Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 July 1996

49 articles found

Why has Megawati grown in stature?

Why has Megawati grown in stature? Why has the embattled chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party, Megawati Soekarnoputri, been able to contain pressure on her since the controversial government-backed congress of the Indonesian Development Party in Medan last month? Political observer Riswandha Imawan has the answer.

Cash registers needed for 10% city sales tax

Cash registers needed for 10% city sales tax JAKARTA (JP): Cash registers must be used at all public eateries to enable the recording of development taxes paid by consumers, a councilor said. The chairman of the commission in charge of city income, Helmy A.R. Syihab, said that at present, the public has no way of knowing for sure whether the 10 percent tax added to their bills really goes to the city treasury.

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.

Telkom launches info service for customers

Telkom launches info service for customers JAKARTA (JP): State-owned domestic telecommunications provider PT Telkom launched Siska yesterday, a computerized customer information service designed to improve the company's efficiency and customer services. Company Director Dadad Kustiwa said that the new service, installed at Telkom's branch offices in South and East Jakarta, is part of the T-2001 program.

ASEAN planning proposed

ASEAN planning proposed BANGKOK (AFP): Thai Deputy Prime Minister Amnuay Virawan yesterday urged all ASEAN states to start planning for 2020 so that the regional grouping could move smoothly into the next century. Amnuay said that Thailand, like Malaysia before it, had drafted a master plan which would "look ahead, not just at the next five years ...

Firm to be warned on mega rice project

Firm to be warned on mega rice project JAKARTA (JP): The government is planning to reprimand PT Sumatra Timur Indonesia for working behind schedule and meddling in the government's affairs on the giant Kalimantan rice field project. The Ministry of Public Works' Director General of Irrigation, Soeparmono, told reporters yesterday that Sumatra Timur, a subsidiary of the Sambu Group, had gone "too far" by meddling in something that was not their business.

MILITARY COOPERATION

MILITARY COOPERATION Reuter The defense ministers of Ukraine and Indonesia, Valery Shmarov (left) and Edi Sudradjat (second left) , signed a memorandum on military and armament cooperation Monday in Kiev, the Interfax news agency reported. The visit of the Indonesian minister "testifies to the development of the relations which were launched during the visit of Ukrainian President Leonid Kuchma to Indonesia" earlier this year, Shmarov said.

No new permits for discotheques: City official

No new permits for discotheques: City official JAKARTA (JP): The municipality announced it will not issue new permits for discotheques for an indefinite period, given several violations of permits discovered during a number of raids. Kusaeni Budiantoro, the head of the city's public order office, admitted that the decision against issuing permits for new discotheques was spurred by the discovery of drugs, particularly Ecstasy, in several recent raids.

Draws mark 1st day of chess meet

Draws mark 1st day of chess meet JAKARTA (JP): Lackluster draws marked the first day of the 11- round chess tournament being sponsored by the government-run bank BNI at the Kartika Chandra hotel in South Jakarta yesterday. But Indonesian number one grandmaster Utut Adianto broke the trend. Playing the advantageous white pieces, Utut beat his second best grandmaster Ardiansyah after 47 moves of tooth and nail tension. Grandmaster T.

Ukraine, RI sign pact

Ukraine, RI sign pact Reuter Indonesian Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat (second left) inspects a Ukrainian honor guard with his Ukrainian counterpart, Valery Shmarov (left), in Kiev. Edi and Shmarov signed a memorandum on military and armament cooperation yesterday as part of Indonesia's effort to refurbish its Soviet-made military equipment, the DPA news agency reported.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 8, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 775 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,700 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 625 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,150 25 412,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,800 0 0 Anwar Sierad 2,075 -75 39,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,100 -50 368,000 Argo Pantes 1,975 0 0 Asahimas Flat 2,350 -25 119,000 Asiana IMI Indusrties...

Antique trader killed

Antique trader killed JAKARTA (JP): Police have identified three men who allegedly stabbed to death an antique goods trader in front of his friend's house on Jl. Kalibaru Timur, Senin district, in Central Jakarta. Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira said that the three men are known as notorious hoodlums in the Senen area. "We have identified them and are now hunting them," Abubakar said yesterday.

Gus Dur laments attack on churches

Gus Dur laments attack on churches KEDIRI, East Java: Chief of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Moslem organization Abdurrahman Wahid said last month's attacks on 10 churches in Surabaya were triggered by economic, educational and sociocultural disparities. Gus Dur, as Abdurrahman is popularly known, said his 30- million member organization is trying to help solve the conflict, which he said was not religiously-motivated.

Govt to issue new franchise regulation

Govt to issue new franchise regulation JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon issue a new regulation on franchises that will include a local content requirement for foreign franchises, Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya said here yesterday. "We'll issue the franchise regulation later this year.

Residents complain about Tangerang sand quarrying

Residents complain about Tangerang sand quarrying TANGERANG, West Java (JP): Residents of the Gintung village in the district of Mauk have been futilely complaining about illegal sand quarrying which started one month ago. The excavation site which is between 10 and 12 meters in depth and covers an area of two hectares was formerly rice fields. The residents claim the quarrying will eventually cause environmental damage. "The rice fields in Mauk are all located in technically- irrigated areas.

Soeharto lands in Germany for treatment

Soeharto lands in Germany for treatment JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto arrived yesterday in the northwest German town of Bad Oeynhausen for medical treatment, an international news agency reported. Quoting Indonesian Minister for Research and Technology B.J. Habibie, DPA reported that Soeharto is seeking treatment for heart and liver ailments. The treatment in the town, about 80 kilometers south of Hanover, would take about three days.

SE Asian rubber market goes soft

SE Asian rubber market goes soft SINGAPORE (Reuter): Rubber prices in Malaysia and Thailand may slide further this week due to poor demand and ample supplies reaching the market, traders said yesterday. But prices in Indonesia are expected to be stable because encouraging demand is being balanced by adequate supply. Poor demand for latex and a gradual inflow of supplies are seen pressuring Malaysian prices.

Experience South Africa's wildlife

Experience South Africa's wildlife JAKARTA: Three Indonesian students will be taking part in the Cathay Pacific-sponsored Lapalala Wilderness Experience between July 14 and July 23 in which they will attend a one-week ecological course. The program aims to expand the youths' horizons and raise awareness of man's impact on the environment.

Scholar says MPR must strengthen its power

Scholar says MPR must strengthen its power YOGYAKARTA (JP): A scientist has proposed that the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), the highest law-making body in Indonesia, expand its power to help promote democracy. Moersidin Moeklas said the Assembly should have the authority to distribute power to lower state institutions so that the power is not concentrated in the hands of the President. Lower state institutions are not strong enough to assume their checks-and-balances function, he said.

Romana improves in Fed Cup run-up

Romana improves in Fed Cup run-up JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian second best player Romana Tedjakusuma claimed yesterday to have made improvement on her form as she geared up for the clash with Switzerland at a Federation Cup match this weekend. "My strokes are more consistent now," Romana said after a workout with teammate Wynne Prakusya at the Senayan tennis complex yesterday.

Indonesia's 'three musketeers' face the nation's problems

Indonesia's 'three musketeers' face the nation's problems By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): Three names have come under limelight lately: Megawati Soekarnoputri, Sri Bintang Pamungkas and Judge Adi Andojo Soetjipto. The three of them have become the focus of a multitude of informal public discussions.

Megawati accuses govt of trampling over democracy

Megawati accuses govt of trampling over democracy JAKARTA (JP): The embattled leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), Megawati Soekarnoputri, said yesterday that the government had trampled over democracy when settling political disputes. She said the government's support for her foes' maneuver to illegally unseat her reflected how moral standards and democratic principles had slipped.

'Infobank' ranks Bank Tiara as most sound bank

'Infobank' ranks Bank Tiara as most sound bank JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed Bank Tiara was ranked by Infobank magazine as one of the soundest large banks in the country. Bank DKI and Bank Dharmala took the second and third slots, followed by the branch office of Bank of Tokyo in the fourth, Bank Mashill in the fifth and Bank Bira in the sixth, the monthly announced yesterday.

ABRI does what people desire: Legislator

ABRI does what people desire: Legislator JAKARTA (JP): "Politics and the Armed Forces in Indonesia are so close while in many other countries the two are separated. Is Indonesia's Armed Forces' involvement in politics regulated in the politics of (state ideology) Pancasila?" The question was posed by Bottaza from Turkey, one of 66 foreign students invited to a meeting with members of the House of Representatives Commission IX for culture and education.

Collusion

Collusion Soerjono's bid puts Soeharto in tricky position. Page 2 Disco No new permits for discotheques: Official Page 3 Pollution Pollution is killing Asia's innocent. Page 7 Shipping PT PAL asks govt to pay what it owes. Page 8 Shares Stock prices continue to fall, but rupiah stable. Page 9 Olympic Olympic athletes start preparations in American South. Page 10 Aid cuts Australian firm join Asian criticism of aid cuts. Page 11 Pointer: 1. Democracy -- Page 2 ... untuk Mega

Aussie firms join Asian criticism of aid cuts

Aussie firms join Asian criticism of aid cuts SYDNEY (Reuter): Australian industry has joined a chorus of criticism from Asian nations over Canberra's abolition of a major foreign aid program and has warned the move will handicap firms competing for business in the region.

West demands

West demands killer arrested PHNOM PENH (AFP): Australia, Britain and France yesterday asked the Cambodian government to redouble its efforts to capture alive the Khmer Rouge guerrilla commander believed to have ordered the murders of three of their citizens two years ago.

The river runs dry

The river runs dry A letter Unprofessional business in July 8, 1996 "Your Letters" from a man whose camera got soaked during a white-water rafting trip from Cikidang gets no sympathy from me. Anyone who sets off down a river full of white rapids should have enough common sense to know everything will get wet. In taking the risk of going on the run, you have some responsibility for your own decisions. That said, however, I have my own disagreements with BJ's.

Oil prices hold steady

Oil prices hold steady LONDON (Reuter): Oil prices held their ground yesterday after a strong rally last week as traders in the key United States market, back at work after the Independence Day holiday, digested news of a hurricane approaching Caribbean oil installations. August Brent was four cents down on the day at US$19.75 a barrel at 1512 GMT.

City haj hospital has double management

City haj hospital has double management JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Haj Hospital, inaugurated by President Soeharto in late 1994, is running under dual management because the joint ministerial decree authorizing a foundation to run the hospital has yet to be signed. The six-story hospital, which has 200 patient rooms and updated medical equipment, was founded by a joint-ministerial decree of the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Religious Affairs.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Kid's Song 3:05 Music Performance: Musik Angklung 3:30 TV Series: Beyond Tomorrow 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 Science Film 4:30 TV Drama: Tamu Istimewa 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons: Apologizing 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: Jakarta 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 Talks: Wawasan 8:05 Traditional Drama 9:00 World News 9:30 Sports: Arena dan...

Four suspects shot dead for resistance

Four suspects shot dead for resistance JAKARTA (JP): City police yesterday shot four suspected criminals who were resisting arrest. Jakarta Police spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said that the shots fired by the Ciracas and Pancoran officers were within police procedure. "The officers, for instance, fired warning shots into the air before aiming at the suspects," he said. One of the dead was known by police as a repeat offender. He was identified as Rio Manulang, 20.

PT PAL asks govt to pay its liability

PT PAL asks govt to pay its liability JAKARTA (JP): State-owned shipbuilder PT PAL has requested that the government pay its obligations to the company soon so that the company can start making money. PAL's senior executive vice president, Suleman Wiriadidjaja, said yesterday that the company had not yet made a profit because of its financial burden, mostly inflicted by the government. He said the government owes the company over Rp 250 billion (US$106.5 million).

Stability priority in Nabire

Stability priority in Nabire NABIRE, Irian Jaya: Military chief Col. Marlyn Nainggolan said that the military's priority now is to ensure stability and security in the town. "We have been conducting investigations but right now being in control of the situation is crucial," he told The Jakarta Post yesterday. Nainggolan was referring to the riot staged by nearly 3,000 disgruntled civil service job applicants last Tuesday in Nabire, 3,150 kilometers (1,960 miles) northeast of Jakarta.

RI bodybuilder wins Asian title

RI bodybuilder wins Asian title JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian bodybuilder I Gusti Agung Rai Kusumayudha won the seventh Pro-Am Classic Bodybuilding Championship in Macao on Sunday and pocketed US$4,000. Kusumayudha, or Ade Rai as his close friends call him, was also named the most improved bodybuilder of the championship, the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association said yesterday. The runner-up was Kim Jun-ho of South Korea, followed by Augustine Lee of Singapore.

Cambodian road set for boom

Cambodian road set for boom SIHANOUKVILLE, Cambodia (Reuter): The treacherous potholes are gone and the once-vital link between Cambodia's capital and its deep sea port looks set for a revival. Contractors are putting the finishing touches to a $30 million U.S.-funded repair job on the battered and broken highway linking Phnom Penh with this port city. "There were sections where pavement was completely gone and the road was almost impassable with treacherous potholes.

18,000 moved as flood hits Aceh

18,000 moved as flood hits Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: More than 18,000 people have been evacuated to safer ground since floods hit the capital following several days of incessant rains. The residents are being accommodated in mosques, schools and other buildings, Antara reported yesterday. Chief of the local social services office, T. Anwar Azuardi, said the floods hit four subdistricts in the city, which has a population of 200,000 people.

Favorites shuttlers flop in badminton championships

Favorites shuttlers flop in badminton championships JAKARTA (JP): The Bumiputera Badminton Championships at Senayan Badminton Hall on Monday was marked by a fall of favorites. Cindana, who beat world number four Lim Xiaoqing of Sweden in Taipei Open last January, fell flat to her little-known compatriot Olivia 11-9, 11-4 in the women's over-18 singles final.

Teenager held for divulging exam

Teenager held for divulging exam PALU, Central Sulawesi: A teenager was detained over the weekend for allegedly divulging the answers to the high school's national chemistry examination in May. South Sulawesi Provincial Police Spokesman Maj. Razali said that the suspect NN, 18, is being released on bail given her parents' prominent status. Razali alleged that the suspect stole a copy of the test from her father's office.

Independent poll watchdog wants elections called off

Independent poll watchdog wants elections called off JAKARTA (JP): An independent poll body has called on the government to cancel the 1997 general elections, citing government interference in the political contestants' affairs which renders the process "legally defective".

Olympic team's departure delayed

Olympic team's departure delayed JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Olympic team was forced to delay its departure for Atlanta by a day because its flight was canceled yesterday. Eight athletes and 10 officials were scheduled to fly to Los Angeles on Garuda Indonesia Airways' flight GA 800 at 15.30 yesterday. They were to change planes in Los Angeles for a Delta Airlines' flight to Atlanta.

Nuclear debate untimely: Sarwono

Nuclear debate untimely: Sarwono JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja said yesterday that the nuclear energy controversy is "premature" since the government has not yet decided to go ahead with its plan to construct a nuclear power plant. "The government still sees (nuclear power) as a last alternative energy source," he told a hearing with the House of Representatives Commission X for science and technology. The meeting was presided over by legislator H.M.

Rethink peat-area project, Walhi says

Rethink peat-area project, Walhi says JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Environmental Forum (Walhi) called on the government yesterday to reconsider its plan to convert one million hectares of peat moss areas in Central Kalimantan into rice production areas, saying the megaproject is both off-target and environmentally degrading.

Kiosk demolitions postponed

Kiosk demolitions postponed JAKARTA (JP): The demolition of about 60 kiosks along the Angke railroad tracks in the Jembatan Lima subdistrict, West Jakarta, was postponed for the second time yesterday after last Wednesday's plan was aborted by kiosk owners. Subdistrict Head Suwiyatono said that he was still waiting for the mayor's order to carry out the demolition. Suwiyatono, who has held the office since Dec.

RP wary of N. Korean power proposal

RP wary of N. Korean power proposal MANILA (Reuter): A delegation seeking to raise funds for an organization set up to help defuse a North Korean nuclear threat failed to secure any new financial commitment from Manila, a senior Philippine official said yesterday. The three-member team from the financially-troubled Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) met Philippine Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon in an effort to drum up new funding.

'National' cars hit the market

'National' cars hit the market JAKARTA (JP): The Timor Sedan, free from luxury taxes and import duties and made in South Korea but dubbed Indonesia's "national car", made its market debut here yesterday, challenging the Japanese domination of the country's growing car market. PT Timor Putra Nasional, which plans to produce Timor cars in cooperation with Kia Motors Corp. of South Korea, launched the four-door, 1,500-cc sedan ahead of its original schedule of September.

Soerjono's bid puts Soeharto in tricky position

Soerjono's bid puts Soeharto in tricky position JAKARTA (JP): Constitutional law expert Yusril Ihza Mahendra said yesterday that Chief Justice Soerjono's request for an honorable dismissal of Justice Adi Andojo, who blew the whistle on collusion and bribery at the Supreme Court, has put President Soeharto in a difficult situation. "Soerjono's letter is a fait-accompli on the President. It puts him in a spot," he told The Jakarta Post.

Three more testify against bus driver

Three more testify against bus driver BOGOR, West Java (JP): Three more witnesses testifying in the trial of a Kramatdjati driver charged with the deaths of 31 people told the Bogor District Court yesterday that the bus appeared out of nowhere and slammed into three stationary cars. All 31 passengers were incinerated inside the bus, as was another passenger in a jeep in the horrifying incident on March 23 on the Jagorawi toll road.

Stock prices continue to fall, but rupiah stable

Stock prices continue to fall, but rupiah stable JAKARTA (JP): The easing of concerns over President Soeharto's health failed to boost trading activity on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday. Share prices continued falling in line with the decline in the regional markets. "I would say that the impact of the rumor on Soeharto's health has faded.