Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 October 1996

52 articles found

Toll robbery involed no soldiers: Feisal

Toll robbery involed no soldiers: Feisal JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung denies involvement of Armed Forces members in the bloody robbery on the Jagorawi toll road on Oct. 11. Responding to reporters' questions after dedicating two new mosques built by the Amal Bhakti Pancasila foundation in Bogor yesterday, the four-star general said his subordinates will investigate reports that the robbers used an FN 45, a gun issued to Armed Forces members.

PT Telkom invites private firms to set up multimedia business

PT Telkom invites private firms to set up multimedia business JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned domestic telecommunications carrier PT Telkom is inviting private firms to set up a company to offer multimedia services. Several private firms including some from the Bimantara and Rajawali groups have expressed interest in the venture.

OCBC launches Asian emerging markets fund

OCBC launches Asian emerging markets fund SINGAPORE (Reuter): OCBC Asset Management Ltd, a unit of Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp, launched yesterday its Asia Emerging Markets Index Fund (AEMIF). The fund is a joint venture with U.S. investment group Alliance Capital Management and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the world bank group.

Teenage girl dies after having sex

Teenage girl dies after having sex JAKARTA (JP): An 18-year-old girl died yesterday after allegedly having sexual intercourse with an Saudi Arabian national at the Central Hotel on Jl. Pramuka in Central Jakarta. The teenage girl, identified as Siti Khadijah, was found unconscious with her mouth full of foam after allegedly having slept with the man, identified as Abdul Rosyid, Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. M. Ibrahim said.

Humility and sensitivity are keys to Asia Foundation's success

Humility and sensitivity are keys to Asia Foundation's success JAKARTA (JP): A major sore point in international development cooperation is the perception held by developing countries that developed states which provide assistance often attach conditions and prescribe values which are ill-timed or unsuitable. Various private organizations which seek to assist in a country's political development face the same predicament.

Suwito sets date for title defense in March

Suwito sets date for title defense in March JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian World Boxing Federation welterweight champion Suwito Lagola has nominated three American opponents as possible challengers for his first title defense next March since regaining his title three weeks ago.

A slap in the face

A slap in the face I read with interest and sympathy the sad experience of Nosi Lestariwati, whose car was hit by an expatriate driver who has been uncooperative in arranging for proper compensation.

Syafruddin murder suspect arrested

Syafruddin murder suspect arrested YOGYAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested a man suspected of killing Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, a journalist of the Bernas daily, in August. The suspect, identified as Kiwik, was arrested Monday in the vicinity of Sleman regency, 14 kilometers north of here. Police also seized a 35-centimeter iron bar from the suspect that he allegedly used to beat Fuad, better-known as Udin, to death with, a long-sleeve T-shirt, a pair of sneakers and a blue scooter.

Alvin Toffler to get $33,000 for one-hour lecture

Alvin Toffler to get $33,000 for one-hour lecture JAKARTA (JP): American futurologist Alvin Toffler will get Rp 75 million (US$33,000) to speak for an hour at a seminar in the ancient central Javanese city of Yogyakarta next week. Experts in Indonesia, where the minimum daily wage averages about US$1.70, want to get ideas on how to develop the country's tremendous tourism potential while preserving its cultural heritage.

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 Sunday, 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, 7:15 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Los Paraguas Vocal Group, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 7:15 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Pianist Sudarmadi, Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m to 9:30 a.

Disapproval of the liquor ruling

Disapproval of the liquor ruling From Neraca The pros and cons regarding the distribution of liquor issued by the Jakarta administration are spreading like wildfire. As I see it, the situation is quite worrying. Even if the ruling has not been officially issued, it still is a source of concern because the House of Representatives has approved it. The government's decision to restrict liquor distribution to certain wine dealers only is not a wise move.

The Australian talking pig takes on Pinocchio in Jakarta

The Australian talking pig takes on Pinocchio in Jakarta By Jane Freebury JAKARTA (JP): Two contrasting children's movies are being screened in local theaters to herald the school holidays which started this week. The first is the Oscar-winning Babe, the second is The Adventures of Pinnochio. Babe is a film about a brave little piglet who changed his destiny and became a prize winner at a country show instead of prime pork on the dinner table.

Batan lambasted over nuclear project

Batan lambasted over nuclear project DEPOK, West Java (JP): A legislator charged yesterday that the National Atomic Energy Agency (Batan) has turned a deaf ear to people's objections to a government plan to build a nuclear reactor. "They do not even listen to what the House of Representatives says," said Laksmiari Priyonggo, a House member for the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI).

Astra shares surge 6% on speculation of coming big buying

Astra shares surge 6% on speculation of coming big buying JAKARTA (JP): Shares in car maker Astra International leaped 6 percent yesterday to close at Rp 4,250 (US$1.81), up from Rp 4,000 on Monday, as investors took position to anticipate forthcoming big buying, dealers said.

Dili statue listed as record

Dili statue listed as record SEMARANG: The giant Christ the King statue in Dili, East Timor, will be listed at the Indonesian Record Museum. Museum chairman, Jaya Suprana, said yesterday he would send a team to collect detailed information on the 27-meter-tall statue dedicated by President Soeharto recently. The Rp 7.2 billion (US$3 million) statue is the world's second largest.

City called on to issue ruling on cheap apartments

City called on to issue ruling on cheap apartments JAKARTA (JP): City councilors urged the administration yesterday to issue a regulation on low-cost apartments in an effort to protect the city's investment as well as apartment owners. Bandjar Marpaung, chairman of the council's Commission D for development affairs, deemed it necessary for the administration to issue a ruling which stipulates the mechanism to sell the apartments.

RI and Croatian executives talk trade

RI and Croatian executives talk trade JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian and Croatian businessmen met here yesterday to see if they could develop natural gas pipelines in Croatia and trade more coal.

Saudi Arabia to expedite haj visa processing

Saudi Arabia to expedite haj visa processing JAKARTA (JP): The Saudi Arabian government has agreed to process visa applications for next year's haj in Ujungpandang and Surabaya, as well as Jakarta, in order to prevent a repeat of last season's chaotic haj operation. Previously, the visas were processed only in the Saudi Arabian embassy in Jakarta. Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher yesterday said the new arrangement should help reduce documentation processing problems.

Kenari market project to go ahead

Kenari market project to go ahead JAKARTA (JP): City Market Authority, PD Pasar Jaya, intends to continue developing the Kenari market in Central Jakarta despite a dispute over the site with state-owned railway company PT Perumka. A director of PT Pasar Jaya, Albert Napitupulu, said on Tuesday that the company's main concern was to accommodate the 100 traders who had lost their kiosks because of the redevelopment. He said the dispute over the site was secondary.

Hospital staff, patients meet Muhammad Ali

Hospital staff, patients meet Muhammad Ali JAKARTA (JP): On his third visit to Indonesia, Muhammad Ali still charms young and old. "The Greatest", a former self-claimed title which he refuted on Monday, was greeted by patients, nurses and doctors during his visit to the Harapan Kita Hospital, West Jakarta, yesterday.

Soccer fans die in road accident

Soccer fans die in road accident BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Five soccer fans were killed and another 43 injured as their overloaded truck overturned in Way Jepara on Sunday, Antara reported yesterday. Antara said the truck driver fled the scene. The accident that occurred at about 6:30 p.m. in a village about 65 kilometers north of the capital involved supporters of a local soccer club, Rudam Way Kandis, after a friendly game. Those injured were admitted to Immanuel and Abdul Muluk hospitals.

Jakarta to get new condominium

Jakarta to get new condominium JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja is scheduled to inaugurate two condominiums and two apartment units, called the Taman Pasadenia Pulomas Project, in Pulomas, East Jakarta on Oct. 25, a company executive said yesterday. Gemala Misori W.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 22, 1996 Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,050 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 800 0 21,500 Andayani Megah 1,025 25 147,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,325 0 50,000 Anwar Sierad 2,375 25 592,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,675 -50 45,000 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,525 50 750,000 Argo Pantes 1,900 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,350 0 980,000 Asiana...

Rp 1b in cheques stolen

Rp 1b in cheques stolen JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Police are investigating how Rp 1 billion (US$429,184) in cheques went missing from a private company in the Bank Dagang Negara (BDN) building on Jl. Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta. Lt. Col. M. Ibrahim confirmed yesterday that police were investigating the case.

Thousands of Jakartans suffer from mental ilness

Thousands of Jakartans suffer from mental ilness JAKARTA (JP): Between 9,000 and 27,000 of Jakarta's nine million people suffer from a serious mental disorder, 10 percent of whom need to undergo special treatment, said a health official yesterday. Dr. Karcipto who heads the Mental Health Division of the Ministry of Health told a one-day seminar that rapid changes in urban areas, and financial problems, are the main factors that cause people to suffer from depression.

Outspoken retired generals finding fresh support

Outspoken retired generals finding fresh support JAKARTA (JP): More people are coming out in support of a group of outspoken retired generals whom the government has labeled "inconsistent" toward the state ideology Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. A retired general said in a discussion held by the Institute for the Studies on Free Flow of Information (ISAI) that the generals were in fact displaying their loyalty when they criticized or suggested changes to government policies.

'More Australian firms will produce car parts in RI'

'More Australian firms will produce car parts in RI' JAKARTA (JP): Australian Minister for Industry, Science and Tourism John Moore is optimistic that more Australian car- component manufacturers will set up here to support Indonesia's automotive industry. Moore, who arrived yesterday, said Australian car-component producers had the expertise and engineering skills to supply their products to the country's national car project and other car projects involving Indonesian companies.

U.S. plans to go ahead with F-16 sale to RI

U.S. plans to go ahead with F-16 sale to RI WASHINGTON (AFP): The United States plans to go ahead with the sale of F-16 fighters to Indonesia next year, U.S. officials said Monday, despite human rights concerns and a flap over Indonesian campaign contributions. The sale of the nine F-16s, part of a batch of 28 originally intended for Pakistan, had been held up by the State Department following a crackdown on dissent in Indonesia earlier this year.

Officials back timber theft

Officials back timber theft JAMBI, Jambi: The theft of ironwood in the province's forests continues unabated due to corrupt officials backing individuals, a press report said yesterday. The timber, which is suitable for building and furniture, is stolen from Bulian National Park. Chief of the local forestry office Simon S. Patasik said Monday that he would improve coordination with other related agencies to stop the timber theft. "We cannot say who the officials (who back the thefts) are.

Late Mrs. Tien Soeharto to be declared national heroine

Late Mrs. Tien Soeharto to be declared national heroine JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will declare the late First Lady Mrs. Tien Soeharto a national heroine on Nov. 10 when the nation commemorates National Heroes Day. Suyono Yahya, the assistant to Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare, revealed the plan to reporters yesterday after a monthly meeting of cabinet ministers led by the coordinating minister. "The government will confer the national heroine title to Mrs.

Change to law on presidency opposed

Change to law on presidency opposed JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono and former vice president Sudharmono are opposed to proposals for a law to regulate the presidential institution. They argue that the 1945 Constitution and the People's Consultative Assembly decrees pertaining to the presidential institution are clear enough, and the brewing debate on the need for the law is pointless. "Let's follow the constitution.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Fun House 3:05 Children's Program 3:30 TV Series: Just the Ten of Us 4:05 TV Drama 4:30 Documentary Film 4:55 Filler 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Indonesian Lesson 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Travel 6:15 Village Program 6:45 TV Series: Jump Over The Moon: Give Us Books II 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler 7:30 Business Program: Mitra Kita 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Comedy 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk: Gelar Wicara 10:30...

House members visit Kalimantan

House members visit Kalimantan PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: Visiting members of the House of Representatives urged the local government yesterday to make sure that all foreigners working in the area do so legally. They said that as Indonesia's largest wood producer, Central Kalimantan is a paradise for foreigners seeking employment, legally or otherwise. Led by legislator S. Soehardi, the House members are from Commission III for law.

Utut labors to beat Liu

Utut labors to beat Liu JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's No. 1 chess player Utut Adianto had to labor before overcoming wild card entrant compatriot Dede Liu in the 47th move on an Indian Nimzo defense in the seventh round of the Gunadharma International Chess Tournament here yesterday. It was Utut's third win, placing him second to Hungary's Lajos Portisch in yesterday's standings. Utut benefited from a 27th move blunder by Liu, who captured a pawn which enabled Utut to force a major exchange.

Defiant Bhutto vows to stay in power

Defiant Bhutto vows to stay in power By Alistair Lyon ISLAMABAD (Reuter): Pakistan's beleaguered Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto has vowed to stay in power in the teeth of mounting criticism of her three-year-old administration. In a defiant speech to parliament on Sunday, Bhutto, 43, rounded on opposition parties and journalists who have accused her of leading a corrupt, inept government now doomed to fall.

Holland's Detron enters Indonesia

Holland's Detron enters Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Detron Telecommunications of the Netherlands will expand its business into Indonesia in an effort to gain a slice of the lucrative and rapid growing telecommunications industry in the country.

Govt calls for int'l trading network

Govt calls for int'l trading network JAKARTA (JP): The government wants state-owned trading companies to develop international trading networks to help accelerate the growth of Indonesia's exports, Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo said yesterday.

Asia Foundation struggles to strengthen civil society

Asia Foundation struggles to strengthen civil society JAKARTA (JP): While many private organizations tend to shy away from issues concerning political development, the Asia Foundation, through its own quiet work, has clearly underlined strengthening civil societies as one of its objectives. However unlike other crusaders for political rights, the foundation has gone about it in a discreet and unobtrusive fashion. Douglas E.

Indonesia needs to open up its protected sectors: Moerdiono

Indonesia needs to open up its protected sectors: Moerdiono JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia needs to further open up its protected sectors, simplify bureaucracy and empower businesses and social organizations to ensure high economic growth and compete in the coming free market era, Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said. "We have a lot of homework to do to improve our competitiveness in the global market," Moerdiono told a two-day seminar organized by the Pancasila University here yesterday.

Firm urged to boost trade with OIC members

Firm urged to boost trade with OIC members JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto called on domestic companies here yesterday to boost trade with other members of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC). The President said that enhancing trade activities with other OIC member countries is important within the context of improving Indonesia's exports. "Indonesia's exports to the other OIC members are still very low, accounting for only one-tenth of the country's total exports.

Danish firm wins RI deal

Danish firm wins RI deal COPENHAGEN (Reuter): Danish cement and engineering group FLS Industries said yesterday it had won a 220 million crown order to supply machinery, equipment and engineering assistance to modernize a state-owned cement factory in Sumatra, Indonesia.

RI's TV ad market becoming competitive

RI's TV ad market becoming competitive LONDON (Reuter): Indonesia's advertising market has becoming increasingly competitive with an exploding growth in the amount of available television airtime, according to a report released yesterday. Zenith Media said that, while Indonesia's advertising market was restricted by low average disposable income, it had grown rapidly since the dissolution of the state broadcasting monopoly in 1989.

Logging company suspends operation

Logging company suspends operation JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: PT Kamundan Raya, which had 11 of its workers kidnapped by separatist rebels in August, has suspended operation in Timika district for security reasons. Officials of the subsidiary of the Djajanti Group acknowledged yesterday that the suspension was decided upon because of the Aug. 14 kidnappings. Two of the captives were found dead and the rest were abandoned and found by soldiers, who claimed to have killed the gang leader, Thadius Yogi.

A need for reflection

A need for reflection The chairman of the lawmaking body of Nahdlatul Ulama, KH Ilyas Ruchiyat, has given Indonesian Moslems a deeply meaningful piece of advice: Don't fall into the same hole twice. This piece of advice was given in the context of the Oct. 10 disturbances in the Situbondo area, East Java.

Christian groups say no ulemas involved in riots

Christian groups say no ulemas involved in riots SURABAYA (JP): Several influential organizations, mainly Christian, have concluded that no Moslem ulema was involved in the recent church attacks in East Java. The Indonesian Association of Christian Intelligentsia (PIKI) and several other organizations, which jointly investigated the attacks, said that a third party instigated the riots.

Fierce battle expected at Tangerang motocross

Fierce battle expected at Tangerang motocross JAKARTA (JP): Four senior Indonesian crossers -- Frans and Pieter Tanujaya, Irwan Ardiansyah, Satya Soenarso -- will fight tooth and nail for the national title at the Gudang Garam Asia Pacific Motocross Championship in the Bumi Serpong Damai circuit in Tangerang, West Java, on Saturday and Sunday. Irwan takes the provisional lead standings of the pack with 52 points followed by Satya with 48 points, Pieter with 42 points, and Frans with 41 points.

Slander suspect regrets remark

Slander suspect regrets remark JAKARTA (JP): A Ministry of Religious Affairs official who is being tried for slander expressed regret in court yesterday for making a statement which the predominantly Christian Toraja community in South Sulawesi found offensive.

Astra's fate not up to us: Management

Astra's fate not up to us: Management JAKARTA (JP): The management of Astra International, currently caught up in a takeover battle, said yesterday the future of the country's largest automotive company lies in the hand of its shareholders. Teddy P.

Govt to issue regulation on hotel chains

Govt to issue regulation on hotel chains JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon issue a regulation requiring foreign hotel chains to set up Indonesian-incorporated companies before establishing or managing hotels in the country, Director General of Tourism Andi Mappi Sammeng said. Speaking at the opening of the Novotel Benoa Bali hotel in Bali on Monday, Andi said the planned regulation aimed to reduce the flow of foreign currency out of Indonesia.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Donation JP/msa FOSTER PARENT FUND: Businessman Sudwikatmono (left) presents a donation of Rp 30.5 million to Halimah Bambang Trihatmodjo (right), chairwoman of the Foster Parent Foundation at Planet Hollywood on Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta. The donation was given to mark Planet Hollywood's second anniversary. Photo B: Housing JP/alx HOUSING FACILITIES: State Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tandjung (right) greets R.

Athletes' village project waiting for city permit

Athletes' village project waiting for city permit JAKARTA (JP): The 19th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games underwriting consortium has failed to begin construction of a new athletes' village because the city administration is yet to issue the building permit. "We are ready to build, but we must wait for the permit," Bambang Sugomo, a consortium member, said yesterday.

Megawati visits detained PDI supporters

Megawati visits detained PDI supporters JAKARTA (JP): Ousted Indonesian Democratic Party chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri was greeted with yells, laughter and songs when she visited PDI members detained at the Salemba prison and the Pondok Bambu correctional center for the first time yesterday. Megawati fought to hold back tears when she saw the prisoners in red T-shirts bearing her pictures were in high spirits at the Pondok Bambu center for women and delinquents in East Jakarta.