Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 August 1996

56 articles found

Poverty spurs Soeharto to seventh-term: Juwono

Poverty spurs Soeharto to seventh-term: Juwono JAKARTA (JP): A senior official of the military's think-tank predicted yesterday that President Soeharto will run for a seventh term in 1998 out of his obsession to eradicate absolute poverty. Juwono Sudarsono, Vice Governor of the National Resilience Institute, said poverty is a major concern of the 75-year-old Soeharto.

'Bemo' replacement vans to use liquid gas

'Bemo' replacement vans to use liquid gas JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is to power new minivans with liquid gas in an effort to reduce the city's pollution. The deputy governor for economic and development affairs, Tb. M. Rais, said yesterday that some of the 60 minivans already licensed to operate on 20 routes instead of the three-wheeled bemo will run on liquid gas.

Soeyono inspects presidential guards

Soeyono inspects presidential guards JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces General Affairs Chief Lt. Gen. Soeyono visited the headquarters of the presidential guards yesterday on Jl. Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. During the three-hour visit, Soeyono, who was accompanied by the guards' commander Brig. Gen. Sugiono and his logistic deputy Maj. Bambang S, inspected facilities in the headquarters. "I was satisfied with the modern facilities in the headquarters," Soeyono said as quoted by Antara.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and Entertainment * Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua: Pasar Senggol - Balinese Arts & Crafts, daily. Sunset Procession, daily. Ramayana dance, Thursday. Legong dance, Saturday. Arjuna Wiwaha dance, Sunday. Rejang, Puspawresti, Belibis and Jaran Teji dances, Monday. Kecak dance, Friday & Tuesday. Jegog dance, Wednesday. Pesona Lounge - Live music by Filipino guitar duo, Medi & Boy, daily. Lila Cita Fun Pub - Rakata Disc Band, Friday & Monday.

Honda to build new plant

Honda to build new plant JAKARTA (JP): PT Federal Motor, the producer of Honda motorbikes, will build a new factory with an annual production capacity of 500,000 units here with investment of about US$100 million, the company's vice president, Ridwan Gunawan, said. "When the new factory starts operation in 1999, the firm's total production capacity will double to one million units of per annum," said Ridwan.

Forex policy not merely for exports

Forex policy not merely for exports JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono said yesterday that the central bank would not pursue a foreign exchange policy to merely boost exports. Soedradjad said that allowing the rupiah to depreciate faster against the U.S. dollar was not the only way to improve the competitiveness of the country's exports. He said the rupiah exchange rate would be managed so the value of the currency would neither be too high nor too low.

Kwangju companies look for partners

Kwangju companies look for partners JAKARTA (JP): Thirteen industry executives from Kwangju, South Korea, are here looking for Indonesian joint venture partners to develop their markets in the Asia-Pacific region. Kwangju Mayor Song Eon-Jong, who is leading the executives on the trade mission, told reporters yesterday that many Kwangju entrepreneurs are interested in investing in Indonesia, particularly in the electronics, aluminum, tire and auto parts industries.

Asia-Pacific enjoys new growth

Asia-Pacific enjoys new growth This is the second of two articles based on a paper presented by State Minister for National Development Planning/Chairman of Bappenas Ginandjar Kartasasmita at a seminar organized by The Jakarta Post and the Asia Pacific Economics Group. JAKARTA: We in Indonesia are confident of our ability to compete, take advantage of opportunities, and deal with the problems these activities create. Our confidence is based on a number of things.

Indonesia's triumph

Indonesia's triumph I refer to the letters dealing with Atlanta 96. Although I join the chorus of praise for the performances of all athletes, I believe there is something equally important: the Indonesian "triumph." At the first sight the word could appear inadequate for the one gold medal won by Indonesia, but if you look at things from a particular point of view, the word "triumph" is reasonable.

Aspac, Indosyntec to meet in final

Aspac, Indosyntec to meet in final JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Aspac of Jakarta capitalized on Bima Sakti Nikko Steel's last-minute fouls to edge out the Malang club 76-68 (36-38) in the Kobatama national basketball league final four matches yesterday. Aspac's victory renders a carbon copy of last year's final because it will take on Panasia Indosyntec of Bandung in tomorrow's final. Indosyntec had first-half trouble before seeing off newcomer Satria Muda 95-84.

Workers asked to beware of infiltration

Workers asked to beware of infiltration JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto told workers yesterday to be alert for the infiltration of interest groups intent on instigating strikes. "The President has called on workers nationwide to consolidate their organizations so that they won't be easily fooled by third parties," Soeharto was quoted by Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief as saying.

Great River, salim to form joint ventures

Great River, salim to form joint ventures JAKARTA (JP): PT Great River International, a publicly-listed clothing producer, said yesterday it would set up two joint ventures with the Salim Group's PT Indomulti Inti Industry with a combined investment of Rp 200 billion (US$84 million).

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.

Macroeconomic stability vital for investment

Macroeconomic stability vital for investment JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad said yesterday that the government would continue to pursue macroeconomic stability to attract more foreign investment into the country. Speaking at the opening of a two-day conference on capital market, Mar'ie noted that during last month's rioting in the city the government was able to maintain macroeconomic stability, which helped to pacify stock and money markets.

Yayuk makes headline with upset victory

Yayuk makes headline with upset victory MONTREAL (Agencies): Indonesian tennis star Yayuk Basuki should be all smiles when she retires from the tennis circuit at the end of this season after scoring her greatest career win in the second round of the US$926,250 Canadian Open women's tennis championships on Wednesday. World number 28 Yayuk shrugged off the rankings separating her from world number four Iva Majoli of Croatia by beating her in an upset 7-6 (7-4), 6-2 second-round win.

Anti-'dwifungsi' groups criticized

Anti-'dwifungsi' groups criticized JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno warned the public yesterday against "looking for trouble" by making an issue of the military's Dwifungsi doctrine which allows the Armed Forces (ABRI) to play politics. Some people who have questioned Dwifungsi -- ABRI's dual function in both defense and politics -- do not understand its background and only want to look for trouble, Try said.

Indointernet: E-Mail blocked?

Indointernet: E-Mail blocked? Since Aug. 7, subscribers to "Indointernet" in Rawamangun, Jakarta, cannot write nor receive e-mail. Every time you log in, an announcement will appear on your screen: "We apologize that our e-mail service is temporarily unavailable. We are sorry for any inconveniences caused." No explanation is given why, or until when it will last. No prior notice either. I have a hunch that something suspicious is taking place.

Groundwater polluted

Groundwater polluted SURABAYA, East Java: Residents here consume polluted water because 90 percent of the city's groundwater is contaminated by domestic waste, according to an official. Head of the regional development planning agency Sadjarwo Sakardiman said here yesterday that only 60 percent of the city's population of 3 million get water from the local water company. "The rest of the population is supposed to use groundwater, but most of the available supply is polluted," he said.

RI needs new political foundations

RI needs new political foundations JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia needs to reappraise the building blocks of its political stability now that new aspirations are emerging, economic and structural changes are occurring and new social classes are growing, a senior economist observed yesterday. "This is one of the new challenges we are facing as a result of our development successes over the last 30 years," Emil Salim said.

BII expects 20% rise in pretax profit

BII expects 20% rise in pretax profit JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) forecasted yesterday that it will book no less than a 20 percent increase in pre-tax profit this year from last year's level of Rp 269.87 billion (US$114.74 million). The bank's president, Edward H. Hadidjaja, said at a public presentation yesterday that BII expects to generate more profit from corporate, retail and consumer businesses as well as from fee-based services.

Man burns in shackles

Man burns in shackles GORONTALO, North Sulawesi: Twenty-six-year-old Ahmad Yahya died on Tuesday night after his hut, in which he had been kept in shackles, caught fire. The farmer of Talulobuto village, Tapa district, was burned to death not far from the house of his parents who put him in shackles after he became mentally ill and violent since April. His wife and three children were not home during the fire, which was thought to have been caused by a kerosene lamp.

JP/4/Window/Sasmita2

JP/4/Window/Sasmita2 Indonesia in the future will have more urban dwellers, more people working in modern skill intensive factories and a larger and more professionally oriented service sector. 4/Stockwin The risk is that Kremlin in-fighting will so intensify that real gains will be minimized.

Rights body finds flaws in party office takeover

Rights body finds flaws in party office takeover JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights continued yesterday with their effort to investigate possible human rights violations committed during the forced takeover of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters recently. Four commission members visited the headquarters and found "irregularities" which they said should be investigated further.

Indonesia's triumph

Indonesia's triumph I refer to the letters dealing with Atlanta 96. Although I join the chorus of praise for the performances of all athletes, I believe there is something equally important: the Indonesian "triumph." At the first sight the word could appear inadequate for the one gold medal won by Indonesia, but if you look at things from a particular point of view, the word "triumph" is reasonable.

Soldiers to be questioned

Soldiers to be questioned BANDUNG, West Java: Chief of the military police at the Siliwangi regional military command Col. Iding Alidin said five soldiers will be interrogated for allegedly abusing Dada, a 20- year-old resident of Cireyod, Cikole village, Lembang district. "We will not tolerate violations committed by any Armed Forces members. We'll take action against them," Iding was quoted by Antara as saying on Wednesday.

Siswanto shows police five 'killing fields'

Siswanto shows police five 'killing fields' JAKARTA (JP): Siswanto, the alleged sodomizer and killer of 12 boys, has shown the police the five locations in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, where he said he had left the bodies of five of his victims. Central Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Abubakar Nataprawira said yesterday the police had asked Siswanto to show them the scenes of the crimes on Wednesday night. He took them to Kemayoran, where four of the eight bodies were found.

Motorbikes donated to mayoralty

Motorbikes donated to mayoralty JAKARTA (JP): One hundred motorcycles worth Rp 430 million (US$183,000) will be donated to the North Jakarta mayoralty office, the Jakarta Military Command and the Jakarta Police Headquarters today. PT Federal Motor, a producer of Honda motorcycles, is to deliver the motorcycles in conjunction with its 25th anniversary.

Singapore to boost ties with RI

Singapore to boost ties with RI JAKARTA (JP): Singapore, celebrating its 31st National Day today, plans to strengthen its relationship with Indonesia. Singapore Ambassador to Indonesia, Edward Lee, said that the opening of the Bintan Beach International Resort by President Soeharto and Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong in June is one example of greater cooperation.

Indointernet: E-Mail blocked?

Indointernet: E-Mail blocked? Since Aug. 7, subscribers to "Indointernet" in Rawamangun, Jakarta, cannot write nor receive e-mail. Every time you log in, an announcement will appear on your screen: "We apologize that our e-mail service is temporarily unavailable. We are sorry for any inconveniences caused." No explanation is given why, or until when it will last. No prior notice either. I have a hunch that something suspicious is taking place.

Poor management may stall agricultural development

Poor management may stall agricultural development KUTA, Bali (JP): Poor management and lack of coordination among research centers, government offices and universities may impede agricultural development and threaten the security of Indonesia's food supplies, academicians say. Steve R.

RI to exhibit pithecanthropus

RI to exhibit pithecanthropus BANDUNG, West Java: Indonesia is taking part in a pithecanthropus exhibition in Tokyo, for which some 30 prehistoric human and animal fossils from the Bandung Museum of Geology will be flown to Japan. Antara reported on Wednesday that the cargo will be crated by Indonesian and Japanese experts.

Japanese students perform in concert

Japanese students perform in concert DENPASAR, Bali: A group of Japanese students will perform in the International Indonesia-Japan Concert at the Bali International Convention Center on Aug. 23, Antara reported yesterday. The news agency quoted Katsuo Yamashita, the Japanese consul here, as saying on Tuesday that the 26-member musical group would perform for the local public free of charge. The group is scheduled to arrive on Aug.

Riots incited by disparity, scholars say

Riots incited by disparity, scholars say JAKARTA (JP): Observers have asked the government to look deeper for the causes of recent violence, saying that prevailing social and economic inequity is providing fertile soil in which communism can flourish.

Business leaders to prepare APEC free-trade blueprint

Business leaders to prepare APEC free-trade blueprint SINGAPORE (AFP): Asia-Pacific business leaders are to meet in Hawaii next week to launch work on a blueprint to hasten trade and investment liberalization in the region, officials said here yesterday. The blueprint would incorporate strategies to open up businesses in designated areas such as infrastructure, small and medium enterprises and human resources development, and finance and investment.

Saptohoedojo exhibition in town

Saptohoedojo exhibition in town JAKARTA (JP): Works by maestro Saptohoedojo of Yogyakarta are on display at the Bentara Budaya building on Jl. Palmerah Selatan. The exhibition was opened on Wednesday evening by Vice Deputy of the National Development Planning Board Bambang Kesowo, representing Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono. About 40 pieces are on display at the venue from Aug. 7 to Aug. 14.

Liquidity problem still hinders capital market

Liquidity problem still hinders capital market JAKARTA (JP): Several panelists at a conference here hinted yesterday that poor liquidity will remain a major problem hampering the growth of the Indonesian capital market due to a lack of large free floats and domestic investor participation.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 8, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,000 -175 7,500 AHAP Insurance 2,700 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 675 0 6,000 Andayani Megah 1,300 -75 7,644,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 3,725 0 0 Anwar Sierad 1,850 0 134,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,950 0 0 Argo Pantes 1,900 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,625 -50 310,500 Asiana IMI...

Consortium to start gas project at once

Consortium to start gas project at once CALGARY (Reuter): Gulf Canada Resources Ltd and Talisman Energy Inc said that construction of the Corridor Block Gas Project in South Sumatra, Indonesia would begin immediately. The companies said a consortium comprising PT Pertafenikki Engineering, JGC Corp. and Willbros Far East Inc. was contracted to build the gas plant and related field facilities for the US$600-million project.

Student stabbed to death

Student stabbed to death JAKARTA (JP): A student of an engineering high school was allegedly killed by a group of 20 youths in front of the Kota railway station in West Jakarta. A police officer at the Taman Sari Police subprecinct said that the victim, Suwarno, 19, was stabbed with a knife by one of the group on Tuesday. "The alleged killer is still at large," the officer, who requested anonymity, said Wednesday.

Indonesian fishermen charged in Australia

Indonesian fishermen charged in Australia PERTH, Australia (AFP): The skipper and two crew members of another Indonesian vessel apprehended in Australian waters face fines of up to 25,000 Australian dollars (US$19,375) if convicted when they appear in court yesterday on illegal fishing charges. A Western Australian Fisheries Department officer told AFP yesterday the three will appear before Magistrate Colin Roberts in the Magistrate's Court in Broome, in the far north of Western Australia.

Aisa-Pacific undergoes unprecedented growth

Aisa-Pacific undergoes unprecedented growth The following article is an excerpt from a paper presented by State Minister for National Development Planning/Chairman of Bappenas Ginandjar Kartasasmita at a seminar organized by The Jakarta Post and the Asia Pacific Economics Group. This is the first of two articles. JAKARTA: The growth in our region is both contributing to, and relying on, the rapid globalization we are experiencing.

Night transportation lacking in Tangerang

Night transportation lacking in Tangerang TANGERANG (JP): Commuters living in Tangerang are still finding it difficult to reach home from their workplaces in Jakarta. Frequently, it takes a couple of hours before they acquire buses to the Cimone or Cikokol terminals. Despite earlier reports in the media on the problem, people can still be seen waiting every night around the Tomang intersection, which leads to the Tangerang-Jakarta toll road.

Developers urged to build roads

Developers urged to build roads JAKARTA (JP): Developers of housing complexes in areas around Jakarta are being urged to participate in building roads between the city and its outskirts. Deputy Governor for Economic and Development Affairs Tb. M. Rais said yesterday the municipality does not have enough funds to provide roads. He said the municipality has built some roads in boundary areas in West Java, such as Ciledug in Tangerang, but added that developers should not rely on the government.

Garuda responds

Garuda responds In regard to the letter entitled Garuda delays in The Jakarta Post of July 30, 1996, I would like to thank Mr. Robert Wood for taking the time to let us know of his recent experiences with Garuda Indonesia. I am very sorry to year that you were not getting a proper explanation and apology from our ground staff as well as our crew on several of your delayed flights.

Poor info breeds rumors: Consultant

Poor info breeds rumors: Consultant JAKARTA (JP): A lack of honest information is sure to breed rumors, a management consultant from the University of Indonesia, Rhenald Kasali, said yesterday at a seminar on economics. "Since people need information to plan their actions, the lack of reliable information compels people to seek alternatives -- regardless of their merit," he said.

Tangerang police arrest actress in huge Ecstasy haul

Tangerang police arrest actress in huge Ecstasy haul TANGERANG (JP): Local police detectives have arrested a television actress for allegedly possessing 29,677 Ecstasy pills worth over Rp 1.78 billion (US$757,700). The haul is the country's second biggest drug bust after four people were arrested in May at Soekarno-Hatta international airport for allegedly smuggling 60,000 ecstasy pills. The head of the Tangerang police detectives, Capt.

Alleged robber shot dead

Alleged robber shot dead JAKARTA (JP): A man attempting to grab a bank customer's purse was shot dead by a police officer in Tambora, West Jakarta yesterday. This marked the fourth attempted robbery of a bank customer or person assigned to withdraw money from a bank this month. Two of the four incidents involved armed robbers. Last month, the police arrested a total of 32 suspects out of 44 bank customer robberies since January, involving a combined total of Rp 525 million (US$161,540) in cash.

An expanding field

An expanding field The enthusiasm of private investors to do business in the telecommunications sector continues. This is evident from the fact that scores of companies have already expressed their desire to participate in the personal communication service (PCS) project, the tender for which the government is likely to open soon. The adoption of PCS technology, if the government so desires, will usher in a new phase in the development of the cellular mobile telephones business in Indonesia.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: Wajah Negeriku 2:35 TV Series: Budgie 3:00 TV Series: Remaja Indonesia 3:30 TV Series: Fresh Prince of Bell Air 4:00 Comedy 4:30 Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:55 Filler 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Creation 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country: Jakarta 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Hobbies: Kreasi dari Tembaga 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 Nationality: Dinamika 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Nationality: Permata Nusantara...

Pertamina to go to Uzbekistan

Pertamina to go to Uzbekistan JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned oil company Pertamina is to expand its oil exploration activities to Uzbekistan, a former Soviet Union republic rich in oil and gas reserves, a company director said. "We're sounding out the possibility of oil exploration there. And the Uzbekistan government has given us a green light," Pertamina's director of general affairs, Baharuddin, told the press yesterday.

Official expects cellular tenders to be transparent

Official expects cellular tenders to be transparent JAKARTA (JP): A senior official of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) expects that the most-awaited cellular telecommunications tender will go transparent even before the lucrative bids are opened by the government.

More protest from minivan drivers

More protest from minivan drivers TANGERANG (JP): Another protest by minivan public drivers was staged yesterday by at least 100 drivers who went to the office of the Land Transportation and Traffic Agency. The drivers plying the R 11 route from Cimone to the Cikokol terminal demanded a ban on R 09 minivans from plying the same route. They also asked the agency not to add more R 11 minivans to the existing ones. Some representatives met with agency officials, police and military members.

Keep our sky blue

Keep our sky blue Without much fanfare, State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja launched the Blue Sky program in Semarang on Tuesday which aims to improve the quality of air in Indonesia's big cities. Two major sources of pollution are identified by the program: industrial plants and motor vehicles.

Garuda opens new office

Garuda opens new office JAKARTA (JP): State-owned air carrier Garuda Indonesia opened a new office on Jl. Gunung Sahari in Central Jakarta yesterday to improve its public service in the city. Garuda's general manager for Jakarta, Iwan Handoko Susilo, said yesterday that the new eight-story office was developed by PT Gandaria Sejahtera, a private Jakarta-based firm under a build, operate and own basis.

Olympic spikers start GP series

Olympic spikers start GP series JAKARTA (JP): World-class volleyball teams from Brazil, the United States, the Netherlands and South Korea will return to the playing field after their Olympic campaigns in the first leg of the World Women's Volleyball Grand Prix (GP) series from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1 at the Senayan indoor stadium. At the same time, Olympic champion Cuba, runner-up China, Japan and Russia will play the other first leg in Sendai, Japan.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Music * Elmi Hotel: Jl. Panglima Sudirman No. 42-44: - Qemi Club: Karaoke/Disco, Sunday, 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Master Band, Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Atlantic Band, Tuesday and Saturday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Abouwhim Band, Thursday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Hazztoria Band, Friday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. * Majapahit Hotel: Jl. Tunjungan 65: - Palm Bar: La Costa Band, daily from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. * Patra Surabaya Hilton International: Jl.