Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 February 1995

53 articles found

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Saturday Maghrib 06.16 p.m. Sunday Imsak 04.31 a.m. Subuh 04.41 a.m.

On 'puasa'

On 'puasa' Puasa for Moslems is more than just not eating and drinking during the daytime. It is considered to be one of the most important elements of the Islamic faith; it is for God. One cannot really experience puasa without understanding Islam or even without being a Moslem. It has been proven scientifically that fasting can be used to promote better physical condition, but for the Moslems puasa gives far greater advantages than that.

Speculation varies over additional haj pilgrims quota

Speculation varies over additional haj pilgrims quota JAKARTA (JP): The government has not disclosed how much of an additional quota for haj pilgrims it has secured from Saudi Arabia but officials are already sounding out warnings to applicants to brace themselves for the likelihood of being dropped this year.

Communist posters vex law enforcers

Communist posters vex law enforcers SEMARANG, Central Java: Authorities are investigating the origin of posters emblazened with the communist symbol that are circulating in several cities in the province. Head of the Central Java public prosecutor's office Harry Moerdjono said yesterday that anyone distributing the posters carrying the hammer-and-sickle insignia would be dealt with.

Reading room for children

Reading room for children JAKARTA (JP): The Nanda Dian Nusantara Foundation has inaugurated a reading room for the children of poor families in Penjaringan subdistrict in North Jakarta. The reading room was part of the foundation's social programs held in cooperation with the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Journalist Association and Bank Niaga.

Idul Fitri exodus expected to reach peak levels today

Idul Fitri exodus expected to reach peak levels today JAKARTA (JP): The number of travelers leaving the city to celebrate next week's Idul Fitri in their hometowns in Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan is estimated to reach its peak today and tomorrow. By late afternoon yesterday, holidaymakers at several main bus terminals and railway stations in the greater Jakarta area were estimated at below 100,000. The number is expected to increase in the next few days.

East Timor to bar outsiders from jobs

East Timor to bar outsiders from jobs DILI, East Timor (JP): Due to a mounting unemployment problem, this impoverished province will be closed to job seekers from other provinces to allow locals to start businesses and fill available jobs, an official announced yesterday. Deputy Governor Johanes Haribowo said legislation expected to go into effect in the near future will also authorize the local administration to expel jobless migrants.

Rights commission returns to Liquisa

Rights commission returns to Liquisa DILI, East Timor (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights yesterday began the second round of investigations into the army's Jan. 12 killing of six suspected rebels in Liquisa. The five-member team met with Liquisa regent Leonato Martin and a number of soldiers involved in the incident, including the commandant of the army unit that raided the house believed to be a rebel hideout.

Mangroves endangered

Mangroves endangered PALU, Central Sulawesi: Around 71,000 hectares of mangroves along the province's coasts are in critical condition due to illegal logging, says a local officer. "Most of the mangroves have been illegally cut down by the local fisherman community and badly affected by sea abrasion," head of the local forestry office Riwung Toemon said here Thursday. If the coastal areas are not reforested, the marine ecosystem will be affected, he said as quoted by Antara.

Pulp exports to surge this year

Pulp exports to surge this year JAKARTA (JP): Thanks to steadily rising prices, Indonesian pulp producers are expecting a major increase in export revenues to about US$2 billion this year, an executive said. "This year we expect to export approximately 750,000 tons of pulp, worth about $2 billion, as compared to last year's 200,000 tons valued at about $700 million," Suresh Kilam, an executive of the Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association, told reporters on Thursday night.

Japanese tourists in Bali

Japanese tourists in Bali JAKARTA (JP): Garuda Indonesia, the national flag carrier, reported here yesterday that the number of its passengers from Japan to Denpasar, Bali, has remained stable in the last two months, despite controversial reports of a cholera outbreak on the holiday island. Airline spokesman Jansius Siahaan said that in January, Garuda transported 23,556 passengers from Tokyo and 8,876 others from Osaka to Denpasar. Up to Feb.

RI archers out to win Olympic slots

RI archers out to win Olympic slots JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is out to win tickets to the 1996 Olympic Games, during the 38th World Archery Championships to be held at home early in August. "It will be extremely hard work since we will be competing with the world's best archers," Oetojo Oesman, chairman of the Indonesian Archery Association, said during a fast breaking gathering on Thursday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 24, 1995 Trading Shares Close Change Volume --------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,700 900 3,000 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 0 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,300 106,000 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,500 0 ANWAR SIERAD 1,575 -25 3,000 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 2,025 253,000 ARGO PANTES 2,725 0 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,600 0 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 800 1,500 ASTRA...

Bambang refuses to be silenced by critics

Bambang refuses to be silenced by critics JAKARTA (JP): Although his political career currently lies in the balance, outspoken Golkar legislator Bambang Warih Koesoemo continued to lash out in various directions yesterday. As he awaits President Soeharto's decision on Golkar's demand that he be removed from the House of Representatives (DPR), Bambang yesterday denounced the domestic political situation in Indonesia today.

RI may use Mexico as its 'beachhead' to export textiles

RI may use Mexico as its 'beachhead' to export textiles JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia could use Mexico as its "beachhead" to penetrate North and Latin American textile markets. Mexican Ambassador to Indonesia Jorge Palacios said here yesterday that Indonesia can export more textiles to his country.

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.

Prosecutors named for Oki's trial

Prosecutors named for Oki's trial JAKARTA (JP): The chief of the City Prosecutor's Office, Suyoto, has appointed Abdul Muis Gasing to handle the trial of Harnoko Dewantono alias Oki, who is alleged to have falsified Indonesian passports. Suyoto said during a fast breaking gathering at the attorney general's office that his office has also appointed prosecutor Soeyitno to assist Abdul Muis in the trial. He said the venue of the trial will be at the South Jakarta District Court.

Bird poaching declines in Irian

Bird poaching declines in Irian SORONG, Irian Jaya: Researchers from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) divide the famed bird of paradise, which is protected by law, into 11 species. Manokwari-based WWF researcher Duncan Nafile said four of the species have "antennae" and are categorized into the king bird of paradise, which are highly popular among Javanese bird lovers.

Phony journalists

Phony journalists From Neraca We highly appreciate a joint effort by the police and the Indonesian Journalists' Association to get rid Jakarta of phony journalists. These type of people have intimidated and extorted people and government officials long enough in the city. Their despicable actions tantamount violations of press ethics. They have certainly tarnished the image of that group of true journalists because they extort money from the community.

Freeport's environment plans

Freeport's environment plans JAKARTA (JP): PT Freeport Indonesia Company announced that its environmental management plan and environmental monitoring plan have been approved by the government. The approval, which was issued by Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana on Feb.

Houses approves the 1995-1996 state budget

Houses approves the 1995-1996 state budget JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives approved the 1995- 1996 state budget, which calls for a nominal increase of 11.9 percent in both revenues and spending, yesterday. The four House factions -- Golongan Karya (Golkar), the Moslem-dominated United Development Party (PPP), the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) and the Armed Forces representatives -- described the tight budget as realistic, given the condition of the Indonesian and world economies.

Aerowisata offers marketing for hotels

Aerowisata offers marketing for hotels JAKARTA (JP): PT Aerowisata, a subsidiary of Garuda Indonesia, is now offering worldwide marketing for domestic star-rated hotels through its international networks. Aerowisata's president, Ronny Kusuma Hermayanto, told The Jakarta Post that the company has been operating its new business, called Aerowisata Associate, since late last year.

ABRI says error made in Liquisa

ABRI says error made in Liquisa JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) admitted yesterday that some of its soldiers had made a mistake when they killed six civilians who were members of an East Timor rebel group in the Liquisa regency last month.

Graves should be of standard shape

Graves should be of standard shape JAKARTA (JP): Sooner or later all graves and tombstones in Jakarta will have to be of a standard shape and size, chief of the Jakarta Cemetery Agency Syahriel Zaenuddin said yesterday. He said this is part of efforts to wipe out the superstitious suggestions still prevailing among the public that cemeteries are haunted and fear inspiring.

Oki's case

Oki's case From Media Indonesia Much has been said in the media about Oki's case, but there is something that does not quite make sense. Ipunk, ex-fiancee of Oki, said that she did not know anything about Oki's job and education. She argues that she does not want to disturb his privacy (Tiras, Feb. 16, 1995). Is it logical that Ipunk, who had been engaged to Oki for four years, was ignorant of Oki's daily activity? What did they talk about when they met each other?

Taspen's invested Rp 8.3t last year

Taspen's invested Rp 8.3t last year JAKARTA (JP) The total investment of PT Taspen, the state- owned company handling insurance and pensions for civil servants, reached Rp 8.3 trillion (US$3.86 billion) as of last year. Taspen's president, Purwanto Abdulcadir, said the investment funds were accumulated from pension contributions and the insurance premiums of civil servants throughout the country.

Tips for holiday travelers

Tips for holiday travelers JAKARTA (JP): The following are tips which might be helpful to travelers to ensure they arrive at their destinations intact: Tips for Idul Fitri Motorists 1. Make careful preparations prior to departure: itinerary and health checks, and arrange necessary documents. 2. Have your vehicle checked by a reputable repair shop before you leave the city. 3. Obtain a map which provides various information about Idul Fitri. 4.

Toll facilities

Toll facilities From Kompas The management of toll roads is obviously in compliance with the concept of national development, in which equity should always be taken into consideration. In this context, PT Jasa Marga (a state-owned road service company) must always have the concept of equity in mind when providing facilities on the toll roads.

ICC to discuss Asia

ICC to discuss Asia NEW DELHI (AFP): Business and investment opportunities in Asia will be the focus of a major conference to be staged here next month by the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), the organizers said yesterday. About 200 delegates from overseas will join 400 Indian counterparts at the two-day conference starting March 27, the theme of which would be "Dynamic Asia: Event of the Decade," the Indian national committee of the ICC said in a statement here.

Ramos accused of 'dismantling' RP democracy

Ramos accused of 'dismantling' RP democracy MANILA (AFP): Philippine Roman Catholic church leader Cardinal Jaime Sin has accused President Fidel Ramos and Congress of conniving to "dismantle" democracy for failing to pass into law key electoral reforms.

Workers demand annual extra pay

Workers demand annual extra pay JAKARTA (JP): Over 70 workers from seven companies in Bogor and Tangerang went to the Ministry of Manpower yesterday to protest against employer violations of the ministerial decree on annual extra pay.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Nusa Dua Beach Hotel: Budaya Stage - Legong Buffet Dinner, Friday; Ramayana Buffet Dinner, Monday. Coffee Shop - Indonesian Night with Joged Dance, Saturday. Village Night with Frog Dance, Tuesday. Notte Italiana with Capo Dastro Quartet, Thursday. Poolside - BBQ Night with Hawaiian Band, Wednesday. * Sheraton Lagoon Nusa Dua Beach: Poolside Terrace - Janger Cultural Performance, Friday. Pasar Ikan Seafood Market, Saturday.

Fast breaking at Priok port

Fast breaking at Priok port JAKARTA (JP): Chief of Staff of Jakarta Military District Command Brig. Gen. Sutiyoso attended a breaking of the fast gathering with stevedores of Tanjung Priok seaport, North Jakarta, on Thursday evening. The ceremony was also attended by A. Harbani, president of the state-owned port company PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II, Soenardjo, the Tanjung Priok port administrator and Sutiyoso's wife.

Myanmar facing another sanction

Myanmar facing another sanction SYDNEY (Reuter): Australia said yesterday that Myanmar's military government faced possible exclusion from next July's meeting of ASEAN nations over its alleged continued human-rights abuses. Citing attacks on ethnic-minority rebels and issues of forced labor and political prisoners, Australia's foreign minister said a case could be made for barring Myanmar from the next Association of Southeast Asian Nations meeting.

Palki restaurant

Palki restaurant On Feb. 5, 1995, Sunday, we went for dinner at the Palki restaurant in Jakarta for the first time. We had a terrible experience. First of all the waiter brought a menu which didn't list prices. One can make out right away that it's not the right place to eat. We had to request that the waiter give us a menu with prices listed. He brought it. We ordered chicken curry, he brought sweet and sour chicken curry. I told him I am unable to eat anything sweet for health reasons.

Govt pays pensions earlier

Govt pays pensions earlier JAKARTA (JP): The government has decided to pay the monthly pension of all its former employees early so that they can celebrate the Idul Fitri Moslem holiday. Chairman of the Civil Service Administration Agency (BAKN) Soenarko said the pensioners can collect their pension checks on March 1 and 2 instead of between the 4th and 7th of the month as is usual, Antara reported. Pensioners collect their pay either from the post office or appointed government banks.

'Baby Bell' teams up with KL firm

'Baby Bell' teams up with KL firm KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): One of America's "baby Bells" has formed a US$1.4 billion joint venture with a new but well- connected telecommunications company to create multimedia networks in Malaysia, company executives said yesterday.

Bank Bali to issue warrants

Bank Bali to issue warrants JAKARTA (JP): The publicly listed Bank Bali plans to issue warrants as the "sweetener" for its rights shares soon to be offered to existing shareholders, a bank executive says. Muliadi Hendri, the vice president of Bank Bali, said the planned rights shares and warrants would be issued to strengthen the bank's capital structure.

Malaysian soccer beats corruption

Malaysian soccer beats corruption KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian police and soccer chiefs were claiming victory yesterday in the fight against bribery and corruption in the game after sending the culprits into internal exile and promising "cleaner" players. After the arrest of nearly 100 players, coaches and bookies and the banishment or state exile of 22 of them in the past four months, officials said they were concluding their probe against match-fixers in the national premier league.

One person dies in dengue outbreak

One person dies in dengue outbreak SEMARANG, Central Java: One person has died and dozens of others have been hospitalized due to an outbreak of dengue fever in seven villages. The Central Java provincial government announced recently that the dengue fever outbreak was the first in five years. The Wonogiri administration has taken measures to curb the disease spread by aedes aegepty mosquitoes. It has sent in more medical supplies and formed a task force in charge of medical action. (har)

Health posts in 33 locations

Health posts in 33 locations JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has set up temporary health clinics in 33 locations throughout the city during the current Idul Fitri period, Soeharto, head of the City Health Office, said yesterday. He said that the 33 clinics are stationed in bus terminals, railway stations, toll gates, airports, seaports and entertainment centers. The clinics are open between Feb. 24 and March 11, Soeharto was quoted by Antara as saying.

Exodus gains momentum, but under control

Exodus gains momentum, but under control JAKARTA (JP): The number of passengers leaving for their home towns for Idul Fitri celebration from the Pulogadung bus terminal, East Jakarta, and from Soekarno-Hatta International airport rose significantly yesterday, but remains feasible. "Regular buses were still adequate to transport them," said the chief of the Pulogadung bus terminal, A. Hakim, yesterday.

Rainstorm damage 70 houses

Rainstorm damage 70 houses MAGELANG, Central Java: At least 70 houses in the Ngluar and Salam sub-districts were badly damaged in a rainstorm on Wednesday, Antara reported yesterday. "The 70 houses were seriously damaged after being hit by falling trees," Sarmanto, head of the Social Affairs division of the Magelang regency, said. He said there were no casualties but that losses have been estimated at Rp 15 million (US$6,784.3).(imn)

PT Arbamass denies misuse of official letter

PT Arbamass denies misuse of official letter JAKARTA (JP): PT Arbamass Multi Invesco, which advocates controlling Indonesia's liquor trade and distribution through mandatory labeling, insists it has the legal right to carry out the move although a Ministry of Home Affairs official says otherwise.

DAMRI, PPD ready for Idul Fitri

DAMRI, PPD ready for Idul Fitri JAKARTA (JP): Director General of Land Transportation Soejono has instructed all staff of the state-owned bus companies, DAMRI and PPD, to properly serve passengers using their buses to return to their hometowns for the Idul Fitri celebrations. He issued the instruction at a DAMRI terminal in Kemayoran on Thursday, while presiding over a ceremony marking the readiness of the two bus companies to serve passengers during the Moslem holidays.

Two shipowners fined $54,000

Two shipowners fined $54,000 KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The owners of two Singapore tankers were fined a total of US$54,000 yesterday after pleading guilty to charges of polluting Malaysian waters, the Bernama news agency reported. The sessions court in Malaysia's southern Johore state imposed fines of 65,000 ringgit ($26,000) on Xin Hui Shipping Private Ltd. of Singapore -- the owner of MV Solo -- and 70,000 ringgit ($28,000) on Dong Sheng Tankers Private Ltd. which owns SS Song San.

Legislator's job

Legislator's job From Bisnis Indonesia I take offense with Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad's emotional "appeal" at the House of Representatives asking journalists to write and report more responsibly. His attitude is shameful and proves that he is incapable of exercising self- control. I deny ever having said that the Minister of Finance explicitly threatened the press. However, any government "appeal" or piece of advice is usually intended to prevent society from doing something.

Educational expert says 1994 curriculum too tough

Educational expert says 1994 curriculum too tough JAKARTA (JP): An expert on education warns that the new school curriculum introduced nationwide last year is so tough that only a handful of students are likely to make it through. The 1994 curriculum should be simplified in order to enable more students to reach and pass through the junior and general senior high school levels, Father J. Drost S.J. said on Thursday. "The new 1994 curriculum is very thorough.

Political forces are partners, not enemies: Feisal

Political forces are partners, not enemies: Feisal JAKARTA (JP): When the Armed Forces (ABRI) carries out its socio-political role, there are no enemies. The other political forces are seen as partners, ABRI chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung says. In a speech before the Army's Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) on Thursday, Feisal underlined the chief difference in the way ABRI discharges its defense and political roles, the Antara news agency reported.

Beware of negative information

Beware of negative information JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko warned yesterday of an influx of "negative information" that is being beamed in by foreign broadcasting networks, especially to rural areas. Briefing the press yesterday at the conclusion of his two-week Ramadhan tour, which covered 6,300 kilometers of Kalimantan, Harmoko pointed out that information has become "one of the basic needs" of the population.

Bali denies cholera claim

Bali denies cholera claim DENPASAR, Bali: The Bali provincial administration has sent an official letter to the Japanese government, denying Japanese tourists' claim that cholera was spreading on the tourist island. Governor Ida Bagus Oka said yesterday that the letter was sent to the Japanese government through the Indonesian embassy in Tokyo on Wednesday. Oka said he made it clear to Japan that the tourists' claim, which was widely publicized by the Japanese mass media, was baseless.

Money-losing high-tech industries

Money-losing high-tech industries The State Minister of Research and Technology and Chairman of the Board for the Study and Application of Technology, B.J. Habibie, has admitted that five of the ten state-owned enterprises under the management of the Management Board for Strategic Industries are losing money. They include the Nusantara Aircraft Industry IPTN, the PT PAL shipyard as well as some high-technology industries.

Lost luggage

Lost luggage Both my husband and I came to Indonesia full of best intentions and goodwill. Before we left Australia we bought many books on Indonesia, and we came with immense interest in the country, its culture, its history and its people. To our great pleasure, we find Indonesian people very friendly, helpful and nice. But what has spoilt all our good impressions of Indonesia are the hassles we went through with our luggage.