Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 July 1996

50 articles found

I Made Sumadiyasa: Young, promising Balinese painter

I Made Sumadiyasa: Young, promising Balinese painter By Putu Wirata Young Balinese painter Made Sumadiyasa has received acclaim both at home and abroad for his works. This article relates the genesis of his paintings of the past few years. DENPASAR (JP): Two paintings exhibited at Art Asia Hong Kong in November last year, Menari dengan Singa (Dancing with a Lion, 1994) and Jalan Pembebasan (Road to Freedom, 1994), received extraordinary acclaim.

ASEAN, India set up cooperation bodies

ASEAN, India set up cooperation bodies JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) sought closer ties yesterday with its new partner India by forming a number of commissions. Indian Foreign Minister Inder Kumar Gujral said after a dialog with ASEAN that both parties have agreed to set up various commissions to enhance their relations on tourism, science and technology and trade. "Ultimately, the private sector is the primary force.

Engaging Myanmar

Engaging Myanmar Within the space of only four days, Myanmar was admitted first to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as an observer and later as a full member of the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). The first is a regional organization with a strong international reputation, and the other is an emerging elite forum, involving the United States, China, Russia and the European Union, among others, for which membership is difficult to come by.

Fire leaves people homeless

Fire leaves people homeless BANDUNG: An early morning fire destroyed 58 houses in a slum area here yesterday, leaving 478 people homeless and causing losses of about Rp 2 billion (about US$850,000). Eyewitnesses said that the fire started at 1.30 a.m. at the house of the neighborhood chief, Dadang, and quickly spread to adjacent properties. Dadang said the fire caused residents to flee their homes in panic. "They were alerted by security guards.

Democracy and human rights imperative, say ASEAN partners

Democracy and human rights imperative, say ASEAN partners JAKARTA (JP): Dialog partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) emphasized the importance for democracy and human rights yesterday as an imperative prerequisite to regional stability.

Students demand legal action

Students demand legal action UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Around 500 students yesterday demonstrated at the governor's office, demanding that the government and the military complete planned legal action against soldiers allegedly responsible for the death of three friends of theirs. The demonstration was held to coincide with the 90th day anniversary of the death of Syaiful Bya, M. Tasyrif and Andi Sultan during a student protest which ended in a clash with security forces in April.

ASEAN should make decisions

ASEAN should make decisions Talking is obviously better than not talking. But dialog without any set program and as an end in itself seems more like an opportunity to golf than anything else. If ASEAN is to deal with the challenges of the next few years, it must do something about some overriding issues, including North Korean non-proliferation, Chinese expansionism and the new "observer," Myanmar.

RI needs justices with integrity

RI needs justices with integrity By T. Mulya Lubis JAKARTA (JP): This is the first time that the Supreme Court has been struck by a crisis so severe. The issue of collusion in the highest judicial institution and the call to fire Justice Adi Andojo Soetjipto -- the man who blew the whistle -- have been given daily coverage in the media. Now there are demands for the dismissal of the chief justice. It is sad to witness the crumbling stature of this noble institution.

Indonesia and U.S. sign bilateral tax protocol

Indonesia and U.S. sign bilateral tax protocol JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and the United States have signed a bilateral agreement reducing the withholding tax on interest, royalties and dividend payments for businesses in the two countries. The agreement was signed yesterday by Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas and U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher after their bilateral luncheon.

TV today

TV today TVRI 12:00 p.m. Travel: My Country 12:05 TV Series: Family Matters 12:30 Dance Performance 1:00 News: Lintasan Berita 1:30 Science Film: Here Comes The Stars 2:05 Education Program: Dunia Mahasiswa 2:30 Sport: Olympiad '96 from Atlanta 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country: Maluku 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Koran Recital 6:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Teller 7:30 Hobbies 8:00...

'U.S. should not impose its domestic policies on others'

'U.S. should not impose its domestic policies on others' JAKARTA (JP): Southeast Asian countries have expressed concern with what they see as the tendency of the United States to impose its domestic economic policies on other countries, when the policies may not even be consistent with World Trade Organization (WTO) rules. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas conveyed the concerns of members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) during a one-on-one session of talks with U.S.

Integrated mapping agency needed

Integrated mapping agency needed JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto opened a national seminar on mapping yesterday, calling for the establishment of an integrated center of information on land and geographic mapping. He said the various related agencies need to establish a better network for land mapping activities in order to avoid an overlapping of responsibilities.

SE Asian 'tigers' sharpen their claws

SE Asian 'tigers' sharpen their claws By Kai Strittmatter MUNICH (DPA): Anyone thinking of Southeast Asia thinks of little tigers, of ambitious states in a hurry to be economic powers, of holiday destinations with glorious beaches, in a region which for decades seems to have been a regular subscriber to peace. But secretly the tigers are sharpening their claws: while the world disarms, Asia arms.

Public awareness of AIDS improves

Public awareness of AIDS improves JAKARTA (JP): The first national conference on AIDS started here yesterday with speakers expressing optimism about increasing public awareness of the life-threatening condition. The three-day conference is the largest in a series of AIDS gatherings held annually in the country. Some 400 officials, policy makers, religious leaders, doctors and researchers from Indonesia and foreign countries, people with AIDS, activists, and journalists are attending.

Tommy to build power plant

Tommy to build power plant JAKARTA (JP): PT Okha Hutomo Satrya and Figear Ltd., two private firms affiliated to the Humpuss Group, will build a geothermal power plant in Wayang Windu, West Java in cooperation with Asia Power of New Zealand. Humpuss Group is controlled by President Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo (Tommy) Mandala Putra.

Adisumarmo airpot expansion ready next year

Adisumarmo airpot expansion ready next year JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said yesterday that the Adisumarmo airport in Surakarta, Central Java, will be ready for trial operation early next year after the completion of an expansion project in late December. "The airport is scheduled to handle the transportation of haj pilgrims with wide-body jets in March next year," Haryanto told reporters after meeting with President Soeharto at Bina Graha presidential office.

Inco's profit jumps 37%

Inco's profit jumps 37% JAKARTA (JP): The publicly listed PT International Nickel Indonesia (Inco) saw its profit increase during this year's second quarter by 37.12 percent to US$18.1 million from $13.2 million in the corresponding period of last year. The company said in a statement yesterday that the results for the second quarter of this year reflected higher prices and increased deliveries, which were partially offset by increased unit production costs.

Seven netted in drug raid

Seven netted in drug raid JAKARTA (JP): The North Jakarta Police have charged an executive of Hailai International Executive Club and six other people for possession of marijuana and Ecstasy. Jakarta Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna told reporters yesterday that Hendro Sumampouw, 38, the executive of one of the largest discotheques in town, and the other six suspects were apprehended in a predawn raid on Tuesday.

Australia to stop reporter death probe

Australia to stop reporter death probe JAKARTA (JP): The Australian government is unlikely to further pursue an inquiry concerning the deaths of six journalists in East Timor in 1975, allegedly killed by Indonesian troops. After a meeting with his Indonesian counterpart yesterday, Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer told journalists that he had been informed that Jakarta could provide no additional information surrounding the deaths.

PAM Jaya to supply water from Tangerang

PAM Jaya to supply water from Tangerang JAKARTA (JP): The city-owned water company, PAM Jaya, plans to pay the Tangerang branch of the same company for water from the Cisadane river in Tangerang, West Java, as existing raw water processed by the company is often severely polluted, an official says.

Human rights requires political change

Human rights requires political change JAKARTA (JP): Human rights campaigners said that political change was needed to instill a greater respect for human rights in the nation. They blamed the existing political system, which 'monopolized the states' use of legal violence', for many rights' violations and violence.

$1.6b in commitments for tourist projects

$1.6b in commitments for tourist projects JAKARTA (JP): Total investment commitments for tourist-related projects approved by the government from January to May this year were worth $1.67 billion, according to the latest monthly report from the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications. The report said that the commitments comprise 23 foreign investment projects worth $278.14 million and 88 domestically funded projects worth Rp 3.27 trillion ($1.4 billion).

EU and ASEAN divided on Myanmar contact group

EU and ASEAN divided on Myanmar contact group JAKARTA (AFP): The European Union (EU) has thrown its support behind a Canadian proposal to set up a UN-linked contact group on Myanmar, but senior ASEAN officials have rejected the idea, delegates said yesterday. "It is a possible way of getting a real dialogue going. But any way is welcomed at the moment," said Gwyn Morgan, head of the Southeast Asia division at the European Commission, after the opening of the ASEAN post-ministerial conference.

Smiling Joko ready to fool his detractors

Smiling Joko ready to fool his detractors ATLANTA, Georgia (Agencies): Joko Suprianto, the smiling Indonesian who has been written off more times than he cares to remember, will be one of the most surprising favorites at the Centennial Olympics when badminton begins yesterday. It was the most painful disappointment of Joko's career when he was excluded from his country's squad when badminton made its Olympic debut in Barcelona four years ago.

Squatters asked to vacate plots

Squatters asked to vacate plots JAKARTA (JP): Squatters along the Ciliwung riverbank in subdistricts of Bidara Cina in East Jakarta and Kebon Baru in South Jakarta will have to vacate their plots by mid September, an official says. The head of Bidara Cina subdistrict, Sudirman, said yesterday that the deadline is set for after the residents receive compensation. The compensation payments are underway and will end in August.

Flag burned in East Timor

Flag burned in East Timor DILI, East Timor: A group of people yesterday attempted to incite rioting among hundreds of East Timorese mourning the death of a nun by burning the country's flag during the funeral. The effort met with a cold response from the mourners at the Santa Cruz public cemetery however. Students and young people stepped back from the group, which dispersed and eventually left the cemetery. Sr.

Are we moving further away from the nation's noble ideas?

Are we moving further away from the nation's noble ideas? By Kastorius Sinaga Several impressive public figures met recently to sign what is now known as the Statement of Concerns on our current political climate. Sociologist Kastorius Sinaga writes that the statement serves two purposes. JAKARTA (JP): A statement signed by several public figures which summarized their concern on the latest political developments has received mixed reactions.

BKPM revokes 88 investment licenses

BKPM revokes 88 investment licenses JAKARTA (JP): The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) revoked 88 investment licenses in the period between Jan. 1 and July 15, this year. According to the investment board, 63 of the revoked licenses belonged to domestic investors and the other 25 to foreign investors. The investment value originally planned for the 63 domestic investment projects reached Rp 900 billion (US$384 million), while that for the 25 foreign investments was $458 million.

Caltex finds oil in Riau

Caltex finds oil in Riau JAKARTA (JP): PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia, an oil production sharing contractor of state-owned Pertamina, has struck oil at the Sijambu field in Bengkalis district, Riau, about 120 kilometers northwest of its giant oil field in Duri. Pertamina announced yesterday that according to a test, an exploration well, called Sijambu No.1, at the new oil field can produce 280 barrels of oil and 20 barrels of water per day at a depth of 2,427 feet through the Greywacke base rocks.

10km run offers Rp 38 million prize

10km run offers Rp 38 million prize JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Track and Field Association, in cooperation with PT Caltex Pasific Indonesia, will stage a 10Km run here on Aug. 11 with Rp 38 million (US$16,100) in prize money. B Chaidir, the general secretary of the association, said that the run, which will start at Madya Stadium, is open to the general public, the military and national athletes.

TV Media offers 24-hour service

TV Media offers 24-hour service JAKARTA (JP): TV Media has opened a round-the-clock Consumer Hotline Service in an effort to make it more convenient for prospective customers to buy its products advertised on television. The 24-hour service is primarily aimed at offering better service to the public through the telephone system, Salim Kartono, the director of PT Telemedia Internusa, said yesterday. He said consumers could call the company any time.

Mayoralty ends water shortage

Mayoralty ends water shortage BANJARMASIN, South Sumatra: The mayoralty here has exploited extra drinking water sources to end a water shortage that hits the area almost every year. The local branch of the state-owned water company has built an installation with a capacity of 500 liters per second. It takes water from the Riam Kanan irrigation canal.

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.

Police formally bans PDI free speech forum

Police formally bans PDI free speech forum JAKARTA (JP): The National Police has formally banned the free speech forum held daily by the overthrown faction of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) on the grounds that it disrupts public order and is becoming an unconstitutional gathering. The ban, dated July 23, was issued by the Chief of the Menteng sub-district police, Capt. Zulkarnain, and delivered to the party's headquarters on Jl. Diponegoro, Central Jakarta, in the evening of the same day.

EU hopes to put Asian links on solid footing

EU hopes to put Asian links on solid footing BRUSSELS (Reuter): The European Union, stung by criticism from Asian leaders over the weekend, hopes to advance relations in the calmer atmosphere of a two-day high-level diplomatic meeting which opened yesterday. Following criticism from foreign ministers at the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Jakarta, EU officials hope for progress to be made at an Asia Europe Meeting (ASEM).

TEC seeks LNG projects

TEC seeks LNG projects TOKYO (Reuter): Toyo Engineering Corp (TEC) said yesterday it would submit bids to Mobil Corp to build processing plants in Indonesia for liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects. The projected plants, to be built on northern Sumatra and Madura, would remove carbon dioxide and sulfur from natural gas before it is sent to liquefication plants, a TEC spokesman said.

New partners join ASEAN talks

New partners join ASEAN talks JAKARTA (AFP): China, India and Russia sought closer ties with ASEAN as they joined a wide-ranging dialogue with the trade- driven southeast Asian grouping yesterday. The three countries take to 10 the number of full dialogue partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which engage in annual talks on an array of political, security and economic issues.

RP peace deal in jeopardy

RP peace deal in jeopardy MANILA (AFP): The Philippine government's peace talks with Moro rebels may be jeopardized if the Senate holds an inquiry into an interim peace deal, chief presidential aide Ruben Torres warned yesterday. Torres made the comments to reporters after the Senate proposed inquiring into Manila's provisional peace deal with the main rebel group, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).

Two newly-listed stocks perform well on the JSX

Two newly-listed stocks perform well on the JSX JAKARTA (JP): The prices of two new shares listed yesterday by PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa and PT Surya Dumai Industry climbed slightly despite the weak performance of most shares on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday, dealers said. Surya Dumai is a plywood manufacturer, Ramayana is a retailing firm.

Japan asked to import more from ASEAN nations

Japan asked to import more from ASEAN nations JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) called on Japan yesterday to import more goods from its seven member countries to reduce its trade imbalance. Thai Deputy Premier and Foreign Minister Amnuay Viravan, representing ASEAN in a dialogue with Japan, suggested that Japan reduce and -- where possible -- eliminate tariffs and non-tariff barriers which mostly inhibit goods from ASEAN countries.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Music and Entertainment * Chedi Hotel: Jl. Rancabentang 56-58: Job (Piano), Monday to Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Irven (Guitar), Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Mixed voices Accapela singer and Andi (Pianist), Thursday and Saturday, 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Andi (Piano), Friday and Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Imelda (Piano), Friday, 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Juli (Piano), 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. * International Imperium Hotel: Jl. Dr. Rum No.

Fourth Indonesian Dance Festival starts today

Fourth Indonesian Dance Festival starts today By Mariam K. Sutalaksana JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Institute for the Arts (IKJ) and Gedung Kesenian Jakarta have been bouncing with dancers, choreographers and patrons of this art since July 22. Early in the morning in IKJ's Room C, Linda Hoemar from Indonesia taught modern dance technique as part of a creative dance workshop.

Nightspots lack fire prevention

Nightspots lack fire prevention JAKARTA (JP): A study has revealed that 64 nightspots in the city lack fire prevention equipment. The 64 establishments, mostly discotheques and bars, are spread across the city and standing on 160 to 8,000 square meter plots of land. Some incorporate restaurants, nightclubs, massage parlors, billiard and karaoke facilities. The city has more than 3,223 nightspots, according to the public order office.

USA will raise rights issues at WTO

USA will raise rights issues at WTO JAKARTA (JP): The U.S. said yesterday it would raise issues such as human rights and labor at the World Trade Organization (WTO) ministerial conference in Singapore this December. This could set the stage for confrontation with ASEAN and developing countries, which have flatly rejected the inclusion of non-trade issues at the conference. U.S.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 24, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,300 0 96,000 AHAP Insurance 2,700 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 725 25 2,500 Andayani Megah 1,350 0 1,143,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,725 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,975 -25 50,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,050 -50 55,000 Argo Pantes 1,975 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,900 -50 219,000 Asiana IMI...

SE Asian corn prices slide under pressure

SE Asian corn prices slide under pressure KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Southeast Asian corn prices continued to slide under domestic harvest pressure this week, although Malaysian prices stabilized despite local buyers' moves to buy U.S. corn as futures fell, traders said yesterday. "The local corn market had been selling below international prices for some time now and that's why it's not retreating now," one Malaysian trader said.

ASEAN asks China to clarify its sea map

ASEAN asks China to clarify its sea map JAKARTA (JP): The seven members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said yesterday that they consider China's declaration on the enlargement of its sea boundaries by 2.5 million square kilometers as inconclusive and yet to be clarified.

RI spikers write history in the sand

RI spikers write history in the sand ATLANTA BEACH, Georgia (DPA): Indonesian pair Etta and Timy wrote beach volleyball history on Tuesday, taking part in the very first match of the sport's first Olympic outing - and they won, though losing a later encounter with Brazil's world top duo.

Growing crime

Growing crime It seems that everything is growing in our country, something we can be proud of. When you follow the news in several of the dailies, you realize that so many things are growing. The economy, no doubt, occupies a prominent place in this growth process. Our annual per capita income has grown from a mere US$500 to almost $1,000. This is a figure showing only the average, it does not shows the fairness of wealth distribution.

Some injured in student brawls

Some injured in student brawls JAKARTA (JP): Two separate brawls among students took place yesterday in front of police offices in Central Jakarta, leaving a number of students injured from stone-throwing incidents. The first brawl occurred in front of the Central Jakarta Police precinct on Jl. Salemba, when two groups of senior high school students threw stones at each other. They also damaged the windshield of a public bus.