Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 16 January 1996

50 articles found

S'pore firm, Mitsubishi, Thai Bank form venture

S'pore firm, Mitsubishi, Thai Bank form venture SINGAPORE (AFP): A Singapore government investment arm is teaming up with Japan's Mitsubishi Corp. and Thailand's Bangkok Bank in a joint venture to invest in promising young Asian companies, it was reported here yesterday. The three will form a Singapore-based company, MC Private Equity Partners Asia, with an initial paid-up capital of US$100 million, according to Singapore's Business Times.

RI prepares for 1997 SEA Games

RI prepares for 1997 SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): Two sports organizations have taken an initiative to start preparing their athletes for the 19th Southeast Asian Games here next year. One of them, the Indonesian Track and Field Association (PASI), has even taken preparatory action along the lines suggested by the National Sports Council (KONI) following Indonesia's humiliating performance in the SEA Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand last year.

Officials disregard Administrative Court

Officials disregard Administrative Court JAKARTA (JP): Despite growing public support to stop government officials disregarding its decisions, the Jakarta State Administrative Court is still facing difficulties caused by many officials turning a blind eye to its rulings.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 15, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 750 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,200 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,375 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,700 25 199,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,100 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,150 0 20,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 1,500 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,075 25 29,500 Argo Pantes 2,100 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,625 100 1,295,000 Asiana IMI Indusrties...

Sadistic robbery

Sadistic robbery Ibu T, a neighbor of mine, was robbed at the gate of her friend's house in Duri Kepa, West Jakarta, on Wednesday evening, Jan. 10, 1995. Not only did the robber snatch her handbag, he also severed her left hand with his sickle in the process. The part of her hand, from just above the wrist down to her fingers, flew a couple of meters before landing on the pavement. After cutting off her left hand, the ultra sharp sickle severed the main artery of her right arm.

RI joins Korean energy plan

RI joins Korean energy plan JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has agreed to join the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) to help supply North Korea with alternative energy sources as it replaces its graphite based reactors with light water ones which produce less grade plutonium. Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas formally conveyed Jakarta's willingness to participate in a letter to his Japanese, South Korean and United States on Jan. 5, 1996.

Four villages to sink

Four villages to sink CILACAP, Central Java: Four villages in the Matenggeng area along the West Java-Central Java border have been earmarked for a new reservoir, the Cilacap Regency administration said. A team from the Ciamis Regency administration in West Java will be sent to the four villages, inhabited by 1,226 families, or more than 4,000 people, to inform them of the plan and ensure that they are properly compensated, Roesmidi, the head of Cilacap's regional planning board, told Antara.

Pertamina signs two geothermal contracts

Pertamina signs two geothermal contracts JAKARTA (JP): Amoseas of the United States and private company PT Dizamatra Powerindo won contracts to develop geothermal fields and power plants in West Java and North Sumatra with total investments of US$395 million. Amoseas, which acts as the legal representative of Chevron Darajat Ltd. and Texaco Darajat Ltd.

Government not to rush to meet tax target

Government not to rush to meet tax target JAKARTA (JP): Tax Director General Fuad Bawazier made it clear yesterday that the government will not be over-zealous in fulfilling its high target of tax revenues in the next fiscal year. "There will not be a rate increase or any other drastic measures in meeting the high projection in the tax revenues," he told around 70 business executives at a seminar on taxation.

City authorities to rebuild Penjaringan fire site

City authorities to rebuild Penjaringan fire site JAKARTA (JP): The administration will soon rebuild the fire- ravaged area of Penjaringan, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday. Without explaining the detailed rejuvenation plans, Surjadi said that construction of low-cost apartment for thousands of the fire victims is possible. "The detailed plans for the apartments have yet to be made," he said.

Social life in Jakarta

Social life in Jakarta Jakartans seem to be as insensitive as the concrete buildings. In terms of environmental awareness, I would say they are unaware of their own environmental problems. For them serious environmental problems like traffic jams, floods, bad roads, garbage disposal and air pollution are nothing but specks of dust in the wind. We face those problems every time we go out in Jakarta. Jakarta, a hub of all activity in this country, is just like an old man bearing many loads.

New road wrecked in a month

New road wrecked in a month JAKARTA (JP): The road connecting Lemah Abang and Pasir Tanjung districts in Bekasi, about 30 kilometers east of here, has deteriorated a month after its completion. The damage leaves two rural villages, Pasir Tanjung and Pasir Gembong isolated from its surrounding villages. A resident of Pasir Tanjung, Abidin, said that the asphalt crust peeled off only a week after it was finished, exposing the rocks that make up the foundation of the road.

Five-day week comes to an end

Five-day week comes to an end BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The Aceh Provincial Administration has decided to resume working on Saturdays, concluding that the five- day scheme was not working after more than one year's trial. Administration employees will resume working on Saturdays beginning on Jan. 17, M. Natsir Aly, the administration's chief spokesman told Antara. This also means that their working hours will be shortened.

Two more hotels to open in Nusa Dua

Two more hotels to open in Nusa Dua NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): The Nusa Dua tourist resort will soon have two more international-standard hotels. The president of the Nusa Dua resort management firm, PT Bali Tourism Development Corporation (BTDC), Anak Agung Gde Rai, said here on Sunday that construction of the two hotels would start soon.

Fire razes stores, warehouse

Fire razes stores, warehouse BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Sixteen stores and a warehouse were razed to the ground in a blaze in the Pringsewu market in Lampung Selatan on Sunday, Antara reported yesterday. There were no reports of any casualties. The warehouse contained paints and other inflammable construction materials. The fire was believed to have been caused by a short circuit in one of the shops, witnesses said. (emb)

Rival NU board to proceed with planned congress

Rival NU board to proceed with planned congress JAKARTA (JP): The rival leadership board of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) will proceed with its plan to hold a "grand conference" tomorrow despite the government's refusal to recognize its existence or to grant it gathering permits. "This is the internal affair of the NU. The government has no business in this," chairman Abu Hasan said defiantly in a press conference yesterday.

JSX closes 2.3 percent higher

JSX closes 2.3 percent higher JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) increased by 2.3 percent to a new high yesterday due to a continual inflow of foreign funds that pushed up the prices of blue chip stocks. The JSX Composite Index closed up 12.91 points at 563.90 points, a new high in the last 24 months, a dealer said. With a total of 6,503 transactions, the trading volume reached 89.1 million shares worth about Rp 306.66 billion (US$133 million).

Worst isn't over yet

Worst isn't over yet BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The worst is not over yet for the people in Aceh Timor regency whose homes were ravaged by floods early this month, Regency Chief Alauddin said yesterday. Alauddin explained that rebuilding their homes is proving just as difficult as facing the flood, Antara reported. "It will take a long time to rebuild the thousands of houses that were destroyed or swept away by the current," he said.

Mobil's investment plans

Mobil's investment plans SINGAPORE (AFP): U.S. oil giant Mobil Corp. unveiled plans to set up new oil and petrochemical facilities here costing S$2 billion (US$1.42 billion) as part of its regional business expansion drive. The facilities comprise a S$1.5-billion ethylene cracker project, Mobil's first in Singapore, and a lube base oil plant and an aromatics expansion project costing $500 million. Jerry Kohlenberger, general manager of Mobil Oil Singapore Pte.

German hostage temporarily freed

German hostage temporarily freed JAKARTA (JP): Irian Jaya separatist rebels holding 15 people captive released a German hostage temporarily yesterday to take their message to the Indonesian military, Antara reported. Frank Momberg, from the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) was "lent" to the military in Wamena in exchange for food and medicine that were dispatched to the rebels by helicopter, the news agency said.

Govt extends Inco's contract for nickel mining

Govt extends Inco's contract for nickel mining JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday extended the contract of PT International Nickel Indonesia (Inco) for its nickel mine in Soroako, southern Sulawesi, for another 30 years to the year 2025. The extension agreement was signed here by Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana and Inco's chief commissioner, Scott M. Hand, who is also president of Inco Limited of Canada.

Wardiman concerned over educational mismatch

Wardiman concerned over educational mismatch JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro says only 60 percent of the 200,000 university students that graduate each year find employment related to their studies. The trend needs to be corrected and the number of graduates working in relevant jobs increased up to 90 percent, he told a meeting of university administrators here Sunday.

DERAILED COMMUTER TRAIN:

DERAILED COMMUTER TRAIN: JP/byi JAKARTA (JP): A Jakarta-Bogor electrical commuter train was derailed yesterday morning in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, disrupting the railway system for hours. A railway spokesman, M. Jusuf Saleh said there were no casualties but that the cost of the damage had not yet been calculated. Jusuf said the empty Holec commuter train No. 630 was en route to Bogor when it's sixth coach derailed at 05.05 p.m.

Youths seek legal solution to the Haryanto affair

Youths seek legal solution to the Haryanto affair JAKARTA (JP): About 30 youths demanded a legal solution yesterday to the allegations of corruption against Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto. Organized by the outspoken Pijar Foundation, they staged a noisy protest in the foyer of the House of Representatives where they also criticized legislators for failing to supervise government officials' conduct.

House members criticize govt over draft budget

House members criticize govt over draft budget JAKARTA (JP): Members of the House of Representatives yesterday criticized the government for not giving them an appropriate share of involvement in formulating the draft of the state budget.

'Australia could join ASEAN'

'Australia could join ASEAN' CANBERRA (Reuter): Australia and New Zealand could one day join the seven-member Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said in a newspaper interview published yesterday. "We see Australia playing an important role (in ASEAN) and certainly we would like to encourage Australia to do so," Goh was quoted as saying in an interview with The Australian Financial Review newspaper.

Irian Jaya kidnapping

Irian Jaya kidnapping Last week's kidnapping of 24 people, including seven westerners, by the OPM rebels in Irian Jaya has focused international attention on this group as their previous abduction of two high school students could never hope to do. Who are the OPM and what is their cause? In the early 1960s, a small band of indigenous Irianese who, for various reasons, opposed Irian Jaya's integration into Indonesia, founded the Free Papua Movement (OPM).

Buyers told to be wary of housing ads

Buyers told to be wary of housing ads JAKARTA (JP): Promoting ethics in the real estate business should start with advertisements that do not mislead the public, speakers at a discussion on ethics and the real estate business said yesterday. "Developers give the impression that they are intentionally misleading the public," Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tandjung said at the seminar.

Thailand takes 1998 Asiad home

Thailand takes 1998 Asiad home BANGKOK (Reuter): Three-time Asian Games host Bangkok will hold the 1998 Asiad as planned, having convinced the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) of its readiness, a government official said yesterday. "I signed a memorandum of understanding with (OCA president) Sheik Ahmad Al-Sabah, which lays out the conditions which we will follow," said Pongpol Adireksarn, minister responsible for Thailand's sports affairs.

Limitation on presidential service

Limitation on presidential service Discussions on the need to limit the presidential office to only two successive terms has been debated for years. The latest occasion was in a seminar organized by the National Brotherhood Foundation in Surabaya last week. Dr. M. Budhyatna, a political science professor at the University of Indonesia, thought it would be a good idea to limit any president to just two terms.

Hong Kong, Jakarta lead markets

Hong Kong, Jakarta lead markets HONG KONG (Reuter): Hong Kong, Jakarta and Kuala Lumpur stocks surged yesterday while other Asian bourses were largely steady as Tokyo was closed for a national holiday. In Hong Kong, the blue-chip Hang Seng Index climbed 94.49 points or 0.90 percent to 10,634.50 after touching a year high of 10,657.31.

Five East Timorese depart for Portugal

Five East Timorese depart for Portugal JAKARTA (JP): As five asylum-seeking East Timorese left the New Zealand embassy here for Portugal yesterday, three East Timorese freedom fighters spent their first day home after living in exile for three-and-a-half decades. The five youths left the New Zealand embassy accompanied by officials from the International Committee for the Red Cross in the evening and were taken straight to Soekarno-Hatta airport to board a KLM flight to Lisbon via Amsterdam.

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel reopens after renovation

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel reopens after renovation NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Nusa Dua Beach Hotel, the first luxury property at the island's well-planned Nusa Dua tourist resort, has reopened to the public after undergoing a US$22 million renovation over the last two years. The hotel, first established and owned by PT Aerowisata, a subsidiary of the country's flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, was inaugurated in May 1983 by President Soeharto.

Serviceman masterminds theft

Serviceman masterminds theft JAKARTA (JP): A First Corporal in the army has been apprehended by the Cilincing police sub-precinct, North Jakarta, for his involvement in motorcycle thefts. City Police Spokesman Let. Col. Iman Haryatna said yesterday that the serviceman, identified only as BU bin Sar, 33, allegedly asked a friend, Mar, to steal motorcycles. The suspect gave Mar Rp 200,000 in advance payment for the bikes at a meeting in Tanjungpura, Indramayu, West Java on Jan. 5, Iman said.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Arya Duta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48,Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Monday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 1 p.m.; Los Morenos, Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - The Tavern Pub: Yeah Yeah Boys, Sunday and Thursday, 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. ; Geometrics Band, Monday to Saturday from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m.; Yeah yeah Boys Thursday 9 p.m. to a.m.: Front line Band, Friday from 9:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. * Century Park Hotel, Jl.

Heidi Awuy

Heidi Awuy The pioneer of Indonesian harpists is Heidi Awuy, not Heidi Auwy as printed in the Sunday edition of The Jakarta Post (Jan. 14, 1996). We apologize for the error. -- Editor

Black statue

Black statue Those who frequently drive through the Pancoran area, South Jakarta, must be familiar with the statue standing close to the fly-over at the Jl. Gatot Subroto-Jl. Raya Pasar Minggu intersection. Unfortunately, this unique statue looks completely black, and it is not clearly visible at night because there is not enough light to illuminate it. And the foundation that supports the statue is full of graffiti. I wonder if Jakartans care about the condition of the statue.

Golkar establishes line-up of election machine

Golkar establishes line-up of election machine JAKARTA (JP): While its opponents are still disputing about the rules, Golkar yesterday announced the line up of a 14-member board who will be chiefly responsible for the landslide victory in next year's election the group expects. Golkar chairman Harmoko personally heads the board that also includes two of President Soeharto's children -- Bambang Trihatmodjo and Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana.

Government rules out new television stations

Government rules out new television stations JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Information has ruled out licensing any new television station, saying that the current industry is already saturated in terms of advertising revenues. Director General for Radio, Television and Film Dewabrata told The Jakarta Post that any new television station will not likely survive the fierce competition for advertising raging between the five existing commercial networks.

Dell computer expects higher sale

Dell computer expects higher sale JAKARTA (JP): PT Adhisakti Solusi Komputindo, the distributor of Dell personal computers, expects an 80 percent increase in its sales in the country to about 18,000 units in 1996, the company's president said here yesterday. "Last year's sales of Dell computers reached about 10,000 units," Adhisakti's president, Johnny Liando, told the media in a luncheon meeting with the vice chairman of Dell Computer Corporation of the United States, Morton L. Topfer.

PPP protests at poster ban

PPP protests at poster ban SEMARANG: The Central Java board of the United Development Party has lodged a formal protest with the administration for banning the party from displaying flags and posters in connection with the party's 23rd anniversary last week. Several branches have reported to the board that they were prevented from displaying the flags and posters, Thoyfoer, deputy chairman of the board, told Antara.

Panin Bank's profit up

Panin Bank's profit up JAKARTA (JP): Panin Bank announced yesterday that its pre-tax profits increased 29.5 percent to Rp 77.1 billion (US$33.4 million) last year. The bank's president, Rostian Sjamsudin, was quoted by Antara as saying that the bank's total assets as of the end of 1995 reached Rp 4.21 trillion, including equity of Rp 514 billion. Rostian said that the bank's lending level was recorded at Rp 2.41 trillion. (pwn)

Local Chinese in Sambas give up education to ward off hunger

Local Chinese in Sambas give up education to ward off hunger SAMBAS, West Kalimantan (JP): People can put up with poverty, but when it comes at the expense of education, then sadness turns into despair. In Sambas district, West Kalimantan, many inhabitants have found themselves in this category, but more so those of Chinese descent. "The majority are forced to live like animals.

'Magic of Bali' on display

'Magic of Bali' on display JAKARTA (JP): Well-known Canadian artists Marsha Stonehouse is opening an exhibition of paintings from her "magical Island of Bali' series at the Regent Hotel Jakarta. The display opened yesterday is sponsored by new insurance joint venture Modern Sun Life. Stonehouse said the series represents her own journey into the mysticism of Indonesia's magical isle. "Bali is like a living theater.

Cholera found in Tonggolobibi

Cholera found in Tonggolobibi PALU, Central Sulawesi: Health officials have found several cases of cholera in Tonggolobibi, a fishing village that was devastated by a tidal wave earlier this month. The health office of the Donggala Regency has sent a medical team to the village to contain the disease, which besides being fatal is also highly contagious, Antara reported quoting the office's chief, Dr. Alfin Mongi. The report did not say whether anyone had died of cholera.

Foundation to manage poor fund

Foundation to manage poor fund JAKARTA (JP): The government set up a foundation yesterday to manage donations from companies and rich people to finance poverty alleviation programs. President Soeharto, in his personal capacity, together with businessmen Sudono Salim and Sudwikatmono and State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono, signed the notary deed for the establishment of the foundation, called Yayasan Dana Sejahtera Mandiri (self-reliant prosperity fund).

Workers still poorly educated

Workers still poorly educated JAKARTA (JP): The difference in educational backgrounds between workers and their employers is the main reason for most company conflicts, a union official said over the weekend. Fauzi Ibrahim, the Jakarta region head of the government- sanctioned All-Indonesia Workers Union, said on Saturday that most workers have such low educational backgrounds that they are unable to communicate their demands properly.

Man found dead at apartment, police suspect foul play

Man found dead at apartment, police suspect foul play JAKARTA (JP): The dead body of a man, believed to be an employee at the attorney general's office, was found yesterday afternoon inside his rented house in Kebayoran Lama, West Jakarta. The body of Asnawi, 50, was found by one of his sons, Ismail, after he was told by neighbors that there was an offensive smell coming from the house in the Gang Idrus alley.

Major fire ravages Police HQ

Major fire ravages Police HQ JAKARTA (JP): A major fire ravaged the main building of the National Police Headquarters on Jl. Trunojoyo, South Jakarta, yesterday evening, destroying the offices of the chief and many generals, and taking many important documents with it. The blaze started with a small explosion at 4:30 p.m. in a room at the top floor of the three-story building, eyewitnesses told The Jakarta Post.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: Wajah Negeriku 2:35 TV Series: Hansai Sensei 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Music: Dilentasia 3:30 TV Series: Shingen 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:30 Science Program 5:00 Regional News 5:25 Travel: Wajah Negeriku 5:30 English Lessons 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country: East Nusa Tenggara 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Education Program: Wawasan 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Modern Drama 9:00...