminals for as long as necessary, even going into the Idul Fitri Moslem holiday next March if necessary. Yesterday's pledge by Jakarta Police Chief Maj. Gen.

Giant rice field project to cost over $217 million

Giant rice field project to cost over $217 million JAKARTA (JP): The government's plan to establish 1.3 million hectares of new rice fields in Central Kalimantan will involve private companies with the fields being farmed by transmigrants, Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsjah said yesterday. Sjarifudin announced after meeting with President Soeharto yesterday that canals would be constructed by PT Sambu, which has experience converting swamps into plantations sites in Riau.

Persib knocked out of Asian club championship

Persib knocked out of Asian club championship BANDUNG, West Java (JP): Persib Bandung's dream of joining Asia's best when it crashed 2-5 to favorite Ilhwa Chunma of South Korea in the Asian club championship quarterfinal league yesterday. Playing before 20,000 fanatic fans, the West Javanese took the early initiative as they did in Sunday's opener, when Yudi Guntara scored from a close range only five minutes after the opening whistle.

A-Mild Jak Jazz festival to present more ethnic music

A-Mild Jak Jazz festival to present more ethnic music JAKARTA (JP): This year's A-Mild Jak Jazz music festival will give more space to groups performing ethnic music, festival organizers have announced. Ireng Maulana, chairman and founder of the festival, told reporters on Monday that the incorporation of ethnic music is expected to bring more color to the festival.

City water at Muara Karang

City water at Muara Karang From Neraca Because of the floods in the Muara Karang area in North Jakarta, PAM Jaya's water facilities in the area have not been operational since noon on Nov. 24. The facility will start operating again as soon as the floods have receded. SOESILO DARMOADJI Public Relations Chief Municipal Administration Jakarta

'E. Timor given no special treatment'

'E. Timor given no special treatment' JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto declared yesterday that East Timor will not receive special treatment in any area, including the establishment of religious organizations. Such Moslem organizations as Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama may now "move" and open branches in the predominantly Roman Catholic province, Soeharto was quoted as saying by Amien Rais, chairman of the 28 million-member Muhammadiyah.

Nuke-free pact set for summit

Nuke-free pact set for summit BANGKOK (AFP): The seven ASEAN nations will sign a treaty here next month declaring the region a nuclear free zone but still allow the five nuclear powers free passage, a foreign ministry official said yesterday. The signing of the Nuclear Weapons Free Zone accord is to be the highlight of the Dec. 14-15 summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, he said.

'High-cost economy, exit tax stunt economic growth'

'High-cost economy, exit tax stunt economic growth' JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) took aim yesterday at the country's high-cost economy and overseas traveling tax, saying that they stunt economic growth and discourage export activities. Agus G.

French aid to Indonesia

French aid to Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): The French government agreed here yesterday to provide soft loans amounting to 671 million French francs (US$138 million) to Indonesia. The agreement was made in line with the French commitment made during the July meeting of the Consultative Group for Indonesia (CGI) in Paris.

BZW to expands securities service in Indonesia

BZW to expands securities service in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Barclay de Zoete Wedd Ltd. (BZW) of Britain, which acquired a stake in PT Niaga Securities yesterday, wants to expand its services to Indonesian companies by bringing in more international investors. Under an agreement signed here yesterday, BZW, a subsidiary of Barclays Bank Plc., will hold a 60-percent stake in Niaga Securities, which will be renamed PT BZW Niaga Securities. The other 40 percent will be held by Bank Niaga.

Stress can lead to blindness, expert warns

Stress can lead to blindness, expert warns JAKARTA (JP): Stress can lead to blindness, an expert warned yesterday. Stress is the main cause of Glaucoma, an eye disease which is the third main cause of blindness in Indonesia, said Arleen Djohan Wirawan, the President of the Indonesian Glaucoma Foundation. Arleen, who is a glaucoma patient herself, has more bad news in store.

KL starts shipping Proton cars here

KL starts shipping Proton cars here KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysia began shipping Proton cars to Indonesia yesterday under a complex trade deal that will see Kuala Lumpur buying Indonesian-made military aircraft in return. Proton hopes that its contract with Jakarta-based Citra Lamtoro Gung company to export 1,000 Saga saloons is the beginning of a joint venture operation to assemble Protons in Indonesia.

NGOs told to take anti-AIDS drive to prostitutes

NGOs told to take anti-AIDS drive to prostitutes JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is reluctant to launch drives against Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) in areas where prostitution is rampant, fearing the campaigns would lead the public to think they were authorized red-light districts.

Hospital refuses critical patient

Hospital refuses critical patient BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: A private-owned hospital has reportedly refused to treat M. Musa, who was in critical condition after he was stabbed twice by a group of robbers, unless the patient paid Rp 500,000 (US$ 220) in advance. Antara reported on Monday that Musa was brought by a friend, identified only as Adv, to the hospital in Jl. Teuku Umar Kedaton on Thursday night.

Rambing brothers win boxing title for C. Java

Rambing brothers win boxing title for C. Java JAKARTA (JP): The Rambing brothers, Arthur and Sonny, inspired Central Java's domination at the Golden Gloves amateur boxing championships in Cirebon, West Java. Arthur and his elder brother Sonny triumphed in the bantamweight and lightweight divisions to lead their province's romp with three gold medals and two bronzes.

Bird mating attracts photographers

Bird mating attracts photographers DUA ISLAND, Seribu Islands: A number of famous photographers are expected to flock to the Dua Island in Banten bay, Serang regency, next month to picture the mating of thousands of migrating birds from Europe and Asia. Some of the photographers to take part in the picture-taking safari include Alain Compost, Don Hasman, Riza Marlon, Bas van Balen and Bob Frank, Antara reported.

'Hoodlums hired to appropriate land'

'Hoodlums hired to appropriate land' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Agrarian Affairs Soni Harsono charged yesterday that many developers resort to intimidation to coerce land owners into selling their property. In a hearing with House Commission II for home affairs, Soni said a number of developers try to shorten the usually lengthy process of land appropriation by hiring hoodlums, brokers, or even police and military officers to pressure owners to sell.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 28, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 925 -75 500 AHAP Insurance 3,200 -25 2,000 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,550 25 149,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 5,400 100 1,500 Anwar Sierad 1,025 50 57,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 1,750 250 2,500 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,875 0 35,500 Argo Pantes 2,075 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,350 0 198,000 Asiana...

Hotel PR reps set up group

Hotel PR reps set up group JAKARTA (JP): Public relations executives of star-rated hotels in Jakarta have set up an association to share experiences and promote tourism in the city. The new association, called H3, was officially introduced on Monday evening by Director General of Tourism Andi Mappi Sammeng. H3, chaired by Sri Sekartadji Asmoro of the Sahid Jaya Group, currently groups public relations executives from 39 star-rated hotels in the Greater Jakarta.

Puppet show in Suriname

Puppet show in Suriname Suriname, a small country formerly under Dutch rule, is part of Latin America. Part of its citizens are of Javanese origin. President Soeharto paid a visit to the country recently when interesting things happened. One of them was about the Javanese language which became obvious when the President held a speech and held a discussion with these Javanese from Suriname.

The 'new' Masyumi

The 'new' Masyumi From the very beginning, when the two Moslem activists, Ridwan Saidi and Agus Miftach, declared their intention last month to establish a new organization called Majelis Syariat Ummat Muslimin Indonesia (Masyumi), the responses were mostly negative. In the first place, their decision to use the acronym Masyumi is considered a bad idea.

Jl. Wahid Hasyim to be beautified

Jl. Wahid Hasyim to be beautified JAKARTA (JP): The city administration plans to beautify the sidewalks and parks along Jl. Wahid Hasyim in Central Jakarta. The head of the city park agency, Syamsir Alam, said yesterday that the project is expected to cost more than Rp 2 billion (US$888,888) and be completed in 1996. The project will be the second conducted in Jakarta, after Jl. Kebon Sirih was improved at a cost of Rp 1 billion.

Doubts linger about prospects of new Masyumi

Doubts linger about prospects of new Masyumi JAKARTA (JP): Skepticism hangs over the future of the newly formed Masyumi organization as more analysts expressed doubt yesterday and spurned its intentions to become a political party. Political analyst Riswandha Imawan said he doubted that the new Masyumi can become a political party.

Muliakeramik loan raised to $47.5 million

Muliakeramik loan raised to $47.5 million HONG KONG (Reuter): The five-year loan issue for PT Muliakeramik Indahraya has been increased to US$47.5 million from US$40 million due to oversubscription, arranger Bankers Trust Hong Kong said yesterday. The loan was launched on Oct. 4 and pays a margin of 180 basis points over the three or six-month London Interbank Offered Rate for direct lenders (including tax absorption fee 40 basis points). There are no puts and calls.

New bus routes needed

New bus routes needed From Bisnis Indonesia Greater Jakarta needs long distance transportation as a result of the rapid development of areas surrounding the capital. I think the opening of a new bus route from Pasar Minggu in South Jakarta to Tanjung Priok in North Jakarta, passing the areas of Kalibata, Jatinegara, Matraman, Senen, Kemayoran and Sunter, would help many daily commuters and would at the same time reduce some of the load on other itineraries.

Pribadi buys Amcol shares

Pribadi buys Amcol shares SINGAPORE (Reuter): Businessman Kang Hwi Wah has sold a final block of 10 million shares in Amcol Holdings Ltd. to Indonesian investor Henry Pribadi, lawyers acting for Kang said in a letter to the Singapore Stock Exchange yesterday. The tranche is the last of a three-part purchase of 20 million Amcol shares agreed between the two men in July. Monday's sale was at Singapore $5.00 per share, the letter said.

Hectares of land critical

Hectares of land critical MALANG, East Java: Around 34,000 hectares of land in the regency is in "critical condition", while the local administration can only re-green three to four thousand hectares of land annually. Antara reported that a great portion of the critical areas is in the five subdistricts of Ampelgading, Kalipare, Donomulyo, Gedangan and Bantur, in South Malang.

Educators must adapt to global changes: Wardiman

Educators must adapt to global changes: Wardiman YOGYAKARTA (JP): The education world must constantly adapt itself to meet the changing needs of the community, education experts said yesterday. But while Indonesia's Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro emphasized the need for education to meet the demand for qualified and skilled workers, Australian education professor David Aspin stressed the need to instill democratic values and leadership skills through education.

Gas stations to greenbelts

Gas stations to greenbelts From Neraca I have often read in newspapers that some of Jakarta's gas stations are built on greenbelt areas. These days, the contrary is taking place: Some gas stations will be converted into greenbelts. This controversy seems to indicate that Jakarta's urban development is not well planned, because the establishment of a gas station follows a long procedure with complex requirements. Imagine a situation in which a gas station has acquired a great number of customers.

The purpose of bureaucracy

The purpose of bureaucracy The citizens of Surabaya have to meet 14 requirements to be eligible for an identity card. In West Java, textile mills have to pay 36 kinds of levies to be allowed to operate. Both issues have been widely discussed in the media in the past few days. At the end of last week yet another issue emerged. Raising the fees people have to pay to get their civil concerns looked after has been suggested.

Kurniawan joins national soccer team

Kurniawan joins national soccer team JAKARTA (JP): International footballer Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto joined the national soccer team yesterday for the 18th Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand, amid concern about his familiarity with the squad. The 19-year-old striker completed coach Romano Matte's list of 19 players with just three days left for the team to prepare for the competition.

Coffee producing countries fail to stabilize prices

Coffee producing countries fail to stabilize prices By Riyadi NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): The Association of Coffee Producing Countries (ACPC) has failed to stabilize coffee prices on the world market, an executive said. Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Coffee Exporters, Oesman Soedargo, said here yesterday that international coffee prices were predominately dictated by coffee importing countries and fund managers. "We acknowledge that ACPC has failed to stabilize prices.

Exporters told to find distributors

Exporters told to find distributors JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday awarded 65 distinguished exporters while encouraging companies to expand their businesses overseas and deal with foreign enterprises to facilitate the distribution of the country's non-oil exports. "Competition in international trade is getting sharper and the open market offers equal opportunities to any nation in the world.

French slow to exploit business opportunities

French slow to exploit business opportunities JAKARTA (JP): French investors acknowledged yesterday that they lag behind in business opportunities in Indonesia. A deputy director of the confederation of French industrial and service companies (CNPF), Jean Dromer, said here yesterday that French investors are mostly unaware of the huge business opportunities in Indonesia.

Teenagers are indifferent about danger of AIDS

Teenagers are indifferent about danger of AIDS By Veronica Soediro JAKARTA (JP): "How would you feel if a family member contracted AIDS?" "Let him be, who cares," she shrugged. "Seriously!" "I dunno." Where else would you hear answers like that except from a happy go lucky teenager. She was in the audience at the AIDS Awareness Conference last Sunday. AIDS is virtually unknown still. This indifference is what the AIDS Foundation of Indonesia aims to demolish.

ICMI to discuss civil servants at congress

ICMI to discuss civil servants at congress JAKARTA (JP): Next month's congress of the Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals Association (ICMI) will discuss various current political issues. "The ICMI congress will scrutinize the attitudes of government officials and economic policies," Adi Sasono, the director of the Center for Information and Development Studies (CIDES), ICMI's think tank, said yesterday.

Canadian artist shows lithographs

Canadian artist shows lithographs JAKARTA (JP): "Litho Madness" opened last night at the Dutch Cultural Center, Erasmus Huis, on Jl. Rasuna Said in Kuningan. The exhibition, which will last through Dec. 8, features 35 lithographic works by Canadian artist Ken Pattern. The display of photographs and a video illustrating how lithographs are made provides a close look into the complicated process involved in producing a lithographic print.

Whole class suspended

Whole class suspended BENGKULU, Bengkulu (JP): Lisam Tantawi, the principal of Argamakmur High School, suspended for a week a whole class of 39 students after they went, without his permission, to pay their last respects to a schoolmate who died last week. Parents and students alike protested the suspension, the Antara news agency reported Monday. "We meant well, we wished to express our condolences, why did the principal forbid us to do it?" said Agus, one of the students.

Rights body reviews UN pact on civil rights

Rights body reviews UN pact on civil rights JAKARTA (JP): The National Human Rights Commission is currently studying the 1966 International Covenant on Civilian and Political Rights before calling for ratification by the government. "Miriam Budiardjo is studying the covenant," commission member Nurcholish Madjid said yesterday. "We will then propose it to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for ratification," he said after speaking at a discussion on human rights.

Court asked to exonerate teacher of murder charges

Court asked to exonerate teacher of murder charges JAKARTA (JP): A teacher being tried for killing a police major asked the East Jakarta District Court yesterday to be cleared of all charges. Lawyer Luhut M.P. Pangaribuan said that his client Baskoni Wahab stabbed Maj. Noenang, who was not in uniform, in self defense. "The victim slapped the defendant in the face before the defendant stabbed him," Luhut said at the trial, which was presided over by Judge Toni Hartono.

Indonesia to breach tin quota next year

Indonesia to breach tin quota next year JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned tin mining company PT Tambang Timah will continue increasing its production and exports next year, in breach of Indonesia's tin export quota, an executive said yesterday. The company's president, Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, told reporters after a hearing with the House of Representatives that the firm will increase its production from an estimate of 37,000 tons this year to 41,780 tons next year.