Archive: 31 January 1996
52 articles found
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir to review pledge in Sabah
Mahathir to review pledge in Sabah KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad yesterday downplayed a political storm brewing in eastern Sabah state over an election pledge he made two years ago, and indicated he may backtrack. Mahathir said his ruling National Front coalition was ready to review his promise to rotate the chief minister's post in the multi-racial state along ethnic lines, a concept now opposed by his own United Malays National Organization (UMNO).
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Family planning covers 24.6 million fertile couples
Family planning covers 24.6 million fertile couples JAKARTA (JP): The government's family planning program has recorded 24.6 million fertile couples as regular users of contraceptives, State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono said yesterday. Haryono, who chairs the National Family Planning Board, told a hearing with the House of Representatives that these "active" family planning participants represent about 71 percent of the total fertile couples in the country.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Village feud kills three
Village feud kills three KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Three people died and four others were seriously injured in a clash between residents of the villages of Semang and Loha in Manggarai regency, West Flores. Six-year-old Bernardus Riting and 20-year-old Yustina Mihul were burned alive, while Tedeus Tamer, 45, was killed in the feud which originated from conflicts over the use of ancestral land. The incident itself started with an attack on Loha village by some 50 Semang residents on Saturday.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Fasting period
Fasting period In The Jakarta Post (Jan. 25, 1996) I read an article about closing down restaurants temporarily for violating "Ramadhan fasting month operation hours." Isn't it rather strange that such an order can be passed by the "city public order office" when substantial numbers of Indonesians worship religions other than Islam? K.J. JANSMA Jakarta
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Chevron to clear tax case
Chevron to clear tax case LOS ANGELES (Reuter): Chevron Corp said that it had decided to hand over to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service tax documents related to its Indonesian operations in order to "clear the air" over allegations that crimes or frauds may have been committed. "Nothing supports this nonsense about crimes and fraud," said Chevron spokesman Mike Libbey.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Over $873m in state losses not yet recovered
Over $873m in state losses not yet recovered JAKARTA (JP): The Government Audit Agency disclosed yesterday that it has yet to follow up on thousands of cases involving more than Rp 2 trillion (US$873.36 million) in corruption-related losses at government offices and state-owned firms. Soedarjono, the head of the agency, said in a hearing with members of the Budgetary Commission of the House of Representatives yesterday that the figure reflected losses incurred up until last September.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Bulog overextends itself
Bulog overextends itself The National Logistics Agency (Bulog), prompted by an overriding concern about inflationary pressures, is setting itself a formidable task which, we think, is doomed to fail and will waste scarce resources.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Doing away with the rebels
Doing away with the rebels How are the hostages kidnapped by Irian Jaya separatist rebels going to be freed? It is clear that this is terrorism. Taking innocent people for political purposes is not going to pay in international politics. The whole world condemns terrorism. Such is the stance of the Indonesian government. Our leaders will not give into any kind of political extortion, whether it is in Irian Jaya, Aceh or East Timor.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Ethnic identity important for Timorese: Expert
Ethnic identity important for Timorese: Expert JAKARTA (JP): While the government continues to pour money into the economic development of East Timor, attention and respect must also be given to the preservation of the province's cultural identity, a political observer said yesterday.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
APEC can turn into a trade bloc: Analyst
APEC can turn into a trade bloc: Analyst JAKARTA (JP): The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum may turn into a trade bloc if its member economies cannot adopt the principles of the most favored nations (MFN) in its trade liberalization program, an expert warned yesterday.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
People advised to go to hometowns early
People advised to go to hometowns early JAKARTA (JP): Police urged Idul Fitri holidaymakers yesterday to leave the city as soon as possible in order to help reduce the unavoidable heavy traffic congestion. "As the school holidays will start next week, it might be better for families to begin their Idul Fitri holidays as soon as possible," National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. I.K. Ratta told reporters.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Island golf
Island golf An advertisement you ran a couple of weeks ago for a cruise ship offering island golf jogged my memory about Bira Island, one of the Thousand Islands north of Jakarta. In May or June last year the media questioned the legality of a proposed golf course on this island, which lies in a protected nature reserve. At that time, the necessary permits were not in place and the outcome of the environmental impact study was pending. As far as I know, since then everything has gone quiet.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
India may buy RI gas
India may buy RI gas NEW DELHI (Reuter): Indian Oil Minister Satish Sharma said on Monday that India was considering importing natural gas from Burma, Indonesia and Qatar to meet rising domestic demand. India has already signed an agreement with Oman to supply 56 million cubic metres of gas per day, a deal signed in September 1994. It is also considering importing gas from Iran. "India will still have a large unfulfilled demand for natural gas.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Suu Kyi challenges ASEAN policy on Myanmar
Suu Kyi challenges ASEAN policy on Myanmar YANGON (AFP): Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi believes ASEAN's policy of constructive engagement with the Myanmarese junta is flawed because it concentrates on current economic prospects at the expense of political change. In an interview with AFP at the lakeside home where she spent nearly six years under house arrest until July 10, Aung San Suu Kyi on Monday also suggested tourists avoid Myanmar to show they support calls for democratic reforms.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Irian rebels resume contact with military
Irian rebels resume contact with military JAKARTA (JP): Irian Jaya separatist rebels who are holding 13 people captive, including six Europeans, made radio contact with the military yesterday, their first in four days as the hostage drama entered its 23d day. Two senior Army officers who had been supervising the military's rescue mission meanwhile left Wamena, the town that hosts the military command post, for Jakarta in another signal that the crisis is not about to end in the near future.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Growth through cooperation
Growth through cooperation The following is an excerpt of a statement made by Governor of Bank Indonesia J. Soedradjat Djiwandono at the Bankers' Annual Meeting on Jan. 19, 1996. This is the first of two articles. JAKARTA: I see three major trends underlying domestic and international growth dynamics. The first trend is the intensification of international cooperation to create more open international trade flows at the multilateral and regional levels.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Skilled judges indispensable in legal system
Skilled judges indispensable in legal system JAKARTA (JP): Besides handling lawsuits, judges of the Jakarta State Administrative Court have to develop their skills and professionalism, the court's new head says. Lintong Oloan Siahaan said yesterday that he considers the development of quality judges a priority. Discussions among judges, between judges and experts, and with lawyers and government officials will be held regularly to reach the objective, he said.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Singapore unveils investment strategy
Singapore unveils investment strategy SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore's Economic Development Board (EDB) unveiled yesterday its 1996 strategy to keep the booming island ahead of the competition and to rocket it into the ranks of the developed economies. Among its main initiatives are incentives to encourage manufacturing firms to set up regional headquarters in Singapore, boost innovation and improve advanced training.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Three archers named for Asian championships
Three archers named for Asian championships JAKARTA (JP): Especially tough preparations for the Olympic Games has forced Indonesia to name a tiny team of three men for the IX Asian Archery Championships in Bangkok in March.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Insurance firm pays billions
Insurance firm pays billions MEDAN, North Sumatra: State-owned insurance company PT Jasa Raharja has over the past five years paid Rp 21.8 billion (US$9.5 million) in compensation to victims of traffic accidents. Antara reported that 6,272 people died and 9,970 others were injured in traffic accidents that occurred between 1991 and 1995.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Interest income verification
Interest income verification JAKARTA (JP): Tax Director General Fuad Bawazier promised yesterday that tax officials will not be allowed to track funds kept in time deposits and other forms of bank savings. Tax officials are also not allowed to verify the accuracy of taxpayer data and the incomes gained from interest on time deposits and other bank savings, the tax director general said. "It is in line with presidential decree No. 68 issued in 1983.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Ambiguous orders caused Irian killing
Ambiguous orders caused Irian killing JAKARTA (JP): A platoon commander gave an ambiguous order to shoot during an operation against separatist rebels in the Irian Jaya jungle, resulting in the deaths of three civilians last year, a military prosecutor said in Jayapura yesterday. On trial is a second lieutenant, identified by Antara by his initials MR, who headed a platoon of the 732d Company during a patrol in Agani village in the Paniai regency. The defendant, according to prosecutor Lt. Col.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Korea out to break Davis Cup jinx
Korea out to break Davis Cup jinx JAKARTA (JP): South Korea is out to break its jinx in its Davis Cup clash in Indonesia, non-playing captain Yeon Yoong-dai said yesterday. Yeon told reporters before his team's work-out at the Senayan tennis complex yesterday that a 3-2 win over hosts Indonesia in their Asia/Oceania zone first round duel looks realistic. "Due to the absence of Benny Wijaya, our chances of winning look better," Yeon said.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Wiping out corruption
Wiping out corruption It takes real courage to talk openly about corruption, as Soegih Arto clearly analyzed in The Jakarta Post of Jan. 15. In his well thought-out letter, Soegih Arto describes that corruption still occurs in developed countries, where democracy and free press prevail. The method of eliminating corruption has not failed, but law enforcing agencies are not able to implement or accomplish their task.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Wednesday Maghrib 6.20 p.m. Thursday Imsak 4:25 a.m. Subuh 4.35 a.m.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
PAM Jaya's new services
PAM Jaya's new services JAKARTA (JP): Consumers of the city-owned PAM Jaya tap water company will not have to queue to pay their monthly bills as they can pay them at the nearest Bank DKI or post office, or use the mobile post service from next month. The consumers will only have to take their invoice, which will be sent to them by PAM Jaya, to the bank or post office, anywhere in Jakarta.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Habibie told Gus Dur to resign
Habibie told Gus Dur to resign JAKARTA (JP): State Minister for Research and Technology B.J. Habibie has confirmed he asked Abdurrahman Wahid to resign last year from the chairmanship of Indonesia's largest Moslem organization, the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). Habibie also said yesterday that he believed "it would probably be better for the NU" if Abdurrahman steps down from the 30-million member organization, which at the time was beginning to be entangled in leadership conflicts.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Bus firms offer discount for early travelers
Bus firms offer discount for early travelers JAKARTA (JP): Several inter-city bus companies are offering discounted fares for early home-bound travelers on the days leading up to the Idul Fitri holiday, following a similar move by the state railway company, Perumka. Officials of at least two bus firms interviewed by The Jakarta Post yesterday, including Lorena and Kramat Jati, have offered 15 percent off all fares for those who travel home before the rush week of the mudik exodus.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
PPP's bill receives tacit support from PDI
PPP's bill receives tacit support from PDI JAKARTA (JP): An electoral reform bill proposed by the United Development Party (PPP) has received the tacit support of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) after being flatly rejected by the ruling Golkar party. PDI legislators said yesterday that they back the initiative but doubt if the PPP is serious about proposing the bill. They added that the maneuver was mostly a means for the PPP to attract voters in next year's general election.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
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.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Amazing 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Ramadhan Ya Ramadhan 3:30 Among Us 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 TV Series: Al Jamalludin Al Afghani 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:15 Village Program 6:45 TV Series: Expedition: The Animal Kingdom 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 Culture: Awal dan Akhir Kehidupan 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Comedy 9:00 World News 9:30...
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Thailand declares holiday for summit
Thailand declares holiday for summit BANGKOK (AFP): The Thai government yesterday declared a long holiday weekend ahead of the first-ever Asia-Europe summit here March 1-2 to help ease traffic in badly congested Bangkok, a government spokesman said. Both Thursday, Feb. 29, when the 25 heads of government are to arrive in Bangkok, and Friday, March 1, are now official national holidays, he said. That will give government employees a four-day-weekend.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
'Post' improved
'Post' improved After over seven years in Jakarta, and as many years as a subscriber to The Jakarta Post, I would like to extend my compliments to your publication. Especially noteworthy is the improvement in overall quality of the Post, as you have grown away from frequent misspellings, cutline mis-labeling of photographs and other editorial gaffs that were so common when I first subscribed.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Ships detained for dumping wastes
Ships detained for dumping wastes KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has detained two ships for discharging toxic wastes and polluting its seas, the environment minister said yesterday. The Samudera Teknik was detained off Tanjung Piai in southern Johore state on Monday while the Caraka Jaya Niaga III-32 was held at a port in the eastern Sabah state at the weekend, said Law Hieng Ding, minister of Science, Technology and Environment.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Gulf Canada wins deal in RI
Gulf Canada wins deal in RI CALGARY, Canada (Reuter): Gulf Canada Resources Ltd and Talisman Energy Inc said on Monday they signed an underwriting agreement with lenders worth US$450 million to provide natural gas to Indonesia. The Calgary-based firms want to bring the Corridor Block Gas Project to market in central Sumatra, which is designed to ship about 300 million cubic feet per day of natural gas.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Houses collapse in landslide
Houses collapse in landslide PURWOKERTO, Central Java: At least four houses in the Binangun village, Banyumas regency, collapsed in a landslide which occurred on Saturday, while eight other houses have been left standing precariously. There were no fatalities but some villagers had to seek shelter with neighbors while waiting for their houses to be repaired. The Antara news agency reported that the landslide occurred at about midnight following hours of rainstorm.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
State companies' aid to small firms: Rp 542b
State companies' aid to small firms: Rp 542b JAKARTA (JP): State-owned companies have spent over Rp 541 billion (US$234.3 million) in the last five years to help small- scale businesses and cooperatives, a minister said yesterday. Minister for Cooperatives and Small-Scale Enterprises Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya said here that around Rp 366 billion of the total funds was distributed between 1990 and 1994 and the remainder of Rp 175 billion in the period between June and December of last year.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
State firm executives sworn in
State firm executives sworn in JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo appointed executives and commissioners of 18 state-owned companies overseen by his ministry in a ceremony here yesterday. The officials installed yesterday consisted of four chief executives, 12 directors, 12 chief commissioners and 33 commissioners. The chief executives were Zainal Soedjais of urea company PT Asean Aceh Fertilizer, Urip Timuryono of cement firm PT Semen Gresik, Suparnadi P.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Wendy opens new restaurant
Wendy opens new restaurant JAKARTA (JP): PT Wendy Citrarasa opened a new restaurant on Monday at Plaza Senayan, South Jakarta to respond to the rising demand for fast food in the city. President of Wendy's International John Wright said that Indonesia was one of the six leading markets for Wendy's products. The five others are Canada, England, Argentina, Japan and the Philippines.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 30, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 700 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,000 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,375 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,900 -25 63,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 5,900 0 7,000 Anwar Sierad 1,125 0 85,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 1,500 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,100 0 64,500 Argo Pantes 1,800 0 100,000 Asahimas Flat 2,725 0 196,500 Asiana IMI...
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Spotlight
Spotlight Photo A: Joop JP/byi Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave (left) congratulates Russia-born painter Yuri Gorbachev at the opening of Gorbachev's exhibition at the Regent Hotel, Jakarta. The exhibition, which has Bali as its theme, was opened last week and will continue until Feb. 3. Photo B: Tien Grand Hyatt Bali Mrs. Tien Soeharto presented the Grand Hyatt Bali its award for winning the National Garden Competition for five-star and diamond-rated hotels.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
RI needs to support Space Law: Legislator
RI needs to support Space Law: Legislator COCOA BEACH, Florida (JP): The Indonesian government needs to prepare to implement its Air Law to boost development of the country's satellite industry, a legislator said here yesterday. A member of the House of Representatives, Mohammad Buang, said that Indonesia would face unbalanced competition with developed countries for orbital slots for telecommunications satellites. "Orbital slots over one country should be owned by the country.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Private firms may enter downstream oil industry
Private firms may enter downstream oil industry JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon allow private refineries to distribute and sell their products on the domestic market but will continue to control the fuel prices, Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana said yesterday. "We need to revise Law No. 8/1971 to face the free trade and investment era," Sudjana told a House of Representatives' Commission VI hearing, which deals with the industry, mining, manpower and investment.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta's first mutual fund works to whet appetite
Jakarta's first mutual fund works to whet appetite JAKARTA (JP): An executive of PT BDNI Reksadana, the first mutual fund listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), said that in the medium term (three to five years) a mutual fund is able to offer a return of 16 percentage points higher than time deposits.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Superschools
Superschools I wish to draw a crucial link between three articles published in The Jakarta Post (Jan. 26 and Jan. 27, 1996): Providing superschools for all by John Phillips, and Mochtar Buchori's Viewpoint: Where do we go with a rigid school curriculum?; and a related article, Decline in human resources quality worries government by Hermawan Sulistyo. Mochtar Buchori reiterates the complaints of (state education system) teachers, i.e.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
One dead, 40 hurt, 8 escape in East Timor jail riot
One dead, 40 hurt, 8 escape in East Timor jail riot JAKARTA (JP): One inmate was killed, 40 others injured and eight escaped during a riot in the Dili Correctional Facility yesterday morning, Antara reported. Five prison guards were also injured. The news agency quoted the chief of the East Timor Office of the Ministry of Justice, Benny J. Matthaus, as saying that the riot appeared to have been well organized, with the intention of making an escape.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
More Olympic gold medals expected from badminton
More Olympic gold medals expected from badminton JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Sports Council, Wismoyo Arismunandar, urged yesterday Indonesian badminton players to retain the two gold medals they won four years ago when they return to the Olympic Games next July. "If possible, win more gold medals from badminton," Wismoyo said during a meeting with officials of the Badminton Association of Indonesia yesterday.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
City land prices hit Rp 10 million mark
City land prices hit Rp 10 million mark JAKARTA (JP): The price of land on Jl. Thamrin, Jakarta is predicted to reach a record Rp 10 million (US$4,651) per square meter this year, Rp 2 million more than last year, an official said. The head of the city tax office, Arie Soelendro, said yesterday that the projection was the result of an annual review made by his office to determine property taxes in the area.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Ministers step into beer wrangle
Ministers step into beer wrangle JAKARTA (JP): Two ministers pledged to solve problems related to the labeling of beer on the resort island of Bali, while the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) expressed concern over such trade regulations in the liberalization era.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Blok M terminal chaotic
Blok M terminal chaotic From Sinar For most commuters in Jakarta Blok M bus terminal is not unfamiliar. Buses from this terminal will take people to anywhere in the city and also out of Jakarta. But the problem lies with the thoughtless behavior of the drivers who like to drop and pick up passengers outside the terminal, instead at the bus stops inside the terminal.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Government to keep hands off PDI conflicts
Government to keep hands off PDI conflicts JAKARTA (JP): The government made a fresh call on the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) yesterday to resolve its leadership conflicts without government intervention. Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. told a hearing with House Commission II for home affairs that the government would leave the PDI to solve the conflict within its East Java chapter.
Wed, 31 Jan 1996, 00:00 WIB
Govt to set up secondary mortgage market
Govt to set up secondary mortgage market JAKARTA (JP): The government is considering setting up a secondary mortgage market in the near future to provide another source of funds for developers. "The Ministry of Finance has established a working team to sound out the possibility of using secondary mortgages as a source of funds for housing development," State Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tandjung told the press after a hearing with Commission V of the House of Representatives here yesterday.