Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 October 1996

46 articles found

Intl. seminar on forestry to be held

Intl. seminar on forestry to be held PADANG, West Sumatra: The Andalas University will commemorate its 40th anniversary today with a two-day international seminar on tropical rain forests. Organizer Prof. Dayar Arbain said the seminar, entitled "International Seminar on Tropical Rain forest Plants and Their Utilization for Development", has attracted some 200 experts, including 40 from the United States, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Germany and Australia.

ESCAP promotes standard water policy

ESCAP promotes standard water policy JAKARTA (JP): Water policies on households and irrigation in some Asian and Pacific countries will soon be standardized if the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) has its way. "We would like a common perception on the efficient consumption of water for public welfare," the Ministry of Public Works' Director General of Irrigation Soeparmono said after opening an ESCAP workshop here yesterday.

Two Japanese die in six-car pile-up

Two Japanese die in six-car pile-up BEKASI, West Java (JP): Two Japanese nationals died yesterday in a six-car pile-up in the Cibitung district on the Cikampek- Cawang toll road. The two men, Yoshimi Shirasahi, 53, and Tanaka Kunihiro, 47, were in a Kijang van, driven by Djunaedi, 27, when a truck in front of them braked suddenly. Their van smashed into the back of the truck. A small truck, two buses and another truck then slammed into the back of the van. Shirasahi and Kunihiro died instantly.

University riots

University riots From Kompas The Trisakti student riot has been widely covered by various media. I am one of the female students who witnessed the disaster at the university campus in Grogol, West Jakarta. Cars were badly damaged, college rooms were attacked with stones, hit with pieces of wood and broken bottles. As a student, I thoroughly regret the incident, as do many other students.

On alcohol

On alcohol From Neraca Our organization, the Indonesian Environmental Agency (BLHI), opposes the legalization of alcoholic beverages in general. The reasons are their negative social impact, as they can lead to a higher level of crime and anarchy, and that they are contrary to the values of Pancasila and religion. BLHI would accept a restricted circulation of alcoholic beverages in star-rated hotels and in international restaurants.

Murder suspect's boss ready to lose his job

Murder suspect's boss ready to lose his job BOGOR, West Java (JP): The superior of the main suspect in Tjetje Tadjudin's death, yesterday said he was ready to take any responsibility for his subordinate's actions. Lt. Col. M. Ruslan Riza acknowledged he was under fire after First Lt. DT was declared the chief suspect for torturing to death robbery suspect Tjetje while he was in Bogor police custody. "I have no choice. I will accept any responsibility as DT's superior," he said.

RP President Ramos supports APEC infrastructure talks

RP President Ramos supports APEC infrastructure talks MANILA (UPI): Philippine President Fidel Ramos said yesterday he will support a recommendation by the region's businessmen to conduct roundtable discussions between the private and public sector on the country's infrastructure needs.

Soeharto to decide on SEA village

Soeharto to decide on SEA village JAKARTA (JP): The organizing committee of the 19th Southeast Asian Games is scheduled to meet President Soeharto today to report on the preparations for the biennial event to be held here next year.

Soeharto, Kohl discuss right issues

Soeharto, Kohl discuss right issues JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto and German Chancellor Helmut Kohl yesterday engaged in "an intensive exchange of views" on human rights issues and the question of East Timor. Indonesian Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono told journalists that Soeharto explained about the implementation and protection of human rights in Indonesia during the two-hour meeting yesterday.

Replacement of 'bemo' begins

Replacement of 'bemo' begins JAKARTA (JP): Forty-seven minivans were launched at a ceremony in East Jakarta yesterday by the chief of the Land Transportation and Traffic Control Agency, JP Sepang. The ceremony marked the first wave of new vehicles which will replace three-wheeled bemos. The Suzuki, Daihatsu and Mitsubishi minivans have permits to serve five routes in North, West, and East Jakarta.

Scholars criticize development strategies

Scholars criticize development strategies JAKARTA (JP): Observers yesterday criticized flaws in the current development strategy with its focus on economic growth, and called for changes to be made. Senior journalist Jakob Oetama of the Kompas daily, economists Sri Edi Swasono and Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti, Adi Sasono of the Center for Information and Development Studies (CIDES) yesterday said development should side with and empower people.

TIL quits Bali Nirwana

TIL quits Bali Nirwana JAKARTA (JP): PT Bakrie Investindo, a subsidiary of the widely diversified Bakrie Group, has taken over all shares owned by Timeswitch Investment Limited (TIL) in Bali Nirwana Resort. The company announced yesterday that it bought Timeswitch's 80 percent stake in Bali Nirwana Resort for US$82 million. The takeover has made the Bakrie Group the only shareholder in the resort development company.

New body launched to boost Asian infrastructure

New body launched to boost Asian infrastructure NEW DELHI (AFP): A new organization aimed at revitalizing Asia's infrastructure through private investment was launched here yesterday. Indian transport minister T.G. Venkatraman said the Asian Infrastructure Development Alliance (AIDA) was a "unique body" which would improve the links between governments and private sector companies. "The rapid formation of AIDA is indicative of the commitment of the region's governments," Venkatraman said.

Robbery suspects' wives seek justice

Robbery suspects' wives seek justice JAKARTA (JP): The wives of armed robbery suspects yesterday visited the National Commission on Human Rights in East Jakarta seeking justice over allegations that suspect Tjetje Tadjudin died after police torture. Both Tjetje's wife, Tati Nuryati, and Norman Lubis' wife, each accompanied by three relatives, were represented by lawyers Bambang Widjojanto and a lawyer from Oemar Senoadji's office respectively.

125 compete in IFCII golf

125 compete in IFCII golf JAKARTA (JP): A total of 125 executives of Indonesia-based French companies took part in a one-day golf tournament at Pondok Indah course in South Jakarta Sunday. Jointly organized by Mercure Grand Residence and the Indonesian-French Chambers of Commerce (IFCII), the amateur tournament offered a Peugeot 306 for any golfer who managed a hole in one. No cars were won. Jimmy Iskandar won the best-net-overall title, while Bramono Lunardi came out with the best gross score.

Myanmar's military government frees Suu Kyi's aide

Myanmar's military government frees Suu Kyi's aide YANGON (Reuter): Myanmar's military government yesterday released a top National League for Democracy (NLD) official detained last week for questioning over a recent student protest, a family member and NLD sources said. Kyi Maung, deputy chairman of the NLD and a close advisor to Nobel Peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi, was picked up by the State Law and Order Restoration Council (SLORC) on Oct.

W. Java mission to Japan

W. Java mission to Japan BANDUNG, West Java (JP): A delegation of businessmen and government officials from West Java will go to Fukuoka, Japan, next week to promote investment in agribusiness and other industries, Governor of West Java H. Nuriana said yesterday. "Japan has technology, capital and markets, while West Java has land and farmers," Nuriana said, adding that much of the province's land was still uncultivated.

RI sets high goals in SEAG hockey

RI sets high goals in SEAG hockey JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Hockey Association hopes to collect gold from the women's team and silver from the men's team at the 19th Southeast Asian Games here next year, providing the sport is played on artificial turf. Primadi Tabrani, a senior association official, told a press conference after a hearing with the National Sports Council yesterday that it expects the council to feature hockey at the Games and build a Rp 1.3.

Asia-Pacific oil refiners squeezed: Expert

Asia-Pacific oil refiners squeezed: Expert SINGAPORE (AFP): Asia-Pacific oil refiners are facing a squeeze on margins for the next two years amid expanding regional capacity, competition from imports and a glut of oil products, an expert forecast yesterday. "While oil product demand remains strong, there is substantial refining capacity under construction," Fereidun Fesharaki, head of the Hawaii-based think-tank East-West Center, told an annual industry conference here.

Try wants youth to lead drive to buy RI goods

Try wants youth to lead drive to buy RI goods JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno urged Indonesian youth yesterday to pioneer the national drive to buy locally- manufactured goods. "To love our domestic products and services is crucial in this era of global competition and liberalization," Try said in a speech commemorating Youth Pledge Day. "One the one hand, loving domestic products is a manifestation of one's patriotism.

Expats in soccer

Expats in soccer From Merdeka I suggest to the All-Indonesia Soccer Association to be selective in importing foreign players to play in the Dunhill or Indonesian leagues. The players may have big names, but they should not be past their prime. Mario Kempes is a case in point. He was sent home early during his stay here. The association should find a way to cooperate with companies that are willing to act as sponsors.

Cellular phones

Cellular phones Thank you for your articles about cellular phones in Sunday's edition, Oct. 27, 1996. However, the part about PhoneRent should read: Arnaud Brandt of PhoneRent, a Jakarta-based GSM rental service, said that since the business started last year, about 40 customers per day rent handphones from his office here. An average of 12 people per day rent handphones from his Bali office. The daily rental fee is about US$25, with a US$800 deposit required. ARNAUD BRANDT Jakarta

Mayor scolds careless developers

Mayor scolds careless developers JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi has blamed floods in the area on the careless waste disposal by four developers. The developers disposed of cement waste into canals that run through some Central Jakarta areas, narrowing the canals to only 30 centimeters in width from their original two meters, the mayor said over the weekend. As a result, some Central Jakarta areas are often flooded during the wet season, Abdul told a public meeting.

Malaysia, RI to open medical school

Malaysia, RI to open medical school PADANG, West Sumatra: The Negri Sembilan state of Malaysia will open a medical school here in conjunction with Andalas University and Baiturrahmah College. A memorandum of understanding to boost cooperation in trade and education has recently been signed here by a state delegation led by Dr. Murad Haji Ahmad, and West Sumatra Governor Hasan Basri Durin.

More people buying life insurance: Report

More people buying life insurance: Report DEPOK (JP): Indonesia's life insurance industry is growing, with the number of policy holders rising 3.52 percent in 1995 to 18.4 million from 17.8 million in 1994, according to a report released yesterday. The total sum insured by life insurance companies in Indonesia rose 32.26 percent in 1995 to Rp 61.24 trillion (US$26.08 billion) from Rp 46.30 trillion in 1994, according to the report.

German parliamentarians meet local NGOs

German parliamentarians meet local NGOs JAKARTA (JP): A visiting delegation of German parliamentarians met with the National Commission on Human Rights and several non- governmental organizations yesterday to discuss human rights protection in Indonesia. The five legislators, accompanying visiting German Chancellor Helmut Kohl, were led by Rudolf Seiters, deputy leader of the CDU/CSU faction in the German Bundestag.

Reinventing KNPI

Reinventing KNPI "The youth of a nation are the trustees of posterity." This phrase by the great 19th century British politician and author, Benjamin Disraeli, has been proven time and again in the history of this nation. The Youth Pledge promulgated in Jakarta on Oct. 28, 1928, by youth representatives from Java, Sumatra and other islands in the archipelago that was then still a Dutch colony, was a milestone in the path towards this nation's independence.

World symposium on psychotherapy opens

World symposium on psychotherapy opens JIMBARAN, Bali (JP): More than 200 Asia Pacific psychotherapists yesterday harnessed their efforts towards promoting mental wellbeing in the region noted for having more cultures and religions and a denser population than anywhere else in the world.

Daewoo enters Philippines

Daewoo enters Philippines MANILA (AFP): Keang Nam Enterprises Ltd., a member of South Korea's Daewoo Group, has entered into a joint venture with Philippine property developer Puerto Azul Land Inc., the local firm said yesterday. The new joint venture company called Grand Keang Nam Inc. will develop "a world-class marina and waterfront commercial center," at the Puerto Azul resort in the town of Ternate, south of Manila, the firm said in a statement.

Toffler wants an end to mass tourism

Toffler wants an end to mass tourism By Rita Widiadana and R. Fadjri YOGYAKARTA (JP): Futurologist Alvin Toffler yesterday called for an end to "mass tourist industry", claiming it destroys a nation's cultural heritage. Speaking at the opening of the International Conference on Tourism and Heritage Management here yesterday, Toffler said "mass" tourism was a product of a society heavily influenced by industrialization and capitalism.

RI loses points but likely to qualify

RI loses points but likely to qualify JAKARTA (JP): With four matches left, Indonesia's men's team looked certain yesterday to qualify for the quarterfinals of the 10th Bridge Olympics on Rhodes Island in Greece despite losing points after a late protest from Argentina on Sunday. The organizers reduced Indonesia's 21-9, 18th-round win over Argentina to 14-12 on the grounds that Indonesia spied on the Argentineans, Antara reported yesterday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 28, 1996 Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,050 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 775 -25 15,000 Andayani Megah 1,000 0 543,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,325 0 5,000 Anwar Sierad 2,350 25 3,327,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,675 -175 56,500 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,800 0 37,500 Argo Pantes 1,900 0 10,500 Asahimas Flat 1,300 -50 377,000...

Globetrotters plan social activities

Globetrotters plan social activities JAKARTA (JP): The American basketball entertainers the Harlem Globetrotters arrived in Surabaya, East Java, yesterday and will mark their Indonesian visit with a variety of social activities. After an overnight rest, six of the Globetrotters are to meet their fans at a private senior high school, SMA St. Louis. On Wednesday their full team will dribble their way to the Don Bosco orphanage.

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.

New global challenge inspires new corporate identity

New global challenge inspires new corporate identity By Wisaksono Noeradi JAKARTA (JP): For about half a century, the Cadillac, made by General Motors, was viewed by the American public as the proudest achievement of automobile manufacturers. Just about everyone aspired to own a Cadillac someday. In fact, the name "Cadillac" was even used to describe and complement other kinds of products.

KIPP activist arrested

KIPP activist arrested JAKARTA (JP): An activist from the Independent Election Monitoring Committee's (KIPP) Jakarta Branch was arrested yesterday. KIPP sources said Andi was arrested for having of copies of Suara Independen, a publication without a Ministry of Information publishing permit. Detailed information on the arrest was not available and South Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Sisno Adiwinoto said he had not received any reports. (anr)

Experts say 12,000 die yearly of AIDS

Experts say 12,000 die yearly of AIDS JAKARTA (JP): A research group from the University of Indonesia predicted yesterday that between 12,000 and 31,000 people are already dying in Indonesia every year due to the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS). The estimate, published in a report by the Center for Health Research, contrasts sharply with the official statistics on AIDS and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

Three die in road mishap

Three die in road mishap PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: A truck carrying 47 people from the SMPN-3 junior high school to a marching band contest overturned, killing three students instantly. The students were traveling to Sampit, about 220 kilometers from Palangka Raya, for the competition on Saturday. The cause of the accident is still unknown. As reported by Antara, the three students were Anita Carolina, Sava Rohani and Listiyani. (mds)

Satya wins national motocross title

Satya wins national motocross title JAKARTA (JP): Satya Sunarso from Yogyakarta clinched the National Motocross Championship title despite finishing second in the season-ending race at Bumi Serpong Damai, Tangerang, West Java Sunday. The 33-year-old Yogyakartan shared the top spot on the day with Frans Tanujaya of Bandung after Sunday's two-round contest with 37 points, but an Indonesian Motor Association ruling gave the Bandung rider the victory for better second-round efforts.

Less CPO exports predicted this year

Less CPO exports predicted this year JAKARTA (JP): Total crude palm oil (CPO) exports will be lower than projected this year, says the Ministry of Agriculture's Joint Marketing Board, which markets the produce of state plantation firms. One of the board's executives, who requested anonymity, said yesterday that increased domestic demand and less output had forced the board to cut its projected CPO exports from state- owned firm's from 30 percent to about 26 percent of their output.

Interest rate hits auto sales: Analyst

Interest rate hits auto sales: Analyst JAKARTA (JP): Domestic automobile sales tumbled in the first nine months of this year, falling 17 percent over the same period last year to about 230,000 vehicles, according to the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association. First-category commercial vehicles were worst affected, including multipurpose vans such as the Toyota Kijang and Suzuki sidekick. Only 155,670 commercial vehicles were sold, down 20 percent, according to the association.

PAM privatization plan queried

PAM privatization plan queried JAKARTA (JP): A city councilor yesterday urged the Jakarta administration to inform the council of its plan to invite private firms to manage the city water company, PAM Jaya. The chairman of the council's commission B for economic affairs, Sahala P. Sinaga, said the city administration had not yet submitted a formal notification about the plan to the council.

132 students get scholarship

132 students get scholarship JAKARTA (JP): Scholarships worth Rp 6,465,000 were awarded to 132 students from low-income families yesterday by the Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals Association's (ICMI) Jakarta branch and the Ministry of Education and Culture. An ICMI Jakarta branch official, Diding Zainuddin, said the students who won the scholarships were also selected for their good conduct.

Toyota to launch 'Asia car'

Toyota to launch 'Asia car' TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Toyota Motor Corp. said yesterday it would launch its "Asia car" in Thailand early next year, but declined to disclose further details of the project. "We plan to launch the Asia car in Thailand in early 1997, but cannot comment on details of the future product," a Toyota spokeswoman said. Production will take place at manufacturing subsidiary Toyota Motor Thailand Co. Ltd., she said, declining to specify planned output.

Horta and the Nobel Prize

Horta and the Nobel Prize There seems to have been some arbitrary editing decisions made by The Jakarta Post in my Oct. 22, 1996 letter on Jose Ramos Horta and the Nobel Peace Prize. Of course, it is any newspaper's prerogative to edit letters, but allow me to make the following comments. When I mentioned the organization named Tapol, I did not mean "political detainees," as your paper added in parentheses.

RI did not request ban on Horta: Alatas

RI did not request ban on Horta: Alatas JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas yesterday said Jakarta had nothing to do with Manila's decision to bar East Timorese separatist leader Jose Ramos Horta from entering the Philippines during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meeting. "You know that it was a decision taken by the Philippines government themselves," Alatas said. Alatas welcomed Manila's decision.