Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 August 1996

55 articles found

PLN undecided on power buying deal with CEPA

PLN undecided on power buying deal with CEPA JAKARTA (JP): State-owned electricity company, PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), has yet to decide if it will buy electricity from the Tanjung Jati "B" power plant at a price lower than initially agreed upon. PLN's director for planning P.

Police send summons to Megawati over riot

Police send summons to Megawati over riot JAKARTA (JP): Police said yesterday that they have sent a summons requesting Megawati Soekarnoputri, the embattled leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), to their office on Monday for questioning in connection with last week's riots. Jakarta Police Chief Maj. Gen.

'Environmental concerns not widely shared'

'Environmental concerns not widely shared' JAKARTA (JP): Public and government indifference has hampered the effectiveness of environmental campaigns, environmentalists said yesterday. Mas Achmad Santosa, director of the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law, said the bureaucrats and the public had peripheral values on the environment.

TV today

TV today TVRI 12:00 p.m Travel: Wajah Negeriku (My Country) 12:05 TV Series: Gaiking 12:30 Sports 1:05 TV Series: Out of The Blue 2:30 Sport: Olmpiad '96 from Atlanta - live 5:00 News Program 5:25 Travel : Wajah Negeriku (My Country) 5:30 Creation Innovation 6:05 Around the Archipelago: West Sumatera 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Education: Paket 27 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama: Meniti Pelangi 8:05 Music: Tunas Vokalia 9:00 World News 9:30 Journal Olympiad'96 from Atlanta 10:30 Quiz: Siapa Dia...

By Onghokham

By Onghokham PDI crisis reflects local political culture JAKARTA (JP): In every election held under the New Order government, the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) has always come third, even though its supporters seemed so numerous and enthusiastic during campaigning in the last two elections. This third-ranking party is in the limelight these days, but it is no threat to the government even led by a charismatic figure and transformed into a formal opposition party.

S&P upgrades Polysindo rating to 'BB'

S&P upgrades Polysindo rating to 'BB' JAKARTA (JP): Standard & Poor's raised its corporate rating on PT Polysindo Eka Perkasa (Polysindo) to 'BB' from "BB minus' and took the rating off its CreditWatch list. The Melbourne office of the international rating agency announced yesterday that the rating on the US$260 million senior secured notes issued by Polysindo International Finance Co. B.V., guaranteed by parent company Polysindo, was also raised to 'BB' from 'BB minus'.

PDI crisis typifies local politics

PDI crisis typifies local politics By Onghokham JAKARTA (JP): In every election held under the New Order government, the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) has always come third, even though its supporters seemed so numerous and enthusiastic during campaigning in the last two elections. This third-ranking party is in the limelight these days, but it is no threat to the government even led by a charismatic figure and transformed into a formal opposition party.

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.

Expats probed for visa abuses

Expats probed for visa abuses JAKARTA: The immigration office has been investigating 18 Canadian and United States citizens for allegedly abusing their immigration privileges. The director of surveillance and litigation of immigration, Zaiman Nurmatias, said the foreigners are suspected of working for PT Ariawest International which has a contract with PT Telkom Regional Division III in West Java.

Broken Olympic dream

Broken Olympic dream Considering the highly optimistic send-off given to the national Olympic team last month, there is every reason to be disappointed with the poor showing of our athletes in Atlanta. Indonesia's best medal hopes were in badminton, but our players only managed a single gold, one silver and two bronzes. This is a dismal result compared to Barcelona four years ago -- Indonesia's best ever Olympic showing -- when the country took two golds, two silvers and a bronze in badminton.

Cabin crew recruitment

Cabin crew recruitment I refer to the July 30 letter Cabin crew recruitment and your reader's comments about a recruitment exercise conducted in Jakarta on May 1 and May 2. The reader stated that Singapore Airlines was seeking to hire crew members between 18 and 25 years of age. We would like to point out that this is incorrect. Our advertisements in the Indonesian media state that applicants should be single and aged from 20 to below 26 years.

Farsighted approach sought

Farsighted approach sought When the government decided to put (the state-run) Merpati Nusantara Airlines under the wings of (the national carrier) Garuda Indonesia, it thought the measure would produce an integrated enterprise whose two elements would be mutually complementing and which would be more effective and profitable. The arrival of an era of greater competition among airlines, however, proved that the step rather increased the difficulties which both the airlines had to cope with.

Businesspeople may regain confidence in six months

Businesspeople may regain confidence in six months LONDON (JP): Indonesia, which was hit by anarchic riots on July 27, is expected to regain the confidence of foreign investors within six months, says the chairman of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. "The riots, which involved arson and bomb threats, have affected business confidence but we are sure that the security forces will be able to fully restore order," Aburizal Bakrie told reporters here Thursday.

Gen. Edi opens national target shooting program

Gen. Edi opens national target shooting program CILODONG, West Java (JP): The Indonesian Target Shooting Association and the Armed Forces began their four-year training program for military and police officers at the Army's shooting range yesterday. Chairman of the association Gen. Edi Sudradjat, who is also the minister of defense and security, said the aim of the program was to produce national athletes to represent the country in international events.

JSX regains confidence, stocks rebound

JSX regains confidence, stocks rebound JAKARTA (JP): Most counters on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) made a "technical rebound" yesterday on easing concern about Indonesia's political situation, following the delay of a court hearing, dealers said. The hearing, scheduled for Thursday, was to discuss a lawsuit filed by the former chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party, Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Government to promote fish consumption

Government to promote fish consumption JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government will promote fish consumption as part of the celebrations for the XVI World Food Day. State Minister of Food Ibrahim Hasan told reporters yesterday the government has chosen fish consumption as the theme for World Food Day celebrations because despite an abundance of fish in Indonesia, fish consumption is still below the health standard set by the Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO).

Fifth music concert for AIDS

Fifth music concert for AIDS JAKARTA (JP): A non-governmental organization advocating AIDS prevention, Yayasan Pelita Ilmu, will stage its fifth music concert on Sunday in the Ancol Dreamland Park. Rock, reggae, country and pop will be presented at the concert featuring, among others, the Rastafara, Yeah-Yeah Boys, and Toshia Anzai and friend. A discussion on HIV/AIDS is planned for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with activists Danny I.

Foreign firms not deterred by riots

Foreign firms not deterred by riots SURABAYA (JP): Despite last weekend's major rioting in Jakarta, foreign businesspeople seem unconcerned about making new business deals with Indonesian partners. Executives of eight U.S. companies, all from Minnesota, have been seeking new business relationships in East Java for the last two days. "Indonesia has always had stability. We believe this will resolve soon.

Wood smuggling rampant in C. Java

Wood smuggling rampant in C. Java SEMARANG, Central Java: Over 250,000 cubic meters of illegal timber has been smuggled into Central Java in the first half of this year. The head of the province's forestry office, Yaman Mulyana, said that 253,007 cubic meters had been smuggled in without papers. He said the wood came from illegal logging in Kalimantan, which the government is struggling to prevent. "To this day the illegal logging persists," he said.

First aid

First aid From Kompas With regards to Ms. Yossephine's complaint Pingsan di Makro tidak ditolong (No help when I fainted in Makro), published in Kompas on July 24, 1996, I would like to make the following comments. The complaint suggests that Makro has no concern for consumers while they shop. As a trade center, Makro has regulations. Our staff will always be available for help when required. Upon investigation of the incident at Makro in Ciputat on July 17, we were informed that Ms.

Over 5,000 workers go on strike

Over 5,000 workers go on strike JAKARTA (JP): Some 5,150 employees of three private companies in Jakarta, Bekasi and Bogor went on strike Thursday to demand better wages and allowances. The strike which started at 9 a.m. was sparked by PT API in East Jakarta, PT SKI in Bogor and PT KC in Bekasi threatening to suspend their workers over their demands.

Fishing reform not contradictory

Fishing reform not contradictory JAKARTA (JP): The government has dismissed critics alleging the recent deregulation in the fisheries sector as contradictory to earlier rulings. The Ministry of Agriculture yesterday said the deregulation, which, among other things, allowed the importation of fish and shrimp trawlers, did not contradict Presidential Decree No. 39/1980 which banned the operation of trawlers in territorial waters.

Belated Manggarai underpass completed

Belated Manggarai underpass completed JAKARTA (JP): The Manggarai underpass in South Jakarta, which was planned 20 years ago, has finally been completed. The underpass, which connects Jl. Sultan Agung and Jl. Tambak, was opened yesterday by governor Surjadi Soedirdja, The head of the city public works agency, Soeharto, said the delay in construction was caused mainly by the problem of building an underpass under a railway. The delay had caused prolonged traffic jams on the adjacent narrow road.

Corruption and collusion

Corruption and collusion From Berita Buana Corruption and collusion seem to be committed without guilt. This happens in the higher echelon, and maybe other levels as well. It seems that the culprits are incapable of distinguishing good from bad. They are only interested in material gain. Some people think corruption and collusion only involve small- income earners who are countering the high cost of living. Is this concept true? In reality, corruptors are big-income earners.

Sukanto joins Sarana Riau

Sukanto joins Sarana Riau JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the widely diversified group Raja Garuda Mas, Sukanto Tanoto, will become one of the major shareholders in Sarana Riau Ventura, the newly established venture capital company in Riau province. P.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on August 2, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,175 25 28,000 AHAP Insurance 2,700 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 650 -25 500 Andayani Megah 1,250 -50 1,856,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,725 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,925 0 72,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,950 -100 10,000 Argo Pantes 1,900 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,675 25 2,479,000 Asiana...

RI's export-led industries need new investments

RI's export-led industries need new investments JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia needs more investments in labor- intensive and resource-based industries, which have dominated the country's non-oil exports, to maintain their competitiveness in the global market, a senior economist said. Mari E.

Rioters were not PDI activists, Soerjadi says

Rioters were not PDI activists, Soerjadi says JAKARTA (JP): The government-backed chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party, (PDI) Soerjadi, refuted charges yesterday he triggered the July 27 to July 28 massive riots in the capital. He also claimed that he was not helped by the military to take over the party headquarters on July 27, which led to the city's worst rioting in over 20 years. "Do you think there was any correlation between the headquarters takeover and the riots?

U.S. firms unconcerned about making new business deals here

U.S. firms unconcerned about making new business deals here SURABAYA (JP): Despite last weekend's major rioting in Jakarta, foreign businesspeople seem unconcerned about making new business deals with Indonesian partners. Executives of eight U.S. companies, all from Minnesota, have been seeking new business relationships in East Java for the last two days. "Indonesia has always had stability. We believe this will resolve soon.

Indonesian shuttlers share guilt over failures

Indonesian shuttlers share guilt over failures ATLANTA, Georgia (Agencies): Indonesian badminton players celebrated their Olympic medal winning run here on Thursday -- in grief. The lunch get-together, which followed an evaluation meeting held at the homestay of the Badminton Association of Indonesia's chairman Soerjadi, turned mournful, with most of the players taking the guilt for making a futile campaign.

Cassette plant accused of pollution

Cassette plant accused of pollution JAKARTA (JP): Residents in the Duri Kosambi district of West Jakarta are complaining again about the air pollution which they say stems from a nearby cassette factory. The residents have repeatedly raised complaints with the management of the plant, PT BASF, since 1993. The residents allege that chemical substances in the air are causing respiratory problems, including asthma. Ignored complaints in 1993 led them to break down a fence around the factory.

New CPO export price set

New CPO export price set JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Finance announced here yesterday new export prices for Crude Palm Oil (CPO), Refined Bleached Deodorized Palm Oil (RBD PO), Crude Olein and Refined Bleached Deodorized Olein (RBD Olein) valid for this month. The export prices, set as a base for the collection of export tax, were US$434 per metric ton for CPO and $465 for RBD PO, $484 for Crude Olein and $514 for RBD Olein.

Peddlers' fate

Peddlers' fate From Republika I work in an office on Jl. Rasuna Said. On July 18 at about 2 p.m. it seemed many peddlers were running for their lives while being chased by uniformed public order officers. I was quite taken aback by the scene. The following conversation took place between an officer and myself: "What is going on, pak?" I asked politely. "Rounding up peddlers," he replied gruffly. "What have they done wrong?" I asked further.

Bogor continues to demolish illegal Puncak buildings

Bogor continues to demolish illegal Puncak buildings BOGOR, West Java (JP): Demolishing of houses and villas without building permits in Puncak is still going on to prevent further damage of the water catchment area. Following a national drive to preserve Puncak since the floods which hit Jakarta early this year, Bogor is working hard to keep up with its earlier target to demolish 150 buildings known to lack permits. But yesterday spokesman Denny M.

Less tourists visit Baliem

Less tourists visit Baliem JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The Baliem Valley has seen an 80 percent drop in the number of foreign tourists since the end of its kidnapping saga in May. The head of the local tourism, post and telecommunications office, Poernomo, told Antara yesterday that the decline could cause hotels and other tourist operations to cut back their staff. "In years past prior to August, the hotel rooms in Wamena have been fully booked.

More companies applying for PCN licenses

More companies applying for PCN licenses JAKARTA (JP): At least 120 companies have applied for the government's licenses to provide Personal Communication Network (PCN) services in the country, sources said. A source at the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications said yesterday that the number of applicants had been increasing steadily, though the government had not yet officially announced when the tender for such a business will be opened.

Latief asks workers not to go on strike

Latief asks workers not to go on strike SIDOARDJO, East Java (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief told 1,000 workers here yesterday to resolve their industrial disputes on the negotiating table, not on the streets. On July 8 and July 9, over 10,000 workers took to the streets of Surabaya demanding higher wages and political change.

BRI to issue $70m notes

BRI to issue $70m notes HONG KONG (Reuter): State-owned Bank Rakyat Indonesia (BRI) is planning a US$70 million floating rate note or floating rate certificate of deposit issue, sources familiar with the transaction said. They said the facility is likely to have a maturity of five years with no put or call options. Last November, BRI launched a US$120 million floating rate certificate of deposit issue through its Cayman Island Branch. The five-year issue had no put or call options.

House payments raised by 400%

House payments raised by 400% SURABAYA, East Java: Sriyono, the president director of the state-owned public housing company (Perumnas), turned a deaf ear to the protests of hundreds of potential home buyers after the company suddenly raised its down-payments by 400 percent for modest houses in Driyorejo, East Java. "There are no plans to lower the down payment, you know there are still many waiting in line to buy these houses," said Sriyono on Thursday.

Theft near KFC

Theft near KFC On June 30 at about 7:45 p.m. my family and I ate at the Kentucky Fried Chicken on Jl. Pajajaran in Bogor, West Java. I parked my car in a place that was not very well illuminated. I felt it was safe enough as a security guard and parking man were nearby. When I got back to the car my car tape recorder had been stolen. I went back to the restaurant to report the case and asked to speak to someone in charge of customer safety.

Developer summoned over floods

Developer summoned over floods JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja ordered the South Jakarta mayor yesterday to summon the management of a private developer whose project allegedly triggers flooding in Guntur subdistrict, South Jakarta. The governor ordered the mayor to summon the developer after the subdistrict chief complained that a project owned by PT Kuningan Persada causes problems in the residential area. "I want the mayor to summon the developer to settle the matter.

Parking attendants get insurance

Parking attendants get insurance BOGOR, West Java: The Bogor municipality is implementing a program to insure the city's parking attendants for accidents. The head of the Bogor parking office, E. Lesmana, said the program for 500 parking attendants was the first in the country. According to Antara, the municipality is negotiating to give the parking attendants not only accident insurance but also a return on their premiums at the end of their contracts. (mds)

Sembawang's yard profits

Sembawang's yard profits SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore's Sembawang Corp says it expects its new shipyard on the Indonesian island of Karimun to be profitable in its third year of operations, the Straits Times said. The yard is to be officially opened in October, the newspaper quoted Tan Mong Seng, president of Sembawang's machine and heavy industries division, as saying.

U.S. encourages pluralism in Indonesia

U.S. encourages pluralism in Indonesia WASHINGTON (Reuter): The United States will encourage a transition of power in Indonesia that reflects the country's growing interest in greater pluralism, Secretary of State Warren Christopher said on Thursday.

Japans's ANA applies for service to Indonesia

Japans's ANA applies for service to Indonesia TOKYO (AFP): Japan's All Nippon Airways Ltd. (ANA) said yesterday it had applied to the transport ministry to begin a service to Indonesia. ANA said it was planning a twice-weekly service between Narita, Jakarta and Denpasar, using a 213-seat Boeing 767-300 aircraft in a two class configuration, from Oct. 30. Indonesia's arrivals from Japan totaled 486,000 in 1995, ANA said, with more than 160,000 Japanese arrivals in Denpasar alone.

Kramatdjati bus firm yet to install safety devices

Kramatdjati bus firm yet to install safety devices JAKARTA (JP): The management of an intercity bus firm which lost one bus in a fire killing 29 passengers said it is yet to install safety equipment on its fleet. Suharno, the marketing manager of the privately-owned Kramatdjati firm, said the management is still considering whether it will apply the sophisticated "black box" device.

Church Services

Church Services * Catholic Church, University of Atmajaya, Jl. Jend. Sudirman: Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m., 10:30 a.m. (with songs) and 5:30 p.m. * First Church of Christ, Scientist, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro 48, Menteng, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (in Indonesian) and 8 a.m. (in English). * All Saints' Anglican Church (opposite The Aryaduta Jakarta), Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim No. 5, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9 a.m. with Sunday School.

Bishop Belo not enthusiastic on statue inauguration

Bishop Belo not enthusiastic on statue inauguration JAKARTA (JP): East Timor's Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo gave a cool response yesterday to news that the Jesus Christ statue will be inaugurated by the government. He said the government's mega project of a 25-ton statue called Kristus Raja (Christ the King) is full of political overtones. The project, which is 75 percent complete, is estimated to have cost up to Rp 40 billion (about US$17 million) so far.

Rivers to be dredged for flood prevention

Rivers to be dredged for flood prevention JAKARTA (JP): The city public works will spend Rp 15 billion (US$ 6.52 million) dredging twelve rivers from September in a bid to curb the flooding expected next rainy season, Dargono Danuprawiro, the head of the city office of the Ministry of Public Works, said yesterday. Also yesterday, the head of the public works agency Soeharto said the central government would dredge and widen five rivers by the end of the year.

Taman Mini offers recreational and cultural experience

Taman Mini offers recreational and cultural experience By Marina Kaneti JAKARTA (JP): The Cook travel guide rates it as one of the biggest tourist attractions in Jakarta. Many residents of Jakarta confess that they have never been there, and everyone agrees that it is best to avoid weekends. Taman Mini Indonesia Indah -- the 210 hectare park built in 1975 -- celebrates the diversity of ethnic and cultural traditions in Indonesia.

Regency suspends suspect on charges of raping a minor

Regency suspends suspect on charges of raping a minor TANGERANG (JP): The regency office has temporarily suspended the head of a district health agency who was accused of raping his 14-year-old adopted daughter and sexually molesting the girl's sister. Regency office spokesperson Ena Karlina said yesterday that the decision to suspend Junus Sarun, 53, (not 40 as reported earlier) was signed by regent Saifullah AR.

Former athlete netted for drug sale

Former athlete netted for drug sale JAKARTA (JP): A former national billiards athlete was arrested yesterday on charges of having sold Ecstasy pills at a discotheque at Central Hotel in Central Jakarta. Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira said the man, identified as Rud, 38, was apprehended by the police as he came out of the hotel on Jl. Pramuka. "We seized 25 Ecstasy pills, which were the pink and butterfly types, behind the seat of his motorcycle," Abubakar said.

East Java PDI conflict, a ticking time bomb

East Java PDI conflict, a ticking time bomb By Ainur R. Sophiaan SURABAYA (JP): The capital city of Jakarta has recently seen the worst manifestation of the political conflict within the minority Indonesian Democratic Party. The party chapter in East Java seems to be heading in the same direction, unless something is done to solve the conflict that has been plaguing it for the past two years. To put the problem in a nutshell -- it has two leaders.

Possible AIDS cure, a dream for many

Possible AIDS cure, a dream for many By Tom Wright JAKARTA (Reuter): For one pregnant, HIV-infected patient at the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital in Jakarta, talk in Canada of a possible cure for the killer disease AIDS can only be a pipedream. The 23 year-old woman, who asked to remain anonymous because of possible discrimination, could not even afford to get to Jakarta from her village 100 km (60 miles) away.

Poland calls on Indonesian firms to join economic forum

Poland calls on Indonesian firms to join economic forum JAKARTA (JP): The Polish government called on Indonesian companies to participate in its first economic forum with Southeast Asian countries due to be held in Warsaw on Sept. 2 to Sept. 3. "I hope they see the forum as a great opportunity to sound out the possibilities of doing business with my country's firms," the commercial counselor at the Polish Embassy, Boguslawa Barankiewicz, said yesterday.