Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 December 1995

45 articles found

Activist calls for respect of human rights

Activist calls for respect of human rights JAKARTA (JP): Leading human rights activist Todung Mulya Lubis called on the government last night to make a sincere effort to respect human rights. The bureaucracy should never polish its human rights records and make them a tool of public relations, said the chief of the Foundation of the Center for Human Rights Studies.

Textile firms asked to seek Japanese funds

Textile firms asked to seek Japanese funds JAKARTA (JP): A senior finance official suggested here Saturday that textile companies, now facing difficulties to generate credits with low interest rates from local banks, raise loans from Japan.

Thai cyclists pedal to SEAG golden opener

Thai cyclists pedal to SEAG golden opener By Dwiatmanta CHIANG MAI, Thailand (JP): Thailand's female cyclist Chalerm Chamchun upset favorite Nurhayati of Indonesia to win the first gold medal of the 18th Southeast Asian Games here yesterday. It was a glorious moment for the host team as Suphat Sriwasai completed a double in the men's 50-kilometer individual time trial race, also at the expense of Indonesia.

Australian companies networking in Asia

Australian companies networking in Asia By Dewi Anggraeni MELBOURNE (JP): There is very little doubt that Australia is serious about moving further into the global market. The third National Trade and Investment Outlook Conference, convened by the government on Dec. 4 to Dec. 6 in Melbourne, was attended by over 1,200 delegates, the number increasing each year.

Quake shakes North Sumatra

Quake shakes North Sumatra TARUTUNG, North Sumatra (JP): Tarutung, a hill town no stranger to natural disasters, was struck by an earthquake last week that was powerful enough to send people scurrying out of their homes in panic. There were no reports of casualties. Antara reported that the quake measured 2.3 on the Richter scale and lasted for eight seconds on Thursday. The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency in Medan said the epicenter of the quake was located just south of Tarutung.

Govt to open tourism and telecoms center

Govt to open tourism and telecoms center JAKARTA (JP): The government will establish an integrated educational institution, to be called the Center of Excellence, to prepare qualified personnel to support the country's tourism, post and telecommunications development. Secretary-General of the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Jonathan L. Parapak told reporters here on Saturday that the plan was one of the results of a two-day workshop of the ministry.

Cityview operates oil field

Cityview operates oil field SYDNEY (Reuter): Perth-based Cityview Investments Ltd. said its wholly-owned subsidiary Western Resources NL had become operator of the Sangkimah oil field in northeast Kalimantan, Indonesia. This was through a technical assistance contract with Pertamina, the Indonesian state owned oil and gas company, effective Nov. 17. Cityview has an 87.5 percent interest in the technical assistance contract covering the Sangkimah field.

Manila deployes troops to contain rebels' clash

Manila deployes troops to contain rebels' clash ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Government troops are to be dispatched to contain a battle between rival Moro insurgent groups, the military said here, as police rounded up suspects of an extremist group during a raid on a safehouse in Manila.

Business travel booming in Asia-Pacific

Business travel booming in Asia-Pacific By Prapti Widinugraheni SINGAPORE (JP): Business travel, according to a recent survey by the American Express' Travel Management Services, is becoming an increasingly important sub-sector of the world's travel and tourism market. With the world's economy booming, particularly in certain regions such as the Asia-Pacific, and with mankind's constant need for personal contacts, observers are convinced that business travel is bound to continue flourishing.

Bank NISP gets ISO-9002

Bank NISP gets ISO-9002 JAKARTA (JP): The publicly listed Bank NISP has received a recommendation from the Standard Australia Assurance Services (SAQAS) to receive an ISO-9002 certificate of standardization. The bank said in a statement here Saturday that the recommendation was given after the bank passed a thorough assessment from the Australian firm.

Indonesian unity always in fragile state: Wahono

Indonesian unity always in fragile state: Wahono JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia as a nation could break apart if any one group in its highly diversified society seeks to impose its will on others, House speaker Wahono said on Saturday. Wahono said strong nationalism has helped keep the country united but that the situation remains precarious because of the mix of religious and ethnic groups.

ASEAN rebuffs U.S. objections to treaty

ASEAN rebuffs U.S. objections to treaty By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat BANGKOK (JP): ASEAN labeled as groundless yesterday the United States's refusal to support the Southeast Asian Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ) treaty. Indonesia's Arizal Effendi, the foreign ministry's director of international agreements, explained yesterday that none of the concerns put forth by Washington were valid. He said the U.S.

Karawaci's Lippo Supermal attracts many

Karawaci's Lippo Supermal attracts many By K. Basrie TANGERANG (JP): Crowds and traffic now await visitors to Karawaci, a suburb of Tangerang 20 kilometers west of Jakarta. Hundreds of thousands from the capital and its surrounding towns, including Bandung in West Java, regularly flock to the Lippo Supermal in this suburb on weekends. During the week the number of visitors is usually around 20,000 per day.

Street vendors on Malioboro

Street vendors on Malioboro YOGYAKARTA: The opening of major department stores along Jl. Malioboro has brought more street vendors onto the city's main thoroughfare. Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, the king of the sultanate, said on Saturday that Malioboro has grown more congested -- not less, as was feared earlier. Concerns that the new department stores would force street vendors out of business have now been dashed, with shoppers and tourist flocking to the area.

Records fall as Thailand shines in track and field

Records fall as Thailand shines in track and field CHIANG MAI, Thailand (JP): Three meet records tumbled yesterday as host Thailand romped home with five gold medals in the 18th Southeast Asian Games track and field competitions. Thailand's winning run, along with a brilliant showing by Malaysia, dealt a severe blow to defending champion Indonesia, which ended the first day of track and field competitions without a single gold. The host team prevailed in the unconventional 4 X 200-meter relay.

Ramos approves funds for dike

Ramos approves funds for dike CLARK FIELD, Philippines (AFP): President Fidel Ramos yesterday approved the release of 900 million pesos (US$35 million) for massive dike and dredging operations to save towns near here from devastating volcanic mudflows. Ramos announced the release of the funds in a meeting with local officials in this former U.S. military base, north of Manila, regarding relief operations for destructive mudflows from Pinatubo volcano.

Goodbye operators, page it yourself with notify!

Goodbye operators, page it yourself with notify! By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): "So, you're now a Simatupang," a friend said to me some time ago when she learned I always had a pager with me. Actually, "Simatupang" is the name of a clan in Tanah Batak, North Sumatra. One acquires the name at birth or through deliberate rituals involving all the clan's elders. I've never been a Simatupang in that sense.

Future policing

Future policing From Merdeka City planning should be projected to the future. If we carry out development programs without accounting for cultural aspirations and the nation's integrity, we will deeply lament the way we executed the programs in 50 years. The need to develop the five areas of Jakarta is urgent. It will trigger movements of population, not from outside regions into the city but from the center to the outer regions. More policing will become a necessity.

Kopaja criticizes policy on new buses

Kopaja criticizes policy on new buses JAKARTA (JP): The city public transportation cooperative (Kopaja) has demanded simpler procedures in buying new buses for its members in efforts to them save money. The head of the cooperative, V.W. Sijabat, said over the weekend that the current procedure is complicated and increases the price of new buses.

Medals Tally

Medals Tally Gold Silver Bronze Total Thailand 17 9 8 34 Indonesia 4 10 9 23 Philippines 4 4 4 16 Malaysia 3 3 7 13 Vietnam 2 3 2 7 Myanmar 1 1 4 6 Brunei 0 1 0 1 Laos 0 0 1 1 Singapore 0 0 0 1 Cambodia 0 0 0 0

Rights body called to study legal products

Rights body called to study legal products SEMARANG (JP): A leading rights activist has called on the National Commission on Human Rights to study all legal products which could be used to violate human rights. Speaking at a national seminar on human rights here yesterday, Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara said that the Commission should ask the authorities to review the laws and regulations immediately.

Mayoralty to celebrate Xmas

Mayoralty to celebrate Xmas JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta Mayoralty employees will celebrate Christmas at the Granadha building on Jl. Sudirman tonight. The chairman of the organizing committee, D. Siboro, said over the weekend that the celebration is meant to thank God and strengthen brotherhood among the mayoralty employees. "The celebration is not just ceremonial," Siboro said, adding that this year's theme is Love Other People like You Love Yourself. (09)

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Saber Rider and The Star Sheriff 3:05 Children's Program: Riang Ria 3:30 TV Series: The Crystal Maze 4:30 School Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Technology 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: Central Java 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Foreign Report 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama: Tembang Kota 8:05 TV Series: Santa Barbara 9:00 World News 9:25 Indonesian Music: Video Music 10:25 Late News 11:35 Film Program 2 4:30 p.m.

ICMI power links questioned

ICMI power links questioned JAKARTA (JP): The independence of the influential Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) has been called into question following the announcement of its new executive board. Political observer Arbi Sanit of the University of Indonesia, who is not an ICMI member, and legislator A.M. Saefuddin, who is a leading ICMI member, expressed apprehension over ICMI's links to the administration. Dr.

Adi Sasono defensive upon election

Adi Sasono defensive upon election JAKARTA (JP): Adi Sasono, 52, was all smiles following the announcement that he had been elected secretary of the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) over the weekend. "It's time for you to start praying for me now," he told The Jakarta Post on Saturday, acknowledging the burden of helping the 25,000-member ICMI meet its ambitious agenda of bringing economic prosperity to the country's poor Moslems. "ICMI is not a political organization.

Seminar on poverty

Seminar on poverty From Neraca A seminar dealing with poverty was recently held in one of Jakarta's star-rated hotels. The seminar was led by the Ministry of Transmigration, and attended by two hundred and fifty local and foreign delegates. The seminar covered matters related to resettlement and efforts to fight poverty. Several working papers were discussed and later formulated.

Wind destroys abandoned houses

Wind destroys abandoned houses PADANG, West Sumatra: Dozens of houses were destroyed by a strong wind that swept through the Andalas University housing complex in Ulugadut near here on Friday. There were no reports of casualties, Antara said. Fortunately, most of the houses were not occupied because of disputes between the buyers and the developers for lack of basic facilities like running water and electricity. (31)

Attache case causes bomb scare

Attache case causes bomb scare BANGKOK (Reuter): An unusually heavy, unattended attache case caused a bomb scare yesterday at a hotel where officials of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were meeting. But Thai police declared after checks it belonged to an ASEAN delegate attending the meeting and it contained only documents.

Discipline civil servants, manpower official says

Discipline civil servants, manpower official says JAKARTA (JP): Imprecise job descriptions and the absence of controls are blamed for lack of discipline among government employees. An assistant to the minister of manpower said on Friday that it is common for civil servants to fool around or even leave the office during working hours because they do not have specific duties while their superiors are out. Payaman J.

I miss daily hassles

I miss daily hassles It is funny how memories are remembered. I spent the last two years of my life working as a bule in Jakarta, and like many of those who submit to "Your Letters" and those that read the column, I can readily relate to the daily hassles discussed. Strange thing is, now that I am back well within the comfort zone of my home country, nearly all of the memories I have of Jakarta are the good times, the wonderful people met, the places visited and the interesting things done.

ICMI's challenge

ICMI's challenge President Soeharto, in his address at the opening of the second congress of the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI), asked the organization to be aware of the universal nature of Islamic teachings and of specific peculiarities distinct to all nations. Such an awareness, according to the Head of State, is nothing new.

Thailand shines in Southeast Asian Games

Thailand shines in Southeast Asian Games CHIANG MAI, Thailand (JP): Host Thailand stormed to a commanding lead at the 18th Southeast Asian Games here yesterday as defending champion Indonesia scrambled to stay in the medal race. The spirited Thai sportsmen and women hauled in a total of 16 gold medals, eight silvers and seven bronzes to go on the top of the standings.

Floods inundate 1,000 houses

Floods inundate 1,000 houses SERANG, West Java (JP): More than 1,000 houses in Kragilan and Rangkasbitung were inundated by water when the banks of the Ciujung River broke on Saturday. Part of the Serang-Jakarta toll road was also covered by 60 centimeters of water, Antara reported. The toll road operators decided to close the toll road to traffic from Serang to Jakarta, diverting all cars through normal roads.

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.

Artist launches a book

Artist launches a book JAKARTA (JP): Landscape designer Made Wijaya, whose real name is Michael White, has launched his book Stranger in Paradise - Diary of an Expatriate in Bali. The launching ceremony was held at the Regent Hotel on Friday. The book is a compilation of the author's eponymous column of the same title written for the Sunday Bali Post between 1972 and 1981. In those days people living in Bali might know Made as a columnist.

Bakrie, Jibuhin sign deal

Bakrie, Jibuhin sign deal JAKARTA (JP): PT Bakrie Tosanjaya (BT), an automotive component producer, signed over the weekend a memorandum of understanding with Jidosha Buhin Kogyo (Jibuhin) of Japan to establish a joint venture to manufacture engine components. Bakrie Tosanjaya announced that the initial shareholding composition will be 40 percent for the company and 60 percent for Jibuhin, which is a subsidiary of the Isuzu Group. Bakrie Tosanjaya is a subsidiary of PT Bakrie & Brothers.

Flood begins to recede

Flood begins to recede MALANG, East Java: Floods that have inundated 10 districts in Malang regency since the Lestian riverbanks broke last Tuesday began to recede over the weekend. Seven people were killed, either drowned or victims of a landslide that came with the flooding, Antara said. In most areas the water level is still about a half-meter high. "We're still on the alert although the flood is receding.

Ex-serviceman arrested over drugs

Ex-serviceman arrested over drugs JAKARTA (JP): Three people, including one ex-serviceman and a woman, have been arrested during an anti-narcotic drive launched by city police over the weekend. The main suspect, a former member of the Red Berets, identified only as Zai, 52, was arrested at his residence on Jl. Sedap Malam, Kramat Soka, Central Jakarta on Friday, Antara reported Saturday. Police also arrested SM, a 24-year-old woman, and Sat, 49, for their alleged roles in drug dealings with Zai.

Results

Results CHIANG MAI, Thailand (JP): Finals results at the Southeast Asian Games here Sunday: Cycling 25km ITT women: 1. Chamchun Chaleam (Tha) 36:23.84 2. Nurhayati (Ina) 37:24.21 3. Nuraini (Ina) 39:03.90 50km ITT men: 1. Suphat Srisawai (Tha) 1:04:39.471 2. Tonton Susanto (Ina) 1:07:21.051 3. Kumaresen Murugaya (Mas) 1:07:47.218 4. Henry Setiawan (Ina) 1:08:24.077 Equestrian Team dressage: 1. Thailand 1,581 pts 2. Philippines 1,537 3. Malaysia 1,536 4. Indonesia 1,513 5.

Malaysia oil palm growers to face competition from RI

Malaysia oil palm growers to face competition from RI KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian oil palm growers need new strategies to retain their key role in the industry, where Indonesia is becoming an increasingly important player, a senior Malaysian palm oil official said. "The Malaysian palm oil industry needs a shift in its strategy from one of expansion towards competitive orientation," said Yusof Basiron, director-general of the Palm Oil Research Institute of Malaysia (PORIM).

Hotels dress up for Christmas and New Year

Hotels dress up for Christmas and New Year JAKARTA (JP): In welcoming Christmas and New Year, hotels throughout the city are competing by offering special prices, entertainment and improved services, including security. The "war of the hotels" is obvious by their discounts. The reduction in room rates range from 20 percent to 50 percent. Hotels are going all-out with various offerings, including food fiestas and painting exhibitions, to attract guests over the Christmas and New Year period.

Garuda sets extra flights

Garuda sets extra flights JAKARTA (JP): The flag carrier Garuda Indonesia will provide 110 extra flights with 26,506 seats to cater for the increase in the number of passengers during the upcoming Christmas, New Year and Chinese New Year holidays. The airline announced here Saturday that the extra flights will be provided from Dec. 21 to Feb. 24, operating DC-10-30, A 300-B4 and A 300-600 aircraft.

AFTA council compromises on RI farm products

AFTA council compromises on RI farm products By Riyadi BANGKOK (JP): A compromise was finally reached by members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which capitulated to Indonesia's request to withdraw 15 farm products from the list of hasty tariff reductions.

Foreign fund inflow boosts JSX index

Foreign fund inflow boosts JSX index JAKARTA (JP): Signs of a better Indonesian economy brought an influx of foreign funds into the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) last week and propelled its composite index up by 19.4 points (four percent) to 506.12 from the week's opening of 486.72. A new deregulation package will likely be announced this month.

Malaysia to build $2.0b patrol vessels

Malaysia to build $2.0b patrol vessels KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia expects to award by June next year a contract worth more than five billion ringgit (US$2 billion) to build 27 offshore patrol vessels (OPV) for its navy, defense officials said yesterday. Fourteen bids from international shipbuilders were being evaluated and six would be short-listed, local newspapers quoted Defense Minister Syed Hamid Albar as saying in the north Malaysian island of Langkawi on Saturday.