Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 April 1995

48 articles found

S&P raises RI's rating

S&P raises RI's rating JAKARTA (JP): Standard & Poor's, one of the world's influential rating agencies, has raised its long-term foreign currency rating of Indonesia to triple B (BBB) from triple B minus (BBB-). The agency said yesterday that the upgrade reflects Indonesia's record of prudent financial management and macroeconomic reforms, which have strengthened government finances and diversified the country's crude oil-dependent economy.

U.N. warns Asia of perils of rapid growth

U.N. warns Asia of perils of rapid growth BANGKOK (Reuter): A senior United Nations official said yesterday the dynamic economies of the Asia-Pacific region faced equally fast-growing social problems, many of them spinoffs of their success. "I think we all know that the region has earned a reputation as the economically most dynamic region in the world," Adrianus Mooy of Indonesia, executive secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

Vietnam diplomatic revolution since war

Vietnam diplomatic revolution since war By John Rogers HANOI (Reuter): Vietnam is entering the international mainstream. "It's taken a long time, but Vietnam is taking its place on the world stage at long last," a Western ambassador says. "It's become a normal country, with great potential." Vietnam, viewed as pariah by much of the West and non- communist Asia for its 10-year occupation of neighboring Cambodia, is now courted as a partner owing to its economic and business potential.

New role of Mister and Miss Jakarta

New role of Mister and Miss Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will hold the 26th annual Mister and Miss Jakarta contest as part of the celebrations marking the city's 468th anniversary. Registrations of entry in the competition will be accepted at the offices of all five mayoralties next month, Head of the City Tourism Office Fauzi Bowo said yesterday.

NAM calls for 'realistic' NPT review

NAM calls for 'realistic' NPT review UNITED NATIONS (Agencies): The nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty's (NPT) possible extension should be based on "realistic assessment" of all signatories' responsibilities, the representative of 111 developing countries said.

S'pore dollar tops SE Asian currencies' rise

S'pore dollar tops SE Asian currencies' rise SINGAPORE (AFP): The Singapore dollar soared to another record-high close yesterday against the U.S. dollar, which also fell against most currencies of Southeast Asia's booming economies in trading here, dealers said. Analysts said the regional currencies could chalk up further gains on the greenback, whose plunge against the yen, they warned, could steepen through the second quarter unless Japan deregulates its market to absorb more U.S. imports.

Development plans need adjustment

Development plans need adjustment DILI, East Timor: Development plans for the province need to be adjusted due to the youngest territory's unique characteristics, the governor says. Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares told The Jakarta Post last week that the central government's current approach is practically the same as the development plans implemented in the more advanced provinces in East Timor.

Modern, traditional worlds meet at Irian pig feast

Modern, traditional worlds meet at Irian pig feast By John Owen-Davies AROANOP, Irian Jaya (Reuter): An arrow pierced the pig's side but the animal died only after men, watched by families and off- duty soldiers, smashed its head with sticks. Earlier, the pig's squeals had echoed across the valley in Indonesia's remote Irian Jaya province as it was paraded shoulder-high around Aroanop village.

U.S. to design Thai airport

U.S. to design Thai airport BANGKOK (AFP): A consortium of U.S. companies has won a contract to design the terminal of a US$3.8-billion airport here which Thailand wants built before the end of the century, officials said yesterday. TAMS/Murphy-Jahn won the rights Monday with a bid of $31.68 million, coming in under an offer by European rival Aeroports de Paris/Overup of $33.4 million, an officer with the Airports Authority of Thailand (AAT) said.

Salim Group to go into petrochemicals

Salim Group to go into petrochemicals JAKARTA (JP): The Salim Group, through its subsidiary PT Sulfindo Adiusaha, is diversifying into the intermediate petrochemical industry by establishing joint ventures with Japanese and Hong Kong partners. One of the joint ventures, PT Satomo Indovyl Monomer, will produce ethylene dichloride (EDC) and vinyl chloride monomer (VCM) for PT Satomo Indovyl Polymer, the other joint venture to be established.

Indonesia hopes for a `Sabatini bad day' in Cup

Indonesia hopes for a `Sabatini bad day' in Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is waiting for a bit of luck in its Federation Cup battle against Argentina, hoping that Gabriela Sabatini won't be in top form in this weekend's matches. "Argentina is a strong team mainly because of Sabatini. That's why we hope that the two days will be her bad days," Indonesian coach Suharyadi said during his team's practice session yesterday.

Postal firms set strategy

Postal firms set strategy JAKARTA (JP): State-owned postal firms in the Asian-Pacific region are using a three-day seminar here to formulate strategies to compete against private courier services. "Huge private courier firms including TNT, UPS and DHL, which operate internationally, are the main competitors of state-owned postal firms," a director of Indonesia's postal firm, Sumitro Roestam, said yesterday.

Police foil worker smuggling

Police foil worker smuggling JEMBER, East Java: Police have detained eight job seekers, aged between 23 years and 60 years, attempting to leave for Malaysia illegally in search of work. Chief of the Jember police precinct Lt. Col. Budi Utomo said yesterday that the workers were duped by two brokers, to whom they had paid between Rp 200,000 and Rp 1 million ($90-$455) to facilitate their departures.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Prince Valliant 3:05 My Country 3:30 Science Program 4:05 Family Program: Around Us 4:30 Documentary Film 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Indonesia Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:45 Langka Tapi Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music Contest: Asia Bagus 8:05 Humoria 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:30 Film: Sophia Loren Her Own Story 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Garuda to discount fares

Garuda to discount fares JAKARTA (JP): Garuda Indonesia plans to commemorate the country's golden anniversary by giving discounts of up to 50 percent on air fares to special passengers of its domestic flights during August. Adult passengers who were born in August 1945 or on August 17 of any year will get a discount of 45 percent on standard rates for both the economy and business classes, Garuda announced yesterday.

Govt intends to make Jakarta more attractive

Govt intends to make Jakarta more attractive JAKARTA (JP): The city administration plans to make Jakarta one of Indonesia's main tourist destinations by promoting the city as a venue for meetings, conventions and exhibitions. Head of the City Tourism Office Fauzi Bowo said yesterday that Jakarta was well-positioned to become a major tourist destination because of its facilities and historical interest and the access it afforded to other regions and other countries.

Change of leaders

Change of leaders Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman has warned that a crisis is likely to occur two years from now if the nation fails to resolve today's rising tension between conflicting political groupings. The minister cited five sources of instability that will attain its peak in the 1997-1998 period, that is when a change of leadership will take place.

Strike paralyzes Palangkaraya

Strike paralyzes Palangkaraya PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: Scores of city bus drivers went on strike yesterday, paralyzing public transportation in town for the whole day. They are demanding that the government stop the illegal minibuses that have been roaming the city streets and cutting into their incomes over the past six months.

The puzzle of cement price

The puzzle of cement price If there's a puzzle that could baffle a nation of some 190 million for weeks, then it must be the mystery of the cement price here. For weeks, following the government's decreed price hike of cement retail reference price by over 40 percent early this month, the public was kept in the dark on the real reason behind the decision.

Govt, state bank to 'save' Dayak mill

Govt, state bank to 'save' Dayak mill JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo said yesterday that his office and the state-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia would "rescue" the troubled plywood factory owned by the Dayak Besar Group in East Kalimantan. "We will rescue the plywood mill because we are concerned about their workers," the minister said during a ceremony for the signing of an agreement between six state banks and his office.

Police interrogate Sri Bintang

Police interrogate Sri Bintang JAKARTA (JP): The police began questioning legislator Sri Bintang Pamungkas yesterday over his alleged role in the anti- government demonstrations that took place during President Soeharto's recent German tour. The legislator from the Moslem-oriented United Development Party (PPP) was interrogated as a witness at national police headquarters.

Singapore agrees to RP's autopsy guidelines

Singapore agrees to RP's autopsy guidelines SINGAPORE (Agencies): Singapore said yesterday it accepted in principle Philippine draft guidelines for a joint autopsy of the remains of one of the victims in the case of hanged Filipina maid Flor Contemplacion. Singapore forensic scientists are expected in Manila today to join Filipino colleagues in an autopsy of the remains of Delia Maga, one of two people Singapore found Contemplacion guilty of killing in 1991.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 18, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,675 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,300 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 0 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,175 -25 348,500 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,350 0 ANWAR SIERAD 1,225 273,500 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 1,850 96,500 ARGO PANTES 2,650 0 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,250 0 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 850 5,000 ASTRA...

Obituary

Obituary Arwah Setiawan, a noted Indonesian humorist, died in Jakarta yesterday morning from a stroke. He was 60-years-old. Arwah, the chairman of the Indonesian Institute of Humor, which was founded in 1978, was admitted to the Pertamina Hospital on Friday, according to his assistant Mulyadi. He will be buried today at the Kampung Kandang cemetery in South Jakarta. The body will be removed from his house on Jl. Cilandak III/4 at 10 a.m.

Mixed reactions follow cement price decision

Mixed reactions follow cement price decision JAKARTA (JP): Mixed reactions from the country's business analysts and politicians greeted the government's decision on Monday to lower cement prices, deemed an unusual intervention on the part of Golkar, the ruling political group. "The decision still falls short of our expectations.

Alleged killer of Intan arrested

Alleged killer of Intan arrested JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives in cooperation with personnel of the Rancah police sub-precinct in Ciamis, West Java, have arrested a man who allegedly shot his girlfriend to death. Jacky Dave, alias Inyo, 24, was apprehended on Saturday morning at an elderly woman's house in Rancah village, after the police had been searching for him for over a week, city police spokesman Lt. Col. Bambang Haryoko told reporters yesterday.

Telkom plans triple listing

Telkom plans triple listing JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) plans to float shares on New York, London and domestic stock exchanges by the end of this year, with four major world investment banks acting as global coordinators for its overseas listings. The appointed global coordinators include three U.S. investment banks, Merrill Lynch, Goldman Sachs and Lehman, as well as S.G. Warburg of Britain.

Quality schools vital for nation's survival

Quality schools vital for nation's survival By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Post has carried five advertisements and one report on quality education from April 4 to 15. The advertisements were placed by the Jaya Global School in Jakarta, the Millfield Co-educational Boarding School in England, the Singapore-style International School (to be opened in Jakarta), the British International School in Jakarta, and the Canadian International School in Singapore.

New rules on market fees

New rules on market fees BEKASI (JP): New rules governing the collection of fees in markets and shopping centers in Bekasi will come into effect as of September. The rules will replace previous ones which are no longer appropriate since they were issued back in 1977, Donie Setiawan, head of Bekasi's market management office, said. Under the new rules varying amounts of fees will be collected.

Indosat expands with seven new projects

Indosat expands with seven new projects JAKARTA (JP): PT Indonesia Satellite Corporation (Indosat), the state-owned international telecommunications operator listed on domestic and foreign stock exchanges, will start seven projects worth US$150 million in telecommunications-related businesses.

Youth councils losing out to NGOs: Hayono

Youth councils losing out to NGOs: Hayono JAKARTA (JP): Various youth organizations are losing the support of young Indonesians as most turn to non-governmental organizations, which have clear and defined objectives, such as environmental protection and promotion of human rights, a cabinet minister says. State Minister for Youths Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman blamed this condition on the inability of the youth organizations to respond to the challenges and demands of the times.

Oki denies police findings in triple murder probe

Oki denies police findings in triple murder probe JAKARTA (JP): Over the past few days, Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, the suspect in the Los Angeles triple murder case, has granted media reporters a series of interviews at an unidentified place. During the interviews, the 30-year-old man denied the findings compiled by detectives from both the city police here and the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) in the United States.

Networking of AIDS workers proposed

Networking of AIDS workers proposed JAKARTA (JP): A leading member of the Indonesian AIDS Foundation has proposed that all the organizations active in efforts to contain the dreaded disease consult with one another before taking their campaign to the public.

Jakarta to host painting exhibition

Jakarta to host painting exhibition JAKARTA (JP): A painting exhibition featuring the works of internationally renowned artists from 13 countries will take place at the Mercantile Club of the BCA Building, Central Jakarta, from April 21 to 30. Among the 20 local painters whose works will be on display are Affandi, Antonio Blanco, Arie Smit, and Soedjojono, while the foreigners include Andre Lhote, F. Brochet, Emilio Ambron, Sashal, Le Mayeur and Rudolf Schmidt.

Government firm on faulty discotheques

Government firm on faulty discotheques JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja says that the city administration will continue to take firm action against discotheques which violated the regulations governing entertainment centers. "If a discotheque is found to have breached the regulations, including deliberately using the place for transactions involving various banned drugs, it will be closed down for good.

NAM seeks united stance on NPT

NAM seeks united stance on NPT JAKARTA (JP): As developed and developing countries begin considering the future of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), ministers of the 111-nation Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) will attempt to find a common position on the issue when they meet in Bandung, West Java, next week.

Anticipating social change in RI

Anticipating social change in RI By Ignas Kleden This is the first of two articles on development and the accompanying changes the people have to face. JAKARTA (JP): Needless to say, the economic development which has been the focus of the first 25-year period of Indonesia's national development program has brought about many good things.

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.

Australia rejects Timorese asylum seekers

Australia rejects Timorese asylum seekers JAKARTA (JP): Australia has indicated that it will reject several hundreds of East Timorese asylum seekers who recently entered the country using tourist visas. "They've come as tourists, they've sought asylum and my understanding is that they've been rejected for asylum status," visiting Australian Minister for Immigration and Ethnic Affairs Senator Nick Bolkus said yesterday.

Rights activists soothe public in protest fray

Rights activists soothe public in protest fray JAKARTA (JP): Human rights activists have called for fair trials to be afforded to three citizens accused of involvement in recent demonstrations against the Indonesian government. Muladi and Marzuki Darusman attempted to defuse mounting pressure for legal action against the three: Goenawan Mohamad, Sri Bintang Pamungkas and Yeni Rosa Damayanti.

RI pledge to beat Thais in SEA Games

RI pledge to beat Thais in SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will send medal-winning athletes to the 18th Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai in December, being determined to defeat host Thailand's fierce challenge for regional sporting supremacy.

Clean Friday campaign

Clean Friday campaign JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja says the Clean Friday campaign will be expanded as a part of the clean-city policy carried out at City Hall and the capital's five mayoralties in order to increase public awareness of the need to improve sanitation. "If the campaign is successful, Jakarta will become a model city for other regions to follow," Surjadi said in a speech read at City Hall on Monday.

Stickers proposed to replace 3-in-one system

Stickers proposed to replace 3-in-one system JAKARTA (JP): City council urged yesterday for the city administration to replace its three-in-one traffic policy, currently applied to the city's major thoroughfares, with a sticker system. H. Helmy AR. Syihab, chairman of Commission C, which is responsible for financial affairs, told reporters that it is time for the city administration to replace the policy because its implementation deviates from its original objective.

Japanese lenders 'flexible' over loans

Japanese lenders 'flexible' over loans JAKARTA (JP): Japanese creditors are offering flexibility to help Indonesian borrowers overcome their increasing debt problems caused by the steady appreciation of the yen. "I think there is flexibility to eliminate some individual problems. And we have to solve them on a case by case basis," Kenji Kawakatsu, vice chairman of the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren), said here yesterday.

Contemplacion case

Contemplacion case Being a Filipino in Indonesia, I am quite concerned over the way the Contemplacion case is developing. I hope that those concerned will open their hearts and minds and reach a decision that will be fair to all. Perhaps the Singaporean government is right. Flor Contemplacion never recanted her confession in the many official instances. Yet many believe that she was unjustly condemned. Maybe because her motive for the killings was not established beyond reasonable doubt.

Air Force moves into Cilangkap headquarters

Air Force moves into Cilangkap headquarters JAKARTA (JP): The Air Force yesterday moved its headquarters to the huge Cilangkap military complex in East Jakarta, a move which President Soeharto hopes will further strengthen the unity of the Armed Forces. Soeharto, who is the supreme commander of the Armed Forces (ABRI), presided at the inauguration of the new headquarters.

ASEAN countries may face cement shortages

ASEAN countries may face cement shortages KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A Malaysian minister has warned of a cement shortage in ASEAN countries as planned construction projects exceed the region's existing capacity, reports said yesterday. Minister of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Abu Hassan Omar said Malaysia and the other members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) were likely to experience a cement shortage as early as this year.

RI textile exports to increase

RI textile exports to increase JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Textile Association (API) has predicted that this year's exports of textiles and textile products will grow by 10 percent to US$6.2 billion. An API deputy chairman, Lili Asdjudiredjo, disclosed the association's estimate after meeting with Vice President Try Sutrisno yesterday. However, he said that textile producers needed assistance from the ministries of trade, industry and finance in achieving their export target.