Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 April 1996

57 articles found

Govt backs radio phone business

Govt backs radio phone business JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to introduce new tariff structures for radio trunking telecommunications systems to make them more attractive to users. Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave acknowledged on Thursday that telecommunications through the radio trunking system are not that popular because the fees are less attractive than those of other telecommunications systems, including the mobile cellular telephone system.

Indonesia seeks oil output markets outside Singapore

Indonesia seeks oil output markets outside Singapore SINGAPORE (Reuter): Indonesia is seeking to stabilize its supplies of diesel and jet fuel by diversifying away from Singapore, a source with the state oil firm Pertamina said on Thursday. Indonesia is a major buyer of these oil products and the diversification would help limit its exposure to sudden price hikes when domestic demand rises, the source said.

RI workers in Malaysia

RI workers in Malaysia It is reported that 6,000 Indonesian illegal workers are imprisoned in Malaysia. They were sent to Malaysia by labor exporting companies which allegedly often violate regulations. With 422,000 Indonesian workers in Malaysia, the country is one of the biggest recipients of Indonesian workers. Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief figured that the state could reap hundreds of dollars if workers exporting companies were managed professionally.

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.

Wood-based industry short of raw materials

Wood-based industry short of raw materials JAKARTA (JP): The wood-based industry will face a shortage of raw material because forest concessionaires can provide only 33.9 million cubic meters of timber a year, while the demand is estimated at 41.2 million cubic meters, an official says.

Two killed in rebels' ambush

Two killed in rebels' ambush ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Moro guerrillas waylaid a small group of Christian landowners in the southern island of Basilan, leaving two men dead and another injured, police said yesterday. The group were attacked by Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) members at a village near Tuburan town as they visited their farms there on Thursday, the police regional headquarters here said. The dead men were brothers.

Tourist resort closed down

Tourist resort closed down UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: The provincial government has closed Lemo, a tourist site well known for its ancient cemetery, after it failed to control souvenir vendors swamping the resort. Head of the local tourism office Erwin Mansoer said yesterday he deplored the closure of Lemo but agreed that the move was the best way to safeguard the image of Tanatoraja as a tourist spot.

Political demography of integration

Political demography of integration By Riwanto Tirtosudarmo The following is the second of two articles on national integration. JAKARTA (JP): The New Order view of transmigration as a means to achieve national integration was explicitly stated for the first time at a transmigration seminar in 1970.

Ambivalent political attitude prevails in society

Ambivalent political attitude prevails in society JAKARTA (JP): Minister of National Development Planning/Chairman of the National Planning Board Ginandjar Kartasasmita says the public has an equivocal attitude toward the government's development policy. People demand stability but at the same time they dislike the government's firm actions towards maintaining it, he said here on Wednesday night. "Many people want stability but are anti-establishment.

Most Bengkulu residents poor

Most Bengkulu residents poor BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Governor Adjis Ahmad said on Thursday that 63.1 percent of the province's 1.3 million residents live below the poverty line. "They need our help...and you know this is no easy job," he said when opening a meeting on the state-sponsored family planning program. The officials tried to evaluate the progress in the implementation of the 1996/97 family planning drive and to prepare a working program on eradication of poverty in the area.

Thesis no longer mandatory at UI

Thesis no longer mandatory at UI JAKARTA (JP): The rector of the University of Indonesia, M.K. Tadjuddin, says he is in favor of reducing study time by scrapping the obligation for undergraduate students to write a thesis. The obligation to prepare a thesis has cost students more time than necessary in completing their studies, he told reporters Wednesday.

Bekasi rape case lawyers and prosecutors appeal

Bekasi rape case lawyers and prosecutors appeal JAKARTA (JP): Both the defense lawyers and prosecutors in the case of a Bekasi gang rape and robbery are appealing the verdict handed down last week by the Bekasi District Court. The 12 defense lawyers said the sentences that the 11 defendants received, which ranged from between five and 14 years, are not fair.

Three 'URC' cars on the road

Three 'URC' cars on the road JAKARTA (JP): The elite Jakarta detectives speed reaction unit, known by its acronym URC, has deployed three of its high- speed patrol cars on the Jagorawi toll road to help arrest careless drivers. Lt. Col. Edi Darnadi, a senior URC officer, said on Thursday that the three vehicles, all of which are sports cars, are equipped with standard investigation kits and safety tools.

No Paper

No Paper In observance of Easter, the Sunday edition of The Jakarta Post will not be published tomorrow. The Post will appear again on Monday. -- Publisher

DHL to spend S$50m on Asian expansion

DHL to spend S$50m on Asian expansion SINGAPORE (Reuter): Air express company DHL Worldwide Express said on Thursday it will spend Singapore $50 million (US$35.5 million) to expand in southeast Asia this year. Company officials also told a news conference that DHL's original core business in documents is seeing strong growth despite the revolution in electronic communications.

TV programs

TV programs Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Gaiking 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Sports: Basket Ball USA 4:05 Film: Out of The Blue 4:30 Science Film 5:00 Evening News 5:25 Travel: My Country 5:30 Hobbies: Karya Innovatif 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: South Sumatra 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Education: 27 Package 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 TV Series: Matahari Malam 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Music:...

Builders blamed for ignoring city utility maps

Builders blamed for ignoring city utility maps JAKARTA (JP): Private developers tend to execute projects without using maps of the City Utility System Coordination Board, officials say. This causes damage of many underground utility systems. The deputy governor for economic and development affairs, Tb. M. Rais, said yesterday the municipality set up the board to coordinate many underground projects in the city.

Green business group formed

Green business group formed JAKARTA (JP): Thirty-five businessmen and several other parties have set up an association to raise environmental awareness in the business community and among the general public. The People's Movement for Environment Preservation (Gerakan Masyarakat Pelestari Lingkungan Hidup) is chaired by A. Hafied Moerdani and his deputy, Anton Avianto Mochtar.

Eddy Tansil to face Rp 500b civil lawsuit

Eddy Tansil to face Rp 500b civil lawsuit JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General Office plans to file a civil lawsuit against Eddy Tansil in a bid to claw back the Rp 500 billion (US$219 million) the tycoon still owes the state.

Robik Mukav named as Army spokesman

Robik Mukav named as Army spokesman JAKARTA (JP): Brig. Gen. Robik Mukav has been appointed as the new Army spokesman, replacing Brig. Gen. Hardi Karso. In a ceremony marking the transfer of duty on Thursday, Mukav vowed that all Army information center staff under his leadership would be able to "communicate" Army policies to the public. Mukav, who was previously chief of the Lilawangsa military district in Aceh, was born in 1946 on Madura Island. He is married with three children.

Citibank employees protest

Citibank employees protest JAKARTA (JP): More than 300 Citibank employees, all members of the local union, staged a protest on Thursday demanding that the management improves their welfare. The non-violent protesters carried signs reading "slow down". "We have three demands. First we want bonuses for all staffers. Second we want the management to allow all executives to become union members.

Quarreling marks first day of new fares in city

Quarreling marks first day of new fares in city JAKARTA (JP): Arguments and negotiation among passengers and drivers colored the first day of the new fares announced on Wednesday. In Jakarta, passengers attempting to pay the outdated fares quarreled with bus crews who told them of the repeated announcements on television.

Factory workers seek severance payment

Factory workers seek severance payment JAKARTA (JP): Forty people claiming to represent around 200 workers of PT Pandawa Mandala Sakti marched to the West Jakarta office of the Manpower Ministry on Thursday, demanding fair severance pay. The workers, who said that they had also filed a complaint with the central office of the Ministry, claimed they were dismissed on Tuesday without prior notice.

The art paradox

The art paradox With an average annual per capita income in Indonesia of less than US$ 1,000, it is little wonder that many Indonesians are boggled by the Rp 5.5 billion (US$2 million) paid for The Deer Hunt, a painting by 19th century Indonesian artist Raden Saleh, at a Christie's auction in Singapore last week. "With that kind of money, you could buy 170 brand-new taxis and provide jobs for 500 drivers," a Jakarta taxi driver was overheard remarking. Others see it differently.

Preparing haj pilgrims' meals no piece of cake

Preparing haj pilgrims' meals no piece of cake JAKARTA (JP): Preparing meals for pilgrims awaiting their departure at haj dormitories is as much a burden as feeding troops. "What's the similarity between pilgrims and army troops? Their food," joked Capt. Imam Santoso, the coordinator of food services for the pilgrims at the Pondok Gede haj dormitory, East Jakarta, and a senior nutritionist at the Gatot Subroto military hospital.

Ecstasy widespread

Ecstasy widespread BANDUNG: The police force has sounded the alarm over the widespread trafficking of Ecstasy, a stimulant that has gained great popularity among young Indonesians. Chief detective of the national police force Brig. Gen. Roesdihardjo said Thursday that, unlike heroin, consumption of ecstasy is not confined to people from "broken homes". Now it turns out that adults from "good families" have become Ecstasy addicts, he told The Jakarta Post.

Airlines to introduce new airfares on Monday

Airlines to introduce new airfares on Monday JAKARTA (JP): Garuda Indonesia, Merpati Nusantara, Bouraq and Mandala airlines have announced that they will introduce the new airfares on Monday, April 8. Sempati Air's spokesman told The Jakarta Post yesterday the airline would discuss the new fares on Monday.

Police seize more Ecstasy pills from a Dutch suspect

Police seize more Ecstasy pills from a Dutch suspect JAKARTA (JP): The police announced on Thursday that they had seized 5,315 more Ecstasy pills of different types and prices from a Dutch national who was arrested with 1,000 pills in his possession the previous day. The pills could fetch around Rp 400 million (US$173,500) through illicit transactions here. According to the head of the City Police Detectives, Col.

Inflation will rise in wake of fare hikes: Economist

Inflation will rise in wake of fare hikes: Economist JAKARTA (JP): This week's transportation fair hikes will probably have contiguous effects on other sectors and send April's month-on-month inflation rate to over 2 percent, an economist has warned. Christianto Wibisono, chairman of the Indonesian Business Data Center, forecasted that the fare hikes will have psychological effects in other sectors, especially those directly or indirectly influenced by transportation.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 4, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 925 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,800 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,750 -25 268,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,700 50 215,500 Anwar Sierad 2,375 150 1,608,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,875 -25 277,500 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asahimas Flat 3,125 25 404,000 Asiana IMI...

Food supplements for students

Food supplements for students BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: At least 76,391 elementary school children living in impoverished villages are being targeted by the government's supplemental food program which will begin in July. The head of the nutrition and family health office at the provincial branch of the ministry of health, Arvin Dyanto, said the aim of the program is to help the growth and development of children.

Wardiman wants art gallery in schools

Wardiman wants art gallery in schools JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro has underlined the need for every school to have an art gallery so that a greater appreciation of art can be instilled in students. "I suggest that every school sets up such a gallery," the minister said. Wardiman made the remark in his key-note speech before thousands of junior and high-school students taking part in an art appreciation program here on Thursday, Antara reported.

Motorcycle thief shot dead

Motorcycle thief shot dead JAKARTA (JP): A 32-year-old man believed to have been involved in a series of motorcycle thefts has been shot dead by the police on Jl. Tanah Tinggi, Central Jakarta. Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. S.Y. Wenas confirmed yesterday the shooting of Hendra Yosef, a resident of Jl. Petaburan, Cilebut district, Bogor, West Java. "The fugitive was shot on Wednesday for resisting arrest," Wenas said. Yosef had stolen 76 motorcycles since 1990, he added.

Parkway hospitals in Asia

Parkway hospitals in Asia SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore's Gleneagles International Pte Ltd (GI), a wholly owned subsidiary of Parkway Holdings Ltd, plans to set up more hospitals and health-care facilities in Asia, a Parkway official said on Thursday. "Currently, we are exploring setting up more hospitals in Indonesia, particularly in Cikarang (in) West Java and Surabaya in East Java," Lim Cheok Peng, managing director of Parkway Group Healthcare Pte Ltd (PGH), told reporters.

Manhattan Transfer offers harmony to Jakartans

Manhattan Transfer offers harmony to Jakartans JAKARTA (JP): After 24 years in the world of music, one of American's best-known vocal groups, the Manhattan Transfer, is still in command of its solid and highly aesthetic vocal technique. They proved it in front of their fans last Wednesday night at the Golden Ballroom in the Jakarta International Hilton Hotel.

Final section of harbor toll road nears completion

Final section of harbor toll road nears completion JAKARTA (JP): The publicly listed toll road developer, PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada, will open the final section of its second toll road project in North Jakarta on May 30. A director of the company, Teddy Kharsadi, said yesterday that construction of the section which connects Ancol Timur and Jembatan Tiga/Pluit in North Jakarta will be completed next month, nearly four months ahead of schedule.

Disappointing dinner

Disappointing dinner On Sunday evening (March 31, 1996) my whole family dined at Pizza Ria, at the Jakarta Hilton International in honor of a little celebration. Pizza Ria has been one of our favorite restaurants in Jakarta, as the service is usually good and so is the band. But, last Sunday's dinner was something different. They treated us like we ate there for free.

2,000 Irianese to enter bureaucracy

2,000 Irianese to enter bureaucracy JAKARTA (JP): The government this year plans to recruit 2,000 people from remote Irian Jaya as civil servants, Minister of Administrative Reforms T.B. Silalahi says. "We will recruit 2,000 Irianese to become civil servants. We will place 1,000 people in Irian Jaya and post another 1,000 to other areas in Indonesia," Silalahi told reporters after meeting President Soeharto on Thursday.

Dominance of Golkar to remain vital: Gus Dur

Dominance of Golkar to remain vital: Gus Dur JAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid predicts that Golkar's dominant role in politics will remain important to prevent problems around the time of the general elections next year. The chairman of Indonesia's largest Moslem organization, Nahdlatul Ulama, said the position of "single majority", which is currently occupied by Golkar, should be maintained so that the 1997 general election and the 1998 presidential election can proceed smoothly.

Ardy to miss Atlanta Olympics badminton

Ardy to miss Atlanta Olympics badminton CHELTENHAM, England (Reuter): Ardy Wiranata, silver medalist at the Barcelona Games in 1992 when badminton made its Olympic bow, has not qualified for Atlanta, although a player from Mauritius, ranked 179 places lower, will be there. Ardy, one of the sport's great artists and entertainers and a former All England champion, is ranked world number seven. But such is the strength of Indonesian badminton that he is rated only fourth in his own country.

Prabowo to become major general soon

Prabowo to become major general soon JAKARTA (JP): Brig. Gen. Prabowo Subianto, the commander of the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus), will soon be promoted to Major-General. Prabowo's promotion is a consequence of the reorganization of the elite red-beret force and of the Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad). Army Chief of Staff Gen. Raden Hartono said on Thursday that the reorganization of the two Army units would be conducted in the near future.

Student may face eight years in jail for beating

Student may face eight years in jail for beating JAKARTA (JP): A university student could face up to eight years in prison if found guilty of beating up another student. A lawsuit against Rifardi Rifiar, a sixth-year medical student at the University of Indonesia, was submitted at the Central Jakarta District Court on Thursday by prosecutor Lukimanto. Rifiardi allegedly beat Barlian Rahmat Parulian Sitompul, who is now suffering from numbness in his neck and legs, according to a medical report.

Freighter reported seized by Vietnam

Freighter reported seized by Vietnam KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A Cambodian-bound cargo freighter, MV Elaine, loaded with US$3 million of Indonesian cigarettes is reported to have been detained by Vietnamese officials, the regional piracy center here said yesterday. The 1,331-ton, 78-meter (234 feet) freighter left the Indonesian port of Kuala Tanjung in Sumatra on March 26 and should have arrived in Sihanoukville on March 31, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB)'s piracy center here said.

Ten more HIV cases found, raising total number to 390

Ten more HIV cases found, raising total number to 390 JAKARTA (JP): Ten more carriers of the Human Immunodeficiency Virus have been identified over the past two months in Indonesia, raising the total number of people with the virus to 390, health officials say. Of the new cases, five are HIV-positive, while the other five have developed AIDS. The Director General of Communicable Diseases Control Hadi M.

Over 200 ticketed in S. Jakarta

Over 200 ticketed in S. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): A raid by the South Jakarta mayoralty netted 391 people on Thursday for violating various regulations, including littering, disrupting traffic and failing to produce their identification cards. Only 208 of the 391 people were ticketed, with 184 being tried in a makeshift court in a tent on Jl. Sutan Agung in front of Pasar Rumput. The on-site trial was presided over by judge Bachtiar Lubis and prosecutor Tobiana Siahaan.

China sweeps singles matches in Davis Cup duel

China sweeps singles matches in Davis Cup duel JAKARTA (JP): Suwandi's consecutive 6-1 losses in the last three sets to China's Xia Jiaping buried his handsome 6-3, 6-2 lead on Good Friday, putting Indonesia's Davis Cup hope on its last legs. Suwandi became the apple of Indonesian fans' eyes after debutant Andrian Raturandang fell 6-0, 6-1, 7-5 to two-time Asian Games gold medalist Pan Bing in China-Indonesia's Asia- Oceania playoff first singles match. But the apple soon turned sour.

Lippo Life raises capital

Lippo Life raises capital JAKARTA (JP): PT Lippo Life, an insurance arm of the Lippo Group, announced that it has received approval from the Ministry of Justice to raise its authorized capital from Rp 60 billion (US$25.6 million) to Rp 240 billion. The company said in a statement Thursday that it will also increase its paid-up capital from Rp 48 billion to Rp 96 billion by issuing one-for-one bonus shares in May.

Newsprint price lowered by 7.7 percent

Newsprint price lowered by 7.7 percent JAKARTA (JP): Newsprint producers and the Union of Newspaper Publishers have agreed to reduce the price of newsprint by 7.7 percent for deliveries through June. Chairman of the Association of Indonesian Pulp and Paper Producers M. Mansur told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that the lower price was made possible by the large supply of old newspapers on the international market.

Antennas for Irian schools

Antennas for Irian schools JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The Jayawijaya regency office is furnishing high schools isolated in the Baliem valley with satellite dishes so they can monitor the development process throughout the country. Jayawijaya regent, J.B. Wenas, told Antara here on Thursday that the program is being conducted in stages. He added that district offices were also being equipped with this facility.

Okada turns up the heat in qualifying practice

Okada turns up the heat in qualifying practice JAKARTA (JP): Japanese 500cc rookie Tadeyuki Okada kept up his pressure on established riders, clocking the fastest time in the qualifying practice of the Indonesian Grand Prix yesterday.

Chinatrust invests in bank

Chinatrust invests in bank NEW DELHI (Reuter): One of Taiwan' biggest banks, Chinatrust Commercial Bank, will invest US$50 million in a joint venture bank with Tamara Bank of Indonesia, Chinatrust chairman Jeffrey L.S. Koo said on Thursday. In an interview with Reuters in the Indian capital, Koo said Chinatrust would control 85 percent of the bank with the balance to be controlled by Tamara Bank. "It is part of our effort to expand all over Asia," Koo said.

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.

Statues in the city

Statues in the city On Monday, April 1, 1996, you did a noble service to your readers, particularly to the expatriates, by writing about the statue at Pancoran, Tebet. I have been asking many of my Indonesian friends about various majestic and beautiful statues in this equally beautiful city (including the one at Pancoran) and what they represent, but I was surprised (and somewhat disappointed) to find that most of them do not know the history behind these statues.

State firms to be revamped

State firms to be revamped JAKARTA (JP): The government will take a number of steps to improve the efficiency and competitiveness of state-owned firms under a program to prepare some of them to go public, Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad said here Thursday. The planned measures, Mar'ie said, will include the streamlining of state firms to reach their ideal economic scales.

Malaysian-RI firm buys 40% of Sempati Air

Malaysian-RI firm buys 40% of Sempati Air JAKARTA(JP): Sempati Air, a domestic private airline, has agreed to sell 40 percent of its shares to Asian Aviation Inc., a Malaysian-Indonesian joint venture, in a bid to increase its capital before floating its stock on capital markets. A Sempati spokesman, Gde Suardhika, told The Jakarta Post on Thursday that Asian Aviation is scheduled to complete transactions on the share acquisition within 10 days after Sempati's shareholders meeting on April 2.

Matsushita to produce semiconductors in RI

Matsushita to produce semiconductors in RI KARAWANG, West Java (JP): The president of PT Matsushita Semiconductor Indonesia broke the ground here on Thursday to start the construction of an assembly plant that will produce two million semiconductors per month. "Matsushita Semiconductor will produce 700,000 microcontrollers and 1.3 million integrated circuits (ICs) per month in 1998," the company's president, Takeshi Kato, said at the ceremony.

New economy airfares for major routes

New economy airfares for major routes Route Current New rate Increment rate (Rp) rate (Rp) (percent) --------- --------- --------- 1. Jakarta-Yogyakarta 111,000 136,000 22.5 2. Jakarta-Semarang 99,000 119,000 20.2 3. Jakarta-Denpasar 195,000 239,000 22.5 4. Jakarta-Surabaya 161,000 197,000 22.3 5. Jakarta-Pontianak 174,000 213,000 22.4 6. Jakarta-Mataram 223,000 273,000 22.4 7. Jakarta-Medan 300,000 368,000 22.6 8. Jakarta-Batam 204,000 250,000 22.5 9. Jakarta-Balikpapan 277,000 339,000 22.3 10.