Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 April 1995

44 articles found

Provinces to focus on SEA Games

Provinces to focus on SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): Preparing Indonesian athletes for the Southeast Asian Games is the top priority for the National Sports Council (KONI) and its provincial chapters. Soegijono, the chairman of the council's Central Java chapter, said KONI's training director Hindarto told him not to be too concerned with preparations for the National Games (PON) slated for September next year.

Soeharto says investigators insane

Soeharto says investigators insane JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, returning from a four-nation tour, lashed out at the Indonesians believed to have provided information for demonstrations against the republic abroad, calling them insane and irrational. "These people are insane and no longer rational. How could they sell out their own nation in another country," Soeharto said on Thursday aboard his plane en route to Halim Perdanakusuma airport.

Schoolboys tried for car theft

Schoolboys tried for car theft JAKARTA (JP): An elementary school boy and two junior high school students came before the Bogor State Court on Wednesday on car theft charges. The defendants were identified by Antara only by their initials: SD, 13, the elementary school boy, and SZ and TP, both 15. The boys were brought to the courthouse by prosecutor A. Ghozali Hudori.

ASEAN calls off meeting

ASEAN calls off meeting BANGKOK (AFP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has called off an informal meeting with economic partners Japan, South Korea and China that had been set for later this month, a news report said. Host Thailand informed the other nations of the postponement this week, saying "some countries which were invited to come are not ready to attend," the Bangkok Post quoted a diplomatic source as saying Thursday.

Private sector expected to take over research funding

Private sector expected to take over research funding JAKARTA (JP): As the expected transfer of technology from foreign countries has not occurred, the government expects the private sector to provide most of the funds for research and development activities, an official says. Currently, the government provides an estimated 80 percent of the total funds required for research activities and the remaining 20 percent by its "partner", the private sector. "Ideally, the proportion should be reversed.

Government reviews telecommunications laws

Government reviews telecommunications laws JAKARTA (JP): To support the rapid development in telecommunications, the government is evaluating regulations on the industry. "Telecommunications is a global industry and it always changes in correlation with the development of technology. That's why Indonesia should also anticipate this," chairman of Dimhart & Associate Law Firm, M. Dimyati Hartono said.

Rubin kicks off his Asian tour to clear doubts

Rubin kicks off his Asian tour to clear doubts LOS ANGELES (Reuter): U.S. Treasury Secretary Robert Rubin set off on Thursday for an eight-day trip to Asia with some explaining to do about America's role in the region. Rubin, who will go to Indonesia for a weekend meeting of Asia- Pacific finance ministers and then on to India, is hoping to use the trip to enhance U.S. influence in the world's fastest-growing economic area.

Chemical firms to pay dividends of Rp 23.1b

Chemical firms to pay dividends of Rp 23.1b JAKARTA (JP): PT Unggul Indah Corporation (UIC), an alkylbenzene producer listed on Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges, plans to distribute a total dividend of Rp 23.1 billion (US$10.5 million) for the 1994 book year. The dividend payout plan was approved during the company's annual shareholders meeting on Wednesday. The meeting also approved the appointment of Hartono Gunawan as the new president of the company, replacing Johannes Kotjo.

Winnie fired again from post

Winnie fired again from post JOHANNESBURG (AFP): Winnie Mandela was yesterday fired from her ministerial post for the second time in two weeks by President Nelson Mandela, presidential spokesman Joel Netshitenzhe said. He fired her on March 27, but reinstated her as deputy minister of arts, culture, science and technology on Wednesday after she sued the government to reverse the sacking she said was unconstitutional.

Unemployment in E. Timor serious

Unemployment in E. Timor serious DILI, East Timor: Chief of the provincial manpower office Anton Setiyono said that unemployment in the youngest province is a pressing problem which needs "serious" attention. He said the government needs to create jobs, not just call for employers to absorb job seekers and conduct vocational training programs. He said that about 4,000 people enter the very limited job market in East Timor each year.

Golkar and PPP agree on cement

Golkar and PPP agree on cement JAKARTA (JP): Golkar, the ruling political organization, and the United Development Party (PPP) both vow to fight to cut the prices of cement which have soared recently because of supply shortages. Golkar Chairman Harmoko said yesterday in Jambi that his organization has set up a special team to find effective ways of managing cement price increases, Antara reported.

Government under pressure to punish haj culprits

Government under pressure to punish haj culprits JAKARTA (JP): Legislators from the Moslem-oriented United Development Party (PPP) urged the government Thursday to punish those responsible for the chaos surrounding this year's haj pilgrimage. The party said that unscrupulous people must be dealt with sternly to ensure the fiasco will not be repeated in the future.

Military cites one fight in Irian Jaya

Military cites one fight in Irian Jaya JAKARTA (JP): The military authorities in Irian Jaya say there has been only one incident of exchange of fire with a local separatist group in which one rebel was killed. Maj. Gen. I Ketut Wirdhana, the chief of the Trikora Command, said the incident happened last December in Tembagapura near the giant mining operations site of the American company, PT Freeport Indonesia.

Three die in diarrhea outbreak

Three die in diarrhea outbreak SEMARANG, Central Java: Three people have died and dozens others were hospitalized when diarrhea hit the Wonosobo regency, an official said Thursday. "Many of those hospitalized returned home after they recovered," acting Wonosobo regent Husein Moenawar said as quoted by Antara. He identified the deceased as Abu Ngamar, 70, Umi Latifah, 3.5, and a five-month-old baby that he did not name.

Keidanren to visit RI

Keidanren to visit RI JAKARTA (JP): An eight-men delegation of Japan's most powerful business organization, Keidanren, is scheduled to arrive here tomorrow for a three-day visit, a statement from the Japanese embassy says. The statement, available to the press Thursday, said the delegation will be led by Shoichiro Toyoda, chairman of the association and of the Toyota Motor Corporation.

Workers ask for minimum wage

Workers ask for minimum wage JAKARTA (JP): Workers from PT Maditra Inti Ragam, a garment company in Pinang-ranti, East Jakarta, filed a complaint with the City Council on Thursday alleging non-payment, on the part of the company, of salaries and the mandatory religious holiday payment. A spokesman for the workers told the council's Commission E, which is responsible for people's welfare, that the firm had failed to pay the salary due to them under the new minimum wage regulations.

A startling turn

A startling turn A letter from the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, dated April 5, 1995, and addressed to the Jayapura Court of Justice in Irian Jaya has prompted various reactions and comments.

Matte head coach for RI soccer team

Matte head coach for RI soccer team JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesia Soccer Association (PSSI) has officially appointed Romano Matte as head coach for the national team bound for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. He is to take up his new duties on April 26. The Italian coach has been formally released from private club Pelita Jaya, for which he had been coaching, PSSI chairman Azwar Anas announced after a meeting on Thursday.

Tyson on 'SCTV' tonight

Tyson on 'SCTV' tonight JAKARTA (JP): The private television station, SCTV, will broadcast an Oct. 28 interview by France's Charles Bietry of Canal Plus with former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson at 8:30 p.m. tonight. The interview features Tyson's daily routine during his three year's of imprisonment at an Indiana prison for the 1991 rape of a beauty pageant contestant. It also explains why Tyson, who left prison on March 25, turned to Islam, and what he expected to do after his release.

Indonesia asked to export more 'halal' food items

Indonesia asked to export more 'halal' food items JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, which has introduced halal (permitted by Islamic law) labeling on processed food products, could tap into the increasing global halal food market, an expert said. Mohamed Jafri, a consultant to the Singapore Malay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, told journalists here on Thursday that annual trading of halal foods across the globe is increasing, reaching US80.7 billion per annum.

Artesian well fees raised by up to 250%

Artesian well fees raised by up to 250% JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has raised artesian well fees for household, social, commercial and industrial use between 150 to 250 percent, head of the Municipal Mining Office Arifin Akbar said. Arifin told reporters on Wednesday that the substantial hike, stipulated under Regional Regulation No.4/1994 and effective as of April 1, is intended mainly to encourage customers to use water from the city-owned water company.

Nine people competing for HIPMI top post

Nine people competing for HIPMI top post JAKARTA (JP): There are expected to be at least nine candidates for the chairmanship of the Association of Young Businessmen (HIPMI) at the association's national congress next week. The candidates include Fadjraa Oemar, an executive of a property company; Eddy Kuntandi, the chairman of the association's Jakarta chapter; Bambang Wiyogo, the son of the former governor of Jakarta; and Indah Wasono, a Jakarta-based businesswoman.

Medical students still in dark about AIDS

Medical students still in dark about AIDS JAKARTA (JP): Most Indonesian medical school students learn about Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) through the mass media rather than from scientific journals and lectures, a survey team has discovered.

Goenawan, Bintang deny involvement in German protest

Goenawan, Bintang deny involvement in German protest JAKARTA (JP): Goenawan Mohamad and Sri Bintang Pamungkas denied military accusations that they took part in demonstrations against President Soeharto in Germany early this month. Goenawan, a former chief editor of the banned Tempo magazine, and Bintang, a legislator of the United Development Party (PPP), told The Jakarta Post in separate interviews that they have alibis that prove they were nowhere near the area when the protests occurred.

Oki's lawyer vows to go to U.S. despite govt ban

Oki's lawyer vows to go to U.S. despite govt ban JAKARTA (JP): Despite being banned by the immigration office from leaving the country because of his alleged role in a criminal case, lawyer Ruhut Sitompoel said on Thursday that he would visit the United States to search for evidence which might help his client, Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, who is the main suspect in a Los Angeles triple murder. "Let them see: I can be another David Copperfield," Ruhut told The Jakarta Post.

Letting go not always easy: Pet vendors

Letting go not always easy: Pet vendors By Poltak Hotradero JAKARTA (JP): The common principle in business is "Don't get attached emotionally to what you sell." Sure it is easy, if what you sell are vegetables or furniture, but in the case of street pet traders it's not an easy thing to do. Just listen to Herman Hutagalung, a 31-year-old street pet trader in Jl. Cimahi, Menteng, Central Jakarta, explain how to avoid being sentimental in business. "My principle is: to love is to let go," he said.

Church Services

Church Services * Catholic Church, University of Atmajaya, Jl. Jend. Sudirman: Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m., 10:30 p.m. (with songs) and 5:30 p.m. * First Church of Christ, Scientist, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro 48, Menteng, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (in Indonesian) and 8 a.m. (in English). * All Saints' Anglican Church (opposite The Aryaduta Jakarta), Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim No. 5, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. ; at G.K.I. Pondok Indah at 6 p.m.

Landslide buries three alive

Landslide buries three alive BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Three people were buried alive in a landslide that occurred in Embong village near here this week, Antara reported Thursday. The body of one of the victims was pulled free on Thursday. Search and rescue workers, assisted by about 500 villagers, are still trying to recover the others.

'Inggris' means England, Great Britain, UK ...

'Inggris' means England, Great Britain, UK ... JAKARTA (JP): Indonesians will most likely continue to use the term Inggris and limit the usage of Britania Raya to political and official purposes, language experts say. Hasan Alwi, head of the ministry of education and culture's Center for the Development of Bahasa Indonesia, said it would be difficult to change how Indonesians use Inggris. "The term 'Inggris' is proper as far as the public is concerned," he told The Jakarta Post on Thursday.

UN wants Indonesian troops for missions in Africa

UN wants Indonesian troops for missions in Africa JAKARTA (JP): United Nations Secretary-General Boutros Boutros-Ghali has asked Indonesia to join the UN peacekeeping missions in three troubled African states -- Angola, Rwanda and Burundi. Boutros-Ghali personally made the request when he met with Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung at the UN headquarters in New York on Thursday, Antara news agency reported yesterday.

City police search for exclusive watch thief

City police search for exclusive watch thief JAKARTA (JP): City police are searching for an Indonesian man of Chinese descent, identified as 32-year-old Marsono Marsiti, a watch store attendant, for his alleged role in the theft of 50 expensive wristwatches worth over Rp 3 billion (US$1.35 million) from a store in Ratu Plaza. City Police spokesman Lt.

Four protesters arrested

Four protesters arrested JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested four students during a noisy demonstration for greater press freedom outside the Information Ministry yesterday, Antara news agency reported. Two of the students are from Pakuan University in Bogor and the other two from Jakarta. One of the Jakartans is from the National University, but it was not clear where the other attended school. They had joined 20 students waving banners that criticized the New Order government.

RI gets $30m to combat AIDS

RI gets $30m to combat AIDS JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will obtain $30 million (Rp 65 billion) from the United Nation for Population Activities (UNFPA) to help combat the rapid spread of AIDS in the country, a cabinet minister says. The assistance will go towards making the government-sponsored campaign a success. The campaign is aimed at making families aware of the danger of the deadly Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome.

Bouraq's correction

Bouraq's correction The caption under the page 10 picture in the April 3 The Jakarta Post is incorrect. It says that Bouraq Deputy President Danny Sumendap and his wife Meiske are offering a slice of birthday cake to Captain Aan Husdiana. The woman in the picture is not Mr. Sumendap's wife, but a Bouraq flight attendant. EDDYONO SALATUN Bouraq Vice President Jakarta

Cabinet reshuffle seen for Malaysia after poll

Cabinet reshuffle seen for Malaysia after poll KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): At least three Malaysian cabinet ministers will quit their posts to contest state assembly seats in upcoming general elections, according to candidate lists disclosed by political parties yesterday. The lists, published by the national news agency Bernama ahead of the official announcement today, point to a post-election cabinet reshuffle, political analysts said.

Japan, RI agree on trade

Japan, RI agree on trade TOKYO (AFP): Japan and Indonesia agreed yesterday to cooperate in working out a draft for trade and investment liberalization during this year's meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, government officials said. The agreement was reached between Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono and Hartarto Sastrosunarto, Indonesia's coordinating minister for trade and industry, they said.

Utut bags first win at NY Open

Utut bags first win at NY Open JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's number one Grand Master Utut Adianto stopped American Gary Shure at the 41st move during the US$100,000 New York Open 1995 on Wednesday, the tournament's first day. The first-board win serves as the first step for Utut toward boosting his present elo rating of 2,595 to 2,600. Utut still has to finish the other eight boards before the end of the tournament tomorrow.

APEC finance ministers meeting opens today

APEC finance ministers meeting opens today DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Most delegates to the second annual meeting of the APEC finance ministers arrived yesterday but the ministers of the United States and Japan, who are expected to be the center of attention, will fly in just a few hours before the opening session tonight. Japan's Finance Minister Masayoshi Takemura, who will be accompanied by 30 delegates and supporting staff, and U.S.

Easter Sunday

Easter Sunday In observance of Easter, the Sunday edition of The Jakarta Post will not appear tomorrow. The Post will appear again on Monday. -- Publisher

EAEC could have global benefits

EAEC could have global benefits By Mahathir Mohamad KUALA LUMPUR: In December 1990, when I proposed the simple idea of an East Asia Economic Group (EAEG), which I said should be like the successful "Cairns Group," I did not know I was being audacious. I did not think I was proposing anything radical. Since then, there have been so many interpretations and doubts cast on it and enough threats and pressures against it that the proposal appears to be truly a powerful idea.

Cultural festival marks Fishermen's Day jubilee

Cultural festival marks Fishermen's Day jubilee By Mulkan Salmona PELABUHAN RATU, Sukabumi, West Java (JP): A sea of small, big, old and young people packed the usually quiet street in Pelabuhan Ratu, West Java. They made a human fence, some standing, others squatting along the road, patiently waiting for the annual fishermen's festival to start. As the morning sun slowly rose in the sky, turning the gentle morning rays into a stinging bite, the onlookers became drenched in perspiration.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. Cartoons 3:05 Sports: Dunhill League (live) 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film: Portrait 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Innovative Works 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dian Rana 8:05 TV Drama: Hati Yang Mendua 9:00 World News 9:30 Music: Dangdut 10:25 Film 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m. Sports 5:30 City News 6:00 Music 6:30 English News Service 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Series: Bordertown 8:30 Music TPI 5:30 a.m.

11,000 face eviction

11,000 face eviction CILACAP, Central Java: Over 11,000 people in Segara Anakan subdistrict will have to surrender their homes to make way for an irrigation project. "We are going to resettle the villagers from Ujungalang, Ujunggagak and Panikel villages affected by the irrigation project," Cilacap Regent HM Supardi said on Thursday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 13, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,675 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,300 2,500 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 0 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,250 25 46,500 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,350 0 ANWAR SIERAD 1,250 -25 25,500 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 1,850 98,500 ARGO PANTES 2,650 50,000 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,250 2,000 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 850 0...