Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 September 1995

53 articles found

Thai premier visits Philippines

Thai premier visits Philippines MANILA (Reuter): Thai Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-Archa's visit to Manila will cement ties and would lead to the signing of several joint venture agreements between Thailand and the Philippines, officials said yesterday. The Thai premier arrives today for talks with President Fidel Ramos before flying to Hanoi tomorrow.

Students' initiative

Students' initiative According to reports the other day, a draft law to prevent economic domination was presented to the House of Representatives by the Gajah Mada University student senate. This may sound rather odd, since so far actions such as proposing draft laws has never been associated with students. During this New Order era the submitting of draft laws has always been done by the government (executive).

Ismail Hasan apologizes for 'Pelita' row

Ismail Hasan apologizes for 'Pelita' row JAKARTA (JP): Senior politician Ismail Hasan Metareum has apologized to the family of the late Ali Moertopo whom he accused of "robbing" the United Development Party of its newspaper. Ismail Hasan, the current chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), said he had no intention of discrediting Ali. In a press statement issued on Thursday, he explained at length the banning of the Pelita daily from his party and the "takeover" by the ruling Golkar.

Alcatel, Marubeni seal $20m contract

Alcatel, Marubeni seal $20m contract BANDUNG, West Java (JP): The state-owned domestic telecommunications operator PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) has signed a US$20 million contract for the country's first digital microwave project with Alcatel of France and Marubeni of Japan. The contract was signed by Telkom's president, Setyanto P.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 29, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 2,250 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,925 0 221,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,525 -25 5,000 Anwar Sierad 1,250 -50 128,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,925 0 17,500 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 950 -50 50,000 Aster Dharma...

Ripley's Museum opens in Jakarta

Ripley's Museum opens in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Ripley's Believe It or Not "odditorium" has opened here, with a display of more than 500 oddities from all over the world. The museum, which was opened on Thursday, is located near the Pondok Indah Mall in South Jakarta. It covers an area of 2,500 square meters and is the 25th such museum in the world. It is said to be the largest of its kind in the world.

Preacher suing Indocement over land

Preacher suing Indocement over land JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court began hearing a lawsuit filed by a reverend against PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa on Thursday. Joshua Alwin Tirtaatmadja has accused the company of illegally occupying 5,000 square meters of his land in Citereup, Bogor. PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa is a giant cement factory owned by businessman Sudwikatmono.

ABRI cannot stay neutral, Syarwan says

ABRI cannot stay neutral, Syarwan says JAKARTA (JP): As a social and political force, the Armed Forces (ABRI) cannot be neutral. It has to choose a partner with whom it can reach its ideals, a high ranking military official said yesterday. "We need to have a partner in order to strive to achieve our goals," said Maj. Gen. Syarwan Hamid, the assistant to ABRI chief of social and political affairs.

Aspac and Hadtex clinch Kobatama repeat final

Aspac and Hadtex clinch Kobatama repeat final JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Hadtex of Bandung and Aspac of Jakarta displayed different styles on their way to their final rematch in the Kobatama national basketball league championship yesterday. While Aspac had no troubles sweeping BS Nikko Steel of Malang, East Java 101-81, Hadtex had to flex its muscles before nailing Pelita Jaya with an upset 88-83 during a tense game. Hadtex defied the odds to surprise Aspac in last year's grand final.

Timorese asylum seekers leave for Portugal

Timorese asylum seekers leave for Portugal JAKARTA (JP): Waving "V" sings and thumbs up, the five East Timorese asylum seekers, who have been holed up at the British Embassy since Monday, left for Portugal yesterday evening under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Using two ICRC sedans, the Timorese youths departed from the embassy at 7:25 p.m. Two were seated in the first car and three in the second as their cars drove to Soekarno-Hatta airport.

BRI rejects coins

BRI rejects coins From Media Indonesia On Sept. 8, 1995, I wanted to deposit money in the Cidodol branch of BRI in South Jakarta. I had Rp 120,000, which was comprised of various denominations as follows: Rp 40,000 in Rp 10,000 notes; Rp 50,000 in Rp 1000 and Rp 500 notes; and the remaining Rp 30,000 in coins of Rp 1000 and Rp 500 denominations.

Mardi to run on double tracks

Mardi to run on double tracks JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian top sprinter Mardi Lestari will marry Keti Retnawati in Bandung, West Java, next Friday, but vows to maintain his formidable track record. Mardi, 30, a native of Binjai, North Sumatra, will not even take time out for a honeymoon after the wedding reception on Saturday. Instead, Mardi will return to the track, resuming his training for the 18th Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand in December.

Kanindotex shares for co-ops

Kanindotex shares for co-ops SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): PT Kanindotex has sold 25 million of its shares to 270 cooperatives from various parts of the country. The agreements on the share sales, which are favorable to the cooperatives, were signed here Thursday in a ceremony attended by Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya and Central Java Governor Soewardi.

Freeport and human rights

Freeport and human rights After following the progress of the Timika case which involved killings, disappearance, intimidation and harassment allegedly by the military in the concessionary area of Freeport Indonesia in Irian Jaya, I wonder why there has been no single comment from the U.S. government regarding the human rights violations in that case. The U.S. government has expressed its concerns on the many human rights violations in Indonesia, but why does it keep silent on the Freeport case?

Asian markets mostly gain

Asian markets mostly gain HONG KONG (Reuter): The strengthening yen led to volatility on Tokyo's stock markets yesterday but shares on other Asian markets mostly finished stronger. Hong Kong, Sydney, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Seoul, Bombay and Bangkok markets strengthened while Manila and Taipei shares finished lower.

APEC expected to lead global trade liberalization

APEC expected to lead global trade liberalization By Vincent Lingga BEIJING (JP): Asia-Pacific businesspeople, scholars and officials associated with the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) asked their governments yesterday to lead global trade liberalization.

Merpati opens check-in counter

Merpati opens check-in counter JAKARTA (JP): Merpati Nusantara Airlines, a subsidiary of the national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, officially launched yesterday its city check-in counter at the Gambir railway station in Central Jakarta. Merpati's director of commerce, Budiarto Subroto, said that some 3,000 passengers have enjoyed the service since similar counters were introduced around the country in January.

Historian calls for study on communist coup

Historian calls for study on communist coup JAKARTA (JP): Noted historian Taufik Abdullah yesterday called for a thorough study of the events surrounding the abortive communist coup attempt on Sept. 30, 1965, in order to give people a better understanding of the "national tragedy". "There are still holes surrounding the G30S/PKI because many events were not recorded, while the number of people who can provide the information is declining,' Taufik told Antara.

Film on East Timor sparks ire in South Africa

Film on East Timor sparks ire in South Africa JAKARTA (JP): The airing of the Death of a Nation, a documentary film about East Timor, on South African television has sparked ire among the Moslem community there who say it could harm relations between Jakarta and Pretoria.

Agency wants coastal project to follow rules

Agency wants coastal project to follow rules JAKARTA (JP): The Environmental Impact Agency reminded developers of an 8,000-hectare tourist site on the coast of Tangerang yesterday not to break environmental rules. P.L. Coutrier, the deputy for environmental impact management at Bapedal, warned that construction should only start after the project's environmental impact study is approved. "President Soeharto himself signed the 1993 rule on environment impact analysis," he pointed out.

Police reopen Beng Seng murder case

Police reopen Beng Seng murder case JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta police officials said yesterday they are reinvestigating the murder of entertainment businessman Nyo Beng Seng, who was stabbed in North Jakarta in April last year. "The new probe is being conducted to determine the mastermind of the murder," Chief of the City Police Force Maj. Gen. Dibyo Widodo told reporters.

Automotive

Automotive The Jakarta Post, in cooperation with the Automotive Business & Motoring News of Australia, will publish a special report on automotive industry on the last Saturday of each month. The first publication of the special report is included in today's edition. -- Publisher

Infrastructure built on Natuna

Infrastructure built on Natuna JAKARTA: The Ministry of Public Works is constructing roads and installing water pipes on the Natuna islands in Riau province. The head of the Riau office of the ministry, Hendrianto, said the construction of a 72 kilometer long road started in the fiscal year of 1991/1992. Construction of a remaining seven kilometers must wait until they blow up a rocky hill. Rp 11.4 billion ($4.9 million) has been spent on the project.

APEC agenda set for trade and investment facilitation

APEC agenda set for trade and investment facilitation By Vincent Lingga BEIJING (JP): After the meaty subject of trade liberalization, measures of trade and investment facilitation rank as the second most important topic of discussions related to APEC cooperation program.

Letters from expats

Letters from expats To me the "Your Letters" column is not only interesting but instructive as well. This means that features of knowledge and information can be reaped and are beneficial to enriching our minds and outlook. Were it not for the interesting "Your Letters" column, I could have easily switched and subscribed to any other local English newspapers for a change.

Tribes reject family planning

Tribes reject family planning PALU, Central Sulawesi: About half of the indigenous people in Central Sulawesi are rejecting the government's call to join the family planning program because it goes against their mystic beliefs, Antara reported. During a recent trip to Saloya, a village where one isolated tribe lives, Antara said many housewives considered contraceptives taboo. Mrs.

Filipino Moslems urge UAE to free condemned maid

Filipino Moslems urge UAE to free condemned maid MANILA (Reuter): More than 1,000 Moslems in the Philippines lodged a petition yesterday with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) embassy in Manila urging the release of condemned Filipina maid Sarah Balabagan. Pendatun Disimban, spokesman of the newly formed group called United Muslims for Sarah Balabagan's Freedom, told reporters the maid should be freed because she only sought to defend her honor.

60 restaurants to join Jakarta Food Festival

60 restaurants to join Jakarta Food Festival JAKARTA (JP): Sixty large-scale restaurants will take part in the second Jakarta Food Festival 1995 from Oct. 15 to Nov. 30, said Wuryastuti Sunario, an executive of the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board. The festival will be sponsored jointly by the tourism promotion board, the Jakarta Tourism Office, American Express Travel Related Services and the Bali office of the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications.

New BMW car launched

New BMW car launched JAKARTA (JP): PT Tjahja Sakti Motor, the sole BMW agent here, introduced the 7301LA yesterday, the first of the BMW 7-series on the Indonesian market. The company's president, Jami Setiadi, said at the ceremony that his company will limit the assembly of the cars in Indonesia to 300 units per annum. Yesterday's ceremony saw the first sale of the car to businessman Bambang N. Rachmadi. The 7301LA will list for approximately Rp 400 million.

Telkom to bring road show to 30 cities

Telkom to bring road show to 30 cities JAKARTA (JP): PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), the state- owned domestic telecommunications operator, will launch a series of road shows next month in conjunction with its plan to float shares on both the international and domestic stock markets by the end of this year. The company's president Setyanto P. Santosa said here Thursday that the road show, from Oct. 9 until the middle of November, will include a number of overseas cities.

ANERA cancels threat on port surcharge plan

ANERA cancels threat on port surcharge plan JAKARTA (JP): The Asia North America Eastbound Rate Agreement (ANERA) group of shipping lines canceled yesterday its plan to impose surcharges on users of its services at the Tanjung Priok port due to improvements in port services and facilities. James T.Y.

Barito group buys into APC

Barito group buys into APC MANILA (Reuter): Asian Petroleum Corp (APC), an oil explorer turned holding firm, said a group of Indonesian investors led by PT Barito has bought about 25 percent of the company. "There were several investors that injected funds slightly less than 25 percent of the company," APC Chairman Jaime Gonzalez told reporters. He did not disclose the names of the other investors.

'Ivory tusks still intact'

'Ivory tusks still intact' JAMBI, Jambi: The Kerinci Seblat National Park has denied allegations that ivory tusks, estimated to be worth Rp 14 million ($6,000), taken from a dead elephant have gone missing. The park's chief curator said that the tusks are safe and sound and on display at his office as an additional attraction to visitors.

Tambang Timah to float 25% of shares in London

Tambang Timah to float 25% of shares in London JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned tin mining company PT Tambang will list 25 percent, or 125.8 million, of its shares on the London Stock Exchange on Oct. 19, the firm's president Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas said yesterday. He said in a statement that on the same day the company will also list another 10 percent, or 50.3 million, of its shares on the Jakarta and Surabaya Stock Exchanges.

Will Indonesian batik survive challenges?

Will Indonesian batik survive challenges? By Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): What is the future of batik? After centuries of persevering through cultural, economic and political upheavals, Indonesia's batik crafts now face the challenges of the new millennium. Will batik adorn the nation in the year 2020? Only if it survives the competition from contemporary casual wear.

Legal Aid Foundation scrambles for new leader

Legal Aid Foundation scrambles for new leader By Imanuddin JAKARTA (JP): Vacancy available: Chairmanship of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI). Requirements: Bold and vocal on human rights and democracy, courageous in standing up to the government, may be emotional at times. The above description best fits one person in this country: Adnan Buyung Nasution, the current chairman of YLBHI's executive board who has announced his plan to resign from the post.

Residents 'no' to apartments

Residents 'no' to apartments SEMARANG: Hundreds of residents in the Bandarhardjo subdistrict in North Semarang protested against a plan to move them to apartments built by the city administration. They hoisted banners and sprawled graffiti on their houses and roofs. One banner read "I don't like apartments." The protests surfaced when a resident heard that the administration was sending a team to inform them of the plan.

Australia provide grant for health project

Australia provide grant for health project JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Australia signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday for a A$16 million grant for health projects in the East and West Nusa Tenggara provinces. The State Minister of Population/Chairman of the National Family Planning Board Haryono Suyono said after the signing ceremony that the projects are meant to improve family planning programs and health condition in the two provinces. Australian Ambassador Allan R.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Force Five Danguard Ace 3:05 Sports 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Our Ocean 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dian Rana 8:05 TV Drama: Hati Yang Mendua 9:00 World News 9:30 Music: Nada Dan Prajurit 10:30 Film 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m. Sports 5:30 City News 6:00 Music 6:30 English News Service 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Series: Trouble with Larry 8:30 Music TPI 5:30 a.m.

Pluit Authority privatized

Pluit Authority privatized JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has approved a proposal to change the legal status of the Pluit Authority into a limited liability company called PT Pluit Usaha Jaya. The decision will enable the authority to become independent and increase its contribution to the city's coffers. Surjadi said the city administration will continue to control the company and urged it to cooperate closely with other city agencies, especially on land reclamation projects.

Government formalizes five-day working week

Government formalizes five-day working week JAKARTA (JP): The five-day working week, introduced on a trial basis at most government offices over the past year, has finally been formalized for the Central Government Administration and Jakarta City Administration. State Minister of Administrative Reform T.B. Silalahi announced yesterday that President Soeharto has signed decree no. 68/1995 allowing the working hours of government agencies to be changed. The regulation becomes effective on Oct. 1.

IFC lends $10 million to Panin Overseas

IFC lends $10 million to Panin Overseas JAKARTA (JP): The International Finance Corporation (IFC), an affiliate of the World Bank, has approved a loan of US$10 million to PT Panin Overseas Finance, a multi-financing division of the Panin Group.

Kapuk squatters take compensation

Kapuk squatters take compensation JAKARTA (JP): As many as 94 families in Kapuk, West Jakarta, accepted compensation for their land yesterday after state-owned housing company Perum Perumnas gave them an ultimatum and their houses were destroyed. Perum Perumnas announced on Monday that Kapuk squatters had to accept the compensation within three days or get nothing.

Villagers short of clean water

Villagers short of clean water DEMAK, Central Java: Inhabitants in 31 villages across eight districts are short of clean water due to the dry season. Wells have dried up and residents are waiting for assistance from the regency administration. The affected districts are Mranggen, Karangawen, Karangtengah, Sayung, Bonang, Wedung, Gajah and Mijen. A spokesman from the regency administration urged residents to be patient. He said the distribution of water is limited. (har)

Land legislation

Land legislation In your report on the discussions at the public hearing organized by the United Development Party on Sept. 22, 1995 (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 23, 1995), a statement was inaccurately reported as to have been said by me. It was stated in that report that I said: Sometimes, the financiers are even supported by government and military officials. I did not make such a statement. What I did say was that the former law on land acquisition (Regulations of Home Affairs Minister No.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Aryaduta 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.

Humpuss joins with Japanese giants

Humpuss joins with Japanese giants JAKARTA (JP): The NEC Corporation and The Sumitomo Corporation of Japan signed an agreement with PT Humpuss Elektronika here yesterday to establish a semiconductor assembly plant in Bekasi, West Java, with an investment of US$60 million.

Retailers seek to tap Asian shopping dollars

Retailers seek to tap Asian shopping dollars By Anil Penna SINGAPORE (AFP): Top retailers from around the world are gathering in Singapore to explore investment opportunities in Asia's shopping industry, headed for a broad boom on the back of an upwardly-mobile middle-class. Where they decide to set up shop after three days of brainstorming from Sunday could determine which city will become the future shopping mecca of Asia, perhaps overtaking Singapore and Hong Kong, the organizers say.

Armed Forces takes delivery of new arms

Armed Forces takes delivery of new arms JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) has began taking delivery of some of the weapons it ordered as part of the military's modernization drive. ABRI Chief of General Affairs Lt. Gen. Soeyono said that 26 of the 52 retrofitted Scorpion tanks ordered from Britain and 300 Mercedes army trucks from Germany are among the newest arrivals. The other 26 Scorpion tanks will arrive in January, Soeyono told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Jakarta's taxi woes

Jakarta's taxi woes It could be that not all of us are aware of the latest annoyance -- if that is a strong enough word -- many of our fellow commuters now suffer. Space limitations permitted only a brief report of this nuisance on Thursday. Compared to the political developments and crises taking place in Indonesia and the world, grievances about the management of taxi services around Jakarta may seem quite irrelevant.

Sand quarrying near Laki island questioned

Sand quarrying near Laki island questioned JAKARTA (JP): Councilors have expressed concern over sand dredging activities near Laki island in the Java Sea for the reclamation of part of the Ancol Timur shoreline, fearing that the activities will severely affect the island. Bahriyoen Soetjipto, secretary of the City Council's Commission D for development affairs, said yesterday that there is a possibility the activities will cause the island to sink.

Former bank employee jailed for embezzling

Former bank employee jailed for embezzling JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court yesterday sentenced Mahdi Hadiwirya, a former employee of state-owned Exim Bank, to six years in jail for embezzling Rp 3.9 billion ($1.77 million). Presiding judge Leo Hutagalung said in his verdict that Mahdi was found guilty of embezzling Rp 3.9 billion in 1993 from the bank's branches in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, and Kebon Melati, Central Jakarta.

Six officers reported dead in police aircraft crash

Six officers reported dead in police aircraft crash JAKARTA (JP): A training aircraft belonging to the National Police crashed near the small village of Sinar Gaya in Bogor, West Java, yesterday morning, killing all six police officers aboard. One report said the plane was a Cessna but another claimed it was a Piper Cheyenne. A police source with the Search and Rescue team told The Jakarta Post that Capt. Sumarno, Capt. Lili Ramli, Second Lt. Sudaryanto, First Lt. Saragih, Second Lt.