Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 December 1995

52 articles found

Econ buys land in Jakarta

Econ buys land in Jakarta SINGAPORE (Reuter): Econ International Ltd said on Wednesday it had agreed to buy a plot of land in Jakarta from PT Unilever Indonesia for S$44 million. It intends to develop a retail, office and apartment complex on the 58,650-square-metre property, subject to approvals. Econ has made a S$8.8-million downpayment and expects to pay the balance by July 1997. The property has a 20-year leasehold title expiring in November 2000.

Govt must pay more attention to agriculture

Govt must pay more attention to agriculture BOGOR, West Java (JP): The government must pay more attention to Indonesia's agricultural development, since this is likely remain a leading economic sector into the next century, an academic said yesterday. Prof. Bungaran Saragih said in a scientific oration at the Bogor Agricultural University (IPB) that the government needs to show greater commitment to the agricultural sector in its policies and development priorities.

Transvestites tested for HIV

Transvestites tested for HIV BEKASI, West Java (JP): The Bekasi regency has had 250 prisoners and 350 prostitutes and transvestites tested for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) as part of its efforts to curb the spread of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Regency spokesman Dahlan Suherman said yesterday the blood test results would be completed within the next three months. A medical laboratory in Bandung, West Java, is examining the blood.

Indonesia, Australia and the region

Indonesia, Australia and the region The security agreement between Indonesia and Australia which was signed in Jakarta on Monday has attracted widespread attention. This is a bilateral agreement but it has importance for the whole region. This is due to the strategic significance of Indonesia and the military capability of Australia as an industrialized country located in the Asian region.

More bodies found in Bone Bay

More bodies found in Bone Bay KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Two more bodies, believed to be passengers of two ships that sank in Bone Bay last week, were found washed ashore on Wednesday, bringing the official death toll of the sea accident to 17. Antara reported that three people are believed to be still missing, although officials were not able to identify them.

National Awakening Day trophies presented

National Awakening Day trophies presented JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Journalists (PWI) yesterday conferred five awards for this year's best articles about National Awakening. The Harkitnas Award, named after National Awakening Day which falls on May 20, is considered one of the most prestigious press awards after the Adinegoro award.

Mojokerto ready for Women's Day

Mojokerto ready for Women's Day MOJOKERTO, East Java: Ninety-eight inns in the town have been reserved by the authorities to accommodate VIPs and participants for today's commemoration of Women's Day. Mrs. Mahmoed Zain, the wife of the Mojokerto Regency Chief, said about 3,000 people are expected to need accommodation before and after the ceremony, Antara reported.

Growth with caveat

Growth with caveat All projections point to continued high growth of the Indonesian economy. The economic expansion, in terms of real gross domestic product, is estimated at a range of 7.3-7.5 percent this year and the same robust growth is foreseen for the next two years. However, the rosy projections are qualified by notes of caution. The main caveat is related to the widening deficit of the current account in the balance of payments.

Time limit for New Year shows

Time limit for New Year shows JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has decided that all New Year's Eve shows with special permits must end at 4 a.m. An official of the city public order office, Toha Reno, said holders of the temporary permits should start their shows at 7 p.m. Toha said discotheques, karaoke bars and restaurants which do not obtain the temporary permits are obliged to run regular shows until 3 p.m. Regular operation for massage parlors is until 11 p.m.

Pertamina raises LPG prices

Pertamina raises LPG prices JAKARTA (JP): State-owned oil company Pertamina has increased the prices of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) and asphalt, prompting fears that the move will push this year's inflation rate higher than expected and force people to turn to substitute fuels, such as kerosene. Pertamina announced here yesterday that it had increased the price of LPG -- widely used here for cooking -- by 33.3 percent to Rp 1,000 (44 U.S. cents) per kg as of Dec. 19. As of Dec.

Inconsistencies increase costs, says philosopher

Inconsistencies increase costs, says philosopher JAKARTA (JP): The inconsistencies of Indonesia's economic policies will have to be minimized if the country is to keep its economy on the right track, a leading philosopher said yesterday. Speaking at a seminar, Franz Magnis-Suseno, a lecturer at the Driyar Kara School of Theology, praised Indonesia's current economic policies for anticipating the changes of a more open world economy.

Economic ministers agree to cool down economy

Economic ministers agree to cool down economy JAKARTA (JP): There is agreement in the government on the need to cool down the country's economy, Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad said yesterday. Mar'ie said that all ministers responsible for economic sectors will be working hand in hand to slow the overheating of the economy without sacrificing the growth.

Govt warns against abuses in labor export

Govt warns against abuses in labor export JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief warned labor export companies against committing any more violations, announcing stiffer measures in response to abuses. In a ceremony marking the issuance of new licenses for 69 labor export companies here yesterday, Latief said that violations, which often have fatal consequences on the workers, were still rampant.

Bimantara projects 103% increase in profit

Bimantara projects 103% increase in profit JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed PT Bimantara Citra has projected its net profit to rise 103 percent this year to around Rp 110 billion (US$47.8 million) from Rp 54.9 billion in 1994. Financial director Kadir Assegaf said here yesterday that 70.3 percent of this year's projected profit will come from the business group's media and broadcasting, automotive, telecommunications and chemical divisions.

No cannon this Christmas

No cannon this Christmas JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: City police have banned the use of bamboo cannons, along with firecrackers and liquor, during the upcoming Christmas and New Year festivities, Antara reported. Lt. Col. Jecky Manihin, the chief of Jayapura precinct, said that the sound of the cannons being fired in the hills, which began at the start of the month, has been disrupting people's activities. (31)

RI donates tea to UN

RI donates tea to UN BOGOR, West Java (JP): The government contributed yesterday 150 tons of tea worth US$200,000 to the World Food Program (WFP) of the United Nations. An agreement on the contribution was signed here by Secretary- general of the Ministry of Agriculture Soetatwo Hadiwigeno and WFP resident representative Caspar Jan Kamp.

Five policemen dismissed dishonorably

Five policemen dismissed dishonorably JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Dibyo Widodo yesterday officially fired five officers for lack of discipline and criminal acts. After removing the fired officers's uniform in a special ceremony at the City Police headquarters, Dibyo said; "I fully realize that this dishonorable dismissal is too harsh to you, your wife, children and relatives.

Tennis boss disappointed with SEA Games failure

Tennis boss disappointed with SEA Games failure JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's tennis players received bitter slaps on their knuckles by their boss on Wednesday following their dismal performance at the Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, chairman of the Indonesian Tennis Association, said after disbanding the SEA Games tennis team at the Rasuna Kuningan Club on Wednesday that lack of preparation was behind the failure.

State firms brace to go pulic

State firms brace to go pulic By Fadjar L. Sutandi JAKARTA (JP): The domestic capital market started the year on a downturn caused by the crisis in Mexico as foreign investors compared Indonesia's debt level with that of Mexico without looking into Indonesia's debt service capability.

Multiplex movies in Jakarta: The year in review

Multiplex movies in Jakarta: The year in review By Jane Freebury JAKARTA (JP): Dangling from cliff faces with Sylvester Stallone, tumbling down white-water rapids with Meryl Streep, or re-creating a real-life incident with a scary flight on a disabled craft to the moon and back with Tom Hanks, Hollywood has performed death-defying stunts at the movies this year. Thrills for the audience with the stars for company. Jakarta is home to the action movie and its sibling the action-adventure.

Novelist set to go global

Novelist set to go global SEMARANG, Central Java: Ronggeng Dukuh Paruk, a best-selling Indonesian trilogy of novels about the life of a traditional women dancer in the late 1960s, will soon be available in English and other foreign languages. Author Ahmad Tohari said he has signed a contract with a publisher which will see the translation of the trilogy into eight languages. He said he had many people to thank, including scholar Abdurrahman Wahid, for promoting his work overseas. (31)

Toll road developer expects Rp 110b profit

Toll road developer expects Rp 110b profit JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed toll road company PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada expects its after-tax profit to rise by 20 percent next year, to Rp 110 billion (US$47.7 million), a company director said yesterday.

'Developed' Singapore wary of new status

'Developed' Singapore wary of new status By Siti Rahil SINGAPORE (Kyodo): Being labeled a developed country by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) from Jan. 1 poses a new challenge for Singapore, which will increasingly have to compete economically with western industrialized countries.

Traffic offenders punished

Traffic offenders punished BANGKOK (Reuter): The Bangkok metropolitan police began a 10- day campaign yesterday to punish some of the city's undisciplined motorists and pedestrians blamed for exacerbating the capital's notorious traffic snarls. Police said the campaign, which will run through New Year's eve, would deploy 4,000 police officers on the streets in an effort to crack down on traffic violators either behind the wheel or on foot.

Wiranto asks for public cooperation against crime

Wiranto asks for public cooperation against crime JAKARTA (JP): Greater Jakarta Military Chief Maj. Gen. Wiranto called on Jakartans yesterday to be more cooperative with security officers in their battle against crime in the city. "All citizens should participate in the anti-crime drives. Please help the security officers make the city a more secure and safe place to live by providing information on crimes," he said yesterday.

Thailand scrambles to keep Asian Games in Bangkok

Thailand scrambles to keep Asian Games in Bangkok BANGKOK (Reuter): Thai sports officials, fresh from running the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, said yesterday they were scrambling to keep the 1998 Asian Games in Bangkok after Games officials threatened to hold them elsewhere.

Develop, don't ruin: Soeharto

Develop, don't ruin: Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto reaffirmed yesterday Indonesia's commitment to develop the country without destroying its natural resources. "We should develop without destruction," he said in a speech commemorating National Social Solidarity Day and the simultaneous launching of National Conservation Week in Lamreh village, Aceh Besar regency, Aceh.

Built-in control in sad state

Built-in control in sad state From Neraca The mass media recently carried reports on the government's weak ability to control its apparatus, which resulted in a classified report being leaked to unauthorized parties. I have observed the same weakness of control in the East Jakarta mayoral administration, where citizens requiring the administration's services are the losers.

Who lacks discipline?

Who lacks discipline? From Jayakarta Recruits to the National Discipline Movement are often seen in front of Indonesian Christian University (UKI) on Jalan Sutoyo in East Jakarta, a site of frequent traffic congestion. They wear green vests with the words Discipline Enforcer on the back. While they may supervise discipline on the streets, they do not have the authority to check on driver and vehicle documents.

Structural improvements imperative

Structural improvements imperative Reports of lavish spending in high places -- including a multi-billion-rupiah governor's house, a regent's swimming pool and fleets of staff cars -- have made headlines in recent weeks. Now there are allegations of corruption at the Ministry of Transportation. One top official recently criticized such expenditure on the part of a section of the political elite. The Jakarta Post interviewed scholar Franz Magnis-Suseno on this issue.

RI obtains IFAD loan

RI obtains IFAD loan JAKARTA (JP): The International Fund for Agriculture Development (IFAD) has agreed to provide Indonesia with a loan facility of US$18 million, the United Nations Information Center said yesterday. The loan, signed in Rome by Indonesian Ambassador Witjaksana Soegarda and IFAD's president Fawzi H. Al-Sultan, will be used to finance Indonesia's Eastern Island Small Holder Farming Systems and Live Stock Project.

S'pore stocks lead on bullish day

S'pore stocks lead on bullish day SINGAPORE (AFP): After a bullish performance on most Asian bourses yesterday, Singapore shares closed at their highest level of the year while Tokyo neared a similar record. In Singapore, the Straits Times Industrials index of leading issues on the Stock Exchange of Singapore gained 29.74 points to 2,256.91, surpassing its previous 1995 record of 2,246.25 reached on Jan. 3.

Clouded by high inflation rate, economy grows over 7%

Clouded by high inflation rate, economy grows over 7% By Rikza Addullah JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's economy, spurred by increasing investment and demand, has grown at a rate of over seven percent this year. However, economic growth has been overshadowed by a high inflation rate and a swelling current account deficit.

Rights body rejects calls to probe Freeport

Rights body rejects calls to probe Freeport JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights yesterday rejected an appeal by Irian Jaya students to look into allegations that PT Freeport Indonesia played an active role in the killings of civilians in the province earlier this year.

Indian dance troupe due here

Indian dance troupe due here JAKARTA (JP): India's Kathak dance troupe Kadamb is slated to perform at the Golden Ballroom of the Hilton Hotel on at 7 p.m. on Dec. 27. The one-night show is sponsored by the Jawaharlal Nehru Indian Cultural Centre in collaboration with the Women International Club (WIC) in Jakarta. The cultural center's director, J.A.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Christmas Program Christmas Eve and Christmas Day * Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua: Grand Baliroom - Christmas Mass (Ecumenical Christmas service), from 12 a.m. Pasar Senggol - Balinese Christmas Festival, with Balinese dance & Grand Hyatt Bali's Christmas Choir, from 7 p.m. Salsa Verde - Mediterranean Christmas fiesta with Spirit Band, Nelayan Cafe - Balinese Fisherman Village Christmas dinner. Watercourt Cafe - Christmas dinner. Mei Yan - Cantonese Delight.

Power plant in Batam

Power plant in Batam JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned city gas company PT Gas Negara (PGN) will distribute and sell 60,000 standard cubic feet of gas per day to Brighton Limited's 600 megawatt steam power plant in Batam, Riau, the gas company said in a statement yesterday. The 20-year distribution and sales agreement is to be signed today by PGN's president, A. Qoyum Tjandranegara, and Bambang Trihatmodjo, a director of PT Kresna Tara, the local partner of Brighton Limited.

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

Asia-Pacific secures US$90b investment

Asia-Pacific secures US$90b investment JAKARTA (JP): Foreign direct investments flowing into developing countries are estimated to reach US$90 billion in 1995, according to a United Nations report.

Military pledges to help seize illegal timber

Military pledges to help seize illegal timber JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Military Command pledged to help the administration seize timber transported to the capital without proper documents. The city military chief of staff, Brig. Gen. Sutiyoso, said yesterday that the operations against the sales of illegal timber conducted by the administration have yet to be satisfactory. "The administration has failed to stop the flow of illegal timber into Jakarta.

Mitsui's pager service here

Mitsui's pager service here TOKYO (Reuter): Japanese trading firm Mitsui & Co Ltd said it would establish a joint venture with Indonesian telecommunications company PT Telekomindo Primabhakti to offer pager services in Indonesia. The new venture, PT Buana Bintangbayu, will be capitalized at Rp 8 billion (US$3.4 million) and owned 25 percent by Mitsui and the rest by Telekomindo. They plan to invest 1.1 billion yen.

HK-flagged boat detained in RP

HK-flagged boat detained in RP ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): A Hong Kong-registered fishing boat and its crew of four have been detained by the Navy in this southern city for illegal entry, official sources said yesterday. Sixth Naval District officials who asked not to be named said the Seawell, a 20.7-meter boat, was intercepted by a naval gunboat off nearby Santa Cruz island on Wednesday night.

KONI to submit SEA Games account soon

KONI to submit SEA Games account soon JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council (KONI) chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar said yesterday he would be accounting for the use of Rp 18 million (US$7.8 million) by the Indonesian contingent for the 18th Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand, next month.

Philippines forms special task force to curb terrorism

Philippines forms special task force to curb terrorism MANILA (AFP): The Philippine military has formed a special anti-terrorist task force following growing concern over local and foreign terrorist groups in the country, military spokesmen said yesterday. The announcement followed a call by President Fidel Ramos, speaking on Armed Forces day, for security forces to crush terrorism and at the same time achieve full reconciliation with Moslem and communist insurgents.

ASEAN summit yields major results

ASEAN summit yields major results By Jusuf Wanandi JAKARTA (JP): The fifth ASEAN summit in Bangkok on Dec. 14-15, 1995 has ended with more practical results than expected before. ASEAN's Leaders Meetings have not been held frequently and their results have been uneven. The first one in Bali (1976) was basic, following a period of consolidation of almost 10 years and the changed strategic circumstances after the fall of Saigon in 1975.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 21, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 825 0 5,000 AHAP Insurance 3,200 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,300 100 1,000 Andayani Megah 1,625 0 337,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,000 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,075 25 25,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 1,750 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,000 -25 164,500 Argo Pantes 2,075 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,225 50 14,500 Asiana IMI...

Constitution misused in land conflicts: Walhi

Constitution misused in land conflicts: Walhi JAKARTA (JP): An article in the 1945 Constitution which recognizes the government's right to acquire land from the people in the interest of the public has been abused in many recent land conflicts, the Indonesian Forum for the Environment (Walhi) says.

Nigel Short takes his time to defeat Utut Adianto

Nigel Short takes his time to defeat Utut Adianto JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's number one chess player, Grand Master Utut Adianto, yesterday ran short of ideas against Briton Nigel Short when their first of the scheduled six-round games came to the 58th move. Throughout the match, which lasted about six and a half hours, the world number 14, Short, gained the upper hand with his favorite e4 first move, which developed into the Caro-Kann advanced variant defense.

The Listening Post

The Listening Post * A new building for a new school -- it's Christmas at the Jl. Gajah Mada branch of American Language Center. There's a festive spirit at our bright new building on Jl. Gajah Mada, across from Hayam Wuruk Plaza (and just a couple of minutes' walk from Gedung Perintis, where we recorded "The Listening Post" special Christmas music broadcast you can hear this evening at 8:15 on Radio Sonora FM100.9).

Britain okays fighters sale to RI

Britain okays fighters sale to RI LONDON (Reuter): The British government said on Tuesday it had approved the sale of fighter aircraft to Indonesia after concluding they would probably not be used against opponents of the Indonesian government. Trade minister Anthony Nelson said he had authorized the issue of licenses to British Aerospace Plc for a contract it signed in 1993 to sell 24 Hawk trainers and ground-attack fighters worth about 500 million pounds ($770 million).

GM subsidiary gets loan

GM subsidiary gets loan JAKARTA (JP): PT General Motors Buana Indonesia (GMBI) has secured a loan facility amounting to US$36 million from a syndication of foreign and joint-venture banks. Citicorp International Limited, which is acting as the agent, said yesterday that the facility, originally set at $30 million, was signed in Singapore on Thursday. GMBI is an automotive company 60-percent owned by General Motors Corporation of the United States and 40 percent by PT Garmak Motors. (hen)

Consumer body urges control of food prices

Consumer body urges control of food prices JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) has criticized the city administration for failing to effectively preempt rising prices of food staples and other goods ahead of the Christmas and New Year's celebrations. Zoemrotin K. Soesilo, YLKI chairwoman, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that rice, sugar, meat, flour, oil and salted fish are among nine food staples the prices of which should have been better controlled by the administration.