Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 June 1996

55 articles found

Traffic detour at Monas

Traffic detour at Monas Jakarta (JP): Starting today there will be several traffic detours near Monas compound. The inner section of Jl. Pelataran Monas will be closed to the public. All vehicles will be redirected to a new road parallel to Jl. Silang Monas. Other roads will remain open but function in a clockwise direction except for Jl. Silang Merdeka Timur Laut, which will be for two-way traffic. These new regulations will be in force until all road work around the area is completed.

RI labor conditions improving, says Latief

RI labor conditions improving, says Latief JAKARTA (JP): The positive results of Indonesia's years of hard work to improve workers' conditions have won international recognition, Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief said yesterday. Latief said over the past 12 years, Indonesia has been a target of international criticism for its alleged violation of workers' rights and lack of freedom of association.

Troubled factory will be renovated: Management

Troubled factory will be renovated: Management JAKARTA (JP): Executives of PT Sarkis Pacific Indonesia, whose factory in Tangerang was burnt down by angry employees on Tuesday, have planned to immediately renovate the plant and begin production again. "We hope that the factory's renovation could be completed in 30 to 60 days, but it's subject to our financing bank," President Director Steve Jamkoujian told reporters here yesterday. Located at a five-hectare site on Jl.

Little progress made at Geneva East Timor talks

Little progress made at Geneva East Timor talks JAKARTA (JP): The eighth meeting between Indonesian and Portuguese foreign ministers under the auspices of the United Nations Secretary-General ended in Geneva on Thursday, with little headway in resolving the East Timor question.

UNESCO photo contest deadline

UNESCO photo contest deadline JAKARTA (JP): Professional and amateur photographers are urged to send in entries for the 19th world photo contest by July 31. By this date entries, which must be original and unpublished, must reach the Asia-Pacific Cultural Center for UNESCO in Tokyo, Japan. Forms and information can be obtained at the office of UNESCO at the UN building at Jl. M.H. Thamrin 14 in Central Jakarta. No entry fee is required.

Two firms pay dividends

Two firms pay dividends JAKARTA (JP): The shareholders of PT Mayora Indah, a publicly- listed manufacturer, approved a final dividend of Rp 25 (1 U.S. cent) per share for 1995. Mayora's sales revenue increased by 22 percent from Rp 249 billion in 1994 to Rp 304 billion last year, while its net profit rose 15 percent from Rp 43.6 billion to Rp 50 billion last year. Meanwhile, PT Ometraco Realty, a publicly-listed property developer, announced a final dividend of Rp 10 per share.

World Bank grants firms $3.5m for ozone projects

World Bank grants firms $3.5m for ozone projects JAKARTA (JP): Seven companies have received US$3.5 million in grants from the World Bank to replace ozone-destroying production techniques and materials with more environmentally-friendly means. The companies are the second group among the 26 Indonesian firms included in the World Bank-sponsored, US$17 million ozone protection projects.

Sampoerna splits shares

Sampoerna splits shares SURABAYA, East Java (JP): Cigarette producer PT HM Sampoerna will pay a Rp 275 (12 U.S. cents) cash dividend (12 U.S. cents) for the 1995 financial year. The dividend payment was approved during a shareholders' meeting on Thursday. Putera Sampoerna, the chief executive officer of the publicly listed company, said shareholders had also approved to cut the par value of the company's stocks by a half from Rp 1,000 to Rp 500.

Chechnya and Russian polls

Chechnya and Russian polls When the war in Chechnya had just started in December 1994, I wrote a letter to The Jakarta Post entitled Legacy of an Empire, calling on the Russian government to grant Chechnya and other autonomous republics the right to a confederation status, including the right to secede.

Police lack people's trust, observers say

Police lack people's trust, observers say JAKARTA (JP): The National Police is celebrating its 50th anniversary on July 1 dogged by many serious problems, most notably the public's lack of trust. Criminologist Purniyanti of the University of Indonesia said that a recent survey revealed almost 27 percent of the community would rather not report to the police the crimes they witness or experience because they think the police incapable of solving them.

Nissan's Serena opens up a new local market segment

Nissan's Serena opens up a new local market segment By Russell Williamson and Tim Britten Nissan's new Serena burst onto the car market last month with the company taking about 300 orders in the first week. For a vehicle which opens up a whole new market segment in Indonesia - the upmarket people mover - this was a promising start.

Golden Valley mining venture

Golden Valley mining venture ADELAIDE (Reuter): Mineral explorer Golden Valley Mines NL said it had entered into an exploration joint venture at the Bukit Hijau porphyry copper-gold project in East Java in Indonesia. Under the terms of the agreement, Golden Valley has a three month option to assess the project which upon exercise will entitle the company to 51 percent of production. Upon expenditure of A$10 million, Golden Valley would become entitled to 75 percent of the production.

National Olympic team to meet Soeharto

National Olympic team to meet Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is to receive the Indonesian Olympic team at the State Palace on July 5, three days before it leaves for the world's biggest sporting meet in Atlanta. A special meeting with Soeharto has been a traditional privilege for Indonesian athletes who take part in an international multi-event sporting extravaganza such as the Olympics, the Asian Games or the Southeast Asian Games.

Mahathir slammed over Bakun dam project

Mahathir slammed over Bakun dam project KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) yesterday hit out at Premier Mahathir Mohamad for accusing foreigners of instigating local NGOs in taking the government to court over the building of a massive dam. They also accused Mahathir of having committed contempt of court by disputing a June 19 High Court ruling against the 13.6- billon-ringgit (US$5.2-billion) Bakun dam.

Romana's fitness hampers RI Fed Cup preparations

Romana's fitness hampers RI Fed Cup preparations JAKARTA (JP): With just two weeks remaining before its Fed Cup playoff against Switzerland, Indonesia has been given a headache by second singles Romana Tedjakusuma, who has yet to pass a fitness test. Eddy Katimansah, an official of the Indonesian Tennis Association, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that a coach from the association has been assigned to drill Romana in a rigorous training program at her hometown of Surabaya, East Java.

Serial killer may be behind youths' deaths

Serial killer may be behind youths' deaths JAKARTA (JP): Four young men, whose dead bodies have been found in bushes around the defunct Kemayoran airport in Central Jakarta in the past two years, are thought to have been murdered by one person. "Judging from the wounds on the four bodies and the place where the corpses were found, we strongly believe that the crimes were committed by a single party," City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said yesterday.

Street kids go camping

Street kids go camping JAKARTA (JP): Around 200 young scavengers, street singers and vendors from various parts of the city are taking a break from work for a three-day camping holiday. Boarding hired Metro Mini buses, the street children from Bantar Gebang in Bekasi, Cakung and Penas in East Jakarta and other areas came to Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, yesterday. Children from Bandung, West Java, were also expected.

Govt to deregulate fishing sector

Govt to deregulate fishing sector JAKARTA (JP): The government will remove a ban preventing Indonesian companies from buying and operating foreign ships in Indonesian waters, an official says. Coordinating Minister for Production and Distribution, Hartarto, said after a meeting with President Soeharto at Merdeka Palace yesterday that the lifting of the ban would be among reform measures to be announced on Thursday. The measures will specifically cover fisheries.

Andhika joins Lux Asia team

Andhika joins Lux Asia team JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's young racing star Andhika Anindyaguna Hermanto yesterday joined the Formula-Four Lux Motorsports Asia Team for the Indonesian legs of the Formula Asia championship scheduled for July and December. Andhika's admission, recommended by Piers Hunnisett, British Vauxhall Lotus champion in 1992 and a senior driver with the team, was sealed yesterday at a signing between Andhika and president director of PT Ericsson Indonesia, Mats H. Olsson.

Aussie health care sells to exist

Aussie health care sells to exist By Dewi Anggraeni MELBOURNE (JP): Health and hospital care a business commodity? Is nothing sacred? The combined conference of Indonesian Cultural and Education Institute and Australia Indonesian Business, held on 16-18 June here Melbourne, confirmed that this is a fact. It has alerted us that most institutions seeking survival nowadays, need to go commercial.

Megawati loses chair but not stature

Megawati loses chair but not stature The recent controversial congress of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in Medan effectively bulldozed Megawati Soekarnoputri from the chairmanship, but political analyst Riswandha Imawan believes she is rising in stature. YOGYAKARTA (JP): The common assumption that the recent Indonesian Democratic Party congress in Medan was nothing less than the beginning of a bigger disaster seems to hold some credence.

City to hold kite festival

City to hold kite festival JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will hold a kite festival at the National Monument (Monas) park, Central Jakarta from June 30 to July 3. Various types of kites made by local and foreign kitemakers will be flown. The head of the city tourism agency, Fauzi Bowo, said yesterday that the festival will be attended by kitemakers from 18 countries and from 27 provinces in Indonesia.

Collusion story at Supreme Court continues

Collusion story at Supreme Court continues By T. Sima Gunawan JAKARTA (JP): Chief Justice Soerjono attempted earlier this month to put an end to the uproar over alleged collusion and bribery at the Supreme Court by announcing that the investigation team found no evidence to support the charges. The story, however, is far from being over. Deputy Chief Justice Adi Andojo Soetjipto, who first revealed the alleged collusion, persisted in his efforts to prove the allegation as true.

RI seeks offset arrangement for all aircraft purchases

RI seeks offset arrangement for all aircraft purchases JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will require an offset arrangement for any purchase of aircraft from other countries in a bid to promote the development of its own aviation industry, Minister for Research and Technology B.J. Habibie said yesterday. "The offset requirement, directed by President Soeharto, was applied when we ordered F-16 fighters from the United States," he said.

California opens ASEAN trade and investment office

California opens ASEAN trade and investment office JAKARTA (JP): The U.S. state of California opened its trade and investment office for Southeast Asia here yesterday. "We were previously trying to cover this market out of the Hong Kong office which is responsible for this region," the deputy secretary for trade and investment of the California Trade and Commerce Agency, Brenda M. Lopes, told The Jakarta Post after opening the office.

Mercedes introduces its two-wheel alternative

Mercedes introduces its two-wheel alternative By Russell Williamson PT Star Motors Indonesia, the local assembler of Mercedes-Benz cars, has introduced the perfect partner for the luxury German passenger cars. For those times when Jakarta's traffic becomes a little too heavy or your fitness level becomes a serious concern, the luxury car-maker is now offering the latest in high-tech, two-wheeled human-powered transport, the Mercedes-Benz bicycle.

Gus Dur hints at giving support to defiant Megawati

Gus Dur hints at giving support to defiant Megawati JAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid, chief of the 30-million strong Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has pledged to help support Megawati Soekarnoputri, the besieged chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). Abdurrahman, who is known to be close to Megawati, said yesterday he had half-opened his door to her in support of her cause.

Auto Expo set to put RI on the automotive map

Auto Expo set to put RI on the automotive map By Russell Williamson This year's Auto Expo, to be held at the Jakarta Convention Center next month, is set be bigger and better than ever before. The Auto Expo runs from Saturday, July 27 to Sunday, Aug. 4 and is open daily from 10.00 a.m. to 10 p.m. Admission is free. The Secretary General of the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries, -- the organizers of the Expo -- F.

Bimantara to supply Asia with Hyundai vehicles

Bimantara to supply Asia with Hyundai vehicles By Russell Williamson PT BIMANTARA Cakra Nusa could soon become the sole supplier of right-hand drive Hyundai vehicles in the Asian region. The company, a wholly owned subsidiary of PT Bimantara Citra headed by Bambang Trihatmodjo, President Soeharto's son, already assembles the Hyundai Elantra and will add the smaller 1500cc Accent to its range next month.

Truth or dare

Truth or dare Given the risk it poses to human life and the relative ease with which it spreads, it is not surprising that many people are worried about the dengue fever epidemic in various places in Indonesia, and specifically in Jakarta. But the Jakarta city administration's policy of not revealing the true number of dengue fever victims on the grounds that it might scare off tourists is shockingly cynical. As reported in the press, Jakarta's Deputy Governor for Social Welfare, R.S.

Seminar to discuss adverts

Seminar to discuss adverts JAKARTA (JP): PT Ammirati Puris Lintas Indonesia is to host a regional conference on the advertising industry in the Asia Pacific region here next month. The company said in a statement on Thursday that Ammirati Puris' chairman, Martin Puris, will attend and speak at the conference, scheduled for July 29-July 31.

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.

Crazy world

Crazy world The Jakarta Post recently commissioned a survey of readers, and one of the questions was "how does the paper compare with other newspapers in terms of content?" My answer would be that it compares very favorably, as, in any single edition, it gives an unequaled exposure of the crazy world we live in. Take these examples from the June 25, 1996 edition: 1. Police comb exchange for a bomb.

PT Gas Negara aiming for Rp 90 billion net profit

PT Gas Negara aiming for Rp 90 billion net profit JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned PT Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN), recently changing its legal status to a limited liability company with a commercial mission, forecast a net profit of Rp 90 billion (US$38.96 million) this year.

Barito pays Rp 50 devidend

Barito pays Rp 50 devidend JAKARTA (JP): The shareholders of PT Barito Pacific Timber, a major publicly-listed producer of plywood and blockboards, yesterday approved the management's proposal to pay a dividend of Rp 50 (2.1 U.S. cents) per share. Speaking at a press conference after the company's shareholders meeting yesterday, Barito Pacific's president, Joso A.G., said that all the 1995 profit will be distributed as dividends.

Where art thou Walter Burley Griffin? Indonesia needs you

Where art thou Walter Burley Griffin? Indonesia needs you By Zatni Arbi CANBERRA (JP): The Brassey Hotel, Room 250. I was just about to take a quick shower when the phone rang. It was a lady friend who was wishing me welcome to Canberra, a city I was visiting for the first time. I nervously told her that I had just checked in and I was supposed to attend a dinner reception at the National Convention Center in forty minutes. She told me not to worry, as I could get there in five minutes.

Mercedes offers fresh perspective

Mercedes offers fresh perspective By Russell Williamson Mercedes-Benz's new E-Class mid-sized luxury sedan arrived in Jakarta earlier this month with a fanfare befitting a presidential visit. With the theme of "See Mercedes-Benz with new eyes", reflecting the cars distinctive oval headlights, the launch brought what is recognized as one of the world's safest cars to Indonesia. The new E-Class is available in two models, the four cylinder E230 and the six cylinder E320.

Panin Bank writes off loans worth Rp 38.5b

Panin Bank writes off loans worth Rp 38.5b JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed Panin Bank removed bad loans worth around Rp 38.5 billion (US$16.5 million) from its balance sheet last year to improve its financial performance, says a senior official of the bank. Roosniati Salihin, the bank's vice president, said that the value of the bad loans, written off in 1995, declined from Rp 49.09 billion in 1994.

Seven die in bus crash

Seven die in bus crash TEGAL, Central Java: Seven people were killed and 16 others injured in a mass pile up involving a van, a bus and a scooter here on Thursday night, police said yesterday. Chief of the Tegal police precinct Lt. Col. Soedibyo said the accident at about 8 p.m. triggered heavy traffic jams in this busy northern Java town. The accident happened when a speeding van tried to avoid a scooter making a U-turn.

Food bill targets firms neglecting safety rules

Food bill targets firms neglecting safety rules JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday submitted to the House of Representatives a food bill which includes the imposition of penalties of up to Rp 500 million (US$217,391) against companies neglecting food-safety regulations.

PT Indah Kiat to increase production to 1.2 million tons

PT Indah Kiat to increase production to 1.2 million tons JAKARTA (JP): PT Indah Kiat Pulp and Paper aims to be capable of producing 1.2 million tons of pulp per annum by the end of this year, the company said yesterday. Its current capacity is 800,000 tons. A company executive, Suresh Kilam, told journalists that 35 percent of company's produce would be exported. The company, which is part of the Sinar Mas Group, now exports 30 percent of its produce.

Indonesia scheduled to host ASEAN meeting next month

Indonesia scheduled to host ASEAN meeting next month By Matthew Allen Vehicle emissions and safety standards, together with improved regional trade, will be the major issues when the ASEAN Automotive Federation (AAF) convenes in Jakarta next month. It is the first time the region's national automotive associations have come together for a full AAF meeting since 1983.

NGOs seek media help with environment campaign

NGOs seek media help with environment campaign JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) has called on the media to help non-governmental organizations' (NGOs) campaign for sustainable development. Walhi executive director Emmy Hafild told The Jakarta Post yesterday that the mass media is the most effective tool to stimulate public debates about the sustainability of Indonesian development and to invite suggestions for improvements.

General Motors freezes investment in Indonesia

General Motors freezes investment in Indonesia By Russell Williamson General Motors Corp has frozen its investment in Indonesia for an indefinite period in response to confusion surrounding the government's national car policy. GM, which owns 60 per cent of PT General Motors Buana Indonesia, recently invested $US110 million in a major upgrade of its assembly facility at Bekasi, which produces the Opel Optima and Opel Blazer.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: Wajah Negeriku 2:35 TV Series: Gaiking 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:30 Soccer: Dunhill League 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 Soccer: Dunhill League (continued) 5:10 Evening News 5:30 Culture 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Performance: Pelangi 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music: Jazz 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 TV Series: Meniti Pelangi 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Music 9:00 World News 9:30 Quiz: Siapa Dia 10:30 Late News 10:40...

Abdul Manullang -- The Stevie Wonder of Bekasi

Abdul Manullang -- The Stevie Wonder of Bekasi By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): People who frequent the Bekasi bus terminal are familiar with Abdul Manullang, a 41-year-old blind singer with a deep voice who regularly performs with his young children near a Chinese restaurant there. They don't perform everyday, but only when Abdul is in good health. He comes with his wife, Tiambun Marpaung, who carefully guides him on and off the bus.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 28, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 800 0 5,000 AHAP Insurance 2,800 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 675 25 18,000 Andayani Megah 1,150 0 769,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,900 0 0 Anwar Sierad 2,200 100 222,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,175 -25 44,500 Argo Pantes 1,975 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,450 50 15,500 Asiana IMI...

Notable lawman Ali Said dies of asthma at 69

Notable lawman Ali Said dies of asthma at 69 JAKARTA (JP): Ali Said, the former chief justice and chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights, died of asthma at Pondok Indah hospital yesterday. He had turned 69 on June 12. Ali Said had an illustrious legal record, unmatched by any other Indonesian.

Golds depend on women golfers

Golds depend on women golfers JAKARTA (JP): The host Jakarta will be relying on its national women's golfers to win the gold medals in the sport at the 14th National Games this September. The quartet of Retno Mustari, Gunaningsih, Ani Iman and Titi Puryanti should face no stiff opposition in the team competition. They are also tipped to fight each other for the individual title.

PDI members told to end mass street protests

PDI members told to end mass street protests JAKARTA (JP): The chief of the Jakarta Regional Military Command, Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso, warned loyalists of ousted Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) leader Megawati Soekarnoputri yesterday to quit their mass street protests, as they have disrupted the city's order and security.

9,000 ready to monitor poll

9,000 ready to monitor poll SEMARANG: The Central Java chapter of the Moslem-oriented Indonesian Development Party (PPP) has recruited 9,000 activists to monitor next year's general election. The activists, who consist of people from various professions, from laborers to college students, will be posted to the provinces' 35 regencies and mayoralties. Daromi, a spokesman for the party chapter, said the activists will raise the alarm at any violation in the general election.

Virtual banking needs new regulations: Analysts

Virtual banking needs new regulations: Analysts JAKARTA (JP): The rapid development of information technology in the banking sector means changes are required in its regulation, analysts said yesterday. "The existing banking regulations have to be adjusted, especially to anticipate developments in electronic banking transactions," Chandra Sugiono, chief consultant at PT Sentra Konsultama, declared.

Nuclear project in the bag

Nuclear project in the bag SEMARANG: The government's controversial plan to build a nuclear plant near here is most likely to go ahead despite strong objection from environmentalists, an official said. The project's feasibility study for the project on the Muria peninsula, about an hour drive east of here, is yet to be completed.

Landuse and human resources

Landuse and human resources The policy of encouraging industrial growth during the past 25 years proved inadequate in keeping pace with the growing number of human resources. The number of job opportunities available is not balanced by the number of people entering the labor market. In the past few days, two new developments related to the human resources situation have occurred. First, the government decided to extend landuse rights (HGU) from 80 to 95 years. Second, Prof.

Festival for street singers

Festival for street singers BOGOR, West Java (JP): The Bogor Association of Street Singers in cooperation with the local administration will organize a competition for street singers. To be staged in the town's information office's hall, the competition, the first of its kind to be held in Indonesia, will include 30 groups from various cities including Bogor, Jakarta, Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, Sukabumi and Cianjur. The preliminary round of the competition will start tomorrow at 10 a.m.