Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 November 1996

53 articles found

Interest in reading and writing

Interest in reading and writing From Kompas It is all too true that we should be concerned about the poor interest in reading and writing among most Indonesian people. Maybe an experiment I conducted with my children, after other attempts failed to produce the right results, could serve as an example of a method to change this habit. Every month, after payday, I brought my children, then at primary school, to a bookshop where they could pick out books suitable to their age and their interests.

Disability bill to get clearance in 1997

Disability bill to get clearance in 1997 JAKARTA (JP): Legislators were optimistic yesterday the long awaited bill on disability, currently under deliberation, would be passed next January despite several glaring shortcomings. Khofifah Indar Parawansa of the United Development Party (PPP) and Oelfah A.S. Ismanto of Golkar said the bill must be passed soon because people with disabilities need it and have been waiting for it for years.

The Listening Post

The Listening Post * The International Community Activities Center (ICAC), a social and educational institution open to both Indonesians and expatriates, is the subject for tonight's radio broadcast of "The Listening Post"; tonight's show is the second in a two-part series to be aired over Radio Sonora FM100.9 (8:15 PM). I recently visited the Center, and recorded friendly, informative talks with ICAC staff and members on the activities of the Center, which is located on Jl.

Millions more phone lines to be installed by 1999

Millions more phone lines to be installed by 1999 JAKARTA (JP): The government announced here yesterday a new installation target of eight million telephone lines for the ongoing Sixth Five-Year Development Plan period to end in March 1999. The new target includes 6.7 million fixed-telephone lines and a network capacity for 1.3 million mobile telephones.

Soeharto to address UN summit on food

Soeharto to address UN summit on food JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto plans to discuss Indonesia's strategy to maintain and improve its food security at next week's World Food Summit at the headquarters of the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome, Italy. Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsjah said yesterday the President would discuss food self-sufficiency for domestic consumption and commodities exports.

Speed up flyover project: Councilor

Speed up flyover project: Councilor JAKARTA (JP): A city councilor said yesterday the completion of the flyover at the junction of Jl. Matraman Raya - Jl. Pramuka, East Jakarta, needs to be sped up to ease the area's traffic woes. Hasan Daisy of the Commission E in charge of economic affairs, yesterday said the contractor deserved a warning to prevent it from falling behind schedule. He said congestion at the junction had worsened since construction began several months ago.

Fiskaragung's profit increases by 310%

Fiskaragung's profit increases by 310% JAKARTA (JP): PT Fiskaragung Perkasa, a newly-listed salt producer, announced yesterday a Rp 49 billion (US$20 million) net profit for the first nine months of this year, a 310 percent increase over the same period last year. "Based on the nine-month profit figure, we expect to surpass our 1996 profit projection of Rp 70 billion by at least 10 percent," Fisakaragung's finance director Ernas Krisna Mulya said yesterday.

Factory Inauguration

Factory Inauguration Correction: The photo caption on this page of Wednesday's newspaper should have read: "Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo (second right) and Japanese Ambassador Taizo Watanabe (right) join hands with Summitomo Corporation of Japan chairman Tomiichi Akiyama (left) and Toshiba Corporation of Japan chairman Fumio Sato (second left)" -- instead of with Toshiba Corporation of Japan chairman Fumio Sato (left) and the company's president, Taizo Nishimuro (second left)...

Jatiluhur dam ready to host SEAG events

Jatiluhur dam ready to host SEAG events JAKARTA (JP): The Jatiluhur dam in Purwakarta, West Java, only needs minor renovations to prepare it for the 19th Southeast Asian Games next year. "We hope that the renovations, which are due to start in July, will be completed in September," said Soetono Goenadi, executive director of the Indonesian Rowing Association, yesterday.

Megawati supports Semarang branch PDI activists

Megawati supports Semarang branch PDI activists SEMARANG (JP): Megawati Soekarnoputri continued her legal battle against her political rivals with an appearance yesterday in a local court where her supporters were running a lawsuit against her opponents. The ousted chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) showed up with party activists who are suing other PDI members for attending a rebel congress in June in Medan, North Sumatra.

PT Bank Umum Servitia to issue 40m new shares

PT Bank Umum Servitia to issue 40m new shares JAKARTA (JP): PT Bank Umum Servitia will issue 40 million new shares, which will make up 20 percent of its total shares, in an initial public offering (IPO) this month. Gunawan Yusuf, president of PT Makindo, the lead underwriter of the planned issue, said yesterday that the new shares will have a price-earning ratio of between six to ten. He declined to quantify the total fresh funds the bank expected to receive from the share offering.

Korea's Posco to develop two steel mills in W. Java

Korea's Posco to develop two steel mills in W. Java JAKARTA (JP): South Korea's Pohang & Iron Steel Co. (Posco) has embarked on the development of two joint venture steel mills in West Java with a total investment of US$675 million. One of the projects, a $175-million stainless steel, cold- rolling mill, will be developed in Bekasi in a joint venture with PT Perkasa Stainless Steel Industry.

ASEAN leaders informal summit set for Nov. 30

ASEAN leaders informal summit set for Nov. 30 JAKARTA (JP): An informal summit of ASEAN leaders will be held here on Nov. 30, also attended by heads of government from Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar. Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday the one-day meeting at the Hilton Hotel would be "very informal." Alatas returned from Harare, Zimbabwe, yesterday.

Telstra enters Bandung

Telstra enters Bandung BANDUNG (JP): PT Jastrindo Dinamika, which operates Telstra Fleetcoms' radio trunking services, has invested US$25 million in telecommunications services in Bandung and Cilegon (West Java), Surabaya (East Java), Semarang (Central Java) and the greater Jakarta area. Company manager Brendan Cess said here yesterday that his company expected to break even within four years.

Revising our curriculum requires a proper model

Revising our curriculum requires a proper model By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): Curriculum has always been considered as the key issue in raising the quality of education. Every time we feel that the existing standard of our schools has become unsatisfactory, we start remedying the problem by revising the existing curriculum. Over time, there is usually a series of curriculum changes. In our case, there are the national curricula of 1964, 1984, and 1994.

Sumitro blasts zig-zag interest rate theory

Sumitro blasts zig-zag interest rate theory JAKARTA (JP): Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, Indonesia's most senior economist, supports the view of most analysts that State Minister for Research and Technology B.J. Habibie's zig-zag theory on interest rate reduction is entirely unfeasible. "What is this zig-zag all about. You want to make this country bankrupt?," he asked rhetorically yesterday.

Task force proposed for estates

Task force proposed for estates JAKARTA (JP): The government should set up a special task force to coordinate the development of the country's industrial estates, a member of the House of Representatives said yesterday. Golkar legislator Tadjudin Noer Said said a task force was urgently needed because there seemed to be little coordination between government offices in charge of infrastructure development and those handling investment proposals.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and Entertainment * Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua: Pasar Senggol - Balinese Village, daily, Kecak Dance, Friday and Tuesday, Legong Dance, Saturday, Arjuna Wiwaha Dance, Sunday, Balinese dance parade - Rejang dance, Puspawresti Dance, Belibis Dance & Jaran Teji Dance, Monday, Jegog performance, Wednesday, Ramayana ballet, Thursday; Pesona Lounge - Live music by Philipino guitar duo, Medi & Boy, daily; Lila Cita Fun Pub - Rakata Disc Band, Friday and Monday, Spectrum...

Improve public services: Surjadi

Improve public services: Surjadi JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has asked City Hall civil servants grouped in Korpri to improve public services, Antara reported yesterday. "Civil servants must be creative in serving the public and cut any unnecessary bureaucratic chains," the governor said at the Jakarta Korpri's 7th working meeting yesterday. Korpri is the official civil servants' organization affiliated with the ruling organisation, Golkar.

Suwandi off to fine start on national selection trail

Suwandi off to fine start on national selection trail JAKARTA (JP): A rejuvenated Suwandi, bronze medalist at last year's Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand, got off to a blistering start as he breezed past Muhamad Syahid, 6-4, 6-2 on the opening day of the preselection tournament for the national tennis team at the Senayan clay courts yesterday.

Police did nothing to stop riot: Witnesses

Police did nothing to stop riot: Witnesses JAKARTA (JP): Two witnesses told a court yesterday that police did nothing to stop rioters in the July 27 riot. Aziz Buang, 64, vice chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party's (PDI) Jakarta branch, told the Central Jakarta District Court he arrived at the riot scene after the first assault on the party's headquarters on Jl. Diponegoro, Central Jakarta.

G-15 vows to improve members' welfare

G-15 vows to improve members' welfare JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday the Group of 15 nations (G-15) is reflecting on how to take a leading role in helping to promote the welfare of developing countries. Responding to press queries on the apparent decline in interest from member states, Alatas said discussions on G-15's strengths and weaknesses had begun.

Microsoft signs agreement with PC manufacturers

Microsoft signs agreement with PC manufacturers JAKARTA (JP): Microsoft, a leading United States software company, signed up four Indonesian computer manufactures yesterday to preinstall its software in their computers for domestic distribution. The agreement, signed at the Grand Hyatt hotel here, was witnessed by American Ambassador J. Stapleton Roy and the director general of metal, machinery and chemical industries, Effendi Sudarsono.

Soeharto to visit Jordan, attend food summit in Italy

Soeharto to visit Jordan, attend food summit in Italy JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will leave on an overseas trip next week that will take him to Jordan and Italy, Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said yesterday. The visit to Jordan on Nov. 11-14 is reciprocal to the one made by King Hussein to Indonesia in 1986, while the trip to Italy on Nov. 14-16 is to attend the World Food Summit in Rome, Moerdiono told reporters in his office.

'Parties behind Zarima's escape face punishment'

'Parties behind Zarima's escape face punishment' JAKARTA (JP): National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Dibyo Widodo warned yesterday any parties that plotted Zarima's escape and knew her whereabouts before she was arrested in Houston on Tuesday (Jakarta time) face punishment. Dibyo said police were gathering evidence about the roles of certain parties, including Zarima's relatives and her alleged syndicate members, in her escape to the U.S.

ODS phase out poses no problem

ODS phase out poses no problem JAKARTA (JP): Ninety percent of Indonesian industries would cease using ozone-depleting substances (ODS) by 1998, an official said here yesterday. "Our campaign has proven effective because 50 percent of companies have shifted from using ODS substances to non-ODS substances," R.T.M. Sutamihardja, chairman of the technical team for protecting the ozone layer, said in a seminar on environmental protection.

Watch current account deficit: IMF chief

Watch current account deficit: IMF chief JAKARTA (JP): Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund Michel Camdessus yesterday warned Indonesia and other Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members over their high current account deficits and their financial systems' soundness. "These are two financial problems you can and must overcome," Camdessus told an international two-day conference organized by the IMF and Bank Indonesia here yesterday.

Death sentence for robbers, killers

Death sentence for robbers, killers From Suara Karya I am deeply saddened on hearing about the robbery and murder of a great number of taxi drivers recently. It is pure savagery. The robbers cum killers should receive the death penalty. They are too lazy to find honest work. To act brutally by taking somebody's life is not the will of the Creator. The wrongdoer must get capital punishment. Life imprisonment does not serve the purpose, because the sentence will be reduced by and by.

Four arrested for selling drugs

Four arrested for selling drugs JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested yesterday three men and a woman and seized 13,500 barbiturate pills from the suspects in a rented house on Jl. Kebon Pala, Tanah Abang district, in Central Jakarta. Tanah Abang Police Chief Maj. Zulkarnain said the drug sellers were Komarudin, 56, Regi, 29, Musa, 37, and a woman identified as EN, 50. "Police have spied on the suspects who operated at Tanah Abang market for almost a week," Zulkarnain said.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 7, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 900 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 825 -25 16,500 Andayani Megah 1,025 0 42,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,250 -50 160,000 Anwar Sierad 2,575 -50 888,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,825 25 11,500 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,550 -50 20,000 Argo Pantes 1,750 -100 5,000 Asahimas Flat 1,325 0 3,621,000...

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment * Elmi Hotel: Jl. Panglima Sudirman No. 42-44: - Qemi Club: Karaoke/Disco, Sunday, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Master Band, Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Atlantic Band, Tuesday and Saturday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Abouwhim Band, Thursday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Hazztoria Band, Friday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. * Majapahit Hotel: Jl. Tunjungan 65: - Palm Bar: La Costa Band, daily, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.

BI chief sees BoP surplus

BI chief sees BoP surplus JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono predicted yesterday that Indonesia will continue to enjoy a surplus in its balance of payments next year, despite investors' jitters over the coming general election. "We foresee that based on continuing large capital inflows, our capital account will be in surplus, which will be enough to finance our current account deficit.

ASEAN's China-Taiwan policy

ASEAN's China-Taiwan policy By Jusuf Wanandi JAKARTA (JP): Questions are being asked about ASEAN's (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) policies on China-Taiwan relations, because ASEAN member countries (except Singapore) have said almost nothing about the tensions across the Straits at the height of Chinese military exercises during Taiwan's presidential campaign last March.

Nobel prize not by accident

Nobel prize not by accident As a history professor from the United States, I am somewhat reluctant to provoke my Indonesian friends regarding recent events. Many were dismayed about this year's Nobel Peace Prize winners. I would have thought they would be pleased when the Norwegian committee finally awarded a prize or two to Indonesians. On Oct. 18, 1996, your paper printed a letter from Werdiningtyas theorizing about why the committee chose this year's winners.

Japan, S. Korea World Cup row over

Japan, S. Korea World Cup row over ZURICH, Switzerland (AFP): South Korea and Japan kicked into touch their traditional bitterness here Wednesday to agree on all key points on cohosting the 2002 World Cup, including who would stage the final. The showpiece final will be held in Tokyo but the opening ceremony and opening match, featuring World Cup holder Brazil, will be in Seoul, a FIFA (the world soccer body) source confirmed. The tournament will be known as the 2002 World Cup Korea- Japan.

Waterfront city project still has water problems

Waterfront city project still has water problems JAKARTA (JP): A plan for a waterfront city in North Jakarta, which will incorporate housing, business centers and recreational facilities, has yet to find a way to get adequate clean water. The head of the Jakarta Waterfront Development Program (JWDP), M. Sidarta, said yesterday consultations with the state-owned water company, PAM Jaya, were still underway.

City to have no new taxi companies

City to have no new taxi companies JAKARTA (JP): A city official said yesterday no new taxi companies could start up because the industry was at saturation point and new companies would not be viable. Harri Sandjojo, head of the local Economic Development Bureau, said the measure was taken because 29 city companies already operated more than 18,000 taxis. He said many older cabs were in poor condition and did not comply with safety regulations.

Turmoil strikes Pakistan after Bhutto sacking

Turmoil strikes Pakistan after Bhutto sacking ISLAMABAD (Reuter): President Farooq Leghari sacked the government of Pakistan's most industrialized province yesterday as tremors from the dismissal of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto reverberated through the political system. Acting on Leghari's order, the governor of the southern province of Sindh, Kamal Azfar, dissolved the local parliament and dismissed the government, his spokesman said in Karachi.

Rights body doubts arrest of killer

Rights body doubts arrest of killer JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights yesterday said it still doubted that police had caught the killer of Yogyakarta journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin. Commission chairman Munawir Sjadzali, speaking to the press here yesterday, pointed out the confidence that police already expressed that the person they arrested was the real murderer of the Bernas daily reporter. "Couldn't there be another person?" Munawir said.

RI acrobats win special prize

RI acrobats win special prize JAKARTA: Three Indonesian girls won a special prize for their extraordinary performances at the eighth International Acrobatic Festival in China. Shinta, 12, Empi, 12, and Susi, 14, of the Indonesian Safari Park Acrobatic group were awarded a trophy, a token of appreciation and prize money. They captivated the jury with their stick balancing performance.

Vikrama New Year lights up Jakarta

Vikrama New Year lights up Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Celebrations of the five-day Hindu Diwali festival, also known as the Feast of Lights, started yesterday in a low-key fashion in Jakarta. While Jakarta's Hindus usually celebrate the festival, which marks the Vikrama-calender New Year, at home, an Indian restaurant in the city's center is opening the celebrations to the public for the first time.

Driver clubs more convenient and efficient in Jakarta

Driver clubs more convenient and efficient in Jakarta By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Hiring a driver is a lottery. If you win, you'll get a driver that will give you excellent service for many years. If you're unlucky, he will start denting your car on the third day. Worse, hiring the wrong person can give you more headache than convenience. He may take your new car to a second-hand market in Sawah Besar, West Jakarta, and earn some extra money from selling parts and replacing them with used ones.

Sweden envoy praises rights commission

Sweden envoy praises rights commission JAKARTA (JP): Sweden praised Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights and promised to assist with a campaign to promote human rights, yesterday. Swedish Ambassador to Indonesia Michael Lindstrom delivered the praise and promise at a meeting with the commission's members in Jakarta.

Unemployed graduates

Unemployed graduates The government has again expressed great concern over the increasing number of educated people, including university graduates, among Indonesia's unemployed ranks. And, as in the past, whenever the issue of the educated unemployed surfaces, the government stresses the need for further educational reform.

Top Russian coach polishes Utut's skills

Top Russian coach polishes Utut's skills JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chess Association's training director, Eka Putra Wirya said yesterday his chief intention of hiring internationally reputed chess coach Mark Dvoretsky of Russia was to further polish and sharpen the skills of the country's No. One player, Grandmaster Utut Adianto. "The Russian coach was hired specially to train Utut as I'm keen to see him become one of the world beaters.

Treasurer missing with money

Treasurer missing with money DILI, East Timor: The Aileu regency administration have lost Rp 150.7 million (US$64,136) and their treasurer Abdul Malik Jaing Semata, police said yesterday. Dili police chief Beno Kilapong said Abdul was last seen on Oct. 23 withdrawing the money from a bank. (03/05)

Securitization suggested to help small businesses

Securitization suggested to help small businesses JAKARTA (JP): The government can securitize loans extended to small businesses and trade them on capital markets if it wants to provide more finance to small businesses, noted economist Rizal Ramli said yesterday. "There is one thing we can do through the capital market to help small industries. We can package the loans and securitize them. Then we trade them on the capital market," said Rizal, a director of the Econit economic advisory group.

Two killed by guests

Two killed by guests JAMBI, Jambi: Two women were killed and one wounded on Tuesday night in what appears to have been a robbery attempt, Antara reported. Febrita, 30, was found dead with her 14-year-old niece, Yike Routh. Febrita's daughter, Dian Enjel Saputra, was badly wounded while her three-year-old son, Boby, escaped unhurt. The family who lived in the Sungai Putri district, were last seen receiving two unidentified guests.

Partnerships urged to stop monopolies

Partnerships urged to stop monopolies JAKARTA (JP): We must work hard to promote partnerships between large businesses and small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) to eliminate monopolies and oligopolies, the state minister for national development planning said yesterday. Ginandjar Kartasasmita said it was likely that monopolistic practices could be eliminated through partnership programs. "Partnerships are the answer to...

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.

Malaysian govt bans meeting on East Timor

Malaysian govt bans meeting on East Timor KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim warned yesterday that action would be taken against the organizers of a regional conference on East Timor if they proceeded with the meeting. Anwar said the police were monitoring the movement of the organizers and would take appropriate action against them if they remained stubborn and refused to call off the Nov. 9 to 11 conference.

Cellular phones

Cellular phones I refer to the article: Ringing in the era of cellular phones in The Jakarta Post, Oct. 27, 1996. If the adage "knowledge is power" holds true, then The Jakarta Post readers in the market for new cellular phones must be considered fairly weak. The reason: The information of most use to potential buyers -- the comparative chart outlining the various products and features -- was rather out-of-date.

Weight lifters to hold centralized training

Weight lifters to hold centralized training JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Weight lifting, Power lifting and Bodybuilding Association is due to stage a centralized training program next month in preparation for the 19th Southeast Asian Games here next year. Association secretary-general Djoko Pramono said yesterday that the organization has to start the program on Dec. 1 because of financial problems. Other sports started similar training programs on Nov. 1.