Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 May 1995

50 articles found

Consortium clears hurdle to acquiring Kanindotex

Consortium clears hurdle to acquiring Kanindotex JAKARTA (JP): A politically well connected consortium has overcome the final hurdle to its acquisition of the Kanindotex textile group which defaulted on Rp 1.3 trillion (US$585 million) in loans owed to two state banks. "Bank Bumi Daya and the Development Bank of Indonesia (Bapindo) have agreed on annual interest of 11 percent for their working capital loans," Bambang Trihatmodjo, chairman of the consortium, confirmed yesterday.

Australian writer to debut new play

Australian writer to debut new play By Deborah Cameron JAKARTA (JP): With the New Zealand ambassador as the leading man, the Australian ambassador's wife as the leading lady and a string of embassy officials and amateur actors making up a scratch cast, the only thing that's certain about the Jakarta performance of Alex Buzo's latest play, is that it will be a lot of fun.

No drugs, no booze: Bon Jovi

No drugs, no booze: Bon Jovi JAKARTA (JP): This evening's performance by American rock band Bon Jovi has the laudable mission of stopping alcohol and drug abuse. "We get higher with music than drugs and alcohol," guitarist Richie Sambora answered when questioned if they did drugs or drank alcohol yesterday at Planet Hollywood. He added that in the 1960s, American rock bands were associated with drugs, but in the 1990s people have come to realize the danger of drugs.

Police inspect LA triple murder case evidence

Police inspect LA triple murder case evidence JAKARTA (JP): National Police inspected material evidence from the Los Angeles triple murder case involving Harnoko Dewantono yesterday. The material evidence, tightly sealed in two boxes and a bag, consisted of 113 pieces of material evidence. Included were two guns, a .38 caliber revolver and plastic used for wrapping corpses. The evidence was opened in the presence of National Police Spokesman Brig. Gen.

Kipling classic loses jungle touch in remake

Kipling classic loses jungle touch in remake By Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): In Disney's 1995 reworking of Rudyard Kipling's The Jungle Book, the film's childlike hero Mowgli puts forward the question: "What is hate?" To which followed much "deep" philosophizing amongst the audience about the so-called civilized world's wicked ways. All I could think of was: where's all the song and dance gone? What happened to those great tunes Baloo and Mowgli crooned together in the cartoon version?

Sense of justice

Sense of justice Herewith I would like to ask you to convey my warmest and deepest feelings of gratitude to Chief Judge Benjamin Mangkoedilaga as well as Judges Sumaryono and Tengku Abdul Rachman Husni of the Jakarta State Administrative Court for having the moral integrity and courage to let justice prevail by deciding that the Minister of Information's decision to revoke Tempo's publishing license was unlawful.

Garuda gets new routes

Garuda gets new routes JAKARTA (JP): The government has approved the increase of Garuda Indonesia's domestic routes from 12 to 34, Director General of Air Transportation Zainuddin Sikado said yesterday. He said the new routes include those linking Medan in North Sumatra with Surabaya in East Java, Medan with Ujungpandang in South Sulawesi and Surabaya with Pontianak in West Kalimantan.

City Hall renovation

City Hall renovation JAKARTA (JP): The renovation of city hall is almost complete and will be finished before June 22, the city's 468th birthday, an official said yesterday. Project supervisor Benny Suratna said that the main hall of the building would be ready in time for the celebrations surrounding the city's anniversary.

Night transportation not viable

Night transportation not viable JAKARTA (JP): The City Traffic and Land Transportation Control Agency (DLLAJ) said yesterday that the night transportation provided by a number of city bus companies had proven to be unprofitable. Head of the agency's transportation section Herman Tonglo Langi said that, due to the lack of profits, several bus companies that had previously been forced to operate at night now refused to do so.

Indonesia favored in Sudirman Cup

Indonesia favored in Sudirman Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has an excellent chance to complete its badminton supremacy with a Sudirman Cup mixed team championships victory in Lausanne, Switzerland, a badminton legend says. "With a pack of star players whose skills are relatively equal, Indonesia is an odds-on favorite to bring the Cup back home," Rudy Hartono said during the celebration of the Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) 44th anniversary at the Senayan indoor stadium yesterday.

Strong quake jolts Morotai

Strong quake jolts Morotai AMBON, Maluku: An earthquake measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale shook the northern regency of Morotai on Thursday, an official said yesterday. Chief of the local meteorologic and geophysics office, Hendry Subakti, said that the government had not yet obtained detailed information regarding possible casualties and damage due to poor communication. The quake occurred at 11.18 a.m. local time, Antara reported.

Private investors urged to mine industrial minerals

Private investors urged to mine industrial minerals JAKARTA (JP): The government is urging private investors to mine more industrial materials like phosphate and glass sand, both of which are badly needed by local industries. Director General of Mines Kuntoro Mangkusubroto said here yesterday that local fertilizer companies are still importing a significant volume of phosphate despite the country's abundant phosphate reserves.

Houses for pedicab drivers

Houses for pedicab drivers PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The local government is keeping its promise to help the poor, building 50 houses which it will offer to pedicab drivers without dawn-payment. Musi Banyuasin regent Arifin Djalil said here on Thursday that the project was part of the government's efforts to get rid of slums. He said the initiative to provide simple houses to pedicab drivers was designed to coincide with the golden anniversary of Indonesian independence on Aug. 17.

New inquiry into death of activist

New inquiry into death of activist JAKARTA (JP): East Java Police said yesterday that they will set up a special team to investigate who really murdered labor activist Marsinah. "We will reopen investigations following the exoneration by the Supreme Court of all defendants of all charges in the murder of labor activist Marsinah," East Java Police chief Maj. Gen. Roesmanhadi said in Surabaya. The Court's decision was warmly welcomed by human rights activists and legal observers.

Equal justice for all

Equal justice for all This has been a memorable week indeed for those who aspire to see the principle of equal justice for all upheld in Indonesia. Only a day after the Jakarta State Administrative Court declared the government's revocation of the publishing license of the weekly news magazine Tempo unlawful, the Supreme Court acquitted nine people convicted of the 1993 slaying of labor activist Marsinah in Surabaya.

164 companies unable to renew staff permits

164 companies unable to renew staff permits JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta office of the Ministry of Manpower disclosed that 164 companies in the city have failed to renew the work permits of foreign workers they employed last year. Head of the office Freddy P. Tuamelly told reporters yesterday that most of the companies failed to renew their foreign employees' permits because they entrusted the processing of the permits to brokerages.

Property market dampened by numerous factors

Property market dampened by numerous factors JAKARTA (JP): An international property consultant firm claims that while high foreign investment approvals have propelled demand for property in Indonesia, a number of other factors have dampened the industry's prospects.

Bank Mashill to issue bonds locally

Bank Mashill to issue bonds locally JAKARTA (JP): Bank Mashill, a foreign exchange bank listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange, announced its plans yesterday to issue bonds worth Rp 75 billion (US$33.6 million) on the local stock exchange.

'Prahara Budaya' puts history in perspective

'Prahara Budaya' puts history in perspective JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro welcomed yesterday Prahara Budaya, or Cultural Calamity, saying the new book "straightens out history." The controversial Prahara Budaya discusses the political rivalry between Indonesia's pro- and anti-communist intellectuals during the 1960-1965 period of guided democracy under former Indonesian president Sukarno.

Liza marches into semis

Liza marches into semis JAKARTA (JP): Unseeded Indonesian Liza Andriani delighted her home fans with a surprising win for a semifinal berth in the Astra International junior tennis championships yesterday. Playing her best tennis on clay, Liza breezed past Bryanne Stewart 6-3, 6-2 for a meeting with Akiko Morigami of Japan. The Japanese dashed the home crowd's hopes of seeing an all- Indonesian girls' singles semifinal when she overpowered Vania Prakusya 6-0, 6-0.

Military students graduate

Military students graduate JAKARTA (JP): Chief of Staff of the Jakarta Military Command Brig. Gen. Sutiyoso presided over the graduation of 70 students from the second stage of their military education yesterday. Sutiyoso said at the graduation ceremony that infantry privates were required to be skillful in more than one field. "A private should be capable of anticipating any possible changes in the heart of the community," he said.

Probe on diarrhea outbreak

Probe on diarrhea outbreak JAKARTA: The Ministry of Health yesterday said it is still waiting for a full report from its local office on the major outbreak of diarrhea in Garut, West Java. The Angkatan Bersenjata daily reported yesterday that seven people died and 215 others were hospitalized following the outbreak.

Labor conditions in Indonesia

Labor conditions in Indonesia In response to an article in The Jakarta Post of April 28, 1995, entitled RI should Improve labor conditions: WB, with comments made by Nisha Agrawal, the World Bank economist, I would be pleased to submit the following information: 1. Implementation of the right to organize in Indonesia is secured by the 1945 Constitution and the existing labor legislations; 2.

TGI Friday's is more than a just a place to eat

TGI Friday's is more than a just a place to eat By T. Sima Gunawan JAKARTA (JP): If you think that the grand opening of TGI Friday's took place last Friday, you are wrong. It was on Saturday, when U.S. Ambassador to Indonesia Robert L. Barry officially launched the American Bistro. The Ambassador? Yes, it was the ambassador who was on stage, well-dressed in his neat suit, giving a brief speech and cutting the tumpeng, the traditional Javanese ceremonial dish consisting of a yellow rice cone.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Force 5 Danguard Ace 3:05 Sports: Dunhill League (live) 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Jazz 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dianrana 8:05 TV Drama: Hati Yang Mendua 9:00 World News 9:25 Music: Dangdut 10:25 Film: Tumbuh Dalam Lumpur 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Indorayon's profit surges

Indorayon's profit surges JAKARTA (JP): The operating profit of PT Inti Indorayon Utama, a publicly listed pulp and rayon producer based in North Sumatra, increased by 1,286 percent to Rp 56.6 billion in the first quarter of this year due primarily to higher gross profits from pulp and rayon fiber sales. The company announced yesterday that its net income increased by Rp 42.1 billion to Rp 37.6 billion for the first quarter from a net loss of Rp 4.5 billion in the same period last year.

Java speeds up development

Java speeds up development SEMARANG: The provincial administrations of Central and East Java have agreed on closer cooperation in order to speed up development in their respective border regencies. "We are designing the legal basis for the cooperation," Chairman of the Central Java provincial legislative council Soeparto said here yesterday. He said a joint team would also be set up to work out the details of the cooperation.

Identify negligent developers: City Council

Identify negligent developers: City Council JAKARTA (JP): The City Council is urging the City Development Supervision Office to announce the names of the developers found guilty of building projects without licenses. The office said on Thursday that seven large-scale developers had been reprimanded for constructing luxury apartments, shopping centers, office buildings and other projects without licenses.

See it live

See it live The following sports matches will be shown live on TV this weekend: Saturday Soccer Indonesian League: PSMS Medan v Persija, TVRI at 3.20 p.m. English premier league: Crystal Palace v West Ham, SCTV at 9 p.m. Sunday Indonesian League: Gelora Dewata v Assyabaab SGS, ANTeve at 3.30 p.m. Italian serie A: Juventus v Lazio, RCTI at 9 p.m. English premier league: Manchester United v Sheffield Wednesday, ANTeve at 10 p.m.

Radio, television stations urged to protect copyrights

Radio, television stations urged to protect copyrights JAKARTA (JP): The dominant political organization Golkar yesterday appealed to all radio and television stations to join in the government's campaign to enhance copyright protection for music works. Ais Anantama Said, head of Golkar's Department of Art and Culture, said radio and television stations should refrain from airing songs that are believed to be pirated works of foreign artists.

Philippines worst hit in ASEAN by surging yen

Philippines worst hit in ASEAN by surging yen KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The emerging economies of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have been bashed by the runaway yen to varying degrees, with the Philippines most badly hit, a leading broking house said yesterday. The impact of the rising yen was most damaging to the Philippines in terms of ballooning foreign debt obligations, followed by Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia in that order, top local brokerage Rashid Hussain Bhd.

The inflation threat

The inflation threat On Wednesday, Minister of Information Harmoko announced the rate of inflation for the month of April to be 1.69 percent. Thus, the rate for the first four months of the current calendar year is 4.73 percent. According to information minister Harmoko, this high rate of inflation was caused by shifts in the general commodities category. Housing saw an increase of 2.31 percent, food 1.34 percent and multifarious goods and services 1.68 percent.

Fitness centers told to close

Fitness centers told to close JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has ordered amusement and fitness centers yesterday to reduce their activities from May 9 until May 11 in honor of the Islamic Day of Sacrifice (Idul Adha), which falls on May 10. Circular No.13/SE/1995, signed by vice governor for social affairs R.S. Museno, forbids both amusement and fitness centers from opening on May 10 itself.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 5, 1995: Trading Shares Close Change Volume ------------------------------------------------------ ADES ALFINDO 2,725 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,300 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 0 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,125 -50 79,000 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,400 0 ANWAR SIERAD 1,275 35,000 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 1,650 -100 194,000 ARGO PANTES 2,575 0 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,100 0 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 650 75 13,500 ASTRA...

National Anthem

National Anthem From Kompas As a component of the younger generation I don't agree with Suka Hardjana (Kompas, April 20, 1995), who proposed that the national anthem Indonesia Raya be revised. In my opinion, Indonesia Raya is a historical legacy which has patriotic value, and its authenticity should be preserved. Suka Hardjana opined that Indonesia Raya has not completely fulfilled the spirit of the Youth Pledge.

North Sumatran floods kill 42

North Sumatran floods kill 42 JAKARTA (JP): Flooding in North Sumatra claimed at least 42 lives yesterday and left another 16 people missing, officials said. Floods and landslides in Labuhan Batu and Tapanuli Selatan districts have also injured about 500 people and forced another 5,000 people to flee their homes, the officials added.

Indonesian archers join Coq Championships

Indonesian archers join Coq Championships JAKARTA (JP): Nine leading national archers will represent Indonesia in the 8th Coq French Archery Tournament in France from May 11 to May 15. Their participation in the prestigious event, to be held in Montelimar, Lyon, is part of the their preparation for both the 18th Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai Thailand and the 38th World Archery Championships in Jakarta. The athletes, four women and five men, are to leave for Lyon on Monday.

Tempo's case should be heard openly: Experts

Tempo's case should be heard openly: Experts JAKARTA (JP): The government's announcement that it plans to appeal against a court ruling in favor of the banned Tempo newsweekly has sparked calls that the hearing of the appeal by the Supreme Court be conducted openly.

Gedung Jaya Building in Bintaro

Gedung Jaya Building in Bintaro JAKARTA (JP): PT Pembangunan Jaya, a joint venture between the Municipal Administration and private companies, began work on the construction of a new 17-story building in Bintaro Jaya, South Jakarta, yesterday. The start of the construction of the building, called Gedung Jaya, was marked by the laying of the cornerstone by Ciputra, president of the company.

Jakarta hosts Slo-pitch meet

Jakarta hosts Slo-pitch meet JAKARTA (JP): Softball teams from Bangkok, Bandung, Jakarta, Hong Kong, Manila, Tokyo, Taiwan, Saudi Arabia and Sumatra yesterday began battling it out in the 12th annual Southeast Asian Men's Slo-Pitch tournament. The tournament, held at the Jakarta International School and Senayan's Cemara Tiga diamond, was organized by the Jakarta Men's Slo-Pitch Softball League. The 22 teams will continue their games from 7 a.m. this morning until midnight tonight.

Autonomy trial run underway nationwide

Autonomy trial run underway nationwide JAKARTA (JP): The trial-run of greater regional autonomy began simultaneously in 26 selected regencies yesterday, with local officials vowing to make it a success. Launched by President Soeharto on April 25, the project aims to give regency governments greater authority to manage their internal affairs and greater financial independence.

Foreign names bias decision

Foreign names bias decision JAKARTA (JP): The City Administration has rejected 43 new business proposals because they had foreign names, an official said yesterday. Kuseini Budiantoro, head of the City Security and Order Office, said that 30 of the 43 companies whose proposals were turned down, wanted to establish entertainment centers. "We temporarily rejected the proposals after we learnt about the trend to use foreign names rather than proper Indonesian," he said.

S'pore party fumes over RI nuke plant

S'pore party fumes over RI nuke plant SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's largest opposition party asked the government yesterday to protest Indonesia's plans for turning to nuclear power, saying it will pose a danger to this island's existence. "This is a matter of utmost urgency as any radioactive leakage from a nuclear meltdown would wipe Singapore off the face of this earth," Singapore Democratic Party's secretary-general Chee Soon Juan said.

RP builds station on disputed island

RP builds station on disputed island MANILA (AFP): The Philippine military said yesterday it plans to repair facilities and provide electricity on one of the seven islands it occupies in the disputed Spratly islands. The Western Command of the Armed Forces said in paid newspaper advertisements that it would conduct a public bidding next month for the supply and installation of a 125-kilovolt generator on Pag-asa island.

Drought affects rice procurement: Beddu

Drought affects rice procurement: Beddu JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Logistics Agency (Bulog) Beddu Amang said yesterday that the agency's domestic rice procurement is facing hurdles this year due to last year's severe drought. "Bulog so far this year has managed to domestically procure only 317,703 tons of rice, forty nine percent of which came from village cooperatives," Beddu was quoted by Antara as saying in Aceh.

Home buying plan for workers in the offing

Home buying plan for workers in the offing JAKARTA (JP): The government, working with a major local cooperative, is currently working out a savings scheme which will help private sector workers purchase their own homes. Agus Sudono, the chairman of the Workers' Central Cooperative (Inkopkar), said the home ownership plan would be along the same lines as the successful scheme already introduced for civil servants and members of the Armed Forces.

Soeharto will retain power in 1998: Gus Dur

Soeharto will retain power in 1998: Gus Dur YOGYAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid, a shrewd political analyst well-known for his controversial views, predicts that President Soeharto will retain power in 1998. Although debates are raging about the presidential succession, Gus Dur -- as Abdurrahman Wahid is better known -- said he is skeptical that the People's Consultative Assembly will elect a new president in 1998.

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.

S'pore warns firms on foreign workers

S'pore warns firms on foreign workers SINGAPORE (Reuter): Labor-scarce Singapore must not rely too heavily on foreign workers because of possible social and economic dangers, the labor minister said yesterday.

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.