Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 December 1996

60 articles found

Search for self brings stardom to Alanis Morissette

Search for self brings stardom to Alanis Morissette By Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): Ever since Billie Holiday let out a melancholy wail, female singers and musicians have lamented the music industry's rampant sexism. The times are slowly changing. Bands such as Take That and Boyzone are objectifying men rather than women. Not that female objectification is obsolete -- for every teenybopper boy pin-up, plenty of half-naked starlets struggle to catch the limelight.

Alcohol consumption

Alcohol consumption Following Mrs. Hetty M. Frederik's remarks on the consumption of alcohol (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 16, 1996 Indonesians and drinks), I would like to add the following on the subject. There are about 26 million people living below the poverty line in Indonesia. Also, many young people leaving school cannot find jobs. On the other hand, there are a large number of people employed by the government.

Ultimate climax quest ends in jail

Ultimate climax quest ends in jail JAKARTA (JP): A jobless man who enlarged his penis by implanting small marbles in it failed to reach the ultimate ecstasy in sexual intercourse and landed in jail instead. A panel of judges in the East Jakarta district court found the man, 32-year-old Robert Yosef, guilty of obscenity yesterday.

RI to raise textile and clothing issues at WTO

RI to raise textile and clothing issues at WTO JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia plans to raise textile and clothing issues at the upcoming ministerial meeting of the World Trade Organization (WTO) while rejecting any inclusion of contentious issues like human and labor rights. Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo said yesterday that Indonesia had been disappointed by a virtual backslide by developed countries in implementing a multilateral agreement on textiles and clothing trade.

Xanana says he is not anti-Indonesia

Xanana says he is not anti-Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Jailed East Timor separatist leader Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao said here yesterday that he is not anti- Indonesia. "We are not anti-Indonesia, we just want the problems besetting the province to be resolved as soon as possible. Otherwise, it will only harm the people and the government itself," Xanana was quoted by Antara as saying to legislators visiting him in Cipinang prison, East Jakarta.

Unggul Indah to enter property game

Unggul Indah to enter property game JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's sole producer of alkyl benzene, PT Unggul Indah Corporation (UIC), won an approval from its shareholders yesterday to enter the property business. UIC president Hartono Gunawan said the company would do this through its subsidiary, PT Unggul Indah Investama.

Govt agencies to check buildings fire safety

Govt agencies to check buildings fire safety JAKARTA (JP): Several government agencies would jointly inspect all public buildings to see if they had fire safety systems in an effort to prevent more fires, a deputy governor said yesterday. Deputy Governor Idroes, who is in charge of administrative affairs, said the operation would be conducted in public places like shopping areas, nightclubs and theaters. "Many of the buildings are not adequately equipped with fire safety systems," Idroes said.

Pelni hospital responsible, lawyer says

Pelni hospital responsible, lawyer says JAKARTA (JP): A feminist lawyer said yesterday Jakarta's Pelni hospital should be held responsible for the rape of a girl being treated at the hospital last week and that police should investigate the case. Lawyer Nursyahbani Katjasungkana said the 15-year-old mentally handicapped girl was in the hospital's care when she was raped by a man who went to the hospital in Tanah Abang, West Jakarta, to visit his ailing relative.

Domestic airlines urged to ally with foreign airlines

Domestic airlines urged to ally with foreign airlines JAKARTA (JP): Domestic airlines should form alliances with foreign airlines to cope with more tourists by 2005, Director General of Air Transportation Zainuddin Sikado said yesterday.

Spotlights

Spotlights Spotlight A: Ambassador JP/arh PAINTING EXPO: Spanish Ambassador to Indonesia Antonio Sanchez Jara (right) talks with Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro (middle) and painter Ramon Canet at the opening of an exhibition at the Embassy of Spain. Canet's paintings will remain on display through Dec. 6.

Ometraco posts 40 percent rise in net profit

Ometraco posts 40 percent rise in net profit JAKARTA (JP): Ometraco Corporation's net profits rose by over 40 percent to Rp 53 billion (US$22.5 million) in this year's third quarter up from Rp 36.7 billion for the same period last year. The business group said the surge in net profit was because of its rapidly expanding multifinance portfolio and Bank Tiara's strong performance.

Myanmar ready to be ASEAN member

Myanmar ready to be ASEAN member YANGON (Reuter): Myanmar Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw yesterday expressed confidence his country would be ready to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as a full member next year. Ohn Gyaw told a news conference he was confident Yangon would make sufficient progress between now and next July to become qualified as a member.

Heavyndo wins engine license

Heavyndo wins engine license JAKARTA (JP): Cummins Engine Co. Inc. of the United States announced yesterday it had licensed PT Perkasa Heavyndo to produce Cummins' B Series engines in Indonesia. The engines will be used initially to power medium-size and heavy-duty trucks to be produced by Heavyndo, a Texmaco Group subsidiary. Cummins stated Heavyndo's project may eventually include smaller trucks, construction and mining equipment and other large machines.

The retirement age

The retirement age Turning 55 years old must be the most dreaded thing for many Indonesians. At that age, they are required to retire, even though they are probably fit, both mentally and physically. Unfortunately, they are not entitled to what few benefits are available to senior citizens, defined as 60 years old and above. At 55, they are well below the average life expectancy for Indonesians, which is 64.

Olex wins $9m contract

Olex wins $9m contract JAKARTA (JP): Olex Cables has won a US$9-million contract to supply 1900 kilometers of fiber telecommunications cable to be installed throughout Central Java. The Australian subsidiary of Pacific Dunlop Cables announced yesterday the contract was part of a three-year project by Mitra Global Telekomunikasi Indonesia to provide 400,000 new lines by 1999.

ICMI meeting to discuss GBHN

ICMI meeting to discuss GBHN JAKARTA: The Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) will begin its three-day annual congress today, during which some 400 leading members from across the country and abroad will discuss suggestions for the 1998 establishment of the Broad Guidelines of State Policies (GBHN).

Central Bank finds 30 percent of secondary banks unhealthy

Central Bank finds 30 percent of secondary banks unhealthy JAKARTA (JP): More than 30 percent of secondary banks (smaller, mostly rural banks) are unhealthy, according to Murti Wijono, the chief of secondary bank supervision at Bank Indonesia. Wijono said yesterday 44.5 percent of the 1,990 secondary banks under the central bank's supervision were classified as healthy, 21.4 percent as relatively healthy, 14.4 percent as less healthy and 19.4 percent as unhealthy.

Fire destroys brothels complex

Fire destroys brothels complex JAKARTA (JP): A fire destroyed 10 buildings in a brothel complex in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, Monday night but no one was killed. It took fire fighters only an hour to put out the fire which started about 11 p.m., Central Jakarta Fire Brigade officer Zaenal said. Witnesses said the fire started on the second floor of the Madurasa bar of the brothel complex and spread destroying seven small discotheques and three homes.

Japan hands over $1.96 million loans

Japan hands over $1.96 million loans JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Japan exchanged diplomatic notes yesterday on Japan's overseas developmental assistance loans worth 190.1 billion yen (US$1.96 million) to fund 23 development projects and one sectoral program loan. The notes were signed here yesterday by Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas and Japanese Ambassador Taizo Watanabe.

Bus companies denounced

Bus companies denounced JAKARTA (JP): A city official denounced bus companies yesterday for not operating their buses in accordance with government regulations. Under existing regulations bus companies must operate 40 percent of their vehicles for cheap transportation and the remaining 60 percent should be half air-conditioned and half unair-conditioned. "I am very disappointed that bus companies have not started to provide cheaper transportation for the public," J.P.

Concerted action needed to fight robberies

Concerted action needed to fight robberies By Mulyana W. Kusumah JAKARTA (JP): The recent spate of robberies here, including the one at the Ministry of Information across from Merdeka Palace, has caused genuine concern. The more so as the crime befalling mostly on bank clients is replicated in a number of big cities. On average, there were eight to nine robberies per month in Jakarta this year except for October, which topped the list with 15.

Kaolin prospects are bright

Kaolin prospects are bright JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Association of Kaolin Industry (Askabel) denied that the kaolin industry in Belitung, South Sumatra, is facing bankruptcy, saying that it still holds a bright prospect in the future. "The kaolin price is stable. The local price is between Rp 160 (US$0.68) and Rp 240 a kilogram, depending on the product's quality," Rachman Hakim, chairman of the Askabel, said yesterday.

Thai minister backs stable baht

Thai minister backs stable baht BANGKOK (AFP): Thai Finance Minister Amnuay Virawan yesterday ruled out changes in the country's stable baht-dollar exchange rate policy, saying economic recovery would depend on fiscal measures. The new finance minister, sworn in along with the government of Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh on Sunday, said the details of his economic policy would be announced on Dec. 11. The government will continue to support the baht's fundamentals, Amnuay said.

Banker disputes forecast on lower interest rates

Banker disputes forecast on lower interest rates JAKARTA (JP): Economist Sjahrir's expectation of lower bank interest rates next year because of lower inflation were contradicted yesterday by banker Trenggono Purwosuprodjo who warned tight monetary policy would slow any credit expansion. "Theoretically, credit interest rates should decrease next year because the inflation rate should fall to less than 7 percent this year (from 8.65 percent last year)," Sjahrir said yesterday.

Govt starts preparations for massive Idul Fitri transport

Govt starts preparations for massive Idul Fitri transport JAKARTA (JP): The government has begun preparing the massive transport arrangements required for February's Idul Fitri holidays when over 21 million travelers are expected to use public transport. Transport officials say only bus operators will be allowed to raise their fares for the period of 16 days before, during and after the Idul Fitri days of Feb. 9 and 10.

Students to face subversion trial

Students to face subversion trial JAKARTA (JP): Three students arrested on suspicion of inciting a massive labor strike in July will soon stand trial in Surabaya on subversion charges. Chief of the provincial prosecutors office M.A. Rachman said yesterday that the dossiers on the three suspects are "perfect" and the trial may begin very soon. The students facing charges are Dita Indahsari, 24, Coen Husein Pontoh, 27, and M. Sholeh, 22.

Ricky and Rexy ready for hardest post-Atlanta test

Ricky and Rexy ready for hardest post-Atlanta test By Primastuti Handayani NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Indonesia's men's doubles stars Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky see the Lipton World Grand Prix Badminton Finals as their greatest test since their victory at the Centennial Olympic in Atlanta, Georgia.

Prospects of a greater ASEAN

Prospects of a greater ASEAN Considering the situation currently prevailing in the Asia- Pacific region, a broadening of ASEAN's membership is indeed a most appropriate move. The joining of Laos, Myanmar and Cambodia will have considerable political and economic significance, although that does not necessarily mean that products from other ASEAN countries will dominate the markets in those three countries.

Myanmar releases protesters after brief detention

Myanmar releases protesters after brief detention YANGON (Agencies): Myanmar's military government said it had briefly held hundreds of students yesterday after they staged night-long street protests in the capital Yangon, the biggest such demonstrations in several years. Witnesses earlier said up to 300 students were taken away just before sunrise in police trucks when they refused to disperse after a march through central Yangon early yesterday.

Children die of dengue fever

Children die of dengue fever SEMARANG: Dengue fever has killed 11 children in the two- months it has been spreading in the Klaten regency since October. More than 70 people, mostly children, have been hospitalized. Regent Kasdi said there have been 15 casualties of dengue fever since January this year, the same number as last year. In Purwokerto, 90 people have been affected by dengue fever. One child died recently in the epidemic, according to Antara yesterday. (har/swe)

Catchment area filled for housing

Catchment area filled for housing From Kompas As residents of Villa Cinere Mas, we are concerned about PT Indokisar's misleading advertisement in Kompas (Nov. 8) on its new project, "Cinere Mas". The project is actually located at Pisangan, Ciputat, Tangerang in West Java and not in Jakarta. Jl. Karang Tengah Raya, from the entrance of the housing complex onward, has been in dire condition for years. The traffic jam caused by the new project is known to all.

BI chief predicts slowdown

BI chief predicts slowdown JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono predicted yesterday economic growth would slow down next year but remain above 7 percent. Soedradjad said next year's economic growth would be similar to this year's, but slower than the 8.1 percent expansion in 1995. The slowdown would result from the tight fiscal and monetary measures being undertaken now, he said.

Businesspeople groan about bribery again

Businesspeople groan about bribery again JAKARTA (JP): Businesspeople are complaining again about problems in getting business licenses, illegal levies and the country's poor market information system. "BKPM (The Investment Coordinating Board) has already improved its services, but it is still a bit slow in granting investment permits to investors," an informed source said yesterday.

Navy's elite force to be reorganized

Navy's elite force to be reorganized JAKARTA (JP): The Marine Corps, the Navy's special force, will be reorganized to increase its effectiveness in meeting the increasing challenges of naval security operations. An additional battalion will be established to complement the existing two battalions of landing teams, Navy Chief Vice Admiral Arief Kushariadi said yesterday in Surabaya. Speaking after inspecting the latest preparations for the 51st commemoration of Navy Day, which falls on Dec.

Levi's forms subsidiary

Levi's forms subsidiary JAKARTA (JP): Levi Strauss and Co announced the establishment of its new Indonesian affiliate, PT Levi Strauss Indonesia, yesterday. The new company is wholly owned by the San Francisco-based Levis Strauss and Co, which sells its clothes in more than 60 countries. Jake Centenera, the president of Levi Struass Indonesia, said his company would make, market and distribute clothing at a wholesale level.

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.

Influence from Dutch

Influence from Dutch Recently, two people (David Jardine :Pidgin language, Nov. 29, 1996 and Robby Susatyo: Kondomisasi needed to fight AIDS, Dec. 2, 1996) have addressed the pidginisasi of the Indonesian language. Both authors claim the use of the suffix "-isasi" originates from the English "-ization". I admit English contributes in a major way to modern Bahasa Indonesia, but pray tell me why they seem to overlook another influence on the language, namely Dutch. Mr.

Ambition blamed for visionless city development

Ambition blamed for visionless city development JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian cities are facing several major problems, including a visionless over-development driven by an ambition to catch up with other cities in the region, a scholar says.

Governor says masterplan key to urban growth

Governor says masterplan key to urban growth JAKARTA (JP): Consistency and improvement of Jakarta's masterplan is the key to control the city's growth, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday in response to President Soeharto's call to control urban growth.

Andrian survives scare in tennis selection event

Andrian survives scare in tennis selection event JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Davis Cup players look certain to be reunited in the national elite team after scoring second successive wins in their respective group matches at the selection tournament yesterday. Andrian Raturandang was the only one forced to stretch himself as he had to fight off both a nagging hamstring injury and a persistent challenge from veteran Dede Suhendar on his way to a 5-7, 6-3, 6-4 victory in his Group A match.

Prevention vital to free youth from drug abuse

Prevention vital to free youth from drug abuse JAKARTA (JP): An official of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports Makmuri Muchlas stressed yesterday the importance of preventing Indonesian youths abusing drugs and other substances. Muchlas said preventative measures were needed to maintain alertness and productivity in young people. He was speaking at a four-day international conference on drug abuse with participants from 32 countries.

House to question Premix price rise

House to question Premix price rise JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives would ask the Ministry of Mines and Energy about the Rp 50 increase in the price of premix gasoline, a Commission VI member said yesterday. Erie Soekardja, the commission's chairman and Soenaryo Hadade of the Golkar faction said the commission wanted to ask the minister why the premix gasoline price was increased. Since Nov. 30 the premix gasoline price has risen from Rp 875 a liter to Rp 925 a liter in Jakarta.

Rudy plans badminton clinics

Rudy plans badminton clinics NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Former eight-time All England winner Rudy Hartono plans to establish badminton clinics throughout the country's 27 provinces. "I hope by establishing the schools, I can help develop badminton in the country," Rudy told reporters yesterday. Rudy, who will be financially assisted by PT Unilever Indonesia, said that badminton must be taught in elementary and junior high schools. "It's one thing to find talented players in schools.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Fun House 3:05 Travel: Tanah Airku 3:30 TV Series: Just the Ten of Us 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 TV Drama: Diantara Kita 4:30 Documentary Film 4:55 Filler and Trailer 5:00 Evening News 5:25 Travel: My Country 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:05 Nusantara My Beloved Country: Riau 6:15 Village Program 6:45 TV Series: Island Wild Life 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Filler and Trailer 7:30 Economic Bourse: Mitra Kita 8:05 News: Lintasan Sinetron 9:00...

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 3, 1996: -------------------------------------------------------- Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,075 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 775 0 15,000 Andayani Megah 1,000 0 150,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,375 -25 395,500 Anwar Sierad 2,250 -75 35,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 3,925 125 40,000 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,450 0 0 Argo Pantes...

Malaysia's growth expected to moderate

Malaysia's growth expected to moderate KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's robust economic growth is expected to moderate over the next year before picking up in 1998, the Malaysian Institute of Economic Research said yesterday. The country's gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to ease to 8.3 percent this year from a dizzying 9.5 percent growth last year due to a slowdown in exports and slower growth in private investment, it said.

Post-shipment checks will be smooth: Customs

Post-shipment checks will be smooth: Customs JAKARTA (JP): Customs officials at Tanjung Priok port and Soekarno Hatta airport have assured businessmen the post-shipment inspection of Indonesia's imports, starting April 1, will run smoothly. Head of the Jakarta customs and excise office Noek Safoeroh assured the House of Representatives' Trade and Finance Commission the inspections would facilitate a smoother flow of goods than the current pre-shipment inspection.

Arms controls talks in ASEAN proposed

Arms controls talks in ASEAN proposed MANILA (Agencies): A proposal to include arms controls talks in the agenda of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) has been made at a regional security conference in the Philippine capital, an official said yesterday.

Kuwait boycott threatens Asia Cup quarterfinals

Kuwait boycott threatens Asia Cup quarterfinals ABU DHABI (AFP): A possible threat by Kuwait is casting a cloud over the Asian Football Cup which kicks off here today. Kuwaiti officials have warned they will pull out of the tournament, the showcase of Asian soccer, if they find themselves drawn against Iraq when the quarterfinals begin in a fortnight. "There is no way we could play against Iraq," said one Kuwaiti official privately yesterday.

Ramos urged to name successor

Ramos urged to name successor MANILA (AFP): President Fidel Ramos was urged yesterday to name now the candidate he will support for the presidency, to assure the business community of continued reforms. "There is a need to identify this leader now, to assure business, the world community, and most important the people, that the gains of economic recovery under a democracy will be sustained," said Raul Concepcion, president of the Federation of Philippine Industries.

White House to release Mochtar Riady's letter

White House to release Mochtar Riady's letter WASHINGTON (Reuter): President Bill Clinton said on Monday the White House will release a 1993 letter to him from Indonesian businessman Mochtar Riady and suggested there was nothing wrong in Riady having given him policy advice. Riady is the founder of the Lippo Group, an Indonesian conglomerate that has been linked to a series of questionable contributions to Clinton's re-election campaign.

Bishop Belo reveals his Oslo travel plans to Alatas

Bishop Belo reveals his Oslo travel plans to Alatas JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas yesterday revealed that Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo has sent a letter outlining his planned trip to Oslo to receive the Nobel Peace Prize next week. "Bishop Belo has sent a letter to me as Foreign Minister on his planned trip to Oslo, Stockholm and the Vatican, including his planned meeting with German Chancellor Helmut Kohl in Bonn," Alatas said yesterday.

Vietnam's sugar imports

Vietnam's sugar imports HANOI (AFP): Vietnam is to curb refined sugar imports from next year as domestic production is sufficient to satisfy demand, a senior Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development official said yesterday. "We have told the Ministry of Planning and Investment and the Ministry of Trade that imports of sugar will be suspended as of 1997," the official said. Sugar production is expected to reach 300,000 tons in 1997.

'Yen correction weakens ASEAN economies'

'Yen correction weakens ASEAN economies' TOKYO (AFP): The competitive position of Southeast Asian economies has been "somewhat weakened" by the recent correction of the yen against the dollar, a senior official from the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) said yesterday.

Capella Amadeus going from strength to strength

Capella Amadeus going from strength to strength By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): The program book for the most recent concert of the Capella Amadeus String Ensemble lists five instances of having appeared in Indonesia, but surely there have been more. The five were all commissioned events, mostly charity concerts, and performances in which it was asked to accompany foreign artists, like the time when it performed with two guitarists from Germany about two years ago.

Customs officers seize Ecstasy at a post office

Customs officers seize Ecstasy at a post office JAKARTA (JP): Customs and excise officers have found a package containing tens of thousands of Ecstasy pills at a post office, Director General of Customs and Excise Soehardjo Soebardi said yesterday. Soehardjo, however, declined to explain further, saying that the finding is still under investigation.

Indonesia beyond the headlines

Indonesia beyond the headlines By Wimar Witoelar The following article is based on a paper presented at the annual meeting of Sinclair Knight Merz, a leading Australian engineering company, in Brisbane on Nov. 23, 1996. BRISBANE (JP): Things are happening in Indonesia, but not in the way you read about them in the headlines. It is still true, as the saying goes, that "business access in Indonesia is difficult, but the rewards are plentiful".

Govt programs benefit few disabled people

Govt programs benefit few disabled people JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Social Services Inten Soeweno said yesterday that less than 10 percent of Indonesia's six million disabled people benefit from government assistance. "The rest need a helping hand from other people," she said when addressing commemoration of the International Day for the Disabled in Bandung yesterday. Since only a few of the disabled are under government care, public assistance would lighten the state's burden, she said.

Night trains to start next month

Night trains to start next month JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned railway company's (Perumka) greater Jakarta office will start operating night commuter trains on the Jakarta-Bogor route next month. The office's head, Eddy Sasongko, said these night commuter trains would cater to workers who started work in the evening and finished late at night. "I have often seen for myself the Jakarta-Depok-Bogor trains which depart the Kota station at 9.00 p.m. are always crowded with passengers.

Boy arrested for sexual assault

Boy arrested for sexual assault JAKARTA (JP): Truck drivers could help contribute their ideas to combat AIDS by painting slogans on their trucks to remind themselves and others of the deadly virus, local AIDS Day organizers said yesterday. This has been going on since Nov. 16 in Bekasi as part of the International AIDS Day (Dec. 1) activities. They said this activity would run until Dec.13.