Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 May 1996

57 articles found

Mien finds RI presence in pageant degrading

Mien finds RI presence in pageant degrading JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Women's Affairs Mien Sugandhi said yesterday that the presence of a young Indonesian woman wearing a swimsuit at the Miss Universe pageant in Las Vegas was humiliating and debased the integrity of Indonesian women. "If Alya Rohali, the Putri (Princess) Indonesia 1996, had gone there as an observer, she would not have appeared that 'agreeable'," Mien was quoted by Antara as telling reporters.

Can Jakartans feel at home in their city?

Can Jakartans feel at home in their city? JAKARTA (JP): From the tailors in the old market to the new Seibu department store, there's something for everyone in the Blok M shopping center. Watch and key repair shops are still in place since the renovation of the center began in 1985. If there are other plans for the shopping center, the "collective memories" of what Blok M means to its long-time patrons must not be wiped out, says Endy Soebijono, an architect.

Thai PM to make minor cabinet changes

Thai PM to make minor cabinet changes By Sutin Wannabovorn BANGKOK (Reuter): Thailand's premier will take his time to make a much-awaited cabinet reshuffle after winning a bruising no-confidence motion over the weekend, political sources and analysts said on Monday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 14, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 925 0 5,000 AHAP Insurance 2,800 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 700 -25 71,500 Andayani Megah 1,475 0 129,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 4,275 25 1,287,000 Anwar Sierad 2,250 -25 78,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,200 0 269,000 Argo Pantes 2,300 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,900 -50 101,500...

Overheated economy in control

Overheated economy in control JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono said yesterday that concerted efforts to reduce the current account deficit and control inflation would serve to keep Indonesia's economic overheating within safe limits. He said monetary policy priorities are controlling the current account deficit and inflation rate so as to maintain macroeconomic stability.

Defense industry in transition

Defense industry in transition By Anak Agung Banyu Perwita BANDUNG (JP): The 20th century has seen more than its share of economic trauma and devastating war. In many parts of the world, actual progress in improving broad-based economic well-being has fallen far short of aspirations. International arms races have captured the attention and considerable critical economic resources of many of the world's nations.

Barefaced chicanery

Barefaced chicanery From Bisnis Indonesia My mother-in-law (who is a university lecturer and also a hajjah) was recently deceived by a group of women who called themselves "wise women" from an Islamic Boarding School in Central Java. At about 1 p.m., she was met by the group at Blok M Plaza in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. One of the group began preaching to my mother-in-law and stressed the need for purifying all belongings.

Monkeys beg for tourists

Monkeys beg for tourists MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The mayoralty is trying to tame hundreds of wild monkeys roaming Pusuk Hill forests in a bid to attract tourists. The monkeys, which hang out along the roads in the forest, are given bananas, sweet potatoes and beans every week. Chief of the local tourism office, Rachmat, said the government wants the monkeys to be like those in Sangeh, Bali. There, the primates hassle tourists for food. Pusuk Hill is home to hundreds of monkeys.

Politicians beg for seats

Politicians beg for seats SEMARANG: Central Java Governor Soewardi says local politicians have flooded him with letters begging him to help them obtain seats on local legislative councils or in the House of Representatives. He claimed that politicians from all three political organizations, Golkar, the United Development Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party, have sent him letters.

More oil refineries needed to meet increasing demand

More oil refineries needed to meet increasing demand JAKARTA L(JP): Indonesia is in dire need of new oil refineries to meet the growing demand for oil products, Minister of Mines and Energy Ida Bagus Sudjana said here yesterday. Speaking at the Indonesia Summit 1996, Sudjana noted that domestic demand currently outstrips the supply from domestic refineries.

TV programs

TV programs TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 Game Show: Fun House 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Children Program: Arena 123 3:30 TV Series: Roseanne 4:05 TV Drama: Kerja Tambah 4:30 Documentary Film: Ngusaba Samba 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: West Nusa Tenggara 6:15 Village Program 6:45 TV Series: Jump Over The Moon Folktales 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 Talks: Mitra Kita 8:00...

Qantas extends its RI services

Qantas extends its RI services JAKARTA (JP): The Australian flag carrier Qantas Airways will open additional routes to Indonesia later this year, visiting Australian Deputy Prime Minister Tim Fischer said yesterday. Both Garuda Indonesia and Qantas will increase their services, including cargo services, Fischer said after meeting with President Soeharto at Bina Graha.

Ahold to open stores here

Ahold to open stores here AMSTERDAM (Reuter): Ahold President Cees van der Hoeven was upbeat yesterday about the Dutch food group's interests in the Far East and outlined plans to open stores in Indonesia and Shanghai later this year. "We are planning to open a pilot store in Indonesia later on this year, possibly in September," he told a press conference shortly before the group's annual shareholder meeting.

2,700 to secure 1997 election

2,700 to secure 1997 election BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The local chapter of the United Development Party has assigned over 2,700 of its members to help the government run the 1997 election. Chief of the party's provincial chapter, Sadeki Yakub, said the move is not to compete with the government's security force but to help it. He said their members will be stationed at all administrative levels in the province, Antara reported. (pan)

Bapepam urged to probe Bank Mashill case

Bapepam urged to probe Bank Mashill case JAKARTA (JP): Several analysts have urged the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) and the management of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) to investigate a controversial "takeover" plan of Bank Mashill. The plan emerged two weeks ago, when Amir Gunawan, a businessman from Singapore, said he had bought a 17 percent stake in the Bank.

Critics push govt to find balance in development

Critics push govt to find balance in development JAKARTA (JP): Government critics gathered yesterday to discuss how the nation fared in terms of economic development over the past 30 years, focusing on social and economic disparity. Members of the Petisi 50 group, while commemorating its 16th anniversary, urged the New Order administration to temper the fervor with which it's been pursuing economic growth.

Junior booters qualify for London

Junior booters qualify for London JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian junior soccer team beat host Malaysia 2-1 in the grand final of the Asia-Pacific Nike Premier Cup in Mindef Stadium, Kuala Lumpur yesterday. Safitri, from PSMS Medan, put his team one up in the 25th minute, while Juanda scored the winner eight minutes before the final whistle. The Indonesian Football Association press released did not mention the name of the Malaysian goal scorer.

'SCTV' management sacks debate producer

'SCTV' management sacks debate producer SURABAYA (JP): The producer who brought together two rival politicians in a highly controversial television debate last month has lost his job at SCTV. Supandi Syahrul, the producer of the debate between Latief Pudjosakti and Sutjipto of the Indonesian Democratic Party, said he was arbitrarily sacked and would sue SCTV management.

Official responsibility

Official responsibility From Media Indonesia I was shocked, dejected and furious on hearing that convict Eddy Tansil (also known as Tan Tjoe Hong) walked out of Cipinang penitentiary. It was reported earlier that Eddy Tansil received extraordinary treatment in the prison. His room was equipped with a television, cassette player, electric fan and refrigerator. He was also allowed to have a cellular phone and to subscribe to some newspapers.

Infrastructures needs $17b in new investments

Infrastructures needs $17b in new investments JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday invited further private investment in clean water supply, toll roads and transportation infrastructure projects. Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar and Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto revealed yesterday that new investments of US$17.1 billion in the three above sectors are open for private participation for the next five years.

Govt urged to tackle infected cotton problem

Govt urged to tackle infected cotton problem JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Textile Association (API) has urged the government to address the problem of cavitoma-infected cotton imported by PT Argo Manunggal International from Calcot Ltd. in California, the United States. Anas Sukarmadji said yesterday that the dispute between Argo Manunggal, one of Indonesia's largest textile companies, is not an ordinary commercial problem that can simply be resolved through an arbitration body.

RI policy commended

RI policy commended World Bank President James Wolfensohn's high praise on Monday for Indonesia's economic growth pattern as a model for developing countries was not meant to be a diplomatic nicety. He simply reiterated the results of the overall assessment of Indonesia's economy by the Washington-based multilateral development bank. Certainly the World Bank, with a large office here, is the most seasoned, independent analyst of the country's economy.

Steady Safe to operate trains

Steady Safe to operate trains JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed transportation firm PT Steady Safe has approval from state-owned railway firm Perumka to develop and operate a commuter train system in Greater Jakarta. Steady Safe said yesterday that the company, through PT Infiniti Indomarga, and Perumka will soon sign an official agreement. Infiniti, 70 percent controlled by Steady Safe, and Perumka signed a memorandum of understanding on the system in June last year.

Where are our anthropologists?

Where are our anthropologists? From Media Indonesia According to recent media reports, especially a RRI radio news broadcast on May 7, 1996, an American anthropologist discovered about 120 families of a isolated tribe in the inner part of Halmahera in eastern Indonesia. The life of this particular tribe is miserable. The people wear shorts made of tree bark. This discovery inevitably invites the questions: Where are our own anthropologists? And what are they doing?

Mitsui gets contract from PLN

Mitsui gets contract from PLN JAKARTA (JP): Japan's Mitsui & Co. Ltd and Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding have secured a contract worth US$70.48 million from the state electricity firm PLN to build steam generators and auxiliaries for two power units in Banjarmasin, South Kalimantan. "We put the power project under a multipackage contract.

Progress of pulp, paper industry

Progress of pulp, paper industry 1. The development of Indonesia's pulp and paper industry in the last five years: 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995* -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. Installed capacity (ton p.a.) - Paper 2,374,000 3,304,000 3,580,600 3,862,100 4,627,900 - Pulp 1,100,000 1,100,000 1,334,700 2,054,700 2,788,400 Total 3,474,000 4,404,000 4,915,300 5,916,800 7,416,300 2.

Most Indonesians prefer mediocrity to competition

Most Indonesians prefer mediocrity to competition JAKARTA (JP): Respected scholar Sayidiman Suryohadiprojo says most Indonesians prefer mediocrity to competition. The retired Army general and former governor of the National Resilience Institute, a military think tank, said yesterday that the Indonesian inclination not to compete for excellence will make it difficult for the nation to survive global competition in the future.

RI expects two 'sepak takraw' golds

RI expects two 'sepak takraw' golds JAKARTA (JP): The newly-elected chairman of the Indonesian Sepak Takraw Association, Beddu Amang, announced yesterday that the association would do its best to get two gold medals in the next Southeast Asian Games here next year. "If women's sepak takraw is contested next year, I believe that both the women's team and regu (three-team unit) will be able to gain two golds," said Beddu yesterday at the council's secretariat.

Freedom of expression a tricky issue

Freedom of expression a tricky issue Demokrasi dalam Pasungan (Politik Perijinan di Indonesia) Edited by Hairus Salim HS and Angger Jati Wijaya Published by Forum LSM/LPSM, Yogyakarta January 1996 155 pp, Rp 8,000. Freedom does not guarantee prosperity and justice, but without freedom, a nation will lose both. (Albert Camus) YOGYAKARTA (JP): You may be silent for a while pondering the above thought expressed by the French author.

Sudjana warns of coal-burning impact

Sudjana warns of coal-burning impact JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana emphasized yesterday the importance of anticipating the environmental impact of the increasing use of coal for power generation.

Romo Mangun's religiosity is beyond all boundaries

Romo Mangun's religiosity is beyond all boundaries By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): He never dreams of reaching the stars. He never feels he creates masterpieces. He never expects any reward for the things he has done. What is important to Father Yusuf Bilyarta Mangunwijaya, popularly known as Romo Mangun, is that a piece of work must reveal its truth and beauty, and its value to humanity. But miracles seem to follow him. Like it or not, he has received many awards for his accomplishments.

Minister again defends national automotive policy

Minister again defends national automotive policy JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Trade and Industry Tunky Ariwibowo has again defended the controversial "national car" policy, saying that the pioneer status given to PT Timor Putra National is a breakthrough for the future of the automotive industry. Tunky said that the pioneer status, which will provide special tax incentives to Timor Putra, was introduced to revitalize the stagnant domestic automotive industry.

Hunger strike staged to protest military

Hunger strike staged to protest military JAKARTA (JP): Seven students, including one female, began a hunger strike yesterday in protest of the military's handling of rioting in Ujungpandang, the capital of South Sulawesi, which led to the deaths of three students. Calling themselves the Indonesian Students Solidarity for Democracy, the students demanded that those guilty be punished as soon as possible.

Sabrina-look-alike contest attracts over 180 entrants

Sabrina-look-alike contest attracts over 180 entrants JAKARTA (JP): Who would miss a chance to win two Air France tickets to Paris or an outfit from Cerrutti 1881 Ladies? These were the grand prizes in the Sabrina Look-alike Contest, which took place on Thursday, May 9, at the Regent Hotel in South Jakarta. The contest, organized by PT Inti Fasindo Internasional and United International Pictures was a promotion for the movie Sabrina, which is now playing in local movie theaters.

The black and white vision of Jakarta's Galeri Antara

The black and white vision of Jakarta's Galeri Antara By Jim Plouffe JAKARTA (JP): Yudhi Soerjoatmodjo wasn't happy. He couldn't picture himself as a salesman or a businessman. "That's what my parents wanted," he now says with some guilt. That was 1985, when Yudhi was studying economics at the American University in Paris and the pressure was keeping him awake at night. His doctor told him to find a hobby.

Oetojo prepared to take the heat for Tansil's escape

Oetojo prepared to take the heat for Tansil's escape JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman, facing increasing public pressure for the escape of convicted businessman Eddy Tansil, says he's ready to take the heat. "I wrote a report to President Soeharto as soon as I found out last Tuesday that Tansil had escaped. I'll comply with whatever decision the President makes about me," he told reporters yesterday.

YLKI against increase in city toll rates

YLKI against increase in city toll rates JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) is against the proposal to increase the toll on the city's turnpike, and urges the House of Representatives to listen to the people before approving such a proposal. YLKI Chairperson Tini Hadad said yesterday in reference to a statement made by the minister of public works that a proposal on toll increases will be officially submitted to President Soeharto next month.

Golf course owners told to groom juniors

Golf course owners told to groom juniors JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Sports Council, Wismoyo Arismunandar, urged golf course owners to set up clubs and recruit national golfers in a bid to improve their performance at international events. "Many golf courses have been built in the country at the expense of lots of people. Yet we have not seen our golfers perform commendably," Wismoyo said while receiving the junior national team for the Asia Pacific championship yesterday.

The Ecstasy problem

The Ecstasy problem Police and customs officials have reacted quickly to the public's rising concern with the circulation of the drug Ecstasy. After the seizure of thousands of Ecstasy pills estimated to be worth Rp 1.8 billion at Soekarno-Hatta Airport in March, the authorities at the beginning of this month again succeeded in foiling an attempt to smuggle the dangerous drug into the country.

China-RI trade has potential: Zhu

China-RI trade has potential: Zhu JAKARTA (JP): Sino-Indonesian trade has developed rapidly since the two countries resumed diplomatic ties five years ago. Beijing now sees cooperation in the energy sector as the most important component of bilateral cooperation, China's Deputy Vice Premier Zhu Rongji said yesterday. "Indonesia, which is comprised of more than 10,000 islands, need power plants to develop its economy.

ACeS chooses Proton to launch its satellite

ACeS chooses Proton to launch its satellite JAKARTA (JP): PT Asia Cellular Satellite System (ACeS), a Jakarta-based mobile satellite telecommunications operator, has chosen a Russian Proton rocket for the launch of its Garuda satellite. ACeS's chief executive officer, Adi Rahman Adiwoso, said yesterday that his company would still hold a series of negotiations with Russia's Krunichev Enterprise, the Proton producer, about the launching costs.

Shopping centers urged to sell traditional food

Shopping centers urged to sell traditional food JAKARTA (JP): A cabinet minister has urged owners of shopping centers in the city to provide space for sellers of traditional Indonesian food, enabling such food to compete with the massive marketing of foreign cuisine here.

Rights body urged to investigate killing

Rights body urged to investigate killing JAKARTA (JP): Rights activists yesterday urged the National Commission on Human Rights to investigate last month's shooting incident in West Kalimantan, during which one protester was killed. The activists, representing seven non-governmental organizations, also asked commission members to visit those injured in the incident, which they said are still living in fear.

Polysindo gets BB-minus

Polysindo gets BB-minus SYDNEY (Reuter): Standard & Poor's Corp said it had placed its BB-minus corporate credit rating of Indonesian textile firm PT Polysindo Eka Perkasa on creditwatch with positive implications. The credit ratings agency said it had also placed the BB-minus rating assigned to Polysindo's US$125 million 2001 global notes on creditwatch with developing implications.

Wayang comes to the CSIS

Wayang comes to the CSIS JAKARTA (JP): The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) will stage a shadow puppet play this evening from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The play, entitled Bagaswati and Narasoma, is from the Mahabharata epic and will be presented in English by puppeteer Suhartoyo, a former Indonesian ambassador to London. This is the story of Pujawati, the only child of priest Bagaspati of the Hargobelah monastery. In her dream, she meets Narasoma and falls in love with him.

Perumka complains about bills

Perumka complains about bills JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned railway company Perumka is complaining about the huge monthly electricity bills it pays for the electrical commuter trains in the Jabotabek area. The head of Operational Division I, Eddy Sasongko, told reporters on Monday that it pays Rp 750 million (US$326,086) a month for the Jabotabek trains. The Operational Division I covers Jakarta and its surrounding areas, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi in West Java.

PMI detects 39 HIV-positive donors

PMI detects 39 HIV-positive donors JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) said it has taken a series of measures to screen out HIV-positive blood donated by the public, thus preventing its transfusion to patients. Melanie Wikanta, chief of PMI's Central Blood Transfusion Unit, said the organization had detected 39 donors whose blood was HIV-positive since it introduced the tests to prevent contamination in 1992.

Indofood's profits up 37%

Indofood's profits up 37% JAKARTA (JP): PT Indofood Sukses Makmur announced yesterday that its net profits for the first quarter of 1996, ending March 31, increased by 37 percent to Rp 76 billion (US32 million) over the same period of last year. An executive of the company, Eva Riyanti Hutapea, said in a statement that Indofood's consolidated sale revenues rose by 90 percent to Rp 679 billion in the first quarter of this year from the same period of last year. (alo)

Military launches Irian operation

Military launches Irian operation JAKARTA (JP): The military has launched an operation against the separatist rebels in Irian Jaya holding 11 European and Indonesian scientists hostage in the Jayawijaya regency, a senior Armed Forces (ABRI) officer said yesterday. "A team is now in pursuit of the GPK," Lt. Gen. Soeyono, ABRI chief of general affairs, told Antara.

Pulp industry faces low prices and oversupply

Pulp industry faces low prices and oversupply By Prapti Widinugraheni JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's burgeoning pulp and paper industry, which some analysts predict will become giant, is being hampered by price declines and oversupply issues. Indonesian pulpmakers and government officials are both confident that adding new pulp and paper mills while expanding operating mills will not significantly lower current prices.

Detectives sharpen skills at environment course

Detectives sharpen skills at environment course SERPONG, West Java (JP): Cases of pollution and environmental damage will continue to increase if reports and complaints are not handled seriously, National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Dibyo Widodo said yesterday. Different perspectives among law enforcers and a lack of skills and coordination are the main constraints to coping with environmental cases, he admitted.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Dai-ichi, Jl. Senen Raya 135, Central Jakarta. - Mezzanine Lounge: The Praise Vocal Group, nightly except Sundays, from 8 p.m. to 11 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.

Pertamina sells LSWR

Pertamina sells LSWR SINGAPORE (Reuter): Indonesia's state oil company, Pertamina, plans to allocate 3.7 million barrels of low sulfur waxy residue (LSWR) in June, a company official said yesterday. He said there were no further May LSWR available beyond the 3.8 million barrels already allocated. In May, Pertamina initially allocated 3.7 million barrels but industry sources said the company later added 300,000 barrels.

Indonesia's pulp export target hard to reach

Indonesia's pulp export target hard to reach JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has an ambitious target for pulp exports of 1.15 million tons this year, but such hopes may have to be played down if prices on the international market are unfavorable, an official says. The Ministry of Industry and Trade's Director of Pulp and Paper Industry Gatot Ibnusantoso told The Jakarta Post in a recent interview that the country's revenues from pulp and paper exports reached US$1.45 billion last year, accounting for 3.

Vietnam, S'pore strengthen ties

Vietnam, S'pore strengthen ties HANOI (Reuter): The prime ministers of Vietnam and Singapore have pledged to strengthen ties and cooperation in several areas, the Vietnam News Agency said yesterday on the first full day of a visit by Singapore's Goh Chok Tong. "The two leaders compared notes in an open-hearted and frank atmosphere, focusing on measures to further promote ties between the two countries as well as regional and international issues of common concern," VNA said.

78 hoodlums netted in raid

78 hoodlums netted in raid JAKARTA (JP): Police have netted 78 hoodlums in various places in Central Jakarta. Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira said that the raid, which started at 9 p.m on Monday, also netted six drunkards and three gamblers. The raid ended at 4 a.m. yesterday. "We seized six machetes," Abubakar said yesterday. He said that 10 male prostitutes were netted on Jl. Lapangan Banteng, Central Jakarta.

Astra Graphia's acquisition

Astra Graphia's acquisition JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed PT Astra Graphia, a supplier of office electronic equipment, said yesterday that it will acquire 100 percent of PT Mitracorp Footwear International with an aim to diversify its business. The company issued a statement saying the acquisition is still subject to approval from independent shareholders. Mitracorp is 77 percent owned by Astra International and the remaining 23 percent by 15 other parties.