Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 March 1996

43 articles found

Dossier on bank fraud suspect sent to prosecutor

Dossier on bank fraud suspect sent to prosecutor JAKARTA (JP): The City Police have handed over the dossier of one of four suspects in the recent HongkongBank fraud case to the Jakarta Provincial Prosecutor's Office. The head of the economic crime section, Lt. Col. Aryanto Sutadi, told reporters yesterday that the dossier of Hans Wowor was sent along with a mound of evidence.

House agrees on budget amendments

House agrees on budget amendments JAKARTA (JP): The Budgetary Commission of the House of Representatives endorsed yesterday a bill to amend the government's budget for the current fiscal year. The bill will soon be submitted to the House, which is expected to pass it into law. At yesterday's hearing, Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad said the current budget is projected to record a surplus of Rp 375.3 billion (US$161 million).

No paper in Kendari

No paper in Kendari KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The province's only daily newspaper Media Kita was not published yesterday due to the late arrival of printing paper from Ujung Pandang, South Sulawesi. "I am very disappointed at the late arrival," Media's general manager Benyamin B. was quoted by Antara as saying. Trucks carrying the newsprint were delayed because of congestion at the Bajoe-Kolaka port. (mds)

Indonesia queries PNG policy on separatist rebels

Indonesia queries PNG policy on separatist rebels JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday that the government will look into the political implications of Papua New Guinea's policy of allowing Free Papua Movement (OPM) leader Moses Weror to maintain his base there. "We will see what we can do," Alatas said in hearing with the House of Representatives Commission I for foreign affairs.

EAGA shows promise along with host of problems

EAGA shows promise along with host of problems MANILA (Reuter): The East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA) offers many investment opportunities but is hampered by the depletion of natural resources, poor infrastructure and a lack of skilled labor, a study released yesterday said. The study, funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), referred to the area as "the last frontier of Southeast Asia".

Semarang air is third worst

Semarang air is third worst SEMARANG: An environmental official from Jakarta yesterday called on the city administration to take steps to reduce air pollution, which he ranked as the third worst in the country after Jakarta and Bandung. Speaking at a seminar on the air quality in Semarang, Margana, the director of operations of the Environmental Impact Management Agency, said the carbon monoxide level was far too high.

Implications of China-Taiwan crisis

Implications of China-Taiwan crisis Although China's current tension with Taiwan is a domestic affair, it will have an impact on the region, writes Dewi Fortuna Anwar. JAKARTA (JP): The heightening tension between China and Taiwan clearly demonstrates one of the reasons why we do not talk about the peace dividend in the aftermath of the Cold War.

Tangerang hospital has VIP pavilion

Tangerang hospital has VIP pavilion JAKARTA (JP): Tangerang regent H. Saifullah AR yesterday inaugurated a VIP pavilion in the complex of the town's general hospital. The construction of the pavilion, called the Wijaya Kusuma Pavilion, was jointly financed by the hospital and PT Menara Mutiara. The private company invested Rp 1 billion in the facility, built on a 6,000 meter plot of land.

Budi Utomo students protest school policies

Budi Utomo students protest school policies JAKARTA (JP): About 100 students of state senior high school (SMAN) 1 on Jl. Budi Utomo in Central Jakarta staged a demonstration yesterday to protest the school's policies. During the noisy protest which occurred during the celebration of the school's 50th anniversary yesterday, the students urged the school principal to revoke the policies and to step down from his post. "This school is poorly managed," one student yelled.

Fence built despite naked protest

Fence built despite naked protest JAKARTA (JP): A protracted land dispute between city authorities and Gelong Baru residents almost erupted into violence yesterday as authorities demolished two more houses on and erected a fence around the disputed plot of land. Women residents threw stones and one went so far as taking off her clothes in the hope of warding off the authorities and keeping them from tearing down the last two shanties standing.

RI to host 11th stage of '97 race

RI to host 11th stage of '97 race JAKARTA (Agencies): Indonesia made the list of world rally championship hosts for the second time when the International Automobile Federation announced the 1997 itinerary on Tuesday. The federation said that the Rally of Indonesia would be the 11th stage of the revamped 14-leg championship series and will be held from Sept. 19 to Sept. 22. Indonesia will play host to the third leg of the series this season in Medan, North Sumatra, from May 10 to May 12.

Funds missing from village bank

Funds missing from village bank DILI, East Timor: Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares confirmed reports yesterday that Rp 29 million (US$12,608) has gone missing from the administration's rural bank. Without revealing any identities, he said administrative sanctions have been taken against those responsible and that the provincial government is now trying to find the vanished funds. "Legal procedures will also be taken," Abilio said as quoted by Antara about his next course of action.(mds)

Phone payments through ATMs

Phone payments through ATMs JAKARTA (JP): Telephone subscribers who are also customers of BCA bank will enjoy in May a new service from the state-owned domestic telecommunications company PT Telkom in paying monthly phone bills through Automatic Teller Machines (ATM). "We have sign an agreement with BCA to run the service. The preparation for the Jakarta greater area subscribers is under completion," Telkom's operation and marketing director, Dadad Kustiwa said here on Wednesday.

Four year sentence wanted for Bintang

Four year sentence wanted for Bintang JAKARTA (JP): The public prosecutor asked the Central Jakarta district court yesterday to sentence outspoken politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas to four years in jail for calling President Soeharto a dictator. Prosecutor Sitinjak told the panel of judges that the defendant, a former member of the House of Representatives, has been proven guilty of slandering the President in a discussion during a visit to a Berlin university last year.

Sentul to host drag race

Sentul to host drag race JAKARTA (JP): One hundred drivers have confirmed their readiness for Sentul Drag Race's first round, scheduled for Sunday at the Sentul circuit, Bogor. Tournament director Karel Harry Latu announced yesterday that "this race is being held in order to prove that Sentul is the mother of motor sports in Indonesia. It is also the safest circuit for racers and spectators." The organizers expect 200 participants at the most.

Foreign union urges RI to honor ILO pact

Foreign union urges RI to honor ILO pact JAKARTA (JP): Ten delegates of the International Metalworkers' Federation (IMF) have called on the All-Indonesia Worker's Union Federation (FSPSI) to press the government to enforce the ratification of an International Labor Organization convention to guarantee workers the freedom to form unions in state-owned companies.

Asian song festival in Bali

Asian song festival in Bali JAKARTA: Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono has agreed to open the 1996 Asian Song Festival which will be held in Bali on March 30, the organizers said yesterday. Sadikin Zuchra, chairman of the Association of Song Artists and Composers, said Moerdiono may even have a surprise in store for the festival. He did not elaborate.

Joko leads Indonesian attack in All England

Joko leads Indonesian attack in All England BIRMINGHAM, England (Agencies): Joko Suprianto led Indonesia's four-pronged attack upon the All-England title to a clean sweep at the National Indoor Arena here yesterday. Top-seeded Joko, who won the world title here three years ago, began his attempt at winning his first All-England title with a half-hour workout against Canada's Iain Sydie which ended in a 15-6,15-4 victory.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Dai-ichi, Jl. Senen Raya 135, Central Jakarta. - Mezzanine Lounge: Solo Pianist, daily from 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., opening hours Monday to Sunday 11 a.m to 1 a.m. * Hotel Aryaduta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Los Morenitos Vocal Group, Monday, Thursday, Sunday from 7:15 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Los Paraguas Vocal Group, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday from 7:15 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Choice hotel in Parapat

Choice hotel in Parapat JAKARTA (JP): An American hotel chain, Choice Hotels International, has opened a hotel in Parapat, a tourist town about 180 kilometers from Medan, the capital of North Sumatra. An Indonesian spokesperson for Choice, Dina Herdiana, said here yesterday that the 92-room hotel, called Quality Siantar Parapat, targeted visitors from Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.

RI told not to develop atomic plant

RI told not to develop atomic plant JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will be facing an energy crisis in the near future due to high economic growth, but it need not resort to nuclear energy, as it is rich in other energy resources, an energy analyst said yesterday. "With economic growth running at seven percent, our energy consumption will increase by 7.28 percent. But production growth of primary energy is only at three percent," energy analyst Prof. Dr.

RI's yachting berth at Olympics in doubt

RI's yachting berth at Olympics in doubt JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's hopes of winning a berth for the yachting event at the Atlanta Olympic Games look dim because of the government ban against national athletes competing in Israel. Raymond Patamburan, the secretary general of the Indonesian Yachting Association, said yesterday that the ban has played havoc with the association's preparations for the Games.

VAT refund process to be accelerated

VAT refund process to be accelerated JAKARTA (JP): The Director General of Taxes Fuad Bawazier promised yesterday that his office will accelerate the processing of value added tax (VAT) refunds for export-oriented companies in a bid to help boost the country's exports. "We have actually quickened the distribution of VAT refunds.

Govt to adopt new development approach

Govt to adopt new development approach JAKARTA (JP): The government will introduce a new approach to economic development by promoting zones with high potential for investments, a minister said yesterday. "We will apply a new concept by setting up 111 investment promotion zones in the country, instead of developing areas on the periphery of towns," State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita said in a hearing with members of the House of Representatives yesterday.

Indonesia Open organizers change Jagorawi golf course

Indonesia Open organizers change Jagorawi golf course JAKARTA (JP): In its efforts to make the Indonesia Open golf championship more challenging, organizers have decided to change the Jagorawi Golf and Country Club from a par-72 to a par-71 layout. The 6,275-meter golf link designed by Peter Thomson and Michael Wolveridge, has been chosen by the Indonesia Golf Association to host the event, held for the first time in 1974.

REI calls for removal of government levies

REI calls for removal of government levies JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Developers Association (REI) said here yesterday that government levies, which account for up to 13 percent of sale prices, discourage its members from building low- cost housing.

Undelivered mail

Undelivered mail From Media Indonesia I sent two important letters to Tanjungsari, Banyuwangi, East Java, in November and December 1995. Neither ever arrived. I only learned this when I visited my hometown during the Idul Fitri holiday. Even a telegram I sent in January 1996 never arrived. I was told that letters of other villagers had also not been delivered. This is apparently because the postman who used to deliver letters to our village moved and was replaced by another employee.

Zurich PSP Life opens

Zurich PSP Life opens JAKARTA (JP): PT Zurich PSP Life Insurance Indonesia was launched yesterday with a total paid-up capital of Rp 20 billion (US$8.5 million). The joint-venture company was inaugurated last night at a ceremony attended by Swiss charge d'affaires, Denis Knobel. Zurich PSP Life said in a statement that it got final approval last December from the Ministry of Finance to operate as a life insurance joint venture with PT PSP Life Insurance, a member of the PSP Group.

Bapepam approves Salomon

Bapepam approves Salomon JAKARTA (JP): PT Salomon Brothers Nusa Securities, a U.S.- Indonesian joint venture, announced yesterday that it has been granted a license by the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) to operate in Indonesia.

Taiwan crisis monitored from ship in Jakarta

Taiwan crisis monitored from ship in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The United States fleet currently deployed near Taiwan to monitor the escalation in the Taiwan Strait has been getting its orders from a ship stationed in Jakarta since Monday. The orders are coming from Vice Admiral Archie R. Clemins, the commander of the U.S. Navy's Seventh Fleet from the flagship USS Blue Ridge, which has been berthed in Tanjung Priok port since Monday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 13, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 950 25 9,500 AHAP Insurance 2,800 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,375 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,900 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,375 -25 1,000 Anwar Sierad 2,050 0 598,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,550 0 0 Argo Pantes 1,800 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,800 0 508,500 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,225 0 0...

Indonesia awaits Romana's yes to joining tennis team

Indonesia awaits Romana's yes to joining tennis team JAKARTA (JP): Romana Tedjakusuma is expected to join the Federation Cup women's tennis team this week as it gears up for a first-round clash against Belgium next month. Eddy Katimansah, a senior official at the Indonesian Tennis Association, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that Romana, who is studying in the United States, is prepared to play but needs her coach's approval.

TV today

TV today 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Ultraman 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Dance 3:30 TV Series: Harapan Nan Sirna 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 TV Series: Harapan Nan Sirna (continued) 4:30 Female World: Profile of Min Uno 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Arabic Lessons: Tetangga Dekat II 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: Bali 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Koran Recital 6:35 Religious Teachings: Fitrah 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Teller...

Plantation firms merged

Plantation firms merged The merger of the 26 state plantation companies (PTPs) was finally completed on Monday, almost two years after the firms were to be realigned into nine groups in May, 1994, in the first phase of what the government calls the overall reform of the PTPs. Additional changes made after the grouping resulted in the establishment of 14 PTPs (called PTP Nusantara), instead of nine as originally planned.

Council upset with Tangerang project

Council upset with Tangerang project JAKARTA (JP): The Tangerang legislative council has urged its administration to cancel a deal with a private company to build a bus terminal and shopping center on the old market site. The chairman of the Commission A of the council, Risalah Mastjek, told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that PT Betania Multi Sarana had not yet started the project which should have been completed last year.

Buyers mull over Pertamina price formula

Buyers mull over Pertamina price formula SINGAPORE (Reuter): Indonesia's state-owned oil firm, Pertamina, has given its term buyers several options in proposed changes to its crude oil price formula effective April 1, oil traders said. "During the annual buyers' forum last week, Pertamina has discussed its plans to change the existing crude formula and has showed us several option plans," one of Pertamina's Japanese customers told Reuters Tuesday.

Pro-integration Timorese ready for fresh talks

Pro-integration Timorese ready for fresh talks JAKARTA (JP): Fifteen East Timorese leaders will travel to Austria next week for the second round of talks with fellow countrymen opposed to their territory's 1976 integration with Indonesia. However, Dili Bishop Carlos Ximenes Belo, head of the East Timorese Roman Catholic community, who took part in the historic first All-inclusive East Timorese Talks in Schlaining last June will be conspicuous by his absence this time.

Soekarno-Hatta airport porters seek better payment

Soekarno-Hatta airport porters seek better payment JAKARTA (JP): About 1,000 workers, mostly porters, at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport are demanding that PT Indonesia National Air Service improve its working conditions and salaries.

Irian copper town calm but tense after riots

Irian copper town calm but tense after riots JAKARTA (JP): The Irian Jayan copper town of Timika and the Tembagapura mine of PT Freeport Indonesia, the giant American copper and gold mining company, were calm but tense yesterday after three days of rioting, residents said. Bruce Marsh, Freeport environmental manager, said the situation in Timika and Tembagapura was calm and normal, and the company was preparing to resume its mining and milling operation.

Manila to sign repo accord

Manila to sign repo accord MANILA (AFP): The Philippines' central bank is to sign bilateral repurchase agreements with its counterparts in Indonesia and Singapore next week, Central Bank of the Philippines governor Gabriel Singson said yesterday. A repurchase agreement allows a central bank to raise money by selling securities on the understanding that it will buy them back within a certain period at a set price.

Brebes hit by flood

Brebes hit by flood SEMARANG: More than 170 houses in seven villages near the town of Brebes were swamped by floods on Wednesday after incessant overnight rain. The disaster occurred when the Tengguli Tanggul River, which divides the Tanjung and Paguyangan districts, burst its banks. Two primary schools were also affected. Brebes Regency Chief Syamsuddin Sagiman appealed to the people affected by the floods to persevere and pray. His administration has set up a team to handle the crisis. (har)

Boeing and Airbus bullish on Asia

Boeing and Airbus bullish on Asia SINGAPORE (AFP): Asia-Pacific economies will propel world air cargo traffic growth into the 21st century, boosting demand for dedicated air freighters, according to officials of the world's two leading plane makers. Boeing Co. and Airbus Industrie executives, in papers delivered at an ongoing transport and logistics conference here, gave bullish projections for trade growth in Asia, which would stimulate demand for air cargo services.

New chiefs

New chiefs Correction: The photograph of Rear Admiral Arief Kurhariadi, the newly appointed Navy chief of staff, appearing on this page yesterday was inadvertently identified as that of Rear Marshall Sutria Tubagus, the new Air Force chief of staff. Also, the caption reading "Indonesian Labor Day", should have read "Indonesian Workers Day", which is a more accurate translation of Hari Pekerja Indonesia. We regret the errors. -- Editor