Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 March 1996

53 articles found

Doubts over Australia's Asian role

Doubts over Australia's Asian role Despite assurances from Australian Prime Minister-elect John Howard that he will continue the country's business push into Asia, Saturday's election result represents a mystery package for developing countries of the region, Thailand included. Mr. Howard's conservative coalition clobbered the ruling Labor Party which is likely to lose 33 seats in the 148-seat House of Representatives.

Navy detains Taiwanese poachers

Navy detains Taiwanese poachers MANILA (AFP): The Philippine Navy detained a Taiwanese vessel caught illegally fishing in territorial waters off the northern province of Cagayan, officials said yesterday. Three Taiwanese and seven Filipino crew members on the boat, with the markings "Ta Shen," were charged with illegal fishing after a naval task force arrested them Monday off the coast of Santa Ana town, 440 kilometers north of here, said Vice Admiral Pio Carranza.

Thief mobbed to death

Thief mobbed to death JAKARTA (JP): A man has been beaten to death by a mob for stealing in Kampung Payangan, Jati Asih subdistrict, East Jakarta. Local police confirmed yesterday that Andi Arip was attacked by a mob after stealing electronic goods and a bicycle from a resident's house on Wednesday. "Neighbors came out on hearing Komariah, the owner of the house, scream," an officer said.

Observer fears for RI in All England championships

Observer fears for RI in All England championships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's best chance of a title in the All England championships will be in the men's doubles, a badminton observer said yesterday. Icuk Sugiarto, the 1983 world champion, said yesterday that only Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky are favorites to take a title in the championships, which will take place in Birmingham, England from March 13 to 17.

Traumatic taxis

Traumatic taxis From Media Indonesia Our capital city offers daily scenes of overcrowded buses in which elderly women and pregnant women are squeezed in the sea of passengers. What about our taxis? I'm traumatized whenever I see a yellow taxi. One day, compelled by circumstances, I waved down a Royal City taxi (door number 418). When I was seated the driver told me he wanted a lump sum and refused to let the flag fall. The amount demanded was double the normal fare.

Welcome Bhutto

Welcome Bhutto Pakistan's Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto arrives, accompanied by about 80 businesspeople, to strengthen her country's cooperation with Indonesia in various fields, particularly in the economic field. Aside from the potential of economic and political cooperation, however, her personality is one of the main reasons her visit attracts such widespread attention.

Pramindo loan closes

Pramindo loan closes HONG KONG (Reuter): Syndication for PT Pramindo Ikat Nusantara's US$350 million loan has closed, said arranger Chase Manhattan Bank Asia. The facility was oversubscribed to US$485 million but will not be increased. Pramindo is a consortium including Indonesia's Astra Group and France's Cable et Radio. Proceeds of the loan will be used to finance the group's telecommunications venture in Indonesia.

PM Bhutto to develop trade links

PM Bhutto to develop trade links JAKARTA (JP): Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto arrived in Jakarta yesterday at the start of a three-day state visit which is expected to focus on enhancing economic and trade relations between the two countries. Bhutto is accompanied by her husband Asif Ali Zardari, five cabinet ministers and 80 business leaders from Pakistan to underscore the nature and importance of the visit.

Tosanjaya gets ISO 9002

Tosanjaya gets ISO 9002 JAKARTA (JP): PT Bakrie Tosanjaya, a foundry company affiliated to PT Bakrie & Brothers, has been awarded an ISO 9002 certificate from the Sucofindo Registrar for Quality Assurance (SRQA), an Indonesian state-owned certification agency. Bakrie Tosanjaya, set up in 1976, produces various kinds of automotive components. The company is currently increasing its production capacity from 1,100 tons to 2,200 tons a year.

Seven students drown at sea

Seven students drown at sea YOGYAKARTA: High waves on Wednesday swept away and killed at least seven holidaymakers at Parangtritis beach, about 20 kilometers south of here, a press report said. Search and rescue workers scoured the area yesterday to find the five people still missing in the incident that locals and police described as the worst in 10 years. All but one of the victims were students of Madrasah Tsanawiyah Al Ma'arif school in Magelang, Central Java, aged between 12 and 15 years.

Indosat told to acquire Pakistani telecom firm

Indosat told to acquire Pakistani telecom firm JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave has told the state-owned international telecommunications company, PT Indosat, to talk with the visiting Pakistani delegation about buying a telecoms firm in Pakistan. Joop told reporters after receiving a delegation led by Asif Ali Zardari, the husband of Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, that Pakistan was offering its international telecommunications firms for sale.

RI press violates own code of ethics

RI press violates own code of ethics JAKARTA (JP): While the Indonesian press is constrained by a blatant lack of freedom, it has made the situation worse by ineptly violating its own ethical code. The problem became an impromptu topic at a seminar yesterday on the closure of newspapers, with particular reference to Indonesia Raya," which was banned in 1958 by president Sukarno's government and again in 1974 by the current administration following a student uprising.

Bukaka hires consultant for major changes

Bukaka hires consultant for major changes JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed PT Bukaka Teknik Utama signed yesterday a contract with international consulting firm Price Waterhouse, in a bid to become a multinational company by the year 2000.

Saudi, U.S. firms to invest $15b in RI

Saudi, U.S. firms to invest $15b in RI JAKARTA (JP): Ameen Al-Hindi Est. of Saudi Arabia and Link International Inc. of the United States have committed themselves to investing up to US$15 billion in 13 projects in Indonesia, in cooperation with local business group Tatanusa. Executives of the three businesses signed investment contracts for the 13 foreign-investment projects here yesterday.

ABRI calls on PDI members to end dispute

ABRI calls on PDI members to end dispute JAKARTA (JP): An end to the struggle for control over the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI)'s East Java branch must come from the party's rank and files in the province and not the Central Executive Board, a senior Armed Forces (ABRI) officer said yesterday. ABRI Chief of Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid said that to break the current impasse the branch leaders in East Java should hold an extraordinary congress and elect their new leader.

Public hearings

Public hearings This is in reference to "Public hearings need to be taken seriously" (The Jakarta Post, March 2, 1996). Arief Budiman admits that many House of Representatives members care about society's problems, but is saddened by the many damaging policies that remain, despite public awareness. Unfortunately, the life of a politician, with elections to win and problems to solve, is not easy. When a politician admits an issue he becomes powerless; when doesn't, he becomes dishonest.

Canadian firms square off over Indonesian gold find

Canadian firms square off over Indonesian gold find TORONTO (Reuter): A dispute has erupted between two Canadian companies over the ownership of the spectacular Busang gold property in Indonesia. Busang owner Bre-X Minerals Ltd. objects to a deal signed on Tuesday by its minority Indonesian partner with another small Canadian company, Minorca Resources Inc.

Seoul stocks hit 27-month low in Asian downturn

Seoul stocks hit 27-month low in Asian downturn HONG KONG (Reuter): Asian share markets finished sharply down yesterday with Seoul's composite index falling to a 27-month low, but in Taipei shares rebounded after two straight sessions in the doldrums. Bourses in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Sydney, Seoul, Manila, Singapore and Jakarta posted overall losses of more than one percent.

Law enforcement needed to save forests: Soeharto

Law enforcement needed to save forests: Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto pledged yesterday that the government would continue to discipline negligent forest concessionaires. Speaking to members of the World Commission on Forests and Sustainable Development at Merdeka Palace, Soeharto acknowledged that law enforcement was the only way to protect forests. Stricter law enforcement could help save the country's forests from rampant exploitation by irresponsible people, he said.

Expatriates entertain Indonesians at Ancol

Expatriates entertain Indonesians at Ancol By Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): Does anyone remember the last time they went to Ancol recreation park in North Jakarta? Remember the long, torturous drive through kilometers of merciless traffic? Remember the multiple fees charged (Rp 9,000 or US$4 at last count for a party of two) when waltzing through Ancol's copious gates? I do, having made the trip last Saturday to attend the "Concert of Nations" at Ancol Art Market.

Six arrested for robbery

Six arrested for robbery JAKARTA (JP): Six men who tried to steal items from a private retail firm's warehouse in North Jakarta on Wednesday morning ended their adventure in handcuffs. The six were caught red-handed after a security officer spotted them and immediately called the nearby Pademangan police for help. According to North Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira, the group entered the warehouse belonging to PT Alfa Retailindo on Jl.

ASEAN ministers ponder dark side of infobahn

ASEAN ministers ponder dark side of infobahn SINGAPORE (Reuter): ASEAN ministers yesterday spoke about the dark side of the information technology revolution sweeping their countries and launched a joint effort to deal with the Internet invasion. Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong set the tone for the biennial information ministers' meeting in Singapore when he spoke about the "darker veins" of the multi-media revolution.

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.

Westin to enter Jakarta

Westin to enter Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Westin Hotels and Resorts, a hotel management firm based in the United States, will sign next Tuesday an agreement with PT Wisma Kartika to manage a five-star hotel in Jakarta. Westin's director of advertising and public relations for the Asia-Pacific region, Nelli Yong, said yesterday that the planned five-star hotel will be built later this year on the site of the Hotel Kartika Plaza on Jl. Thamrin.

Senior official dismissed

Senior official dismissed SEMARANG: Governor Soewardi has dismissed his secretary Pudjihardjo for transferring employees to other posts without his permission. Soewardi took the action following persistent complaints that Pudjihardjo was making decisions outside of his authority. "He has just been informed of his dismissal," Soewardi told Antara. He added that he hoped his aggravated staff would calm down soon.

ATP rebukes Indonesia for unsatisfactory turnout

ATP rebukes Indonesia for unsatisfactory turnout JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia may be penalized by the Association of Tennis Professionals for the poor turnout at the Indonesia Open men's tournament here last January. Eddy Katimansah, director of Adinawa Eka, the financial underwriter for the US$300,000 event, said yesterday that the ATP would decide if Indonesia's would continue to stage the annual championships during a tournament in Key Biscayne, Florida at the end of this month.

Demolition of Grogol wall continues amidst protest

Demolition of Grogol wall continues amidst protest JAKARTA (JP): Tension flared yesterday when dozens of youngsters tried, unsuccessfully, to prevent some 100 city police from demolishing a wall surrounding a 1.5-hectare plot of land in Grogol, West Jakarta. Claiming to be the rightful owners of the plot, the angry youths brandished sticks and iron bars while others stood in the way of the police to prevent the demolition.

Asian rice prices hold firm despite aloof buyers

Asian rice prices hold firm despite aloof buyers SINGAPORE (Reuter): Asian rice prices continued on a firm trend in early March, traders said yesterday, despite the efforts of some buyers to cool the heated market by holding back purchases from Thailand -- the world's largest exporter. Delayed arrival of Thailand's second paddy (unhusked rice) harvest has largely prevented high export prices from easing, Thai traders said.

Orders set for 219 N-250s

Orders set for 219 N-250s JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie said yesterday that PT Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN) has received orders for the sales of 219 N-250s, newly developed turboprop aircraft with a capacity of 70 passengers. He told reporters here that the orders include the one for the sale of 15 aircraft to Pakistan, whose memorandum of understanding will be signed in a ceremony here today.

Nipress suspension ended

Nipress suspension ended JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) suspended the trading of PT Nipress shares on the exchange during the morning session yesterday though trading was allowed to resume in the afternoon. The morning session suspension was triggered by a rumor that domestic car maker PT Timor Putra Nasional would take over the company.

Biting chilies

Biting chilies From Merdeka Housewives were shocked to find that chilies had become "red gold" and that prices had soared. Chilies that used to cost tens of rupiah a kilogram, now cost tens of thousands of rupiah a kilogram. Husbands should be aware of the dramatic price change of this particular commodity. If they insist on eating chili sauce they must increase the food budget. INA AGUSTINA Jakarta

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua: Pasar Senggol - Balinese Arts & Crafts, daily. Sunset Procession, daily. Ramayana Dance, Thursday. Legong Dance, Saturday. Arjuna Wiwaha Dance, Sunday. Rejang, Puspawresti, Belibis and Jaran Teji dances, Monday. Kecak Dance, Friday & Tuesday. Jegog Dance, Wednesday. Pesona Lounge - Live music by Philipino Guitar duo, Medi & Boy, daily. Lila Cita Fun Pub - Rakata Disc Band, Friday & Monday.

PPP lobbies hard for electoral law reform bill

PPP lobbies hard for electoral law reform bill JAKARTA (JP): United Development Party (PPP) leaders met with their House of Representatives counterparts from the Armed Forces faction yesterday to solicit support for its electoral law reform bill. The Armed Forces (ABRI) was the first faction the PPP approached to push its Bill on Initiative onto the agenda of the House of Representatives.

Co-ops told to involve more women

Co-ops told to involve more women JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday called for the use of cooperatives as a means to encourage women to improve their role in the country's economic development. Speaking at the opening of a workshop on the development of women's potentials in economy, Soeharto said a good cooperative which had the full support of its members could bring in great benefits.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. My Country 2:35 TV Series: Amazing 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Science Film: Boston 3:30 Science Film: Safari Ocean 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:30 Culture: Tari dan Lagu 5:00 Evening News 5:25 Travel: My Country 5:30 Information: Kiat Kewirausahaan 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: Lampung 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Hobby: Batu Onix 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 Information: Dynamic...

Prosecutor's rebuttal heard in Bekasi rape case

Prosecutor's rebuttal heard in Bekasi rape case JAKARTA (JP): The mother of one of 11 defendants being tried for gang rape and robbery cried hysterically at the Bekasi District Court yesterday after the prosecutors turned down the defendant's request that his son be acquitted of all charges. "Why don't you kill me rather than punishing my son who knew nothing about the crime," Lena, the mother of defendant Iwan Rejeki shouted minutes after the hearing.

PSSI cruises to Asian finals in Dubai

PSSI cruises to Asian finals in Dubai JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's football team (PSSI) remained in a down-to-earth mood amid the celebrations which followed Wednesday's success in securing a place in the Asian Championship Finals in Dubai next December. Head coach Danurwindo, who watched as Malaysia only managed to beat helpless India 5-2 in the last group qualifying match in Selangor, said that he planned a total overhaul of his squad before the finals, scheduled from Dec. 3 to Dec. 30.

Dissenters establish federation to save YLBHI

Dissenters establish federation to save YLBHI JAKARTA (JP): A group of senior members of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) moved to stake a claim on the foundation's leadership yesterday amid threats of punishment by its board of trustees. Aswab Mahasin, secretary of the board of trustees, told The Jakarta Post that the group's endorsement of the plan to form a federation violated YLBHI's statutes. "They can be punished," Aswab said by phone.

Fun, friendship and loads of work at the city's WIC

Fun, friendship and loads of work at the city's WIC "Despite the state of the world, we have proved that women of many countries can work together in harmony," says a member of the Women's International Club Jakarta. In conjunction with International Women's Day on March 8, The Jakarta Post takes a look at the Jakarta-based club, which celebrates its 46th year on March 13. JAKARTA (JP): The Women's International Club Jakarta is most popular for its annual bazaar.

City training for corpse care

City training for corpse care JAKARTA (JP): The city is stepping up services for the deceased by holding a three-week training program for burial agency staffers. The training, which begins tomorrow and lasts until March 23, is for 30 employees and aims to polish their skills in handling the dead, burials and care of cemeteries, said agency spokesman Ghufron Massa. (anr)

The Listening Post

The Listening Post * The numbers are smoking as we continue to devote intensive study to mastering them. I refer to last week's "Listening Post" column, in which I discussed some principal differences between numerical systems in English vs. Bahasa Indonesia (which takes many of its conventions from the European, or Dutch, tradition). One area of difficulty for Indonesians dealing with those old- fashioned Americans is their old-fashioned "English system" of measurements.

Continuity of ASEM assured

Continuity of ASEM assured By Jusuf Wanandi JAKARTA (JP): Like the first APEC Leaders' Meeting on Blake Island, Seattle, the fact that the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) of 25 leaders took place at all is a major achievement. At the meeting, which was an initiative of Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and supported by other ASEAN leaders, the EU Council and EU Commission supported closer cooperation between Asia and Europe.

Mayestik to use new parking system

Mayestik to use new parking system JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will trial an automated parking system at the Mayestik market in South Jakarta next month in an effort to increase revenue. The head of the city parking authority (BP Parkir), Sumaryono, said yesterday that the trial at Mayestik will enable the parking authority staff to accurately count the number of vehicles parked in the market.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 7, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 950 150 181,500 AHAP Insurance 2,800 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,375 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,950 -25 46,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,600 0 0 Anwar Sierad 2,025 -75 751,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,100 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,600 -100 402,500 Argo Pantes 1,800 0 0 Asahimas Flat 3,050 -75 602,500 Asiana IMI...

Indonesia-PNG border talks

Indonesia-PNG border talks JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Officials from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea held their regular border discussion meeting in Vanimo this week, but did not touch on the release of the 12 people held captive by separatist rebels in Irian Jaya. The meeting focused on preparations for the upcoming Border Liaison Meeting and the planned development of a highway connecting the two countries, officials said.

City to phase out bemos this year

City to phase out bemos this year JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is to remove all bemos -- three-wheeled motorized vehicles that carry up to seven people -- from the streets and replace them with other types of vehicles this year. The head of the city land transport control agency, JP Sepang, said yesterday that the governor has issued the necessary instruction to back up the plan. Sepang said that a type of minivan would probably replace the bemos.

Congress gives teachers lots of homework

Congress gives teachers lots of homework By Santi W.E. Soekanto UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): Education experts concluded their congress yesterday with a number of unfinished tasks, including the question of how to lobby the government to bolster education spending.

Canadian mission due here

Canadian mission due here JAKARTA (JP): A group of executives representing seven Canadian geomatics companies will visit Indonesia on March 10 - 12 to discuss their expertise in the context of Indonesian requirements at a seminar to be hosted here by the Canadian embassy. Canadian Ambassador to Indonesia Lawrence T.

Bank Bali warrants exceed foreign limit

Bank Bali warrants exceed foreign limit JAKARTA (JP): Foreign investors will not be able to convert their Bank Bali warrants into shares as long as the bank's foreign portion remains bought out. "It's something beyond our authority. We have to comply with the regulation which imposes a 49 percent (of total listed shares of a company) ceiling for foreign ownership," said an executive of the bank, Firman Soetjahja.

Teijin to set up RI film

Teijin to set up RI film TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Teijin Ltd. is to invest about US$70 million to set up a company to manufacture polyester film in Indonesia in early 1997, a company official said yesterday. The new firm, PT Indonesia Teijin Films, is expected to have capital of about $20 million, and capacity will be 10,000 tons a year, rising to 30,000 tons by 2000, the official at Japan's largest polyester manufacturer said.

Election idea called impractical

Election idea called impractical SEMARANG (JP): A proposal to have the country's political parties administer general elections instead of the government was cast aside by two political experts. While neither Amien Rais of Gadjah Mada University nor Purwoko of Diponegoro University oppose the proposal, which was made by Gen. (ret.) Abdul Harris Nasution during a lecture in Jakarta last week, both believe it to be impractical.

Paul Keating

Paul Keating I am an Indonesian housewife, and am much interested in what's going on in the world. I followed the Australian election on ABC television station at home. I felt a great loss when I learned that Paul Keating lost the election. I have great admiration and respect for him. I think he was a great leader with a great personality. He was brave, realistic and practical. He had the courage to swim against the current.

Role of religious leaders

Role of religious leaders A seminar on development and human rights in Irian Jaya this week heard a message from a native theologist that could be the 11th Commandment: "Thou shalt not overlook religious leaders." The academic, who works at a school of theology in Jayapura, the provincial capital of Indonesia's easternmost province, criticized the authorities for neglecting to give religious leaders in the predominantly Christian region a greater role in the government's effort to modernize the...