Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 December 1996

44 articles found

Abandoned babies still not claimed

Abandoned babies still not claimed JAKARTA (JP): None of the parents of the seven babies abandoned at the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital have come to claim their babies despite widespread media coverage, the hospital's director said yesterday. Director M. Ahmad Djojosugito said the hospital had tried to locate the seven babies' parents but none of the addresses given to the hospital were real. "Finding patients' addresses in big cities like Jakarta is not an easy job.

Prosecutor wants lecturer to be jailed

Prosecutor wants lecturer to be jailed JAKARTA (JP): A state prosecutor asked the East Jakarta District Court yesterday to sentence a lecturer to two years jail for misusing Rp 196,900,000 (US$82,041) of college funds. Prosecutor Agung Dipo said Pieter Neke, a vice director of the College of Management Science (STIM), in his capacity as secretary of the committee of state examination, had embezzled examination fees.

Soeharto stresses business partnership

Soeharto stresses business partnership JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday stressed the importance of partnerships between small and big companies to develop the industrial sector. The President said big and small companies could not survive or develop fruitfully without helping each other. Industrial development could only succeed if all its components joined hands, he said.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 16, 1996: --------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,000 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 775 50 61,000 Andayani Megah 1,025 0 31,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,400 0 210,500 Anwar Sierad 2,200 -25 4,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 4,025 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,425 0 0 Argo Pantes 1,650...

Sumitro proposes investment trust for cooperatives

Sumitro proposes investment trust for cooperatives JAKARTA (JP): Senior economist Sumitro Djojohadikusumo proposed yesterday the funds collected from state enterprises to help cooperatives and small enterprises be pooled in a trust. He said the trust could function as a guarantee fund for cooperatives and small enterprises to buy shares on capital markets, especially for state firms' initial share offerings.

Bogor hospital cuts old trees

Bogor hospital cuts old trees BOGOR, West Java (JP): Bogor's PMI Hospital has cut the branches of six large trees standing along the hospital's entrance to protect the hospital from storms. The cutting project's supervisor, Aday, said yesterday the hospital decided to have the old mahoni (Swietenia mahagoni) trees cut after storms hit Bandung and Jakarta. "We don't want any accidents. The other day a tree trunk fell on the roof of the hospital," Aday said.

Vaccination targets 22 million

Vaccination targets 22 million JAKARTA: The government will target 22 million children under five in next year's vaccination program. Hadi Maryanto Abednego, director general of communicable diseases control, said the drive would be divided into three phases, with the first phase, an anti-polio drive, to begin in early September. The second phase, against polio and measles, would be held in October while the third phase, anti-tetanus, would be held in November.

Historical buildings attracts tourists

Historical buildings attracts tourists From Merdeka Conserving historical buildings for tourism has recently been revived abroad. We therefore plead with government to conserve Jakarta's historical buildings, as well as those of other cities. Do not demolish ancient buildings for the sake of developing shopping centers. This is tantamount to wiping out history and the works of our forefathers.

Iraq loads first crude in six years

Iraq loads first crude in six years BASRA, Iraq (AFP): Iraq announced Sunday it began for the first time in six years to load crude at its Gulf terminal under a contract with two U.S. firms, in line with a humanitarian deal with the United Nations. Iraq's oil minister, General Amr Rashid, said 500,000 barrels of oil were already loaded onto the Star of Africa supertanker at Mina al-Bakr terminal under "a contract signed with two US firms, Coastal and D.

Legendary Tanamur still sizzling after 26 years

Legendary Tanamur still sizzling after 26 years JAKARTA (JP): Diskotik Tanamur, the oldest discotheque in the country, celebrated its 26th anniversary last Thursday by providing its faithful patrons with a light dinner and lots of drinks. Four return tickets to Kuala Lumpur, Bangkok and Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, were awarded to lucky couples and the "best- dressed" visitors. Dozens of bags filled with T-shirts and other gifts bearing the discotheque's name were also given away.

Road turned into shopping site

Road turned into shopping site From Neraca People are used to the traffic problems in Jakarta, and they have learned to cope with them. The condition is due to the capital's road network, which has become totally inadequate to accommodate the increasing traffic flow each year. However, when roads are clogged because of other factors, the related department should be alerted to the fact. As an example, one may view the condition of Jl. Jembatan Besi in Tanah Tinggi, Jakarta.

Fuel conversion for cars urged

Fuel conversion for cars urged BANDUNG (JP): Conversion from gasoline to natural gas will reduce emission from cars by over 50 percent, State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja says. Sarwono said Saturday he realized alternative fuel was in demand in Bandung when he heard that some 50 minibuses had been converted to use the liquefied gas commonly used in the kitchen.

Three labor activists charged with subversion

Three labor activists charged with subversion SURABAYA (JP): Hundreds of police officers guarded the Surabaya district court building, and 16 truckloads of soldiers were stationed nearby, as one of the biggest political trials ever to come to the city began yesterday. Two men and a woman -- all activists who organized a series of labor strikes and protests -- were arraigned in the court yesterday, charged with subversion, an offense punishable with death.

Local taxes, fees bill 'to boost revenues'

Local taxes, fees bill 'to boost revenues' JAKARTA (JP): The local taxes and fees bill aims to provide legal certainty and raise local administrations' incomes, Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad said yesterday. Speaking at a House of Representatives plenary session, Mar'ie said the new bill would reduce the number of taxes collected by local administrations. To compensate for abolished taxes, the bill had new taxes which could generate more income, Mar'ie said.

Alatas does not expect much in East Timor talks

Alatas does not expect much in East Timor talks JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday that a meeting with his Portuguese counterpart Jaime Gama at the United Nations to discuss the East Timor conflict this weekend would be simply to review the situation. "Frankly speaking, I don't have high expectations of making any significant progress," Alatas said after meeting with President Soeharto at the Merdeka Palace. "The purpose of the meeting is to overview ...

Foreigners enter Bank NISP

Foreigners enter Bank NISP JAKARTA (JP): The main shareholders of publicly listed Bank NISP, PT Suryasono Sentosa and PT Udayawira Utama, have sold some of their shares to foreign fund managers, Bank NISP announced yesterday. The company stated the bank's two founders had sold 8,125 million shares to 14 fund managers from the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore and Europe. The sale increased public ownership to 33 percent.

AIDS threatens truck drivers

AIDS threatens truck drivers YOGYAKARTA: About 78 percent of the estimated 20,000 truck drivers working the Jakarta-Surabaya route visit brothels, making them highly vulnerable to the deadly AIDS, a survey has found. The results of the recent survey jointly conducted by Unicef and the Atmajaya Catholic University were presented yesterday at a seminar at Gadjah Mada University. Unicef representative to Indonesia Stephen J.

Unleaded gas sales jump after price reduction

Unleaded gas sales jump after price reduction JAKARTA (JP): Unleaded gas sales have been creeping up since the price per liter was lowered from Rp 1,000 to Rp 975 last Monday, but a lack of gas stations selling it makes it difficult to become popular. At least one of the eight gas stations selling Super TT unleaded gas saw its sales increase two tons, Aussi Prayitno, a supervisor at a 24-hour gas station, said yesterday. Aussi, who supervises the station on Jl. Jend.

PAL starts cargo ship

PAL starts cargo ship JAKARTA (JP): State-owned shipbuilding company PT PAL Indonesia started the construction of a 42,000-deadweight-ton open hatch bulk carrier yesterday. Company production director Arief Aini said the ship, ordered by German firm Egon Oldendorf, was the third ship to be made by the company for export, and the largest ever to be built by the company. The keel of the 195-meter-long vessel was laid in a special ceremony at PT PAL's facilities.

Soesilo clarifies critical comments

Soesilo clarifies critical comments JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman backed down yesterday on his earlier critical comments about the National Commission on Human Rights. Soesilo sparked debate earlier this month when he publicly alleged that the commission had overstepped its authority as a monitoring body.

Banned author awarded

Banned author awarded JAKARTA (JP): Banned author Pramoedya Ananta Toer found at his home yesterday the UNESCO-Madanjeet Singh prize for promoting peace, tolerance and non-violence. The award came as a surprise to 71-year-old Pramoedya, with none of his family knowing who had delivered it or when. "I seems the award was sent here secretly. I just found it at around 11 this morning," Pramoedya said.

Mgr Belo to return home on Christmas eve

Mgr Belo to return home on Christmas eve DILI, East Timor (JP): Dili's Catholic community is bracing itself for the homecoming of their Nobel laureate Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo who is scheduled to return on Christmas eve. Belo's return date and plans for a huge welcoming celebration were formally announced by the Dili diocese in churches throughout East Timor during Sunday's services.

City to summon ad agency over billboard

City to summon ad agency over billboard JAKARTA (JP): The city administration urged yesterday the advertising agency be held responsible for a billboard collapsing in East Jakarta Sunday. One person died and four were hurt in the accident. Vice governor in charge of economic and development affairs TB. M. Rais said a municipality billboard supervising team would summon the advertising agency who erected the billboard. "The city government approved the erection of the billboard. That's true.

Minister calls for alternatif energy

Minister calls for alternatif energy JAKARTA (JP): State Minister for Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja said yesterday Indonesia should never stop seeking alternative sources of energy to ensure sustainable development. Indonesia should reduce its dependency on fossil fuel, Sarwono said at the opening session of a three-day seminar titled Observing Indonesia's Sustainable Development Facing the 21st Century.

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, Wednesdy, 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.

'Love motherhood Drive' to begin

'Love motherhood Drive' to begin JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will launch a nationwide campaign to curb the maternal mortality rate during the national Women's Day celebrations on Dec. 22. Cholil Abdullah, assistant to State Minister for Women's Roles Mien Sugandhi, said yesterday the campaign, called "Love Motherhood Drive," was aimed at halving the current rate of 450 deaths a year for every 100,000 live births by the end of the sixth five-yearly development program in 1999.

Govt serious on revealing truth about July riots

Govt serious on revealing truth about July riots JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman said yesterday the government was serious about revealing the truth behind the July 27 riots. The riots rocked Jakarta following the violent takeover of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters by a government- backed breakaway faction that evicted supporters of ousted party chief Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Five Situbondo residents tried over October riot

Five Situbondo residents tried over October riot JAKARTA (JP): Five people were charged in the Situbondo district court yesterday for their role in the massive riot in the East Java town in October in which five people were killed. The five accused, all residents of Situbondo, were the first of the 54 people the authorities plan to prosecute in connection with the riot, which shook the peaceful coexistence the Moslems and Christians in the town had previously taken for granted.

Deficit warning sounded

Deficit warning sounded JAKARTA (JP): The current account deficit has reached an alarming level, senior economist Sumitro Djojohadikusumo said yesterday. "We should therefore work harder to bolster exports while curbing import growth," Sumitro said after the Federation of Civil Servant Cooperatives' annual meeting. He said the debt service ratio (export revenues against foreign debt service payments) was a danger signal because it had reached 32 percent.

Pertamina to develop LNG market in India

Pertamina to develop LNG market in India JAKARTA (JP): The state oil company Pertamina and Coastal Corp. of the United States have agreed to develop a market in India for Indonesia's liquefied natural gas (LNG). Pertamina spokesman M.A. Rais said over the weekend that Pertamina president Faisal Abda'oe and Coastal chief executive officer David Arledge signed a memorandum of understanding last week.

BSP's profit up

BSP's profit up JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Bakrie Sumatera Plantations (BSP) expects to book a Rp 41.2 billion (US$17.4 million) net income this year, up 23 percent on its Rp 33.3 billion net income for 1995. BSP president Hanif Bakrie said yesterday his company's rubber plantation in Asahan regency, North Sumatra, was projected to produce 22,750 tons a year. "Each hectare can produce up to 1,609 tons of rubber a year valued at around Rp 90 billion," he said.

A compulsory contribution

A compulsory contribution There will no longer be any doubts as to the obligation of big taxpayers to set aside 2 percent of their incomes to help poor families. This contribution, which major taxpayers have so far been asked to make on a purely voluntary basis, has now been made compulsory. The government is now requiring corporate and individual taxpayers with annual net incomes of Rp 100 million or more to donate 2 percent of their after-tax profits for the above- mentioned purpose.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Berenstain Bears 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Teenagers' Program: Guitar and Flute 3:30 Science Film: Beyond Tomorrow 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 Science and Technology Film: Science World 4:30 Culture: Pelangi Budaya 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 News: Siaran Pedesaan 6:30 Performance: Lagu Pop Daerah 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Filler and Trailer 7:30...

Govt seeks to limit expats' role in hotels

Govt seeks to limit expats' role in hotels JAKARTA (JP): The government will ask tourist-industry associations to help it draft rules to restrict foreigners managing four-star or lower-rated hotels, an official said yesterday. The secretary to the tourism director general, I Gede Ardika, said their input would enrich the rules being drafted by his office.

RI gymnastics body eyes 5 SEAG golds

RI gymnastics body eyes 5 SEAG golds JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Gymnastics Association expects to win five gold medals in the SEA Games (SEAG) to be staged here next October. Sri Hastuti Merdiko, the association's secretary-general, told The Jakarta Post and Kompas yesterday that the country is still relying on its hope on Jonathan Sianturi in the men's events and Novi Kartiana Sari and Afrina Suryani Siahaan in the women's events.

Frost Hansen to coach Malaysia

Frost Hansen to coach Malaysia JAKARTA (JP): Former top shuttler Morten Frost Hansen of Denmark is to coach Malaysia, replacing Razif Sidek, who retired in September. The Badminton Association of Malaysia's chairman, Dr. Abdullah Fadzil Che Wan, said in Kuala Lumpur Sunday that Hansen, who is still coaching Denmark, has confirmed he has agreed to coach Malaysia. Hansen, the 1984 All England champion, ends his contract with the Denmark badminton association on Jan. 1, 1997.

SMC buys into Dharmala

SMC buys into Dharmala JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of publicly listed Dharmala Agrifood yesterday approved management's plan to sell a 49 percent share in its subsidiary PT Artacitra Terpadu Feedmill to San Miguel Foods International (SMFI). Dharmala Agrifood director Purnawan Eko Andoko said SMFI, a subsidiary of the Philippines-based San Miguel Corp, would buy about 27,930,000 shares for Rp 1,767 (76 U.S. cents) a share, around Rp 767 higher than their nominal price.

Aplikanusa installs new communication system

Aplikanusa installs new communication system JAKARTA (JP): PT Aplikanusa Lintasarta has spent about Rp 30 billion on its new data communication network, the business- division general manager said yesterday. Arya Damar said Lintasarta had installed a Frame Relay data network in 17 cities. He said the Frame Relay network would back up its data communication services.

Road workers' safety

Road workers' safety From Neraca Government efforts to implement the Safety and Health Program (K-3) for workers appear not to be getting the appropriate attention from some companies. What has happened? The fact is that road workers, who mostly work in the open air -- like PAM (water company) or power cable diggers -- are still not properly geared with safety equipment. One example I recently noted is the road work along the Shangrila Hotel road.

Struggling for free trade in the real world

Struggling for free trade in the real world There is so much talk about having a `level playing field,' but Malaysian Primer Minister Mahathir Mohamad, in this Inter Press Service commentary, suggests that the size of the players should also be considered. KUALA LUMPUR: The APEC Conference in the Philippines last month called for a global pact to allow free trade in computers and telecommunications equipment.

Sandalwood endangered

Sandalwood endangered KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Governor Herman Musakabe has called for each family in the province to plant 10 sandalwood trees a year in a bid to save the species from extinction. The fragrant wood, which is protected by law, is increasingly endangered due to illegal logging. The provincial government has sponsored the replanting of 200 hectares of sandalwood in the regencies of Kupang, Northern Central Timor, Southern Central Timor, Belu, East Sumba and West Sumba.

Customs hands over Ecstasy suspects to National Police

Customs hands over Ecstasy suspects to National Police JAKARTA (JP): The Soekarno-Hatta International Airport's Customs and Excise Office handed over yesterday two Singaporeans arrested for smuggling 16,437 Ecstasy pills and 440 grams of Ecstasy powder on Sunday to the National Police. The office's chief, Nisfu Chasbullah, said his officers arrested the suspects, Loh Kok Ban, 37, and Lim Tian Kwang, 24, after finding drugs in two of the suspects' bags.

Court commutes death sentence on Chun Doo Hwan

Court commutes death sentence on Chun Doo Hwan SEOUL (AFP): A South Korean appeal court yesterday commuted the death sentence ordered against former president Chun Doo-hwan for mutiny and corruption, and reduced the jail term of his successor Roh Tae-woo. The court, pointing to South Korea's meteoric economic growth and the peaceful transition of power during his presidency, said Chun should serve a life jail term. It reduced Roh's prison sentence from 22 and a half years to 17 years.

'Joint operation telecoms safeguard local companies'

'Joint operation telecoms safeguard local companies' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave is confident the private-public joint operation system for telecommunication projects would protect local companies amid free trade in information technology. Joop said yesterday Indonesia's decision to endorse the information technology agreement under the World Trade Organization (WTO) framework was not made "merely because it was there".