Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 February 1995

50 articles found

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Tuesday Maghrib 06.17 p.m. Wednesday Imsak 04.31 a.m. Subuh 04.41 a.m.

Twelve 'ninjas' to enter court

Twelve 'ninjas' to enter court DILI, East Timor: Local police chief Col. Andreas Sugianto says at least 12 'ninja' leaders will be brought to trial for masterminding terrorist and vandalistic acts in the capital over the past two months. The 12 detainees "coordinated" gangs of masked men to roam the streets of Dili and terrorize pro-independence activists, stoning houses and setting fire to vehicles. "So far, dozens of people have been arrested and questioned," he told Antara.

50,000 fireworks confiscated

50,000 fireworks confiscated JAKARTA (JP): A special team from the On-the-Alert directorate of the City Police confiscated over 50,000 fireworks of various types and sizes yesterday from a young couple at the Tanah Abang market in Central Jakarta. Head of the Operational Affairs division Capt. Syaiful Bd. said here yesterday that the couple bought the fireworks from a trader in Parung Panjang, Bogor.

Asia-Pacific prepares to face global warming

Asia-Pacific prepares to face global warming MANILA (Agencies): Asia-Pacific nations declared a "state of emergency" Monday due to the threat of inundation faced by island states due to global warming, as developed countries were urged to reduce gaseous emissions by 20 percent by 2005.

Old Buddhist temple restored

Old Buddhist temple restored JAKARTA (JP): A Buddhist temple believed to be more than 300 years old, located on Jl. Pasar Baru in Tangerang, 20 kilometers west of here, will be totally refurbished. The refurbishment will cost about Rp 200,000 million, Trisno Budiyanto, chairman of Yayasan Vihara Nimalla (Foundation for Holy Temples), told Antara yesterday. He said the refurbishment work will be carried out in stages, with the first stage starting in the front yard of the temple.

Liquisa nearly a rebel base

Liquisa nearly a rebel base JAKARTA (JP): Fretilin, the East Timor armed separatist movement, had been turning the Liquisa regency into its major base camp when the military moved into the area last month, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung said yesterday. Military intelligence reports suggested some Fretilin activities around the regency, including the possibility of an armed attack to capture the area, Feisal told a hearing with Commission I of the House of Representatives.

Dairi villagers take their case to Feisal

Dairi villagers take their case to Feisal JAKARTA (JP): Villagers from the Dairi regency in North Sumatra took their case of a land dispute that turned violent to Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung yesterday. Representatives of the villagers and their supporters met with Feisal, although only for a brief period, after an all day quest that first took them to the Armed Forces (ABRI) headquarters on Jl. Merdeka Barat and then to the House of Representatives (DPR).

Page Kodim, you're safe

Page Kodim, you're safe JAKARTA (JP): City Military Headquarters has urged residents to page immediately its military offices' special forces on motorcycles for any type of crime they witness. City military spokesman Lt. Col. Didi Supandi said yesterday that the active participation of the public is badly needed to fight crimes during the Idul Fitri festivities, when many people leave the city to celebrate the Islamic holidays in their hometowns.

Anti-counterfeiting unit works quietly

Anti-counterfeiting unit works quietly JAKARTA (JP): Even if there hasn't been much in the news about currency counterfeiting lately, it doesn't mean that all's well. Chief of the State Intelligence Board (Bakin) Soedibyo disclosed yesterday that a special unit dealing with cases of currency counterfeiting is active all the time. The difference with the anti-narcotic campaign is that given the nature of its work, this unit works quietly to avoid any kind of publicity.

Mien supports sending maids to Saudis

Mien supports sending maids to Saudis JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Women's Roles Mien Sugandhi said yesterday that she supports the export of maids to Saudi Arabia provided that the workers are covered by adequate legal protection. Mien criticized local mass media for "exploiting the negative side" of life that Indonesian maids face in Saudi Arabia and for overlooking the positive. The minister made the remarks to journalists after discussing the issue with Saudi Arabia's Ambassador Abdullah A.

Govt may end SGS contract this year

Govt may end SGS contract this year JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad said yesterday that the government might not extend the contract of the Geneva-based Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) to inspect Indonesia's imports at points of loading. "If the company is still needed, we will hire it only for technical assistance," the minister told the Budgetary Commission of the House of Representatives during a hearing.

Soeharto wants anti-narcotic drive intensified

Soeharto wants anti-narcotic drive intensified JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday said that Indonesia should conduct an intensive campaign against drug abuse even though narcotic are a relatively small problem in the country. "We should conduct this campaign without overdramatizing the problem," Soeharto was quoted as saying by Soedibyo, the chief of the State Intelligence Board.

Foreign investors reject Hanoi's plan

Foreign investors reject Hanoi's plan By Marc Lavine QUANG NGAI, Vietnam (AFP): Vietnam's plan to create an Asian oil and industry hub in one of its poorest regions is threatened by investors rejection of the controversial location. The authorities are pushing for Dung Quat, on an isolated stretch of palm tree lined coast in central Vietnam, as the site for the project, despite the objections from foreign firms.

When two legislators have affair...

When two legislators have affair... JAKARTA (JP): East Java governor Basofi Sudirman will withdraw a legislator from the ruling Golkar party serving at a local legislative council for having a love affair with a House of Representatives member, a press report said yesterday. Antara said that Mrs. SW of the Probolinggo regency legislative council was dating a Jakarta-based House member long before she held her position after the 1992 election.

Cambodia is seeking $500 million in aid

Cambodia is seeking $500 million in aid PHNOM PENH (Reuter): Finance Minister Keat Chhon said yesterday the government was seeking US$540 million in aid from a meeting of international donors in Paris next month. "This year in our budget we just put a figure of $150 million from international funding, but we need $540 million for our present needs for 1995," he told Reuters. "We are realistic, we know that we can mobilize only $150 (million), but we need $540 (million).

SPSI and labor productivity

SPSI and labor productivity On Monday Feb. 20 the All Indonesia Workers Association (SPSI) celebrated its 22nd anniversary. Apart from wishing the organization well, we could perhaps use the occasion to reflect on its role in the New Order era. Sharp criticism has often been addressed at this organization. At the same time -- though less publicized -- the SPSI has been working to raise the standards of professionalism among its members and provided counsel to them.

PGN to start two gas pipeline projects in 1996

PGN to start two gas pipeline projects in 1996 JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned gas company Perum Gas Negara (PGN) plans to construct two gas pipeline networks from the Asamera gas field in South Sumatra to Duri and Batam Island, both in Riau, and to Muarakarang in North Jakarta next year. PGN's president, A.

PPP chapter members want recognition

PPP chapter members want recognition JAKARTA (JP): Dissenting members from the United Development Party (PPP) Jakarta chapter yesterday demanded that the central executive board recognize its chairman. Arifin Arbain, who said he was legitimately elected during the recent chapter meeting, told the press that he has met with PPP Chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum, but has not secured his support. "I asked for an audience during which I sought his recognition," Arifin said.

21,800 students join apprentice program

21,800 students join apprentice program JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for People's Welfare RS Museno launched yesterday the latest round of a holiday apprenticeship program for students. Museno said the program was aimed at helping students spend their holidays engaged in positive activities. "This is our way of providing positive activities for students during their holidays.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 20, 1995 Trading Shares Close Change Volume ------------------------------------------------------ ADES ALFINDO 2,400 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 7,000 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,350 25 5,000 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,450 150 20,000 ANWAR SIERAD 1,550 -100 191,500 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 1,975 27,000 ARGO PANTES 2,725 5,000 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,700 0 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 1,325...

RP, Vanuatu to boost ties

RP, Vanuatu to boost ties MANILA (AFP): Vanuatu Prime Minister Maxime Carlote Korman and Philippine President Fidel Ramos agreed yesterday to strengthen bilateral trade ties, the Filipino leader said after meeting his South Pacific counterpart.

Vietnam to start slow as new ASEAN member

Vietnam to start slow as new ASEAN member By John Rogers HANOI (Reuter): Vietnam will take time to join in all the political and economic activities of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) after the Communist country becomes the grouping's seventh member this July. Economically weaker than its new partners, it will not become part of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) for at least three to four years, Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam said after talks last week in Singapore.

Few Indonesians patent inventions

Few Indonesians patent inventions JAKARTA (JP): Director General of Copyrights, Patents, and Trademarks Nico Kansil said yesterday that few Indonesians have registered their inventions, products, or trademarks. Nico told the House of Representatives yesterday that, as of December 1994, only 2.6 percent of inventions registered with his office were by Indonesian inventors. "Only 260 of the 9,930 inventions registered with the office since 1991 belong to Indonesians," he said.

Number of fake export documents decline

Number of fake export documents decline JAKARTA (JP): The number of document manipulations for the exports of rattan, wood and leather goods exports decreased last year, an executive said here yesterday. The president of state-controlled surveyor company PT Sucofindo, Moedjiono, told a hearing with the Trade and Logistics Commission of the House of Representatives that exporters are tempted to produce fake documents on rattan, wood and leather goods in order to evade export taxes.

East Javanese more fertile

East Javanese more fertile SURABAYA, East Java: An increase in East Java's total fertility rate by 0.09 points from 2.134 to 2.223 means it has dropped from second to fourth place on the list of the most successful provinces in birth control. According to the 1994 demographic survey, the most successful province is Yogyakarta, followed by Jakarta and Bali.

Duta Pertiwi's profit soars

Duta Pertiwi's profit soars JAKARTA (JP): PT Duta Pertiwi, a property company listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), yesterday reported a 326 percent increase in its net profit to Rp 81 billion (US$37.67 million) in 1994 from Rp 19 billion in 1993. According to the company's 1994 unaudited financial report, the company's before-tax profit rose 470 percent to Rp 120 billion from Rp 21 billion.

KONI to announce new board

KONI to announce new board JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) plans to announce the recently-completed lineup of its new leadership board by this Friday. "Barring unforeseen circumstances, the lineup is 99 percent fixed," Rudolf Warouw, the closest assistant of new KONI president Wismoyo Arismunandar, said during a get-together with outgoing top KONI officials yesterday.

Plaza Indonesia's 5th anniversary

Plaza Indonesia's 5th anniversary JAKARTA (JP): Plaza Indonesia will hold a series of activities, including fashion shows, modern and traditional dances and exclusive product exhibitions, from Feb. 24 to March 1 in conjunction with its fifth anniversary. The fashion show, which will be held in the Plaza Indonesia Atrium, will feature noted international and domestic designers, while the exclusive products to be displayed will include cars and electronic utensils.

Answers needed

Answers needed This letter takes as background a Dutch proverb which says: Only my friends tell me my shortcomings (free translation). Please consider this letter in that light. A. I notice that your paper translates Dewan Pertahanan Nasional as National Resilience Institute, which in my opinion is not correct. Translation for Dewan Pertahanan Nasional should be National Defense Institute. Resilience means Ketahanan, while defense is Pertahanan.

Team to fight phony newsmen at police HQ

Team to fight phony newsmen at police HQ JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Indonesian Journalists Association posted at Jakarta police headquarters have been asked to guard against phony reporters operating at police headquarters. "We will cooperate closely with the police, because we believe that there are many people who claim to be journalists but do not belong to any publication," Tarman Azam, chairman of the Jakarta office of the association told reporters yesterday.

Pontianak takes night flights

Pontianak takes night flights PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Supadio Airport is presently being prepared to take night flights in anticipation of the passenger rush during the Idul Fitri holidays. Head of the provincial transportation office Budiman was quoted by Antara as saying that he estimated the increase of passengers this year to be 10-15 percent during the "rush period", which starts on Feb. 24 and ends on March 11.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

Lava threatens Yogyakarta

Lava threatens Yogyakarta YOGYAKARTA: Two dams located in the upstream of Boyong river are unable to accommodate further volcanic material from Mt. Merapi after heavy rains on Sunday flushed down thousands of cubic meters of lava into the river, the Antara news agency reported. Five dams have been built in the river, which is located south of the volcano which erupted in November. Each dam is capable of accommodating some 300 cubic meters of volcanic material.

Telkom expands phone services in Jakarta

Telkom expands phone services in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): In a move to improve its services, state-owned telecommunication company PT Telkom has set up eight new telephone exchanges, one outdoor plant maintenance center and four new district offices. Minister for Administrative Reforms TB Silalahi collectively inaugurated the facilities yesterday at the new telecommunication office in West Jakarta.

Soeharto wants tougher control on land use

Soeharto wants tougher control on land use JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto wants stricter control of land use and ownership to prevent further reduction of the country's agricultural areas due to land conversion. "Land must not become an object for speculation, nor a means for maximizing profits," he said in the keynote speech at the opening of a workshop for the National Land Agency yesterday.

City revokes 35,004 old permits

City revokes 35,004 old permits JAKARTA (JP): The city administration announced yesterday it was revoking 35,004 old licenses of sub-contractors for city administration projects. Harun Al Rasyid, chief of the sub-contractors assessment committee said that after conducting reassessment tests, 26,730 companies are qualified to be sub-contractors for city projects in 1995.

Idul Fitri gifts for the poor

Idul Fitri gifts for the poor JAKARTA (JP): About 500 poor residents of Kampung Tengah, in the Kramat Jati district, East Jakarta, have received Idul Fitri gift packages from Yayasan Nanda Dian Nusantara, a non-profit foundation. After giving the gifts on Saturday, chairwoman of the foundation, which specializes in handling street children, Mrs.

Sukanto's paper firm to raise funds in U.S.

Sukanto's paper firm to raise funds in U.S. JAKARTA (JP): Sukanto Tanoto, Chairman of the widely- diversified RGM Group, is intensifying his efforts to become one of Indonesia's largest pulp and paper producers by raising funds on the New York Stock Exchange. Sukanto told journalists over the weekend that his new company, Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings Ltd.

Give IPTN, PAL time to make profits: Habibie

Give IPTN, PAL time to make profits: Habibie JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie said yesterday that the strategic industries under his control should be given two to three years to prove that they can bring home profits, provided export credits are granted for the sales of their products. "Give our strategic industries conditions like those enjoyed by our competitors.

Perth to host Indian Ocean meeting

Perth to host Indian Ocean meeting KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Australia said yesterday it has drawn up a list of 37 nations to be invited to a meeting it was hosting in June to discuss South Africa's plan for an Indian Ocean trade and security grouping. "We have identified 37 countries. It depends ... if all will turn up," Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans told reporters here.

Firm proposes hike in highway toll rates

Firm proposes hike in highway toll rates JAKARTA (JP): PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada, a private company operating a 17.6km toll road in Jakarta, proposed yesterday an increase in highway toll fees to help it to repay loans. "The highway toll rates in the country have so far increased very slowly, causing toll road developers some difficulty in repaying loans," the president of PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada, Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, said.

APEC forms council

APEC forms council TOKYO (AFP): Osaka and vicinity set up a special council yesterday to provide support for this year's Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum scheduled for November, officials said. Osaka Governor Kazuo Nakawawa was appointed chairman of the council, which is allowed to spend the total budget of 1.8 billion yen (US$19 million) on preparing the APEC ministerial and summit meetings.

Aussies accused of kidnapping released on bail

Aussies accused of kidnapping released on bail JAKARTA (JP): The city prosecutor's office released on bail on Friday two Australian private detectives and a German woman who were arrested last year for allegedly abducting her children from a house in East Jakarta. Defense lawyer for the suspects, Gunawan Suryoputro, was quoted by Reuter as saying yesterday that the three are now staying at a hotel in downtown Kota. "They are in Jakarta and their status is that of city detainees.

Claims of foul play at parking authority probed

Claims of foul play at parking authority probed JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja ordered City Administration Inspector Djoko Brotosurjono yesterday to investigate alleged corruption at the city parking authority. "The city administration will take firm actions against any officials found involved in the corruption case," Surjadi told reporters yesterday.

The top taxpayers

The top taxpayers The Indonesian government has made its annual announcement of the 200 top individual and corporate taxpayers as part of its campaign to inculcate a sense of pride in the people about fulfilling one of their basic civic duties -- paying taxes. The latest top taxpayer lists for 1993 were announced by Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad over the weekend.

ICMI manages village funds

ICMI manages village funds BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The Indonesian Association of Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) has started a pilot project for the management of government aid for impoverished villages, Antara reported. "Through the Baituttamwil (a special agency which manages financial matters based on Islamic law), ICMI will see to it that the funds are used for productive purposes," said Amin Azis from ICMI's central office.

Man jailed for forcing wife into prostitution

Man jailed for forcing wife into prostitution JAKARTA (JP): A 40-year-old man was sentenced to one year's imprisonment by the South Jakarta District Court yesterday after he was convicted of "selling" his own wife into prostitution from 1986 until 1994. "The board of judges has decided to sentence the defendant, Yudhi Haryadi Sutikno, to one year's imprisonment, having found him guilty of making money by forcing his wife to become a prostitute," Judge Doris A.A.Taulo said.

Statistics office to hold economic census soon

Statistics office to hold economic census soon JAKARTA (JP): The Central Bureau of Statistics will hold an economic census and set up a business information center in the near future, an official said yesterday. "The government has allocated ample funding for the census, which will focus on all economic activities outside the agriculture sector," the statistics bureau's chief, Soegito, told reporters after a meeting with President Soeharto at the Merdeka Palace.

Legislators concerned over teachers' fates

Legislators concerned over teachers' fates JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives criticized yesterday the arduous official procedures that underpaid teachers must carry out for promotion. In a hearing with officials from the Civil Servant Administration Agency, house members also expressed their concern over uneven distribution of teachers in various areas across the country.

GKBI is likely to remain care taker of Kanindotex

GKBI is likely to remain care taker of Kanindotex JAKARTA (JP): The Federation of Indonesian Batik Cooperatives (GKBI) is likely to remain the caretaker of the debt-ridden Kanindotex despite a possible change in the textile company's ownership. "Bank Bumi Daya (BBD) and Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) are expected to maintain the federation under Kanindotex's management," a senior executive from the Ministry of Finance said.