Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 December 1996

50 articles found

Beware of billboards

Beware of billboards From Neraca The collapse of a Ramayana store billboard on Jl. Bekasi Timur in East Jakarta last week killed a street vendor. The case should serve as an example for the responsible parties to take action in preventing the dislodging of other billboards, particularly in this rainy and stormy season. The billboards on Jl. Thamrin and Jl. Pramuka are of such immense size, they must have been produced by big advertising bureaus.

Hayono heads IABA

Hayono heads IABA JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Association of British Alumni (IABA) has elected State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman as chairman for a second consecutive three-year term. The 2,000-strong association held a meeting to elect the chairman for the 1996/1999 period on Thursday evening. It also elected Syaiful Haq as secretary-general, according to a statement by the association.

LBH lashes out at govt for tight grip on courts

LBH lashes out at govt for tight grip on courts JAKARTA (JP): A prominent legal aid office lashed out at the government yesterday for its tight grip on the country's courts. The lawyers at the Jakarta chapter of the Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) also noted rampant violations of human rights and of the law. They predicted that no great changes in law enforcement would occur next year because there have not been any structural, substantial or cultural changes in society.

Rudini joins debate over Bantul regent

Rudini joins debate over Bantul regent JAKARTA (JP): The public scrutiny of Bantul regent Col. Sri Roso Sudarmo for his alleged use of public money to fund a transaction with a local soothsayer continued yesterday with former home affairs minister Rudini taking his turn to speak out. Rudini, who is also a former Army chief of staff, questioned the source of the Rp 1 billion (US$425,000) reportedly promised by the regent to the soothsayer prior to his re-election.

Asian golfers shine at Volvo Matchplay

Asian golfers shine at Volvo Matchplay JAKARTA (JP): China's number one golfer Zhang Lian-wei justified his billing yesterday as the number one player in Asia at the Emeralda Golf and Country Club after charging through to the semifinals of the Volvo Asian Matchplay.

Putra Alvita gets Rp 265b loan

Putra Alvita gets Rp 265b loan JAKARTA (JP): PT Putra Alvita Pratama, the developer of Legend City in Bekasi, West Java, secured a Rp 265 billion (US$111 million) syndicated loan yesterday from nine banks and a financial institution. Putra Alvita president M.S. Hidayat said the five-year loan would be used to repay the company's debts and finance the township project.

Extra ships sent to ease Merak congestion

Extra ships sent to ease Merak congestion JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Transportation is sending another ship and the Navy is lending three warships to ease massive congestion at Merak ferry port. The promised reinforcements came as a member of the House of Representatives demanded yesterday that Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto resign if he failed to solve the recurring jams at Merak within two months.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Animated Classic 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:10 Soccer: Kansas League -- Bandung Raya vs Persijatim (live) 5:00 News: Siaran Berita TVRI 5:25 Travel: My Country 5:30 Environment Program: Mengenal Lingkungan 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country: Sulawesi Utara 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music : Paket 27 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Filler and Trailler 7:30 TV Drama 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Saturday Night Music...

Female parking attendant fights against heavy odds

Female parking attendant fights against heavy odds By Ida Indawati Khouw JAKARTA (JP): Protecting herself from the rain with an umbrella, Nunung ran to collect the fee from an outgoing car at the parking lot of which she is the parking attendant. The driver stuck his arm out the car window, handed her the Rp 500 (US 20 cents) parking fee and sped away. Nunung ran to take shelter when another car arrived. She ran to the arriving vehicle and marshaled it to a parking space.

Police smash supermarket theft ring, arrest nine

Police smash supermarket theft ring, arrest nine JAKARTA (JP): Police have smashed two supermarket theft syndicates arresting nine people for stealing goods worth Rp 6 billion (US$2.57 million). The chief of the City Police Detectives, Col. Paimin Aboeamr said yesterday police had filled six trucks with confiscated clothes, boxes of milk, perfumes and many other items. Police also confiscated two Kijang vans and two motorcycles the syndicates were believed to have used.

Taylor returns to Australia with good memories

Taylor returns to Australia with good memories JAKARTA (JP): Outgoing Australian Ambassador Allan Taylor is returning to Canberra today, ending a four-year term as head of one of Jakarta's largest embassies. "I enjoyed it very much. For me it was a great honor to have been ambassador in Jakarta," Taylor said yesterday on his last full day in charge. Taylor will be succeeded by John McCarthy, formerly ambassador to the United States.

Motorcycle thief shot dead

Motorcycle thief shot dead JAKARTA (JP): Police shot dead a man yesterday and arrested his friend for allegedly stealing a motorcycle on Jl. Tabanas Simponi, Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. North Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Rismawan said M. Syafei, 24, was shot in the back and left leg while his friend, Nurdin was shot in the leg. Syafei died instantly. "The two men tried to steal a motorcycle in front of a rice stall. But the owner noticed them and shouted for help.

Santa Fe strikes oil

Santa Fe strikes oil JAKARTA (JP): Santa Fe Energy Resources of the United States announced here yesterday it had discovered another oil reserve in Jabung Block, part of its 7,000-square-kilometer concession in South Sumatra. "We're confident that we can exploit the oil field commercially, despite the fact it still needs a further study to find out the amount of the reserve," Santa Fe chief commissioner James L. Payne said. The company said this was its third oil find in Jabung block.

Horseracing on Mother's Day

Horseracing on Mother's Day JAKARTA (JP): More than 70 horses from 11 provinces are to take part in a race at the Pulomas horsetrack, East Jakarta, tomorrow. Prize money worth Rp 12 million is at stake in the day of racing held to commemorate Mother's Day. The horses taking part come from North Sumatra, Jambi, Lampung, West Java, Central Java, North Sulawesi, West Nusa Tenggara, East Nusa Tenggara, East Timor and Jakarta. There are four races, 600, 1,000, 1,100 and 1,400 meters. (lnt)

Golkar expected to sweep elections

Golkar expected to sweep elections JAKARTA (JP): The dominant Golkar faction, with the support of the civil service and armed forces, will sweep the May general election and gain more than two-thirds of the ballot, a political scientist predicted yesterday. J. Kristiadi expressed his belief that there was nothing left on the political map to prevent an overwhelming majority for Golkar.

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.

Yayuk to appear on TV talk-show

Yayuk to appear on TV talk-show JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's tennis queen Yayuk Basuki, world ranked 30, is to appear in a special talk-show, Malam Bintang Yayuk Basuki on Indosiar tomorrow at 9.30 p.m. Yayuk, who celebrated her 26th birthday on Nov. 30, is to be interviewed by Wimar Witoelar, a former banned Perspektif talk- show host and chairman of the Indonesian Tennis Association's national team body, and Miing from the Bagito group.

Improved reading habits urged

Improved reading habits urged JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro called yesterday for people to promote the joy of reading as part of the efforts to create a better-educated society. Wardiman said at an award presentation that writers, publishers and distributors should, without having to resort to tax breaks and government subsidies as has been suggested, work together to develop a greater appreciation of reading and writing.

McDonald's responds

McDonald's responds We refer to the letter from Yunita P (Dec. 18, 1996) under the heading McDonald's double cheeseburger. Thank you for writing to let us know about your recent experience at the McDonald's in Pondok Indah (Dwima Area) and the McDonald's in Melawai. As the operation manager of this restaurant, I would personally like to apologize for the unacceptable service you received at our restaurant.

Soeharto warns of export growth slowdown

Soeharto warns of export growth slowdown JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto warned yesterday about slowing export growth and the widening current account deficit. The government began deregulating the economy 15 years ago which had increased exports slightly, Soeharto said when opening the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's national convention. "But we should realize that our increased exports are still less than those of other developing countries in Asia.

Bimantara's net profit surges in first 9 months

Bimantara's net profit surges in first 9 months JAKARTA (JP): The widely diversified Bimantara group reported a Rp 95.9 billion (US$41.34 million) net profit for the first nine months of this year, up 18 percent on the same period last year. Bimantara vice president Rosano Barack said yesterday 34 percent of the profit came from its media and broadcasting division.

EU to halve Asian tariff concessions next year

EU to halve Asian tariff concessions next year BRUSSELS (DPA): Asian exporters, who get millions of dollars worth of tariff concessions under the European Union's Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), will see their access to the scheme slashed by 50 percent as of Jan. 1, 1997.

Foreign group to build $1.4b pulp mill in Malaysia

Foreign group to build $1.4b pulp mill in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A subsidiary of Malaysia's Ekran Bhd. has picked a foreign consortium to build its proposed 3.5-billion ringgit ( US$1. 4 billion) pulp and paper mill, a report said yesterday. The agreement will be signed next month with the group, comprising companies from the United States, Brazil and Europe, Ekran executive chairman Ting Pek Khiing was quoted as saying.

'Middle class not socially concerned'

'Middle class not socially concerned' JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta's middle class does not have a sufficient level of social awareness which could empower them to improve the city's public services, a sociologist says. Paulus Wirutomo, a lecturer at the University of Indonesia's school of social and political sciences, said they (middle class people) still expect the government to tackle all problems related to public service.

'I love Mondays' at Taman Anggrek

'I love Mondays' at Taman Anggrek JAKARTA (JP): The Taman Anggrek Mall has announced that big discounts and prizes are now available every Monday. Shops are offering discounts until Idul Fitri, scheduled to fall on Feb. 9 and Feb. 10. Roni S. Djohan, manager of PT Mulialand which runs the mall, said the discounts are for Christmas, Chinese New Year and Idul Fitri shoppers. (anr)

Govt submits bill on futures trading

Govt submits bill on futures trading JAKARTA (JP): The government finally submitted its long- awaited bill on futures commodity trading yesterday to the House of Representatives. Minister of Trade and Industry Tunky Ariwibowo said the bill would basically provide a legal foundation for futures commodity trading. "The bill is necessary to follow trade globalization," the minister told a House plenary session while the bill was presented to House members.

Saudis poised to return to summit of Asian soccer

Saudis poised to return to summit of Asian soccer ABU DHABI (AFP): Saudi Arabia is poised to return to the summit of Asian football when it plays United Arab Emirates in the final of the Asian Cup here today. The match will be shown live on ANteve beginning at 10.30 p.m. Four years after losing 1-0 to Japan in the final in Hiroshima, the Saudis, who in the past three finals have won the title twice, are determined to reinforce their superiority in the region.

Gorbachev's works on display in Bali

Gorbachev's works on display in Bali DENPASAR: Russian artist Yuri Gorbachev, a cousin of former Soviet Union president Mikhail Gorbachev, is exhibiting his paintings at the Ganesha Gallery, Hotel Four Seasons Resort, Bali. Gorbachev's exhibition started Monday and will continue until Jan. 15. On display are 30 of the 50 paintings he took to the tourist island. One of his works titled Composition from Borobudur is on offer at US$35,000.

Consortium formed for Cawang-Bekasi road

Consortium formed for Cawang-Bekasi road JAKARTA (JP): State toll road company PT Jasa Marga and four local companies agreed yesterday to form a consortium to build the Rp 1.4 trillion (US$593.2 million) Cawang-Bekasi toll road in the city's east. Djoko Ramiadji, president director of the consortium, PT Kresna Kusuma Dyandra Marga, said it would start building the 21.5-kilometer elevated toll road next month and finish it in the year 2000.

Fate of Mandra

Fate of Mandra I felt sad when watching the Si Doel Anak Sekolahan show (Doel a school boy) on Dec. 16, 1996. I felt sorry for Mandra. He seems fated to always be the one shouted at by all members of the late Pak Sabeni's family, not to mention Atun (Mandra's niece), who is supposed to pay respect to her uncle. He also seems to be the one who always makes mistakes. First, Mandra had to cancel his plan to marry Munaroh due to his father's desire to marry a widow named Rodiah.

Fireworks at Sentul circuit

Fireworks at Sentul circuit JAKARTA (JP): Tomorrow's Get Lucky Drag Race will be accompanied by a fireworks display to end this year's program at the Sentul circuit near Bogor, an organizer said. "The fireworks show is an additional program to the Get Lucky Drag Race," said Rio Sarwono, the circuit's director. The one-day Drag Race, for which 300 cars have registered, is open to the public and no entrance fee will be charged. (lnt)

'Endangered Species' risks alienating audience

'Endangered Species' risks alienating audience By Mariam K. Sutalaksana JAKARTA (JP): A patchwork of hysteria embroidered with sexual innuendoes, slapstick comedy and a stitch of music, dance and acrobatics would most rightfully illustrate the opening performance by The Kosh last Thursday night at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta. Endangered Species, the title of their show, was presented by the double act Sian Williams and Mark Hopkins.

Majority of candidates endorsed

Majority of candidates endorsed JAKARTA (JP): The National Election Committee approved the provisional list of 2,293 legislature candidates for next year's general election yesterday after rejecting 257 -- or 10 percent -- of the nominees proposed by the three official political groupings. Chairman of the National Screening Committee Sutoyo N.K.

Support grows but questions remain on wealth tax decree

Support grows but questions remain on wealth tax decree JAKARTA (JP): Businesspeople, legislators and analysts have come out in support of President Soeharto's decree that rich people pay 2 percent of their after-tax incomes to help the poor, but wonder how the government will implement it.

Arson suspected cause of slum fires over last 2 years

Arson suspected cause of slum fires over last 2 years JAKARTA (JP): Arson is suspected to be the cause of a spate of fires in slum areas over the past two years, a Jakarta Legal Aid Institute (LBH) lawyer said yesterday. Waskito Adiribowo, the LBH agrarian division head, said the city administration quickly announced people were not allowed to rebuild their houses destroyed in the fires.

Six 'Gurita'-sinking suspects to stand trial Tuesday

Six 'Gurita'-sinking suspects to stand trial Tuesday JAKARTA (JP): Two of six people allegedly responsible for the Gurita ferry accident that killed more than 300 people in Aceh in January are to be tried in a local court on Dec. 24 and Dec. 26. Another three suspects are still under police investigation, while the sixth is sick, one of the defense lawyers said Thursday. Mulyadi, from the O.C.

East Timor students stage counter rally

East Timor students stage counter rally YOGYAKARTA (JP): About 100 East Timorese students in this ancient city staged a counter rally yesterday in response to Monday's pro-integration demonstration in Jakarta. They strongly rejected the claims made by a group of about 30 pro-integration activists, who met with officials in Jakarta to reassert their allegiance to the government.

KL logger buys NZ forest

KL logger buys NZ forest AUCKLAND (AFP): Malaysian logging company Glenealy Plantations Bhd. has paid NZ$210 million (US$148.4 million) for a 24,800 hectare (61,256 acre) plantation forest in New Zealand, the seller, Fletcher Challenge Forests, said in a statement Friday. Glenealy is 52 percent owned by the Samling Group of Malaysia. The East Coast Forest it purchased is near Gisborne, southeast of Auckland, and consists mostly of radiata pine.

RI doctors prefer foreign medicines

RI doctors prefer foreign medicines JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian doctors believe that medicines produced by foreign pharmaceutical companies are more effective than those locally made, a survey finds. Chairman of the Indonesian Medical Association Azrul Azwar revealed yesterday the results of the association's survey of 750 doctors from six major cities: Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, Medan and Ujungpandang. The survey started in June and took three months to complete.

Lombok workers ripped off

Lombok workers ripped off MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Local workers returning from abroad are subject to extortion by thugs and corrupt officials, a press report said yesterday. Many workers coming from Malaysia said they had a horrible experience on their arrival in Bali where thugs, bus drivers and port officials intimidated them to part with money, Antara reported.

Soerjadi ignores street protests against him

Soerjadi ignores street protests against him JAKARTA (JP): The government-recognized chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), Soerjadi, downplayed the mounting street demonstrations against him yesterday. Soerjadi, who is also a deputy House Speaker, said the waves of hostile rallies would not affect his efforts to consolidate his leadership or the party's performance in next year's general election.

People pray for the military

People pray for the military JAKARTA (JP): More than 200 Betawi people (indigenous Jakartans) performed prayers during Friday service at the Al Bahri mosque, East Jakarta, yesterday for the safety of troops assigned to keep order and security in the city. The prayers were conducted by Eddy Nalapraya, a respected Betawi public figure, who was once a deputy governor. Also attending the service were Jakarta Military Chief Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso and several other Jakarta military figures.

Utut to face GM Anand

Utut to face GM Anand JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's number one chess player GM Utut Adianto is scheduled to face GM Viswanathan Anand of India in a special duel. "Utut performance was very impressive during his duel with Hungarian GM Judith Polgar. And with Utut's victory over Polgar in the last match, we are confident of Utut's capabilities," Eka Putra Wirya, the Indonesian Chess Association training director said.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 20, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,000 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 800 50 1,500 Andayani Megah 1,025 0 352,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,450 -50 866,000 Anwar Sierad 2,300 0 0 Aqua Golden Mississippi 4,025 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,450 0 10,500 Argo Pantes 1,625 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,475 -25 591,000 Asiana IMI Indusrties...

Nusa Tenggara urged back to sea

Nusa Tenggara urged back to sea KUPANG, East Nusa Tanggara: Governor Herman Musakabe called on the people yesterday to turn back to the sea to earn their living as President Soeharto had earlier suggested. The governor said now that land resources are decreasing due to population pressures, it is time people exploited the marine resources, as their ancestors did.

Andrian, Suwandi to contest Masters final

Andrian, Suwandi to contest Masters final JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top players Andrian Raturandang and Suwandi are to meet in the final of the 1996 BNI Indonesia Masters tomorrow for the title of the country's best player. Andrian, a member of the country's Super Eight national team and a Davis Cupper, had to stretch to beat senior Sulistyo Wibowo 6-4, 7-6 (8-6) in the final round of the group B round-robin matches at the Jakarta Hilton International Hotel.

Untangling Merak jam

Untangling Merak jam Stories of starving truck drivers begging for food, and drivers abandoning their trucks for lack of money are not the only horrendous tales coming out of Merak. There are bound to be other hard-luck stories resulting from the massive congestion at the West Java ferry port town these past few days. Most, however, have not been reported by the media. Certainly the impacts of the delays have been neglected.

Kudos for Yogya's police

Kudos for Yogya's police An important piece of news has come to us from Yogyakarta. Yesterday (Wednesday), police released Dwi Sumadji, who was being held as the sole suspect in the killing of Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin (Udin). His release obviously comes as a relief to many, and not only to his wife and family, who have so far strongly protested his detention and denied allegations that he was a murderer.

Soldiers punished for stealing wood

Soldiers punished for stealing wood JAMBI, Jambi: Local military chief Col. Istarto said yesterday he has taken punitive action against nine soldiers for their roles in illegal logging operations. Istarto said the ongoing crackdown on loggers and their backers is part of the government's effort to preserve forest stocks, which have been dwindling due to theft and development projects. He declined to identify the soldiers or specify their punishment.

Indocement, unions ink pacts

Indocement, unions ink pacts JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed cement producer PT Indocement Tunggal Prakasa amended yesterday its work condition agreements with its All-Indonesia Workers Union Federation internal unit. Company president Sudwikatmono said the revision was needed to meet changing living standards and workers' mobility. "The new agreements equally consider a wife and a husband as the head of a family.