Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 October 1996

47 articles found

Rubber prices may slide further on weak demand

Rubber prices may slide further on weak demand SINGAPORE (Reuter): Southeast Asian rubber prices, which have been battered for weeks by soft demand, may slide further because of continuing weak consumer interest, regional traders said yesterday. "It's probably going to be flat again," a Singapore-based dealer working for a Western commodity house said. "If no firm offtake emerges, you'll see prices drifting down again." "Prices are likely to slide further this week.

A one-stop investment service

A one-stop investment service On almost every occasion where businesspeople meet, the problem of levies invariably becomes a major subject for discussion. Not infrequently, in conversations with government officials, too, businesspeople complain about the sluggish manner in which officials handle their permit applications. Those vocal complaints have, of late, apparently awakened the government to the situation.

Communism may infiltrate RI press, Harmoko says

Communism may infiltrate RI press, Harmoko says JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko warned the Indonesian media yesterday to remain leery of the latent danger of communism.

Elephant caught while taking stroll

Elephant caught while taking stroll PEKANBARU, Riau: A wild elephant strolling in the southwest of the town was caught by tamers from the Natural Resource Conservation Agency Sunday, a report said yesterday. Agency officials called in tamers and two elephant trainers to catch the big beast which local residents had spotted in the area several days earlier. Agency chief Susilo Legowo said the presence of the wild animal in the residential area sparked panic among local residents.

Host Indonesia sets date for 19th SEA Games

Host Indonesia sets date for 19th SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is scheduled to host to the 19th Southeast Asian Games from Oct. 11 to Oct. 19 next year. Chairman of the 19th SEA Games board of patrons, Azwar Anas, said the date was set after he met with President Soeharto yesterday. "The President suggested that the Games be held sometime after Oct.

City to rule on closure of Hailai discotheque

City to rule on closure of Hailai discotheque JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja is expected to decide whether the Hailai discotheque in Ancol, North Jakarta will be closed for good following a court ruling which sentenced its owner to six months probation for possessing marijuana and Ecstasy pills.

Housing development

Housing development From Pelita Housing developers have recently overwhelmed us with their offers of well-located houses in Greater Jakarta. There is a similarity in their advertisements which extol a natural environment with a plantationlike ambience and a congenial climate as if on mountain slopes. It is all very well to provide those amenities to prospective customers who aspire to enjoy the clean and cool air of the mountains.

Putera Sampoerna buys 9.8% stake in Astra

Putera Sampoerna buys 9.8% stake in Astra JAKARTA (JP): Tobacco tycoon Putera Sampoerna confirmed yesterday that he and his son, Jonathan Sampoerna, had bought up to 9.81 percent or about 114 million shares of PT Astra International for investment purposes.

'Belantara Jakarta' to be staged at CCF

'Belantara Jakarta' to be staged at CCF JAKARTA (JP): A Belantara Jakarta (Jakarta Jungle) performance will be staged at the French cultural center (CCF) on Oct. 4. The show will complement the solo exhibition of French photographer Herve Dangla. Dangla launched a book of his works, showing scenes of Jakarta, at the opening of his exhibition on Sept. 24. The display on Jl. Salemba Raya closes on Oct. 12. (anr)

Political trials acquire new meaning

Political trials acquire new meaning The Indonesian public is in for a treat as the mass media prepares to cover a series of prolonged political trials T. Mulya Lubis says the trials are to serve as political education as well. JAKARTA (JP): The hearing of a lawsuit pitting Megawati Soekarnoputri, the ousted leader of the tiny Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), against a number of top government officials is now on.

Integrated bus stop

Integrated bus stop From Pikiran Rakyat It appears that most facilities in Jakarta and other large Indonesian towns are placed in a haphazard manner. Just imagine, a pedestrian bridge here, a few steps farther away is a bus stop, public telephones somewhere within sight, a post box not far from the telephones, and the zebra crossing a little further away. What a mess! Why don't they think of placing all these facilities close to each other? Or in other words building integrated facilities.

Private seaport

Private seaport The Bojonegara seaport project in West Java, designed to be a new international freight gateway to Indonesia, will contribute greatly toward facilitating cargo flows and accelerating this country's industrial development. Needless to say that in the current era of economic globalization, seaports are much more than simply transit points for merchandise. They provide complete logistical services vital for manufacturing operations and product marketing.

Bill on drugs almost ready for deliberation

Bill on drugs almost ready for deliberation JAKARTA (JP): The long-awaited bill on psychotropic drugs, which stipulates that trafficking Ecstasy and other similar substances will carry a maximum jail term of 20 years and a fine of up to Rp 500 million (US$212,000), is almost ready for deliberation. Minister of Health Sujudi presented the government's general views on the bill before a plenary session of the House of Representatives yesterday.

Law needed to promote gender equality

Law needed to promote gender equality JAKARTA (JP): Any campaigns to promote gender equality would be rendered useless with the absence of legal infrastructure, observers agreed in a seminar here yesterday. Legal experts Nursyahbani Katjasungkana and Abdul Hakim Garuda Nusantara, as well as woman activist Syahniar Mahnida lamented the fact that the absence of laws on discrimination against women has perpetuated such acts.

Suwito wins world boxing title

Suwito wins world boxing title JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Suwito Lagola reclaimed his World Boxing Federation (WBF) welterweight title last night in a tough match against American's Jaime Larma. Suwito, won by unanimous decision after a tough 12-round bout. The 26-year Indonesian was stripped of his title which he won in October last year after he refused a rematch against Magahin of the Philippines.

Army will make use of vocal retired generals

Army will make use of vocal retired generals JAKARTA (JP): Army Chief of Staff Gen. Hartono has expressed regret over statements made by some retired generals, but promised to make the best of their outspokenness by inviting them to speak at the influential Army Staff and Command School (Seskoad).

Misuari takes oath as governor

Misuari takes oath as governor COTABATO, Philippines (AFP): Former Moslem rebel chief Nur Misuari yesterday took the oath as governor of a four-province Moslem autonomous area and was called "a friend and brother" by President Fidel Ramos, who had once fought against him. Ramos administered the oath to Misuari, chairman of the former Moslem insurgent Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), in this southern city in festive but well-secured ceremonies.

President Soeharto to visit Malaysia

President Soeharto to visit Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Indonesia's President Soeharto is to make a two-day visit to Malaysia beginning Sunday, a Malaysian foreign ministry official said yesterday. Soeharto had originally planned a working visit to Malaysia on July 9 but it was canceled because he had to undergo a medical checkup in Germany. A state dinner to be hosted by Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will be held on Sunday in honor of Soeharto, the official said.

Japan tin imports down

Japan tin imports down TOKYO (Reuter): Japan imported 2,250 tons of refined tin in August, off 12.4 percent from 2,568 tons in the same month last year, Finance Ministry data released yesterday showed. Tin imports from Indonesia, however, increased to 1,157 tons in August, from 878 tons in July and from 836 tons in August, 1995. Cumulative imports in the first eight months of 1996 were 17,043 tons, versus 59,752 tons in the same period last year.

Local foundation stresses the benefits of adoption

Local foundation stresses the benefits of adoption JAKARTA (JP): An orphanage which has been arranging adoptions for decades is still trying to educate people that foster parents' love is not inferior. A foster parent's bond with a child can be stronger than a natural parent's if the foster parent has been in daily contact with the child for several years. But those who have fostered a child from the Sayap Ibu Foundation, established on Sept.

Collusion in land disputes criticized

Collusion in land disputes criticized SURABAYA (JP): Legal practitioners reproached the government yesterday for its continued siding with businesses, rather than the people, in various land disputes. The Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute's head of environmental and land affairs, Rio Ismail, said in a discussion here yesterday that too often the state took a one-sided approach in such disputes, slapping malicious labels on people who try to defend their rights.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sep. 30, 1996 Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,100 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 675 0 3,000 Andayani Megah 1,050 0 175,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,225 0 0 Anwar Sierad 2,300 -25 310,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,900 0 38,000 Argo Pantes 1,900 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,525 -75 1,765,000 Asiana IMI Industries...

Judge Asmar rebuked by upset witness

Judge Asmar rebuked by upset witness JAKARTA (JP): A witness protested to a judge in court yesterday over his unsympathetic manner of questioning her while she was testifying on behalf of a student on trial for allegedly assaulting a police officer last June. "I really have nothing to hide in my testimony, so there is no need to grill me like that. It makes me nervous," Neli Irianti, 25, told Judge Asmar Ismail at the Central Jakarta District Court.

Idris Sardi gives different color to ABRI anniversary

Idris Sardi gives different color to ABRI anniversary By Lela E. Madjiah JAKARTA (JP): The commemoration of the Armed Forces (ABRI) 51st anniversary will be different from previous celebrations, thanks partly to Idris Sardi. As one of the country's best musicians and number one violinist, Idris, 57, has been appointed leader of the Armed Forces orchestra and choir which will present a colossal musical, Lintasan Sejarah ABRI, on Oct. 5 in the east parking lot of Senayan.

Senior officials to discuss illegal timber trade

Senior officials to discuss illegal timber trade JAKARTA (JP): Alarmed by rampant illegal logging, several high-ranking officials will meet tomorrow to discuss how to improve forest protection, Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo said yesterday. The meeting, to be held at the Manggala Wanabhakti building here, is to involve members of the Joint Team for Forest Security, including the forestry minister, Armed Forces Chief Gen.

Rubber dealer gets loan

Rubber dealer gets loan SINGAPORE (AFP): Rabobank Nederland said yesterday it had arranged a US$150 million syndicated trade finance facility here for Lewis and Peat (Rubber) Holdings Pte. Ltd., a member of Indonesia's Bakrie group. The facility, an "innovative hybrid" combining trade financing and syndication, is the first of its kind in Singapore, the Dutch bank said.

RI upbeat on SEA Games rowing

RI upbeat on SEA Games rowing JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's rowing and canoeing teams finished first in the 5th SEA Rowing Championship in Purwakarta, West Java on Sunday, buoying its hopes for another triumphant run at the 19th Southeast Asian Games here next year. The host competitors won eight gold, five silver and two bronze medals at the regatta held at the Jatiluhur dam. Myanmar finished second with five golds, five silvers and two bronzes. Thailand won two gold medals and Singapore one.

Six-day working week

Six-day working week From Pikiran Rakyat I admire Minister of Administrative Reforms T.B. Silalahi's reinstatement of the six-day working week because he is one of the rare breed of courageous and sportsmanlike people who has admitted the failure of a policy, in this case the five-day working week. As a former civil servant I concur with the view that productivity tends to decline in a longer working day.

Briton and Filipino face murder charge

Briton and Filipino face murder charge KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A Briton and a Filipino have been jointly charged in a court in Labuan island, off Malaysia's eastern state of Sabah, with the murder of a man and a woman, the British High Commission confirmed yesterday. A British High Commission official said he could only confirm that the 48-year old Briton, Ian Daniel Miller, had been charged. The official said the British consul in Kota Kinabalu would assist Miller.

RI favors undervalued rupiah

RI favors undervalued rupiah WASHINGTON (Reuter): Indonesia's Finance Minister Mar'ie Muhammad said that his country would rather have its rupiah be undervalued than overvalued. The minister, speaking to a conference sponsored by the Institute of International Finance, said Sunday that the country intended to depreciate the currency by five percent per year against the U.S. dollar. "We are in favor of having a rupiah slightly undervalued rather than overvalued," Mar'ie.

Tourist arrivals growth rate down in August

Tourist arrivals growth rate down in August JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave expressed concern here yesterday over the slowdown in the number of tourist arrivals in August, traditionally a peak season for foreign visitors.

Indonesia protest after Cup Winners' Cup loss

Indonesia protest after Cup Winners' Cup loss JAKARTA (JP): The All-Indonesia Football Association protested to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) yesterday for alleged bad treatment received by Mastrans Bandung Raya during its 0-4 rout by South China in their Asian Cup Winners' Cup in Hong Kong. The association's secretary, Nugraha Besoes, told a press conference yesterday that the Bandung side had received an unpleasant welcome upon arrival in Hong Kong early on Sunday.

City vows to close more offices in residential areas

City vows to close more offices in residential areas JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has vowed to continue to close down offices located in residential areas, Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs Idroes said yesterday "We will close down such offices because it is obvious that they are violating the regulation," he said. Idroes also said his office would hold a meeting with related agencies and mayoralty offices to draw up an integrated plan for implementing the policy.

Operations free of charge

Operations free of charge BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The local government here has planned free cataract operations for 500 poor people. Chief of the provincial health office Soejono said Monday that the local government has linked up with several social foundations and hospitals to implement the plan. Last year, the government, in cooperation with the navy, offered free cataract operations for 430 people.

Mitra Global to sign loan accord of $480m

Mitra Global to sign loan accord of $480m JAKARTA (JP): PT Mitra Global Telekomunikasi Indonesia, a private firm responsible for the development of telecommunications networks in Central Java, will sign later this month a US$480 million loan facility extended by overseas banks. The company's director of finance, Peter I.

TV today

TV today TVRI 8:00 a.m. Special Report: Hari Kesaktian Pancasila '96 (The Sanctity Day of Pancasila) (live) 2:30 p.m.

Don't be provoked by rumors: Surjadi

Don't be provoked by rumors: Surjadi JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja is urging Jakartans not to be easily provoked by rumors and false information about things happening in the capital. The governor said yesterday at the State Institute for Islamic Studies in Ciputat, south of here, that the public should help the administration create a safe and secure atmosphere in Jakarta. "Don't just believe any information which contradicts reality," he said.

RI designer wins fashion award

RI designer wins fashion award JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian designer Yongki Prima Tresnadi Suadi won the Seiko Award for his Treasure of Sumatra design at the Third Asian Fashion Design Contest held early last month in Tokyo, Japan. Yongki's design was inspired by baju kurung, a traditional outfit worn by women in West Sumatra, enhanced by an organza tunic enriched with flower shapes made of gold-colored metal and beads. He also uses songket, traditional hand-woven fabric from South Sumatra.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Dai-ichi, Jl. Senen Raya 135, Central Jakarta. - Mezzanine Lounge: The Praise Vocal Group, nightly except Sundays, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. * Hotel Aryaduta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Los Morenitos Vocal Group, Monday, Thursday, Sunday from 7:15 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Los Paraguas Vocal Group, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 7:15 p.m. to 11 p.m.

SE Asian nuclear treaty faces last hurdles

SE Asian nuclear treaty faces last hurdles This is the second of two articles on the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone treaty. By Agus Tarmidzi GENEVA (JP): In contrast to the treaties of Rarotonga and Tlatelolco, the treaty for the Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone has identified the continental shelves and the EEZ as parts of the area of coverage. The area of coverage of the SEA- NWFZ is unprecedented.

Three arrested for attacking police officer

Three arrested for attacking police officer JAKARTA (JP): City police have arrested three suspected holdup men, one of whom is believed to have wounded a traffic policeman who acted to protect students that the men were chasing in South Jakarta over the weekend. Police Spokesman Maj. Nyoman S. said yesterday that the three were apprehended at different occasions after the Saturday afternoon incident on Jl. Pattimura.

Govt aids independence pioneers

Govt aids independence pioneers JAKARTA (JP): The government is hastening to improve the welfare of hundreds of pioneers of Indonesia's independence movement, many now in their 80s, by expediting the distribution of Rp 1.5 million (US$638) in house renovation allowance for each of them.

Leftist speeches for students

Leftist speeches for students JOMBANG, East Java: The military has given recordings of Democratic People's Party (PRD) leaders' speeches to students of Tebuireng Islamic boarding school to prove that the leftist group is communist. Chief of the Armed Forces' Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid gave the cassette of the speeches by Budiman Sudjatmiko and Dita Indah Sari to school master Yusuf Hasyim Sunday.

Holdup in Cengkareng

Holdup in Cengkareng From Media Indonesia On Sept. 6, 1996, a friend and I traveling on public transportation to our daily jobs were robbed on the road between Ampera and Grogol around 5:30 a.m. Three male passengers boarded the van in Cengkareng. Shortly afterwards, they threatened us with knives. We dared not to make a move. They took away our watches, neck chains, rings and both our wallets, which contained money and valuable documents. They got off in the vicinity of Taman Kota.

Winners of essay contest on South Korea announced

Winners of essay contest on South Korea announced JAKARTA (JP): The Embassy of South Korea announced yesterday the names of the 20 Indonesian students who won its essay writing contest on Korea. The winners, consisting of 10 university students and 10 senior high schools students, were selected from 2,521 participants from the country's 27 provinces.

Minister to ask customs office for Timor clearance

Minister to ask customs office for Timor clearance JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo said yesterday that he would ask the Directorate General of Customs and Excise to release the Timor cars imported from South Korea because their owner has secured adequate bank guarantees.

Indonesian oil at $19.47 a barrel

Indonesian oil at $19.47 a barrel JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian oil prices on the world market during the April to September period averaged US$19.47 per barrel, exceeding the $16.50 set by the government in its state budget during the current fiscal year, ending next March 31.