Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 December 1996

51 articles found

Criminal code under scrutiny

Criminal code under scrutiny JAKARTA: The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) will hold a discussion on Dec. 17 about the need to revise the criminal code procedures. Experts will focus on a draft bill prepared by the foundation which strives to curb state violence, foundation chairman Bambang Widjojanto said yesterday.

Soerjadi

Soerjadi From Media Indonesia Recently, a city newspaper published a news item saying that two ministers -- the coordinating minister for political affairs and security and the minister of home affairs -- had pitied Soerjadi, the chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party, for all the obstacles experienced by the latter during his tour in the provinces in his effort to achieve consolidation within his party.

ADB approves loan to RI

ADB approves loan to RI MANILA (AFP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said yesterday it had approved a 50-million-dollar loan to a project to improve the health and living conditions of urban residents in Indonesia. The loan will go to a project to reduce morbidity rates caused by waterborne diseases and lower the rates of infant mortality in cities, the bank said in a statement here.

Indonesian hero out for rest of Asian Cup

Indonesian hero out for rest of Asian Cup ABU DHABI (Agencies): Indonesian goalkeeper Kurnia Sandi is out for the rest of the Asian Cup having had his nose broken during the team's Group A opener against Kuwait Wednesday. The 21-year-old, who was carried off with blood streaming from his face 12 minutes from the end after being kicked in the face in a goalmouth melee, will be operated on later this week, team coach Danurwindo said.

Irianese tribal chief fatally hit by plane

Irianese tribal chief fatally hit by plane JAKARTA (JP): An Irianese tribal chief was fatally hit by a Cessna plane in Jayawijaya on Wednesday, a press report said yesterday. Ikulucak Italai, 53, a leader of the Pugima tribe in the Baliem Valley was walking near the runway of the airport when the light plane with five people on board touched down.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 6, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,075 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 750 -25 32,500 Andayani Megah 1,000 0 635,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,400 0 2,022,000 Anwar Sierad 2,225 -25 2,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 3,975 25 15,000 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,500 0 0 Argo Pantes 1,600 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,475 -50 1,060,500 Asiana IMI...

Victim shot dead with Oki's gun: Ballistic expert

Victim shot dead with Oki's gun: Ballistic expert JAKARTA (JP): A United States' ballistic expert, testifying in the trial of an Indonesian charged with a Los Angeles triple murder, said yesterday one of the victims was shot by a hand gun believed to be the suspect's. Anthony Larry Pall, 59, a retired ballistic expert of Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), told the Central Jakarta District Court he drew his conclusion from a bullet removed from Suresh Mirchandani's spinal column.

Iwan Tirta launches first casualwear line

Iwan Tirta launches first casualwear line By Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's most famous luxury designer is going mainstream. Iwan Tirta, whose couture batiks are worn by royalty and heads of state worldwide, is launching his first casualwear line called Tirta. To be sold at department stores across Indonesia and eventually overseas, as well as in the first Tirta boutique at Mal Taman Anggrek, West Jakarta, the Tirta line is primarily play clothes for men.

Mt. Everest conqueror with VP

Mt. Everest conqueror with VP JAKARTA: Clara Sumarwati, the first Indonesian to reach the peak of Mount Everest, was accorded an audience with Vice President Try Sutrisno early this week. Clara was accompanied by her trainer, Second Sergeant G. Basuki, and executive secretary to the Indonesian Women's Solo Climbing Expedition, Florentina. She said when she reached the summit of the world's tallest mountain, 8,848 meters, on Sept.

TV Programs

TV Programs Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Animated Classic 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 TV Series: Big Brather Joke 3:30 Soccer: Kansas League Arseto vs PSB (live) 4:05 TV Series: Out of The Blue 4:30 Science Film 4:55 Filler 5:15 News: Siaran Berita TVRI 5:25 Travel: My Country 5:30 Creative Program: Karya dan Upaya 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country: Bengkulu 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music: Paket 27 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Filler and...

Temple declared a national site

Temple declared a national site HANOI (Reuter): Vietnam said yesterday that a 395-year-old temple in Hue, known as a seat of Buddhist dissent, had been officially declared a national heritage site. The announcement, carried in state newspapers, followed warnings by an overseas Buddhist watchdog group that Hanoi was seeking to take control of the Linh Mu temple, a treasured monument of Vietnamese Buddhism.

JEC to build Manila plant

JEC to build Manila plant TOKYO (UPI): Japan Energy Corp (JEC) said yesterday it has started building a new copper foil company on the outskirts of the Philippine capital of Manila. The mining and petroleum refining firm said it will open the plant to meet Southeast Asia's heavy demand for the foil, which is used in personal computers and other electronics appliances.

GM enters Philippines

GM enters Philippines MANILA (AFP): General Motors Corp. plans to invest millions of dollars in the Philippines, a statement from the presidential palace said yesterday. The statement was released after a 20-minute meeting between Philippine President Fidel Ramos and Donald Sullivan, president of General Motors' Asian and Pacific operations. Sullivan told Ramos the U.S. car giant aimed to invest in several projects in the Philippines to complement its car manufacturing operations in Thailand.

The future of our city

The future of our city What future does Jakarta hold for its inhabitants, say 10, 15 or 25 years from now? That is difficult to envisage. But we know that its population will swell, and this means its problems will grow and become more complex. By the city administration's own estimates, Jakarta's population will grow from its present level of 9.2 million to 10.1 million by 2000, and to 10.9 million by 2005.

No breakthrough registered on Indonesia-EU car talks

No breakthrough registered on Indonesia-EU car talks GENEVA (AFP): The European Union made no headway in talks with Indonesia Thursday over a national car policy dispute and the next step will either be an arbitration panel or more meetings, European trade sources here said. "We haven't made any progress in talks. Neither side has come up with a proposal to make a settlement," a source close to the talks said.

Labeling of 32 NGOs as 'problematic' criticized

Labeling of 32 NGOs as 'problematic' criticized JAKARTA (JP): A senior lawyer criticized the government yesterday for labeling 32 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) as "problematic." Luhut Pangaribuan, director of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute, said in a workshop on human rights that only the court of law has the authority to legally determine whether an organization is "problematic".

Where to watch A Mild JakJazz '96

Where to watch A Mild JakJazz '96 JAKARTA (JP): A Mild JakJazz '96 will be held at Pasar Festival, Gelanggang Mahasiswa Soemantri Brodjonegoro, Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, Kuningan, South Jakarta. Tickets are available at Pasar Festival for Rp 30,000 and Rp 20,000 (for students). No ticket is required for Stage C (The Gazebo) and Stage E (The Food Court). Below is the schedule for the festival, which started yesterday. The Second Day of JakJazz '96 on Dec. 7: * Stage A (The Stadium): 1 p.m.

Malaysians beat Ricky and Rexy in GP Finals

Malaysians beat Ricky and Rexy in GP Finals By Primastuti Handayani DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Indonesia's Olympic men's doubles gold winners and world number one pair Ricky Subagdja and Rexy Mainaky yesterday suffered a defeat against Malaysia's Cheah Soon Kit and Yap Kim Hock, the pair the Indonesians beat in the Atlanta Olympic Games last year. In a close battle of the world's badminton titans, Ricky and Rexy had a relatively easy time in winning the first set in 15-7.

Rights commission needs definition

Rights commission needs definition JAKARTA (JP): The armed forces said yesterday that the National Commission on Human Rights should define the scope of its authority to reduce potential conflicts with the government. Armed Forces Chief for Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid said that the three-year-old commission is subject to official scrutiny because it steps into the government's field of jurisdiction.

Formula Asia racing at Sentul

Formula Asia racing at Sentul JAKARTA (JP): Seventeen foreign racers from eight countries are to take part in the final round of the Formula Asia series at the Sentul circuit near Bogor, an organizing committee official said. The Formula Asia races will be held today and tomorrow and are the fifth leg in the series of Formula Asia races for the international and national categories. They are the last races organized by the Indonesian Motor Sport Association this year.

1996 JakJazz festival opens with cool notes

1996 JakJazz festival opens with cool notes JAKARTA (JP): State Secretary Moerdiono opened yesterday the A Mild JakJazz festival at the Gelanggang Mahasiswa Soemantri Brodjonegro Youth Center in Kuningan, South Jakarta, by playing a jazzy number under a cloudy sky. The minister played the Indonesian pop song Bujangan (Bachelor) as a jazz number with the Jamz Matra Big Band after giving a brief speech. "This festival was prepared by the committee for only 26 days.

'Ojek' driver murdered

'Ojek' driver murdered JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested yesterday a man for allegedly killing an Ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver on Jl. Duren Sawit, East Jakarta. City Police Spokesman Maj. Nyoman Suriasta said the suspect, identified as Ad, stopped the ojek at the Kampung Melayu bus terminal, East Jakarta, and asked the driver, Syafrizal, 35, to take him to Jl. Duren Sawit. "The suspect asked Syafrizal to stop on the street and repeatedly battered him with a piece of wood.

No real information when press is repressed

No real information when press is repressed The Indonesian press has been accused of having the tendency to blow up superficial issues and failing to dig into the real issues. Media analyst Daniel Dhakidae links these practices to the fear of being banned. Question: Some say the press is only able to present shallow reports on given issues, rather than digging into the gist of the issues. Your comments? Answer: That's obvious. Why?

Military Command to hold 10-K race

Military Command to hold 10-K race JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Military Command will hold a 10-km road race Sunday as part of its 47th anniversary activities. The race will start and finish at the command headquarters on Jl. Maj. Gen. Sutoyo, a spokesman said yesterday. Everybody was welcome to take part in the race, he said. Admission is free. He said Rp 14 million in prize money was up for grabs. The winners in the mens' and women's division will get a new motorcycle.

House Speaker must act

House Speaker must act House Speaker Wahono once accused some government leaders of hypocrisy. Recently he stated that many officials acted in the name of the people for their own advantage or to benefit their cronies, which means they abused their power and at the same time violated the law and State Policy Outlines. Since Wahono made the statements in his capacity as House speaker, they must have carried weight and been supported by valid data.

Arrest of robbery suspects queried

Arrest of robbery suspects queried BANDUNG (JP): West Java Police know nothing about the arrest of four suspects of the Jagorawi fatal robbery on Oct. 11, the spokesman said. Lt. Col. Istanto Judihardjo said Wednesday he had not received any report about the arrest of four people believed to be involved in the robbery, which claimed the life of Zaenuddin Lesmana. Jakarta-based Media Indonesia reported Wednesday that the military had arrested four people in connection with the robbery.

Nobel Peace Prize hampers East Timor talks

Nobel Peace Prize hampers East Timor talks By Abilio Araujo LISBON (JP): Since the announcement concerning the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo and Jose Ramos Horta, there have been numerous reactions concerning its significance and scope, and its effects on the search for a solution to the "East Timor Question".

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.

Four kidnapped in the Philippines

Four kidnapped in the Philippines ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (UPI): Four farmers were kidnapped in the southern Philippines by unidentified members of a militant rebel group, police said yesterday. Police said members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front allegedly abducted the farmers late Tuesday in Zamboanga del Sur, some 490 miles (784 km) south of Manila, while the four were heading home.

Lightning claims two lives

Lightning claims two lives CILACAP, Central Java: Three days of incessant rains have made the Cibereum River overflow, submerging 485 homes and 270 hectares of farmland in 50 to 125 centimeters of water. Two men were found dead after being stricken by lightning. Hundreds of residents of Rejamulya and Bangunreja villages, Kedungreja, worked together to bolster the damaged river embankment by stacking 5,000 sand and soil sacks alongside it.

Indonesia named best Yankee Issuer

Indonesia named best Yankee Issuer JAKARTA (JP): The Euromoney financial magazine has named Indonesia as the "Best Yankee Issuer of the Year" for its inaugural Yankee bond issue of US$400 million earlier this year. The London-based magazine said in its December edition's "Asia Best" supplement that the pricing of Indonesia's Baa/BBB-rated 10-year bonds, at 100 basis points above U.S. treasury bills, was considerably tighter than comparable and higher rated credits.

Losses prevent PT Tifico paying dividend for 1995/1996

Losses prevent PT Tifico paying dividend for 1995/1996 JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Teijin Indonesia Fiber Corporation (Tifico) will not pay a dividend for the 1995/1996 financial year because of its huge losses. Tifico executive Henny said Thursday the polyester fiber maker had suffered a net loss of Rp 24.68 billion (US$10.45 million) for the financial year after its Rp 18.38-billion net profit for the previous year. She said the loss was caused by rising credit costs, which rose to Rp 30.

RI should reap benefits from information era

RI should reap benefits from information era By Djauhari Oratmangun GENEVA (JP): The recent Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in Manila has endorsed the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) by calling for its conclusion in the forthcoming WTO ministerial meeting, which will take place next week in Singapore.

RI confused over Nobel choices

RI confused over Nobel choices By Dino Patti Djalal LONDON (JP): On Dec. 10 in snowy Oslo, Norway, the Nobel Peace Prize will go to two men who have been involved in the events of East Timor: Bishop Ximenes Belo and Jose Ramos Horta. The Nobel Committee got it half right. Bishop Belo is widely recognized as a significant force in reconciliation -- a process we all want to see develop. He is also an accepted figure among East Timorese of different political persuasions.

Journalists

Journalists From Media Indonesia Journalists have lately become objects of torture by irresponsible persons. After Sukma (Jakarta), Udin (Yogyakarta) and Djaffar (Saudi Arabia), it was Gaudensius Mau's turn to be seriously tortured in Dili. It seems to me the journalistic profession is full of risks nowadays. It is true that all professions are not without risks. Traders, bankers or doctors, for example, have to be prepared for all sorts of violence that may befall them.

Singaporeans warned about competition

Singaporeans warned about competition SINGAPORE (AFP): Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew warned Singaporeans in a speech to guard against complacency amid intensifying competition from neighbors Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand. The 73-year-old elder statesman, who was prime minister from 1959 to 1990, also told university students that "primeval forces" underneath the city-state's multiracial harmony remained a danger to social unity.

'Market economy only benefits big business'

'Market economy only benefits big business' JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's market-based economy, without much government control, would widen inequity between small and big business, economist Didik J. Rachbini warned yesterday. National economic growth relied largely on the performance of big business because of the government's economic policies, he said at a seminar, organized by the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) faction at the House of Representatives.

IBF chief in RI for two bouts

IBF chief in RI for two bouts JAKARTA (JP): International Boxing Federation chairman Robert Lee is currently in Surabaya, East Java to watch two IBF Intercontinental bouts. Andrian Kaspari of Indonesia, the title holder of the IBF Continental bantamweight division, will fight Sairung Suwanggasin of Thailand in Surabaya tonight while Anis Roga will defend his junior featherweight title against Chaider Jaroen, also of Thailand, in Probolinggo tomorrow.

Oasis Restaurant may have to move in January

Oasis Restaurant may have to move in January JAKARTA (JP): The famous Central Jakarta restaurant Oasis may have to move when its contract ends in January. However patrons can be sure the traditional rijstaffel -- a set menu served by 12 waitresses in Betawi (old Jakarta) costumes -- will still be served wherever the Oasis' location. But recreating the ambience will be a big job.

OIC ministers try to erase negative views on Islam

OIC ministers try to erase negative views on Islam JAKARTA (JP): Foreign ministers from Islamic countries around the world are coming to Jakarta next week to try to combat perceptions that often equate Islam with terrorism. This five-day gathering of the Organization of Islamic Conference marks the first time Indonesia has hosted the foreign ministers' meeting.

Soeharto says Moslems must put house in order

Soeharto says Moslems must put house in order JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday said Moslems must seek a common vision, resolve conflicts and improve political stability in order to face the challenges of the future. Opening the first International Islamic Conference for Science, Technology and Human Resource Development yesterday, Soeharto told 400 intellectuals and Moslem leaders from Indonesia and abroad that Moslem communities must set their vision clearly to face the future.

Paper industry can cause contamination

Paper industry can cause contamination JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia should be prepared for the environmental consequences of its fast growing pulp and paper industry, environmental activists warned. Lisa Finali, a chlorine campaign coordinator from Greenpeace, said in a seminar on Wednesday that Indonesia should make sure that its pulp and paper industry is environmentally friendly.

YKAI to hold seminar on child abuse

YKAI to hold seminar on child abuse JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Foundation for Children's Welfare (YKAI) will hold a two-day seminar, starting Monday, to discuss methods and policies on rights to protect children from abuse in the family. The foundation's chairwoman, Lily I. Rilantono, said the seminar is held in cooperation with the Malaysian Council for Child Welfare, the International Society for Prevention of Child Abuse and Neglect (IPSCAN), and Indonesia's Ministry of Social Affairs.

PT Indosat plans to offer domestic services by 2005

PT Indosat plans to offer domestic services by 2005 JATILUHUR, West Java (JP): State-owned international telecommunications provider PT Indosat plans to offer domestic call services in the next decade. Company president Tjahjono Soerjodibroto said yesterday Indosat was planning to offer a long-distance service by 2005 and a local service by 2010. He said this would let the company secure its business amid intensifying global competition.

Bishop Belo heads to oslo to fetch Nobel Peace Prize

Bishop Belo heads to oslo to fetch Nobel Peace Prize DILI (JP): Nobel peace laureate Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo left yesterday for Oslo, one day early, to claim his award at the ceremony on Dec. 10. His sudden departure surprised supporters who wanted to escort him to the airport in Dili. Originally scheduled to leave at 10 a.m. today, he boarded a Merpati aircraft heading for Jakarta at 12:20 local time yesterday. Church officials said the Bishop decided to leave yesterday around 10 a.m.

Judy Emery twists bamboo into art

Judy Emery twists bamboo into art By Parvathi Nayar Narayan JAKARTA (JP): An artist's creativity is often amazing. Outside, an exhibition of Judy Emery's sculptural creations of bamboo and metal strips, is an example of this marvel. Her raw materials are mainly birdcages which she took apart and reassembled. It is easy to understand her attraction to birdcages, with all their inherent symbolism regarding confinement, release and inside-outside spaces.

State firms face tough job with new forest concessions

State firms face tough job with new forest concessions By Prapti Widinugraheni JAKARTA (JP): Five state forestry firms, PT Inhutani I to V, are cautious about developing forest concessions once managed by private companies. Inhutani IV president Abas T.S. said the forest concessions were managed by private firms in a "very disorganized way", which made it difficult for his company to improve them.

Bre-X and Barrick face new hurdle

Bre-X and Barrick face new hurdle JAKARTA (JP): Canadian mining companies Bre-X Minerals Ltd. and Barrick Gold Corp. face a new stumbling block before they can develop the disputed Busang gold mine. Sources said yesterday Bre-X did not agree that the government's 10 percent stake in the project could be taken equally from the two firms' shares, and that the government was planning to revoke the Busang II concession.

Radinal angry over Ancol bridge design

Radinal angry over Ancol bridge design JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar is angry about the building of a bridge in Ancol which obstructs the Ancol River's flow. The bridge is in front of Ancol Dreamland's entrance in North Jakarta. Radinal and his staff inspected it Thursday to check preparations for the expected floods. "Why are they obstructing the river flow while we're busy widening the rivers?" Radinal was quoted by Antara as asking.

Rabies problem in W. Sumatra

Rabies problem in W. Sumatra PADANG, West Sumatra: A veterinarian expressed concern over the high rate of rabies in the province, and called for better public education on the issue. Rusman Abbas said if the public learns more about rabies contracted from dog bites, people would be more likely to use the proper rabies treatments, antirabies vaccination (VAR) and antirabies serum (SAR).

Zarina's lawyer wants to handle case alone

Zarina's lawyer wants to handle case alone JAKARTA (JP): The lawyer of Ecstasy-case suspect Zarina said yesterday he had refused his client's wish that two noted lawyers, O.C. Kaligis and Ruhut Sitompul, be included in his defense team. Lawyer Amir Syamsuddin said three lawyers would have been too many to defend Zarina. He denied the two lawyers were trying to take over his position as Zarina's chief lawyer. He said Zarina asked him Thursday to include Kaligis and Ruhut on the team.