Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 4 July 1996

60 articles found

'State firms must cooperate with foreign entities'

'State firms must cooperate with foreign entities' JAKARTA (JP): State-owned plantation firms PT Perkebunan Nusantara I to XIV will have to establish alliances with foreign partners in the future if they are to survive international competition, an official said yesterday.

SE Asian countries sit out weather market

SE Asian countries sit out weather market SINGAPORE (Reuter): Southeast Asian countries will stay out of the grain market this week as most are well-covered and do not want to get hit by the gyrations in prices of a weather-driven market in the United States, grain traders said yesterday. The only exceptions would be Thailand, which is trying to clinch a deal for about 33,000 tons of soybeans, and the Philippines, where flour companies are looking to buy about 31,000 tons of U.S.

Traffic jams in Bogor getting worse

Traffic jams in Bogor getting worse BOGOR, West Java (JP): The traffic situation on some Bogor streets is getting worse, with jams becoming a part of everyday life for local residents. Congestion is most visible on Jl. Veteran, Jl. Mawar, Jl. Merdeka and Jl. MA Salmun, where the city hall and district police office are located, Antara reported. To make things worse, public transportation drivers often ignore traffic signs.

Toll road tickets

Toll road tickets Sometime in June 1996, an announcement was printed in local Jakarta papers about a Rp 500 increase for the use of toll roads, to take effect on July 1. There was no mention anywhere that the 10 percent discount for frequent users of the toll road was dropped, as far as I have been able to read. Up to July 3, however, I have not been able to buy any toll road tickets. Could the toll road management explain this to the frequent users of toll roads?

Broadcasting bill will leave govt in control

Broadcasting bill will leave govt in control JAKARTA (JP): The government acknowledges that there's no way the broadcasting bill currently being deliberated in the House is going to satisfy everybody as it promises to maintain the government's control over broadcasting activities in the country.

Krakatau Steel, Posco of Korea set up steel venture

Krakatau Steel, Posco of Korea set up steel venture JAKARTA (JP): State-owned PT Krakatau Steel, Pohang Iron and Steel Co. Ltd. (Posco) of South Korea and two other firms agreed yesterday to establish a joint venture to produce hot rolled steel coils in Cilegon, West Java.

Women's opportunities in politics limited

Women's opportunities in politics limited JAKARTA (JP): A scholar says Indonesian women face "covert discrimination" in politics as seen by the few women in the House of Representatives, despite over half the voters being women. Saparinah Sadli, head of the Women Studies Program at the University of Indonesia's Post Graduate School, told an Asia Pacific workshop on gender equality yesterday that although no laws discriminate against them, women's political opportunity is limited.

Condom House riles ulemas

Condom House riles ulemas SURABAYA (JP): A sex shop's insistence to reopen after it was closed down by the government following religious leaders' protests last week met even stronger objection yesterday. Chief of the East Java branch of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI), Misbach, said that sex toys sold at the Condom House have the potential to corrupt public morale, especially that of youths. "Morality is our responsibility, including vendors'.

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.

Wiping out past mistakes

Wiping out past mistakes For the past several years, many Indonesian banks have been struggling to collect debts that have turned sour, or what the industry terms as nonperforming loans. They have not been successful. The total amount is not only staggering, it has also been growing: Rp 30.39 trillion in April, compared to Rp 27.88 trillion last December, and Rp 26.16 trillion in December 1994.

Mexico wants to get closer to RI and ASEAN

Mexico wants to get closer to RI and ASEAN JAKARTA (JP): Mexican Foreign Minister Jose Angel Gurria met President Soeharto yesterday on the last day of his visit, aimed at improving the states' relations. During the 30 minute meeting Gurria was accompanied by Mexican director general for Asian affairs Sergio Lay Lopez. Also present were Indonesian Foreign Minister Ali Alatas and Mexican Ambassador to Jakarta Joge Palacios Trevino.

Ahmad AFC's player of the month

Ahmad AFC's player of the month KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Fandi Ahmad of Singapore's Geylang United has been declared player of the month for June by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). Fandi was the joint top scorer as Geylang won the first phase of the newly-formed professional S. League in Singapore, the AFC said yesterday in a statement released here.

AIDS progress praised

AIDS progress praised JAKARTA (JP): Local experts are hailing signs of relative progress in the fight against Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) worldwide, pledging an even greater effort to achieve similar success here. Dr. Samsuridjal Djauzi said at a discussion yesterday that the rate of mothers infecting their babies with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) -- which can lead to AIDS -- is declining.

World Bank approves loan for education

World Bank approves loan for education JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank approved on Tuesday a US$104 million to Indonesia to finance the Central Indonesia Junior Secondary Education Project. The project will expand access to and improve the quality of junior secondary education with the goal of building a well- educated, skilled work force able to meet the needs of Indonesia's growing economy, according to the bank's press statement made available to The Jakarta Post yesterday.

PPP shows strength prior to general elections

PPP shows strength prior to general elections JAKARTA (JP): More than 15,000 supporters of the Moslem-based United Development Party (PPP) held a rally here yesterday in a massive show of strength in the run-up to next year's general elections. "I'm calling on you all, especially PPP supporters in Jakarta to help achieve again the success that this party achieved in the 1977 general elections," said chairman of Jakarta branch Rusjdi Hamka to loud cheers from the participants.

RI, Mongolia sign deal

RI, Mongolia sign deal JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Mongolia have signed an agreement on the avoidance of double taxation and the prevention of tax evasion with respect to taxes on incomes. The agreement was signed in Ulan Bator on Tuesday by Indonesian Ambassador Rachmat Witoelar and Mongolian Deputy Minister of Finance S. Ochipurev.

Soerjadi seeks military's help to take over HQ

Soerjadi seeks military's help to take over HQ JAKARTA (JP): Soerjadi, the government-backed leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), formally asked the Armed Forces (ABRI) to help retake the party's headquarters from Megawati Soekarnoputri, leader of the rival PDI board. "The PDI central executive board this morning asked for ABRI's help in retaking the headquarters from Megawati's supporters," ABRI Chief Gen.

Two die as boat sinks

Two die as boat sinks CIREBON, West Java: Two people died and one went missing after a boat capsized on Tuesday afternoon at Bungko village in Cirebon during a traditional racing event. Locally dubbed Nadran, the event is a traditional race during which boats race to catch offerings thrown into the sea by another boat. Jumaroh, 18, and Mustamid, 60, from Grogol village were found dead, while Suminten, 15, from Karang Kendal village, was still missing as of yesterday, Antara reported.

Selamat Sempurna to sell 34.4m shares

Selamat Sempurna to sell 34.4m shares JAKARTA (JP): PT Selamat Sempurna, an automotive parts manufacturer, plans to sell 34.4 million shares, each with a nominal value of Rp 500 (21 U.S. cents), to raise approximately Rp 70 billion.

When television swallows kids and spits out zombies

When television swallows kids and spits out zombies By L.E. Nugroho BANDUNG (JP): Television can be a child's best friend. Kids often spend more time with the television than with their parents. Many kids turn on the television because they're bored, tired or have nothing to do. They watch whatever program pops up on the screen, then continue with the next show and the next. Some psychologists recommend restricting the time children spend watching television and playing computer games.

Buton asphalt for Vietnam

Buton asphalt for Vietnam JAKARTA (JP): Facing difficulties in marketing its asphalt domestically, foreign investment firm PT Amerta Margayasa Aspal plans to export its products to a number of neighboring countries. The company's president, John Huliselan, was quoted yesterday by Antara as saying that the Vietnamese government had expressed interest in importing its micro-asphalt, produced on Buton island, Southeast Sulawesi.

Redefining the role of political parties

Redefining the role of political parties Street demonstrations have revived discussions on the roles and concepts of political parties. Political scientist Arbi Sanit explores this phenomena and its relevance to Indonesia. JAKARTA (JP); The differences between cadre political parties and popularly supported political parties have become a topic of public discussion in light of recent street demonstrations over the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) fiasco.

Opportunity

Opportunity Women's opportunities in politics limited. Page 2 Police Survey reveals poor perception of police. Page 3 North Korea Political and economic experts predict North Korea's collapse. Page 5 Steel venture Krakatau Steel and Posco of Korea set up steel venture. Page 8 Dollar Japan concerned over rapid rise of U.S. dollar. Page 9 Tennis Kimiko Date gears up for clash against champion Graf. Page 10

Survey reveals poor perception of police

Survey reveals poor perception of police JAKARTA (JP): Most respondents of a recent survey said they considered the police to be ill-behaved and corrupt, always putting money first when it comes to priorities in serving the public.

Tourism board slow to receive tax revenues

Tourism board slow to receive tax revenues JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board, a semi- governmental body assigned to promote the country's tourism industry abroad, has only received Rp 31.12 billion, or 26 percent of the Rp 120.17 billion expected in development taxes.

DSTP seeks better way to go public

DSTP seeks better way to go public JAKARTA (JP): PT Dua Satu Tiga Puluh (DSTP), a company set up by the government to finance a US$2 billion project to produce jet planes that will be built by state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT IPTN, is looking for a better way to sell its shares to the public. DSTP president Saadilah Mursjid said yesterday that individual investors need to be encouraged to buy shares.

Governor warns nightclubs used for drug dealing

Governor warns nightclubs used for drug dealing JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday that the city will revoke the operation permits of public establishments used for drug dealing. The governor has instructed the city's tourism agency to follow President Soeharto's instruction to close down any discotheques caught being used for dealing Ecstasy or other illegal substances. "The establishments will not get another chance to operate in the city.

Three killed in Bogor crash

Three killed in Bogor crash BOGOR, West Java (JP): Three people were killed and four people were seriously injured when two public transport vans collided head-on at dawn yesterday on Jl. Baru in Bogor. Those killed included Syamsuddin, the 23-year-old driver of one of the vans, Saefullah, 25, and Atih, 35. They were all residents of Bogor, Antara reported. Passengers Junaidi, Nadin (35), Asep (28) and Achmad (68) were sent to hospital.

State only rescue 40% of bad loans

State only rescue 40% of bad loans JAKARTA (JP): The state receivership agency, BUPLN, has only recovered about Rp 1 trillion from state-owned banks' bad loans in the last two years, or 40 percent of its original target, a senior agency official said yesterday. "We have been working hard but the results have not been that satisfactory," BUPLN chairman Adolf Warouw said in Medan yesterday.

Give us programmes with "Asian" values, say region's media chiefs

Give us programmes with "Asian" values, say region's media chiefs MANILA (AFP): Media executives called on TV stations yesterday to promote programming and publications with "Asian" values as they warned against the dominance of Western TV programs in Asian homes. "My intention is to warn producers: what are they doing by buying so many imported programs? They have to be reminded that we have (Asian) values," said Naohiro Kato, director-general of the Asian Broadcasting Union in Malaysia.

Flavor of the month

Flavor of the month From Kompas On June 26, 1996, my husband and I had dinner at the Shima Japanese Restaurant on the 27th floor of Plaza Bapindo, Jakarta. The waitress gave us the special menu for that month. I inquired whether they had the ordinary menu, to which the waitress replied "Yes". My next question was about whether the special menu was for two persons, to which she replied in the affirmative. I decided to order from the special menu.

Transvestites upset over extortion

Transvestites upset over extortion JAKARTA (JP): Fifty-eight transvestites filed a complaint yesterday with the Central Jakarta mayoralty over extortion and blackmail allegedly committed by mayoralty officials. Mirinda, the head of a transvestite communication forum, told the head of the mayoralty's social agency that his friends are sick and tired of being blackmailed by officials. "The officials regularly extort money from us.

China buys back $1m old painting

China buys back $1m old painting BEIJING (Reuter): China's Palace Museum has bought back a 500- year-old Ming dynasty painting, once among its top 100 treasures, from a private owner for 8.8 million yuan (US$1.06 million) at auction, the China Daily said on Monday.

Japan concerned over rapid rise of U.S. dollar

Japan concerned over rapid rise of U.S. dollar TOKYO (AFP): Japanese are starting to worry about the impact of the dollar's new-found strength on the economy, with Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto expressing concern yesterday about rapid movements of the U.S. unit. "It's not good for a currency to fluctuate rapidly," Hashimoto told reporters, preferring instead exchange rate movements "within a certain range.

Regional cooperation in East Asia

Regional cooperation in East Asia By Eiichi Furukawa TOKYO (JP): At an international symposium held in Tokyo on May 17, the Philippine President Fidel V. Ramos called for creation of an organization for political cooperation in Asia. He said that it was for the purpose of reflecting more accurately the intensity of economic and security interdependence in Asia at large.

PTA firm expands capacity

PTA firm expands capacity JAKARTA (JP): PT Bakrie Kasei Corporation has doubled its production capacity of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) to 600,000 tons per annum, from 300,000 tons. The company said yesterday that it had just completed the construction of its second PTA plant in Serang, West Java, for a total cost of US$210 million. The plant, with a capacity of 300,000 tons per annum, will begin commercial production later this month.

'Semar Mencari Raga' tells of a model figure in crisis

'Semar Mencari Raga' tells of a model figure in crisis Semar Mencari Raga By Sindhunata Published by Kanisius in cooperation with Yayasan BP BASIS, Yogyakarta 1996 VII + 59 pages YOGYAKARTA (JP): Who would have thought that gods were vulnerable and could suffer identity crises? This is what happens to Semar, the protagonist of the story Semar Mencari Raga (Semar In Search Of A Body). Put in a Javanese setting, Sindhunata invites the reader to meet the real Semar.

Megawati and Soerjadi should prove popularity

Megawati and Soerjadi should prove popularity JAKARTA (JP): The two rival leaders of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) were challenged yesterday to prove who has stronger popular support. Deputy governor of the National Resilience Institute Juwono Sudarsono and observer Novel Ali separately suggested that Megawati Soekarnoputri and Soerjadi seek legitimacy from the grassroots level. Megawati was elected by popular vote in 1993.

Nona Manis -- RI's David Copperfield

Nona Manis -- RI's David Copperfield JAKARTA (JP): Children screamed while adults looked on in seriousness when a master of ceremony opened a screen, revealing a girl's head on a round table during an entertainment group's performance at the Jakarta fair. The "miracle girl" is the only show performed by the Nona Manis group, which has appeared at the Jakarta Fair since its opening day.

Indonesia's top shuttlers out of form

Indonesia's top shuttlers out of form JAKARTA (JP): With the Centennial Olympic Games in Atlanta drawing nearer, Indonesian badminton players have failed to show their poise for the sport's most coveted laurels. All the would-be Atlanta stars were steam rolled effortlessly in yesterday's simulation matches. Iwan Setiawan, training director of the Badminton Association of Indonesia, quickly explained what happened to his players.

Future gas stations in capital to be smaller

Future gas stations in capital to be smaller JAKARTA (JP): Gas stations in the capital are likely to shrink in size as the administration relocates bigger stations away from parks and green areas. Toto Soeparto, spokesman for the state-owned oil company Pertamina, said yesterday that the city administration, in cooperation with Pertamina, is reviewing gas station requirements.

Consumer prices index down 0.07% in June

Consumer prices index down 0.07% in June JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's economic indicators improved last month, with the consumer price index (CPI) declining by 0.07 percent after a rise of 0.06 percent in May, Minister of Information Harmoko announced yesterday. After a limited cabinet meeting on the economy, Harmoko said that the country booked a surplus of $366.2 million in international trade in April.

Street urchins seek government recognition

Street urchins seek government recognition JAKARTA (JP): Fifty street children visited the National Commission on Human Rights to hand over what they called "Street Children's Declaration", urging the government to recognize their existence. The children came from Jakarta and Bekasi and demanded that the government leave them in peace and stop chasing them off the streets and away from bus terminals and treat them as human beings.

Snakes to travel in coffee bottles

Snakes to travel in coffee bottles JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Conservation authorities have foiled an attempt by three Russians to smuggle three Boeleni python out of Irian Jaya province. Setio Hindrianto, head of the local conservation office, told Antara Tuesday that the three snakes were placed in instant coffee bottles and hidden in a room at the Mangsapurani Hotel near Sentani airport in Jayapura.

More police for Maumere

More police for Maumere KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The East Nusa Tenggara Police Command is planning to add 150 mobile brigade personnel to its force in Maumere, Sikka village. Col. Tri Dani said that the increase in personnel is intended to expand service to residents. Currently, there are 2,631 police personnel for 3.4 million residents, Tri said on Monday after a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Indonesian Police Force.

Two killed in traffic accident

Two killed in traffic accident JAKARTA (JP): Two people were killed when a public transportation minivan plying the Tanjung Priok-Cakung route was hit by a truck in North Jakarta on Monday evening. The driver of the truck fled the scene after learning that two of the minivan's passengers were killed and three others were seriously injured. "He is still at large," a traffic police officer was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Family Matters 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Talks: One Day with Mr.

Caption

Caption Correction: In a caption written in yesterday's spotlight column on Page 10, we mentioned RH Betts as former director and adviser to the Indonesia program of the World Wide Fund for Nature and her husband. It should read Russell H. Betts.... (left) and his wife (second from right). We apologize for the error. -- Editor

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.

Govt waives ship tax

Govt waives ship tax JAKARTA (JP): The government, through a ministerial decree, has waived tax on the transfer of ship ownership in a bid to encourage the development of domestic shipping and fishery industries. The decree, dated June 19, stipulates that such a tax facility applies to ships procured by domestic firms or individuals from either foreign or domestic sellers.

RI bodybuilder eying 6th place

RI bodybuilder eying 6th place JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has selected Ade Ray for the 7th Asian Pro-Am Classic Bodybuilding Championships in Macau, which started yesterday. Budi Santoso, an official from the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association, said yesterday that Ade will only seek sixth place because of the tough draw which includes Mr. Universe Praim Chan of India and last year's champion Azman Abdullah of Singapore.

Indonesia Open to attract top stars

Indonesia Open to attract top stars JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia gave its guarantee yesterday that its top players would take part in the Sony Badminton Indonesia Open 96 championships, which commences shortly after the Olympic Games conclude. "It is an important tournament where our players will collect points to qualify for the Grand Prix final in December," Sumaryono, executive chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia, told a press conference yesterday.

Street sweepers get approval

Street sweepers get approval JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta authorities have got the green light from the governor to use street sweepers on several main streets in the area. In a meeting with the five city mayors here yesterday, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said the plan will aid the capital's cleaning program, reported a spokesman from the municipality office, Soesila Darmoadji.

Lippo Land shares acquired

Lippo Land shares acquired JAKARTA (JP): China Resources yesterday purchased a 5 percent stake in PT Lippo Land Development at Rp 64 billion (US$27.1 million) through the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), the latter company said in a statement. The purchased shares were previously owned by the Riady family, the founder of the Lippo Group. The 5 percent stake represents 12.4 million of Lippo Land's shares.

World Bank loan

World Bank loan for RI project WASHINGTON (AFP): The World Bank announced it had approved a US$104 million loan to Indonesia to fund a project to expand junior secondary education. The project includes expanding access to schools, improving the quality of education and strengthening education management. The project is estimated to cost $154.1 million.

PTA firm expands capacity

PTA firm expands capacity JAKARTA (JP): PT Bakrie Kasei Corporation has doubled its production capacity of purified terephthalic acid (PTA) to 600,000 tons per annum, from 300,000 tons. The company said yesterday that it had just completed the construction of its second PTA plant in Serang, West Java, for a total cost of US$210 million. The plant, with a capacity of 300,000 tons per annum, will begin commercial production later this month.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 3, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 775 -25 25,000 AHAP Insurance 2,800 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 675 25 7,500 Andayani Megah 1,200 0 1,933,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,800 0 0 Anwar Sierad 2,225 -25 82,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,225 25 90,000 Argo Pantes 1,975 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,400 0 54,000 Asiana IMI...

Salim to take over QAF

Salim to take over QAF SINGAPORE (Reuter): Indonesia's Salim group said yesterday it has made a conditional takeover offer for bread company, QAF Ltd, after the exercise of call options for QAF shares and the purchase of more shares. The Salim group, through its wholly-owned subsidiary, Qualif Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of its Singapore investment arm KMP Pte Ltd, is offering S$2 per share and $1.10 per warrant for the shares and warrants it does not already own.

Noise pollution

Noise pollution I want to add my (quiet) voice to those few, Indonesians and foreigners, who from time to time raise the issue of noise pollution. Given the great many serious ills which beset the country, and the world, this issue may strike some as relatively minor. Air and water pollution, not to mention degradation of the land and the living sources that stand on it -- and the as yet inadequate efforts to deal with this -- is far more frequently discussed.

Barito Pacific

Barito Pacific Correction: In the June 29 article Barito pays Rp 50 dividend on page 11, the last paragraph should have read "The shareholders meeting also accepted the resignation of Setienven Lunardy and appointed Antonius Hadi Tjondro as a new director of the company." -- Editor