Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 November 1996

50 articles found

PR skills given awards

PR skills given awards JAKARTA: The Public Relations Association of Indonesia will honor 16 individuals and institutions for outstanding contributions to public relations development. The Perhumas 1996 awards will be presented on Nov. 11, said association chairman Teddy Kharsadi yesterday. Many people still think public relations work does not require great skill, he said.

Opposition on Timor meeting defied

Opposition on Timor meeting defied KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian human rights groups said yesterday they were going ahead with a planned conference on East Timor, defying government pressure to cancel the meeting. A representative of organizers, Sanusi Osman, said at a news conference that the conference was legal and "is a concrete and legitimate step forward in the pursuit of peace". The three-day conference in Kuala Lumpur will begin on Nov.

Zarima caught in Houston

Zarima caught in Houston JAKARTA (JP): The notorious Ecstasy-case fugitive, Zarima, who escaped in August, was nabbed by Jakarta police detectives in a supermarket in Houston, the United States, National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Dibyo Widodo announced yesterday. Dibyo said the 24-year-old woman, who escaped during a police escort, was arrested about 2:30 a.m. Jakarta time (2:30 p.m. Houston time) while shopping at a supermarket in Houston, southeast Texas.

SE Asian economic growth to slow

SE Asian economic growth to slow MANILA (AFP): Rapid economic growth in Southeast Asia is expected to slow in 1996 and 1997 while South Asian growth accelerates, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) said yesterday. ADB senior economist Vishwanath Desai said Asian economies would have an average gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 7.3 percent in 1996 and 1997, almost three times the world average. But this was still down from 8.3 and 7.9 percent GDP growth posted in 1994 and 1995 respectively.

Great River, Cerruti tie up

Great River, Cerruti tie up JAKARTA (JP): PT Great River International (GRI), a publicly- listed garment producer, yesterday secured a licensing agreement with Italy's Cerruti 1881 SA to produce garments designed by Nino Cerruti for export.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 5, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 900 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 850 25 32,000 Andayani Megah 1,000 0 216,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,325 0 170,000 Anwar Sierad 2,525 150 6,126,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,850 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,600 50 3,000 Argo Pantes 1,850 -25 2,500 Asahimas Flat 1,300 0 1,660,000 Asiana IMI...

Cargo center at seaport

Cargo center at seaport JAKARTA (JP): The cornerstone of a new cargo distribution center was laid at Jakarta's Tanjung Priok seaport yesterday by Director General of Sea Transportations Soentoro. The center, which will occupy a 10,214-square-meter section of the seaport, is being developed by the state-owned seaport company, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II, in cooperation with Japan's International Port and Cargo Distribution (IPCD). The construction is expected to be completed in 17 months.

Who controls who?

Who controls who? Prof. Suhardiman, deputy chief of the Supreme Advisory Council, suggested that after the general session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) in 1998, a report of the chief justice's position, clarifying his authority and responsibility, should be drawn up by the assembly. It is an outstanding suggestion that should not be restricted to the chief justice alone.

Hundreds of shops gutted in fire

Hundreds of shops gutted in fire BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Fire destroyed more than 700 shops and houses in Pasar Minggu market, Kampung Baru village, Batulicin district late Sunday. Batulicin district chief Abd. Kadir Jailani told Antara in Batulicin, some 245 kilometers east of here, the fire was the second this year. The first, in March, destroyed 600 houses, 100 shops, offices and a motel. Approximately 3,000 people were left homeless in the disaster.

KL to introduce Internet laws

KL to introduce Internet laws KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia hopes to introduce comprehensive laws governing information flow on the Internet, Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said yesterday. Commonly referred to as cyberlaws, they will initially be introduced in the Multimedia Super Corridor, an area in Kuala Lumpur suburbs that Malaysia plans to turn into a technology hub for international multimedia companies.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Supermarket SEIBU SUPERMARKET: Usman Jafar (third from left), president of Pasar Raya Nusa Karya, cuts a jasmine ribbon to open the new Seibu Supermarket at Pasar Raya, Blok M, South Jakarta recently. Usman was accompanied by Nurhayati (second from right), chief commissioner of Hero Supermarket Indonesia and Sugita (center) from the Hero Group.

New rulings on tourism and telecoms

New rulings on tourism and telecoms JAKARTA (JP): The government will issue eight new and revised regulations on tourism, post and telecommunications later this week. Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications' Secretary- General Jonathan L. Parapak told a ministry workshop yesterday that minister Joop Ave is expected to sign the planned ministerial decrees and regulations when the workshop ends tomorrow.

Mulialand to issue bonds

Mulialand to issue bonds JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed property developer PT Mulialand will float five-year bonds worth Rp 150 billion (US$64.7 million) this month to improve its financing efficiency, the company announced yesterday. The company did not disclose its interest rate. It said, however, the rate for the bearer bonds will remain the same for the first three years and will increase during the fourth and fifth years.

Legislators firm on erring clubs

Legislators firm on erring clubs JAKARTA (JP): The city administration must revoke permits of nightspots which repeatedly break the law, city councilors said on Monday after a second drug raid at a South Jakarta discotheque. Yusuf Hamdani, chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) faction of the city council, said repeated violations by the nightspots showed a disrespect for public order. "Clubs where drug transactions repeatedly take place must be closed down," he said.

PLN to float Rp 400b in bonds

PLN to float Rp 400b in bonds JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned electricity firm PT PLN will float five-year bonds worth Rp 400 billion (US$172.4 million) this month in an attempt to solve its financial problems, company president Djiteng Marsoedi said. "We will issue bonds later this month to improve our performance before listing the shares of our subsidiaries next year," he said yesterday.

Two Dutch nationals on trial for Ecstasy smuggling

Two Dutch nationals on trial for Ecstasy smuggling TANGERANG, West Java (JP): Two Dutch nationals were tried in the Tangerang District Court yesterday for trying to smuggle more than 7,000 Ecstasy pills into Indonesia. Prosecutor Arminsyah said the Dutchmen, identified only as AMT (49) and IMT (48), along with an Indonesian man, Rus (46) tried to smuggle 7,136 Ecstasy pills through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on April 7 this year.

The case of Tjetje Tajuddin

The case of Tjetje Tajuddin From Neraca Tjetje Tajuddin's death while he was being detained by the Bogor district police reflects a poor respect for human rights in the security sector. And this is a great concern for us. The enforcement of human rights in Indonesia, as an implementation of the 1945 Constitution and Pancasila, has not been adequately implemented by the executive level of the security sector.

EVA Air adds services

EVA Air adds services JAKARTA (JP): Taiwan's EVA Air will increase flights from Surabaya, in East Java, to Taipei from Saturday. EVA Air's representative in Jakarta, Peter Chen, said yesterday that the carrier currently links Surabaya and Taipei via Kaohsiung three times per week. "In addition to the service every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday, EVA Air will serve the Surabaya-Kaohsiung-Taipei route on Saturdays throughout the winter until next February," he said.

Large groups promise partnership with small-medium enterprises

Large groups promise partnership with small-medium enterprises JAKARTA (JP): Fifty large Indonesian business groups have voiced their readiness to join the so-called Jimbaran Club in fostering partnerships with small and medium enterprises, Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya said. "The owners of the 50 groups have wanted to meet us to talk about partnerships.

Rights body announces findings

Rights body announces findings JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights said the recent attack on East Java churches was not fueled by religious hatred but instigated by "irresponsible persons." The commission, however, will leave it to the government to determine the identities of the instigators, according to commission member A.A. Baramuli. "Such investigation reaches beyond the commission's authority," he said.

Info officers to meet

Info officers to meet DENPASAR, Bali: Five cabinet ministers will address a three- day gathering of information officers opening in Badung regency tomorrow. Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat, Minister of Information Harmoko, Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro, Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher and Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman will address 267 participants from across the country.

Train traffic returns to normal at Palmerah

Train traffic returns to normal at Palmerah JAKARTA (JP): Train traffic to and from Palmerah railway station, Central Jakarta, is back to normal after all the tracks were cleared and repaired yesterday. The derailed locomotive was lifted and taken to the Jatinegara depot last night before being transported to the Balai Yasa train workshop in Yogyakarta for major repairs.

Cambodia poised for ASEAN: Goh

Cambodia poised for ASEAN: Goh PHNOM PENH (Reuter): Cambodia was on track to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in July next year, Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said yesterday. "I think Cambodia will probably be ahead of Laos and Myanmar (Burma)," Goh, referring to two other countries with ASEAN observer status, said at the end of a two-day visit to Cambodia. Cambodia had made progress towards rehabilitation, Goh said.

Guruh no show for PDI meeting

Guruh no show for PDI meeting JAKARTA (JP): Guruh Soekarnoputra failed to show up to an Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) meeting where he was due to clear-up rumors that he may jump-ship to the ruling Golkar. PDI faction leaders waited one and a half-hours in vain for the member of the House of Representatives' Commission IX in charge of education and culture.

Village chiefs deceive wives

Village chiefs deceive wives KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: A woman activist claims many village chiefs in the province lie to their wives about how funds for Family Welfare Movement (PKK) activities are used. Mrs. Andi Norma Kaimoeddin, wife of Governor Kaimoeddin, and chief PKK activist in the province, blamed local village chiefs for many of the glitches in PKK programs, reported Antara. "I often find village chiefs have (lied). This is why PKK programs don't go as planned," she said.

Stay on alert near Mt Merapi

Stay on alert near Mt Merapi MAGELANG, Central Java: Residents around Mt. Merapi have been told to stay on the alert, despite a decline in volcanic activity, because of the volcano's unstable condition. Head of the Mt. Merapi inspection section of the Directorate of Vulcanology Mas Atje Purbawinata warned residents within a nine-kilometer radius of the volcano to stay alert. "There is a possibility the volcano could spew hot gas at any time," he told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

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: Termakan Gosip 4:30 Documentary Film: Situs Kerajaan Lingga Indrapura 4:55 Filler 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Indonesian Lesson 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Travel: South Sumatera 6:15 Village Program 6:45 TV Series: Jump Over The Moon: Contemporary Books I 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler 7:30 Economic Bourse: Mitra Kita 8:00 News: Lintasan...

'RI should not over-react to foreign criticism'

'RI should not over-react to foreign criticism' JAKARTA (JP): A senior military officer said yesterday that Indonesia should not be overly sensitive to foreign criticism nor hastily brand critics as enemies. The commander of the Army Staff and Command College, Maj. Gen. Arifin Tarigan, argued that criticism and negative comments should be treated proportionally.

Kia to expand debatable Indonesian auto project

Kia to expand debatable Indonesian auto project JAKARTA (JP): South Korea's Kia Motors Corp. said it would expand its controversial Indonesian auto project by increasing its tax-exempt commercial-vehicle exports and boosting production from local assembly lines. "Kia and the Indonesian authorities have agreed to add small- sized commercial vehicles to the national car project," Kia's vice president, Kim Seung-Ahn, told AFP in Seoul yesterday.

Badminton federation to test new scoring system in W. Cup

Badminton federation to test new scoring system in W. Cup JAKARTA (JP): The International Badminton Federation (IBF) will try out a new scoring system at the World Cup Invitational championships to be staged here at the Senayan Indoor Stadium from Dec.11-15. Organizing committee secretary Leo Ch. Wiranata said Monday that the new system would be introduced for the first time in this season-ending Grand Prix event.

Guardian Insurance responds

Guardian Insurance responds In response to Ms. Nosi Lestariwati's letter published on Oct. 19, it is with much regret we must advise that at the time of the accident (Oct. 1, 1996, at 8:45 p.m.) the policy was not operative. We are therefore unable to assist Ms. Nosi Lestariwati with her claim but trust her own insurers to be able to do so. DJOKO TRENGGONO Manager, Claims Guardian Insurance Jakarta

RI and PNG discuss border agreement

RI and PNG discuss border agreement NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Officials from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea are holding a three-day Joint Border Committee meeting in hopes of fostering security, stability and better cooperation in border management. Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. opened the meeting on Monday and told the 66 participating officials that one priority is to determine the location of a proposed border post. "The border post should be completed by the end of the year 2000.

Eco-standards coming soon

Eco-standards coming soon JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Council for National Standardization is planning to issue next year specific guidelines for environmental-conscious companies wishing to implement the recently introduced environmental management standards. "The council is currently studying ISO 14000.

Corruption

Corruption Most Indonesian papers during recent months have printed many articles on "corruption," even to the point where the Ministry of Finance ranks at the top. To know the true facts is one thing, but to print and admit them is another. What and how does one think, when Indonesia is commonly known to be the number one country in the world for corruption? The reflection of these reports, going around the world via the media, must certainly make foreign people think twice.

15 arrested for fraud

15 arrested for fraud PEKANBARU, Riau: Police have arrested 15 people suspected of defrauding PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia of billions of rupiah, Antara reported yesterday. Provincial police chief Col. Moch. Maliki Sudirja said yesterday seven of the suspects were permanent employees of the oil company, three were contract workers, the remaining were accomplices. The suspects allegedly cheated the company by falsifying numbers of operational equipment used, and selling equipment.

Boxing body to hire promoter for SEAG

Boxing body to hire promoter for SEAG JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association plans to hire a promotion expert to attract more people to watch boxing matches in the 19th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games here next year. The association's Secretary-general Didit Soedijoto said on Monday that he will contact Helmy Sungkar, who has been known as a good promoter for automotive sports, to start promoting boxing. "Helmy is recommended by Soebronto Laras as a good promoter," Didit said.

Debate over Habibie's call on rates continues

Debate over Habibie's call on rates continues JAKARTA (JP): The debate over State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie's controversial call to cut interest rates continued yesterday, with more economists calling his suggestion an absurd idea. Rizal Ramli, a director of the Econit advisory group, said that Habibie's call to cut annual lending rates gradually to as low as 4 percent is unrealistic.

Telkom denies buying staff shares

Telkom denies buying staff shares BANDUNG, West Java (JP): PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) yesterday ruled out suggestions it planned to buy Telkom shares held by its employees. A Telkom executive, Thomas Widjanarto, also denied allegations that the telecommunications company had established a special division to purchase the employees' shares. He acknowledged the company had recently established a new management division, called the Employees' Shares Management Division.

Habibie wants new generation in state power

Habibie wants new generation in state power JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Research and Technology yesterday declined to comment on growing speculations about his possible candidacy for vice president in 1998, but did suggest younger national leaders were needed. He said the Post-1945 generation is ready to take the reins of state. "Why should we depend on one generation," he said after a hearing with the House of Representatives Commission IX on science and technology here yesterday.

Former governor launches book

Former governor launches book JAKARTA (JP): Former Jakarta governor, R. Suprapto has launched a book commemorating his marriage's golden anniversary. Speaking from his home in Jl. Imam Bonjol, Suprapto, a 72-year-old retired Army major general, said the book entitled Pengabdian Tiada Mengenal Akhir (Devotion that Will Never End) would be available at a party at the Sahid Jaya hotel today. He said 500 invitations had been sent to government officials and close friends.

Foreign direct investment in RI expected to increase

Foreign direct investment in RI expected to increase JAKARTA (JP): Foreign direct investment in Indonesia may reach US$4.8 billion next year, up 20 percent from this year, if the government applies sound conflict-management measures when dealing with political issues, an economist has predicted. Rizal Ramli, a director of the Econit economic advisory group, said yesterday the increase will be pushed by the strengthening of the yen against the U.S.

Econit urges restructuring of state-owned banks

Econit urges restructuring of state-owned banks JAKARTA (JP): The government should overhaul the management and capital structure of non-performing state banks to improve their performance and competiveness, the Econit economic research group has advised. Econit's associate director, Laksamana Sukardi, said yesterday that the performance of state banks has continued to worsen since 1970s.

Zarima's arrest in U.S. receives mixed reactions

Zarima's arrest in U.S. receives mixed reactions JAKARTA (JP): The arrest of Ecstasy fugitive Zarima by Jakarta detectives in Houston, America, got a mixed public reaction. Few people contacted by The Jakarta Post yesterday saluted Indonesian police for their remarkable work in tracking down Zarima.

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, Firday, 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.

Endangered birds need to be saved

Endangered birds need to be saved JAKARTA (JP): Development in the Banten Bay area must be reduced to save nearby coral reefs and a nearly-extinct species of bird, environmental researchers said yesterday. Yus Rusila Noor, a researcher from Wetland International, a non-governmental organization which specializes in wetland research, said that Dua Island, a tiny island among the Thousand Islands north of Jakarta, is home to "white storks", known locally as wil-wo.

Indonesia to romp into the information age

Indonesia to romp into the information age JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is set to storm the information age by establishing a telecommunications system dubbed "Nusantara 21" to give cities access to the national information network. Nusantara 21 will link information superhighway networks between Java, Sumatra, Kalimantan and Sulawesi, Jonathan Parapak, Secretary General of the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, said yesterday.

Demand for TV receivers to rise

Demand for TV receivers to rise BEKASI, West Java (JP): Demand for television receivers will increase to 2.5 million units in 1998, 38.8 percent higher than the demand in 1995, a Toshiba executive said yesterday. "Our new factories have therefore been established to tap the growing market," said Fumio Sato, president of Toshiba Corp. of Japan, at the inauguration of three Toshiba joint-venture plants.

Human resources and development

Human resources and development I would like to correct two misimpressions that your Nov. 1, 1996 article on my recent speech to the International Association of Financial Executive Institutes Congress may leave on your readers. First, my talk was on the ASEAN region, not on Indonesia. Second, at several points in my talk, I emphasized the critical role that human resources have played and will continue to play in the region's development.

Juvenile court bill studied

Juvenile court bill studied BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Experts at the Antasari Islamic Studies Institute will discuss the controversial bill on juvenile court, Antara reported yesterday. The seminar will be held next Wednesday and Thursday, and will study the bill from various perspectives, including sociological, legal and educational. Spokesman Masdari said Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher and the Minister of Justice were expected to attend.

Indonesia and Iran agree to expand cooperation in various sector

Indonesia and Iran agree to expand cooperation in various sector JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Iran signed an agreement yesterday aimed at further expanding bilateral relationships in various sectors, including trade, industry, technology, finance, telecommunications, post and transportation. The agreement was signed by Indonesian Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo and Iranian Minister of Trade, Post, Telegraph and Telephones Sayyed Mohammad Gharazi.