Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 7 May 1996

51 articles found

Government rejects televised electioneering

Government rejects televised electioneering JAKARTA (JP): The government has quashed a suggestion that television stations be permitted to air election campaign commercials, saying it is against existing rules. Promotional flicks for religious purposes, for political purposes and for individuals are not allowed, according to Dewabrata, the director general for radio, film and television at the Ministry of Information.

ABRI asked to make 'positive contribution'

ABRI asked to make 'positive contribution' JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives speaker Wahono yesterday told the Armed Forces, now a target of human rights abuse allegations, to make a "positive contribution" to the nation. "It is expected that the Armed Forces be able to safeguard and implement its commitments as a vanguard of the people's interests," he said.

Union leader denies back-room deals charge

Union leader denies back-room deals charge JAKARTA (JP): A union leader, accused of cutting a back-room deal with cigarette producers at the expense of workers, lashed out at leaders of the All-Indonesian Workers Union Federation whom he said were ill-informed.

Students protest bus fare hike

Students protest bus fare hike JAKARTA (JP): More than 300 students from various universities around Java held a demonstration yesterday at and around the Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center in Central Jakarta, asking the government to revoke the ministerial decree that recently raised public transportation fares. The demonstration started at 3 p.m. and disrupted traffic on Jl. Cikini Raya for nearly three hours.

Five establishments closed down

Five establishments closed down JAKARTA (JP): The city public order office has closed down five entertainment centers for seven days for violating opening- hour regulations during Idul Adha. The head of the entertainment department of the city public order office, Toha Reno, said yesterday that the centers are the Kristal Nefonda and Amigos pubs in Kemang, South Jakarta, Maduma a live music club in Jl. Gajah Mada, Central Jakarta.

RI expects rise in domestic investment level

RI expects rise in domestic investment level JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo forecasted yesterday that the value of domestic investment approvals will surpass the value of foreign investments this year. Speaking at a business meeting promoting investment in the country's eastern provinces, Sanyoto disclosed that during the first four months of this year alone, the government approved 341 domestic investment projects worth Rp 53.2 trillion (US$22.7 billion).

Criticism is needed: Wahono

Criticism is needed: Wahono JAKARTA (JP): Back from a one-month recess, the House of Representatives is eager to begin hearings and take aim at what it sees as a low level of integrity in certain government officials. House of Representatives speaker Wahono said yesterday that as a "moral force" representing the people, the House has a responsibility to help correct government behavior.

The child labor dilemma

The child labor dilemma The Ministry of Manpower's director general for guidance and supervision, Suwarto, said during a seminar in Jakarta last Tuesday that about 2.4 million Indonesian children aged between 10 and 14 years are forced to work. This, according to the director general, is not only a labor problem, but a complicated national problem which calls for an overall solution. The facts show that the number of child workers continues to increase each year.

Fire destroys Tangerang factory

Fire destroys Tangerang factory TANGERANG (JP): Tangerang police have yet to trace the cause of the fire which destroyed a swim-suit factory on Friday. An officer who did not want to be identified said yesterday that an investigation is now underway. On Friday, a fire razed PT Kinzone International, located in Kadu village in the Curug sub-district. It caused estimated losses of Rp 100 million.

National Tennis Body to hold selection meet

National Tennis Body to hold selection meet JAKARTA (JP): The National Tennis Body of the Indonesia Tennis Association has a new program in which it will select the country's best players as its backbone in international events. Chairman of the board, Wimar Witoelar, said yesterday that after the national men's team's losses to South Korea and China in the Davis Cup match in February and March, the body will need to work hard at the program.

Indonesia to request offset in F-16 plane deal

Indonesia to request offset in F-16 plane deal JAKARTA (JP): State-owned aircraft manufacturer PT IPTN is eying an offset for the government's purchase of nine F-16 war planes from the United States. The company's president, B.J. Habibie, who is also state minister of research and technology, said here yesterday that the government is currently negotiating with the U.S. government for such an offset arrangement.

Minister deplores inefficient use of development funds

Minister deplores inefficient use of development funds JAKARTA (JP): Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita deplored yesterday the inefficient use of developmental funds, saying it hampered past poverty alleviation programs. "We're actually not short of developmental funds. What's happened is that the available funds aren't being utilized the way they should," said Ginandjar, who is also chairman of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas).

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 6, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 925 0 12,500 AHAP Insurance 2,800 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 725 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,475 -50 949,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 4,300 0 20,000 Anwar Sierad 2,350 -50 293,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,250 -50 23,000 Argo Pantes 2,150 50 7,000 Asahimas Flat 2,850 25 69,500 Asiana IMI...

Regulate bus rental

Regulate bus rental Many drivers are reluctant to pick up school children and students simply because they pay the old fare of Rp.100, while the government has increased the bus fare for the general public. This is depressing. The government has given the company the right to raise fares, but it is not fair for the drivers to refuse to pick up school children and students for commercial reasons.

Ansett adds more flights

Ansett adds more flights JAKARTA (JP): Ansett Australia yesterday launched two additional services linking Jakarta and Sydney, with flights to Jakarta four times per week. Ansett began last February flying to Jakarta twice per week, operating Boeing B-747-300 airplanes. In addition to Ansett, there are currently four other carriers linking Indonesia and Australia: Garuda Indonesia, Merpati Nusantara Airlines, Sempati Air and Qantas.

Researcher finds isolated tribes

Researcher finds isolated tribes SOASIO, Maluku: An anthropologist from Yale University in the United States, currently here studying the lives of the isolated Togutil tribe in the hinterland of Halmahera, Maba district, has stumbled upon hundreds of nomadic Biribiri tribesmen. Christopher Duncan told Antara yesterday that the tribesmen's living conditions are deplorable. "They are still unclothed and roam the forests, arming themselves with spears, bows and arrows" he said.

Evian moves to environment-friendly packaging

Evian moves to environment-friendly packaging By T. Sima Gunawan JAKARTA (JP): A French company recently started bottling its mineral water in environmentally friendly packaging. Evian, the brand name of the mineral water, has spent US$40 million in the investment of the bottles, according to Pascal Bardoil, area manager of its mother company, Danone International Brand.

RI imports kerosene

RI imports kerosene SINGAPORE (Reuter): Indonesia's import allocation of dual purpose kerosene (DPK) in May was estimated at 1.2 million barrels, and its gas oil imports were also at 1.2 million barrels, industry sources said yesterday. They said most of its DPK demand have been covered but it still has requirements for 400,000 barrels of gas oil. In April, Indonesia imported about 900,000 barrels of DPK and 1.7 million barrels of gas oil.

Police still investigating Central Jakarta suicide

Police still investigating Central Jakarta suicide JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta police are still collecting information about the death of a man, who was believed to have committed suicide after wounding his girlfriend on Jl. Bungur Besar, Central Jakarta, on Saturday morning. City Police spokesman Lt. Col.

Beijing says Britain seeking confrontation over Hong Kong

Beijing says Britain seeking confrontation over Hong Kong By Peter Lim HONG KONG (AFP): China has launched a new campaign to stop Britain undermining efforts to build up its controversial shadow administration preparing for next year's handover. Beijing stepped up pressure on the colonial government in Hong Kong with a commentary accusing the British side of "seeking confrontation rather than cooperation" over the change of sovereignty.

Porpoises face extinction

Porpoises face extinction SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The Mahakam River porpoises, considered to be the symbol of the province's natural wealth, are facing extinction, Antara reported yesterday. Ade Rachmat, head of the local conservation office, quoting a study by the Bogor Institute of Agriculture and the Ancol Ocean Foundation, said the present population of the species may not even exceed 100.

A Brazilian angle

A Brazilian angle Myra Sidharta (The Jakarta Post, May 3, 1996) is not alone with his visa problems. Visa officers are bureaucrats and they live to stamp forms and shuffle paper. To keep budgets from being cut -- or to get them increased -- missions abroad persuade their foreign affairs' people back home that they should screen people to death. Consequently they demand to know anything that might have any relevance to the visa application before stamping your passport.

Japan bank promises aid

Japan bank promises aid JAKARTA (JP): The visiting governor of Export-Import Bank of Japan Hiroshi Yasuda promised yesterday to continue soft loan facilities if the Indonesian government maintains the country's macro-economic stability. "We expressed our hope that the Indonesian government will be able to manage the country's economy prudentially so that we could continue our soft loans," he told newsmen after meeting with Vice President Try Sutrisno.

52 companies interested in giant waterfront project

52 companies interested in giant waterfront project JAKARTA (JP): Fifty two companies have expressed an interest in taking part in the giant waterfront project, including land reclamation, in the Jakarta Bay. The companies gathered yesterday at a presentation of the reclamation project plan by Governor Surjadi Soedirdja in Ancol, North Jakarta. Surjadi officially invited the companies to invest in the huge project.

Bank Indonesia sells half its stake in Ficorinvest Bank

Bank Indonesia sells half its stake in Ficorinvest Bank JAKARTA (JP): The central bank, Bank Indonesia, plans to divest half of its 71 percent stake in the publicly-listed Ficorinvest Bank by selling its rights shares to other parties. "It is in line with the central bank's policy to gradually reduce its ownership in banks (formerly non-banking financial institutions) to avoid conflicts of interest," a director of Bank Indonesia, Haryono, said yesterday. "So, it's not a sudden decision.

Kumho-Tri Polyta venture

Kumho-Tri Polyta venture SEOUL (AFP): South Korea's Kumho Petrochemical Co. said yesterday it would build a US$200-million joint venture in Indonesia to produce synthetic rubber jointly with PT Tri Polyta. Kumho and the Indonesian partner signed a letter of intent here for the plant, which will be capable of producing 50,000 tons of styrene butadiene rubber and 40,000 tons of polybutadiene rubber annually.

Bugiarso eyes PABA crown win

Bugiarso eyes PABA crown win JAKARTA (JP): The hands of Bugiarso, which landed a fatal blow to Akbar Maulana in a title bout on May 12 last year, will try to seize the belt of Pan Asian Boxing Association (PABA) junior featherweight champion Alexander Pak of Russia at the Senayan Basketball Hall on Thursday. Bugiarso, who struggled for three months to overcome the sense of guilt at Maulana's death, said yesterday that he was set to beat Pak in a scheduled 12-round bout.

U.S. painter to hold solo show

U.S. painter to hold solo show JAKARTA (JP): American painter Ting Shao Kuang will hold an exhibition at the Arta Graha building, Central Jakarta, from tomorrow to May 18. According to Agenanda Djatmika, the chief of the organizing committee, the purpose of the exhibition, which includes 45 landscape paintings of Indonesia, is to raise funds for scholarships for needy children. The exhibition is sponsored by Yayasan Binabhakti Mandiri and P.T. Citraseni Indonesia Bagus.

Malaysia unveils new growth plan

Malaysia unveils new growth plan KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad unveiled yesterday a five-year multi-billion-dollar plan to achieve steady economic growth and eradicate the country's current account deficit. The so-called Seventh Malaysia Plan increases development spending 38 percent from the previous five-year program to 162.5 billion ringgit (US$65 billion) for the five years to the end of 2000. Much of that spending would be ploughed into infrastructure.

Nine die in two accidents

Nine die in two accidents SALATIGA, Central Java: Nine people have died and dozens of others injured in two separate road accidents which occurred here and in Surakarta. The first accident took place in Tuntang village, Salatiga on Sunday. Four people died after a speeding PT Coca Cola truck collided head on with a Mulyo Indah passenger bus traveling in the opposite direction. The truck was at the time trying to overtake the vehicle in front of it.

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.

Travel agents asked to boost tourism in provinces

Travel agents asked to boost tourism in provinces JAKARTA (JP): The government is calling on businesses to hold international tourist-related events in various sites beyond the country's prime cities to create more awareness on Indonesian tourism destinations for both domestic and foreign visitors.

Role of the press

Role of the press If there is one thing the speaker of the House of Representatives is known for, it is his straightforward statements. Given his reputation, it is not surprising that some of the most pointed criticism of the Indonesian press delivered by a top-ranking public figure has come from our respected House Speaker, Wahono.

Retailer training starts

Retailer training starts JAKARTA (JP): The Sinar Mas Group and Australia's Lend Lease Corporation (LLC) yesterday embarked on a program to enhance the entrepreneurial skills of retail owners and salespersons. The four-day training project is being conducted by Yayasan Ketrampilan Indonesia (Indonesia Skills Foundation) with instructors from LLC. The program was opened yesterday by the chief of the Ministry of Manpower's Jakarta office, Freddy F.

Unsafe parking

Unsafe parking From Neraca One morning some time ago I parked my car in the Bapindo Plaza building on Jl. Jend. Sudirman, South Jakarta. At about noon when I returned to my car, I was shock to find it had been broken in to. The rear window was broken, and my bag and car stereo had been stolen. Reporting the incident to the security personnel was very frustrating: "I don't know anything about that, we are not responsible for any loss of items in vehicles.

Inquiry urged into activist's death

Inquiry urged into activist's death SURABAYA (JP): Some 1,000 local workers staged a noisy demonstration at the East Java provincial legislative council yesterday, demanding the continued investigation of the killing of labor activist Marsinah. Calling themselves the Committee for the Commemoration of Marsinah's Murder, the protesters carried posters and unfurled banners. "Stop violence against workers," read one banner.

Navy arsenal explodes

Navy arsenal explodes JAKARTA (JP): A number of bullets of small caliber at the Indonesian Navy arsenal at Marunda in North Jakarta went off yesterday, but no fatalities were reported. According to a fireman, the incident took place at one of the dozens of buildings used to store armaments. "We have been informed that it's a natural process," he said. "It sounded like fireworks," said the fireman, adding that three fire engines were sent to the fire site. The explosion started at around 10 a.m.

Poor families

Poor families Correction:The headline for the story on the poor families in Kalibaru, North Jakarta, which appeared on this page yesterday should have read Kalibaru poor families want more aid, instead of Food poisoning from 'bubur ayam' reported. We regret the error. -- Editor

PLN to sell electricity surplus to local industries

PLN to sell electricity surplus to local industries JAKARTA (JP): The North Sumatra, Medan-based, unit of the state-owned electricity company PLN is to sell its power surplus to industries in other provinces in Sumatra, including Aceh, West Sumatra and Riau. "Currently, our generation capacity is 1,300 megawatts (MW), while our peak-load is only 600 MW. We, therefore, can sell about 500 MW more," the unit's chief, Budi Harjanto, said yesterday.

Microsoft opens office here

Microsoft opens office here JAKARTA (JP): Microsoft Corporation, a multinational computer software company, has established a wholly-owned subsidiary here, called PT Microsoft Indonesia, to benefit from the robust growth of the country's information technology industry. "We're starting our office here with a core team of managers and system engineers.

Life saving clubs

Life saving clubs S. Kartamadjana's letter to Gatra, reprinted in The Jakarta Post, May 1, 1996, is a wise call for what is a serious problem. The growing mobility of the Indonesian public and the number of people visiting beaches in the Pelabuhan Ratu area, the beach playground for Jakarta and Bandung, has risen considerably. On national public holidays thousands of people visit this area. Unfortunately, the surf proves too much for some.

Death demanded for murder trial couple

Death demanded for murder trial couple JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutors yesterday demanded a court sentence a couple to death for an alleged murder last year. Philipus Kia Lejab and his wife, Suparmi, after being tried in separate hearings for three months were accused of murdering a woman and her three children at the victim's home in the Bambu Apus sub-district of East Jakarta on Oct. 2.

TB rampant, despite fall in number of sufferers

TB rampant, despite fall in number of sufferers JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health Sujudi has said that tuberculosis (TB) is still a serious problem in Indonesia, although the number of sufferers is now declining. This high prevalence has nothing to do with the spread of the Acquired Immunity Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), he said. It has more to do with the difficulties of containing the lung disease, Sujudi told reporters after meeting Vice President Try Sutrisno at Merdeka Selatan Palace.

Youths face 18-year jail sentences for slayings

Youths face 18-year jail sentences for slayings JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutors demanded here yesterday that a court sentence three youths to 18 years in prison for allegedly killing four people. A team of prosecutors comprised of Siti Ratna, Sri Yatmi and Wirzal Yanuar are seeking the minimum punishment under chapter 340 of the criminal code violations, which cites that those found guilty of premeditated murder are to face capital punishment, life in prison or a minimum 20-year prison term.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Kid's Song 3:05 Children Program 3:30 TV Series: Beyond Tomorrow 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 Science: The Great Deep of Century 4:30 Culture 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lesson 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: Maluku 6:15 Village Program 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 Talks: Wawasan 8:05 TV Drama 9:00 World News 9:30 Quiz: Siapa Dia 10:30 Late News 10:40 TV Series: Harapan Nan Sirna Program 2 4:30...

New incentives on offer for investment in eastern areas

New incentives on offer for investment in eastern areas JAKARTA (JP): The government is to offer new tariff and tax incentives and other facilities to attract more investment in the eastern provinces, especially Irian Jaya. Executive Chairman of the Eastern Indonesian Development Council B.J.

TV dubbing proposal still open to public's discussion

TV dubbing proposal still open to public's discussion JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko said yesterday that his recent proposal that television stations dub all foreign programs into Indonesian language is not yet binding. "It's still a proposal, not yet a law, and we're open to suggestions," he said after submitting a draft bill on broadcasting to the House of Representatives yesterday. The minister's proposal is incorporated into the 58-chapter draft bill.

Life after eviction in Tanjung Priok

Life after eviction in Tanjung Priok JAKARTA (JP): A few makeshift shacks were all that remained of the rows of concrete and plywood homes along Jl. Agung Karya VI in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta on Saturday. "At night, and when it rains we huddle around together," an elderly man said, amid the charred ruins of a fire that left 74 families homeless on Thursday. Women carrying almost-naked babies wandered around the ruins vainly searching for valuables or clothing that might be salvageable.

Burma should earn ARF status

Burma should earn ARF status Thai Foreign Minister Kasem S. Kasemsri was the first senior ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) official to publicly support Burma's application for membership in the ASEAN Region Forum (ARF). The basis of his argument is that Burma is a member of Southeast Asia and will soon join ASEAN as well. Therefore, other non-ASEAN countries should not be concerned.

Deliberation of broadcasting bill underway

Deliberation of broadcasting bill underway JAKARTA (JP): The government and the House of Representatives began deliberating the long-awaited bill on radio and television broadcasting yesterday. In the first stage of the law-making process, Minister of Information Harmoko presented the government's views on the bill before a plenary meeting at the House.

New deregulation aims to strenghten industry

New deregulation aims to strenghten industry JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Trade and Industry Tunky Ariwibowo yesterday asserted that the deregulation measures which the government will soon introduce were not meant to compensate for the recent increase in production costs. Tunky said here that the deregulation is aimed to create a strong and efficient domestic industry.