Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 March 1995

43 articles found

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.

Hundreds netted in crackdown on hoodlums

Hundreds netted in crackdown on hoodlums JAKARTA (JP): Top government officials made the most of strong public support yesterday to take a major stride in their national campaign to eradicate street hooliganism and restore the public's sense of security. Security forces in several major cities in Java rounded up hundreds of alleged thugs, confiscating liquor and weapons which have allegedly been used for criminal purposes.

Team set up to tackle cloud seeding ahead of dry season

Team set up to tackle cloud seeding ahead of dry season JAKARTA (JP): In anticipation of the next dry season, expected to start in April, Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsyah has formed a rain-making team. The team, headed by Faisal Kasryno, chief of the research and development section of the agriculture ministry, will select target locations, set a cloud seeding timetable and assess the results.

Environmental body not involved

Environmental body not involved PT Freeport Indonesia has recently made announcements of its Environmental Management Plan (RKL) and Environmental Monitoring Plan (RPL) having been "approved by the government". Freeport Indonesia claims the consent of the Ministries of Mining and Energy, Forestry, Public Works, and the Local Government and community. My question is: Why is the Ministry of Environment not involved in the approval process?

New military chief in Sulawesi

New military chief in Sulawesi UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Army Chief Gen. R. Hartono swore in yesterday Maj. Gen. Soelatin as the new chief of Wirabuana Military Command overseeing Sulawesi. Soelatin replaced Maj. Gen. Tamlicha Ali, who was recently promoted as assistant to the chief of Armed Forces' general affairs, Antara reported. Meanwhile, the post of Wirabuana Chief of Staff was also transferred from Brig. Gen. Tayo Tarmadi to Brig. Gen.

Thailand cracks down on smuggling

Thailand cracks down on smuggling BANGKOK (Reuter): Thai customs officers have arrested the captain of a fishing trawler and seized more than 60,000 liters of diesel in a crackdown on fuel smuggling, officials said yesterday. The trawler, whose storage space had been converted into fuel tanks, was stopped and boarded 12 nautical miles off Songkhla in southern Thailand late on Sunday, the officials told reporters.

Malaysian cocoa exports

Malaysian cocoa exports KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's national cocoa board signed Monday a pact with a Chinese state institute to boost export of cocoa products and beans to China. Under the agreement with the Wuxi Institute of Light Industries, Kuala Lumpur's cocoa products will be widely marketed in China and its cocoa beans used in research to develop foods, Hashim Wahab, director-general of the Malaysian Cocoa Board, said.

Former bank staff on trial for swindling

Former bank staff on trial for swindling JAKARTA (JP): Iwan Setiawan, 28, a former employee of state- owned Export-Import (Exim) Bank, was arraigned at Central Jakarta District Court yesterday for his alleged involvement in embezzling Rp 2.6 billion (US$ 1.1 million). Prosecutor T.S. Limbong told presiding judge A.

Police arrest Metromini driver

Police arrest Metromini driver JAKARTA (JP): East Jakarta Police have arrested a man who they claim is the Metro Mini bus driver who ran over a man, named Iwan, and then dumped his dead body in a swamp in the Cakung area in East Jakarta. The suspect, Mukalim, was arrested on Sunday at the residence of a relative in East Jakarta. The police are now trying to arrest the bus conductor, allegedly named Chairul Anam, who is still at large. The bus ran over Iwan on Jl.

Thousands stranded in Tegal

Thousands stranded in Tegal TEGAL, Central Java: Thousands of people planning to return to Jakarta were left stranded on Sunday at the local bus terminal over the weekend due to a shortage of buses. Most of the people in transit from the nearby towns of Purwokerto, Bumiayu, Brebes and Pekalongan were forced to spend the night in the hope that more buses would arrive on Monday. Some bus operators took advantage of the situation by hiking their fares up to 200 percent, according to Antara.

Soeharto's world on Bambang's dismissal awaited

Soeharto's world on Bambang's dismissal awaited JAKARTA (JP): The Central Executive Board of Golkar has not yet received words from President Soeharto about its proposal to dismiss Bambang Warih Koesoemo from the House of Representatives (DPR), deputy chairman Abdul Gafur said yesterday. "We're still waiting...We don't know yet," Gafur told reporters.

23 missing at sea

23 missing at sea MANADO, North Sulawesi: Rescue workers are searching for 23 people who went missing after their fishing boat sank near Taliabu Island in North Maluku on March 5. PT Sari Cakalang, the operator of the ill fated boat, has also sent two of the vessels to take part in the search for the missing fishermen, a spokesman for the company said. The boat was believed to have capsized in stormy weather. Thirteen crew members made it ashore, but the fate of 23 others were not determined.

1994/95 budget to post surplus of Rp 10.4 billion

1994/95 budget to post surplus of Rp 10.4 billion JAKARTA (JP): The 1994-1995 state budget is likely to record a small surplus of Rp 10.4 billion (US$4.8 million), as compared with a deficit of nearly Rp 1.8 trillion ($837 million) in the 1993-1994 fiscal year. Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad estimated yesterday that total revenues would surpass the budget target by about 3.7 percent to reach Rp 72.35 trillion for the 1994-1995 fiscal year, which ends this month.

Armed visitor to court apprehended

Armed visitor to court apprehended JAKARTA (JP): Police carried out a raid yesterday against suspected armed visitors at the West Jakarta District Court and arrested one person. According to City Police spokesman Bambang Haryoko, the suspect, identified as Salomo H. Pasaribu, was arrested for illegal possession of a gun and bullets. "The gun is the pistol type," the spokesman said. "We're still examining the bullets," he added.

Probe on fictitious export continues

Probe on fictitious export continues JAKARTA (JP): The government is continuing the investigation of alleged falsification of export documents involving textile tycoon Kim Johannes Mulia, Attorney General Singgih says. "The investigation on Kim Johannes is not over yet. Kim is still the prime suspect in the case of falsified export documents," he told journalists yesterday.

Stock exchange

Stock exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 13, 1995: Trading Shares Close Change Volume --------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,700 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 0 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,225 0 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,000 -100 33,500 ANWAR SIERAD 1,425 25 1,000 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 1,925 -50 220,000 ARGO PANTES 2,725 0 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,600 0 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 800 500 ASTRA...

Haj pilgrims

Haj pilgrims From Republika I am commenting on the statement of Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher published in Republika on Feb. 13, 1995 entitled 'Warga Muhammadiyah Sebaiknya Menahan Diri tidak Berhaji lagi' (Muhammadiyah Moslems should refrain from making another haj pilgrimage). The Minister said that the House of Representatives suggests that priority for the pilgrimage is to be given to elderly people and those who have not been on the pilgrimage before.

Persiraja extends winning streak

Persiraja extends winning streak JAKARTA (JP): Persiraja Banda Aceh extended its unbeaten streak on Sunday with a 2-1 away win over Persija as the Indonesian soccer league resumed at Menteng stadium in Central Jakarta. The hard-fought victory shot Persiraja to the top of the West Division standings, leapfrogging Pelita Jaya, which lies third after being on top throughout most the opening months of the league. Persiraja now has 24 points from 10 games and is two points ahead of Pelita Jaya.

Bus fare hikes caused by lack of coordination

Bus fare hikes caused by lack of coordination JAKARTA (JP): A lack of coordination between government institutions was behind the unlawful bus fare increases during the Idul Fitri holidays, the head of the Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda), Aip Sjarifuddin, said yesterday.

Young people and politics

Young people and politics From Merdeka It is very strange if Ismail Hasan Metareum of the United Development Party (PPP) says that Sri Bintang Pamungkas' rejection against the renomination of Soeharto as a presidential candidate is regarded as a mistake. Indeed, the nation needs this honesty and courage, as demonstrated by Sri Bintang, if it is to be called a great nation and be able to honor the principle of freedom of expression.

Aceh has new police chief

Aceh has new police chief BANDA ACEH: Deputy Chief of the National Police Maj. Gen. Aji Komaruddin swore in Col. A. Hamid Busra as the new chief of the provincial police to replace Brig. Gen. M. Nurdin, who has been appointed as director of the detective department at the National Police Headquarters. Aji, in his swearing-in ceremony address said Aceh ranks 15th out of Indonesia's 27 provinces in terms of crime and 13th in terms of traffic accidents.

RI-Croatioa oil deal agreed

RI-Croatioa oil deal agreed ZAGREB (JP): President Soeharto and Croatian Prime Minister Nikica Valentic witnessed the signing of a letter of understanding here Sunday evening between Indonesia's state oil company Pertamina and its Croatian counterpart on several business cooperation projects.

Tycoons asked to fund KONI

Tycoons asked to fund KONI JAKARTA (JP): Prominent businessmen such as timber tycoon Prayogo Pangestu, real-estate developer Ciputra and paper baron Eka Tjipta Widjaja will be among 60 billionaires invited to a discussion tomorrow with the National Sports Council (KONI) on how to raise funds for the sports body. "We desperately hope to get the businessmen's financial commitment for the sake of our national sports," Setia Novanto, KONI's deputy treasurer told reporters yesterday.

Kanindotex still open to other bidders: Mar'ie

Kanindotex still open to other bidders: Mar'ie JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad said yesterday that the debt ridden Kanindotex is still open to other bidders despite the entry of a major consortium to take over a major stake of the textile company.

UK dance troop to perform here

UK dance troop to perform here JAKARTA (JP): The Mark Baldwin Dance Company, a famous contemporary dance group from Britain, is scheduled to perform on Saturday and Sunday. The dance troop's Indonesian visit is sponsored by the British Council, as part of its cultural exchange program between Britain and Indonesia. The troop will present a repertoire including Excursions, More Poulenc, Concerto Grosso and Out of doors.

Vegetable cold storage

Vegetable cold storage JAKARTA (JP): The North Sumatra office of the Ministry of Trade will install new cold storage facilities for vegetables produced in the Karo regency, an official says. "The trade ministry will build a cold storage facility at an estimated cost of Rp 200 million (about US$90,900) in the Karo regency, which is the main vegetable producing area in North Sumatra," Ismaildin Wahab, head of the office, was quoted as saying by Antara in Medan yesterday.

Environmental protection a matter of attitude

Environmental protection a matter of attitude JAKARTA (JP): Pollution has become an evil enemy of the living world. Slowly but surely, with its invisible tentacles, it kills plants, animals and humans. The level of pollution in different parts of the world varies. But generally, things are worse in developing countries, which are striving to boost their economic development -- often at the expense of the environment.

Indonesia's Palapa-C1 launching rescheduled

Indonesia's Palapa-C1 launching rescheduled JAKARTA (JP): The government is lobbying the European Space Agency to have French Arianespace launch Indonesia's Palapa-C1 satellite as originally scheduled. PT Satelindo's Director of satellite systems, Sahala Silalahi, said that the Palapa-C1 was originally scheduled to be brought to French Guiana this August, from where it would be launched into orbit in October or November. Sahala, Iwa Sewaka, Satelindo's president and Adi R.

They play it unsafe in Surakarta

They play it unsafe in Surakarta Surakarta, Central Java (JP): Health Warning: The Silir red light district is a health hazard because 93 percent of its customers do not wear condoms. This was the advice of doctor Guntur Hermawan, a medical expert at Solo's Sebelas Maret University, when he presented the findings of his recent research on prostitution yesterday.

Soeharto offers help for peace

Soeharto offers help for peace By Rikza Abdullah ZAGREB (JP): President Soeharto made a brief junket from here to the embattled Sarajevo yesterday to offer his good offices to the current international drive for peace in Bosnia-Herzegovina. There was a brief tense moment during his four hours stay in the Bosnian capital as the United Nations' chartered plane that was to take him out was shot at as it was landing in Sarajevo.

Man nabbed for robbing driver

Man nabbed for robbing driver JAKARTA (JP): An ex-student of the prestigious privately-owned Trisakti University has been arrested for his alleged role in robbing of at least 10 taxi drivers in and around the city. Chandra Prabowo, in his 20s, was arrested at his rented house on Saturday, two days after he allegedly succeeded in robbing a driver of a Steady Safe taxi on Jl. Pertambangan at Pondok Bambu, East Jakarta.

Women's contribution

Women's contribution I think it unlikely that, by his letter (The Jakarta Post, March 11, 1995), Mr. Hario Subayu is actually enhancing public relations for the Department of Immigration. Many Indonesian career women like myself (including those who have attained high government positions), must surely feel offended and aggrieved by the implications inherent in the present immigration law.

Regulation on domestic helpers effective soon

Regulation on domestic helpers effective soon JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is poised to carry out a regulation on the welfare of domestic helpers next month, Head the City Manpower Office Suhatman said yesterday. Suhatman told reporters that his office is still waiting for more technical guidance on how to implement the regulation, which is currently being reviewed by the city administration. "The review is expected to be completed next month.

Asian countries told to be choosy in accepting foreign capital

Asian countries told to be choosy in accepting foreign capital SINGAPORE (AFP): Instead of completely slowing down financial deregulation in the wake of the Mexican peso crisis, Asia should be more selective in absorbing foreign capital, US brokerage Merrill Lynch said Monday. "The key here is to distinguish between abrupt deregulation and prudent liberalization," Merrill Lynch said in its monthly Asian Economic report coordinated at its Singapore office.

Govt plans campaign to make people queue

Govt plans campaign to make people queue JAKARTA (JP): One of the targets of the government's national discipline campaign this year will be to teach Indonesians a discipline which they notoriously lack -- queuing. "It may sound simple, but it has to be simple and all encompassing," Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman told reporters yesterday, after meeting with Vice President Try Sutrisno at the Merdeka Selatan palace.

Music, dances to support AFS

Music, dances to support AFS JAKARTA (JP): U.S. Ambassador for Indonesia and Mrs. Robert L. Barry will host a cultural evening featuring the cultural richness of Central Sulawesi. The event, to be held on Friday, is to support the student exchange program of the American Field Service (AFS). "It costs US$6,000 to support each student, and only one out of four of the Indonesian exchanges is able to provide this amount without assistance," Mrs. Barry said.

Yogyakarta wins double deal

Yogyakarta wins double deal JAKARTA (JP): The international motor federation, FIM, has granted Yogyakarta the right to host the world motocross championship race, for the second time, next year. FIM announced the decision during its annual conference in Geneve earlier this month, a foreign affairs official of the Indonesian Motor Association (IMI), Doly Indra Nasution, said on Sunday.

Taiwan-PRC to relax relation

Taiwan-PRC to relax relation TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan yesterday offered to recognize China's head of state, in an unprecedented attempt by the Chinese nationalist island to thaw relations with the communist-ruled mainland. Vincent Siew, chairman of the body that formulates policy toward Beijing, told parliament that Taiwan was ready to recognize the authority of President Jiang Zemin and stage reciprocal presidential visits.

Wardiman denies accusation of 'ethical decadence'

Wardiman denies accusation of 'ethical decadence' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro has denied that his ministry is sliding into a state of moral degeneration. Speaking after the installment of several new high-ranking officials yesterday, Wardiman dismissed the allegations, which were made by legislator J. Riberu last week.

Marcos Jr. pushes for reinvestigation

Marcos Jr. pushes for reinvestigation MANILA (AFP): The son of late Philippine strongman Ferdinand Marcos yesterday pushed for a reopening of the investigation into the 1983 murder of popular opposition leader Benigno Aquino, which signaled the fall of the Marcos dictatorship. The victim's widow, Corazon Aquino, has always held the elder Marcos as the mastermind, but he was never charged in court.

50 years of independence

50 years of independence Yugoslavia was once Indonesia's democratic counterpart. But that country is now disintegrating. In 1966, Pakistan's and Nigeria's economies were better than Indonesia's economy. Now, our economy is better than theirs. Therefore, Indonesia is rightly thankful to God. This statement was made by Prof.

Congestion at harbors

Congestion at harbors As an aftermath of the Kobe quake, the impact is felt keenly in Indonesia, thousands of kilometers away. My writing concerning SGS was published in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 7, 1995. As I foresaw, the result is congestion at Indonesia's main ports, especially Jakarta and Surabaya, where it has been reported that 70 or 80 ships are waiting outside the harbors to unload their cargoes.

Indorama's net profits up 23 % to Rp 62 billion

Indorama's net profits up 23 % to Rp 62 billion JAKARTA (JP): PT Indorama Synthetics, a textile company listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange, announced yesterday that its after-tax profits rose by 23.5 percent to Rp 62 billion (US$28.18 million) from Rp 50 billion in 1993. The company's managing director, S.P.