Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 November 1996

48 articles found

American to coach RI basketball team

American to coach RI basketball team JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Basketball Association announced Saturday it would hire an American coach for its men's team, which is scheduled to participate in the 19th SEA Games here next year. Sutiyoso, executive chairman of the basketball body, said an English-speaking coach was needed after his players complained about communication problems with their current Russian coach, Nikolai Arkhipov.

Traffic police raids

Traffic police raids From Kompas I was impressed when I heard about a circular issued by Lt. Col. Istoto Sukismo, the Indramayu police subprecinct chief, saying that drivers should not connive with policemen during the launching of the Mandiri operation. The intention was clear: to instill discipline in the police force in his territory. To enforce discipline and to restore an image are hard to achieve. I experienced police fickleness myself last Oct. 4. It was 5.30 a.m.

Electronics display in Megamal Pluit

Electronics display in Megamal Pluit JAKARTA (JP): An electronic appliances exhibition was opened Saturday at the Megamal Pluit, in North Jakarta. There are 30 stands at the exhibition showing 45 brands' new products including brands like Sony, Toshiba, Panasonic and Sharp, organizer Soewarto said. He said an auction would be held at the end of the event on Dec. 8. Twenty to 50 percent discounts and door prizes are provided. (05)

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 25, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,050 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 800 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,025 0 260,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,400 50 3,585,000 Anwar Sierad 2,400 -25 272,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 3,600 -225 200,000 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,550 50 115,000 Argo Pantes 1,750 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,600 250 18,196,500...

Journalist's attackers arrested

Journalist's attackers arrested DILI, East Timor: Police have arrested four of the five people suspected of beating up Gaudensius Mau, a journalist from the Jakarta-based Tiras weekly and Suara Timor Timur daily, a report said yesterday. Chief of East Timor police Col. Yusuf Muchram said police first arrested two suspects. Working on the tip from the two, police then arrested another two suspects, whose identities Muchram refused to divulge.

RI banks must shape up for competition: Report

RI banks must shape up for competition: Report JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian banks must become stronger, faster and fewer to remain competitive against foreign institutions, American rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) said yesterday. The agency's first assessment of Indonesian banks said Indonesian banks must improve on all fronts to remain competitive because foreign banks are becoming more active in Indonesia and domestic customers are becoming more sophisticated.

Iraq overpowers Indonesia

Iraq overpowers Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): As the Asia Nations Cup finals draw near, Indonesia received another serious warning after a 4-0 drubbing by Iraq in an international friendly match in Genoa, Italy over the weekend. Indonesia, which will join Iraq at the Cup finals in the United Arab Emirates early next month, defended strongly in the first half, letting the Iraqis find Kurnia Sandy's net just once.

Belo says 'Der Spiegel' manipulated his remarks

Belo says 'Der Spiegel' manipulated his remarks DILI, East Timor (JP): Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo yesterday accused the German magazine Der Spiegel of manipulating his April interview to make it sound anti-Indonesian government.

Alatas awarded honorary doctorate

Alatas awarded honorary doctorate SEMARANG: Professors at Diponegoro University will confer on Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas an honorary doctorate for his diplomacy skills and his contribution toward the development of legal science. Rector Muladi announced here Sunday the presentation ceremony will coincide with the university's 40th anniversary on Nov. 28.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Kid's Song 3:05 Children's Program: Taman Bermain 3:30 Science Film: Beyond Tomorrow 4:05 Science and Technology Film: Science World 4:30 TV Drama: Drama Remaja 5:00 Regional News 5:25 Travel: My Country 5:30 English Lessons 6:00 News: Lintas Berita 6:05 Travel: Irian Jaya 6:15 News: Siaran Pedesaan 6:30 Religious Teachings 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Filler and Trailer 7:30 Talk Show: Wawasan 8:05 TV Drama: 9:00 World News 9:30 Sport: Arena...

Leaders upbeat on APEC's future

Leaders upbeat on APEC's future MANILA (JP): APEC leaders said they were satisfied with the outcome of their summit yesterday, with Indonesia and China stressing economic cooperation programs to address the disparity between rich and poorer members. "President Soeharto is satisfied," Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said on board his flight home to Jakarta. His remarks were broadcast on TVRI last night.

New location sought for Senen traders

New location sought for Senen traders JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta municipality is considering alternative locations for traders whose kiosks were razed in the weekend Senen shopping center fire, an official said yesterday. The suggested relocation places include the shopping center's parking lot and the Jakarta Kemayoran fairground, Deputy Governor for Administration Affairs Idroes said.

Hartono to see generals graduate

Hartono to see generals graduate JAKARTA (JP): Army Chief of Staff Gen. R. Hartono will see 24 generals and dozens of other high-rank military and civilian officials graduate from the Military Law School today. Antara reported yesterday that Hartono will lead the commencement of, among others, State Minister of Administrative Reforms Gen. (ret) T.B. Silalahi and Army Strategic Reserves Command Chief Lt. Gen. Wiranto. Also graduating today are Maj. Gen.

Poor health development lamented

Poor health development lamented JAKARTA (JP): Former cabinet minister Emil Salim yesterday called for reform and more funding for health development. An observer of health issues, Emil said certain policies, such as limiting the number of doctors employed as civil servants, were the cause of Indonesia's poor health record compared with countries such as Cuba or Sri Lanka.

Govt pays US$540m off foreign loans

Govt pays US$540m off foreign loans JAKARTA (JP): The government last month paid US$540.46 million of its high-interest debt to multilateral agencies ahead of schedule and will soon amortize another $50.58 million, Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad said yesterday. Speaking before the House of Representatives' plenary session, Mar'ie said the amortized loans had annual interest rates of more than 9 percent.

Hearings on slander cases continue

Hearings on slander cases continue JAKARTA (JP): The judges in the trial of a student charged with insulting the Armed Forces (ABRI) told the Central Jakarta District Court yesterday the prosecutor's indictment was legally correct. "For this reason I decided to continue trying defendant Indra Gunawan," Presiding Judge I.G.K. Sukarata said.

Zarina's case overexposed

Zarina's case overexposed From Jayakarta As an Indonesian, the news that Ecstasy queen Zarina had been caught and brought back to Indonesia made me proud. I hailed officer Gories Mere and his police for boosting our national standing and our police's image. They accomplished the job well and very professionally. However, news about this drug pushing beauty who had nearly 30 thousand Ecstasy tablets (worth about Rp 2.9 billion), has been overexposed, as if there was nothing more important.

Prosecutor rejects Iwik's dossiers

Prosecutor rejects Iwik's dossiers YOGYAKARTA: Local police will have to work harder to solve the August slaying of journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin after the provincial prosecutors office returned their dossier on Dwi Sumaji, the suspected killer. The prosecutors office announced yesterday the dossier was incomplete, but did not give details. "The dossier on the suspect Dwi Sumaji was incomplete.

Dharmala-STIC venture

Dharmala-STIC venture JAKARTA (JP): PT Dharmala Intiland and Singapore Technologies Industrial Corp Ltd. (STIC) signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday to develop 300 hectares of industrial estates in Ngoro, East Java. Dharmala stated yesterday the industrial estates, to be 60 percent owned by STIC and 40 percent by Dharmala, would cost US$285 million to develop.

Pakpahan may fight Supreme Court ruling

Pakpahan may fight Supreme Court ruling JAKARTA (JP): Muchtar Pakpahan, the leader of an unrecognized labor union, is considering fighting the recent Supreme Court decision to put him back in prison made after it had acquitted him of all charges last year.

Another worker killed on building site

Another worker killed on building site JAKARTA (JP): Another worker on the Taman Anggrek Mall project in West Jakarta has been killed in an on-site accident. The unidentified victim fell from the project's high-rise building Sunday night. On Friday one worker died and one was injured in on-site accidents. Several workers have been killed since the construction project began in 1995.

Salute to Dewi Yull

Salute to Dewi Yull From Merdeka Singer-actress Dewi Yull's honest statement that families of artists are vulnerable to ups and downs was recently published in the daily Merdeka. Artists' families are undermined with gossip and divorces. This fact should be admitted in all honesty. Every aspiring artist should prepare themselves for the worst, which includes family problems. I salute Dewi Yull for her honest account of an artist's life.

Tens months sought for Ecstasy smugglers

Tens months sought for Ecstasy smugglers JAKARTA (JP): The prosecutor has asked the Tangerang District Court to sentence two defendants charged with attempting to smuggle 60,778 Ecstasy pills to 10 months jail. Prosecutor M. Daud Musa also asked the court to fine RS and OS Rp 1 million (US$432). The prosecutor said RS, 41, and OS, 31, attempted to smuggle drugs not registered with the Ministry of Health from the Netherlands to Indonesia.

Capital inflow totals $27.9b

Capital inflow totals $27.9b JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo revealed yesterday that the government has approved 913 foreign investment projects worth US$27.9 billion as of Nov. 9. Sanyoto acknowledged, however, that this year's value of foreign investment approvals would not reach last year's level of US$39.9 billion. Meanwhile, domestic investment approvals reached Rp 94.3 trillion (US$39.89 billion) as of Nov.

Tennis team to adopt low profile in SEAG

Tennis team to adopt low profile in SEAG JAKARTA (JP): Tennis will no longer be Indonesia's reliable gold mine, as it was in past SEA Games, when the biennial sporting event arrives here next year. The Indonesian Tennis Association's Secretary-General, Zainal Abidin, said yesterday he was not sure how many gold medals would go to Indonesia, but promised to push his players to go the limit next year.

Luxury condo to be built in Ancol

Luxury condo to be built in Ancol JAKARTA (JP): PT City Island Utama, a member of the Singapore- based City Developments Limited (CDL) Group, awarded yesterday a US$51.3 million contract to a leading South Korean company to build the Oseania Resort Condominium in Ancol, North Jakarta. CDL president Chia Niang Hong and Jun Sun-koo from the South Korean firm, SsangYong Engineering & Construction, signed the contract at a ceremony at the Hotel Millennium Sirih, Central Jakarta.

BIC plans to expands Batam industrial estate

BIC plans to expands Batam industrial estate JAKARTA (JP): Batamindo Industrial Corporation (BIC) will expand its Batam island industrial park by 30 hectares to meet an expected foreign investment increase, a BIC executive said Saturday. John Sulistiawan, the industrial estate developer's manager, said the 30-hectare industrial estate, now being built, was scheduled to open in the middle of next year.

Jakarta may face oversupply of retail space

Jakarta may face oversupply of retail space JAKARTA (JP): With more shopping centers expected to open in the next three years, there is some concern that Jakarta will be oversupplied, property consultant First Pacific Davies Indonesia said yesterday. Julian Rayner, the company's retail space specialist, said retail space supply would increase 18.06 percent to almost 1.3 million square meters next year. This year alone supply is expected to increase 21.8 percent to 1.1 million square meters.

Is Jakarta crime infested?

Is Jakarta crime infested? From Merdeka In the past few months there have been an increasing number of hold-ups of people who have just collected money from banks. The robbers usually ride RX-King motorcycles and are armed with knives and pistols. One of the victims has died. The latest case reported was the extremely daring exploits at the information ministry on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat. Two employees had just collected Rp 34.4 million to pay employee salaries.

Indonesia Finance Expo

Indonesia Finance Expo JAKARTA (JP): The monthly magazine InfoBank and PT Pro Asia Centra Cikal announced yesterday a plan to hold the Indonesia Finance Expo to educate companies and the public on the country's wide range of financial services. The four-day exhibition, to open Feb. 19 at the Jakarta Convention Center, is expected to feature the products of domestic and foreign banks, insurance and finance companies and the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges.

BNI makes successful capital market debut

BNI makes successful capital market debut JAKARTA (JP): State-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) made a successful debut on the Jakarta Stock Exchange yesterday, gaining nearly 50 percent on the first day of its listing. Securities dealers said BNI, the first state-owned bank to float shares on the stock exchange, was warmly received by foreign and local investors. The bank's share price surged by around 40 percent to Rp 1, 200 in less than an hour after trading began.

Political temperature heats up: Feisal

Political temperature heats up: Feisal JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung said yesterday that with the approaching 1997 general election, political temperature has been heating up. "The heated political and security situation is not only caused by maneuvers of the political parties contesting next year's general election, but also by the activities of certain pressure groups," he said as quoted by Antara in Bandung yesterday.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Dai-ichi, Jl. Senen Raya 135, Central Jakarta. - Morgan's 1072 Classic Disco, Asian Force Band, Tuesday and Thursday, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Saturday: 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Acid Speed Band, Friday, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Platinum Band, Wednesday, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. * Hotel Aryaduta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Los Morenitos Vocal Group, Monday, Thursday, Sunday, 7:15 p.m.

Govt miscalculates with meddling in PDI rift: Observer

Govt miscalculates with meddling in PDI rift: Observer SEMARANG (JP): The government may have made a mistake when it backed Soerjadi to snatch the chairmanship of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in the June rebel congress, an observer said yesterday. Riswandha Imawan said Soerjadi has been openly rejected by an overwhelming number of PDI members still loyal to deposed Megawati Soekarnoputri, daughter of first president Sukarno.

Myanmar to attend meeting in Jakarta

Myanmar to attend meeting in Jakarta YANGON (AFP): Myanmar's military leader Senior Gen. Than Shwe will attend the informal meeting of ASEAN heads of government to be held in Jakarta on Nov. 30, the state press reported yesterday. A short official statement on the front page of the English language edition of the New Light of Myanmar said he would attend the meeting of ASEAN leaders at the invitation of President Soeharto of Indonesia.

PLN refuses to sell Paiton power plant

PLN refuses to sell Paiton power plant JAKARTA (JP): President of the State Electricity Company (PLN) Djiteng Marsudi said yesterday the firm would not sell its coal- fired power station at Paiton, East Java, because it generated great revenue. "The 800-megawatt Paiton station is one of our most profitable assets. No way shall we sell it," he was quoted by Antara as saying in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi.

Archers expect clean sweep in SEAG

Archers expect clean sweep in SEAG JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia hopes to continue its domination at the SEA Games archery tournament when it hosts the 19th edition of the biennial sports gathering here next year. Udi Harsono, the archery team manager, said yesterday the association expects its archers to make a clean sweep: two golds in the men's and two in the women's events. "We've been making clean sweeps since 1987, up to and including the 1993 Games. But we failed last year," he said.

New bill pushes for local collection of gasoline taxes

New bill pushes for local collection of gasoline taxes JAKARTA (JP): The government has introduced a bill which would, for the first time, allow local administrations to collect gasoline taxes at a maximum rate of 5 percent. The new tax is stipulated in a bill on local taxes and fees which was unveiled by Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad yesterday at the House of Representatives.

Alumindo to go public

Alumindo to go public JAKARTA (JP): PT Alumindo Light Metal Industry (Almi), a subsidiary of the Surabaya-based Maspion group, plans to sell 30 percent of its common stocks next month to increase its aluminum sheet production.

76,000 ha of forest disappear annually

76,000 ha of forest disappear annually MANADO, North Sulawesi: A forestry official revealed Saturday that the forest in North Sulawesi decreases by 76,000 hectares a year due to natural disasters and the opening of forest areas to plantation. Unless measures are taken to manage it, the trend may soon damage the ecosystem, said A. Rumimpunu, head of security and information at the local office of the Ministry of Forestry.

Ranati plans mega resort for Belitung island

Ranati plans mega resort for Belitung island TANJUNG PANDAN, Belitung (JP): This tin mining island in South Sumatra will have a huge tourist resort if PT Putra Ciptawahana Sejati (Ranati) -- controlled by President Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo Mandala Putra -- has its way. The company's technical director, Marc Krisnanto, said here over the weekend that construction of the 1,070-hectare Belitung Indah Resort would begin in January.

Student tried for trafficking Ecstasy

Student tried for trafficking Ecstasy JAKARTA (JP): A student appeared in the Central Jakarta District Court, Friday, charged with trafficking 120 Ecstasy pills. The 21-year defendant, a resident of Gang Puri Mas in Gambir subdistrict, was arrested in May while counting the Ecstasy pills in a car, prosecutor Astoeti told the court. "He was about to sell the pills to two friends," she said. Police said the suspect bought the pills from a friend named Andi for Rp 39,000 each.

Architect says old town project needs support

Architect says old town project needs support JAKARTA (JP): The old Jakarta revitalization project needs the private sector and the community's greater involvement and participation, a Dutch architect said yesterday. R.W. Heringa, the author of an architectural book Ir.F.J.L. Ghijsels, Architect in Indonesia (l910-1929), said he was glad to know the city administration had already started a program to refurbish its old city sites.

Sheraton to manage four more hotels

Sheraton to manage four more hotels JAKARTA (JP): The ITT Sheraton Corporation plans to manage four more Sheraton hotels in Indonesia within the next two years, an executive of the hotel chain said yesterday. Vice President Bruce McKenzie said the four hotels are being built in Jakarta, West Java, Yogyakarta and Medan, with total investment of around $150 million.

City needs 700 ha for cemeteries

City needs 700 ha for cemeteries JAKARTA (JP): The city has set a target of having 700 hectares for public cemeteries by 2005, the head of the city's cemetery office said yesterday. "At present due to limited spaces, the practice of burying bodies on the graves of other family members is still common," Zainuddin Nawawi said, the Antara news agency reported. Currently Jakarta has only 567 hectares of sites used for public cemeteries. (bas)

Driver refuses to use meter

Driver refuses to use meter In October, I alighted from a Damri Airport bus at Bulungan, Blok M, South Jakarta, with a view to getting a taxi home. People standing around immediately whisked my two bags off to a waiting President taxi, giving me forebodings of impending doom. I was not to be disappointed. Once my bags and I were in the dilapidated vehicle passing amusingly for a roadworthy taxi, the driver refused to use his meter and offered me a price for the trip home.

Hillary praises Thai efforts

Hillary praises Thai efforts CHIANG MAI, Thailand (AFP): U.S. First Lady Hillary Clinton yesterday praised Thai efforts to deal with refugees, AIDS and the sex trade, but stressed the importance of government action. On a two-day tour of northern Thailand, Clinton also referred to neighboring Myanmar, where she urged "real political dialog" between the junta and opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Journalists warned of misreporting drug cases

Journalists warned of misreporting drug cases JAKARTA (JP): Journalists must be more careful when reporting illegal drug cases because incorrect reports might promote drug abuse, Southeast Asian drug experts and officials said. They said media reporting of the region's drug cases often tended to be quite sensational. The experts and officials were speaking on the first day of a week-long course for ASEAN journalists on illegal drugs, here yesterday.