Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 November 1995

50 articles found

Indonesian archers shine at Canberra

Indonesian archers shine at Canberra JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian male and female leading archers Hendra Setijawan and Nurfitriyana Lantang outdid their Australian opponents in the Olympic division finals of an archery tournament in Canberra, Australia. Nurfitriyana beat Australian best Michelle Tremelling 106-103 in the women's division. Hendra Setijawan pipped Australia number one Jackson Fear 110-104 in the men's division. It was the best score Hendra has ever garnered.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Amazing 3:05 Music 3:30 Science Program 4:05 Among Us 4:30 Documentary Film 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 TV series: Bill Bixby's Wonderful World Of Magic 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music Contest: Asia Bagus 8:05 Spectrum 9:00 World News 9:25 Comedy: Gelamor 10:25 Film 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Workers to get better training

Workers to get better training JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief appealed to the private business sector yesterday to help with the government's plan to completely revamp its workers training programs. "The government sees no alternative than to involve the private sector in the drive to strengthen the quality of human resources in the country," Latief told reporters after opening an international seminar on training restructuring and the labor market.

Computer controls 110 traffic lights

Computer controls 110 traffic lights JAKARTA (JP): The capital now has a computerized area traffic control system regulating the changing of traffic lights at 110 intersections to help the police curb traffic congestion.

Indonesia against exempting sectors in APEC

Indonesia against exempting sectors in APEC JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is in favor of the liberation of trade and investment in all sectors under the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum's Bogor Declaration and is against the exemption of certain sectors from the agenda, an official said yesterday. "If several countries want to exempt certain sectors from the agenda, others will want to do the same...

Sinar Mas: Pulp fiction or paper tiger?

Sinar Mas: Pulp fiction or paper tiger? By John Zubrzycki NEW DELHI (JP): For a while it looked as though Southeast Asia's largest paper maker, Sinar Mas, would replace the Houston- based power giant, Enron, as public enemy number one in the western Indian State of Maharashtra.

Prosperity for all

Prosperity for all The development efforts begun by the government more than 25 years ago have borne fruit. The rate of inflation has been brought down to a one-digit level and per capita income has increased to about US$800 a year. The number of people living in poverty has decreased to below 27 million from the initial number of around three times that. Besides these achievements, however, many sectors of the economy still need to be put in order.

Bar Association gears up to elect new chairman

Bar Association gears up to elect new chairman YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bar Association, a vocal organization which has often defied the government, is opening its congress here this morning to elect its leaders. Still fresh in the minds of many participants is the fistfight and commotion at the last congress in Jakarta five years ago when some of the lawyers resisted attempts by the government to have its candidate elected to the prestigious organization.

Freeport and insurance risks

Freeport and insurance risks I feel compelled as chief executive officer of Freeport- McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., a publicly-traded company headquartered in New Orleans, to respond to your recent article (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 3, 1995). The disagreement with the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC) is a simple business dispute which involves US$100 million of over $1 billion of our comprehensive worldwide insurance program.

Advertising agencies need local, multinational strength

Advertising agencies need local, multinational strength NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): The biggest challenge for advertising agencies in Asia is to achieve a good balance of local and multinational strength, says the chief executive officer of the world's largest advertising and marketing services company.

More flights to Darwin needed

More flights to Darwin needed AMBON, Maluku: A senior Jakarta official has called for more flights between Ambon and the northern Australian city of Darwin, saying the Maluku province has strong tourism potentials, Antara reported. Komarudin, a deputy at the Agency for Research and Application of Technology, said he was confident that if the route -- now served by only one flight a week -- were flown daily, there would be more Australian tourists visiting Maluku.

Anti-narcotics law needs review: Singgih

Anti-narcotics law needs review: Singgih JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's anti-narcotics law needs to be amended to enable law enforcers to prosecute people they suspect of trafficking or using the drug "Ecstasy", Attorney General Singgih said yesterday. Currently, people found consuming or selling Ecstasy cannot be brought to justice under Indonesia's 19-year-old anti-narcotics law because the chemical substances in Ecstasy do not appear in the legislation as narcotic elements, Singgih said.

7% growth predicted for 1996

7% growth predicted for 1996 JAKARTA (JP): Foreign and local economists estimated yesterday that Indonesia's economic growth would continue to exceed 7 percent next year, despite the widening current account deficit. Andrew Freris, an executive of the Hong Kong arm of the United States-based Solomon Brothers, estimated that Indonesia's gross domestic product (GDP) would likely grow by 8 percent next year, as compared with the 7.5 percent growth estimated for this year.

Asian stock markets mostly down

Asian stock markets mostly down HONG KONG (Reuter): Asia's stock markets ended mostly down yesterday in featureless trade with major bourses Tokyo and Hong Kong barely changed from opening levels, brokers said. Local news grabbed most of the headlines with Taipei down as investors reacted with disappointment to the central bank's cuts in banks' reserve requirements while former South Korea president Roh Tae-woo's widening slush fund scandal continued to pressure stocks.

Merpati responds

Merpati responds This is in response to the letter entitled No show, no dough... by Mr. Brian Franks published in The Jakarta Post. First of all, on behalf of the Merpati Management, we would like to apologize for the unfavorable incident you experienced. We also would like to express our gratitude because the letter is valuable input for us in our efforts to always improve and enhance our services in future. We advise Mr.

Villagers call for post office

Villagers call for post office BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Villagers in Fajar Bulan, West Lampung, have written to Governor Poedjono Pranyoto to ask for better postal services. In a petition, they complained that it is difficult for them to obtain stamps and other postal materials in the village, which has no post office, Antara reported. The nearest post office is in Liwa, a town about 120 kilometers away.

Grabbing beards is dangerous, too

Grabbing beards is dangerous, too JAKARTA (JP): The secretary of the Yogyakarta branch of the Association of Young Indonesian Entrepreneurs is facing 21 days imprisonment for threatening to cut off the beard of the organization's chairman during a public quarrel. In addition to the three-week jail term sought, state prosecutors have asked the Yogyakarta court to order the defendant to pay the plaintiff Rp 1,000 (43 U.S. cents) in costs.

W. Java roads claim 318 lives

W. Java roads claim 318 lives BANDUNG, West Java: Police are launching a three-week intensive campaign to clamp down on reckless driving, after 318 people were killed on West Java roads during August and September. In the two-month period, 245 people were seriously injured and 257 injured lightly in 408 road accidents, the chief of information of West Java Police, Lt. Col. Istanto J., told Antara.

Ulemas protest redlight district

Ulemas protest redlight district BEKASI (JP): Residents of the Cibitung district, including ulemas, have urged the district chief to close down the prostitution complex in the area. The ulemas complained yesterday that Cibitung has gradually changed into a red light district. The shops in the area employ attendants who are really 'working girls', the residents said. One shop in the area has turned into a discotheque and the former shop attendants have become prostitutes, they complained.

Ads from the advertisers' perspective

Ads from the advertisers' perspective JAKARTA (JP): Projected advertising expenditures in Indonesia, across all media, will amount to Rp 3,113 billion this year. Commercial television and newspaper will have the lion's share between them, carrying advertising worth 80.8 percent of overall expenditures, according to Media Scene 1994/95. The remaining adspend is roughly distributed between magazine, radio, and outdoor advertising equally. Cinema receives the tiny remaining percentage.

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.a.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 1 a.m.: Front line Band, Friday from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. * Century Park Hotel, Jl.

Govts use nationalism to deny human rights

Govts use nationalism to deny human rights JAKARTA (JP): Governments of many developing nations often use nationalism to reject universal human values, noted Moslem leader Abdurrahman Wahid said yesterday. "Human rights, for example, are rejected using nationalism as a pretext," Abdurrahman said. On the positive side, he said, Indonesia has unique values which help keep the nation unified while other countries are disintegrating.

City to move 2,000 graves from Menteng Pulo

City to move 2,000 graves from Menteng Pulo JAKARTA (JP): Part of the Menteng Pulo cemetery is to be turned into a residential area, necessitating the removal of about 2,000 graves, an official said yesterday. The head of the city cemetery agency, Sjafril Zainuddin, said that the number of graves in South Jakarta exceeds that stipulated in recent city planning.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 7, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,150 -50 2,000 AHAP Insurance 3,225 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,850 0 8,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,200 -100 20,000 Anwar Sierad 1,025 -25 13,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,875 0 3,000 Argo Pantes 2,075 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,200 0 0 Aster Dharma...

Lawyers' challenges in the year 2000

Lawyers' challenges in the year 2000 By T. Mulya Lubis JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's economy will grow by 7 percent in the coming years, according to the World Bank. While per capita income will approach US$1,000, only one step away from the present figure of $920. This does not reflect equity in income distribution. The social gap is still an issue. The same goes with monopoly, oligopoly and conglomeration.

Telkom still offers network projects to private firms

Telkom still offers network projects to private firms JAKARTA (JP): Private firms still have the opportunity to establish and operate telecommunications networks under a joint operation arrangement with PT Telkom, an official said.

Diverse views surface at biodiversity talks

Diverse views surface at biodiversity talks JAKARTA (JP): After a cordial opening day, divergent viewpoints began to surface at international talks on biodiversity on the second day of the conference yesterday. There was disagreement on virtually all issues discussed, from technology transfer, regulations on biotechnology, genetic engineering, patent rights and technological cooperation.

John Hancock maps Asian growth

John Hancock maps Asian growth SINGAPORE (Reuter): U.S. insurance giant John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Co has set aggressive Asian growth targets, including plans to enter the mutual funds and annuities markets. "Asia is going to be the major focus of growth in our insurance businesses as well as in our investment management businesses," president and chief operations officer William Boyan told Reuters yesterday while on a swing of the company's Far East operations.

Soeharto promises less state intervention

Soeharto promises less state intervention JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto pledged yesterday to gradually dismantle all remaining economic protection and reduce as far as possible state intervention in the economy. "In a free market world, nations must compete solely on the basis of the effectiveness and efficiency of their own economic systems," Soeharto said at the opening of a refresher course on the state ideology, Pancasila, for 97 top administrators of state-run universities.

E. Timorese seek political asylum

E. Timorese seek political asylum JAKARTA (JP): Eight East Timorese youths forced their way into the Dutch Embassy shortly after noon yesterday and asked that they be given political asylum by the Netherlands. Dutch Ambassador Paul Reitze Brower confirmed to The Jakarta Post by phone last night that the eight youths have asked for asylum, citing political persecution. Ambassador Brower declined to disclose their names. "We are now studying their applications," he said.

SEA Games teams warm up in junior event

SEA Games teams warm up in junior event JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Track and Field Association gave the nod yesterday to 10 runners groomed for the 18th Southeast Asian Games to enter the national junior championships at the end of this month. The 10 athletes, aged under 20 years old, will only be allowed to compete in one event each at the annual tournament held here just two weeks before the SEA Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Heart disease cases are increasing

Heart disease cases are increasing JAKARTA (JP): Economic growth has resulted in an increase in heart disease in Indonesia, according to the chairman of the Indonesian Cardiology Association. "The increase of heart disease in Jakarta and other big cities in Indonesia has been mainly caused by fast improvements in economic conditions.

Propel seeks RI project

Propel seeks RI project KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Projek Penyelenggaraan Lebuhraya Bhd (Propel) has entered into an agreement with an Indonesian consortium to jointly bid for privatization of a toll road in Indonesia. The consortium comprises five Indonesian firms -- PT Citra Lamtoro Gung Persada, PT Tridan Satriaputra Indonesia, PT Kowarman International Corp, PT Arthayasa Mandiri and PT Sira Tama Agra Raya, a Propel statement said.

Campaigns -- the ins and outs, the ups and downs

Campaigns -- the ins and outs, the ups and downs JAKARTA (JP): Planning the right moment for a product launch, making an entrance into the marketplace, when conditions are right, can be crucial. Pt LippoMelco Electronic Indonesia pinpointed a time of year when two important events coincided. The company chose February/March, when the Chinese New Year and the Moslem Lebaran period coincided, to launch a new refrigerator.

State banks' mart share likely to decline further

State banks' mart share likely to decline further JAKARTA (JP): The market share of state-owned banks is likely to continue to decline next year, partly as a result the banks' slackness in meeting market demand, according to one prominent banking analyst. Laksamana Sukardi, an associate director of the Economic, Industrial and Trade (Econit) advisory group, said yesterday that the market share of state-owned banks will fall further from the present level of 40 percent.

No show, no dough

No show, no dough Gee, Merpati sure knows how to show tourists a good time! After devoting too much time (and money) getting to Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara and back, I must take a few extra minutes to express my deepest appreciation for a recent Lombok experience "a-la-Merpati". I completely sympathize with Mr. Roland W. after having the same relaxing nightmare in August. The scenario -- Aug.

Three arrested for theft

Three arrested for theft JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested three suspects, including one university student, in connection with last week's pre-dawn burglary at a warehouse in North Jakarta. The burglary took place last Friday at PT Varuna Tirta Prakasya warehouse at Tanjung Priok. One other suspect is still at large, North Jakarta police chief Lt. Col. Abubakar said yesterday.

PAM water contains bacteria

PAM water contains bacteria JAKARTA (JP): The quality of PAM water supplied to West Jakarta area is poor, recent research reveals. The research, by the West Jakarta Mayoralty Office of Health, found that 25 percent of the water contained bacteria, said Taufiqurrohman, the chief researcher, yesterday. He said the research was carried out between June and September this year on 93 water tanks in West Jakarta. The most bacteria-contaminated water was found in Pegadungan and Tegal Alur.

Malaysia blames APEC for stalemate over farm trade

Malaysia blames APEC for stalemate over farm trade SINGAPORE (AFP): Malaysia yesterday blamed the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum for the current stalemate over freeing farm trade in the Pacific, saying it ignored members' views. "If you do not listen to everyone's views, then you are in the risk of taking APEC where the members don't want to go and forcing issues down people's throats," International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz said.

Dialog key to stronger EU-ASEAN cooperation

Dialog key to stronger EU-ASEAN cooperation JAKARTA (JP): Improved dialog between the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the European Union (EU) will be critical to promoting cooperation, the union's ambassador to Indonesia, Klauspeter Schmallenbach, said yesterday. "Looking to the future, we can certainly predict that dialog between the EU and ASEAN is going to be more intense and fecund than ever.

New landmark for Jakarta

New landmark for Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta will gain a new landmark when the world's largest 'Marionette' clock begins operating soon. The three-ton clock will start to tick to mark the opening of Jakarta's newest shopping center, Plaza Senayan, on Nov. 15. The Seiko-made clock is four meters high and 6 meters in width. Jan Peardon, Center Manager for Plaza Senayan, said yesterday that every city needs landmarks and meeting places.

Pickpockets prey on Japanese

Pickpockets prey on Japanese JAKARTA (JP): Pickpockets and strangers asking for donations at homes are one of the most common problems faced by Japanese businessmen in the city, says a police spokesman. In a meeting with high-ranking officials of the national police over the weekend, 170 Japanese businessmen expressed the hope that the police seriously deal with the problem, national police spokesman, Brig. Gen. IK Ratta, said yesterday. All the businessmen live in Jakarta.

Proper use of pavements

Proper use of pavements From Pelita For low-income people, the presence of sidewalk food stalls is gladdening, because they can eat at reasonable prices. Wealthier people, on the other hand, can afford to eat at restaurants. However, the Jakarta Metropolitan Administration has been working hard to make the city look nice and clean by removing illegal makeshift constructions found in many parts of the city. Now what about the vendors who run their business on pavements?

AdAsia '95 Album

AdAsia '95 Album Photo A: Art JP/msa ETHNIC ART: Top advertising executives, Syahrial Djalil (left) of Indonesia, and Martin Sorrel (right) of the United States, take an interest in the ethnic art on display at the Nusa Dua hotel in Bali. Photo B: Speakers JP/msa INTRODUCTION: Sabam Siagian (left) of The Jakarta Post introduces Prof. Subroto (second from left), as the keynote speaker at a session of AdAsia `95.

China poses early tests to Indonesia

China poses early tests to Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Young Chinese players will give Indonesian men's singles top seeds early tests when they clash in the first round of the China Open badminton championships in Chengdu today. Indonesian top seed Joko Suprianto plays Lin Liwen, second seed Alan Budikusuma faces Xie Yangchun and third seed Ardy Wiranata takes on Yang Zhuo.

Bangladesh gets ADB aid

Bangladesh gets ADB aid MANILA (Reuter): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$30 million concessional loan to Bangladesh to help develop irrigation facilities and boost fish output in the country, the Manila-based bank said yesterday. "The project will also reduce poverty by augmenting income through increased agricultural and fish production," the Bank said in a statement.

UN scolds Myanmar over forced labor

UN scolds Myanmar over forced labor UNITED NATIONS (Reuter): Myanmar may be using forced labor to restore landmarks for foreign tourists in an effort to promote 1996 as "Visit Myanmar Year," the United Nations said in a report released on Monday. The report to the General Assembly by a UN special human rights investigator also speaks of summary executions, torture and rape by the army with impunity.

TV, the most preferred media for carrying advertising

TV, the most preferred media for carrying advertising JAKARTA (JP): Twenty five years on from when events in Indonesia triggered the establishment of major advertising agencies in Indonesia, another phenomenon can be observed - a proliferation in the number of advertising agencies since 1990. This growth coincides with the establishment of commercial television broadcasting in Indonesia.

PT Timah gets ISO-9002

PT Timah gets ISO-9002 JAKARTA (JP): State-owned tin mining company PT Tambang Timah received an ISO-9002 quality certificate yesterday from SGS International Certification Services (ICS) of Switzerland. "We have been preparing the management of Tambang Timah to get the certificate since 1993," the company's president, Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas, said after the certification ceremony here.

Brand advertising dominated by three product categories

Brand advertising dominated by three product categories "Now products are looking for people. Previously, it was people looking for products" -- Paul W. Kamardi of Matari Advertising. JAKARTA (JP): There is an interesting profile of change in Indonesia's society, sketched by marking changes in product categories which have been at the top of advertising expenditure over the last 25 years, since advertising became a serious business in Indonesia.