Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 August 1996

49 articles found

South Korea's ex-president trial creates waves abroad

South Korea's ex-president trial creates waves abroad By Gwynne Dyer LONDON (JP): "We need a new history," said Sohn Hak-kyu, official spokesman of South Korea's ruling New Korea Party. "This means not only redefining Kwangju as a democratic movement, but also punishing those who suppressed it." Sohn was explaining why South Korea's two living ex-presidents were both going to be put on trial for sedition and massacre. Now it is actually happening: on Aug.

Broke teachers go on strike

Broke teachers go on strike SORONG, Irian Jaya: Thirty elementary school teachers from five isolated villages in Ianwatan subdistricts have gone on strike after receiving no salary for the past four months. They are staying in Sorong and have refused to return to their jobs until their salaries are paid. The strike has thrown the learning-teaching activities in the hinterland into disarray, Antara reported.

Venture to serve ASEAN

Venture to serve ASEAN SINGAPORE (AFP): Sembawang Capital Pte. Ltd. of Singapore has joined hands with AT and T Credit Corp. of the United States to provide financial services in Southeast Asia, officials said yesterday. The joint venture, called the Capita Corp. Singapore Pte. Ltd., will begin operations by providing leasing and financing equipment sales of U.S. telecom giant American Telephone and Telegraph Co. (AT and T) in Singapore and elsewhere in the ASEAN region.

Beddu named ASAE chief

Beddu named ASAE chief JAKARTA (JP): Beddu Amang, the chairman of the National Logistics Agency, has been elected president of the Asian Society of Agricultural Economists (ASAE) for a three-year term. Masykur Sulaiman, a spokesman for the agency, announced on Monday that Beddu had been unanimously elected at the second ASAE conference in Denpasar, Bali last week.

Thai fishermen deported

Thai fishermen deported MEDAN, North Sumatra: The local immigration office will deport six Thai fishermen who have just completed jail terms for entering Indonesian territories illegally. Spokesman for the office Pardamean Siagian said the authorities have contacted the Thai embassy in Jakarta for arrangement of the deportation. The Thai fishermen had spent four months in the Labuhan Deli prison for territorial infringement.

Marzuki denies any pressure on rights body

Marzuki denies any pressure on rights body By Ati Nurbaity MANILA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights denies being pressured by the military during its investigation into the July 27 riots in Jakarta. Commission member Marzuki Darusman said before attending an international seminar on human rights, democracy and development here yesterday that "there have been discussions with the military but no pressure".

Oki tells court he stored Gina's body in LA locker

Oki tells court he stored Gina's body in LA locker JAKARTA (JP): Harnoko Dewantono admitted in court yesterday that he stored the body of Gina Sutan Aswar in a locker in Los Angeles in 1993. The unexpected admission came in the final stages of the Central Jakarta District Court hearing which is trying Harnoko, alias Oki, for the murder of a young Indonesian woman, an Indian businessman, and Oki's younger brother, Eri Triharto Dharmawan, between 1991 and 1992. The panel of judges, led by I.G.K.

Manhunt for subversives continues

Manhunt for subversives continues JAKARTA (JP): After capturing Budiman Sudjatmiko of the Democratic People's Party (PRD) for allegedly masterminding the July 27 riots, the military has vowed to continue its hunt for subversives. Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung said yesterday the authorities were tracking down the culprits who used Budiman as a puppet to further their political goals.

Punish disobedient bus companies: Minister

Punish disobedient bus companies: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto has urged the Land Transportation Control Agency (DLLAJ) to take stern measures against bus operators failing to run 30 percent of their fleets as regular buses. "The agency has to be consistent with its commitment to serve the public. So any disobedient companies have to be punished," Haryanto told the agency's deputy Irzal Z.

Government opens old wound

Government opens old wound DENPASAR, Bali: The dispute over the government's intention to make the Besakih Temple on Mount Gunung Agung a natural reserve has flared again. After four years of relative quiet, the issue was raised again earlier this month by chief of the National Archeology Agency Hasan Muarif.

Collusion feared behind escape of Ecstasy suspect

Collusion feared behind escape of Ecstasy suspect JAKARTA (JP): A senior police general, a councillor and the public have called on the city police to perform an in-depth investigation to prove that collusion was not behind Friday's escape of a female Ecstasy suspect.

Official fears for future of Timor sandalwood firms

Official fears for future of Timor sandalwood firms JAKARTA (JP): Businesses related to sandalwood (santalum album), the main export commodity from the island of Timor, are under threat of collapse due to the over-exploitation and poor regeneration of resources, an official said.

System fault disrupts trading activities on JSX

System fault disrupts trading activities on JSX JAKARTA (JP): Trading activities on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) were suspended for more than one hour during the afternoon session yesterday due to a fault in the trading system. Share prices declined 1.18 percent in thin trading. Stock transactions were suspended at 2:05 p.m., or five minutes after the second session began, because the automated trading system failed to allow brokers to modify their bids.

S.E. Asia faces currency volatility

S.E. Asia faces currency volatility SINGAPORE (Reuter): Southeast Asian central banks, facing slower export growth, a welter of domestic issues and the specter of offshore speculation, may be forced to tighten their grip on their currencies, economists said. "A combination of poor fundamentals, the stronger yen and slowdown in the flow of funds from Japan is creating renewed pressure in the local currency markets," a report from Deutsche Morgan Grenfell said this week.

Table tennis players to undergo training

Table tennis players to undergo training JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Table Tennis Association says it will select eight men and six women at the National Games next month to join its long-term national training program for international events. Johny Waworuntu, the outgoing general secretary of the association, said yesterday that the program would last until the Southeast Asian Games here in October 1997.

Floating state firms

Floating state firms The successful initial public offerings of the four state companies over the past two years seems to have convinced the Indonesian government that public listing is the best method for its privatization program. Director General of State Enterprises Bacelius Ruru even considered public share offering as the jewel of future privatization.

No major change likely before 2000

No major change likely before 2000 JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia can expect more democratization of its economic and political life only when a new generation assumes power after the turn of the century, experts believe. Emil Salim, a former cabinet minister and now a professor at the University of Indonesia, ruled out the possibility of major political changes in the near future as long as the so called 45- generation is still in power.

10 projects to start at Bekasi anniversary

10 projects to start at Bekasi anniversary BEKASI, West Java (JP): Bekasi Regent Moch. Djamhari will celebrate the regency's 46th anniversary tomorrow by inaugurating 10 projects worth Rp 19 billion (US$8.5 million). The projects include various buildings for social and educational purposes such as schools, markets, a waste processing installation, bridge and local broadcasting.

Utut seeks top five place in Donner meet

Utut seeks top five place in Donner meet JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's chess wizard Utut Adianto left for the Donner Memorial International Tournament in Amsterdam yesterday with his patron expecting him to finish in the top five. Eka Putra Wirya, the long-standing patron of Indonesia's number one chess player, said on Monday that he wanted Utut to end the 12-player invitational meet, slated for Aug. 17 to Aug. 29, in one of the top five positions.

New paradigm needed to face globalization: Economists

New paradigm needed to face globalization: Economists JAKARTA (JP): Several noted economists have suggested that Indonesia applies a new paradigm to its economic development to anticipate changes resulting from globalization. "We need a new paradigm to face a number of new trends caused by continuing globalization," economist Mari Pangestu of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) said yesterday. Mari and economists Djisman S. Simandjuntak, Faisal H.

Indonesia hopes to avoid early clash with Thailand

Indonesia hopes to avoid early clash with Thailand JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia does not want to risk an early clash with favorite Thailand in the initial ASEAN Tiger Cup soccer tournament in Singapore from Sept. 1 to 15, according to the team manager. Danurwindo, who has been in charge of the team for the past two years, said yesterday that his squad needs to finish first in its group to ensure a crossover semifinal with the runner-up of the other group, which is unlikely to be Thailand.

Top stars to miss Malaysia Open

Top stars to miss Malaysia Open JAKARTA (JP): Many of the world's best badminton players will be absent from the Malaysian Open, scheduled from Aug. 21 to Aug. 25. Following Olympic champion Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen's decision to skip the grand prix tournament, Indonesia announced yesterday that it would send a team of junior players led by former Olympic bronze medalist Hermawan Susanto.

Cambodia rice market

Cambodia rice market PHNOM PENH (Reuter): Singaporean rice traders, after touring Cambodia's rice markets, said they were optimistic about the prospect of developing Cambodia into an important rice producer for international markets. "It is not at all unrealistic that Cambodia in five years could export about one million tonnes," a member of the Singapore delegation told Reuters before heading home on Sunday.

RI privatization too slow: Economist

RI privatization too slow: Economist JAKARTA (JP): Privatization in Indonesia is very slow, leaving most of the country's state-owned companies far from being market oriented, a noted economist said yesterday. "While the global privatization process has been proceeding very quickly, privatization here is very slow," Djisman S. Simandjuntak, the director of the Prasetia Mulya School of Management, told a seminar on "Seeking a New Paradigm in Indonesian Development".

Bank Tiara, HLG Capital to buy securities house

Bank Tiara, HLG Capital to buy securities house JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta-based Bank Tiara Asia and HLG Capital Berhad (HLG Capital) of Malaysia have agreed to purchase PT Intisekuriti Investama, an Indonesian securities house. Under the agreement signed Monday, both companies will share the company's capital equally. The purchase agreement includes a seat on the Jakarta Stock Exchange and is conditional upon regulatory approval.

KL's rubber output expected to decrease

KL's rubber output expected to decrease KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia's rubber output is expected to fall 3.23 percent to 1.05 million tons this year as estates convert land to other uses and growers cut crop size because of lower prices, officials said yesterday. Production for the first six months of 1996 is estimated to have fallen 5.48 percent to 495,000 tons, a decrease from 523,694 tons in the same period of 1995, the Malaysian Rubber Research and Development Board (MRRDB) said.

Diarrhea hits Kupang

Diarrhea hits Kupang KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: At least three people have died and 17 others have been hospitalized as diarrhea hit Oekabiti subdistrict, officials said yesterday. Sammi Nalle from the Kupang General Hospital said the number of people admitted with diarrhea to the hospital has been rising over the past four days. He said the epidemics might have been triggered by the lack of cleanliness and local people's habit of drinking water without boiling it first.

Human rights, anti-corruption must be linked: Sociologist

Human rights, anti-corruption must be linked: Sociologist MANILA (JP): Human rights activists, particularly in Southeast Asia, have yet to link their campaigns with anticorruption awareness, a sociologist said. Malaysian Syed Husein Alatas, known in Indonesia for his translated book titled Sosiologi Korupsi, said yesterday that rights advocates have failed to clearly see the relation between corruption and human rights violations.

Six arrested for robbery on bus

Six arrested for robbery on bus JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested six men for robbing bus passengers in Central Jakarta. Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira said the men -- identified as Ayut, 32, Andi Irnanto, 24, Palma Oloan Siregar, 29, Oki, 20, Helmi Firdaus, 24 and Dody Palosi, 25 -- operated on two different buses on different routes. "They appear to be bus robbery specialists," Abubakar said yesterday.

How to protect children from TV's bad influence

How to protect children from TV's bad influence Anak-anak dan Televisi By Milton Chen, Ph.D. Published by Gramedia Pustaka Utama, Jakarta, 1996 219 pages, Rp 15,000 JAKARTA (JP): However busy you are in your daily work, I trust that as a responsible parent you exercise control over your children and know who their friends are to avoid their undesirable social interchange. But, have you ever thought that TV programs, when not controlled or supervised, can be bad friends of your children?

'August mob' rocks Ambon

'August mob' rocks Ambon AMBON, Maluku (JP): Bank employees across the city were dumbfounded Monday when they opened their doors only to find huge crowds fighting their way in to have bank notes with serial numbers ending in 23 and 73 exchanged for 10 times the nominal value. Police were called in anticipation of an incident. The crowds in front of Bank Rakyat Indonesia and Bank Central Asia were so huge that they triggered heavy traffic jams during the morning rush hour.

Traders say RI Minas oil prices can slump further

Traders say RI Minas oil prices can slump further SINGAPORE (Reuter): Prices for Indonesia's benchmark Minas crude oil have slumped in recent weeks but could still fall further, traders said yesterday. August liftings of the crude have traded at wider than a 20- cent discount to the Indonesian contract price (ICP) -- the price base -- as major buyers China and Japan stood back from the market.

Rukmana's claim on land denied

Rukmana's claim on land denied JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta State Administrative Court has turned down the lawsuit filed by a private firm against the state minister of agrarian affairs over a 214-hectare plot in Rancamaya, Bogor, West Java. Judge Lintong A. Siahaan said at Monday's hearing that Ahmad Hendra Kowara and Indra Rukmana had no legal right to claim the land.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 13, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,050 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,700 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 750 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,200 -50 802,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,725 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,825 -25 61,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,950 0 0 Argo Pantes 1,900 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,525 -25 311,000 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,450 0 0...

'August mob' rocks Ambon

'August mob' rocks Ambon AMBON, Maluku (JP): Bank employees across the city were dumbfounded Monday when they opened their doors only to find huge crowds fighting their way in to have bank notes with serial numbers ending in 23 and 73 exchanged for 10 times the nominal value. Police were called in anticipation of an incident. The crowds in front of Bank Rakyat Indonesia and Bank Central Asia were so huge that they triggered heavy traffic jams during the morning rush hour.

Discrimination continues despite new ruling

Discrimination continues despite new ruling By Gedsiri Suhartono JAKARTA (JP): One month ago Indonesians of Chinese descent sighed in relief when a ruling was issued in an attempt to end administrative discrimination against them. However, for those who need the services of some local government offices, for example to get an identification card, the discrimination remains. Apparently, it will be some time before the ruling is implemented at lower administrative levels.

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.

'RI being undermined by foreign groups'

'RI being undermined by foreign groups' JAKARTA (JP): A senior cabinet minister alleged yesterday that some foreign interest groups were trying to sabotage Indonesia's efforts to become a prosperous and influential nation. "They are undermining Indonesia in a systematic way," Minister of Transmigration and Resettlement of Forest Squatters Siswono Yudohusodo said at a seminar. With a population of 200 million, Indonesia is the world's largest archipelagic state and its fourth most populous.

Pesticide content in fruit to be regulated

Pesticide content in fruit to be regulated JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon issue a ruling on the standardization of content of pesticide residue in fruits and vegetables to protect consumers, says a senior official. Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsjah said on Monday that the ruling on the standardization of pesticide residue is now being processed.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 Game Show: Fun House 3:05 Children's Program: Arena 123 3:30 TV Series: Just The Ten of Us 4:05 TV Drama: Permohonan 4:30 Documentary 4:55 Filler 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Travel: Bali 6:15 Village Program 6:45 TV Series: Jump Over The Moon 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler 7:30 Business: Mitra Kita 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Cinema: Lintasan Sinetron 9:00 World News 9:30 News:...

Pilot's brother gets ring

Pilot's brother gets ring WASHINGTON (AFP): Indonesia handed over a college ring yesterday to the brother of an American fighter pilot who crashed over Japanese-occupied Irian Jaya in World War II, 52 years after the airman's death. The Virginia Polytechnic Institute ring, inscribed with the name Wynans Frankfort, belonged to a young Army lieutenant who left university in 1942 to join what was then the Army Air Corps.

The kind of stability we desire

The kind of stability we desire Security and order appear to have returned to Jakarta following the "Gray Saturday" incident. This is evident from Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso's statement that some security personnel posted in public places will be withdrawn this week. The improved security will spur greater economic activity and invite capital inflow from various parts of the world.

APEC to firm up free trade policy: Senior official

APEC to firm up free trade policy: Senior official MANILA (AFP): Senior officials from the 18-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meet in the southern Philippines next week to firm up commitments to free trade, a senior official said yesterday. The senior officials' meeting in the city of Davao is the third of five such meetings in a run-up to the November APEC leaders' summit in Subic Bay, north of Manila.

Serviceman held for stealing

Serviceman held for stealing JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested a low-ranking Army officer yesterday for allegedly stealing the purse of a shopkeeper on Jl. Kramat Bunder, Central Jakarta. Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira said that the soldier, identified only as SB, stole the purse of Gina Aminah. The suspect stopped the taxi that was taking Gina home on Jl. Sumur Batu from Senen railway station. The woman had just arrived from her hometown Purwokerto in Central Java.

The pride, price and problems of peaceful German unification

The pride, price and problems of peaceful German unification By Oei Eng Goan The Federal Republic of Germany invited 11 Asian journalists last month to visit a number of German cities, research institutes and economic locations. The journalists came from Japan, South Korea, India, Pakistan, Thailand and Indonesia. Joining the 14-day tour was The Jakarta Post journalist. Below is his report.

Equal partnerships in int'l cooperation vital: Soeharto

Equal partnerships in int'l cooperation vital: Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto underlined yesterday the importance of equal partnership in international cooperation, in which countries could interact on a balance footing, despite underlying differences in perception. "Partnerships can work only if there is mutual understanding, without one belittling the other," said Soeharto, as quoted by Alwi Dahlan during their meeting.

HongkongBank to sue govt arbitrator

HongkongBank to sue govt arbitrator JAKARTA (JP): HongkongBank plans to take the Ministry of Manpower's arbitration body to the Jakarta High Administrative Court for having ruled in favor of the bank's striking employees. "We are in the process of suing the arbitrary body," said the bank's lawyer, R.E.M. Pattikawaat, at the ministry's South Jakarta office. He was accompanied by the bank's personnel manager, F.X. Joko Sudibyo, and bank executive Endy P.R. Abdurrahman.

Ruwiyati wins Bimantara car

Ruwiyati wins Bimantara car JAKARTA (JP): Women's long-distance runner Ruwiyati won a Bimantara Cakra car after breaking the national 10-kilometer record in her win at the Caltex 10K run on Sunday. The 19-year-old runner and SEA Games marathon gold medalist clocked 35 minutes, one minute and 31 seconds to shave 69 hundredths of a second off the old mark set by Suryati Marija in 1991.

Phone failure in Cibubur

Phone failure in Cibubur We have been unable to make telephone calls for the past week though we can receive incoming calls. When we reported this failure, we were advised that some 100 lines were down in our area and that the problem was being attended to. More than one week has since lapsed. Now, we sometimes manage to get a dial tone, but when we finish dialing a number, nothing happens.