Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 March 1996

41 articles found

Indah Kiat's rights issue

Indah Kiat's rights issue JAKARTA (JP): The shareholders of publicly-listed PT Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper have endorsed the management's proposal to issue 410.2 million rights shares detachable with 246.1 million warrants. An executive of the company said after an extraordinary shareholders meeting here yesterday that the issuance of rights and warrants in a package is expected to raise funds of approximately Rp 512.8 billion (US$219.3 million).

Overpass collapse must be a lesson: Soeharto

Overpass collapse must be a lesson: Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday all parties must learn from the collapse of the Grogol overpass which killed three workers and injured 18 others on Friday. "Face the problem appropriately to avoid further negligence," Soeharto said, as quoted by Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar. Radinal met with the President yesterday to report on, among other things, the accident at an entrance to the Grogol-Pluit toll road.

RI to phase out 'export' of unfit workers

RI to phase out 'export' of unfit workers JAKARTA (JP): The government is encouraging the "export" of skilled workers, and phasing out the sending of untrained laborers to boost Indonesia's image as a free country. "We need...to safeguard our dignity as a nation," President Soeharto said when opening a national coordination meeting on export of manpower.

China won't use force over Spratlys: Mahathir

China won't use force over Spratlys: Mahathir WELLINGTON (Reuter): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad played down fears yesterday that China could exert military pressure in other regional disputes after its sabre-rattling against Taiwan. Mahathir was careful to avoid criticizing China, whose missile tests and military exercises off Taiwan raised international tensions in the run-up to presidential elections on the island last Saturday. "That is entirely between China and Taiwan.

PM Banharn leaves Beijing

PM Banharn leaves Beijing BEIJING (AFP): Thai Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa left Beijing yesterday for the tourist city of Xian on the second leg of his six-day China visit, Xinhua reported. Banharn is to spend one day in Xian, home to China's famous terracotta warriors in central Shaanxi province, before travelling on to Shanghai and the southern coastal special economic zone of Shantou. Banharn, accompanied by a 120-strong official and business delegation, is to leave China Friday.

Games consortium asked to build athletes' village

Games consortium asked to build athletes' village JAKARTA (JP): The underwriting consortium of next year's 19th Southeast Asian Games may have to build a new athletes' village if the National Sports Council (KONI) wants the Senayan sports complex to be the center of the competition. State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman told reporters after a ministerial meeting yesterday that the village would be built on a four-hectare site next to the Senayan shooting range.

'Murder occurred early morning'

'Murder occurred early morning' JAKARTA (JP): A Malaysian allegedly strangled a young woman moments after he awaken, a prosecutor told a court here yesterday. The Malaysian, identified only as GS, was charged with killing an Indonesian woman on Oct. 16 last year, prosecutor Muhammad Yusuf said. On Oct. 15, Wati and her friend Rini visited the suspect and friend Zumar in Sahid Jaya Hotel on Jl. Jendral Sudirman.

Military defends territorial work

Military defends territorial work DILI, East Timor: Local military commander Col. Mahidin Simbolon denied charges that troops' territorial missions have hampered local economic activities. Simbolon said that local residents still need the troops (on the civic mission) to help them boost economic development in Indonesia's youngest province. "Accusations that the territorial troops hamper economic development are baseless," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

Suspicions grow as election nears

Suspicions grow as election nears JAKARTA (JP): Certain groups with the potential to obstruct the 1997 general elections have to be watched, senior officials said yesterday. Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. called on ministry officials across the country, in their capacity as "patrons of political development", to beware of "certain social political organizations and their maneuvers".

Pino, Nemo agree to join Olympic team

Pino, Nemo agree to join Olympic team JAKARTA (JP): The Bahari brothers, Pino and Nemo, have finally agreed to accept a call from the National Sports Council (KONI) to don their gloves for Indonesia in the Olympic Games. A KONI spokesman told reporters yesterday that after hours of discussion yesterday, council chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar succeeded in convincing the two brothers not to give up boxing.

Electoral law revision opposed

Electoral law revision opposed JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. rejected yesterday demands by the minority parties that the electoral law be revised. Yogie said the 1997 election will proceed without any change in the electoral law passed in 1985 because the legislation is still relevant to the current stage of political development.

Nuclear power

Nuclear power Ricardo Simanjuntak's March 25, 1996 letter 'Horrors of nuclear testing' rightly condemns nuclear weapons use and testing, but mistakenly attributes them to "nuclear technology". Nuclear technology, like any other, can be used for good or evil. It includes nuclear medicine's diagnostic tools and irradiation treatments for cancer which have saved thousands of lives, pest control and residue free sterilization techniques and clean, non-polluting production of electricity.

Expert says Jakarta suitable for subway

Expert says Jakarta suitable for subway JAKARTA (JP): The construction of a subway in Jakarta is technically feasible, a Japanese expert has said. Misao Sugawara, a technical advisor at the Japanese Railway Board, said he saw no technical constraints to building a subway system in Jakarta, Antara reported on Monday.

World's top soft drink maker is an environmental pioneer

World's top soft drink maker is an environmental pioneer Conscious of its role as a leading producer of consumer goods, Coca-Cola is one of the pioneers of corporate environmental awareness in Indonesia. "From our experience overseas, we are able to ensure our facilities conform to international guidelines on the environment," said Richard Brooks, President Director of Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia.

Lippobank to raise capital

Lippobank to raise capital JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed Lippobank announced yesterday that it is increasing its authorized capital by 40 percent to over Rp 1 trillion (US$443.1 million) to bring its capital adequacy ratio (CAR) to 12 percent. The bank said in a statement that the capital increase, which is to be completed by June, is fully underwritten by W.I. CARR, the merchant banking arm of France's Indosuez Group.

Duty free shop

Duty free shop I just returned from a trip to Japan where everything is very expensive compared to Indonesia. While wandering around in a shopping district I came upon a wine shop, and went in to gawk at the outrageous prices. I found some labels which are available in Kemang "Duty Free" store, and guess what? The prices were lower in that retail commercial shop in Japan after paying Japanese duties and a comfortable profit.

Three alleged Irian separatist leaders arrested

Three alleged Irian separatist leaders arrested JAKARTA (JP): Three Jakarta residents of Irianese origin have been arrested by local military officials for alleged involvement in the eastern province's separatist movement, a legal aid official said yesterday.

68 concessionaires denied permits

68 concessionaires denied permits JAKARTA (JP): The government has decided not to give logging permits to 68 concessionaires during the 1996/1997 fiscal year, which starts next month. "Out of the 188 concessionaires which have submitted their annual logging plans, 68 are rejected, meaning that they will not be allowed to harvest their concessions in 1996/1997," Director of Forest Management at the Ministry of Forestry Titus Sarijanto told the press yesterday.

Suspected cult leader murdered

Suspected cult leader murdered PAMEKASAN, East Java: The regency government has formed a team to investigate reports that an angry mob killed a man on suspicion of starting a cult. Reports said about 60 people mobbed Samsul, 45, and beat him to death on March 9. His attackers broke into his house in the Bujur Timur village, where his body was found badly mutilated.

Rice stock enough until next year's elections

Rice stock enough until next year's elections JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's accumulated rice stock will be enough to feed civil servants and Armed Forces personnel as well as to stabilize domestic prices until next year's general election, an official said yesterday. Chairman of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Beddu Amang announced after meeting with President Soeharto that the agency's domestic procurement in the 1996/1997 fiscal year, starting in April, is expected to reach two million tons.

Aerobics c'ships to be held here

Aerobics c'ships to be held here JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Women's Sports Association is to hold the national aerobics championships here next Sunday. Committee chairman Mien Gondowidjojo said yesterday that hundreds of national gymnasts will be vying for the Madame Soeharto trophy during the one-day competition at the Senayan sports center. "The championship is aimed at discovering more talent to represent the country in international events," Mien said.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 26, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 900 25 35,500 AHAP Insurance 2,800 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,375 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,850 -100 278,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,500 0 0 Anwar Sierad 2,200 -25 261,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,775 0 269,000 Argo Pantes 2,225 75 21,500 Asahimas Flat 3,100 -25 181,000 Asiana...

Soeharto's reassurance

Soeharto's reassurance Analysts and mass media editors seemed to read deeply into President Soeharto's reassurances last Friday that his government would continue economic deregulation and bureaucratic reform measures. The President told the first conference of the Ministry of Industry and Trade, after the merging of the trade and industry ministries last December, that economic and bureaucratic reform measures would be continued to further improve the country's international competitiveness.

Journalistic ethic

Journalistic ethic In your editorial Time for action (March 23, 1996) you made valid comments about the current inappropriate and unacceptable attitudes in Indonesian society towards rape. Unfortunately some of these inappropriate attitudes still prevail amongst your journalists.

A strange tale

A strange tale Mr. Coelho's letter 'Economic theory' (The Jakarta Post, March 23, 1996) makes a bold and unorthodox declaration: When governments sleep, nations march and occasionally even sprint. Skeptics will ask "How come?" Let me tell you the tale of two simple souls. They believed that the nearest government office was the answer to their problems. So, with a spring in their step, they made their way there. But it was the afternoon and nobody was there.

A community partnership -- Commitment to the future

A community partnership -- Commitment to the future Coca-Cola has a long history of community service, ranging from disaster relief to job creation and training, according to Mugijanto, President Commissioner of Coca-Cola Amatil Indonesia. In-house doctors at Coca-Cola plants across the country regularly provide medical advice and assistance to surrounding villages.

Local banks expected to lower interest rates

Local banks expected to lower interest rates JAKARTA (JP): A leading banker predicted yesterday that local interest rates will probably fall by up to one percentage point within a few months due to the abundant funds currently held by commercial banks. The president of the publicly-listed Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII), Indra Widjaja, said that the government's policy of slowing down the growth of banking credits this year has caused over-liquidity at banks.

Telkom receives strong demand

Telkom receives strong demand JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned domestic telecommunications operator PT Telkom received applications for 71,284 new telephone lines in the greater Jakarta area within the first 11 days of a promotion campaign set between March 11 and April 30. Chief of Telkom's Jakarta office, Bambang Riady Oemar, said yesterday that of the applicants, 19,159 lived in South Jakarta.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Amazing 3:05 Talks: Gita Wicara 3:30 Science: Science World 4:05 TV Drama: Tamu Baru Kenalan Lama 4:30 Documentary 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons: Kerjasama Kebahasaan 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: East Timor 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Documentary: Farming and Ecology 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 Culture: Bende Seguguk Art 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Music:...

PTBA to raise coal production

PTBA to raise coal production SINGAPORE (Reuter): State-owned coal mining group PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam (PTBA) said yesterday it plans to expand coal production rapidly in the years ahead as part of Indonesia's drive to make up for falling oil reserves. Company president R.A. Sunardi told a coal mining conference here that PTBA expected to produce at least 8.7 million tons of coal in 1996, up from 8.2 million in 1995.

Online data service

Online data service JAKARTA (JP): The newly merged Ministry of Industry and Trade has connected its electronic data and information system to the Internet in a bid to boost services to businesses. The data and information system can now be accessed through Internet, Protocol X.25 and direct modem.

Worker arrested for raping minors

Worker arrested for raping minors JAKARTA (JP): The West Jakarta Police have named a 20-year-old man as the main suspect in the recent rape of four girls, aged between four and seven years. Jakarta Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said yesterday that the police reached a conclusion on Monday following intensive interrogation sessions of the suspect, Matius Boha Gule, since the day of his arrest two weeks ago.

Quality and commitment: Keys to the success of Coca-Cola

Quality and commitment: Keys to the success of Coca-Cola From only one plant and 25 employees 64 years ago, Coca-Cola today has 11 plants across the archipelago and more than 6,500 people on the payroll. Now it is planning further major investments to take advantage of Indonesia's burgeoning economy. Coca-Cola is pushing ahead with construction of its new Cibitung bottling plant to keep pace with booming sales in Jakarta.

Laziness a threat to Javanese opera

Laziness a threat to Javanese opera YOGYAKARTA: The traditional Javanese opera of Ketoprak is fast losing popularity because the performers are too lazy to rehearse. The result has been a substantial loss in the quality of their performances. The concern was voiced by a senior ketoprak actor, Widayat, in a workshop at the Javanese Culture Institute here on Saturday. Widayat is director of the state-run radio station RRI Yogyakarta's ketoprak group.

Land disputes politicized: Minister

Land disputes politicized: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Some parties are politicizing land disputes for personal gain and to benefit from the 1997 election, a cabinet minister alleged yesterday. Minister of Agrarian Affairs/Chairman of the National Land Agency Soni Harsono asked his officials to be wary of the possibility. "Their maneuvers may become more commonplace as next year's election approaches," Soni said at a national agrarian affairs workshop.

Private firm, government to jointly set up pulp plant

Private firm, government to jointly set up pulp plant JAKARTA (JP): The widely diversified Mercu Buana Group and the state-owned forestry company Inhutani II will establish a new pulp plant in South Kalimantan which is expected to go into operation in 1998.

Govt vows smooth haj operation

Govt vows smooth haj operation JAKARTA (JP): The government scrambled yesterday to assure haj pilgrims that this year's operation would proceed smoothly, despite the glitches of the past few days. Director General of Air Transportation Zainuddin Sikado promised yesterday to arrange extra flights to transport all 194,707 haj pilgrims, while Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher promised that all pilgrims would receive their visas by next week.

Going for gold at the Atlanta '96 Olympic Games

Going for gold at the Atlanta '96 Olympic Games Six custom-built Opel Blazers, free tickets to the 1996 Olympic Games, Rp 5 million handed over every night during the Games, and one million free bottles of Coca-Cola -- the soft drink giant is gearing up for the biggest event to hit its hometown of Atlanta since, well, Coca-Cola itself was invented.

Provincial media told to seek help

Provincial media told to seek help JAKARTA (JP): Provincial newspapers should seek cooperation with strong media publishers in order to overcome sluggish growth, an official has said. The director general of Press and Graphics of the Ministry of Information, H. Subrata, said he noticed that newspapers in the provinces still face acute problems with management and human resources.

An international brand but everywhere local

An international brand but everywhere local "We believe in product relevance," says Damien Timmins, marketing director of PT Coca-Cola Indonesia. "That means ensuring our marketing takes into account cultural concerns and other unique aspects of Indonesian life. "Knowing its consumers is a key policy at PT Coca-Cola Indonesia.

One bus accident victim remains unidentified

One bus accident victim remains unidentified JAKARTA (JP): All but one of the 31 people killed in the Kramatdjati bus accident have been identified and claimed by their families. Dr. Her Kuntanto, head of the forensics department at Bogor's Red Cross Hospital, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that the forensics team would need two or three days to determine the age and identity of the remaining victim. "We must be extra careful.