Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 June 1995

49 articles found

Workers can't go to Karawang

Workers can't go to Karawang SURAKARTA, Central Java: Police in Sragen have prevented 88 workers from going to seek work in the rapidly-growing industrial town of Karawang, West Java, on the grounds that they do not have official permits. "We are investigating the company that tried to smuggle in the workers," chief of the Sragen police precinct, Lt. Col. Soenarko, said. The workers, mostly women, were stopped by police as they tried to board a Surakarta-bound bus in Sragen, Antara reported.

NAM urges debt reduction for world's poorest nations

NAM urges debt reduction for world's poorest nations JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, in his capacity as chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), yesterday renewed his appeal to leaders of the world's wealthiest countries to reduce the debt burdens of the world's poorest nations.

Alatas seeks E. Timorese youths' support

Alatas seeks E. Timorese youths' support DILI, East Timor (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas solicited "constant and open support" for Indonesia's diplomatic efforts to resolve the East Timor problem from local youths yesterday. "I expect the young people of East Timor to help me deal with the East Timor problem," Alatas said when meeting with the local cadres of the nation's dominant political organization, Golkar, in Ermera yesterday.

Youth body plans to sever ties with Nahdlatul Ulama

Youth body plans to sever ties with Nahdlatul Ulama JAKARTA (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama, already plagued with dissension, may lose the support of a Moslem youth organization, which is considering breaking away. Ansor secretary-general, Saifullah Ma'shum, told the Antara news agency yesterday that the plan would be discussed in Ansor's congress, which is scheduled for September in Palembang, South Sumatra. He said the idea came from the organization's activists.

Sanskrit and Indonesian

Sanskrit and Indonesian This is a reply to Mr B.M. Menon's letter (The Jakarta Post, June 12, 1995), which was itself a response to my earlier letter on the use of Sanskrit in Bahasa Indonesia (The Jakarta Post, June 9, 1995). Let me deal first with the first two points raised by Mr Menon at the beginning of his letter.

Police to charge organizers of unlicensed seminar

Police to charge organizers of unlicensed seminar JAKARTA (JP): City police are preparing to charge the organizers of a seminar and the owner of the venue for holding an unlicensed public gathering, which led to the questioning of a number of people, including American anthropologist Robert Hefner of Boston University.

'ESPN' to set up base in Singapore

'ESPN' to set up base in Singapore SINGAPORE (AFP): The Singapore Broadcasting Authority (SBA) announced yesterday that it had licensed the U.S. entertainment and sports broadcasting network ESPN to operate here. Using Singapore as its Asian operational base, ESPN will be broadcasting three channels in English, Hindi and Mandarin to the Indian subcontinent, China and Southeast Asia.

Haj pilgrim's lost baggage claim

Haj pilgrim's lost baggage claim JAKARTA (JP): The city administration's committee in charge of handling the return of haj pilgrims' has announced that all haj pilgrims from Jakarta whose baggage is missing can claim their lost belongings from the registration offices of the city's five mayoralties.

Dial 163 for info and consultation on AIDS

Dial 163 for info and consultation on AIDS JAKARTA (JP): Residents of Jakarta and surrounding townships can now learn about the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) by dialing 163. The AIDS/HIV Information and Consultancy Service, which is currently only available for people in the vicinity of Jakarta, is being provided by courtesy of the National Family Planning Board and PT Telkom, the state-owned telephone company.

Fantasy and humor at Koi exhibition

Fantasy and humor at Koi exhibition JAKARTA (JP): Fantasy and humor are the subjects of the current exhibition at Koi Gallery & Restaurant, showcasing the works of painter Hafid Alibasyah and sculptor Yana WS. "Many of my works are underlined with jokes. But since art is subjective, others may not get the joke," admitted Yana WS as he spoke about the resin-copper sculpture Crocodile Shoes and the mixed-media-and-resin sculpture Lady Western.

RI children still malnourished: Unicef report

RI children still malnourished: Unicef report JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has done very well in promoting education, but many of its children are still malnourished, according to the latest Progress of Nations report issued by the United Nations International Children's Fund (Unicef).

PPP faces another crisis in E. Kalimantan

PPP faces another crisis in E. Kalimantan JAKARTA (JP): The Moslem-based United Development Party (PPP) is facing yet another leadership crisis as the East Kalimantan branch's congress failed to elect new leaders. The three-day meeting succeeded in establishing a five-member electoral team but failed to meet the Tuesday deadline for the election of new leaders for the next five-year period.

Handbook for isle protection

Handbook for isle protection JAKARTA (JP): The result of an environmental audit on Bira Island will be used as a handbook to protect the environment of other islands of the Seribu Island chain in North Jakarta. State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja told reporters on Kelapa Island, North Jakarta, yesterday that the result of the audit is expected to help improve the quality of the environment in Seribu Islands.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 14, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 2,375 75 2,500 AHAP Insurance 3,300 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,100 0 0 Andayani Megah 3,125 -25 133,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,000 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,525 0 153,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,800 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,900 0 201,500 Argo Pantes 2,600 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 925 0 0 Aster Dharma Industry...

AIDS information drives require coordination

AIDS information drives require coordination JAKARTA (JP): An executive of the Kusuma Buana Foundation underlined yesterday the importance of coordination, among non- governmental organizations (NGOs), in disseminating information on the danger of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Indosepamas' profit soars

Indosepamas' profit soars JAKARTA (JP): PT Indosepamas Anggun, a manufacturing company, announced yesterday a sharp increase in its after-tax profit to Rp 9.03 billion, or Rp 249 per share, during the first quarter of this year from Rp 2.71 billion, or Rp 112 per share, for the same period in 1994.

The battles of Indonesia's struggling artists

The battles of Indonesia's struggling artists By Sarah Murray JAKARTA (JP): "Can you explain the Indonesian art market to me? The price structure seems so crazy!" an art lover, collector, and American Fulbright scholar asked the other day when he learned I was in the process of studying the contemporary Indonesian fine arts world. So ask many foreign and local collectors, art dealers, artists, and I'm sure the staff at Christie's Auction House, soon to open their first branch office in Jakarta.

Fund raising problems

Fund raising problems Lately fund raising for sports activities became a very hot topic. In my humble opinion, it is almost as hot as the political topic of succession. The discussion centered around the question whether Tapornas contains gambling elements or not. Previously we had the SDSB (government sponsored lottery) as a source for funding sports activities. But then people started to protest the government, because people said that this was covert gambling. Ultimately SDSB was banned.

Soeharto dismisses doubts over ability to pay debts

Soeharto dismisses doubts over ability to pay debts JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday dismissed doubts about Indonesia's ability to repay its foreign debts, which are now approaching US$100 billion. The President said fears that the country would not be able to settle its foreign debts were baseless, given the sound condition of the country's economy.

Freedom of speech

Freedom of speech It is as yet unclear what form the new policy on the issuance of permits for public gatherings, as proposed by the Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security, will take. But whatever form, the willingness to review the policy is a positive sign. The question is not merely one of providing greater leeway for the exercise of opinion and speech.

Security system by, for the people

Security system by, for the people By K. Basrie JAKARTA (JP): It's midnight of May 31 at a two by two meter structure. That night three residents were assigned by the head of the neighborhood to guard their "zone" where around 80 families live. The neighborhood, called RT IV area, is part of the Bumi Kelapa Dua housing complex in Curug, Tangerang, less than five kilometers from the Lippo Karawaci mega project.

Investments to hit record

Investments to hit record JAKARTA (JP): Approvals of foreign investments during the first five months of this year reached US$17.36 billion, already 73.2 percent of last year's record high of $23.7 billion, according to the Investment Coordinating Board. Data at the board showed yesterday the investments approved in the January-May period were committed for the establishment of 322 projects.

Asian firms lead line for world's longest plane

Asian firms lead line for world's longest plane LE BOURGET, France (AFP): Boeing yesterday launched a stretched version of its new Boeing 777 passenger jet at the French air show, with Japan's ANA and several other Asian firms placing the first orders for what will be the world's longest passenger craft. The company said it had received a total of 31 orders for the new plane, of which 20 were new orders and the rest conversions of earlier orders for other aircraft.

Small textile companies to suffer losses

Small textile companies to suffer losses JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of smaller textile companies are likely to go out of business as the prices of raw materials continue to rise and domestic demand for textile products decreases, a legislator said yesterday.

American scholar defends NGOs' rights roles

American scholar defends NGOs' rights roles JAKARTA (JP): An American academic exalted yesterday the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and defended the right to criticize governments which violated human rights. Theodore S. Orlin, a professor of political science and criminal justice at Syracuse University, New York, said NGOs were important for the protection and promotion of rights, as a public means of ensuring that governments observed civil and political rights.

New shopping centers

New shopping centers JAKARTA (JP): PT Duta Anggada Realty, a property company listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange, will focus its business in the construction of shopping centers in the next three to four years, said a company executive.

Faces of Indonesia?

Faces of Indonesia? "Faces of Indonesia," touring several big cities in the U.S. and Europe recently, has undoubtedly done quite a lot for Indonesia's cultural promotion. In a few hours, large numbers of people in those cities had the rare opportunity to watch the rich and colorful spectacles of Indonesian culture. One wonders, with valid reason, whether this kind of cultural diplomacy is no more efficient and effective than the works of our embassies in this field?

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, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Monday Thursday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Los Paraguas, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Boece & Ayu (pianist and singer), Tuesday to Saturday, from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

World doubles finals offer more amusement

World doubles finals offer more amusement JAKARTA (JP): The ATP Tour is considering adding entertainment to the world doubles finals program here in November in a bid to attract a better turn-out. Steve Casey, ATP Tour communications director, said on Tuesday that organizers had learned a lot from Super 9 tournaments in Europe which had been successful in luring more spectators to tennis events in the past season. "It's our new strategy to draw families to the stadium.

Our foreign debts

Our foreign debts President Soeharto has reassured the people once again that our foreign debts, currently estimated at around US$100 billion, including the $40 billion owed by the private sector, are well managed. The President made the remarks yesterday apparently to allay the fears that such a large amount of foreign debts would be a great burden for the next generation. He reaffirmed that the official foreign borrowings have been used entirely for productive rather than consumer purposes.

More expat workers to flood RI job market

More expat workers to flood RI job market JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian professionals and policy makers, beware! As a result of the rapid globalization process and trade liberalization measures, more and more expatriates will be coming to Indonesia's shores to work, according to a leading demographer.

Detainee allowed to take exams

Detainee allowed to take exams JAKARTA (JP): A detainee at the Salemba detention center will be permitted to take part in the national state university entrance tests to be held next week, it was announced yesterday. Danang Kukuh Wardoyo, 19, one of three detainees arrested on March 16 on charges of selling copies of an unlicensed magazine, gained permission to sit for the exam from the Central Jakarta District Court.

Hotels, shops change names

Hotels, shops change names PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Hotels, restaurants and stores throughout the province have begun to replace foreign names with Indonesian ones. Central Java Governor Soewardi has asked restaurants, hotels and shops in the province to give up their foreign names before Indonesia's 50th Independence Day, which falls on Aug. 17.

Two further exhibitions

Two further exhibitions JAKARTA (JP): Two more exhibitions of paintings will be held in Jakarta this month. Painters from the group Nuansalima -- Sudigdo, A. Malik Atiaz, Rukmini Yusuf Affandi, Agus Budiyanto and Suminto -- will exhibit their paintings at the Executive Club at the Jakarta International Hilton Hotel from June 19 to June 28. The exhibition is scheduled to be opened by the wife of the State Minister for Investment, Mrs. Susrinah Sastrowardoyo.

1997 and 1998 'critical' for RI: Soesilo

1997 and 1998 'critical' for RI: Soesilo SEMARANG (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman predicts that 1997 and 1998, during which Indonesia will hold general elections and name a new head of state, will be "critical". During a seminar on democracy and the concept of an integral state at Diponegoro University here yesterday, the minister said that those years will be marked by collisions between different political interests.

Bank Indonesia signs $500m standby loan

Bank Indonesia signs $500m standby loan JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia signed in Tokyo yesterday a standby loan agreement worth about US$500 million with a syndicate of major international banks in order to support the position of its foreign exchange reserves, a central bank official said yesterday.

OPEC's oil surge mainly technical: Sudjana

OPEC's oil surge mainly technical: Sudjana JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Ida Bagus Sudjana said yesterday that the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is producing about 500,000 barrels of oil per day above its agreed output ceiling. "The higher output is mainly technical because of a slight excess in pumping crude by many of its members," Sudjana told reporters after meeting with President Soeharto.

Ida Bagus Made: A unique painter of Ubud

Ida Bagus Made: A unique painter of Ubud By Intan Petersen UBUD, Bali (JP): "I feel hurt," hissed painter Ida Bagus Made. Tears sprang into his eyes when he was read an article about one of his stolen paintings appearing at a Christie's auction in Singapore last March. People in Bali still remember that in 1978, 14 of the painter's best paintings were stolen from his house in Tebasaya village, Ubud, Bali and have never been returned to him.

Nude 'model' wanted

Nude 'model' wanted BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The provincial government has set up a special team to track down a local resident who reportedly allowed herself to be photographed in Malaysia, without clothes, engaged in sexual acts. Head of the provincial office of the manpower ministry Slamet Kisworo said here yesterday that the team would seek to discover the whereabouts of the woman, who reportedly disappeared from her house in Malaysia after realizing she was wanted by Malaysian police.

Aceh elephants on the rampage

Aceh elephants on the rampage BANDA ACEH, Aceh: A herd of wild elephants has been on the rampage for the last week, destroying crops and causing panic in Lambaro Tunong village, Seulimun subdistrict. Local military spokesman Lt. Col. Muhammad Hadis said that the village, 65 kilometers east of the capital Banda Aceh, is attacked by wild elephants almost every year. Villager Ahmad Puteh, 60, was killed during one of the recent rampages, he was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Official's wife arrested

Official's wife arrested BANJARNEGARA, Central Java: Lala, the wife of the chief of Kalibening district, is being questioned by police on suspicion of embezzlement of nearly Rp 3.5 million (U$1,500) of government funds. Bambang Momok, the head of Banjarnegara police's intelligence division, told The Jakarta Post that Lala may have embezzled the money from the residents of 23 villages, whom she had asked to buy sign boards for the family welfare movement.

Fiji threatens to boycott Games

Fiji threatens to boycott Games SUVA (AFP): Anger at France's decision to resume nuclear testing in the South Pacific spilled into the sporting arena yesterday as Fiji threatened to boycott the South Pacific Games in French Polynesia. Fijian Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka said the southwestern Pacific island nation had always objected to any form of nuclear testing by any country in any environment.

National archers suffer big blow in warm-up event

National archers suffer big blow in warm-up event JAKARTA (JP): China and Australia landed a daunting blow to Indonesia's bid for a commendable showing in the 38th world archery championships in August when they strolled to a commanding lead at the national meet yesterday. The Chinese and Australian archers, who entered the annual meet in preparation for the Aug. 1-Aug.

ASEAN plans on pollution control

ASEAN plans on pollution control KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) opened talks here yesterday on cross-border pollution controls after being plagued in recent years by hazy skies and polluted seas.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Chocky's Challenge 3:05 Children's Program 3:30 TV Drama: Harapan Nan Sirna 4:30 Sports 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Koran Recital 6:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama: Madun 8:05 Culture Program 9:00 World News 9:30 Film: Amazons 10:55 Late News 11:05 Sports Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Asia too dependent on Middle East oil

Asia too dependent on Middle East oil SINGAPORE (Reuter): Robust oil demand in Asia over the next 10 years will lead to greater reliance on Middle East crude, putting the region in a more precarious situation than the United States or Europe, an energy analyst said. Kang Wu, an analyst with Hawaii's East-West Center, said Asia- Pacific oil demand was expected to grow by an average 3.6 percent per year from 1994 to 2005, reaching 23.8 million barrels per day (bpd).

Golkar targets UMNO success

Golkar targets UMNO success JAKARTA (JP): The ruling political group Golkar wants a landslide victory in the 1997 general election and chairman Harmoko is confident he can do it. "We cannot predict the percentage (of the votes) yet, but it is sure to increase given the organizational consolidation being carried out in the regions," Harmoko told Antara yesterday. Harmoko said any big political organization anywhere in the world wants to win with as big a margin as possible.

20 farmers protest over land acquisition

20 farmers protest over land acquisition JAKARTA (JP): Twenty South Sumatran farmers protested at the House of Representatives yesterday over the appropriation of their land, by various private and state-owned companies, without compensation. Representing over 500 farming families in several regencies, the farmers demanded that the House help them to gain compensation from both the government and private companies that took their property.

Port havoc may lead to extra costs

Port havoc may lead to extra costs By Prapti Widinugraheni JAKARTA (JP): Foreign shipping companies are threatening to impose additional charges on importers of up to a total of US$70 million a year if congestion at the Tanjung Priok port does not abate.