Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 26 December 1996

59 articles found

Telkom responds

Telkom responds Referring to the letter of Dec. 5, 1996 titled Telephone not functioning by our customer with phone number 7434270, we would like to explain as follows. First of all, please accept our apology for the inconvenience caused. We received the first complaint on Dec. 3, 1996. Our maintenance staff made a direct check and recheck on the transmission from the main distribution frame to the drop wire (close to customer's home), and the result was good.

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.

Another year of environmental neglect

Another year of environmental neglect By Gedsiri Suhartono JAKARTA (JP): When it comes to environmental issues, 1996 closes with a familiar ring. They did not get enough attention. They were low on the government's priority list, and certainly not as important as economic and political issues. Some efforts were made to invigorate people's environmental awareness, but it appears that any campaign in this area has to be tied to something like ecotourism; the blending of tourism with conservation.

Maybank bids for PNB

Maybank bids for PNB MANILA (AFP): Malayan Banking Bhd. (Maybank) has submitted the only bid to buy a commercial bank subsidiary of Philippine National Bank (PNB), the Filipino bank said Tuesday. PNB told the Philippine Stock Exchange in a statement that Maybank had fully satisfied all requirements for the auction of 60 percent of PNB-Republic Bank.

Soeharto calls for austerity

Soeharto calls for austerity JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto reaffirmed on Tuesday the urgency of maintaining cautious fiscal and monetary policies, austerity, control of foreign borrowings as well as a more efficient and clean bureaucracy. The President said at a year-end cabinet meeting that the business climate should be improved through new deregulation measures and bureaucratic reform.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 24, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,000 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 800 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,075 25 472,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,425 -25 108,000 Anwar Sierad 2,300 25 338,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 4,000 -25 35,000 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,450 0 0 Argo Pantes 1,625 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,425 -25 568,000 Asiana IMI...

1997 likely to be stronger year for Asian currencies

1997 likely to be stronger year for Asian currencies By P. Parameswaran SINGAPORE (AFP): Asian currencies are expected to check their slide against the U.S. dollar in 1997, when the greenback is unlikely to maintain its rapid appreciation against the yen, analysts say. "The U.S.

Local and int'l dance events bring new life to performing arts

Local and int'l dance events bring new life to performing arts Text by Rita A. Widiadana, photos by Mulkan Salmona JAKARTA (JP): Remarkable dance performances dominated the year l996 in the performing arts. After depressing performances over the last few years the local dance world is now heading toward an era of regeneration. Many young and promising dancers and choreographers are ready to establish themselves in the local dance scene and replace their seniors.

Bishop Belo's Nobel prize

Bishop Belo's Nobel prize From Suara Karya I am impressed by the wide coverage in the media on the gold medal of the 1996 Nobel Peace Prize and a diploma conferred to Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo of East Timor. As a religious people, we feel proud, although Belo's departure to Oslo at the invitation of Norway's Nobel Committee was in his personal capacity, not as a representative of the state. This shows that Belo adheres to the values of Indonesia's culture.

'Probe of regent's alleged mismanagement completed'

'Probe of regent's alleged mismanagement completed' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. came to the defense of his official, Bantul Regent Sri Roso Sudarmo, who has been in hot water for alleged misuse of state funds. "Investigation into the regent has been completed and there's no proof that the regent mismanaged the funds of the regency's development projects or the poverty alleviation program," Yogie said before a cabinet meeting led by President Soeharto Tuesday.

Prices will keep rising: YLKI

Prices will keep rising: YLKI JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) lamented the price rises of several goods, saying the trend will continue through the New Year, the fasting month, Chinese New Year and Idul Fitri celebrations. The foundation's executive board member, Zumrotin K. Soesilo, blamed traders Tuesday for the price hike by taking advantage of special events.

Services for taxpayers improved

Services for taxpayers improved JAKARTA (JP): The municipality has provided larger service areas at City Hall to cater to taxpayers. The narrow spaces "looking like cages" in one small room have been changed, a release from the administration stated. This measure is expected to speed up services. Documents which used to be processed "in an unknown time" will now be issued within an hour, it stated. The services are available on Jl. Kebon Sirih 22, Central Jakarta. (anr)

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 a.m Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Family Matters 3:05 Children's Program: Gelar Tari 3:30 Tour and Travel: 13 Wonder 4:05 Science Film: Here Come The Star 4:30 Educational Program: Dunia Mahasiswa 4:55 Filler and Trailer 5:00 Regional News 5:25 News: My Country 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country: Irian Jaya 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Koran Recital 6:35 Religious Teachings: Moslem 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Filler and Trailer...

PT Pos prepares Internet kiosks

PT Pos prepares Internet kiosks JAKARTA (JP): State postal enterprise PT Pos Indonesia will introduce electronic information services in the country's major cities in February 1997. Company president Cahyana Ahmadjayadi said Tuesday users can use the service to promote their businesses or to get information about market potentials both at home and overseas.

Road accidents on the rise in 1996

Road accidents on the rise in 1996 JAKARTA (JP): The number of reported road accidents in the capital increased this year to 1,364, up from 1,123 in 1995. City police figures also show that 563 people died on the roads this year, compared to 462 last year. Similar to last year, when 786 were seriously injured, 771 this year suffered serious accident inflicted wounds. Material losses reached Rp 1.69 billion (US$704,116).

'Communication suicide' caused by gag: Gus Dur

'Communication suicide' caused by gag: Gus Dur JAKARTA (JP): Moslem scholar Abdurrahman Wahid said muffling negative information is tantamount to "communication suicide". "If we 'hide' news, than we commit a mistake, namely committing 'communication suicide' because then the results of development could not be enjoyed by the people," Abdurrahman said in a seminar on communication in Surabaya Sunday, Antara reported.

1996 marked by political tension and violence

1996 marked by political tension and violence By Santi W.E. Soekanto JAKARTA (JP): Despite an earlier warning by President Soeharto that every disorder, no matter what the cause, represents a setback for the country, this year has been marked by social, religious and political tension that erupted into riots and violence.

International criticism keeps RI diplomats on their toes

International criticism keeps RI diplomats on their toes By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat JAKARTA (JP): The international arena was not too kind to Indonesia in 1996. More than previous years, it was the target of increasing criticism from abroad. Aside from the incessant issue of East Timor, international censure ran the gamut from human rights violations, suppression of political freedom to indigenous rights in Irian Jaya.

US$6.9 billion raised through capital market

US$6.9 billion raised through capital market JAKARTA (JP): The total funds raised through the Indonesian capital market from January to Dec. 23 this year reached Rp 16.28 trillion (around US$6.9 billion).

1996: A troubled year for the justice system

1996: A troubled year for the justice system By Imanuddin JAKARTA (JP): Hopes that the courts of law would become more independent from the omnipotent government were dashed by the turn of events affecting the country's justice system in 1996. The year started on a positive note, because 1995 had seen many judges asserting their independence, showing no reluctance to rule against the government.

Monas' greening project could fail: Official

Monas' greening project could fail: Official JAKARTA (JP): Plans to make the National Monument Park a city forest could fail if there were no investors to fund the underground parking lot, an official said Tuesday. Prawoto S. Danoemihardjo, the city's assistant secretary for economic and development affairs, said the current parking lot was temporary pending the underground parking lot's construction.

Textile exports lose competitiveness

Textile exports lose competitiveness JAKARTA (JP): Financial constraints, inefficient plants, low worker productivity, over-burdened managements and an inability to penetrate markets have eroded the competitiveness of Indonesia's textile exports. Chamroel Djafri, an executive at the Indonesian Textile Association, said recently that many textile and apparel producers, especially the small ones, were facing serious financial difficulties in upgrading their production facilities.

Prostitutes infected with gonorrhea

Prostitutes infected with gonorrhea JAMBI, Jambi: A total of 183, or 89 percent, of prostitutes working the Payosigadung area have gonorrhea, according to a health official. Antara reported Tuesday that Aspan Effendi of the Ministry of Health's Jambi office said his office has tested the blood of 226 prostitutes for Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS) and found many infected with gonorrhea, instead.

Govt vows to cool down economy

Govt vows to cool down economy By Riyadi JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's economy was estimated to grow by over 7 percent this year and is projected to remain buoyant next year despite the general election in May. The bright macroeconomic outlook, however, is overshadowed by the swelling current account deficit, which according to most analysts has reached an alarming level -- almost 4 percent of the gross domestic product.

Liquor on sale, fireworks banned

Liquor on sale, fireworks banned JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The local authority has freed the sale of liquor in stores and shopping centers for Christmas and New Year, but is standing firm on the banning of fireworks. The decision came as a surprise to the town's residents because the authorities have always banned both from sale. Local police chief Lt. Col.

Pertamina enters India

Pertamina enters India BOMBAY (AFP): U.S. firm Coastal Corp. has agreed with Indonesia's state-owned oil and gas company, Pertamina, to develop liquefied natural gas (LNG) import projects in India, the Asian Age daily said Tuesday. It said the Houston-based energy firm would develop gas receiving terminals, natural gas pipelines and gas-fired combined cycle power projects in India.

Surabaya bourse profits plunge in 1996

Surabaya bourse profits plunge in 1996 JAKARTA (JP): Lower trading activity on the Surabaya Stock Exchange has slashed the bourse's profits to Rp 10 million (US$4,250) this year, down from Rp 1.76 billion last year, an executive from the bourse said. Syahril Madjidi, a director of the East Java-based stock market, said that the daily average trade value fell to Rp 16.59 billion from Rp 21.36 billion last year.

New magazine launched for upper-class women

New magazine launched for upper-class women JAKARTA (JP): A new magazine catering to upper-class women was launched yesterday by its publisher Keluarga Mandiri Sejahtera. According to the publisher, Keluarga Gaya (Family and Style), to be published fortnightly, is targeted toward middle to upper- class executive women.

Next year's election to proceed safely, says Lt. Gen. Moetojib

Next year's election to proceed safely, says Lt. Gen. Moetojib JAKARTA (JP): Chief of the State Intelligence Coordinating Board Lt. Gen. Moetojib predicted minor security disturbances ahead but was confident that next year's general election would proceed smoothly. Speaking to the press before attending a cabinet meeting Tuesday, Moetojib also expressed hope that the general political, economic and social condition would be under control.

Bishop Belo's homecoming marred by violence

Bishop Belo's homecoming marred by violence DILI, East Timor (JP): Violence marred the return of Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo from Europe Tuesday after his crowning as this year's Nobel Peace Prize winner in Oslo. An off-duty soldier was killed and 12 others injured during skirmishes as thousands of people thronged the streets between Komoro airport and the Vilaverde Cathedral, all for a glimpse of the leader of the East Timor Roman Catholic Church.

Palm oil to dominate agribusiness

Palm oil to dominate agribusiness JAKARTA (JP): An analyst predicts that oil palm plantations will remain the favorite agribusiness commodity of investors next year but warns that a weak infrastructure could cloud the sector's bright future. Agribusiness analyst Ridwan Dereinda told The Jakarta Post that, similar to the last couple of years, 1997 would see the establishment of more oil palm estates.

War drums sound as parties gear up for election

War drums sound as parties gear up for election By Pandaya JAKARTA (JP): Although formal electioneering will not be legal until a month before May 29, 1997 election day, candidates are already beating their war drums. Leaders of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), the United Development Party (PPP) and Golkar have been busy throughout the year luring potential voters.

City police gear up for next year's election

City police gear up for next year's election JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police will be busy with political demonstrations next year due to the general election scheduled for May, City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata has predicted. Speaking Tuesday at the end-of-year press conference, Hamami said that the police forces are ready to anticipate such a possibility. He called on the people to keep cool and alert because the political climate might be a little hotter before and after the election.

Teacher in Irian Jaya

Teacher in Irian Jaya From Kompas I am a teacher at the Junior Agricultural Vocational School in Nabire, Irian Jaya. Although I had worked as a full-time public servant since 1989, I was only eligible to request for a promotion to a higher rank, along with other teachers, in 1994. The unfortunate thing was that the promotion decrees for my colleagues were issued, but nothing happened with my proposal.

Driver killed in S. Jakarta

Driver killed in S. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): An angry debtor stabbed to death a man he owed money on Jl. Cidodol, Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, last week, for pressing him about the money. The Kebayoran Lama Police Subprecinct said Her owed the victim, Mardiono, Rp 80,000 (US$34.33). A police sergeant said Mardiono and his wife, Susi, visited Her Friday night to ask for the money.

Focus on East Timor still drags on

Focus on East Timor still drags on By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat JAKARTA (JP): The issue of East Timor's long-term future hung heavy in everybody's mind this year as it attracted more attention than at any time since the 1991 Dili shooting incident.

Integrate a 'green GDP' into development: Scholar

Integrate a 'green GDP' into development: Scholar SEMARANG (JP): An environmental expert has called on the government to include environmental costs in the calculation of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). However, Sudharto P. Hadi, a lecturer at Diponegoro University, said Tuesday that there would be difficulties, especially because the methodology necessary for the measurement of the so-called "green GDP" has yet to be established. "There would be obstacles," he said.

SMB to build sugar mill

SMB to build sugar mill JAKARTA (JP): PT Sumber Madu Bukari will open a sugarcane plantation and a sugar mill in Southeast Sulawesi with an estimated investment of Rp 40 billion (US$16.8 million) next year. Soewondo, the head of Southeast Sulawesi's plantation office, said in Kendari Tuesday the sugarcane plantation would be opened on a 20,000-hectare site.

Christmas and religious harmony

Christmas and religious harmony As a nation busily engaged in development efforts, we cannot close our eyes to the fact that certain groups exist which, unless properly supervised, could give rise to unwanted upheavals. This is a problem area in which we believe our government leaders and religious organizations could play a most important role. We should not allow the climate of religious harmony that we have so far managed to establish be disrupted.

Jakarta's property market outlook for next year

Jakarta's property market outlook for next year By Benget Simbolon Tnb. JAKARTA (JP): Property analysts differ in their outlooks for next year. Many are bullish about the property business, others are pessimistic, but they all agree that the general election in May poses a big question mark. "I think for the next three to four months the market will be quiet as people wait until the general election.

Cathay wins Earth Award

Cathay wins Earth Award JAKARTA (JP): Cathay Pacific environmental services manager Fred Luk has been honored as green manager in the Earth Awards 1996, sponsored by Hong Kong's Friends of the Earth. Luk was one of the 10 people awarded by the organization this year. The award program was set up in 1993 to acknowledge outstanding individuals who contributed to a greener Hong Kong.

A year of ups and downs on the stock market

A year of ups and downs on the stock market By Sigma Batara Research JAKARTA (JP): The stock market started the year bullishly with the Jakarta Composite Index (JCI) surging from a 453 low in Nov. 20, 1995 to a 630 high on April 24, 1996. In between, it experienced two major corrections. The first correction of 8.7 percent (from 592 to 544.5) occurred from March 4 to March 11. It was triggered by a declining trade surplus and a higher-than-expected February inflation rate.

RP military chiefs visit Spratly

RP military chiefs visit Spratly MANILA (AFP): Philippine military chief Lt. Gen. Arnulfo Acedera and the commanders of the country's army, air force and navy made a surprise inspection visit yesterday to a Filipino- held island in the Spratly chain, sources here said. On Kalayaan, the largest of seven islands secured by the Philippines, Acedera announced plans to upgrade an existing military airstrip and to build a new garrison, radio station DZRH reported here.

Legislators query detention of Megawati's supporters

Legislators query detention of Megawati's supporters JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives questioned Tuesday alleged arrest procedure violations of supporters of ousted Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) chief Megawati Soekarnoputri, weeks after they were already freed from jail.

Trial over 'Gurita' ferry accident begins

Trial over 'Gurita' ferry accident begins JAKARTA (JP): A court in Aceh opened Tuesday the trial of one of the six people allegedly responsible for the Gurita ferry accident that killed more than 300 people in January, Antara reported. Prosecutor Nuraini told the Banda Aceh District Court that the defendant, identified as AK, 50, should be held responsible for the death of 338 passengers on board the ferry, which sank on Jan.

Christmas serenely celebrated amid rain in Jakarta

Christmas serenely celebrated amid rain in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Amid spurts of heavy rain and drizzle, people serenely participated in Christmas masses and services held at churches Tuesday night, while thousands more spent their leisure time at public places and shopping complexes yesterday. The Jakarta Cathedral accommodated some 15,000 people during eight consecutive masses, including four masses on Christmas Eve.

Govt and people must work together on rights

Govt and people must work together on rights A survey has found that police officers top the list of human rights abusers in Indonesia. Noted rights activist Todung Mulya Lubis, who supervised the survey, discussed the issue with The Jakarta Post. Question How accurate was the data you made public last week? Answer: The data was based on printed media reports throughout the country tabulated by the Center for Human Rights Studies.

Tales of Garuda passengers

Tales of Garuda passengers I could not help laughing when a friend told me several months ago that Garuda stands for "Good and Reliable Until Delay Announced". I told myself it was only a joke. But I did not laugh when it happened to me last weekend. I took a flight from Jakarta to Semarang on Dec. 21, 1996. The flight number was GA414, with a 3 p.m. (departure) time. It was delayed for more than an hour, without an announcement. At 4 p.m., I asked a Garuda employee when the flight would depart.

English

English I couldn't help being overwhelmed with grief on reading the article by Prof. Andi Hakim Nasution of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture on the problem of mastering English in the universities, published in Kompas on Dec. 18, 1996. The reason for my apprehension was that the article unmistakably revealed that no satisfactory improvement has yet been achieved, generally speaking, in the matter of mastering English by university students.

Surjadi to open Bulungan Fair

Surjadi to open Bulungan Fair JAKARTA (JP): A festival for youths is to be held at the Bulungan Youth Center from Dec. 29 to Dec. 31. The festival is meant to return the center to its original function as the center of youth activities. The youth center, adjacent to Senior High School 70, was constructed in the early 1970s. In its initial years, the center was very popular in South Jakarta and used for activities related to youths, including drama and music.

Spanish award for Kendari

Spanish award for Kendari JAKARTA (JP): A floating restaurant in Kendari, Southeast Sulawesi, called Bright Gold restaurant, will get the Spanish International Award for the Hotel and Catering Industry. The restaurant's owner, Erny Soegito, said the award would be presented in Madrid next month. She told Antara she did not know her five-year-old restaurant which has 20 staff was a candidate for the award.

Flood inundate thousands of houses

Flood inundate thousands of houses SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Several days of heavy rains have caused Mahakam River to overflow, inundating thousands of houses, Antara reported yesterday. No casualties have been reported but the estimated loss incurred, along with the damage in roads and crops, has reached hundreds of million of rupiah. Most of the affected houses are located on Jl. Pemuda and Jl. Remaja, where water levels reached a meter high, halting traffic in the area completely.

Thai premier, FM to visit ASEAN

Thai premier, FM to visit ASEAN BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand's new premier and foreign minister will begin a series of visits to neighboring ASEAN countries in early January, a foreign ministry spokesman confirmed yesterday. Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh will make trips to Indonesia on Jan. 2-3 and Vietnam in early February, while Foreign Minister Prachuab Chaiyasarn will visit Malaysia on Jan. 6-7, the spokesman said.

1997 not good for bank expansion

1997 not good for bank expansion By Laksamana Sukardi JAKARTA (JP): To reach sustainable and prudent growth, Indonesian banking should be able to cope with pressures and consolidate its structure in the coming years. Is it capable of consolidating in a well-oriented and effective way? The process will apparently take a long time. Acceleration in banking consolidation is strongly required to face a number of serious threats which impede sustainable and prudent growth of national banking.

'Bill doesn't reflect workers' interests'

'Bill doesn't reflect workers' interests' JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation has blasted the government for its manpower bill which it said would subject workers to even worse conditions. Teten Masduki, the foundation's workers' division director, told The Jakarta Post Tuesday that the government-sponsored bill would "legalize" unfair labor practices, lessen workers' room to fight for their welfare, and might even help set Indonesia's image as a site for cheap-labor.

Election institute faces lawsuit over dropped candidates

Election institute faces lawsuit over dropped candidates JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party (PPP) is planning to sue the General Election Institute for rejecting its legislature candidates "without clear grounds". Secretary-General Tosari Wijaya said Tuesday that because of suspicion of foul play, the party executives were currently gathering information on how the institute screened its candidates.

'Food supply will remain at safe level'

'Food supply will remain at safe level' JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's food supply will remain at a safe level next year as prices of most staples on the world market are likely to drop, a National Logistics Agency (Bulog) official said yesterday. Chrisman Silitonga, an expert at Bulog, said world production was overflowing resulting in low prices and guaranteeing Indonesia sound food supply. He said Bulog already had enough rice for next year.

Fashion franchises prey on Indonesian elite

Fashion franchises prey on Indonesian elite By Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, Charles Dickens wrote in A Tale of Two Cities. Dickens could have been referring to Indonesia's fashion industry. With countless boutique openings and fashion shows, it has been an eventful year for style hounds, although it remains unknown whether the surface glamour is bringing in the bucks for retailers.

KL politician freed on bailed

KL politician freed on bailed KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A senior Malaysian politician's purported possession in Australia of close to US$ 1 million in undeclared currency grabbed the front pages of all local newspapers yesterday. The local media was trying to reach Muhammad bin Muhammad Taib, chief minister of central Selangor state and a senior official of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's ruling party -- who is believed to have returned to Malaysia -- for his comments.