Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 May 1996

59 articles found

Hostage crisis ends

Hostage crisis ends The hostage crisis in Irian Jaya has finally come to an end. In one swift operation on Wednesday, the military set free nine of the 11 hostages held captive by Irian Jaya separatist rebels since Jan. 8. Two other hostages were slain by their captors. And eight rebels were killed and two others captured alive by the military, according to the official account. Thus, one of the longest hostage dramas in modern Indonesia came to a conclusion.

Lonsum gets $197m loan

Lonsum gets $197m loan JAKARTA (JP): A diversified plantation firm, PT London Sumatra Indonesia (Lonsum), Wednesday signed the completion of syndication of US$197 million term loan facilities established for the company and PT Pan London Sumatra Plantation. The company said in a statement that the Hongkong Bank & Shanghai Banking Corporation Ltd and the Union Bank of Switzerland were appointed as the arranger and lead manager of the loan syndication.

Investors want powerful partners

Investors want powerful partners JAKARTA (JP): Foreign investors prefer Indonesian businesspeople with political power to become their partners in establishing joint domestic ventures, Chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Aburizal Bakrie says. "This tendency is not healthy," he told reporters here. He said that the tendency is caused mainly by the fact that the government accelerates licensing processes for such businesspeople.

RI, China to cooperate

RI, China to cooperate JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad met with his counterpart from China, Minister Liu Zhongli, on Wednesday to sound out better cooperation in the financial sector. Mar'ie said one possible area of cooperation could be avoiding double taxation to improve two-way trade and investment flows. He said Indonesia must anticipate investment from China. "In terms of investment, China is starting to look abroad now," he said. (rid)

Windfall for telecommunications operators in RI

Windfall for telecommunications operators in RI JAKARTA (JP): The telecommunications industry in Indonesia has witnessed significant growth recently with the development of various facilities, including networks, equipment, value added services and other telecommunications related businesses. In telephone facilities development the government has allowed the participation of private firms in the establishment and management of telephone lines in the country's five telecommunications areas.

Military frees nine hostages

Military frees nine hostages JAKARTA (JP): Six Europeans and three Indonesians held hostage by Irian Jaya separatist rebels since January were flown from the eastern province to Jakarta last night following their release by the Army's Special Force Command on Wednesday. Also on board the transport plane were the bodies of two colleagues who did not survive the ordeal. The two men, Navy Panekanan and Yoshias Lasamahu, were slain by their abductors before the military could rescue them.

On interns

On interns From Kompas The letter in Kompas (April 22, 1996) about interns that are placed in public clinic compels me to respond. An intern myself, I was assigned in the public health clinic in Liquisa district in East Timor. Staffed by a general practitioner, a dentist and other staff, this clinic accepts inpatients. All the staff, including the doctor and dentist, have to perform various jobs: as drivers, health instructors, clerks, treasurer and other odd jobs. Isn't it ironic?

Councilors slam planned toll road rate increase

Councilors slam planned toll road rate increase JAKARTA (JP): A city councilor has said that the proposed hike in rates by the private company operating toll roads in Jakarta was not popular. Banjar Marpaung, chairman of the Commission D on development affairs, said on Wednesday that the company must explain to the public why it is proposing the hike. "The company must tell the House of Representatives which costs in the toll construction business have increased," Banjar of the Golkar said.

WB vows to continue assisting RI

WB vows to continue assisting RI JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank will continue to assist Indonesia, which has put loans from the bank to good use, the bank's president, James D. Wolfensohn, said. The World Bank is the real partner of Indonesia in its development program, he told the press after meeting with President Soeharto at Merdeka Palace on Wednesday. Wolfensohn said he underlined the importance of developing small and medium-scale industries during the meeting.

A sorry business

A sorry business From Jayakarta The appeal of the Information and Education and Culture ministers that by Aug. 17, 1996 all foreign films should be dubbed into Indonesian has drawn various comments from film producers, the House of Representatives and society at large. But surprisingly enough film circles are still divided on this matter, even though dubbing has been going on for years, particularly with telenovelas from Latin America.

Palapa-C2 communications satellite blasted into orbit

Palapa-C2 communications satellite blasted into orbit By Prapti Widinugraheni KOUROU, French Guiana (JP): The Palapa-C2 communications satellite was propelled into orbit yesterday, courtesy of the Ariane 4 rocket, after overcoming last-minute hitches at the Jakarta-based ground control room and densely-clouded skies here. Within 21 minutes after the launch, Indonesia's latest telecommunications satellite was released by Ariane 4 and headed towards its designated orbit.

Pugilist Pino Bahari misses Atlanta Olympic opportunity

Pugilist Pino Bahari misses Atlanta Olympic opportunity JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian middleweight boxer Pino Bahari's dreams of winning a medal at the Olympics was shattered when the national sports controlling body decided not to send him to Atlanta because of injury. The National Sports Council chief Wismoyo Arismunandar made the decision on Wednesday following a thorough study of reports concerning the physical condition of Pino who had sustained a lower back injury.

Young adults song contests to be held

Young adults song contests to be held JAKARTA (JP): The 1996 Young Adults Songwriting and Singing Contest was announced by a foundation here Wednesday. The newly established Foundation for Music and Art announced at the Jamz pub that the contests are open to any Indonesian citizen between 13 and 25 years old. The foundation was established last year in order to promote art and music among young adults.

Air pollution causes health problems

Air pollution causes health problems JAKARTA (JP): Air pollution brings acute and chronic illness to people, an expert at the University of Indonesia warned. Prof. Umar Fahmi Achmadi told a seminar on Healthy Cities for the People's Prosperity on Wednesday that people, who inhale polluted air constantly for a long time usually suffer from difficult to diagnose diseases, Antara reported yesterday.

IPTN to sign US$200 million contract

IPTN to sign US$200 million contract BANDUNG, West Java (JP): The state-owned aircraft maker PT Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN) will ink contracts worth US$200 million at the Indonesia Air Show '96 next month for the supply of 25 airplanes and helicopters. IPTN's commercial director, Heru Santoso, told reporters here on Wednesday that the deals would include the supply of three CN- 235 aircraft and six NBO-105 helicopters to the Ministry of Defense and Security.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. My Country 3:05 Teenage Program: Indonesian Teenager 3:30 TV Series: Fresh Prince of Bell Air 4:05 Comedy 4:30 Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Culture 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: West Kalimantan 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Variety Program: Aneka Hayati 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 Variety Program: Dinamika 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Music: Permata Nusantara 9:00 World News 9:40 Music: Tangga...

UI student trial continues

UI student trial continues JAKARTA (JP): Two students of University of Indonesia told a court here on Tuesday that they had been beaten for removing another student's car without the owner's consent. Erlangga, one of the seven students allegedly beaten by suspect Rifardi Rifiar on Oct. 26 last year, told the Central Jakarta district court in his capacity as a witness that Rifardi ordered all seven first-year students who had removed his car to line up in front of Rifardi.

Suspects proclaim their innocence

Suspects proclaim their innocence JAKARTA (JP): Suspects in a murder case protested their innocence to the East Jakarta district court here yesterday. "I am just an ordinary, uneducated house-wife who can't even speak very well. But I have been telling you the truth. My family and I did not murder the Rohadis," Suparmi, one of the suspects, said, reading her hand-written defense out between sobs. On Oct.

Valmet wins Rl orders

Valmet wins Rl orders HELSINKI (Reuter): Finnish paper machine engineering company Valmet Oy said in a statement on Wednesday it would supply two paper machines worth one billion markka to Asia Pacific Resources International Holdings (APRIL). "The paper machines will be delivered to Indonesia in 1997 and 1998," it said. The annual capacity of the two machines will be about 650,000 tons of uncoated woodfree paper, Valmet said.

Promoting U.S.-RI partnership important: Ambassador

Promoting U.S.-RI partnership important: Ambassador The following is an excerpt of remarks made by the United States Ambassador to Indonesia J. Stapleton Roy at a party hosted by the United States-Indonesia Society on May 10. JAKARTA: Having seen in this century the consequences of withdrawing into isolationism, we are trying to do something that we have never successfully accomplished in our history.

RI beats Japan 5-0 in Uber Cup

RI beats Japan 5-0 in Uber Cup By Arief Suryobuwono HONG KONG (JP): Indonesia downed a stubborn Japan 5-0 on the first day of the final leg of the Uber Cup women's team championship yesterday. Indonesian supporters enlivened the event with thunderous enthusiasm as the red and white of the national flag appeared in splashes of color across the Queen Elizabeth stadium. On the adjoining court, China battled Russia's Uber Cuppers to a 5-0 defeat.

PDI chief absent, supporters weep

PDI chief absent, supporters weep PRAYA, West Nusa Tenggara: A number of Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) supporters wept after waiting for hours in vain for the party chief, Megawati Soekarnoputri, to visit them, Antara reported yesterday. At least 10,000 supporters waited on Wednesday in Praya, the capital of Central Lombok regency, to hear Megawati address the gathering, preparations for which began three months ago.

Eddy Tansil and psychic

Eddy Tansil and psychic From Suara Karya I am referring to the report published in Media Indonesia on May 11, 1996 titled 'Tansil dalam perlindungan sindikat dan paranormal' (Tansil under protection of a syndicate and psychic). The report said that Ki Gendeng Pamungkas (a noted psychic) notified Permadi by phone that Eddy Tansil stayed with him in one of his houses in Bogor. This report clearly underestimates the government and law enforcing bodies.

Credit extended to small businesses declines: Banker

Credit extended to small businesses declines: Banker JAKARTA (JP): The portion of bank loans extended by the country's commercial banks to small businesses has declined recently, Credit Director of Bank Indonesia Mukhlis Rasyid said Wednesday. Furthermore, in the past most loans were used for personal needs, including house purchases, while only a small part of the loans went to production activities, he said. "It's disappointing...

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and Entertainments * 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.

'Ojek' driver found dead

'Ojek' driver found dead JAKARTA (JP): A man believed to be an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver was found dead behind the Jakarta Fair Ground on Jl. Kemayoran in Central Jakarta. Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira said the unidentified victim, who had his throat severed, was found by an area resident at 5 a.m. Abubakar said the resident then reported the finding to a security guard at the Jakarta Fair Ground. "The police found a blood-stained knife near the body," he said.

Eleven more AIDS cases detected

Eleven more AIDS cases detected JAKARTA (JP): Eleven more people with HIV were identified last month, bringing the total number to 401 nationwide, a health official said on Wednesday. Of the 11 new cases, eight of the people tested positive for HIV and the other three have full-blown AIDS, according to the Director General of Communicable Disease Control, Hadi M. Abednego. He said all the new HIV-positive people are women living in South Sumatra.

Indonesia takes on China in today's battle of titans

Indonesia takes on China in today's battle of titans By Arief Suryobuwono HONG KONG (JP): Only the best cut of the Indonesian Thomas Cup squad will be fielded against China today, Badminton Association of Indonesia training director Iwan Setiawan told reporters here yesterday. "It is a must for us to field our best of the best because China's Thomas Cuppers make a very strong team. Our world No. 1, Joko Supriyanto, will certainly lead our team in the first men's singles," Iwan said.

Malaysia to boost film industry

Malaysia to boost film industry KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia is setting up 20-million-dollar state fund to help finance film and television ventures by native Malays, Information Ministry Mohamed Rahmat said. Mohamed said his ministry was working with the treasury and state-owned Bank Pembangunan Malaysia to develop the fund, Bernama news agency reported yesterday.

WB chief visits Gandaria Utara

WB chief visits Gandaria Utara JAKARTA (JP): Mrs. Alaine Wolfensohn, wife of the visiting World Bank president, visited Gandaria Utara subdistrict in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta, on Wednesday to get a close look at the way of life in the area. "Mrs. Wolfensohn is curious to know the people's social activities, such as children's education, and health services in the RW 011 and RW 012 communities," South Jakarta Mayor Pardjoko said.

Relief and joy follow release of hostages

Relief and joy follow release of hostages JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): Relatives and friends of the just freed hostages expressed joy and relief yesterday at the news that their loved ones' four-month ordeal was finally at an end. Maria Warip described the release of her husband, Markus, as nothing short of divine intervention. "The release of my husband and his friends is an answer to all my prayers," an elated Maria told The Jakarta Post yesterday in Padangbulan, Abepura.

Colony cooperates with Inco

Colony cooperates with Inco VANCOUVER (Reuter): Colony Pacific Explorations Ltd said it had agreed in principle with Inco Ltd to carry out mineral exploration and development in Indonesia. The agreement would form an alliance covering the entire island of Sumatra and which will initially focus on the Kareng and Gedang properties in the southern portion of Sumatra.

Police question two people over armed robbery

Police question two people over armed robbery JAKARTA (JP): Police are questioning two men strongly believed to have participated in an armed robbery at Hero supermarket in Kali Malang in East Jakarta on Sunday. "We haven't named the two men as suspects but we are still questioning them in connection with the robbery and the guns used in the crime," head of East Jakarta police detectives Maj. Endang Sunjaya told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Patriotism?

Patriotism? One does not have to be a political scientist or historian to know that fears of a waning of our sense of patriotism are not new. Yet if one listens to the things politicians say, it is clear that patriotism is still strong among Indonesians, 50 years after independence was proclaimed. In the case of Indonesia, there is special reason to be worried.

Telecoms giants produce equipment

Telecoms giants produce equipment JAKARTA (JP): In addition to the various foreign operators based in Indonesia, dozens of overseas equipment manufacturers and vendors have also enlivened the country's booming telecommunications industry.

Economic data better than expected: Morgan

Economic data better than expected: Morgan JAKARTA (JP): JP Morgan issued a rosy report on the Indonesian economy Wednesday, saying that the country's economic indicators prove better than expected. JP Morgan's commercial banking subsidiary Morgan Guaranty said in its report that the inflation rate continued the downward trend to 8.2 percent in April from 9.2 percent in March and 10.5 percent in February.

Indonesia fields 10 teams in Macau

Indonesia fields 10 teams in Macau JAKARTA (JP): Ten teams totaling 54 competitors, the biggest bridge contingent ever sent abroad, left here for Macau via Hong Kong yesterday for the Asia-Pacific Bridge Federation Congress in Macau from May 17 to May 25. Chairman of the Indonesian Contract Bridge Association Wiranto expressed his hope that the team will be able to match the achievements at the Far East Bridge Federation Congress in Hong Kong four years ago.

Extortion rife at Lampung port

Extortion rife at Lampung port BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Deputy governor Suwardi Ramli promised Wednesday to punish Bakauheni port officials who extort money from Java-bound truck drivers. "The illegal levies at Bakauheni must be quashed," Antara quoted him as saying on Wednesday.

Bakrie to raise film output

Bakrie to raise film output JAKARTA (JP): PT Bakrie Diafoil, a joint venture between the Bakrie Group of Indonesia and Diafoil Hoechst Co. Ltd. of Japan, will expand its polyester film capacity by 20,000 tons per annum. Diafoil Hoechst said in a statement on Wednesday that Bakrie Diafoil will start building its second polyester film line in the second half of this year.

New Telkom president to be elected today

New Telkom president to be elected today JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) are likely to elect Brig. Gen. Asman Akhir Nasution as the company's new president during their annual meeting today, informed sources said yesterday. Nasution, an expert adviser to Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave, will replace Setyanto P. Santosa, the current president of PT Telkom, the provider of domestic telecommunications.

Karawaci supermall

Karawaci supermall Referring to the article in The Jakarta Post, May 15, 1996, on page three, titled 'Shopping centers urged to sell traditional food'. I never mentioned the name of Lippo Mall, Karawaci, as written in the article. What I said was there will be malls which have yet to be established that will have set areas for foreign franchises. SUKYATNO NUGROHO Jakarta Note: The reporter was not quoting Mr. Sukyatno Nugroho, nor any other source.

World bowlers in Indocement Cup

World bowlers in Indocement Cup JAKARTA (JP): World bowlers will participate in the 12th Indocement Cup Bowling Championships in Ancol, North Jakarta, from May 22 to June 1. Gemma Burden of England (1995 Women's World Champion), Sweden Marie Holmquist (1994 Women's World Champion) and American Drew Hylen (1995 Men's amateur champion) will take part in the Rp 100 million (US$43,500) championships.

9 killed, 11 hurt in factory accident

9 killed, 11 hurt in factory accident CILACAP, Central Java: Nine construction workers were buried alive when the iron frames of a cement plant's coal storehouse they were working on collapsed on Tuesday. The Kompas daily quoted a witness as saying that a worker was seen tugging at a rope which was tied on one part of the frames, which appeared to not be bolted on tightly. "Because of the strong tugging, the frames swayed and then collapsed," the witness said.

Secondary school English classes not effective

Secondary school English classes not effective JAKARTA (JP): The six years of English as a second language taught at Indonesian secondary schools has turned out to be ineffective, an education observer said Wednesday. Language and Communications Consultant Gloria C. Kismadi said in a seminar that results of English classes is "far from satisfactory".

Menara Gading housing launched

Menara Gading housing launched JAKARTA (JP): A listed property company, PT Putra Surya Perkasa (PSP), will start construction of an apartment complex named "Menara Gading" in Central Jakarta with a total investment of Rp 185 billion (US$79.56 million). "The apartment complex will have seven towers. The construction of the first 26-story tower will start on May 26," PSP's marketing director Sarkoro Handayani said, adding that the construction of the first tower will be ready in May next year.

State managers divulge barriers to going public

State managers divulge barriers to going public JAKARTA (JP): Executives of state-owned companies said they are hindered in their efforts to prepare their firms to go public. The executives, who participated in a two-day seminar on privatization, cited dependence on other state-owned companies as the main barrier to improving their individual company's performance. "As a fertilizer producer, the performance of PT Pusri, for example, depends on the government-set prices of raw materials.

Business partnership campaign launched

Business partnership campaign launched JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto launched a national business partnership drive on Wednesday, appealing to local businesses to help each other compete in the global market. Partnerships between large and small enterprises will help Indonesian businesses face economic globalization and will also modernize Indonesia's economy, Soeharto said.

F-16 deal may happen soon

F-16 deal may happen soon JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the United States' Joint Chiefs of Staff, Gen. John Shalikashvili, said he hopes Indonesia's plan to purchase sophisticated F-16 jet fighters can be wrapped up soon. Speaking to journalists at the end of a three-day visit on Wednesday, Shalikashvili said the remaining minor issues could be resolved quickly. "I'm very hopeful that we can bring this issue to a successful conclusion in the near future," he said.

Tribesmen can't vote

Tribesmen can't vote JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Thousands of members of some isolated tribes in the hinterland of Baliem Valley, Jayawijaya regency, may not be able to vote in the 1997 general elections due to transportation difficulties. Antara quoted Jayawijaya Regent JB Wenas as saying on Wednesday that there are tens of thousands of nomadic tribesmen moving from one place to another across 12 subdistricts. The areas are difficult to reach by land transportation.

Lintasarta: Digital data provider

Lintasarta: Digital data provider JAKARTA (JP): The expanding telecommunications industry in Indonesia has seen several companies establish value-added telecommunications and data communication services providers. One such leading firm is PT Aplikanusa Lintasarta which was set up in April 1988.

RI tourism facing stiff rivalry

RI tourism facing stiff rivalry JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, anticipating stiffer competition from neighboring countries in the Southeast Asian region, will promote its tourist industry consistently with adequate approaches, an executive said. "We don't have to worry if some countries in the Southeast Asian region join hand-in-hand to promote their tourist industries together," chairman of the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board Tanri Abeng said Wednesday.

HRD vital in eastern Indonesia

HRD vital in eastern Indonesia By Riwanto Tirtosudarmo JAKARTA (JP): Eastern Indonesia, the provinces located east of the biogeographic Wallace line, is a vast area containing remarkably diverse heterogeneous ethnic groups which follow everything from stone-age to highly educated and urban lifestyles. It's obvious that development in the provinces, a hot topic during the past five years, will be hampered by this sociocultural plurality.

I like to make things happen: Gontha

I like to make things happen: Gontha JAKARTA (JP): "Relatively high education, friends, working hard and logic," said Peter F. Gontha when The Jakarta Post asked what helped make him a successful manager. Gontha, a commissioner of the widely diversified Bimantara group and chief executive officer of the petrochemical company PT Chandra Asri, graduated from Praehap Institution, a business school in the Netherlands, and spent about 12 years working for foreign companies.

Soeharto wants Tansil's overseas assets tracked

Soeharto wants Tansil's overseas assets tracked JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto ordered Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad Wednesday to trace businessman Eddy Tansil's assets in Hong Kong and China. "Go and trace his assets," Mar'ie quoted the President as telling him. Mar'ie reported to the President on the latest developments in his efforts to trace Tansil's assets, which may have been hidden abroad before his escape from a Jakarta prison last week.

Mr. Big makes a hit with local fans

Mr. Big makes a hit with local fans JAKARTA (JP): Some 3,000 people, mostly young soft rock fans, gave a hysterical welcome to Mr. Big who performed here Monday evening at the Jakarta Convention Center. The group, on its world tour to promote their latest album, Hey Man!, started loud and colorful and remained so for the rest of the concert, twenty bumptious songs in all.

Obituary

Obituary Umar Nur Zain, a senior journalist and novelist, died of a stroke on Wednesday in Jakarta. He was 57. Umar, a reporter for the evening daily Suara Pembaruan, was well-known for his column Si Cemplon. The heroine in this series is a witty young woman, Cemplon, who goes to great length in her criticism about many social issues, ranging from rampant corruption to the sky-rocketing prices of vegetables.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 15, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 925 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,800 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 650 -50 349,500 Andayani Megah 1,475 0 45,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 4,300 25 405,500 Anwar Sierad 2,325 75 703,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,200 0 139,500 Argo Pantes 2,300 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,925 25 91,000 Asiana IMI...

Fire razes 3-storied building

Fire razes 3-storied building JAKARTA (JP): A fire razed a three-storied building housing a small garment firm on Jl. Gunung Sahari in Central Jakarta on Wednesday. "The total loss caused by the fire is being calculated," Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira said, adding that some employees were questioned about the fire. No fatalities were reported.

Komselindo: The cellular expert

Komselindo: The cellular expert Suppose we combine a strong technical expertise in telecommunications engineering and a long history of being a national telecommunications service provider, what would we get? Probably a synergistic joint venture telecommunications operator like PT Komselindo, the leading AMPS cellular mobile telephone service provider in Indonesia.