Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 20 December 1996

59 articles found

State firms lose 88b

State firms lose 88b JAKARTA (JP): Six state-owned enterprises overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Trade suffered total losses of Rp 88.68 billion (US$37.57 million) in 1995.Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo did not name the six losing companies but said that three of them were...

Asiana gets $16m loan

Asiana gets $16m loan JAKARTA (JP): The publicly-listed PT Asiana IMI Industries, the manufacturer and distributor of stuffed toys, has secured a syndicated loan of US$16 million from six foreign and joint venture banks.

Former Thai PM in hospital

Former Thai PM in hospital BANGKOK (Reuter): Former prime minister Chatichai Choonhavan, currently top economic and foreign affairs adviser to the new Thai government, has been operated on for stomach cancer, an aide said yesterday.

Local auto market seen to stay flat

Local auto market seen to stay flat JAKARTA (JP): Competition among local auto firms will get tougher next year because the market won't improve, the Indonesian Automotive Industry Association's chairman said yesterday.Herman Z.

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.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 2:35 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Animated Classic 3:05 Teenagers' Program: Remaja Indonesia 3:30 TV Series: Emergency Call 4:05 Comedy: Wasiat 4:30 Student's Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:55 Filler 5:00 News: Siaran Berita TVRI 5:30 Culture: Lingkar Budaya 6:00 News: Lintasan...

Controversial bill on juvenile court passed into law

Controversial bill on juvenile court passed into law JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives passed into law yesterday the bill on juvenile court after the government caved in to legislators' earlier demands that it scrap four contentious articles.

Cable manufacturers expect better market

Cable manufacturers expect better market JAKARTA (JP): Exports of wire rods, wires and cables are expected to rise 7 percent this year, up from US$177 million last year, the Indonesian Electric Cable Manufacturers Association said yesterday.

P. Indah Hospital adds facilities

P. Indah Hospital adds facilities JAKARTA (JP): Pondok Indah Hospital, which opened on Dec. 1, 1986, is increasing its beds and polyclinics.The hospital will increase its number of beds from 175 to 307 beds and its polyclinics from 20 to 40.

'Authorities commit most rights violations'

'Authorities commit most rights violations' JAKARTA (JP): State officials committed the majority of the human rights violations recorded last year, activists say.Todung Mulya Lubis, chairman of the Center for Human Rights Studies (Yapusham), disclosed the center's monitoring of rights violations...

Special fund for the poor obligatory

Special fund for the poor obligatory JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has required individual and corporate taxpayers to donate 2 percent of their after-tax incomes to help the poor, Antara reported yesterday.The rule contained in Presidential Decree No. 92 was issued on Dec. 4.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali:Christmas Menu and Entertainment * Grand Hyatt Resort, Nusa Dua: - Tuesday, Dec.24: Pasar Senggol - Balinese Christmas Festival with Balinese dance on the open stage, 7 p.m. Salsa Verde - A Mediterranean Christmas fiesta,live entertainment by Spirit Band.

Three more jailed on Ecstasy charges

Three more jailed on Ecstasy charges TANGERANG, West Java (JP): The Tangerang District Court sentenced three people to jail yesterday for smuggling more than 60,000 Ecstasy pills from Netherlands into Indonesia through Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Interest rates expected to rise: Economist

Interest rates expected to rise: Economist SEMARANG (JP): Bank interest rates are expected to rise next year despite persistent efforts to cut them, economist Sjahrir said here yesterday.Sjahrir told a seminar the rate rise would be driven by the central bank's reserve requirement policy forcing...

'Gora-Goda', an exotic non-verbal dance piece

'Gora-Goda', an exotic non-verbal dance pieceBy Carla Bianpoen JAKARTA (JP): Power struggles are nothing new in real life, but on stage, reality can be even more staggering.Kang Man-hong, a Korean avant-garde performance artist of international renown, has conceived a piece which mirrors the...

Ranariddh asks father to pardon exiled prince

Ranariddh asks father to pardon exiled prince PHNOM PENH (Agencies): Cambodia's First Prime Minister Prince Norodom Ranariddh has asked his father, King Norodom Sihanouk, to pardon exiled Prince Norodom Sirivudh, according to a letter released yesterday."I ...

Border crossers return home

Border crossers return home JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Irianese who crossed the borders in 1984 in the hope of finding a better life in Papua New Guinea returned to their former homes in Merauke last week.Herman Monim, vice governor and official in charge of Irian Jaya border affairs, said yesterday the...

WB loans US$28.5m for iodization

WB loans US$28.5m for iodization JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank announced Wednesday a US$28.5 million loan to Indonesia for intensifying the iodine deficiency control program efforts.The bank said the loan would help the Indonesian project worth US$45.

Utut win leaves Polgar duel a tie

Utut win leaves Polgar duel a tie JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grandmaster Utut Adianto drew his chess duel with Hungarian GM Judith Polgar after defeating her in the last match of their series late Wednesday.The two players shared the US$10,000 and $6,000 prizes.

Local cellular operators will earn US$720m in 1997

Local cellular operators will earn US$720m in 1997 JAKARTA (JP): Domestic mobile cellular telecommunications operators will earn US$720 million next year because of more subscribers, a PT Telekomindo executive said yesterday.

Prince Andrew arrives in Manila

Prince Andrew arrives in Manila MANILA (DPA): Britain's Prince Andrew arrived in the Philippines yesterday for a two-day visit, during which the Prince was to meet with President Fidel Ramos and top military officials.

RI gets ADB loans

RI gets ADB loans MANILA (AFP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said yesterday it had approved an US$80 million loan to upgrade urban infrastructure in 13 cities and towns in Indonesia.Among the communities to be benefitted by the project are Bogor, Tangrerang and Bekasi, the Manila-based ADB said...

Ruangkit guns for Singh in Volvo Matchplay

Ruangkit guns for Singh in Volvo Matchplay JAKARTA (JP): Thailand's Boonchu Ruangkit set up a second round showdown with Jeev Milkha Singh of India, who beat him in last year's final, in the Volvo Asian Matchplay Championships at the Emeralda Golf and Country Club yesterday.

Zarina handed over to prosecutors' office

Zarina handed over to prosecutors' office JAKARTA (JP): City Police handed over Ecstasy suspect Zarina and evidence in her case, including the 29,677 pills, to the Provincial Prosecutors' Office yesterday.Prosecutors' office spokesman J.W.

3 sports yet to start SEA Games training

3 sports yet to start SEA Games training JAKARTA (JP): Three sports organizations have yet to start their national training programs, despite the limited time to prepare athletes for the next SEA Games here next year.

Second N-250 airplane launches maiden flight

Second N-250 airplane launches maiden flight BANDUNG, West Java (JP): State aircraft-maker PT IPTN's N-250 medium-range commuter plane finally got off the ground yesterday for a 1.5 hour maiden flight.The aircraft nicknamed Krincingwesi is the second prototype of the country's first...

Evils of Ecstasy

Evils of EcstasyFrom Media IndonesiaPresently, crime utilizes various modi operandi of a sophisticated nature. This is because of the ongoing globalization era, which is growing increasingly more complex.

Poor service at Argogede

Poor service at ArgogedeFrom RepublikaOn Nov. 9 and Nov. 10, my wife and I traveled to Bandung on the Argogede JB250 train, since tickets for the Parahyangan line were sold out. Our train left at 10 a.m..

'Karaoke should be regulated'

'Karaoke should be regulated' JAKARTA (JP): Councilors urged Governor Surjadi Soedirdja to issue a regulation on karaoke bars because the bars could lead to prostitution.Djafar Badjeber. a councilor from the United Development Faction said: "Now, karaoke entertainment is conducted in special rooms...

Suralaya power unit joins Java-Bali grid

Suralaya power unit joins Java-Bali grid JAKARTA (JP): The Suralaya power station's fifth unit in Cilegon, West Java, has been connected to the Java-Bali electricity grid, adding another 600 megawatts of power.

Robbery on toll road

Robbery on toll roadFrom MerdekaToll roads apparently have inspired certain people to commit daring holdups, resulting in the deaths of their victims, businessmen in both cases. First it was a Jakarta real estate businessman on the Jagorawi toll road.

Sutiyoso to sing on stage

Sutiyoso to sing on stage JAKARTA (JP): City Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso will show off his singing ability at a musical show tomorrow at the Senayan eastern parking lot.The two-star general would sing an old local song titled Bujangan (Bachelor) with the Gigi band, Antara reported...

Fidel Ramos' health worries Philippines

Fidel Ramos' health worries PhilippinesBy Raju Gopalakrishnan MANILA (Reuter): President Fidel Ramos' brief stay in hospital has set off worries in the Philippines but financial markets have remained calm because of his subsequent flurry of public appearances, analysts said on Thursday.

National players shine in RI Masters

National players shine in RI Masters JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's national men's team still dominates the 1996 BNI Indonesia Masters at the Jakarta Hilton International Hotel after eliminating their rivals yesterday.

Students drowned while fishing

Students drowned while fishing BOYOLALI, Central Java: Four students from Blumbang village, in the Klego subdistrict, drowned Wednesday after falling into the Bade dam while fishing with five other children.

Illegal levies

Illegal leviesFrom RepublikaThe society, the Moslems in particular, would be grateful if Republika would uncover the practice of illegal levies taking place in the district offices of religious matters (KUA). This malfeasance has reached a point that is beyond comprehension.

Port becomes sea of stranded vehicles

Port becomes sea of stranded vehicles BANTEN, West Java: Merak, the biggest ferry port on the western tip of Java, has been a sea of stranded trucks and cars for the past four days.Antara reported yesterday that the traffic jam, similar to those in the Idul Fitri Moslem holidays, was due a dearth...

Chemical tank collapses, 3 die

Chemical tank collapses, 3 die BANTEN, West Java: A huge chemical storage tank under construction at PT Priontal in Merak, West Java, collapsed in strong, high-speed winds Wednesday afternoon killing three people and injuring two others.

Establishments seek permits for X-mas festivities

Establishments seek permits for X-mas festivities JAKARTA (JP): Almost 200 entertainment centers have requested permits for Christmas and New Year's Eve celebrations, a city public order official said Wednesday.

Army chief vows to look into reports on regent scandal

Army chief vows to look into reports on regent scandal JAKARTA (JP): Army Chief Gen. Hartono promised yesterday to look into reports that Bantul regent Col. Sri Roso Sudarmo had promised a soothsayer Rp 1 billion (US$425,000) if he got re- elected.

Competition in property predicted to get tighter

Competition in property predicted to get tighter JAKARTA (JP): The property market will be tighter next year, according to the head of the association of Indonesian real estate developers' supervisory board.M.S.

Will free trade thange our lives?

Will free trade thange our lives?By M. Sadli JAKARTA (JP): "WTO Talks a Success" proclaimed The Straits Times proudly, on its first page, last Saturday. Were they or weren't they?After the Manila APEC summit the host country also warmly congratulated itself, while the western press and their...

Pandawa Tours responds

Pandawa Tours responds With reference to the letter from Mr. Brian Wemp (Dec. 19, 1996) entitled Trip to Krakatau, we would like to clarify the matter as follows.We left Jakarta for Labuan in the afternoon after office hours. At 7 p.m., we had to provide dinner for our customers.

Avoiding a WTO panel

Avoiding a WTO panel The Indonesian government has apparently not given much leeway to its negotiating team to maneuver in the bilateral talks over the Timor car with each of the three complaining parties, Japan, the European Union and the United States.

Megawati loyalists demand Soerjadi to resign

Megawati loyalists demand Soerjadi to resign JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of supporters of ousted chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) Megawati Soekarnoputri demonstrated at the House of Representatives yesterday demanding that her rival, Soerjadi, be held accountable for the July 27 riots.

Drowsiness leads to pile up

Drowsiness leads to pile up TANGERANG, West Java: A sleepy truck driver caused a four-car pile up on Jl. H. Juanda late Wednesday.The driver was heading toward Ciputat when he crashed into the car in front of him pushing it into the two cars ahead of it.No one was seriously injured.

Ad industry balmes sexism on sick society

Ad industry balmes sexism on sick society JAKARTA (JP): Advertising agencies fended off charges yesterday that they were responsible for the bad taste commercials that degrade women, placing the blame on the "sick society" that clamors for sexually implicit commercial messages.

'Vonis Kepagian' series wins most outstanding melodrama

'Vonis Kepagian' series wins most outstanding melodrama JAKARTA (JP): Vonis Kepagian (Premature Verdict) was named the most outstanding television melodrama at this year's Sinetron Festival last night.The series, directed by veteran director Dedi Setiadi and produced by PT Modulasari Griya...

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 19, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,000 0 21,000 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 750 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,025 0 28,500 Aneka Kimia...

Activists refute charges

Activists refute charges JAKARTA (JP): Ten activists standing trial on charges of subversion pledged their innocence yesterday, describing the charges as a government attempt to silence its critics.In separate sessions that drew large, enthusiastic crowds, they said the charges were barely related...

Sheraton Solo hotel to open tomorrow

Sheraton Solo hotel to open tomorrow JAKARTA (JP): ITT Sheraton Asia Pacific plans to open the Sheraton Solo hotel in Surakarta, C. Java, tomorrow. President Soeharto and several cabinet ministers will attend.The Sheraton Solo, which commands 4.

Scholar urges empowering of House of Representatives

Scholar urges empowering of House of Representatives JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives should be empowered with the authority to hold cabinet ministers responsible for any mismanagement, a scholar proposed yesterday.

French tourists stranded

French tourists stranded SURABAYA, East Java: A motor boat carrying French tourists from Bali and heading for Surabaya developed a leak and was stranded at Kolo-Kolo island, off the Sumenep coast of Madura island, Antara reported yesterday.

New minivans to replace 'bemo' by February

New minivans to replace 'bemo' by February JAKARTA (JP): New minivans will replace three-wheeled bemo by the end of February, the Association of Public Transport Owners (Organda) city branch head said Wednesday.

Baht policy unchanged

Baht policy unchanged BANGKOK (AFP): Thai Finance Minster Amnuay Viravan said yesterday he was confident that the baht was stable and that there would be no change in the government's policy with regard to the currency.

Astra to float bonds worth Rp 400b in 1997

Astra to float bonds worth Rp 400b in 1997 JAKARTA (JP): The widely diversified PT Astra International will float bonds worth Rp 400 billion (US$172.4 million) in the local market to refinance its short-term loans, the company announced yesterday.T.

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.

Microsoft in Malaysia

Microsoft in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Microsoft Corp. chief executive Bill Gates has accepted an offer to set up operations in a high-technology zone being constructed in Malaysia, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday.

UN Chief Annan to give E. Timor critical look

UN Chief Annan to give E. Timor critical look UNITED NATIONS (Agencies): United Nations secretary-general- designate Kofi Annan said he would look "very critically" at the negotiating process on East Timor, which has failed to produce a breakthrough in 20 years, AFP reported yesterday.