Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 January 1996

60 articles found

Property sector still optimistic

Property sector still optimistic JAKARTA (JP): Property construction in Jakarta and its surrounding areas will remain active until 1998, Procon Indah/Jones Land Wootton (JLW) property consultants predicted yesterday.

General wins gubernatorial vote

General wins gubernatorial vote PALU, Central Sulawesi: Bandjela Paliudju, a retired brigadier general and currently chairman of the Central Sulawesi board of Golkar, won the vote at the local legislative council for the post of governor. Bandjela won 32 votes out of possible 44 in the election. Abdul Aziz Tandju, currently assistant governor, got seven votes and Kiesman Abdullah, assistant to the administration's secretary, received five, Antara reported.

De-westernization?

De-westernization? Interestingly enough, in response to the feature on global de- westernization by Herbert Kremp (The Jakarta Post, Jan. 2, 1996), Ingrid Cosijn-Mitrasing of Palembang dismissed the omen of de- westernization because it has not advanced to the crucial extent signaled by the feature writer. Herbert Kremp observes that the world is being de-westernized.

Indonesia badly needs qualified coaches: Observer

Indonesia badly needs qualified coaches: Observer CIANJUR, West Java (JP): The absence of qualified coaches for any kind of sports is blamed for Indonesia's unimpressive performance in international events, a sport observer said yesterday. R. Maladi, the State Minister of Sports in 1956-1962 and 1962- 1966, told participants of a symposium on coaching here that Indonesia has trainers, not coaches.

Malaysia says currency stable

Malaysia says currency stable KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim yesterday sought to assure investors following heavy selling pressure on the ringgit last week and a further decline yesterday. Anwar, who is also finance minister, reiterated that the government would not introduce new measures to steady the ringgit, but would continue to monitor its level. Forex dealers said the ringgit closed sharply lower against the U.S.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Dai-ichi, Jl. Senen Raya 135, Central Jakarta. - Mezzanine Lounge: Solo Pianist, daily from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., opening hours Monday to Sunday 11 a.m to 1 a.m. * Hotel Aryaduta, 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.

Justice is upheld

Justice is upheld BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: A longstanding trial against a man charged with taking part in a riot six years ago resumed at the Tanjungkarang District Court only to hear that the government prosecutors were dropping all charges. The trial against Mulyadi bin Jaimo was postponed several times because the defendant, who was not under detention, had moved without leaving a forwarding address.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Thursday Maghrib 6.19 p.m. Friday Imsak 4:22 a.m. Subuh 4.32 a.m.

Two students testify on behalf of Sri Bintang

Two students testify on behalf of Sri Bintang JAKARTA (JP): Two Indonesian students yesterday gave the clearest testimony to date as to what controversial politician Bintang Sri Pamungkas really said during a lecture in Germany last April. Bintang is being accused by government prosecutors of calling President Soeharto and his predecessor Sukarno dictators and of violating the constitution.

Bulog backs rice price hike

Bulog backs rice price hike JAKARTA (JP): The National Logistics Agency (Bulog) supports a proposal from the association of rice milling companies to raise rice prices by about 2 to 3 percent during the dry season. The agency's chairman, Beddu Amang, said here yesterday that the increase in rice prices by that level is rational. "I think a 2-percent increase will not hurt consumers," Beddu told newsmen about Bulog's response to the recent proposal of the association.

Nomination of Megawati sparks debate

Nomination of Megawati sparks debate JAKARTA (JP): The proposed nomination of Megawati Soekarnoputri, chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), to run for the 1998 presidential election won sympathy from politicians but was opposed by one of her foes yesterday. Her sympathizers noted that PDI supporters are showing political courage, something which is somewhat unusual in Indonesia where politics is tightly controlled by the government.

Govt to increase subsidies for low-cost housing

Govt to increase subsidies for low-cost housing JAKARTA (JP): The government is expanding its loan subsidy for the purchases of low-cost houses to cover "modest" houses of 36 square meters, State Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tandjung said yesterday. Akbar told journalists after meeting with President Soeharto here yesterday that the government, through appointed banks, will provide credits with annual interest rates of 14 percent for the purchases of 36 square-meter houses.

Spiritual guidance needed in NU row

Spiritual guidance needed in NU row JAKARTA (JP): The East Java Regional Executive Board of the Nahdlatul Ulama yesterday urged its members to exercise restraint and seek spiritual guidance in resolving the conflict befalling the country's largest Moslem organization. Board chairman Hasyim Muzadi suggested NU members pray to resolve the threat posed by a splinter group under Abu Hasan that has formed a rival executive board, Antara reported yesterday. East Java is one of NU's largest basis.

Soedomo's wealth

Soedomo's wealth I have in front of me a "hot" weekly called Jakarta Jakarta, No. 497 dated Jan. 13-19, 1996. This magazine offers hot gossip as well as articles on film stars and other topics which attract the attention of the young at heart. I was surprised when I read an article on the ex-wife of Pak Soedomo, Mrs. Fransisca Diah Widowati, who recently married a handsome young Indonesian/Australian, Martin Silitonga, twelve years her junior in age.

Indonesia loses its best film director

Indonesia loses its best film director JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia lost one of its best film directors early yesterday morning. Wim Umboh, who was also a film producer, died of a diabetes complication and a light stroke at the Husada hospital. he was 62. He is survived by Inne Ermina Chomid, his third wife, and two children. "There were no last words. Just empty and long glances all the time in the last few days," Inne told journalists at the artist's home in the suburb of Depok.

Intel opens office here

Intel opens office here JAKARTA (JP): The chip maker Intel Corporation of the United States announced yesterday it will open a representative office here. "The establishment of the sales and marketing office is aimed to serve Indonesia's personal computer market as well as our costumer here," Intel's Asia-Pacific region manager, Rob Eckelmann, said in a statement. The company said that it has appointed Werner Sutanto as country manager. (04)

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 24, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 675 0 5,000 AHAP Insurance 3,200 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,375 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,975 0 780,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,100 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,125 -25 67,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 1,500 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,050 -50 263,500 Argo Pantes 1,800 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,725 -75 444,500 Asiana IMI...

Police seize firecrackers

Police seize firecrackers MALANG, East Java: Malang Police claim they seized more than 6,000 firecrackers in their five-day operation to clamp down on the products in the run up to Idul Fitri. Lt. Col. Makbul Padmanagara told Antara on Wednesday that officers involved in Operasi Sikat (Operation Brush) have arrested a 72-year old man, identified by his initials Jzm, believed to have been producing the firecrackers. Makbul said the suspect claimed he worked alone.

Dutch-born man arrested for several robberies

Dutch-born man arrested for several robberies JAKARTA (JP): Menteng police have arrested a man wanted for a series of robberies at several high-rise buildings on Jl. Thamrin in Central Jakarta. The Dutch-born suspect, identified as Yacop Palupessy, 38, was caught by security guards while robbing an office in the eight- story Wisma Nusantara building at 2:45 p.m. on Jan. 13, City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said yesterday.

Over 400 alleged extremists checked in last three years

Over 400 alleged extremists checked in last three years JAKARTA (JP): More than 400 people have been interrogated by the City Military Command in the last three years for alleged involvement in a Moslem extremist group. Spokesman Lt. Col. Didi Supandi said yesterday that the people were suspected of being affiliated to movements which struggled for the establishment of an Islamic state in Indonesia. "All of them were released after interrogation.

Basofi on Ramadhan safari

Basofi on Ramadhan safari SURABAYA, East Java: East Java Governor Basofi Soedirman said yesterday that he will be traveling round the province throughout the fasting month of Ramadhan, Antara reported. Basofi said he will try to cover as much area as possible but pointed out that not every regency will be visited. "There are 29 fasting days and 37 regencies to cover," he said. During the tour, he will be breaking the fast with local officials, military leaders, ulemas and public figures.

Halal label not certified

Halal label not certified BATAM, Riau: The local Religious Affairs Office said the island needs to establish its own council that will certify whether a particular food, beverage, or restaurant is halal, or permissible under Islamic laws. The office's head, Fauzi Mahbub, told Antara that many items produced on the island carry halal labels although the origin of their certification is not known.

Workers want higher bonus

Workers want higher bonus JAKARTA (JP): Around 60 workers of PT Aneka Medium Garment filed a complaint with the Ministry of Manpower yesterday demanding a higher Idul Fitri bonus. The spokesman for the workers, Yasufi told the Director of Labor Standards Sabar Sianturi on Tuesday that the management had planned to give them a 30-working day bonus based on their daily minimum wages of Rp 4,600. They are demanding a one-month-salary bonus.

Plywood mills must restructure facilities

Plywood mills must restructure facilities JAKARTA (JP): Plywood manufacturers need to restructure their industrial facilities to increase their efficiency and accommodate the country's diminishing supply of timber, A. Tjipto Wigjoprajitno said yesterday. The executive chairman of the Association of Indonesian Wood Panel Producers (Apkindo) made the remark in response to the forestry ministry's suggestion that logs be imported as raw materials for domestic plywood manufacturers.

Hariyanto crashes in Korea Open

Hariyanto crashes in Korea Open SEOUL (Agencies): World champion Hariyanto Arbi bundled out of the Korean Open badminton championships as home favorites stole the show yesterday. The Indonesian top seed lost out to 12th seed Lee Kwan-jin 14- 18, 13-15 in a bruising quarterfinal match. Hariyanto, fresh from his final appearance at the Japan Open last Sunday, had his searing smashes held off by the stubborn Korean.

Restaurants closed down

Restaurants closed down JAKARTA (JP): The city public order office temporarily closed down two restaurants for violating the Ramadhan fasting month operation hours. The head of the entertainment department of the office, Toha Reno, said on Tuesday that the restaurants are Atrium Food Center in Senen, Central Jakarta and Indiana Bar and Restaurant in Kemang, South Jakarta.

Disasters are God's signals: Amien Rais

Disasters are God's signals: Amien Rais YOGYAKARTA (JP): The spate of natural and man-made disasters that have hit Indonesia this month may have been reminders from Allah that certain people here have strayed from His path, said Moslem scholar Amien Rais.

Government says E. Java electoral committee valid

Government says E. Java electoral committee valid JAKARTA (JP): The government confirmed the validity of the newly-established electoral committee in East Java, which leaves the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) unrepresented, but gave the party until May to resolve its bickering. "Oh, it's valid, it's valid. Who says it isn't ?" said Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. after opening a meeting of officials of the 27 regional electoral committee here yesterday.

Loggers have strong backing

Loggers have strong backing PADANG, West Sumatra: Minister of Forestry Djamaluddin Soerjohadikoesoemo said that illegal logging activities have continued in West Sumatra because they had the support of either administration or military officials. Djamaluddin told a meeting of forestry officials and law enforcement agencies, including the military, that he is counting on the help of the military to punish the individual officials backing illegal loggers.

Students call for prostitution ban

Students call for prostitution ban JAKARTA (JP): High school students think the government is fighting a losing battle against the spread of HIV, a deadly virus that leads to AIDS. "The government's efforts in fighting the spread of the disease are futile as long as pleasure-seeking businesses, which inherently breeds prostitution are allowed to exist," said a student of SMU 52 in, in North Jakarta, in a discussion last week.

Helicopter carrier to arrive next year

Helicopter carrier to arrive next year BANGKOK (Reuter): The Thai navy's first helicopter carrier will go into service next year, protecting resources and shipping lanes in the Gulf of Thailand, a navy official said yesterday. The 11,400-ton carrier is being built at the Ferrol dockyard in Barzan, Spain, and the ship, the HMS Chakri Naruebet, is now 60 percent complete and was launched this week.

Southeast Asian investors selling gold holdings

Southeast Asian investors selling gold holdings SINGAPORE (Agencies): Many Southeast Asian investors are selling gold holdings to cash in on the sudden increase in prices of the yellow metal but traders yesterday saw some consolidation before prices scale a four-year peak. "Investors are selling back gold bars in Southeast Asia -- Indonesia in particular.

Freeport expansion in RI judged to be economical

Freeport expansion in RI judged to be economical NEW ORLEANS (Reuter): Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. said a prefeasibility study has determined that the proposed expansion of its Indonesian mine and mill facilities to 190,000 metric tons per day is economical. The company said here Tuesday it expects an agreement with RTZ Corp. Plc. next week to immediately proceed with a detailed feasibility study of the expansion.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Ultraman 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Traditional Dance 3:30 Education: Dunia Mahasiswa 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 TV Series: Al Jamalludin Al Afghani 5:00 Evening News 5:25 Travel: My Country 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: Maluku 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Ramadhan Tradition 6:35 Religious Teachings: Ibadah Puasa dan Ibadah Haji 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda...

Workers complain to LBH

Workers complain to LBH JAKARTA (JP): Fifteen people representing 170 workers in dispute with the management of their company, run by the Enteos Club, are seeking help from the Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH). LBH told The Jakarta Post yesterday that the complainants, who have worked for PT Ilmu Inti Swadaya since 1993, are demanding outstanding payment from the Enteos Club.

Local basketball league restricts foreign signings

Local basketball league restricts foreign signings JAKARTA (JP): Only one foreign signing will be allowed to play for each team in all games in this year's Indonesian Basketball League, an official said yesterday. "This decision is final. It will be made law-binding in a meeting with the league's ten clubs scheduled in early March," the league's vice chairman Setya Darma Madjid told The Jakarta Post yesterday. The exact date for the meeting is yet to be fixed, Darma added.

PT Aerowisata opens new star-rated hotel in Bali

PT Aerowisata opens new star-rated hotel in Bali JAKARTA (JP): PT Aerowisata, a subsidiary of national air carrier Garuda Indonesia, will market Resor Sekar Nusa Bali, a new star-rated hotel in Bali which applies a new concept of ownership. Sekar Nusa, owned by PT Jasmine Inti Nusa, will offer for sale 149 villas on a four-hectare plot near the well-known Nusa Dua tourist resort in Bali.

Floods victims

Floods victims From Kompas The residents of Kampung Melayu Besar in East Jakarta were victims of the recent floods and hereby call on the Public Works Ministry to immediately remove the leftover garbage and mud along Jl. Gang Mesjid I. Heaps of garbage and refuse together with decaying dead animals are producing a putrid smell which is unpleasant for the community. Many of us are suffering from fever, flu and diarrhea, all of which are common after a flood.

City to investigate alleged rape by public order official

City to investigate alleged rape by public order official JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is investigating allegations that an official of the city public order office was involved in a rape. The deputy governor for social welfare, Museno, said yesterday that he has ordered the head of the public order office to conduct the investigation. "If the office finds that the allegations are true, the city administration will not hesitate in taking firm action against the official," Museno said.

Rp 13t needed to repair facilities destroyed by floods

Rp 13t needed to repair facilities destroyed by floods JAKARTA (JP): It will take the city administration Rp 13 trillion (US$6.04 billion) to replace the buildings and infrastructure destroyed by recent floods, Deputy Governor for Social Welfare R.S. Museno said yesterday. The fund will be used to repair or replace dikes, houses and roads.

Industrial park expanded

Industrial park expanded TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Marubeni Corp. said yesterday its Indonesian joint venture PT Megalopolis Manunggal Industrial Development would expand an industrial park near Jakarta. The venture, in which major trading house Marubeni holds a 60 percent equity stake, will invest US$260 million in the purchase and development of 400 hectares (990 acres), with unit sales starting in March. The expansion will bring the total scale of the park to 750 hectares (1,850 acres).

Pasar Minggu bus terminal

Pasar Minggu bus terminal From Neraca The Pasar Minggu (South Jakarta) bus terminal is still chaotic. Many buses linger at the terminal to pick up more passengers instead of leaving on schedule to make room for incoming buses. Unfortunately the personnel from the City Land Transportation Control Agency only make themselves available at certain hours, usually at busy hours. I hope that the agency will deploy its personnel in shifts to ensure traffic is orderly in this chaos stricken terminal.

APP builds pulp mill in KL

APP builds pulp mill in KL KUCHING, Malaysia (JP): North Sumatra-based PT Asia Pulp and Paper (APP) will team up with Malaysia's Sarawak Timber Industrial Development Corporation (STIDC) to establish a pulp and paper production mill in Sarawak. Ali B. Yusop, an official of the Sarawak State Forests Department, told Indonesian reporters visiting here this week that the mill's construction will be based on a memorandum of understanding signed last year.

Nuclear power plant study nears completion

Nuclear power plant study nears completion JAKARTA (JP): The feasibility study on Indonesia's first nuclear power plant is now nearing completion and the government will soon accept proposals from potential contractors, the chief of the National Atomic Agency (Batan) said yesterday. Djali Ahimsa told reporters that two potential bidders have already expressed interest: Westinghouse of the United States, in cooperation with Japan's Mitsubishi, and Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd.

Politics and elections

Politics and elections I am totally at a loss in trying to understand what has been happening in this country. Although a layman and ignorant of politics, I was enraged when I watched the TV news bulletin concerning the installation of the electoral committee for East Java in which the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) was excluded. On the occasion, the East Java governor said: "...they should give priority to national interest, and not to the interest of one group." Oh my, give me a break!

General Electric will double RI investment

General Electric will double RI investment JAKARTA (JP): The American "gorilla" General Electric plans to double its investments in Indonesia from the current level of US$150 million within the next five years. The president of General Electric Indonesia, Stuart L. Dean, said here on Tuesday night that in addition to its seven subsidiaries currently operating in Indonesia, General Electric will focus on infrastructure projects, including power generation and telecommunications.

ADB lends Indonesia US$150m

ADB lends Indonesia US$150m MANILA (UPI): The Asian Development Bank has approved a US$150 million loan for Indonesia for the improvement of a 210-kilometer (130-mile) stretch of road in the northern coastline of Java. The road project, which is part of the national road linking Jakarta, Semarang and Surabaya, the largest cities in North Java, is expected to be completed by the first half of the year 2000.

Indonesia, Iraq sign economic agreement

Indonesia, Iraq sign economic agreement JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Iraq signed yesterday an agreement on economic, scientific and technical cooperation and the formation of a joint commission of a ministerial level. The agreement was signed by Director General of Foreign Economic Relations Soemadi D.M. Brotodiningrat and Iraqi Ambassador to Indonesia Sa'doon Jal Zubaydi.

Govt braces for Idul Fitri transport rush

Govt braces for Idul Fitri transport rush JAKARTA (JP): The government is making preparations for a greater than usual number of holiday makers at Idul Fitri this year because the Moslem holiday coincides with Imlek, the Chinese new year. The arrangements to meet the expected explosion of travelers were reported to President Soeharto by Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto. He later briefed the press and said that 27,529 buses, 32 ships and 172 airplanes were being readied.

Killing two boars with one stone

Killing two boars with one stone JAKARTA (JP): An official in Jambi, the latest province eager to prove itself as one of Indonesia's latest tourist destinations, has come up with a novel plan to attract visitors and kill boars, a major pest to local farmers, at the same time: boar hunting. Sarolangun Bangko Regency Chief Zainul Imron said boars are now farmers' number one enemy because they constantly threaten their crops, Antara reported.

'Lifestyle' shows you where to find what you're looking for

'Lifestyle' shows you where to find what you're looking for The Jakarta Post Lifestyle Published by PT Media Dutaservisindo & Integrated Information Pte Ltd Edited by Hartoyo Pratiknyo 307 pp JAKARTA (JP): Guidebooks ... horrendous to compile if only because it takes ages to collect the names, places, addresses, telephone numbers, fax numbers, and whatever. There is no place for errors in a book whose purpose is to serve as a true and reliable guide to anything anyone is in quest of.

The 'Gurita' ferry lesson

The 'Gurita' ferry lesson The sinking of the ferry Gurita happened suddenly and so far the cause remains uncertain. Was it because of a storm? Did it hit a rock, or -- and this is the most important possible cause -- was it because it was overloaded? The Gurita was an old passenger transportation vessel. In the manifest the number of passengers was stated to be 210 but some observers estimated it to have been at least 300.

Govt won't abolish teachers' colleges

Govt won't abolish teachers' colleges JAKARTA (JP): The government has denied that it wanted to dissolve the state teachers' colleges when it announced its plan to upgrade and change them into universities. Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro told the press after meeting with President Soeharto yesterday that the government only wanted to improve the quality of the State Teachers' Training Colleges (IKIP) across the country and their graduates.

Government to curb Puncak development

Government to curb Puncak development JAKARTA (JP): The office of the state minister for agrarian affairs will control and supervise all building construction in the tourist resort of Puncak, West Java, following an edict by President Soeharto. State Minister Soni Harsono told reporters after meeting with President Soeharto at Bina Graha Office yesterday said that supervision and control is expected to curb the changes in land use in this hilly area, which lead to floods lower down in Jakarta.

Office of rights body opens in Dili

Office of rights body opens in Dili JAKARTA (JP): East Timor's first branch office of the National Commission of Human Rights was officially opened in Dili, yesterday. The secretary of the provincial administration, Radjakarina Brahmana, symbolically handed over the office keys to two commission members, BN Marbun and Clementino dos Reis Amaral.

Denmark gives aid to Aceh

Denmark gives aid to Aceh JAKARTA: The Danish Embassy in Jakarta is donating Rp 82 million (US$36,000) worth of medical and food supplies to the victims of the flood which hit East Aceh this month. The donation is scheduled to be delivered by Danish Ambassador Michael Sternberg in Langsa, East Aceh, today, through the cooperation of the Leuser International Foundation.

Manila urged to eradicate terrorism, respect human rights

Manila urged to eradicate terrorism, respect human rights MANILA (AFP): The Philippines should take a tougher stand against international terrorism but must guard against threatening human rights and democracy, a senior US official and Filipino legislators said. Their comments came amid growing public opposition to a proposed bill aimed at fighting attempts to make the Philippines a base for international terrorists.

Capital inflows to stay strong despite deficit

Capital inflows to stay strong despite deficit JAKARTA (JP): Capital inflows are expected to remain strong this year despite the projected increase in the country's current account deficit, according to JP Morgan. The company's Singapore-based research unit said that the capital inflows will remain in excess of the deficit financing in 1996. Morgan said that the accelerated depreciation allowed by the widened intervention band has raised the rupiah's exchange rate risk.

Kotjo bids for UPP stake

Kotjo bids for UPP stake SINGAPORE (Reuter): United Overseas Bank Ltd and N.M. Rothschild said yesterday a group of prominent Indonesian investors had exercised a series of options to buy a large stake in United Pulp & Paper (UPP) at Singapore $1.10, triggering a general offer for the firm at that level. The institutions, acting as advisors to the Indonesian investors which include Bambang Trihatmodjo and Johanes Kotjo, said on Nov.

Chinese travel more

Chinese travel more BEIJING (dpa): Overseas travel, once an unattainable dream for the majority of Chinese living under communist rule, has become a reality for a fraction of society, the official media reported yesterday. Hong Kong, Macao, Thailand, the Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia were reported as the most popular destinations for more than one million Chinese tourists in 1995, the Xinhua News Agency said.