Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 June 1995

49 articles found

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 7, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Dharmala 1,500 25 500 Ades Alfindo 2,100 -100 500 Andayani Megah 3,050 125 1,387,500 AHAP Insurance 3,300 0 0 Argha Karya 2,025 -25 280,500 Aneka Kimia 6,025 -25 80,000 Alumindo 1,100 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,500 0 133,500 Aqua Golden 2,800 0 0 Argo Pantes 2,600 0 0 Asuransi 3,000 0 0 Asuransi Dayin 2,400 0 0 Astra...

Elephants kill 12 every year

Elephants kill 12 every year BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Eight to 12 people fall victim each year from elephant attacks in the region, head of the local forestry office says. A.S.M. Panjaitan was quoted by Antara as saying that the attacks were caused by the elephants' declining habitat which is due to deforestation. There are currently some 800 elephants in the region. They multiply by 50-100 each year.

RI in midst of legal crisis

RI in midst of legal crisis By Frans H. Winarta JAKARTA (JP): The existence of the rule of law is the key characteristics of a legal state (rechstaat). Where there is the rule of law, all court decisions, that have acquired finality, should always become executable. Unfortunately, every time it is impossible to execute the court's ruling, it will also become impossible to protect the rule of law.

'SCV' programmers told to respect S'pore rules

'SCV' programmers told to respect S'pore rules SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's first cable TV company yesterday set a June 23 launch date for its 30-channel lineup, but warned programmers they risk being switched off if they flouted the island's strict broadcasting rules. Singapore CableVision (SCV) chairman Khaw Boon Wan said "irresponsible reporting" and excessive sex and violence would not be allowed on the network, being set up at a cost of S$500 million (US$357 million).

KIA posts rise in profits

KIA posts rise in profits JAKARTA (JP): PT Keramika Indonesia Asosiasi (KIA) has reported an almost six-fold increase in its net profits to Rp 14.57 billion last year, as compared to Rp 2.44 billion in 1993. The publicly listed company announced yesterday that its sales rose 237.2 percent to Rp 103.2 billion in 1994 from Rp 43.5 billion in 1993.

National savings and gambling

National savings and gambling From Suara Karya As we all know, the government will soon launch a new package in an effort to raise funds to finance sports activities. The new package, called Tapornas (national savings for sports activities), will cooperate with banks which accept money from potential depositors. The depositors' money is safe with the banks and will earn interest.

Malaysian economy up 9.9%

Malaysian economy up 9.9% KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's economy grew 9.9 percent in the first quarter of this year on strong manufacturing, construction and service sector activities, the central Bank Negara said yesterday. The gross domestic product figure was higher than the 8.8 percent achieved in the previous corresponding period and 8.8 percent in the preceding quarter.

Real estate company says profits to increase

Real estate company says profits to increase JAKARTA (JP): PT Pudjiadi Prestige, a real estate developer listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange, is predicting a 32 percent increase in its sales and a 10 percent rise in its net profits this year. "Net profits had already reached Rp 7.3 billion in the first quarter of this year," the company said in a statement yesterday. However, the developer said the projected growth in sales and profits was much lower than the growth the company booked in 1994.

Inti Karya wins geothermal power contract

Inti Karya wins geothermal power contract JAKARTA (JP): PT Inti Karya Persada Tehnik, a domestic engineering company, in cooperation with Fluor Daniel Eastern Inc. of the United States, won a contract yesterday to construct three geothermal power units worth US$400 million in West Java. The contract was signed here yesterday by Inti Karya's president, Raysoeli Moeloek, the vice president of Fluor Daniel of the United States, L.S.

Join venture chemical plant expands capacity

Join venture chemical plant expands capacity JAKARTA (JP): PT Asahimas Subentra Chemical, a joint venture between two Japanese and two domestic firms, will invest US$200 million to expand its integrated petrochemical plant in Cilegon, West Java.

New talk show on 'SCTV'

New talk show on 'SCTV' JAKARTA: The privately owned Surya Citra Televisi (SCTV) television station announced yesterday that it will start a new talk show called Di Balik Berita (Behind the News) which will reveal the policies of various print media. The new program, one of five managed under SCTV's Liputan 6 in-depth news-reporting division, starts broadcasting today from 6:00 to 6:30 p.m.

Amnesty for political detainees

Amnesty for political detainees From Tiras There is a wide range of views -- for and against -- concerning the proposal made by Dr H Roeslan Abdulgani that the government should give amnesty to elderly political detainees. I have my own reason in agreeing with Roeslan Abdulgani's ideas. The people of Russia, for example, who used to base their state on communism, said they no longer liked communism.

APB-Net talks fail to reach agreement

APB-Net talks fail to reach agreement JAKARTA (JP): The preparatory talks in Tokyo for the second meeting of the Asia Pacific Business Network (APB-Net), which will be held in Osaka on Oct. 22 and Oct. 23, are deadlocked, Husein Aminuddin, chief of the Indonesian delegation, said yesterday.

Number of illegal street vendors falls sharply

Number of illegal street vendors falls sharply JAKARTA (JP): The number of illegal street vendors operating in the city dropped from about 88,000 in 1993 to 54,000 at present, an official said yesterday. Aris Djazuli, head of the small-scale business Improvement project, told reporters that the sharp decline was due to the fact that many voluntarily moved to Jakarta's buffer zones: Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi.

Water stoppage on Friday

Water stoppage on Friday JAKARTA (JP): The city-owned water company PAM Jaya will temporarily stop the supply of water to Central Jakarta on Friday. The company announced yesterday that the stoppage is due to an installation project on Jl. Suryopranoto on Friday from 8 p.m. until midnight. Due to the work, water services to the Hayam Wuruk areas will be suspended. (yns)

Apartment permits facilitated

Apartment permits facilitated JAKARTA (JP): Ongky Sukasah, head of the City Housing Office, said yesterday that the city administration will speed up the processing of permits for the construction of low-cost apartments. The speedier processing is designed to attract private investors to the low-cost apartment business, Ongky said at a seminar on Crowding and Health.

ADB to help attract foreign money

ADB to help attract foreign money MANILA (AFP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will expand efforts to help developing member countries (DMCs) set up the necessary legal framework that could attract more foreign investments, the bank said Wednesday. A statement from the Manila-based institution quoted ADB general counsel Barry Metzger as saying the bank is "currently reviewing its law-related programming to chart out a future course of action" in setting up such frameworks.

First center for body and soul

First center for body and soul JAKARTA (JP): The first center for the well-being of body and mind has opened. Stylist, which is located in southern Jakarta, claims to be the first center with holistic treatments. Lourda Budi Dharma, executive director of Stylist, said that what people need today is not just a fit body but also a fit mind.

Local firms invited to join in gas project

Local firms invited to join in gas project JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie said yesterday the government was counting on the participation of local private companies in developing a $42 billion gas extraction project in the Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. Habibie stressed, however, that only companies that met with international standards would be selected for participation in the project.

Indonesia ranks lowest on welfare index

Indonesia ranks lowest on welfare index JAKARTA (JP): Quality of life in Indonesia is ranked the lowest in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on a United Nations' index, Minister of Health Sujudi said yesterday. Sujudi said Indonesia scored 0.584 on the UN's Human Development Index, as compared with Malaysia's 0.794, the Philippines' 0.621, Singapore's 0.836, Brunei's 0.829 and Thailand's 0.798. The UN scale ranks quality of life on a scale of zero to one.

Naisbitt predicts good times for Asia

Naisbitt predicts good times for Asia JAKARTA (JP): John Naisbitt foresees a great future for Asia in the coming decades. Coming from the author of the bestselling books Megatrends and Global Paradox, such an assertion carries strong weight. Naisbitt is in town this week for a lecture and a series of meetings with Indonesian officials and experts in economics. He is also here to discuss his next book, Megatrends Asia, which will be published early next year.

Imports inspection will be maintained

Imports inspection will be maintained JAKARTA (JP): Trade Minister S.B. Joedono said yesterday that the present pre-shipment inspection system for imports, which has been used since 1985, would be maintained. "But I don't know whether the contract with the Geneva-based Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) for the implementation of the system will be extended or not," Joedono said. The SGS contract expires in July.

Indonesia unwilling to discuss oil quota

Indonesia unwilling to discuss oil quota JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, the only Asian member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), does not want to discuss the oil production quota during the organization's upcoming ministerial meeting, a minister says. "We are hoping that the OPEC meeting will not discuss the issue of quota," Minister of Mines And Energy I.B. Sudjana told reporters before attending a monthly cabinet meeting on the economy yesterday.

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 Boy Scout Program 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: A Killing Affair 10:55 Late News 11:05 Sports Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Police submit scholar's case to prosecutors

Police submit scholar's case to prosecutors JAKARTA (JP): The police have submitted the dossiers of George Yunus Aditjondro to the Yogyakarta prosecutors' office although the academic, accused of insulting the President, has applied to live in Australia permanently. "The court can start the trial. We have done our job," National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman Astrosemitro told journalists here yesterday. George now teaches Asian Studies at Murdoch University in Perth.

Lorne Blair great loss

Lorne Blair great loss A creative light has been lost. Lorne Blair, film maker, writer, bon vivant, raconteur and adventurer, died recently in Bali. Lorne and his brother Lawrence, brought Indonesia to the attention of the wider world with their film The Ring of Fire -- a film that captured a rapidly fading collage of cultures before the inexorable march of development began to homogenize the wonders of Indonesia.

Bank NISP pays dividend

Bank NISP pays dividend JAKARTA (JP): Bank NISP, a private bank listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange, plans to distribute 23 percent of last year's net profit of Rp 13.52 billion (US$6.14 million) as cash dividends. The bank announced yesterday that the dividend payout ratio is higher than the 20 percent pledged during its initial public offering last October.

S'pore oil slick cleared

S'pore oil slick cleared SINGAPORE (AFP): An oil slick off the Singapore waterfront caused by a collision between two vessels was cleaned up yesterday, the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA) said. Only small pockets of oil that had been treated with dispersants were reported by PSA patrols at four points off the shoreline, the PSA said, adding that the leakage from the damaged bunker barge Saybolt had stopped.

New tax measures announced

New tax measures announced JAKARTA (JP): The transfer of assets between two banks which are in the process of merging has been exempted from capital gains tax, under one of six new tax regulations announced by Tax Director General Fuad Bawazier yesterday. Faud said the exemption was designed to encourage smaller banks to merge with each other in order to strengthen their capital.

Inflation tumbles to 0.49% in May

Inflation tumbles to 0.49% in May JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's inflation rate declined to 0.49 percent in May, representing a sharp drop from this year's high of 1.6 percent in April, the government announced yesterday.

Keep up the writing habit

Keep up the writing habit "Your Letters" is one major reason for my subscribing to The Jakarta Post, for it hardly ever fails to satisfy my daily need of laughter. My special thanks in this regard go to Mr Piero Ronci. His opinions and his way of expressing them are often too hilarious for me to restrain myself from crying out in delight. Almost as amusing as Mr Ronci's letters are the replies by Mr Sawrey-Cookson and all the others who bother.

Paper price rise too much

Paper price rise too much From Media Indonesia The increase in the price rice of newsprint has triggered an increase in the price of newspapers. The retail price of Media Indonesia has risen from Rp 500 to Rp 700 -- an increase of about 40 percent. The price other newspapers like Kompas has also gone up by the same percentage. This price increase is not reasonable. It doesn't follow the law of supply and demand. There must be one factor which has caused the fantastic increase.

Soldier admits killing six

Soldier admits killing six DENPASAR, Bali: A court-martialled soldier admitted yesterday to killing six unarmed East Timorese rebels but insisted that he was only following orders. First Class Private Rusdin Maubere, testified yesterday that he received a "signal" from First Lt. Jermias Kasse to "finish" the prisoners, after their colleague, First Class Private Costodio Bareto was seriously injured by a rebel identified as Antoni Alves, Antara reported.

Work accidents in S. Kalimantan

Work accidents in S. Kalimantan BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The number of occupational accidents in the region has reached 326 in the last five months, much higher than the total 296 cases throughout last year. Head of the local manpower office Soewardi said, however, that the accidents were less serious than those of last year's. As of last month, the accidents this year have caused two deaths, 36 physical disabilities and 288 less serious injuries.

Remove tariffs on newsprint: Ministries

Remove tariffs on newsprint: Ministries JAKARTA (JP): The ministries of industry, trade and information, as well as publishers and paper producers, agreed yesterday to propose that the Ministry of Finance cut the import tariff on newsprint to zero percent.

Analysis on Kapuk given to governor

Analysis on Kapuk given to governor JAKARTA (JP): PT Mandira Permai, developer of the Pantai Indah Kapuk waterfront complex, handed over its environmental impact study on the project to Governor Surjadi Soedirdja yesterday. The study was handed over by Budi Nurwono, the company's director, during a meeting at City Hall. "The study, prepared by PT Reptikon and revised by the Environmental Impact Analysis Commission, was finished on May 5. Today it was given to the governor," Budi said.

Indonesia-China relations

Indonesia-China relations It was believed earlier that the Natuna Islands would become a point of friction between Indonesia and China. Both countries argued about the question of ownership over the islands and its surrounding waters, which are rich in resources, including natural gas. The potency for conflict between Jakarta and Beijing does, of course, need watching, despite the fact that the chances have diminished since Foreign Minister Ali Alatas made his statement a few days ago.

Oki gets two years in jail for passport forgery

Oki gets two years in jail for passport forgery JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court sentenced yesterday Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, to two years imprisonment for being found guilty of falsifying passports and using the fake documents. Presiding Judge Dorris A.A.

RP saving tuna for tomorrow

RP saving tuna for tomorrow Overfishing and coastal damages threaten the tuna industry in the Philippines. Johanna Son of Inter Press Service reports. SARANGANI, Philippines: Sinewy, sunburnt fishermen heave the tuna onto the sandy beaches of this southern Philippine fishing town, fresh fish blood dripping down their shoulders. Traders tag the tuna by flesh firmness and pinkness, sending the best-grade ones off for export to Japan as sashimi.

Golden trophy for sailing race winner

Golden trophy for sailing race winner JAKARTA (JP): The organizers of the Arung Samudra 1995 international sailing race are offering a golden trophy for the winner. The 40 centimeter high trophy, in the shape of a sailor, will be awarded in the tallship category in the Arung Samudra 1995 race between Benoa in Bali and Tanjung Priok in Jakarta this August, the race's manager Commodore Yoewarsono told reporters yesterday.

Japan seeks to curb dependence on dollar

Japan seeks to curb dependence on dollar SEATTLE, Washington (AFP): Japan is seeking to reduce its dependency on the U.S. dollar to ensure fluctuating exchange rates no longer undermine its trading position, a top Japanese banker said Tuesday. "To bring the situation somewhat closer to major European countries is a desirable and plausible medium and long term policy goal," Toyoo Gyohten, chairman of the Bank of Tokyo, said in an interview to AFP.

Jakarta-Bali car rally starts

Jakarta-Bali car rally starts JAKARTA (JP): National Police Chief and his wife, Mrs. Banurusman Astrosemitro, officially flagged off the second biennial police-sponsored Jakarta-Bali car race at the City Police headquarters yesterday. A total of 74 cars are participating in the race, which is expected to reach Bali on Sunday.

China becomes major Japanese investment site

China becomes major Japanese investment site TOKYO (AFP): China overtook Britain, the Netherlands and Australia last year to become the biggest destination for Japanese direct investment after the United States, according to the latest finance ministry data. The figures also show that increased investment in Asian countries such as Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore along with China helped the region surpass Europe as main recipient of Japanese investment after North America.

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.

Satya Wacana faces difficult registration

Satya Wacana faces difficult registration SALATIGA, Central Java (JP): The rift-ridden Satya Wacana Christian University opened admission of new students yesterday amid disgruntled teachers' threats of continued strike. Controversial Rector John JOI Ihalauw told a news conference that the university would admit 1,059 new students this academic year, which starts in July.

Honda to make cheap cars

Honda to make cheap cars TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Honda Motor Crop. plans to produce lower- priced passenger cars in the Philippines and Indonesia in the company's new strategy for the Asian market, Jiji Press said yesterday. The Japanese carmaker already unveiled a similar plan to annually produce 6,000 units of the so-called "Asian cars" in Thailand. These plans are aimed at meeting growing demand for cheaper cars in Asia, Jiji said.

Why not official contributions?

Why not official contributions? From Media Indonesia Exciting debates on Tapornas (national savings for sports events) are going on. This indicates that dynamism of life prevails in our society. It is our concern that we have not found an acceptable solution to the problem of raising funds to finance sports activities, even though we have been independent for nearly 50 years.

Admirers mark 94th birthday of Sukarno

Admirers mark 94th birthday of Sukarno JAKARTA (JP): More than 400 people, mostly activists from various affiliations, from Moslem associations to nationalists, gathered at the house of Megawati Soekarnoputri to pay homage to her father, the late President Sukarno, on his birthday on Tuesday. In her speech, Megawati called on the young generation to perceive his ideas and views in a holistic way and judge them proportionally.

Suspect's whereabouts unknown

Suspect's whereabouts unknown JAKARTA (JP): City police have no clues about the whereabouts of an executive of a private firm believed to have cheated a female entrepreneur. As of yesterday, police had failed to obtain a statement from Mohammad Alzier Tabranie, president director of a private company, who the entrepreneur charged took possession of her land documents after he promised to help her get a Rp 100 million (US$44,700) loan from a private bank.