Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 June 1996

52 articles found

Program planned to lower poultry feed prices

Program planned to lower poultry feed prices BOGOR, West Java (JP): The government is planning a crash program to bring down soaring poultry feed prices, which will involve boosting corn production -- a main ingredient in poultry feed -- and reducing corn imports. Director General of Animal Husbandry Erwin Soetirto said yesterday that although corn production last year showed an increase, it was unable to meet the demand from feed producers and poultry breeders.

Hotel Majapahit gets award

Hotel Majapahit gets award SURABAYA, East Java: Hotel Majapahit, a chain of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, has received an architectural award for the preservation of the historical values of its building. The Architecture Preservation of a Historical Building award was presented by the mayor of Surabaya at a ceremony in conjunction with the city's 703rd anniversary on May 31.

Fish prove an alternative bioagent in mosquito control

Fish prove an alternative bioagent in mosquito control By Wahyuni Rizkiana Kamah JAKARTA (JP): The insecticides used in mosquito control harm the environment more than they eradicate mosquitoes. And, although the high toxicity of insecticides on non-target species has been questioned in the past few decades, due to the evolution of insecticide-resistant mosquitoes the toxicity is increasing.

Pamapersada gets US$250 coal mining deal

Pamapersada gets US$250 coal mining deal JAKARTA (JP): PT Indominco Mandiri has awarded a contract worth US$250 million to PT Pamapersada Nusantara to mine and transport 13.7 million tons of coal in Bontang, East Kalimantan.

Steady Safe deploys regular buses

Steady Safe deploys regular buses JAKARTA (JP): In fear of punishment, private-owned bus company PT Steady Safe started yesterday to operate 22 of its 248 air- conditioned buses as regular buses. The buses which will ply two routes, Kampung Melayu-Blok M and Kampung Melayu-Kalideres, were officially launched yesterday by the head of the city land transport control agency, JP Sepang, at Kampung Melayu bus terminal, East Jakarta.

Bali to host tourism conference

Bali to host tourism conference JAKARTA (JP): The World Tourism Organization is to hold a worldwide conference in Bali this September, focusing on the participation of local administrations and parliaments in developing national tourism industries. The secretary-general of the organization, Antonio E. Savignac, said yesterday that the event, scheduled for Sep. 24- 27, will be opened by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Wahono.

Eddy Tansil's escape

Eddy Tansil's escape From the very beginning, it was easy to understand that Eddy Tansil sooner or later was going to escape or be given a chance to walk out of prison. It would have been impossible for him to spend 20 years in prison. Eddy Tansil would have been very disappointed and resentful knowing that those who received so many billions rupiah from him (as revealed by Amien Rais in Republika three weeks ago) are enjoying their unlawful wealth, while he was imprisoned.

Manuscripts on exhibition

Manuscripts on exhibition DILI, East Nusa Tenggara: Director General of Culture Edi Sedyawati will open on June 19 an exhibition of ancient manuscripts of the provinces of Bali, East Nusa Tenggara, West Nusa Tenggara and East Timor. Antara quoted head of East Timor Museum Paulus Susilo as saying yesterday that the exhibition is being organized by the directorate of the museum with four state-run museums in the four provinces. Most of the manuscripts were written on palmyra leaves.

Dengue death toll increases to 117

Dengue death toll increases to 117 JAKARTA (JP): An outbreak of dengue in the country's 27 provinces has killed 117 people and hospitalized more than 5,000 over the past five months, a senior health official said yesterday. Director General of Communicable Disease Control and Environmental Health Hadi M. Abednego said East Java recorded the highest rate, with 2,484 hospitalized and 57 deaths.

Southeast Asian rubber prices firm, may ease

Southeast Asian rubber prices firm, may ease SINGAPORE (Reuter): Torrential rains and tight supplies are expected to keep rubber prices strong in Malaysia and Thailand this week, but prices are seen easing if the weather improves, regional traders said yesterday. Indonesian rubber prices are likely to be stable on the back of rising foreign inquiries and adequate supplies, they said. "Supply is a bit tight and this could help prices this week," a Malaysian rubber trader said.

OIC group talks Moro peace

OIC group talks Moro peace JAKARTA (JP): Representatives from six nations of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) yesterday gathered for a one-day meeting here to discuss developments in the peace process between the Philippine government and the secessionist Moro National Liberation Front. The six countries -- Bangladesh, Indonesia, Libya, Saudi Arabia, Senegal and Somalia -- are part of the joint committee established by the OIC to oversee the peace talks.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 3, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 925 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,800 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 825 125 1,262,500 Andayani Megah 1,300 -25 343,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 4,400 0 0 Anwar Sierad 2,200 -25 178,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,225 0 0 Argo Pantes 2,100 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,675 -25 46,000 Asiana IMI...

Foreign doctors to attend congress

Foreign doctors to attend congress PADANG, West Sumatra: Approximately 1,500 internists from at least 20 countries will attend a congress on internal medicine at Andalas University here on June 23 to June 27, Antara reported yesterday. Organizer Dr. Suharman Leman of the Association of Indonesian Internists said the participants will come from Australia, Asia and European countries. Indonesian Minister of Health Sujudi will open the congress.

Tumor removal gives girl new hope

Tumor removal gives girl new hope JAKARTA (JP): A basement training room at Pondok Indah Hospital was filled good laughter, practical jokes and well- wishers on Saturday. Doctors and nurses in their all-white fatigues crammed the room, whistling and laughing. Occupying the left row of chairs were a dozen or so fragrant, neatly dressed wives of the hospital's share holders. "Hey, you look great, the pretty one...

Government approves PDI's rival congress

Government approves PDI's rival congress JAKARTA (JP): After repeated statements of a hands-off policy in connection with leadership wrangling in the minority Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), the government yesterday endorsed a request from the party's rival board for permission to hold a fresh chairmanship election. "The majority of the party's members have requested permission to convene a congress.

Bintang braves officials' wrath over new party

Bintang braves officials' wrath over new party JAKARTA (JP): Controversial politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas is braving the wrath of the government after officials warned him against developing his Indonesian Democratic Union Party (PUDI). The dismissed legislator of the conservative United Development Party said yesterday he has opened five party branches in Jakarta and Irian Jaya.

Sumatran tiger kills and mauls

Sumatran tiger kills and mauls BANDA ACEH, Aceh: A tiger attacked two men in the thick jungles of Aceh in northern Sumatra, killing one of them and severely mauling the other, Antara reported yesterday. The news agency quoted Zamzani Nafi, a villager from West Aceh, as saying that he and two fellow villagers were attacked while gathering wood in a forest in the district on Saturday. Nafi said he escaped unharmed by jumping into a nearby river.

Final plea made in love tryst murder

Final plea made in love tryst murder JAKARTA (JP): Defense lawyers told a court yesterday that a murder suspect is innocent and asked that he be acquitted of all charges. Paskalis Pieter, who led the team of lawyers, told the Central Jakarta district court that suspect Erfiandi Taufik, 28, had not planned to kill victim Lukman Lijas, 58.

Govt warned over fears on openness

Govt warned over fears on openness JAKARTA (JP): Speaker of the House of Representatives Wahono warned yesterday that the government's excessive fear of increasing political openness might heighten tension among authorities in the field which, in turn, could trigger unjustified violence. Repressive judicial action, appeals and condemnations would not resolve the mounting social unrest, he said after swearing in 10 new members of the House and the People's Consultative Assembly.

Palm oil prices expected to be mixed in SE Asia

Palm oil prices expected to be mixed in SE Asia KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Southeast Asian palm and laurics oils are likely to be mixed this week, with higher supplies and weak demand seen affecting the palm markets in Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia, regional traders said. Philippines coconut oil prices are expected to stay at high levels as scarce supply continues to prop up the market, Filippino traders said. "It's going to come off.

Teaching English at secondary schools

Teaching English at secondary schools Reading the report on Seminar on English Teaching at secondary school in Indonesia turned out to be ineffective (according to the Language Consultant Gloria C Kismadi, The Jakarta Post, May 17, 1996), I as one of the English teachers at IKIP (Teachers College) Bandung feel a little bit stirred by the news. In this opportunity, therefore, please allow me to give some comments and ideas on how to deal with the problem.

Reality bites

Reality bites Recently The Jakarta Post ran an article about a number of banks that accept payment of telephone bills. This is all very good, but, unfortunately, they and Telkom do not provide good service. Whether paying directly to Telkom or through one of the receiving banks, you must pay first before you can even check if your account is correct. If the bill is incorrect you are forced to go through very arduous procedures to try to get a refund.

Banks join loan program

Banks join loan program JAKARTA (JP): Five private local banks have joined the loan portfolio guarantee (LPG) program aimed at improving small businesses' credit provisions. The five banks -- PT Bank Umum Nasional, Bank Niaga, Pan Indonesia Bank (PANIN), Bank Dahanutama and Bank NISP -- are currently participating in a five-day workshop on micro- enterprises and small business finance, sponsored by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

World Bank calls gives thumbs up to Indonesia's KIP

World Bank calls gives thumbs up to Indonesia's KIP By T. Sima Gunawan ISTANBUL, Turkey (JP): The World Bank hailed yesterday the Kampong Improvement Program (KIP) as an "urban success story." "The KIP is probably the most successful and widely known program of this kind," the World Bank's Vice President for Environmentally Sustainable Development, Ismail Serageldin, said in a statement released in conjunction with the UN Conference on Human Settlements II.

Senior stars dominate selection tournament

Senior stars dominate selection tournament JAKARTA (JP): The country's seasoned tennis players ended the national selection tournament as group winners yesterday and will now lock horns in the playoffs to decide the top four rankings. Davis Cup team member Andrian Raturandang finished unbeaten in Group D but dropped a set for the first time when he beat Tjahyono 6-7 (6-8), 6-4, 6-1 yesterday.

Wedding festival at World Trade Center

Wedding festival at World Trade Center JAKARTA (JP): An exhibition of wedding gowns with pearl accessories, wedding cakes and travel agents offering the perfect honeymoon will be open to the public tomorrow to June 8. The "Wedding Festival '96" at the Atrium of the World Trade Center on Jl. Jendral Sudirman, can be viewed from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is being organized by the Rudy Hadisuwarno Bridal center, which will demonstrate makeup, hairdos and other wedding preparations.

Oki's dossiers submitted to court

Oki's dossiers submitted to court JAKARTA (JP): Dossiers relating to a triple murder that occurred in 1991 in the United States were submitted to a court here yesterday. The team of prosecutors, comprising J. Kamaru, M. Yamin, R. Widyo Pramono and M. Yusuf, presented them to head of the Central Jakarta district court, I.G.K. Sukarata. "Within two weeks, hopefully sooner, we will set up a team of judges," Sukarata announced yesterday.

Pakistan-RI holding firm

Pakistan-RI holding firm KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuter): The state-run Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP) said yesterday it was planning to launch a holding company jointly with the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to promote trade and investment. "Today we are going to sign a memorandum of understanding with Indonesia for launching the holding company," TCP chairman Nooruddin Ahmed told reporters.

29 people netted in discotheque raid released

29 people netted in discotheque raid released JAKARTA (JP): City police have released all 29 people, including 11 Armed Forces members, netted in a pre-dawn raid on Sunday at a huge discotheque in Kota, West Jakarta. "We found no evidence to justify charging them for any crimes," Spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said yesterday. The 29 people, including three women, were netted at Zodiac discotheque on the eight floor of Glodok Plaza on Jl. Pinangsia Raya.

Bank Mashill gets two new executives

Bank Mashill gets two new executives JAKARTA (JP): Bank Mashill Utama yesterday appointed Muliadi Hendri as a new director and Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti as a new commissioner, respectively replacing Jensen Kohardjo and Iskandar Koharjo who had declined to be re-elected. "The new executives were nominated by the Kertawidjaja family, who owns a 51 percent stake in the bank, not by two new major shareholders -- Castlemere Enterprises Ltd.

More superschools in the pipeline

More superschools in the pipeline JAKARTA (JP): Parents in the Greater Jakarta area are getting an increasingly wide range of choice for their children's education with more and more private "superschools" opening their gates to Entrance fees range from Rp 2 million (US$849) to over Rp 20 million for kindergarten, and Rp 24 million to Rp 32 million for elementary and secondary schools.

Latief warns officials about illegal levies

Latief warns officials about illegal levies JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief yesterday warned his subordinates in the regions that he will punish them severely if they are caught imposing levies on members of the public they serve. "Don't be surprised if the head office takes stern action," Latief said when opening a four-day conference with senior ministry officials and the heads of the ministry's provincial offices.

Visas to Japan

Visas to Japan My sister and 20 other persons intended to visit Japan as tourists. Their travel agent applied for visas at the Japanese embassy in Jakarta. Much to the travel bureau's chagrin the visas for three old ladies were approved but the applications for the others were rejected. The travel bureau was understandably disappointed as it lost a source of income. I know that there are bogus tourists from poor countries who came to Japan to get a job.

'Pelita' reprimanded over virginity articles

'Pelita' reprimanded over virginity articles JAKARTA (JP): The honorary council of Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) has strongly reprimanded the Islamic-oriented Pelita daily, whose articles alleging that 96 percent of the female high school students in South Sulawesi regency of Tana Toraja were no longer virgins, created an uproar and waves of protest. The rebuke came only days after the daily was given a warning by the Ministry of Information, Antara reported yesterday.

Roy Haryanto out to win Formula Asia

Roy Haryanto out to win Formula Asia JAKARTA (JP): The young Indonesian driver Roy Haryanto is hoping for a sweet farewell party by winning his first home Formula Asia race this Sunday. "This is my third year in Formula Asia and I'm poised to win this time," Roy told a press conference prior to the third leg of the single-seater championships at the Sentul circuit, West Java. Roy has changed from the Humpuss team to the Marlboro Castrol Team PTM.

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.

Indonesia seeks $5 billion in CGI aid

Indonesia seeks $5 billion in CGI aid JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is seeking at least US$5 billion in financial assistance from the World Bank-chaired Consultative Group for Indonesia (CGI) this year, or at least the same amount provided in 1995, says a minister. Minister for National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita said Sunday that the government requested Japan in particular not to reduce its commitment during the donor group's meeting in Paris on June 18 to June 20.

Female masters to face Alexandra

Female masters to face Alexandra JAKARTA (JP): The trio of Indonesia's best female chess players are hoping to improve their elo rating when they take on Georgian grandmaster Nana Alexandra in Jakarta and Surabaya from June 8 to June 21. Upi Darmayana Tamin, Lisa Karlina Alydia Lumongdong and Maria Lucia Ratna Sulystia, who each hold a Master International title, will play Alexandra as they gear up for their fight to become Indonesia's first grandmaster.

Bimantara ready to raise cars' local contents

Bimantara ready to raise cars' local contents JAKARTA (JP): PT Citramobil National, a subsidiary of the publicly-listed PT Bimantara Citra, is determined to develop its "national" cars with high local contents, even without an import duty and tax breaks. "With or without such tariff and tax breaks, we will go ahead with our Bimantara cars," Poeng W. Lubis, a director at Citramobil, said here yesterday. He was referring to the government's newest automotive policy announced last February.

BI drafts ruling on on bank liquidation

BI drafts ruling on on bank liquidation JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia (BI), the central bank, is drafting a new government ruling on bank liquidation to provide better protection for depositors. The central bank's governor, J.

Government still holds Telkom's dividends

Government still holds Telkom's dividends JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave said yesterday that the government still holds dividends in the state-owned PT Telkom valued at Rp 30 billion, earmarked to help finance a giant copper monument project in Bali. The telecommunications firm's dividends are safe, he told reporters after accompanying the secretary-general of the World Tourism Organization, Antonio E.

Irian to be split into three support areas

Irian to be split into three support areas JAKARTA (JP): The province of Irian Jaya will be split into three regional support areas to be headed by a deputy governor, rather than into three provinces as some people have suggested, Antara reported yesterday. Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie SM said in Sorong, Irian Jaya, on Sunday that the new division was aimed at boosting economic development and facilitating administration.

Small businesses' clearinghouse to be established

Small businesses' clearinghouse to be established JAKARTA (JP): Yayasan Palapa Nusantara (YPN), in cooperation with five major private companies and four state-owned firms, is to set up a benchmarking clearinghouse in Indonesia next month. "For the first stage, this benchmarking clearinghouse will group the nine companies as its core members. Later, we'll include medium and small-scale businesses," Hidayat, YPN's director for small businesses development, said yesterday.

1,200 workers strike over pay

1,200 workers strike over pay TANGERANG, West Java (JP): Workers of two factories which produce carton boxes and cans went on strike here yesterday to demand a 30-day month pay packet, transportation allowances and a higher meal allowance. The 1,200 workers blocked Jl. Gatot Subroto KM 5, Tangerang, where the factories are located and paralyzed local traffic almost the whole day. The protesters are workers of PT Multi Box Indah and PT Multi Makmur Indah, which belong to the same group.

Juniors race on World Athletics Day

Juniors race on World Athletics Day JAKARTA (JP): More than 400 school students from 23 of the country's provinces will celebrate World Athletics Day with a four-day junior championships, due to start tomorrow. Committee chairman Gurmilang Kartasasmita of the Indonesian Track and Field Association said yesterday that the competition will serve as one of the opportunities for juniors to display their talents. "We are concerned about motivating the students to do well.

Funpolis Park comes to RI

Funpolis Park comes to RI SURABAYA, East Java: PT Pakuwon Jati, a publicly-listed developer, has through its subsidiary PT Pakuwon Sentrawisata set up a cooperation with two Singaporean investors to build Indonesia's first Funpolis Park. The Singaporean investors are Funpolis Asia Pte. Ltd. and Beaver Investment Pte. Ltd. The 3,000-square meter park, to be built near Tunjungan Plaza, is expected to start operation in November.

Thai firm to mine RI coal

Thai firm to mine RI coal BANGKOK (Reuter): Thai mining firm Lanna Lignite Plc said yesterday it has signed a joint venture with companies from Singapore and Indonesia to mine coal in Indonesia. Lanna said in a filing to the Stock Exchange of Thailand that it signed the agreement with Indonesia's P.T. Harita Mahakam Mining Co. and Singapore's Pan-United Corporation Ltd. on Friday.

S'pore tourist arrivals up

S'pore tourist arrivals up SINGAPORE (AFP): Tourist arrivals in Singapore rose 6.4 percent from a year earlier to 584,121 in April, taking the number of visitors for the first four months to 2.42 million, according to figures released yesterday. Visitor arrivals during January-April increased 5.2 percent from the first four months of 1995, the Singapore Tourist Promotion Board said.

RI aims to grab Olympic golds

RI aims to grab Olympic golds JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday asked Indonesian badminton players to maintain the momentum they gained after snatching a double glory in the Thomas and Uber Cups by retaining their Olympic gold medals in Atlanta. "The successes line up a new challenge in our quest for sports excellence.

Japan vows to solve World Cup problems

Japan vows to solve World Cup problems TOKYO (AFP): Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto yesterday pledged help to tackle "various problems" that could threaten the joint hosting of the 2002 World Cup finals with South Korea. "We are bound to tackle various problems from now and we will do our best," the premier told leaders of the Japanese World Cup bid committee at a meeting.

Enkei Indonesia to supply 15,000 wheel rims a month

Enkei Indonesia to supply 15,000 wheel rims a month CIKAMPEK, West Java (JP): Japanese Enkei auto wheel rims are making their entrance into Indonesia through PT Enkei Indonesia, a joint venture by Indonesia, Japan and Singapore firms. The company's president, Michiharu Ochiai, said at a ceremony marking the commencement of the company's commercial production here Sunday that his company is producing 15,000 units of aluminum auto wheel rims per month, 30 percent of which are exported to Japan.

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: Kennedy: The American Dream 4:30 Culture: Pelangi Budaya 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons: Idioms Expression 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: Riau 6:15 Village Program 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 Talks: Wawasan 8:05 TV Drama: Tirai Nurani 9:00 World News 9:30 Sports: Arena dan Juara 10:30...