Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 September 1996

50 articles found

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.

Tokyo reconsiders taking car dispute to WTO

Tokyo reconsiders taking car dispute to WTO JAKARTA (JP): Japan's Minister of Trade and Industry Shunpei Tsukahara confirmed yesterday that the Japanese government is considering taking Indonesia to the World Trade Organization (WTO) over its controversial car policy. "At this time, we are discussing the problem and will continue to talk over the issue under a bilateral basis," Tsukahara told reporters following a meeting with President Soeharto at Merdeka Palace.

Sutiyoso welcomes new probe into Priok riot

Sutiyoso welcomes new probe into Priok riot JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso says efforts by certain parties to reinvestigate the 12-year-old bloody Tanjung Priok riot are welcome. "The accident has long been buried. However, people are welcome to reinvestigate it," he was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday. He responded to questions on certain parties who want to re-probe the incident in which there was uncertainty on the numbers of deaths it claimed. The Sept.

Five-nation air defense exercise to kick off

Five-nation air defense exercise to kick off KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia is to coordinate a major air defense exercise under the Five-Power Defense Arrangement (FPDA) that groups it with Australia, Britain, New Zealand and Singapore, defense officials said yesterday. The eight-day combined exercise beginning Saturday over peninsular Malaysia and Singapore airspace will be conducted by the Integrated Air Defense System headquarters (IADS) based in Butterworth in the northern state of Penang.

New cafe at Pondok Indah

New cafe at Pondok Indah JAKARTA (JP): A new cafe offering a wide range of bread, croissants, coffee and soft drinks opened Thursday in Pondok Indah Mall, South Jakarta. Operating under franchise from an Australian baking company, the Dailybread cafe "will try to give the best of best tastes and quality to its customers," said Yunarto Poernomo, a director of PT Adirasa Selaras Abadi. Located on the second floor of the mall, the cafe's prices range from Rp 750 to Rp 4,500 (30 U.S.

Asian power lifting records tumble at PON

Asian power lifting records tumble at PON JAKARTA (JP): Herculean efforts marked the opening day of the 14th National Games (PON) power lifting competition yesterday with two of West Kalimantan's muscle women breaking Asian records on their way to gold medals. Asteriati, in the 44-kilogram division, shook the stage with her 150kg squat to break the Asian record of 145kgs, held by Yang Shu Ju of Chinese Taipei.

Indonesian fashion students seek more sense and dollars

Indonesian fashion students seek more sense and dollars By Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): It's been a hectic year for fashion folk in Indonesia. New mall openings, boutique launchings by international designers such as Oscar De La Renta and Manolo Blahnik, and a spotlight on the CNN program "Style with Elsa Klensch," has left the country's most chic breathless in their Gucci suits. The hours spent rubbing elbows under glaring lights has taken its toll.

SE Asia's soymeal demand expected to surge

SE Asia's soymeal demand expected to surge SINGAPORE (Reuter): Soymeal demand in Southeast Asia is expected to surge in the coming months as most countries in the region have not yet covered their requirements up to the end of the year and into 1997, traders said. Buyers may also scramble to beat a further jump in prices after a bullish United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) crop report on Wednesday for both soybeans and meal. "There's a shortage of soymeal here.

Citatah's profit up 367%

Citatah's profit up 367% JAKARTA (JP): PT Citatah, a publicly-listed marble producer, recorded a 367 percent increase in its net profit to Rp 10.9 billion ($4.6 million) in the first half of the year over the same period of 1995, the firm said. It announced yesterday that the profit accounted for 44.6 percent of this year's profit target of Rp 24.5 billion. The firm's financial director.

Blood donors carry viruses

Blood donors carry viruses PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: The local chapter of the Indonesian Red Cross said that some of the blood it had received from donors turned out to be contaminated by a virus associated with hepatitis or sex-related diseases, Antara reported. Citing an example, the head of the blood transfusion unit, Said Husin, said that in July, 18 packets of plasma were found to be contaminated.

Public employees

Public employees I refer to your Sept. 4 editorial. During my long stay in Indonesia I have frequently encountered the attitude of Indonesian "public employees" and sincerely hope that the President's comments will be heeded.

Three babies die after polio vaccinations

Three babies die after polio vaccinations JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health Sujudi reported yesterday that three children died this week after being vaccinated for polio, arguing that diseases, not the vaccine, killed them. The deaths occurred in Tangerang and Cianjur, West Java, and in Lampung, Sujudi told a press conference on the nationwide vaccination drive.

Political parties ready for indoor campaigning

Political parties ready for indoor campaigning JAKARTA (JP): Politicians from the three political parties -- the United Development Party (PPP), Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) -- have agreed to concentrate on indoor campaigning in the run-up to next year's general election. The PDI and PPP said yesterday that indoor campaigns can be more effective ways of conveying their messages to the public than mass street rallies.

Managing Jakarta

Managing Jakarta It has been a long time since the former state minister of the environment, Emil Salim, has publicly discussed subjects that interest us all. So it is all the more gratifying to find that, at a monthly lecture at Jakarta's City Hall, he showed that he had lost none of his acute understanding of the problems confronting us in these critical times.

Davao officials in town

Davao officials in town MANADO, North Sulawesi: North Sulawesi Governor E.E. Mangindaan received a delegation yesterday from the Davao City Council who were in town to revive the sister city project involving the two cities and Bitung, also in North Sulawesi. The Davao council team, headed by Diosdado Mahipus, was accompanied by Philippines Consul General Marcilo E. Josue, Antara reported.

TV today

TV today TVRI 10:00 a.m. Sports Games (PON) Report from the National Sports Stadium (live) 12:00 p.m.

10 months pregnant -- and she didn't know it

10 months pregnant -- and she didn't know it By Sirikit Syah SURABAYA (JP): Samsiati, 44, finds it difficult to express how she feels. "I'm happy and embarrassed at the same time," she said with her two-week-old baby, Wahyu Budianti, in her lap. She is happy because her baby was born healthy and ashamed because she feels too old to have a newborn. Samsiati gave birth to her fifth child on Aug. 26 in Adi Husada Hospital.

Developer waiting for response on Bekasi regency office move

Developer waiting for response on Bekasi regency office move JAKARTA (JP): A developer, PT Lippo Cikarang, is still waiting for a respond from the Bekasi regency over an offer to relocate the regency's administration office to the Cikarang area, eastern Bekasi. The company's spokesperson, Jeanny L. Wullur, said PT Lippo Cikarang will provide 23 hectares of land in Cikarang for the development of the administration office of the Bekasi regency.

Ciputat police arrest two alleged burglars

Ciputat police arrest two alleged burglars JAKARTA (JP): Police in Ciputat, South Jakarta have arrested two suspected robbers, one of whom was also charged with raping a female victim. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Iman Haryatna said yesterday that the suspects were arrested following a tip from an eyewitness, who apparently saw a familiar face in the area when the crime took place last Sunday morning.

Pare-pare to build oil refinery in South Sulawesi

Pare-pare to build oil refinery in South Sulawesi JAKARTA (JP): Pare-pare Refining Corporation, a subsidiary of Meganusa Holding Corporation, is to build an oil refinery in Pinrang, near the South Sulawesi city of Pare-pare, with an investment of Rp 10.2 trillion (US$4.42 billion). "We'll start constructing the refinery in December.

Old soldiers fend off young guns at Games

Old soldiers fend off young guns at Games JAKARTA (JP): Old soldiers held off coup attempts from young prodigies in the 14th National Games yesterday, but age barriers denied the veterans a remarkable showing. Aside from two new lowly meet records in the women's long jump and the women's 400m hurdles, lackluster performances by veterans prevailed in Madya Senayan stadium, the host of track and field.

Motorcycles for troopers

Motorcycles for troopers JAKARTA (JP): PT Federal Motor, a manufacturer and assembler for Honda, donated the Jakarta Military Command 35 new motorcycles Thursday. The command's chief, Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso, said the motorcycles would be used by his squads to patrol the city. The military is strengthening its patrols even though security in Jakarta has returned to normal, Sutiyoso said, referring to the July 27 riots in Central Jakarta.

Drive on billboard language to continue

Drive on billboard language to continue JAKARTA (JP): Around 2,000 billboards, signs and banners around the city still bear foreign names or wording despite a national campaign to use proper Indonesian. Unless they are changed, they may be targeted in a Sept. 25 raid, the city administration's director of social and political affairs, Bagus Suharyono said yesterday.

Perum PPD must diversify its business: Official

Perum PPD must diversify its business: Official JAKARTA (JP): The secretary-general of the Ministry of Transportation, Muchtaruddin Siregar, suggested that the state- owned transportation service Perum PPD could improve its performance by diversifying. "PPD, for instance, could cooperate with larger companies to transport government employees," Siregar said after attending a ceremony at PPD's headquarters yesterday. During the ceremony, PPD's outgoing president Brig. Gen.

Selviana marks comeback with double gold

Selviana marks comeback with double gold JAKARTA (JP): Life is restarting after 40 for Selviana Sofyan of Jakarta who yesterday returned to the shooting range with two gold medals in the women's sport pistol at the 14th National Games. It was a remarkable comeback for the 1989 Southeast Asian Games champion, who had abandoned her hobby owing to her commitments as a businesswoman and a housewife. "I trained for just two months for these National Games," said the 41-year-old sharpshooter.

Malaysia beats RI in Tiger Cup final

Malaysia beats RI in Tiger Cup final SINGAPORE (AFP): Malaysia showed it is already on the road to recovery after bribery scandal that rocked its soccer when it reached the Tiger Cup final by beating Indonesia 3-1 yesterday. Thailand, as expected, joined Malaysia in the final thanks to three goals within the opening 24 minutes in its 4-2 win over Vietnam in the other semifinal. K.

Soeharto to meet with conglomerates

Soeharto to meet with conglomerates JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will host 500 of the country's wealthiest individuals at the Bogor Presidential Palace today to personally thank them for their contributions to the government's poverty eradication campaign. The meeting is not intended to ask for more contributions, State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono told reporters after meeting with the President at Merdeka Palace yesterday.

Industrial sales up in RP

Industrial sales up in RP MANILA (AFP): Sales from key Philippine industries rose 8 percent from a year earlier to 186.99 billion pesos (US$7.2 billion) in the six months to June, the Trade Department said yesterday. Sales figures were obtained from a survey of 882 firms from the 21 leading sectors of the economy, the department said in a statement.

Tragicomedy 'Gerr' enlivens Schouwburg II Festival 1996

Tragicomedy 'Gerr' enlivens Schouwburg II Festival 1996 By Oei Eng Goan JAKARTA (JP): Participating in a nine-day art event called the Schouwburg Festival II 1996, playwright Putu Wijaya's group, Teater Mandiri, staged Gerr, a tragicomedy on the death and resurrection of the protagonist and snobbery in his family. The play, which Putu himself wrote and directed, was first performed here in 1982. Three years later, Gerr was also staged in Madison, Wisconsin, U.S., under the title Geez.

Schools to be built on stilts in flood-prone areas

Schools to be built on stilts in flood-prone areas JAKARTA (JP): The city administration plans to build elementary school buildings in flood-prone areas on raised platforms to ensure that school documents and furniture remain intact when heavy rain hits the areas. Soeparmo, the head of the city education agency, which is in charge of only elementary education, says the city plans to rebuild schools in at least 100 locations recorded as being vulnerable to flooding.

Steady Safe obtains loan

Steady Safe obtains loan JAKARTA (JP): PT Steady Safe, a publicly-listed transport company, has signed an agreement with a syndication of 22 banks for a US$100 million loan that will be used to enlarge its armada and repay its debts. The company will spend $75 million for the purchase of 1,000 new buses and $25 million to refinance the firm's existing debts, it said in a statement yesterday.

PRD activists detained

PRD activists detained SEMARANG: Seven members of the outlawed Democratic People's Party (PRD) were arrested by police in Ungaran on Thursday while holding a clandestine meeting. Central Java Police Chief Maj. Gen. Harimas said that pending the outcome of the investigation, some of the activists might be sent to Jakarta for further questioning.

Basofi's van buying spree sparks criticism

Basofi's van buying spree sparks criticism SURABAYA (JP): East Java governor Basofi Sudirman has come under fire for buying 640 Isuzu Panther vans worth Rp 23 billion (US$9.7 million) for subdistrict chiefs without consulting the legislative council. The multipurpose vans are intended to make the subdistrict chiefs more mobile in handling activities related to the 1997 general election. Basofi's critics suspect that the vans were handed over on Aug.

Brokers skeptical about Thai market rescue drive

Brokers skeptical about Thai market rescue drive By Vithoon Amorn BANGKOK (Reuter): The Thai government and private sector have stepped up a joint campaign this week to rescue a battered Thai stock market but analysts were skeptical it could revive confidence and convince investors to return.

Chedi responds

Chedi responds We would like to reply to Mr. Bondan Winarno's letter published on Sept. 12, 1996, titled Hotel reservations canceled. It is with great regret that we were not able to accommodate Mr. and Mrs. Bondan Winarno and his guests Mr. and Mrs. Robi Sularto Sastrowardoyo over the last weekend. Mr. Bondan Winarno in the past supported and enjoyed our hospitality and we value his comments and understand his disappointment.

ASEAN, CER sign accord on standards

ASEAN, CER sign accord on standards JAKARTA (JP): Economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and countries of the Australia- New Zealand Closer Economic Relations Trade Agreement (CER) signed here yesterday a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on cooperation in standards and conformance of products.

Thai to seek return of bond

Thai to seek return of bond BANGKOK (AFP): A Thai property developer said yesterday its joint venture in the Philippines would seek the return of a 100 million peso (US$3.8 million) bond lodged as part of its failed bid to develop a former U.S. military recreation camp. Thailand's Land and Houses Public Co. Ltd. said it had not signed a contract with the Philippine government as scheduled because the amount of land available at the Camp John Hay site was less than expected.

Water supply disrupted

Water supply disrupted JAKARTA (JP): The city water company announced yesterday that the water supply in Sunter Agung Podomoro and surrounding areas in North Jakarta would be disrupted because of pipe repairs on Jl. Sunter Agung Podomoro. The company's marketing head, Agus Tabrani, said the pipe repairs are scheduled from 8 p.m. today until 10 a.m. tomorrow. (jun)

Human Rights body chairman to be elected

Human Rights body chairman to be elected JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights will elect its new leader early next month to replace Ali Said who died in June, its deputy chief Marzuki Darusman said yesterday. "The commission will call a plenary meeting to elect a new chairperson in the first week of October," he told reporters after meeting with Winston Lord, Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs.

Underrepresentation of women upsets Mien

Underrepresentation of women upsets Mien JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Women's Roles Mien Sugandhi says she is upset that Golkar, the ruling political group, is nominating fewer women for next year's general election than expected. "We were promised a quota of 17 percent in the legislative branch. Now it seems that we're only getting 14 percent," Mien was quoted by Antara as saying on Thursday.

Australia and Indonesia set on maritime boundaries

Australia and Indonesia set on maritime boundaries CANBERRA (Agencies): Australia and Indonesia have reached final agreement on the maritime boundaries between the two countries, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said yesterday. "The breakthrough is particularly satisfying coming as it does on the eve of (Prime Minister John) Howard's first visit to Indonesia as prime minister, " Downer said in a statement, AFP reported. Howard visits Jakarta Monday and Tuesday next week.

Tiara, Mashill banks discuss merger

Tiara, Mashill banks discuss merger JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia's managing director for supervision of commercial banks, Hendrobudiyanto, acknowledged yesterday that Bank Tiara and Bank Mashill are negotiating a merger. "There are some discussions between Bank Tiara and Bank Mashill about their merger plan," he told announced to clarify rumors about the two banks' merger plan.

Banking PR forum set up

Banking PR forum set up JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono inaugurated yesterday the establishment of a communication forum for banking public relations officers. The members of the forum, headed by Paul Sutopo, the central bank's managing director for foreign exchange and international affairs, will regularly meet to exchange information and discuss an effective way in giving information to the public.

Lord says F-16 sale still on

Lord says F-16 sale still on JAKARTA (JP): U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Winston Lord said yesterday that Washington would proceed with the sale of nine F-16 fighter jets to Indonesia. "The administration has made it clear that we intend to go ahead with that sale, as early as January," Lord told journalists yesterday at the conclusion of a whirlwind visit to Jakarta. "We believe that Indonesia has legitimate self-defense needs.

The balance of power in East Asia

The balance of power in East Asia Our Asia correspondent Harvey Stockwin recently gave a talk at the Malaysian Institute of Strategic and International Studies (ISIS) on the Balance of Power in East Asia. A modified version of the talk follows in this and a following article on Monday. KUALA LUMPUR (JP): An analysis of the balance of power in East Asia produces contrary conclusions. In the present circumstances, no balance is possible, but a balance is still needed.

Judge shows compassion

Judge shows compassion JAKARTA (JP): A West Jakarta teenager convicted of assault had his jail term reduced from nine to seven months after he pleaded with the judge to let him out in time to see his wife give birth. Judge Eko Wardojo of the West Jakarta District Court altered the sentence that he had given to Edi Susanto, 17, only minutes after pronouncing him guilty on Thursday.

KL issues warning to foreign workers

KL issues warning to foreign workers KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysia has warned foreign workers it will revoke their work permits if they misbehave and ignore local sensibilities, following a brawl earlier this week involving about 200 villagers and Bangladeshi workers, news reports said yesterday. Deputy Human Resources Minister Kadir Sheikh Fadzir also advised employers to keep a check on their workers or face losing paid levies and agency fees if their workers are deported home.

Rights commission urges solution

Rights commission urges solution SURABAYA: A team from the National Commission on Human Rights urged the city administration to resolve the land row in Tubanan district once and for all along the lines of an agreement it helped broker last year. The team was disappointed that the private developer, PT Darmo Permai, had not yet paid the compensation for the land it had acquired from the Tubanan people, even though houses had already been built and occupied.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 13, 1996: Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,325 125 25,500 AHAP Insurance 2,700 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 700 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,150 0 675,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 2,450 75 81,000 Anwar Sierad 2,275 125 7,459,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,975 0 0 Argo Pantes 1,900 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,300 50 1,464,500 Asiana IMI Industries...

ASEAN countries agree to cooperate on capital goods

ASEAN countries agree to cooperate on capital goods JAKARTA (JP): The governments and business agencies of the seven members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) agreed here yesterday to sound out regional cooperation in the production of capital goods.