Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 July 1996

59 articles found

Mandela's shirts take Britain by storm

Mandela's shirts take Britain by storm LONDON (Reuter): South African President Nelson Mandela's wardrobe of colorful Indonesian batik-inspired shirts has made him perhaps the first statesman to break the suit-and-tie mould during his official visit to Britain. At a formal state banquet at Buckingham Palace Mandela stood out in a black silk and satin shirt from 100 other male guests who looked like carbon copies of each other in formal dinner suits.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: Wajah Negeriku (My Country) 2:35 TV Series: Boogie 3:05 TV Series: Remaja Indonesia 3:30 TV Series: Fresh Prince of Bell Air 4:05 Comedy 4:30 Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Business Program 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country: Jogyakarta 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Innovative Creation 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 Dynamic 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Nationality: Permata Nusantara 9:00 World...

Golkar under fire in Bali

Golkar under fire in Bali DENPASAR, Bali: Golkar came under fire on Tuesday night after party activists used a pura, or minor temple, in Mengwi to pray for "100 percent victory" in next year's election. Earlier, Hindu evangelist Made Titib, known as a Golkar cadre, upset residents here when he implied that Golkar, which uses the banyan tree as the party symbol, was the party of Hindus. Ngurah Swastha, a religious observer, accused Golkar activists yesterday of politicizing Hinduism.

New bill allows documents to be stored on microfilm

New bill allows documents to be stored on microfilm JAKARTA (JP): Companies are to be allowed to use microfilm and possibly electronic means to store their financial records, according to a new bill on company documents now before the House of Representatives. Speaking on the bill before a plenary session of the House yesterday, Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman said that inventories recorded on paper were becoming more costly for companies while paperless business transactions were growing.

Give ticket fines to police: Official

Give ticket fines to police: Official JAKARTA (JP): State revenues generated from ticket fines should be used to improve the welfare of those officers used in traffic operations, an official said yesterday. The head of the city office of the Ministry of Transportation, Abdul Karim Tjokroprawiro, said regular traffic monitoring teams should be created to replace occasional traffic operations which burden the city and related agencies and do not generate enough ticket revenues.

Fighting drug abuse

Fighting drug abuse The House of Representative is this week slated to discuss a draft law on psychotropical drugs, a step that is long awaited due to the widespread abuse of Ecstasy in the community. The hope is that if or when the draft is passed into law, the fight against the abuse of this drug can be conducted more effectively.

Experts disagree on nature of proposed illegal drug bill

Experts disagree on nature of proposed illegal drug bill JAKARTA (JP): Legal experts disagree whether the bill on psychotropic drugs, which the government plans to submit to the House of Representatives next month, should specifically mention the popular rave-scene stimulant Ecstasy. Loebby Loqman, a staff lecturer at the University of Indonesia's Law School, said yesterday that by mentioning Ecstasy, the draft law would be too narrow in nature.

Public urged to help fight air pollution

Public urged to help fight air pollution JAKARTA (JP): An official called for greater public participation in fighting air pollution, saying that the government had already done its best in the campaign. "The government has done everything possible to reduce air pollution in big cities such as Jakarta," Margana Koesoemadinata, director of air pollution control at the Environmental Impact Management Agency, told a seminar on pollution yesterday.

Let there be light

Let there be light As a resident of Ciputat, South Jakarta, we do not only experience extraordinary traffic congestion, but also frequent power failures. During the month of June alone we had 10 brief blackouts. A new magnificent building belonging to state-owned electricity company PLN was very recently built on Jl. RE Martadinata. Remarkably, it never experiences power failure. I hope PLN pays attention to this problem of ours. This misfortune has been going for years.

Olajuwon lives a dream on U.S. Olympic team

Olajuwon lives a dream on U.S. Olympic team ATLANTA, Georgia (AFP): Nigerian-born Hakeem Olajuwon has already achieved a dream by becoming a member of the United States Olympic basketball squad for the Atlanta Games. Now the center nicknamed "Dream," who led Houston to two National Basketball Association crowns, tries to complete his championship collection by bringing home a gold medal as part of "Dream Team III." "It's a great honor," Olajuwon said.

RI set to be top rubber producer

RI set to be top rubber producer JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, with ample land and laborers, will easily overtake Thailand as the world's number one rubber producer after the turn of the century, said Chairman of the Indonesian Rubber Association O.K. Cornel. Indonesia, currently the world's second largest rubber producer, is expected to increase its rubber output to 1.97 million tons per annum by the year 2000 and to 2.34 million tons by 2005 from the current level of 1.5 million tons.

Atlantans say the city is hiding away its poor

Atlantans say the city is hiding away its poor ATLANTA, Georgia (Reuter): The homeless of Atlanta on Wednesday angrily accused the city of trying to clear them off the streets until the Olympics are over. "They want to sweep my butt under the carpet and forget all about me," said 53-year-old Herman Ingram, queuing outside a downtown church that runs a daily soup kitchen.

Soeharto healthy: Family

Soeharto healthy: Family JAKARTA (JP): After Doctors' and officials' assurances, President Soeharto's excellent health was confirmed yesterday by his half-brother Probosutedjo. "He's really, really healthy," Probosutedjo told journalists here after visiting the President at the cardiac hospital in the German town of Bad Oeynhausen, some 70 km west of Hanover.

Dinar soars on news of oil export deal

Dinar soars on news of oil export deal BAGHDAD (Reuter): A tentative agreement on procedures for implementing limited Iraqi oil sales has strengthened the local currency against the U.S. dollar, traders and money changers said yesterday. Iraq's dinar currency soared to 950 to the dollar on Baghdad's black market from about 1,200 early in the week, they said. Government-licensed exchange houses offered 890 dinars for one dollar.

S'pore controls Internet and keeps it free of pornography

S'pore controls Internet and keeps it free of pornography SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore unveiled yesterday measures to regulate political and religious content on the Internet, and keep its patch of cyberspace free of pornography. The guidelines, effective from July 15, are designed "to safeguard the national interest", Singapore Broadcasting Authority (SBA) officials told a news conference.

Priest wins Magsaysay award

Priest wins Magsaysay award MANILA (AFP): South Korean Catholic priest John Oh Woong-jin, founder of a home for Korea's poor, disabled and elderly was awarded this year's Ramon Magsaysay Award for public service, the award foundation announced yesterday. Oh was cited for "arousing in modern Korea a compassion for the poor by personifying the scriptural injunction to 'love thy neighbor'," the foundation said.

Indosat runs training center

Indosat runs training center JAKARTA (JP): State-owned international telecommunications provider PT Indosat introduced yesterday its training center in Jatiluhur, West Java. Company president Tjahjono Soerjodibroto said that the facility, called Indosat Training Center, was developed with an investment of Rp 20 billion (US$8.5 million) on a 2.5-hectare plot near the company's earth station in Jatiluhur.

House factions express concern over food security

House factions express concern over food security JAKARTA (JP): Factions at the House of Representatives expressed concern yesterday over the volatility of Indonesia's food security and called on the government to prevent further conversion of agricultural lands for non-agricultural use.

Subregional ties help boost ASEAN economy: Hartarto

Subregional ties help boost ASEAN economy: Hartarto JAKARTA (JP): The development of subregional growth centers among members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) help boost the region's economic growth, a senior minister said. Coordinating Minister for Production and Distribution Hartarto said yesterday that the establishment of subregional growth centers among ASEAN countries has led to the promotion of greater economic activity in the respective subregions.

Navy plans exercise

Navy plans exercise SURABAYA: The navy is involving 9,850 troops and 47 warships in a war game code-named Armada Jaya XIX, which began yesterday and will last until Aug. 10. Eighteen of the warships are renovated ships imported from Germany, deputy navy chief of operational affairs Rear Admiral Bambang Poerwadi said here yesterday. "The exercise is the biggest ever. It is costing Rp 850 million (US$363,000) not including fuel," he was quoted by Antara as saying.

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.

In search of justice

In search of justice Talem found work as a housekeeper at 18 Anderson Road, Singapore. After a few months she was found dead. It was reported that there was no sign of foul play. I have written to our national press and the National Commission on Human Rights. I have made inquiries with the Singapore police. Nothing has produced results.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 11, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 750 -25 500 AHAP Insurance 2,700 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 675 -25 4,000 Andayani Megah 1,375 175 7,053,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,700 0 0 Anwar Sierad 2,100 0 96,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,100 0 98,500 Argo Pantes 1,975 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,350 0 44,500 Asiana IMI...

`Govt has done its best to reduce air pollution'

`Govt has done its best to reduce air pollution' JAKARTA (JP): An official called for greater public participation in fighting air pollution, saying that the government had already done its best in the campaign. "The government has done everything possible to reduce air pollution in big cities such as Jakarta," Margana Koesoemadinata, director of air pollution control at the Environmental Impact Management Agency, told a seminar on pollution yesterday.

Krakatau Steel to increase capacity

Krakatau Steel to increase capacity JAKARTA (JP): State-owned PT Krakatau Steel will delay selling its shares to the public until after next year's general elections. In the meantime, said president Soetoro Mangoensoewargo, it will increase its production capacity by 120 percent and diversify its products. "We will increase our annual production capacity from 2.5 million tons of steel at present to 5.5 million tons in 1999 by using a blast furnace," Soetoro said yesterday.

'Princess', 'Prince' for bookworms

'Princess', 'Prince' for bookworms JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian bookworms will soon have a "prince" and a "princess". The prince and princess will be selected by the Indonesian Readers Society from among unmarried book lovers aged between 18 and 27 in a competition held from July 10 to Aug. 18. The Society will crown Indonesia's first Prince and Princess of Books '96 on Sept. 14.

Fashion designing: Pinning threads on a whirling dervish

Fashion designing: Pinning threads on a whirling dervish By Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): Staying in fashion is an expensive business, and not just for consumers. Every year, thousands of fashion students scramble over each other looking for their big break, and an even bigger patron. Fashion plates may have to dig deep into their pockets to look hip, but they need aspiring fashion designers who dig even deeper to come up with new looks for the chic.

One more express train in Sept

One more express train in Sept BANDUNG, West Java (JP): The state-owned railway company Perumka will launch in September the Argo Lawu train, an express train able to travel between Jakarta and Surakarta in Central Java in just seven hours. Company president Soemino Eko Saputro said here yesterday that Perumka is currently operating a trial service with its Solojaya train. "The traveling time between Jakarta and Surakarta is now about nine hours.

Pan Brothers cooperates with Batik Keris Group

Pan Brothers cooperates with Batik Keris Group JAKARTA (JP): PT Pan Brothers Tex, a publicly-listed textile manufacturer of the Pan Brothers Group, has announced that its founder, PT Pancamitra Ekadaya, has signed a share purchase agreement with the Batik Keris Group. Pan Brothers Tex reported in a statement to the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday that under the agreement, Batik Keris will acquire a 65 percent stake in Pancamitra Ekadaya.

Hingis offers rookie Liza uphill challenge

Hingis offers rookie Liza uphill challenge JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Federation Cup team sprang a surprise yesterday by naming newcomer Liza Andriyani to play Swiss, world-ranked 17th, Martina Hingis in their Fed Cup clash tomorrow. "It's a surprise. I never thought that I would be named the second singles," said 17-year-old Liza. "It is an honor for me and I'll do my best in the match," said Liza, whose ranking is 500 places below her Swiss opponent.

Phone services in E. Jakarta

Phone services in E. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The head of the East Jakarta office of the state-owned telecommunication company, Rizal Saat, has announced that there are now 36 automatic telephone systems in his area.

Quality human resources needed

Quality human resources needed JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs Idroes reiterated the need for quality human resources so that development efforts will not be obstructed by humans or natural disasters. Speaking during an assembly of leading officials of the Civil Defense Force (Hansip) at City Hall, Idroes said yesterday quality human resources are imperative in dealing with environmental destruction by mankind or natural disasters.

Family planning participants spurn comfy contraceptives

Family planning participants spurn comfy contraceptives JAKARTA (JP): Despite complaints about discomfort and health problems caused by contraceptives, many women are still reluctant to change methods, according to experts. Chairman of the Indonesian Planned Parenthood Association Kartono Mohamad said there were psychological reasons why women chose to endure discomfort rather than switch to less painful birth control methods.

281 students get Rp 39m in scholarship assistance

281 students get Rp 39m in scholarship assistance JAKARTA (JP): More than Rp 39 million (US$16,624) in scholarship assistance was given to 281 students by the University of Indonesia's Civil Servant Wives Organization during a ceremony held yesterday in the university's conference center. The organization's chairwoman, Umi Tadjudin, wife of the university rector M.K.

Hanoi agrees to assist in boatpeople repatriation

Hanoi agrees to assist in boatpeople repatriation JAKARTA (JP): A special team from Vietnam is scheduled to arrive on Galang Island, Riau, to help accelerate the repatriation of Vietnamese boat people living there. An Indonesian Foreign Ministry official said yesterday that the team's task will be to screen as many boat people as possible and determine whether they are ready for immediate repatriation back to Vietnam.

Smallholders increase role in rubber production

Smallholders increase role in rubber production JAKARTA (JP): Smallholders will continue dominating Indonesia's rubber production and exports in years to come, even without adequate support from the government. Data from the Indonesian Rubber Association reveals that smallholders control 83 percent of Indonesia's total rubber areas of 3.45 million hectares, contributing 74 percent of the country's total annual rubber production of 1.5 million tons.

Supermarket

Supermarket It is not my normal behavior to write a letter to a newspaper regarding dissatisfaction of a particular store. Both readers' letters (July 5 and July 6) and my own made experiences, especially during the last weeks in the Hero supermarket of Bakasi, West Java, oblige me to voice my opinion. My repeated complaints to the local Hero manager haven't had the desired effect. It is common knowledge that Hero is more expensive than other stores.

Minister shares critics' concern on democracy

Minister shares critics' concern on democracy JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. shares government critics' concern over widespread political violence and repression of democracy in Indonesia.

Vietnam, China to pursue talks

Vietnam, China to pursue talks HANOI (Reuter): Vietnam and China agreed at a meeting in Beijing last week to continue negotiations over their claims to sovereignty of two disputed island chains in South China Sea, Vietnam's official media said yesterday. "The two sides agreed that based on international laws...the expert group will continue negotiations on the sea issues in order to find out fundamental and long-term solutions acceptable to both sides," the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) said.

Bomb hoax at Nusabank

Bomb hoax at Nusabank JAKARTA (JP): A threatening phone call from an unidentified man led a bomb disposal squad to search the seven-floor Nusabank office building on Jl. Hasanuddin in South Jakarta yesterday morning. After more than an hour of searching, the Jakarta Police team, consisting of six personnel equipped with bomb detectors, left the building and gave a hand sign that there was no bomb. A similar case happened at the 32-floor Jakarta Stock Exchange building on Jl. Sudirman on June 24.

Asian export growth drops for various reasons

Asian export growth drops for various reasons HONG KONG (AFP): Asian economies are beginning to feel the effects of a drop in export growth, despite estimates which would be the envy of any western finance minister. The reasons for the export downturn -- or hiccup as some analysts say -- are varied, including rising wages, a production glut, and a corresponding fall in overseas markets, especially in Europe and the United States.

China's Jiong threatens RI supremacy

China's Jiong threatens RI supremacy ATLANTA, Georgia (AFP): It would have been odds on for an Indonesian to win the Olympic men's singles title six months ago, with Joko Suprianto, winner of the World Cup and Grand Prix titles, and fellow Indonesian Heryanto Arbi, the world champion, the best bets. Now however, a new threat has arisen -- Dong Jiong, the fleet- footed Chinese player who leapt four places to world number one just a month after the Olympic qualifying cut-off date in April.

Vietnamese team to expedite Galang repatriation

Vietnamese team to expedite Galang repatriation JAKARTA (JP): A special team from Vietnam is scheduled to arrive on Galang Island, Riau, to help accelerate the repatriation of Vietnamese boatpeople living there. An Indonesian Foreign Ministry official said yesterday that the team's task will be to screen as many boatpeople as possible and determine whether they are ready for immediate repatriation back to Vietnam.

Government reintroduces tax holiday

Government reintroduces tax holiday JAKARTA (JP): The government announced yesterday the reintroduction of a tax holiday for newly operational companies in certain industrial sectors after a break of 13 years, exempting them from income tax for up to 10 years. Companies operating outside Java and Bali will have two years longer.

Meekatharra unit seeks Canada listing

Meekatharra unit seeks Canada listing SYDNEY (Reuter): Australia's Meekatharra Minerals NL said yesterday it plans to raise C$33 million by listing the majority of its Indonesia gold holdings on a Canadian stock exchange. Meekatharra will offer about 40 percent of MM Gold Corp, a newly-formed Canadian subsidiary owning the Indonesian assets, to institutional investors through a private placement, the company said.

Ende has new archbishop

Ende has new archbishop KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Abdon Longginus da Cunha was consecrated new archbishop of Ende on Wednesday, replacing Dinatus Janggong. In the ceremony attended by about 35,000 Catholics in Ende Cathedral, Abdon called for harmonious coexistence among followers of different religions. "All religious believers in Indonesia should go hand in hand, forgive each other and promote brotherhood," he said while addressing the congregation.

Megawati vows to keep on fighting

Megawati vows to keep on fighting JAKARTA (JP): The beleaguered Megawati Soekarnoputri vowed to keep defending her position as the legitimate chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). "We have set sail and the boat will cruise. There is no turning back," Megawati said yesterday while opening an extraordinary conference of the PDI Jakarta chapter.

'Military course' for students ends

'Military course' for students ends JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Chief Maj. Gen Sutiyoso officially closed yesterday a 10-day discipline and self improvement program for student delinquents. Responding to wishes of some parents of the youths that the course should be prolonged, Sutiyoso said 10 days were enough to considerably improve the participants' behavior. The course, which took place at the military headquarters in East Jakarta, ended on Wednesday.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Music * Elmi Hotel: Jl. Panglima Sudirman No. 442-44: - Qemi Club: Abouwhim Band, 9 p.m. * Majapahit Hotel: Jl. Tunjungan 65: - Palm Bar: La Costa Band, daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. * Patra Surabaya Hilton International: Jl. Gunung Sari: - Kedai Jepara: Marcell Suryadharma (pianist) - nightly, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., except Sunday and Monday. - The Beer Garden: The La Mapas Resident Band - Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Meekatharra seeks Canada listing

Meekatharra seeks Canada listing SYDNEY (Reuter): Australia's Meekatharra Minerals NL said yesterday it plans to raise C$33 million by listing the majority of its Indonesia gold holdings on a Canadian stock exchange. Meekatharra will offer about 40 percent of MM Gold Corp, a newly-formed Canadian subsidiary owning the Indonesian assets, to institutional investors through a private placement, the company said.

Do your best, says Surjadi

Do your best, says Surjadi JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja urged members of the Jakarta contingent taking part in the 2nd Pertasi Kencana to do their best to promote agriculture, cooperatives and family planning. The week-long competition is held among provinces once every five years. This year it was to be held in West Nusa Tenggara starting yesterday. The governor said on Wednesday all contingent members should uphold discipline and Jakarta's good reputation as the capital.

Ignorance delaying action against air pollution

Ignorance delaying action against air pollution JAKARTA (JP): Noted health expert and member of the House of Representatives Nafsiah Mboi said ignorance is one factor behind the delay to solve air pollution here. Nafsiah told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday that ignorance, mainly of the effects of lead on human health, is one reason behind the lack of public pressure to phase out leaded gasoline. She was participating in a seminar on Greater Jakarta at the Regent Hotel.

Officers trading school places to be punished

Officers trading school places to be punished JAKARTA (JP): The head of the city's Ministry of Education and Culture, Kusnan Ismukanto, stressed yesterday that he would take stern action against any subordinates found "selling" empty seats at state-owned junior and senior high schools. "I ask people to report to my office if they have found my subordinates selling the empty seats. These brokers will be fired immediately," he told The Jakarta Post.

Rubber commodity exchanges urged

Rubber commodity exchanges urged JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, the world's second largest rubber producer, should open rubber commodity exchanges in several cities to protect its large number of small producers, said the Indonesian Rubber Association. The association's chairman O.K. Cornel said the association had asked the former ministry of trade to allow a commodity exchange in Medan, North Sumatra; where most of Indonesia's rubber comes from.

Quelling speculation

Quelling speculation The news from Bad Oeynhausen, Germany -- concerning President Soeharto's condition as conveyed by Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie and Dr. Reiner Koerfer -- brought relief to all Indonesians as it turned out President Soeharto was healthier than many people thought.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and Entertainment * 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 Filipino Guitar duo, Medi & Boy, daily. Lila Cita Fun Pub - Rakata Disc Band, Friday & Monday.

Local champion Utut suffers second defeat

Local champion Utut suffers second defeat JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's number one chess player, grandmaster Utut Adianto, plummeted to his second shock defeat in the BNI international tournament yesterday. It was compatriot Danny Yuswanto who blew away Utut's bid for his first title of the year. Playing with the advantageous white pieces, Danny employed constant attacks to tear down Utut's Caro- Kann defense in 39 moves.

KL cocoa traders and grinders to work out price pact

KL cocoa traders and grinders to work out price pact KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian cocoa traders and grinders are to hold talks before the end of August on a price pact that could favor both sides and ensure enough cocoa beans for local use, a senior industry official said yesterday.

'Let Adi prove his mettle': Lawyer

'Let Adi prove his mettle': Lawyer JAKARTA (JP): Justice Adi Andojo Soetjipto, who raised clamor over alleged collusion and corruption at the Supreme Court, should be given a chance to prove his mettle, a prominent lawyer has suggested. Justice Adi should replace Chief Justice Soerjono, who is nearing pension-age, on the condition that he rid the Court of collusion within a year, said Luhut M.P. Pangaribuan. "If he fails, then he should resign altogether," Luhut said yesterday.