Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 September 1995

48 articles found

Highest tower

Highest tower The plan to build the world's third largest tower in Kemayoran at a cost US$400 million (Rp 900 billion) is amazing. It is amazing to think about what could actually be done with the money to help this nation. I personally disagree with this extravagant idea. Instead, I have some alternative uses for the huge amount of money: 1. Build new schools and renovate run-down schools in remote areas. 2.

19 held over campus riot

19 held over campus riot SALATIGA, Central Java: Police were holding 19 students for questioning yesterday after a violent riot at Satya Wacana Christian University on Monday. Outside the precinct, about 100 students and lecturers staged a sit-in in solidarity with their colleagues inside. "We're in this together. If they're ill, we feel ill too," commented one student. Salatiga Police Chief Lt. Col. Hari Suprapto said there could be further suspects, apart from the 19 in custody.

S. Korea and Indonesia vow better trade, investment ties

S. Korea and Indonesia vow better trade, investment ties JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian and South Korean chambers of commerce and industry agreed yesterday to improve bilateral economic relations in trade and investment activities. In the 10th joint meeting of the Indonesia-Korea Economic Cooperation Committees at the Horison Hotel, both chambers pledged to boost two-way trade from US$4.32 billion in 1994 to $5.38 billion this year.

Accord on statistic information signed

Accord on statistic information signed JAKARTA (JP): The Australian Bureau of Statistics yesterday agreed to help modernize and expand the data system of Indonesia's Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) and to exchange data which will be provided for governments and companies. BPS's chairman, Sugito Suwito, and his Australian counterpart William McLennan, signed the cooperation agreement, which will be valid for five years.

Beddu seeks to close flour industry debate

Beddu seeks to close flour industry debate JAKARTA (JP): National Logistics Agency Chairman Beddu Amang, in a bid to end public debate over government subsidies to the flour industry, insisted yesterday that flour prices in Indonesia are the lowest in the region.

Police to discuss student brawls

Police to discuss student brawls JAKARTA (JP): Police are holding a meeting today to discuss the question of how to handle student brawls, which are reported to be getting worse. The meeting is being held at National Police Headquarters in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. Chief of Jakarta Police, Maj. Gen. Dibyo Widodo, confirmed yesterday that student brawls are increasing in both frequency and brutality. "The number of deaths in student brawls has increased," he said.

Governor defends private developers on reclamation

Governor defends private developers on reclamation JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja yesterday defended the reclamation works being conducted by private developers along the shoreline in North Jakarta in spite of the absence of a decree on reclamation activities. Surjadi said that the land reclamation works are part of the city's development, which is expected to be addressed in a new decree currently being deliberated at the City Council.

Govt's oil profits estimated to reach $187.6 million

Govt's oil profits estimated to reach $187.6 million JAKARTA (JP): Acting Minister of Mines and Energy Moerdiono said yesterday the government's net profits from domestic oil sales in the first semester of the current 1995-96 fiscal year are estimated to reach Rp 412.9 billion (US$187.6 million).

Do all you can to save Sarah, Ramos orders

Do all you can to save Sarah, Ramos orders MANILA (Reuter): President Fidel Ramos is sending a high-level mission to the United Arab Emirates with orders "to do all you can to save" a 16-year-old Filipina maid from execution, officials said yesterday. As the government scrambled to save the life of Sarah Balabagan, a member of the Senate foreign relations committee charged she had been "set up for the gallows" to protect the reputation of her employer whom she had accused of raping her.

City police has new hotel

City police has new hotel JAKARTA (JP): Chief of Jakarta Police Maj. Gen. Dibyo Widodo opened yesterday a three-star hotel in Ciloto, which belongs to the Jakarta City Police cooperative. Dibyo said the hotel, which was built at a cost of more than Rp 1 billion, was a joint-venture between the police cooperative and a privately-owned company, PT Sinar Mutiara Sejati, which will look after the hotel's management.

Quake jolts Kupang

Quake jolts Kupang KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the open-ended Richter scale rocked the city early on Tuesday. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property. The earthquake was centered in the Sabu Sea about 65 km north of the city, Antara reported yesterday. (rms)

Arts festival at Prambanan

Arts festival at Prambanan YOGYAKARTA: The second Prambanan-Boko Festival of traditional arts will open at a tourist park near the Prambanan temple tomorrow. It will last until Oct. 8. The festival aims to promote traditional culture in the region, said Yuwono Sri Suwito, manager of the Prambanan development project. Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave will open the festival, Yuwono said, as quoted by Antara.

Defense lawyers fear safety, revoke lawsuit in rape case

Defense lawyers fear safety, revoke lawsuit in rape case JAKARTA (JP): The defense lawyers of three suspects in the Acan robbery and rape case revoked their lawsuit against the Bekasi police yesterday, on the grounds that the authorities have failed to guarantee their security.

Armed Forces will organize seven-day military exhibition

Armed Forces will organize seven-day military exhibition JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) will hold a week-long military exhibition at the Jakarta Fairground in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, from Sept. 22 to Sept. 28. The exhibition, the first since ABRI's establishment, will display both old and modern military equipment belonging to the Army, Navy, Air Force and the National Police, Maj. Gen. Bambang Soembodo, head of the organizing committee, said yesterday.

Chinatrust plans RI bank

Chinatrust plans RI bank TAIPEI (Reuter): Chinatrust Commercial Bank , Taiwan's largest private bank, plans to set up joint-venture banks in Indonesia and the Philippines later this year, a company spokeswoman said. "To cope with the government's southbound policy, we plan to set up banks in southeast Asia to offer financial services to Taiwan investors there," said Wang Li, Chinatrust's public relations manager.

Preaching economists

Preaching economists Interestingly, amid mounting public controversy over widening inequality and the allegedly high prevalence of malfeasance and other irregularities that accompany our robust economic growth, noted Indonesian economists have increasingly been preaching the value of conscience, common sense and public morality.

Indonesia, U.S. plan high-level military talks

Indonesia, U.S. plan high-level military talks JAKARTA (JP): High-ranking officers of the Indonesian and United States armed forces will meet in Honolulu, Hawaii, in November for what is hoped to be the start of regular military talks between the two countries. Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Adm. William Owens said here yesterday that he would be heading the U.S. delegation along with Gen. Martin Steel, who would be representing the U.S.'s Pacific Command.

Haze from fires returns to S'pore

Haze from fires returns to S'pore SINGAPORE (AFP): Thick gray haze believed to be from forest fires in Indonesia descended upon parts of Singapore yesterday, cutting visibility and triggering public concern about possible health repercussions. The Meteorological Service warned that thick haze may affect Singapore occasionally until November, and the extent will depend on wind conditions.

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.

Focusing on Asian business

Focusing on Asian business By Mohammad Sadli MELBOURNE (JP): Attending a big conference in Melbourne focusing on the prospects of doing business in Asia, one enters a different atmosphere. The conference was dominated by Australians first of all, then Europeans and Americans, while from Japan there was a strong delegation of Keizai Doyukai.

Drug case hits China early in Asian meet

Drug case hits China early in Asian meet JAKARTA (JP): A new doping scandal marred defending champion China's prelude to the 11th Asian Track and Field Championships here yesterday, but a Chinese official said that his team will easily pass the drug tests. "All of the athletes should be clean," said Huang Zhi, secretary general of the Chinese Athletic Association.

Garin's film goes to Tokyo

Garin's film goes to Tokyo JAKARTA (JP): Young director Garin Nugroho's third feature film Bulan Tertusuk Ilalang (...And the Moon Dances) will take part in the International Competition Forum of the 8th Tokyo International Film Festival which opens on Friday. Bulan Tertusuk Ilalang was one of 11 finalists selected from 223 films from 44 countries entered in the Sept. 22 to Oct. 1 festival.

Sex workers and activists establish AIDS network

Sex workers and activists establish AIDS network By T. Sima Gunawan CHIANG MAI (JP): Sex workers and support groups in the Asia Pacific region have formed a network to respond to the widespread allegations that prostitutes are spreading the Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), it was announced yesterday.

Women's role

Women's role In Beijing, China, where the Fourth World Conference on Women took place, women from every part of the world struggled to improve the condition of women all over the world by drafting the Beijing Declaration as well as the Platform of Actions. Looking at the situation of Indonesian women, we can say that women still have to fight for more opportunity and better roles in every field.

Japan firms seek partners

Japan firms seek partners JAKARTA (JP): A group of 40 Japanese businessmen representing 27 small and medium firms met with their Indonesian counterparts here yesterday to look for potential partners in investment projects. Deputy Governor of the Export-Import Bank of Japan Akira Nambara, who was leading the group, said the group will visit three industrial estates in West Java and another one in Central Java during their week-long Indonesian stay.

Australian boat under repair

Australian boat under repair PEKALONGAN, Central Java: An Australian boat called the Freelance, which ran aground near here last week, is still undergoing minor repairs. Pekalongan Seaport Administrator Oeloenggono said the ship ran aground on the Pasirsari coast after developing engine trouble while traveling between East Java and Batam Island in Riau on a goodwill mission.

Bob Hasan retains his grip on AAAA

Bob Hasan retains his grip on AAAA JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian timber tycoon Mohammad "Bob" Hasan found no aspirants to the crown yesterday and retained his presidency of the Asia Amateur Athletic Association congress, vowing to raise sporting standards in the continent. Hasan received the full support of 39 country-member delegations, including the lone contender Eisha Al-Dashti of Kuwait, who withdrew from the election.

Protesters camp near council house

Protesters camp near council house MEDAN, North Sumatra: Dozens of people fighting against the appropriation of their land in the city have been camping outside the building housing the provincial legislature, demanding that councilors intervene. Antara reported that the protesters from the Mangga district, mostly women, have opened a public kitchen at the protest site. They are refusing to leave the compound until their demands have been met.

Bank Servitia raises loans worth $11 million

Bank Servitia raises loans worth $11 million JAKARTA (JP): Bank Umum Servitia, a foreign exchange bank established in 1967, signed an agreement yesterday on the issuance of its floating rate notes worth US$11 million. After signing the agreement, president of the bank, David Nusa Wijaya, said that all funds raised from the note issuance will be used to finance its export portfolio. "We focus our loans to export-oriented medium-scale businesses," David said.

Sign watching a 'delisius' new pastime

Sign watching a 'delisius' new pastime JAKARTA (JP): Driving along Jakarta's main streets nowadays can be appealing, especially to a linguist. The new city regulation demanding that billboards and other signs carry only Indonesian words has resulted in a new pastime: sign watching. King Cross discotheque is now Malioboro discotheque; Aloha discotheque is Halo Mas discotheque; Freedom discotheque is Merdeka discotheque; Lay Lay karaoke is now Lay Layah; Pete's Tavern is Tempat Si Peter.

Soeharto wants APEC to remain loose body

Soeharto wants APEC to remain loose body JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that, while Indonesia supports trade liberalization in the Asia-Pacific region, it does not want the formation of a formal bloc. Soeharto made the statement during a meeting with visiting Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Rafidah Aziz at the Merdeka Palace here. "We want to know President Soeharto's opinion about this matter.

Shrinking OPEC share may slow Asian growth

Shrinking OPEC share may slow Asian growth SINGAPORE (Reuter): OPEC Secretary General Rilwanu Lukman said yesterday that the oil group's declining market share could lead to volatility in oil prices, which in turn could slow the economic growth of developing Asian nations.

Dam project in Paniai halted

Dam project in Paniai halted JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A dam construction project in Kalibumi, Paniai, has been halted after two years of construction work because of a lack of funds, Paniai regent Jusuf Adipatah said. Jusuf said the project had already cost Rp 4.6 billion (US$2 million) when the funds dried up. The dam is intended to irrigate some 4,000 hectares of farm land in the regency. "Local farmers are complaining that the project has been halted," Jusuf said, as quoted by Antara.

Business in Jakarta

Business in Jakarta If you run a business in Jakarta, watch out. It is very likely that one day at an office party nobody will be able to blow out the candles on the cake. The reason being that no one would be licensed, certified, equipped or know the standard procedure to put out a fire. You will have to invite the fire brigade as well. While the world embraces deregulation there is a concerted wave of regulatory framework slyly being imposed on the Asian economies.

RI faces tough fight in wooing investment

RI faces tough fight in wooing investment JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is facing tough competition in attracting foreign investment for infrastructure projects, Rahardi Ramelan, a deputy chairman of the National Development Planning Board, said yesterday.

Better map vital to support development in eastern area

Better map vital to support development in eastern area JAKARTA (JP): A more complete map of the eastern part of Indonesia, outlining its natural resources in greater detail, is crucial for the government to succeed in developing the still largely backward territories, legislators said yesterday. The National Survey and Mapping Coordinating Agency, during a hearing with the House of Representatives's Commission X, responded to the call by promising to update existing maps.

Barito Pacific's income drops by 62.5 percent

Barito Pacific's income drops by 62.5 percent JAKARTA (JP): PT Barito Pacific Timber, a publicly-listed wood-based company, announced yesterday a 62.5 percent decline in net income for the first semester of 1995 and a 13.4 percent fall in revenues.

Inflation set to drop despite rise in prices

Inflation set to drop despite rise in prices JAKARTA (JP): This year's inflation rate is likely to be lower than last years's 9.24 percent, in spite of the projected gradual increase in rice prices, Central Bureau of Statistics Chairman Sugito Suwito said yesterday. "This year's inflation rate is likely to reach about 8 percent to 9 percent; lower than last year's level of 9.24 percent," Sugito told the press after signing a cooperation agreement with the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Soerjadi criticizes wealthy entrepreneurs

Soerjadi criticizes wealthy entrepreneurs JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja criticized wealthy entrepreneurs yesterday for not being serious about fostering the development of small businesses in the city. Surjadi said that, while many entrepreneurs are involved in the activities of a variety of organizations, they fail to respond to calls of smaller enterprises for assistance.

Five orphanages receive donations

Five orphanages receive donations JAKARTA (JP): The management of the Horison Hotel donated school equipment to five orphanages in conjunction with the hotel's 20th anniversary. The five orphanages to receive the donations, each worth Rp 1 million (US$454.5), are Al-Huriyah (in Sunter), Adawiyah Lagoa (Koja), Al-Ichlas (Petamburan), As-Saadah (Ciputat) and As-Siyah (Grogol), Antara said. The donations were handed over by H.

'Rebels to blame for Timika'

'Rebels to blame for Timika' JAKARTA (JP): The government says the separatist movement in Irian Jaya is to blame for the recent civilian deaths in the copper mining town of Timika. Minister of Defense Edi Sudradjat told a hearing with the House of Representatives yesterday that the government is still waiting for the results of an ongoing investigation before it takes action over the killings.

Bruntland warns of pollution's pitfalls

Bruntland warns of pollution's pitfalls JAKARTA (JP): Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland is urging Indonesia to avoid repeating the mistakes of developed countries in ignoring environmental conservation. "It is we, in the West, who have developed at the expense of the environment. We are stuck with the huge costs of cleaning up past mistakes," Brundtland said yesterday, after signing the extension of a 1990 Memorandum of Understanding on technical assistance.

E. Asia raising more funds

E. Asia raising more funds MANILA (Kyodo): Funds raised last year in international financial markets by 12 fast-growing East Asian countries and territories totaled US$45.85 billion, up from $13.90 billion in 1985, according to a report released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The countries and territories, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia, are among the 35 ADB members.

Technological gap between rich, poor nations widening

Technological gap between rich, poor nations widening JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that the technological gap between advanced and developing countries should be bridged immediately. Speaking at the opening of the Second Asia-Pacific Conference on Medical Genetics, the President said that industrialized countries have made very rapid progress because they are supported by scientific and technological might and huge financial resources.

Taman Sari residents protest road blockade

Taman Sari residents protest road blockade JAKARTA (JP): Nine representatives of residents of the Maphar subdistrict of Taman Sari, West Jakarta, went to the City Council yesterday to protest against the closure of a road in their area. Jamaludin Lubis, one of the representatives, told council members that the road, which runs between Jl. Alfa Buntu and Jl. Taman Sari III, had been closed off since last July.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sep. 19, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,850 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,800 0 168,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,525 0 500 Anwar Sierad 1,275 0 150,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,775 0 89,000 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,000 0 0 Aster Dharma...

Five-day week to be launched selectively

Five-day week to be launched selectively JAKARTA (JP): After a trial program that has run for more than a year, the government has decided that not all of its employees will enjoy a shorter, five-day working week. State Minister of Administrative Reforms T.B. Silalahi told a hearing with the House of Representatives yesterday that the five-day working week would be introduced in selected provinces and regencies only.

RI won't apply all Beijing pacts

RI won't apply all Beijing pacts JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will not implement certain recommendations made in the two final documents of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, despite endorsing it, Minister of Women's Roles Mien Sugandhi said yesterday. Indonesia endorsed the documents for the sake of consensus, but it reserves the right to decide in implementing the commitments, Mien, chief of the Indonesian delegation to Beijing, said.