Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 August 1996

59 articles found

Plan to deploy undercover police hailed

Plan to deploy undercover police hailed JAKARTA (JP): A number of bus drivers and passengers fully supported yesterday a plan to deploy undercover police officers in an effort to reduce robberies on city buses. Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira said on Tuesday that his office planned to assign undercover police officers following some robberies on buses in Central Jakarta.

SE Asian corn prices steady

SE Asian corn prices steady KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Domestic corn prices in Malaysia and Indonesia were virtually unchanged on the back of ample supplies in the market, regional traders said yesterday. The two countries have built up their stocks by importing heavily in recent months, dealers said. But prices in Thailand climbed briefly when monsoon rains hindered the harvest before falling back when increased supplies from the fresh Thai harvest began reaching the market, they said.

Ecstasy trial continues

Ecstasy trial continues TANGERANG, West Java (JP): The defense lawyers of a woman being tried for attempting to smuggle 9,000 Ecstasy pills into the country asked the Tangerang District Court yesterday to drop the charges against their client. According to the lawyers, Nuryanto and Rusdi Sovian, the prosecutors could not use Health Regulation No. 23/1992 to convict the 41-year-old defendant, Elizabeth Lushe Wongkar.

Where to go in Bandung: Aug. 15, 1996

Where to go in Bandung: Aug. 15, 1996 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.

Biting back in Medan

Biting back in Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): A 58-year-old mother, identified only as Tbs, and two of her children, aged 32 and 21, have been taken to court for a biting attack on their neighbor. Their 45-year-old neighbor, Dohar br. Tobing, was bitten repeatedly by the three after Tobing's daughter allegedly said that Tbs's youngest daughter was no longer a virgin, Antara reported. Tobing was knocked to the ground and bitten on her arms and body.

TV Program: Thursday, Aug. 15, 1996

TV Program: Thursday, Aug. 15, 1996 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Family Matters 3:05 Children's program: Gerak dan Lagu 3:30 Travel: Last Frontier 4:00 Science Film: Here Comes The Stars 4:30 Sports: Sepak Takraw 4:55 Filler 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country: West Nusa Tenggara 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...

Gifted children must be indentified early: Experts

Gifted children must be indentified early: Experts YOGYAKARTA (JP): Education experts and psychologists agreed at a conference here yesterday that early identification and proper education are crucial elements in the development process of gifted children. The Post-Workshop 4th Asia-Pacific Conference on Giftedness was held by the Psychology department of the Gadjah Mada University and the Indonesian Foundation for the Education and Development of Gifted Children.

People told to get health insurace

People told to get health insurace JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Heath Sujudi encouraged the public yesterday to participate in health insurance programs as a way to cope with rising medical costs. Currently, he said, many people are still reluctant to use the prepayment system in health care, due to the lack of information about the advantages of health insurance.

Where to go Jakarta, for Aug. 15, 1996

Where to go Jakarta, for Aug. 15, 1996 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.

City may operate only mass transports

City may operate only mass transports JAKARTA (JP): In an effort to curb congestion on the city's roads, the administration plans to have only three modes of public transportation operating in the future; large buses, taxis and underground trains, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja says. "Eventually, other types of public transportation such as bajaj (motorized three-wheeled vehicle) and small-capacity buses will be eliminated from the city's streets," the governor said on Tuesday.

Germany seeking new partners in Asia

Germany seeking new partners in Asia The following article is based on a report from a visit to Germany by 11 Asian journalists including one from The Jakarta Post. By Oei Eng Goan HAMBURG, Germany (JP): Although markets of preference for most German enterprises are member countries of the European Union, German companies could not but turn their keen eyes on the huge potential and business opportunities Asia offers.

Mayne and Kalbe tie up

Mayne and Kalbe tie up SYDNEY (Reuter): Transport and health care group Mayne Nickless Ltd said yesterday its Health Care of Australia unit had signed a joint venture agreement with Indonesia's PT Kalbe Farma Group. "Health Care of Australia will have a 40 percent share (A$25 million) in the joint venture which will undertake the development of two new private hospitals in Jakarta and manage a third existing hospital in Jakarta," Mayne said. The joint venture would involve pathology services.

Pollution recorder stolen

Pollution recorder stolen JAKARTA (JP): A thief has stolen an air pollution recorder worth Rp 10 million (US$4,225) from under Jl. Merdeka Selatan, Central Jakarta, near the City Hall. The head of the City Environment Bureau, Aboejoewono Aboeprajitno said he learned of the theft from one of his subordinates yesterday. "My subordinate discovered that the device was missing on Monday morning," Aboejoewono said.

Book bazaar planned in Depok

Book bazaar planned in Depok JAKARTA (JP): A book bazaar to commemorate Independence Day is to be held in the compound of the Ramandha building, Jl. Arief Rachman Hakim, Depok, from Aug. 18 to Aug. 24. Hundreds of local books will be displayed in the bazaar called "Gebyar Kemerdekaan". Bambang Prakuso, spokesman for the organizing committee said yesterday that the bazaar is meant to provide books to the residents and students in Depok.

UAL seeks RI landing

UAL seeks RI landing CHICAGO (Reuter): UAL Corp's United Airlines said it had applied for landing rights in Indonesia and hoped to begin service from the United States on Oct. 1, but the plan depended on approval from Japan. United said the planned flights would leave from San Francisco three times a week, stopping in Osaka, Japan, before landing in Jakarta.

RI feared to become Asia's lafgest importer of foodstuffs

RI feared to become Asia's lafgest importer of foodstuffs JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia could become Asia's largest importer of foodstuffs by the turn of the century if the government does not take steps to develop agriculture's "on-farm" sector, experts warn.

Disabled to perform Javanese dances

Disabled to perform Javanese dances JAKARTA (JP): Disabled children from Krida Yudha Sinalika Pagerluhur, a school for the disabled in Wonosobo, Central Java, will perform Javanese dances here this weekend. They will perform the dances at Pondok Indah Mall on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The performances are part of a series of activities being held by Metro Department Store and Pondok Indah Mall in celebration of Indonesia's 51st anniversary of independence.

Tell the public the truth

Tell the public the truth From Merdeka The Malaysian government's strict supervision of the sale of chickens in the market is exemplary. The control is deemed necessary to prevent the possibility of contamination by chemicals in chicken feed. It is time for us to protect consumers from bad food. What often happens is this.

Manila's new steel plant

Manila's new steel plant MANILA (AFP): Steel Asia Manufacturing Corp., a joint venture involving Singapore's National Steel Ltd. and two local partners, is to build rolling steel mills in the Philippines for 4.3 billion pesos (US$165 million), company officials said yesterday. National Steel managing director Ang Kong told reporters the facilities would be constructed in Manila and the nearby provinces of Batangas and Bulacan.

Minas differentials weaken further

Minas differentials weaken further SINGAPORE (Reuter): The Minas crude oil discount to the Indonesian Contract Price (ICP) appeared to be slipping further yesterday, traders said. A trader was said to have sold 200,000 barrels of Minas crude to China at a fixed price of US$18.80 per barrel. Traders said this equated to a discount of to 70 cents. The last deals done were at a discount of 23 cents. Traders said China was now bidding at a fixed price $18.30 per barrel for August Minas barrels.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 14, 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 1,150 -50 601,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,725 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,850 25 194,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,975 25 4,000 Argo Pantes 1,900 0 0...

General denies rumors of division within ABRI

General denies rumors of division within ABRI SURABAYA (JP): A senior army general has dismissed rumors of a division within the Armed Forces as lies spread by irresponsible groups. Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief of Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid told a gathering of officers at the Brawijaya military command headquarters on Tuesday that the parties who created such fabrications were using "divide and conquer" tactics to split the nation.

Australian TV news

Australian TV news I have noticed that Australia TV News coverage (via satellite) on Indonesia has been tainted with misleading and stubbornly biased journalistic reporting. For example, the hostage rescue in Irian Jaya was opened with: "A setback for the Irian Independence Movement...", the recent capture of PRD's leader Budiman Sudjatmiko was headlined on the screen with "Jakarta Unrest".

Indonesian trade mission to go to Eastern Europe

Indonesian trade mission to go to Eastern Europe JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of company executives are to tour three Eastern European countries, Poland, Slovakia and Rumania in September and early October to promote Indonesian exports. Zulkifli Siregar, chairman of the National Agency for Export Development, the organizer of the tour, told a discussion yesterday that the executives will participate in three separate programs in the three former communist countries.

Flood victims trash office

Flood victims trash office MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara (JP): Townspeople here have a unique way of expressing how they feel. They say it with trash. After floods hit their homes over the weekend, residents of the Pagutan neighborhood filled up five trucks with smelly trash that surfaced during the flooding. They then dumped the garbage in front of the public housing office to protest the office's failure to do anything about the neighborhood's drainage system.

Ramos to attend princess' wedding

Ramos to attend princess' wedding MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos said yesterday he will travel to Brunei this weekend to attend the wedding of Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah's eldest daughter. Ramos said he and his wife, Amelita, were requested by Bolkiah to stand as sponsors at the wedding of Hajah Rashida on Aug. 18. Ramos will leave on Sunday accompanied by his wife and three officials for the one-day trip to Brunei.

Oposition growing to PRD charges

Oposition growing to PRD charges JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights yesterday joined the chorus opposed to the government's plan to slap subversion charges on alleged instigators of the July 27 unrest. "We are consistent in our stand that the subversion law should not be used to prosecute criminals," commission deputy chairman Marzuki Darusman said.

Govt urged to liberalize palm oil business

Govt urged to liberalize palm oil business JAKARTA (JP): The government should liberalize the palm oil industry to prepare it to compete on the world market, analysts said yesterday. "Oligopsony, oligopoly and uncertain policy are hampering the development of our palm oil industries. The government should liberalize it to create efficiency," Faisal H. Basri, an economist of University of Indonesia, told a seminar on crude palm oil business regulations.

24 new police stations set up for public service

24 new police stations set up for public service JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata has inaugurated the operation of 24 new police stations in the Greater Jakarta area to meet the increasing needs of the public for police services. Spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said on Tuesday that all of the new police stations, which began operations this week, were funded by residents and business circles around the area.

JSX, ITB sign agreement

JSX, ITB sign agreement BANDUNG, East Java (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) and the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), signed a memorandum of understanding here yesterday with the aim of promoting students' awareness of the capital market. The deal was signed by JSX chairman Cyril Noerhadi and ITB rector Wiranto Arismunandar, in the presence of the chairman of the Capital Market Supervisory Agency, I Putu Gede Ary Suta.

More families to be resettled

More families to be resettled JAKARTA: The Ministry of Transmigration will soon move 1,200 transmigrant families from the densely populated Java, Madura, Bali, East and West Nusa Tenggara provinces to the one-million hectare peat development project site in Central Kalimantan, a senior official said. "Their dispatch will be started in the next three or four months," Soekamto said.

Nameless woman

Nameless woman In The Jakarta Post of Aug. 10 there was a photo capturing the members of one of the panel discussions which took place during the Indonesian Capital Market Conference held in Jakarta last week. The photo includes all four panelists, however, the caption lists the names of only three of them and leaves us wondering about the fourth. The fourth member of the panel -- and the only woman in the picture -- was Ms.

New tax incentive issued to stimulate asset revaluation

New tax incentive issued to stimulate asset revaluation JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad yesterday cut the income tax rate on capital gains resulting from the revaluation of corporate assets to a flat rate of 10 percent. The minister said that the new tax incentive is essential in order to stimulate companies into going public and to make the book values of listed firms and state-owned enterprises more realistic.

Tension reigns in disputed area

Tension reigns in disputed area DENPASAR, Bali: Tension reigns in the disputed Pecatu tourist resort development project near here after unidentified people burned a village security post at midnight Tuesday. Anxiety has gripped the village after 34 residents refused to surrender their land to the Rp 13.7 trillion (US$5.8 billion) Pecatu Indah Resort controlled by Hutomo Mandala Putra, President Soeharto's youngest son. The residents said the compensation the company is offering is too low.

PT Antam, BHP to develop nickel on Gag island

PT Antam, BHP to develop nickel on Gag island JAKARTA (JP): State-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam) has signed a joint-venture agreement with the Broken Hill Proprietary (BHP) of Australia to conduct a feasibility study on nickel development on Gag island. "We expect to complete the feasibility study on the eastern Indonesian island within six months, " Antam President Darmoko Slamet told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

'Coral reefs deteriorate from natural causes'

'Coral reefs deteriorate from natural causes' JAKARTA (JP): The quality of coral reefs around the Seribu Islands in North Jakarta has deteriorated due to natural causes and not because of pollution, an expert said. Dr. T.M. Williams, a geochemist from the British Geological Survey, said yesterday there was no sufficient evidence to conclude that the damage was caused by pollution. "Based on a research study conducted by the University of Newcastle, U.K.

Students abroad urged to preserve RI identity

Students abroad urged to preserve RI identity JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas stressed yesterday the need for Indonesian schools abroad to preserve their students' Indonesian identity. "What is vital are efforts to mold the children to ensure a sense of national awareness, not isolated from Indonesian culture and virtues," Alatas said yesterday as he received a visiting group of model teachers.

RP, S'porean business leaders to boost bilateral investments

RP, S'porean business leaders to boost bilateral investments SINGAPORE (AFP): Business leaders from the Philippines and Singapore decided yesterday to boost bilateral and regional investments in their first official contact since a diplomatic spat over the hanging of a Filipina maid. The second executive meeting of the Philippine-Singapore Business Council also mapped out strategies to facilitate more cooperation among small- and medium-scale enterprises of the two countries, officials said.

Arrest escapee's father considers surrender plan

Arrest escapee's father considers surrender plan JAKARTA (JP): The father of Zarima, the Ecstasy suspect who escaped police last Friday, is reported to have asked his lawyer to arrange her hand over to the police. Lawyer Amir Syamsuddin said yesterday that Zarima's father, Mirafsur, had recently asked him to help arrange the surrender of his daughter to police. "As a close friend, I hailed his suggestion and told him that I was ready to arrange everything," Amir told The Jakarta Post.

Franchise law should protect local firms: Amir

Franchise law should protect local firms: Amir JAKARTA (JP): Amir Karamoy, consultant, suggested yesterday that the planned regulation on business franchising should protect domestic firms' interests. "The planned regulation being formulated by the government must restrict the expansion of foreign franchising businesses into the country's regional areas to give opportunities to domestic companies and franchisees to grow," Amir Karamoy told reporters at a seminar on franchising.

Fire destroys tire factory

Fire destroys tire factory MEDAN, North Sumatra: Fire destroyed the province's largest tire and shoe factory, belonging to PT Industri Karet Deli, Tuesday, leaving 4,000 workers jobless, Antara reported yesterday. There was no report on injuries but the authorities have estimated that the fire caused material losses of several billion rupiahs. The factory makes tires and shoes for export to 48 countries. Eyewitnesses said that the fire started in a storehouse.

rms

rms 1. Thailand -- 48pt MM, 2 lines, 4 cols (20) Thai govt coalition to stick together until bill is passed 2. Typhon -- 36pt HBC, 3 lines, 2 cols Five dead, two missing as storm hits Japan 3. Pakistan -- 28pt HBC, 2 lines, 2 cols (18) *Article ini menggantikan 11women yang sudah dikirim* 11 killed by snipers at Islamic party rally ------ 4. PHoto 3x9cm, Asean 28cm

Disabled students

Disabled students From Republika The requirement introduced by Gadjah Mada University in Yogyakarta in the new academic year discriminates against the physically handicapped. If the requirement were to be applied, it would not be in line with article 31 paragraph 1 of the 1945 Constitution which states that every citizen is entitled to an education. I hope the requirement will not destroy the hopes and ideals of the physically handicapped students. I am physically handicapped myself.

Late paper

Late paper Due to technical problems during the printing process, The Jakarta Post reached our readers late yesterday. We apologize for any inconvenience caused. -- Publisher

The stability we desire

The 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.

Graf returns to winning form as Yayuk flops

Graf returns to winning form as Yayuk flops MANHATTAN BEACH, California (Agencies): World co-number one Steffi Graf of Germany returned from a five-week layoff to beat American Katrina Adams 6-4, 6-2 in the second round of the US$450,000 Acura Tennis Classic Tuesday. Indonesia's number one Yayuk Basuki, however, found herself nowhere to run as she succumbed 7-6 (7-4), 2-6, 6-1 to little- known Petra Begerow of Germany.

Logic applicable to general public

Logic applicable to general public By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): I felt very invigorated after reading Stefanus Haryanto's article in The Jakarta Post on Aug. 8 titled "Logic is the key to making fair judgments". Although he primarily discussed ethics in reaching legal judgments, I think that the principles he mentioned are applicable to the general public as well.

Foreign concern mounts over activists' arrests

Foreign concern mounts over activists' arrests JAKARTA (JP): More concern was voiced overseas yesterday on the country's political situation and the recent arrests of activists from organizations that have been branded subversive.

Buffaloes to take the plunge

Buffaloes to take the plunge BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan (JP): Hulu Sungai Utara regent Suhailin Muchtar has come up with a way to attract foreign tourists: a swimming contest for buffaloes. The regent was inspired during a traditional ceremony last year when a great many Australian, New Zealand and European tourists doubled up with laughter upon seeing local water buffaloes swimming in a river. Buffaloes are a common sight in the rivers and swamps of South Kalimantan.

Digital launches product

Digital launches product JAKARTA (JP): PT Digital Astra Nusantara, a joint venture between Digital International Corporation of the United States and PT Astra Graphia, said yesterday that it is to launch a new computer product, the Alpha Server 4100, next week. Digital Astra's president, B.T. Lim, told journalists yesterday that the company expects to sell up to 40 Alpha Server 4100s this year, thereby increasing its sales revenue.

Zarima's easy escape

Zarima's easy escape The case of Zarima, a television actress suspected of trafficking the drug Ecstasy, has left many people wondering. The police succeeded last Thursday in seizing Zarima and 29,667 Ecstasy pills, only to see her escape with ease the following day. From the very beginning several things were odd, including the fact that Zarima was arrested by Tangerang police at her home, which is outside of their jurisdiction.

Tribal people go on gambling

Tribal people go on gambling PEKANBARU, Riau: The authorities have found it difficult to eradicate gambling, which is illegal under Indonesian laws, from the Talang Mamak tribal community. The police said gambling appears to have become part of the isolated people's culture. "If we ban them from gambling, they may feel culturally insulted," Indragiri Hulu police precinct chief Lt. Col. I Nyoman Sutjipta told Antara.

Money forger stands trial

Money forger stands trial MEDAN, North Sumatra: The district court here is trying a 31- year-old medical student on charges of forging Rp 10,000 bank notes. The forgery, which involved a sophisticated computer and had been going on for several months, has fermented unrest in the provincial capital, presiding judge M. Syarifuddin Harahap said.

Seribu Islands

Seribu Islands From Merdeka The group of nine islands constituting Seribu Islands deserves the attention of us all, including the Jakarta administration, to ward off pollution which threatens to submerge the islands. It is reported that the pollution occurring in the waters of Seribu Islands is critical and it is estimated that the nine islands will sink, following the fate of some other islands.

Chinese frequently the target of violence: Scholar

Chinese frequently the target of violence: Scholar JAKARTA (JP): Indonesians of Chinese descent, regardless of economic class, have long been the victims of sporadic violence because the government has failed to reduce socioeconomic tension, a scholar said yesterday.

July 27 riots

July 27 riots I am certain that most of us regret the black Saturday July 27 riots during which emotions got out of hand and innocent people became victims. We have many noble principles and fundamentals, which are the basis of our political life and conduct, like Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution. All organizations and political parties have to accept Pancasila as the basis for their political activities and all citizens have to live according to the 1945 Constitution.

Palembang rally to be expanded

Palembang rally to be expanded JAKARTA (JP): Beginning this year, the third leg of the National Rally Championship Series in Palembang, South Sumatra will change into a three-day event with an additional 100 kilometers of track, organizers announced yesterday. Committee Vice Chairman Poedio Oetojo told a press conference that participating drivers will now have to complete 19 special stages, covering 306.3 kilometers, compared to only 200 kilometers in previous years.

Sampoerna joins Transmarco

Sampoerna joins Transmarco SINGAPORE (Reuter): Indonesian tobacco tycoon Putera Sampoerna has bought a substantial stake in trading company Transmarco Holdings, a company official said yesterday. "We have been notified that Mr. Sampoerna has bought a substantial stake in the company," the official, who asked not to be identified, told Reuters. "We will inform the stock exchange later today after the market closes," she said.

Maid's murder reenacted

Maid's murder reenacted TANGERANG, West Java (JP): The Tangerang Police have reconstructed the murder of a 23-year-old maid. Ropingah, the victim, was allegedly tortured to death by Managar Sinaga, 39, and his wife, Fransiska Viona, 28, on July 29. Tuesday's reconstruction took place at the suspects' home in the Binong Permai housing complex, Curug. Fransiska played the role of aggressor and beat the victim's face because the victim became sleepy while massaging her.