Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 March 1996

68 articles found

New Volkswagen Beetle stars at the Geneva Motor Show

New Volkswagen Beetle stars at the Geneva Motor Show By Alastair Doak Two of the world's most eagerly anticipated cars, the Volkswagen Beetle and the Jaguar XK8, were unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show in Switzerland early this month. Volkswagen, who are reentering the Indonesian market with the Caravelle next year, used the Geneva show to take the covers off the production version of its new-generation Beetle, which goes on sale next year.

Police link Ecstasy arrest to international drug ring

Police link Ecstasy arrest to international drug ring JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian police, in cooperation with Interpol, are still questioning a man and a woman arrested at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport recently for possessing thousands of Ecstasy pills. National Police Spokesman Brig. Gen. Nurfaizi said yesterday that the police wanted to know if the two were members of any international drug syndicate.

Gov't acts on bus fare violators

Gov't acts on bus fare violators Jakarta (JP): The Director General of Land Transportation Soejono imposed sanctions on the owners of 164 buses. He said the owners had violated a government rule on bus fare increases during the Idul Fitri holiday. "The number of violators have increased since last year," Soejono said yesterday, Antara reported.

Bajajs may disappear soon

Bajajs may disappear soon JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is planning to gradually phase out another type of three-wheeled motorized vehicle (bajaj) from the city's streets. Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday that the plan will begin as soon as his office has decided on a replacement for the bajaj. "It's true we will remove the vehicles from the street, but at the moment we are still concentrating on phasing out bemo..

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 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., opening hours Monday to Sunday 9 a.m to 1 p.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.

Over 500 illegal migrants netted

Over 500 illegal migrants netted JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta mayoralty has netted some 500 people in a predawn raid to stem the flow of migrants to the capital. "Some 400,000 people are estimated to come to Jakarta every year," South Jakarta Deputy Mayor Zainuddin was quoted by Antara as saying. This influx peaks after the Idul Fitri holidays. The holiday fell on February this year. The raid was conducted in Kuningan Timur and Karet Kuningan sub-districts.

UOB posts US$451.95 million net profits

UOB posts US$451.95 million net profits SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's leading banks, United Overseas Bank Ltd. (UOB) and Oversea-Chinese Banking Corp. (OCBC), yesterday announced double-digit group net profits for calendar 1995 but they fell below analysts' expectations. UOB said group net profits rose 10.9 percent from a year earlier to S$632.73 million (US$451.95 million) in 1995.

Chinese become Indonesian citizens

Chinese become Indonesian citizens LAHAT, South Sumatra: A total of 91 people of Chinese descent have been naturalized and became Indonesian citizens recently, Antara reported yesterday. The Chinese took their oaths in a ceremony on Wednesday. "They can change their names to Indonesian names now," the chief of the Lahat District Court, R. Joedijono, said.

S'pore promotes tourism through cultural performances

S'pore promotes tourism through cultural performances By Oei Eng Goan On Feb. 27, the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board invited a number of journalists from Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Hong Kong to partly witness the implementation of its 'Tourism Unlimited' campaign. The Jakarta Post was represented by its journalist, Oei Eng Goan. Below is his report.

Sentul race gives a boost to Asian Grand Prix hopes

Sentul race gives a boost to Asian Grand Prix hopes By Alexander Corne A successful staging of next week's world motorcycle championship race at Sentul will reinforce Indonesia's campaign to host a round of the world's premier motor sport event, a Formula One car Grand Prix. With its multimillionaire drivers, multimillion dollar space-age technology cars and 600 million spectators worldwide, Formula One is the world's biggest and most expensive circus.

National car plans dramatically slow the market

National car plans dramatically slow the market By Russel Williamson Indonesian car sales have slowed dramatically after last month's radical shakeup of the domestic automotive industry.

BI introduces online credit information system

BI introduces online credit information system JAKARTA (JP): The central bank, Bank Indonesia, has introduced an online credit information system that will go into effect April 20 for all private banks operating in the greater Jakarta area, an informed source said. The system, which was jointly set up by Bank Indonesia and PT Lintas Artha, has been used by state-owned banks in Jakarta and its neighboring towns since last January.

Enforcement of bus exit regulation faulty

Enforcement of bus exit regulation faulty JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Economic and Development Affairs TB. M. Rais is urging the central government to clarify the national law which requires buses to have emergency exits. Rais said that although the 1993 law stipulates that all buses must have emergency exits, the city's vehicle test centers cannot enforce it because they have no standard guidelines.

Health care prepayment system to take off soon

Health care prepayment system to take off soon DEPOK, West Java (JP): The Indonesian prepayment system in health care and insurance has bright prospects despite the slow progress it has made since its inception in 1980, an expert says. Dean of the University of Indonesia's School of Community Health, Ascobat Gani, said in a seminar here Thursday that not many people are interested in health insurance.

Post audit for exports and imports launched on April 1

Post audit for exports and imports launched on April 1 JAKARTA (JP): The customs and excise law will come into force on April 1 with the implementation of post-auditing for both imports and exports, Director General of Customs and Excise Soehardjo Soebardi said yesterday. "Post-auditing is mandated by law and, therefore, we have to do it," Soehardjo told reporters at his office here.

More preparation essential for apartment living

More preparation essential for apartment living JAKARTA (JP): A noted sociologist says the city's plans to move slum residents to apartment buildings must start with programs to help the residents make the transition. Sardjono Jatiman of the University of Indonesia said that the residents often are not given enough time to prepare. "Often the time between when the plan is announced and when the residents are expected to move is less than a year," Sardjono said yesterday.

Only five Internet providers licensed

Only five Internet providers licensed JAKARTA (JP): More than 20 Internet providers currently operate in the country but only five of them have received licenses from the government, a senior official said yesterday. Secretary-general of the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Jonathan L. Parapak said that any firms intending to provide Internet services to the public are required to fulfill several conditions.

Being clever is no longer enough in development

Being clever is no longer enough in development By Arief Budiman SALATIGA, Central Java (JP): Experience is a good teacher but do we really learn from experience? I think many of us don't. Last month, we celebrated Idul Fitri, the Moslem holiday to celebrate the end of the fasting month. For the millions of Indonesian Moslems, this was a big day. In Jakarta, not only the rich celebrated it but also the poor, including the migrants that work as domestic helpers.

Fifteen people die in flash floods in South Sumatra

Fifteen people die in flash floods in South Sumatra JAKARTA (JP): At least 16 people were found dead and dozens more are still missing after floods ravaged a number of villages in the provinces of South Sumatra and thinly populated Irian Jaya, according to reports yesterday. Fifteen were killed after flash floods ravaged two villages in Lahat regency, South Sumatra, forcing hundreds of villagers to flee for their safety, said Imron Marus, an official of the regency.

Daeng Thai serves up traditional fare

Daeng Thai serves up traditional fare JAKARTA (JP): Thai food lovers and those who covet delicious fare of any culinary disposition should make a beeline to Daeng Thai Restoran, an appetizing new addition to the Jakarta restaurant scene. The biggest problem we faced all evening was locating the restaurant, which is carved out of the lobby of the new building in the Wisma Prince complex on Jl. Sudirman.

PT PAL takes orders worth US$1.1 billion

PT PAL takes orders worth US$1.1 billion JAKARTA (JP): State-owned shipbuilding firm PT PAL has booked orders worth US$1.1 billion for dozens of vessels, including seven commercial ships for customers in Europe and nine ships for the Indonesian Armed Forces. The company's senior executive vice president, Suleman Wiriadidjaja, said here yesterday that such a glut of orders, especially from Europeans, show that his company is now getting international recognition.

President said to be key to political change

President said to be key to political change YOGYAKARTA (JP): A political observer has taken a grim view of Indonesian politics, saying that any push for real changes is futile without the consent and cooperation of the presidential office. Debates at the House of Representatives on how to usher in changes are useless, according to M. Mahfud, the director of the postgraduate program at the Indonesian Islamic University here.

Security body to help govt in haj affairs

Security body to help govt in haj affairs JAKARTA (JP): Concerned by the numerous problems in the dispatching of 195,000 Indonesian pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, the government decided yesterday to involve a security coordinating body to make the ongoing operation run more smoothly.

Bikes rev up to scream through Sentul

Bikes rev up to scream through Sentul By Matthew Allen and Alexander Corne The high-pitched scream of Formula One motorcycle engines will pierce the air at Sentul, outside Jakarta, next weekend as the first bike Grand Prix held in Indonesia gets underway. However, world champion Mick Doohan's Team Repsol/Honda Racing Corporation team manager has voiced doubts over safety at the circuit, following an off-season test session.

Cambodia set to apply to ASEAN

Cambodia set to apply to ASEAN JAKARTA (JP): Cambodian Foreign Minister Ung Huot is set to arrive here on Tuesday to deliver Phnom Penh's application to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). He is scheduled to meet with Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas on Wednesday before returning home later in the day.

Income tax revenues pass target

Income tax revenues pass target JAKARTA (JP): Director General of Taxes Fuad Bawazier said that income tax revenues as of yesterday had reached Rp 20.5 trillion (US$8.7 billion), exceeding the target of Rp 19.2 trillion set for the current fiscal year, ending on March 31.

Stamps of authority

Stamps of authority I want to ask PT Pos Indonesia about letters from overseas, especially China. Must all letters from overseas go to the customs office for checking? Up to now I have received three letters from the China Philatelic Bureau, following my order of philatelic products. But some of the stamps and all the souvenir sheets were missing and the letters had been opened.

Press offers free health care

Press offers free health care BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The provincial branch of the Indonesian Journalists' Association will celebrate its 50th anniversary tomorrow by providing free health services, including circumcision, for the poor. Antara quoted organizer M. Natsir as saying that the services will be located at Keteguhan subdistrict, West Telukbetung district, and will be provided by 15 doctors and paramedics. A total of 65 boys have registered to be circumcised. (swe)

Eight groomed for world junior meet

Eight groomed for world junior meet JAKARTA (JP): Eight Indonesian athletes are currently being prepared for the World Junior Track and Field Championships in Sydney, scheduled for Aug. 25 to 30. Five female athletes and three male athletes are in training. The five are Irene Yusuf (for 100m and 200m), Nyoman Rai (long jump, triple jump), Tri Asih Handayani (1500m, 3000m and 5000m), Rumini Sudragni (3000m, 5000m), Ruwiyati (3000m, 5000m).

All-new Timor to rely on South Korean origins

All-new Timor to rely on South Korean origins By Russell Williamson Indonesia's first national cars to be produced by PT Timor Putra Nasional, are likely to be little more than thinly disguised versions of the Kia models from which they are derived. Despite Timor Putra's "pioneer status" as a national carmaker, the first batch of cars to be delivered are expected to be locally assembled from semi knocked down kits of the Kia product imported from its factory in South Korea.

Two-stroke sports car looks for Indonesian home

Two-stroke sports car looks for Indonesian home By Alexander Corne Carmakers in Indonesia may be offered a design for a new two- seater sports car, developed by Orbital Engine Corporation of Perth, Australia. The Sports Two-Stroke, or S2S, uses Orbital's two-stroke three-cylinder 1.2-liter engine rumored to be an option to power the Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie's pet car project, Maleo. The S2S was designed in Australia based around a British Kit car.

RP starts freeway project

RP starts freeway project MANILA (Reuter): The Philippine National Construction Corp (PNCC) said yesterday construction of a US$500 million elevated freeway for Manila would begin early next month. The elevated highway is one of the projects of Citra Metro Manila Tollways Corp, a joint venture firm between the Indonesian-based Citra Tubindo Group and the PNCC. The project is expected to be completed in 1998 to ease the traffic jams that affect the Philippine capital.

ABRI asked to be tough on troublemakers during polls

ABRI asked to be tough on troublemakers during polls JAKARTA (JP): The President has instructed ABRI (Armed Forces) to take stern measures against those who try to break the rules in the implementation of the general election next year. Speaking before participants of the recent two-day ABRI leadership meeting at a ceremony which took place at the State Palace yesterday the President also told the military leaders to protect those who deserve protection at the polls.

Chart toppers All-4-One look here to stay

Chart toppers All-4-One look here to stay By Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): Pop music is going through a transition. Mainstream mainstays Janet Jackson and Madonna may continue to churn out formulaic hits, but the kids are turning to "alternative" rock bands, "techno" tunes, and anything experimental in between. As performers and audiences push the envelope, the lines between categories blur. What does one call an R&B band that mixes rap samples with soulful vocals?

RI to start student basketball league

RI to start student basketball league JAKARTA (JP): Two years after launching a professional league, the Indonesian Basketball Association now plans to set up a regular competition for students. Ary Sudarsono of the association said yesterday that the competition, a carbon copy of NCAA in the U.S., will kick off after the general election next year. The student tournament will be split into three groups: elementary school, junior high school and senior high school.

Church Services

Church Services * Catholic Church, University of Atmajaya, Jl. Jend. Sudirman: Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (with songs) and 5:30 p.m. * First Church of Christ, Scientist, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro 48, Menteng, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (in Indonesian) and 8 a.m. (in English). * All Saints' Anglican Church (opposite The Aryaduta Jakarta), Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim No. 5, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. with Sunday School.

Thailand, U.S. to hold exercises

Thailand, U.S. to hold exercises BANGKOK (AFP): The Thai military said yesterday that almost 20,000 Thai and U.S. military personnel would participate at this year's annual joint exercises codenamed Cobra Gold 96 from May 2- 24. Some 10,000 Thai and 9,500 U.S. military personnel would participate in the exercise in Thailand's southern provinces, the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea, Lt. Gen. Mongkol Ambhornpisit told reporters.

Audi A4 set to challenge BMW and Mercedes

Audi A4 set to challenge BMW and Mercedes By Russell Williamson German carmaker, Audi, is set to take on compatriots BMW and Mercedes in the prestige car stakes when the company's first product line goes on sale from Jan. 1 next year. In a joint venture with Indomobil subsidiary, PT Garuda Mataram Motor Company, Audi will build the A4 sedan at a green-fields site at Bukit Indal, about 65 kilometers east of Jakarta.

Educational missing link a problem

Educational missing link a problem By Ignas Kleden JAKARTA (JP): Education should mean both schooling and learning in the broader sense. This has to be so because we cannot separate the matter-of-fact implementation of the school system from its normative ideals. Schooling refers to instruction which aims to transfer knowledge and skills to create an ability to provide added value to goods and services. In this sense, schooling is almost identical with training.

Lufthansa boosts service

Lufthansa boosts service JAKARTA (JP): The German flag carrier Lufthansa will increase its service for the Jakarta-Frankfurt route from four to five times per week starting April 1. The company announced yesterday that Lufthansa will operate Boeing B-747-400 aircraft, which will depart from Jakarta for Frankfurt on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Activists question charges against NGOs in Irian

Activists question charges against NGOs in Irian JAKARTA (JP): The claim by an ABRI official that a non- governmental organization was behind the recent riots in Irian Jaya has been called into question by local activists. Aswab Mahasin, who heads the LP3ES research institute on economic and social affairs, questioned the credibility of the allegation. "Local NGOs are patriotic.

Shop owner dies in market fire

Shop owner dies in market fire PEKANBARU, Riau: A shop owner died when fire gutted Sail market, one of the city's six busy shopping centers, yesterday morning, Antara reported. Forty stalls burned down in the fire that started around 3 a.m. Fire brigades could only watch helplessly because it turned out that the market did not have any hydrants. The fire died down in the rain that started shortly afterward. Police are investigating the causes of the fire. (swe)

Vice a growing problem in Kupang

Vice a growing problem in Kupang KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Governor Herman Musakabe says the provincial government is fighting a losing battle against prostitution and drug trafficking. He called on men yesterday to stay away from red-light districts so the flesh trade will go bankrupt. "It is impossible to root out prostitution as long as men don't kick the habit of frequenting brothels," he said.

Many transit officials suffer lead poisoning

Many transit officials suffer lead poisoning JAKARTA (JP): One third of the City Land Transportation Agency's officials who work in bus terminals have lead poisoning, a research study shows. The research conducted by the city's environmental study and monitoring office and University of Indonesia's School of Public Health revealed that lead in the blood samples of 17 officials exceeds the limit.

National players ready for Thomas and Uber Cup

National players ready for Thomas and Uber Cup JAKARTA (JP): National top badminton players cleared their first test heading for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals yesterday, with only world men's doubles champions Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky facing hard work.

Mercedes new E-Class sets luxury benchmark

Mercedes new E-Class sets luxury benchmark By Russell Williamson Mercedes Benz is set to release, what is surely going to become a new benchmark in mid-sized luxury cars. Due to be launched in Jakarta on May 30, the new oval-eyed E- Class will replace the existing E-Class model range. Production of the old E220 and E320 has now ceased although there are limited numbers left throughout Indonesia's 24 Mercedes Benz dealerships.

Pusri to take over all fertillizer distribution

Pusri to take over all fertillizer distribution JAKARTA (JP): The government has assigned state-owned PT Pupuk Sriwidjaja (Pusri) to take over all fertilizer distribution lines from producers to farmers to prevent a recurrence of shortages caused by distribution mismanagement. Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo announced yesterday that he has issued Ministerial Decree No.

Hong Kong pop music invading Asia

Hong Kong pop music invading Asia By Carrie Lee HONG KONG (Reuter): Move over Madonna and Michael Jackson. Here comes Jacky Cheung and the Chinese pop invasion. The music of Hong Kong, a tiny territory on China's doorstep, is conquering vast Asia with its pop music.

Bank Papan's profits fall

Bank Papan's profits fall JAKARTA (JP): The publicly-listed Bank Papan Sejahtera posted a decline of 44 percent in its net profits to Rp 9.4 billion (US$4.02 million) last year, it has been revealed. "It was due to higher provisions for bad credits and narrowing interest margins," Bank Papan's vice president Al Njoo told journalists here on Thursday evening.

Haj planes refuel at Hang Nadim

Haj planes refuel at Hang Nadim JAKARTA (JP): The government has shifted the refueling base of several flights carrying haj pilgrims from Singapore's Changi airport to Batam's Hang Nadim airport, saying that the change can save up to US$2 million in operational costs.

Man-eating crocodile caught

Man-eating crocodile caught SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A tamer captured yesterday a 3.9 meter-long crocodile that local people believe devoured a man in Muara Badak village two weeks ago. Chief of the Bontang police precinct Lt. Col. Yayat Sudrajat said the beast which was thought to have attacked and devoured Beddu, 43, was captured in the Celu river.

Andrian punches his way to world class

Andrian punches his way to world class JAKARTA (JP): Andrian Kaspari scored an emphatic win over Russia's Alexander Tiranov Thursday night, earning him the International Boxing Federation Intercontinental bantamweight title. It was just 49 seconds into the third round of Thursday's international bout in Surabaya, East Java, when a quickly-slicing uppercut from Andrian hit the uncovered jaw of the Russian title holder. Andrian rushed into a wobbling Tiranov for a series of follow- up punches.

English language schools

English language schools While I thank Robert Shepherd (The Jakarta Post, March 29, 1996, on page 5) for his comments on the English language school business, I would like to clarify his confusion. How rich people spend their money is not my concern, but whether Indonesia has sufficient English speakers for development and English teachers to train them is. I suggest looking to economics. Shepherd's free market assumes there is no effect of government, but education is a joint matter.

Six burn to death in Medan prison riot

Six burn to death in Medan prison riot JAKARTA (JP): Six inmates burned to death in a locked cell as riots broke out in Tanjung Kusta Prison, Medan, North Sumatra, yesterday. The prison director, Poniman, said that the riot, which involved 600 inmates, was still under police investigation. "There is no proof that the fracas was planned," he said, as quoted by Antara news agency.

Ida Batari Dewi Danu: The goddess of the lake

Ida Batari Dewi Danu: The goddess of the lake By Garrett Kam BANGLI, Bali (JP): A long time ago in the distant mythological past before humans lived on earth, a god was traveling around the mountains of Bali. He came across a naturally-formed statue made of kayu salem, the dark wood of the tamarind tree. Extremely attracted to the figure, he meditated and brought it to life.

70 RI workers stranded in Sabah

70 RI workers stranded in Sabah MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Seventy workers from here were stranded in Sabah, Malaysia, after being duped out of cash by the manpower supplier who sent them abroad, Antara reported yesterday. The workers, who were recruited last year by the PT Sabrina Pramitha labor export company, were reportedly treated as slave labor by their Malaysian employers.

Illegal levies

Illegal levies From Kompas I read a news report about foreign businessmen's complaints of extra levies charged by government departments. I know from personal experience as a supervisor of an automobile workshop in Tangerang that such extra expenditure is too burdensome for companies. In this case a company may or may not include the illegal levies in production costs.

Beijing warns Washington against piracy sanctions

Beijing warns Washington against piracy sanctions BEIJING (AFP): China warned yesterday of retaliation if the United States resorted to sanctions over a long-running copyright piracy dispute, as the two sides prepared for new talks on the contentious issue next month. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Economic Cooperation (MOFTEC) official Zhang Yuejiao told the China Daily that the imposition of threatened U.S.

Indovision and 'Star TV' plan to cooperate in marketing

Indovision and 'Star TV' plan to cooperate in marketing JAKARTA (JP): Indovision Group is planning to collaborate with the Hong Kong-based Star TV in the field of marketing, distribution and technical operation.

Bulog to avoid rice imports: Beddu Amang

Bulog to avoid rice imports: Beddu Amang SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): Chief of the National Logistics Agency (Bulog) Beddu Amang asserted yesterday that starting in the upcoming 1996/97 fiscal year, Indonesia will sign no contracts for rice imports. Speaking to reporters after a seminar on agriculture, Beddu said the decision was meant to spur Indonesia to reach self- sufficiency in rice.

11 NGOs demand early release of three Irianese

11 NGOs demand early release of three Irianese JAKARTA (JP): Eleven non-governmental organizations (NGOs) protested yesterday the recent arrest by military officials of three Irianese for their alleged involvement in the Irian Jaya separatist movement. The activists went to the National Commission on Human Rights seeking support for their demand for the immediate release of the three, whose whereabouts are still unclear.

RI buys wind generators

RI buys wind generators BEIJING (Reuter): China has agreed to supply Indonesia with 500 wind-driven generators under an aid accord reached in 1995, Xinhua news agency said yesterday. The power-generation equipment is worth 3.4 million yuan (US$410,000) and will be delivered on April 20, it said. The report did not say where in Indonesia the generators would be installed.

76 killed in Bogor market fire

76 killed in Bogor market fire BOGOR, West Java (JP): At least 76 people were killed in a department store inferno at the Pasar Kebon Kembang market complex on Thursday, authorities confirmed yesterday. Deputy Chief of Bogor Police Precinct Maj. Dewa Parsana said the death toll at the Ramayana Department Store is expected to increase. Up to 140 people were reported to be in the building, located on Jl. Dewi Sartika, when the fire broke out at 5:30 a.m., police said.

ABRI vows to be 'fair referee' in next election

ABRI vows to be 'fair referee' in next election JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) promised yesterday to be a "fair referee" for the 1997 general election despite its special link with one of the three contestants, Golkar. ABRI Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung said that the Armed Forces want to see a fair game because it is committed to making the election and the subsequent 1998 presidential election a success.

The Ramayana inferno

The Ramayana inferno Trouble never comes alone, it has been said. How true. Only a week ago we were shocked when 31 people died in the blaze caused by a speeding Kramatdjati bus ramming into a jeep on the Jagorawi toll road south of Jakarta. And on Thursday another tragedy jolted us: Some 76 people were killed and burned beyond recognition when a fire gutted a three-story shopping center in Bogor.

Bogor fire shocks families, destroys wedding plans

Bogor fire shocks families, destroys wedding plans By Maria Andi and Ahmad Junaidi BOGOR, West Java (JP): Frantic relatives have besieged the Red Cross hospital for news of missing relatives feared to have perished in fires since last Saturday.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Ninja Turtles 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Live Soccer: Dunhill League 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 Live Soccer: Dunhill League (continued) 5:00 Evening News 5:25 Travel: My Country 5:30 Science Film 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Travel: Wisata Bahari Pulau Ternate 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 News: Dian Rana 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05...

Malaysian farmers threaten to dump chicks

Malaysian farmers threaten to dump chicks KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian poultry farmers have threatened to dump two million chicks at the Agriculture Ministry to protest against a slump in chicken prices, the national Bernama news agency reported yesterday. After earlier dropping a threat to kill a million birds, 20 affiliate members of the Federation of Poultry Breeders Associations of Malaysia meeting yesterday agreed to the dumping action in two weeks.