Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 September 1996

56 articles found

Public participation in crime prevention sought

Public participation in crime prevention sought JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata called on the public yesterday to join the battle against crime in the city. "Caring about others' fate should be developed to build togetherness to fight crime," the two-star general said in a weekly ceremony at the headquarters prior to handing over rewards to a number of police personnel and civilians. "Discard the ego which has become the trademark of metropolitan people," said Hamami.

Mystery of missing RI paintings puzzles art world

Mystery of missing RI paintings puzzles art world By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian art world was shocked by the news of the alleged theft of six paintings from Jakarta's National Museum. Even more shocking was the fact that at least two of the allegedly stolen paintings, A Nude (Metamorphosis) by Basoeki Abdullah and Portrait of a Dutch Governor Wearing the Willems Order by Raden Saleh, may have been included in the catalog of the upcoming Christie's auction in early October 1996.

Resigning members force tin body to rethink strategy

Resigning members force tin body to rethink strategy SINGAPORE (Reuter): The Association of Tin Producing Countries (ATPC), hit by resignations of two member-nations the past week, needs to be restructured to make it relevant, a senior official said yesterday. "A cartel is no longer effective," the official told reporters on the opening day of the ATPC's two-day ministerial conference in Singapore.

'Hairy pollution crisis in Lampung'

'Hairy pollution crisis in Lampung' JAKARTA (JP): Air pollution in the Lampung capital of Bandar Lampung is so heavy that residents' hair is contaminated with industrial waste, notably cadmium, an academic said yesterday.

Clarity requested for 'public info campaign'

Clarity requested for 'public info campaign' JAKARTA (JP): The City Council would like the municipality to explain the effectiveness of its Rp 4 billion campaign to familiarize the public with city regulations, deputy council speaker Ismunandar said yesterday. The city's public relations office reportedly questioned the deputy speaker's request, who responded by saying that he was not singling out any one particular office of the municipality for its fund-handling methods.

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.

Salim to join RP group

Salim to join RP group MANILA (Reuter): Indonesia's largest conglomerate, the Salim Group, is eying a stake in the proposed US$500 million naphtha cracker project of the Philippine National Oil Co-Petrochemical Development Corp (PPDC). "They are looking at a 5 to 10 percent stake in the naphtha cracker project," Antonio Garcia, chairman of Petrochemicals Corp of Asia Pacific (Petrocorp) told Reuters. Petrocorp is a consortium which is also eying a 10 to 15 percent stake in the naphtha project.

ACeS gets US$60 million loan

ACeS gets US$60 million loan JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta-based satellite operator PT Asia Cellular Satellite (ACeS) signed a US$60 million loan facility yesterday from a domestic financial consortium led by the state- owned PT Danareksa Finance. The nonrevolving bridge finance facility was prepared by Danareksa ($15.5 million), Bank PDFCI ($15.5 million), Bank Niaga ($15.5 million), Bank Dagang dan Industri ($3.5 million) and Panin Bank ($10 million).

Malaysia threatens to break rubber pact

Malaysia threatens to break rubber pact KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia warned yesterday it would refuse to ratify a new United Nations-brokered rubber price pact unless Indonesia withdrew its bid for the top post of the global rubber group. Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik accused Indonesia of seeking to sabotage Malaysia's bid for the executive directorship of the Kuala Lumpur-based International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO).

Our art for sale?

Our art for sale? The current furor over the aborted auction in Singapore of two paintings that were allegedly stolen from the National Museum's collection in Jakarta once again puts the spotlight on the lamentable conditions of our museums and monuments.

Vote-getters not needed, political scholars say

Vote-getters not needed, political scholars say SEMARANG (JP): Political scholars said yesterday that the recruitment of celebrities as vote-getters in next year's general election is an outdated trick to attract voters. They said that vote-getters are effective only in uneducated communities because on campuses and in the cities people know they need politicians who can really defend their interests.

BNI president upbeat about share offering

BNI president upbeat about share offering JAKARTA (JP): The president of state-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) 1946, Widigdo Sukarman, said yesterday he was confident the bank's initial public offering (IPO) in November would be well received by investors despite the large number of shares it had to sell.

Caltex to invest US$5.0b in Asia by 2000: Chairman

Caltex to invest US$5.0b in Asia by 2000: Chairman SINGAPORE (Reuter): Caltex Petroleum Corp, a joint-venture of U.S. oil majors Texaco Inc and Chevron Corp, plans to invest US$5.0 billion in Asia by 2000, chairman David Law-Smith said yesterday. As part of the investment, Caltex has launched a $500-million program to strengthen its marketing position in the region involving redesigning the company logo and service stations, and building new ones, he said.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 23, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,100 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,700 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 650 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,100 0 487,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 2,450 0 75,000 Anwar Sierad 2,400 0 687,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,300 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 2,800 -125 210,500 Argo Pantes 1,900 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,475 175 3,389,500 Asiana IMI...

Lawyers demand acquittal of client

Lawyers demand acquittal of client JAKARTA (JP): The defense lawyers of a man charged with murdering the owner of a recording studio asked the North Jakarta District Court yesterday to acquit him of all charges.

Malaysia snarled in plastic mess

Malaysia snarled in plastic mess By Bob Khan KUALA LUMPUR (UPI): Malaysia's economic boom has become entangled in a plastic-packaged environmental nightmare. You can see it most clearly in the virtual mat of multi-colored garbage that bobs along the Klang River flowing through the capital. Plastic bags, cellophane wrap, drinking straws, plastic foam fast-food boxes -- they are the cast-offs of an increasingly prosperous society and Malaysians are paying a price.

Dewi A. Rais Abin

Dewi A. Rais Abin Thank you for printing on Sept. 21 a photograph of my husband and I on the occasion of the launching of my book Notes from Sinai: A Nostalgia on Sept. 20. I would like to clarify that my husband, retired Lt.Gen. Rais Abin, is a former commander of the United Nations Emergency Force- Middle East. The force comprised seven contingents from seven countries: Canada, Finland, Sweden, Ghana, Indonesia, Australia and Poland.

Worker crushed by steamroller

Worker crushed by steamroller JAKARTA (JP): A road construction worker has been crushed to death by a steamroller driven by a friend in the East Parking Lot, Senayan, Central Jakarta. Lasman, the victim, was asleep on the road he and his friends were repairing early yesterday morning when his colleague Azis decided to move the steamroller to another place. Azis told police that after traveling a few meters he noticed that the steamroller was running unsmoothly.

Sison seeks political asylum

Sison seeks political asylum MANILA (AFP): The self-exiled founder of the Philippine communist insurgent movement yesterday demanded he be granted political asylum in the Netherlands as a condition for his return to the Philippines.

Harassment of women

Harassment of women From Kompas An article in Kompas on Aug. 28 titled: The presence of an Alien in the House has attracted my attention. The article details the aspects of immigration requirements and refers to the case of Andreya Masaru Miyakoshi, the child of an Indonesian subject Kristia Yuliani, 28, from her marriage to Mitsuo Miyakoshi, 49, a Japanese national. Mitsuo is facing deportation. According to the prevailing regulations his child Andreya is also threatened with deportation.

Muffled internal campaign reveals deep rifts in UMNO

Muffled internal campaign reveals deep rifts in UMNO By Bill Tarrant KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's usually boisterous political party is holding triennial polls next month, but no one would ever know it by the campaign so far -- or, more to the point, the lack of one. Mahathir has decreed a total ban on campaigning, citing the corrosive influence of "money politics", or vote buying, and the need to maintain party unity.

S'pore firms plan multimedia network

S'pore firms plan multimedia network SINGAPORE (AFP): Three Singapore firms teamed up yesterday to develop a multimedia network linking homes, offices, businesses and schools to push the city-state closer towards its ambition of becoming the world's first "intelligent island." Singapore CableVision Pte. Ltd., the island's only cable TV operator, and Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. will have 30- percent equity each in the project named Singapore ONE (One Network for Everyone), officials said.

Asia: The past and next 50 years

Asia: The past and next 50 years This is the second of two articles based on a paper presented by Robert A. Scalapino, a Robson Research Professor of Government Emeritus at the University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A. at a seminar on Sept. 18, 1996 to commemorate the silver anniversary of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies. JAKARTA: What lies ahead?

Defendant tells court of previous 'sin'

Defendant tells court of previous 'sin' TANGERANG, West Java (JP): A 41-year-old woman standing trial for allegedly attempting to smuggle 9,000 Ecstasy pills into Indonesia told the Tangerang District Court yesterday that she had twice succeeded in smuggling the drug into the country in 1993 and 1994. "In 1993 I managed to smuggle 200 Ecstasy pills from the Netherlands into Indonesia through the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Reporters demand proper probe

Reporters demand proper probe SURAKARTA, Central Java: The Yogyakarta chapter of the Indonesian Journalists Association is considering whether to ask the National Commission on Human Rights to investigate the death of a local reporter here last month. The chairman of the association's Yogyakarta chapter, Oka Kusumayudha, said yesterday that he would refer the case to the rights commission if the police investigation into the murder was unsatisfactory.

Games medal winners cash in on victories

Games medal winners cash in on victories JAKARTA (JP): Cash bonuses for National Games winners made the headlines in the country's sports pages over the weekend after 12 days of hectic competition finished Friday. The size of the awards, a preferable substitute for traditional floral garlands, varied from province to province, but there is no denying that the vast majority of medal winners across the archipelago are richer than they were before the Games.

Malaysia set to host Formula One

Malaysia set to host Formula One KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia is negotiating to stage a Formula One grand prix from 1999 at a new track south of Kuala Lumpur and Asia could get a second race next year. A deal between Malaysian representatives and Formula One leaders was virtually secured at the weekend at the Portuguese Grand Prix in Estoril, the New Straits Times said Monday.

Concessionaires told to set aside wood for locals

Concessionaires told to set aside wood for locals JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo said yesterday only 45 forest concessionaires, or about 10 percent of the total number, have allocated a portion of their log harvests for local communities. He said that 405 out of about 450 forest concessionaires operating in Indonesia have yet to set aside at least 5 percent of their log harvests for local people, as stipulated by the government earlier this year.

German musicians to perform here

German musicians to perform here JAKARTA (JP): Two German musicians are to hold a concert and masterclass here as part of their tour to four cities. Pianist Stephan Kiefer from the Musikhochschule Hannover and Jens Peter Maintz, a cellist from Hamburg, will perform at the Erasmus Huis Dutch cultural center on Sept. 29. The performance is part of four duet groups due to perform here in the "Festival Duo Eropa", which runs from September to December.

Medication too pricey for 50% of TB sufferers

Medication too pricey for 50% of TB sufferers JAKARTA (JP): About 50 percent of the 500,000 Indonesians taking medication for their tuberculosis (TB) stop half-way through the course of treatment because they are too poor to continue it, a health activist said yesterday. Chairwoman of the Indonesian Foundation for Tuberculosis Eradication Mrs. Soepardjo Rustam said that the price of the second round of medication is more expensive than the first.

Idea on Jabotabek needs clear planning: Ginandjar

Idea on Jabotabek needs clear planning: Ginandjar JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita says the idea to unite Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi (Jabotabek) into one province under one governor of ministerial level reflects the complicated development problems in the area. Ginandjar said if the idea was accepted, the supporting systems and all legal aspects should be thoroughly prepared. "The idea aired by Pak Emil (Prof.

Where does National Games money go?

Where does National Games money go? From Kompas For more than six months I have been burdened with having to pay an extra Rp 500 for a National Games sticker when I go to pay my PLN electricity bill every month at the BRI bank branch in Cibubur. The bank tellers demand the Rp 500 because they say they have been instructed by the head office to collect the payment, which supposedly goes toward this year's National Games.

Sukarno's daughters make peace with army officer

Sukarno's daughters make peace with army officer JAKARTA (JP): A lawsuit for libel which was filed by two of former president Sukarno's daughters against Armed Forces' Chief of Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid was settled by mediation in court yesterday.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 a.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Kid 's Song 3:05 Children Program: Pahlawan Cilik 3:30 TV Series: Beyond Tomorrow 4:05 Science and Technology 4:30 TV Drama: Sebuah Piala 5:00 Regional News 5:25 Travel: My Country 5:30 English Lesson 6:00 News: Lintas Berita 6:05 Travel: South Sulawesi 6:30 Mimbar Kepercayaan Kepada Tuhan Yang Maha Esa 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Garuda Pancasila/Filler/Trailer 7:30 Talks: Horison: 30th anniversary of Posko 66 8:05 Modern Drama 9:00 World...

Minister confirms art theft

Minister confirms art theft JAKARTA (JP): The government confirmed yesterday the theft of a number of valuable Indonesian paintings from the National Museum, including two masterpieces withdrawn Friday by international auction house Christie's from its October sale in Singapore. The theft took place a month ago and was believed to involve members of staff at the museum, according to Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro.

'Clear conscience inspired Frans Seda'

'Clear conscience inspired Frans Seda' JAKARTA (JP): A clear conscience consistently underlined the thoughts and actions of senior economist Frans Seda, one of the architects of the New Order, says book editor Frans M. Parera. "In answering social, political and economic challenges, Frans Seda has consistently acted with a clear conscience," Frans Parera told reporters yesterday. Frans Parera headed the team which edited a soon-to-be- released book in honor of Frans Seda's 70th birthday.

'Ship ban harms Australia'

'Ship ban harms Australia' CANBERRA (Reuter): Australian Transport Minister John Sharp said yesterday union bans against Indonesian ships would harm Australia's trading interests and threaten jobs. "The Maritime Union of Australia has again embarked on a course which is harming our trading reputation overseas and threatening the jobs of average Australians," Sharp said in a statement.

Refund by Aria Tours

Refund by Aria Tours From Kompas My friends and I joined a Jakarta-Beijing-Hong Kong package tour on June 30 organized by PT Arya Nusa Permai (Aria Tours), Jl. Latumeten 37, West Jakarta. The Jakarta-Beijing program took place, but the Beijing-Hongkong part was canceled due to a change in Garuda's flight schedule. Needless to say we were disappointed. Worse, the tour organizers knew of the change before we left Jakarta and could have at least informed us.

Indonesian horse riders lack basic skills: Expert

Indonesian horse riders lack basic skills: Expert JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian horse riders are among the best in Southeast Asia, but surprisingly they lack basic skills, an international equestrian expert said yesterday. Wolfgang Niggli, former chairman of the international equestrian federation (FEI), the world equestrian body, told The Jakarta Post after a three-day coaching clinic here that many Indonesian riders are not familiar with basic training techniques.

Rukindo admits leakage

Rukindo admits leakage JAKARTA (JP): The president of state-owned dredging company PT Rukindo, Baharudin Wahab, said yesterday that his company has experienced some "financial leakage." "Deviation and financial leakage did occur in our companies, but we shouldn't necessarily relate them to corruption," he said at a hearing with House Commission V for finance, trade, cooperatives and logistics.

Gajah Surya to buy a 51.8% share of BDNI

Gajah Surya to buy a 51.8% share of BDNI JAKARTA (JP): The independent shareholders of PT Gajah Surya Multi Finance, of the Gajah Tunggal Group, approved yesterday the company's plan to acquire a 51.8 percent share of PT Bank Dagang Nasional Indonesia (BDNI), together with four other proposals.

ABRI reshuffles another hundred senior officers

ABRI reshuffles another hundred senior officers JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) announced yesterday a reshuffle affecting more than 100 senior officers in all four services, including the reassignment of onetime rising star Maj. Gen. A.M. Hendropriyono. ABRI Chief Spokesman Brig. Gen. Amir Syarifudin told Antara that Hendro would be recalled to ABRI headquarters, pending a new assignment in a civilian position.

Chess meet lures top players

Chess meet lures top players JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's three grandmasters -- Utut Adianto, Edhi Handoko and Ardiansyah -- and defending champion international master Ruben Gunawan are to take part in the Rp 25 million (US$10,638) Intisari Cup chess tournament from Oct. 6 to Oct. 9 here. Utut is the only player who will receive a bye into the last- 32 round of the tournament, to be held at the F. Sumanti chess hall in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, and the nearby Auditorium building.

Museums need help to protect cultural legacy

Museums need help to protect cultural legacy JAKARTA (JP): Fine art is becoming more popular in Indonesia, but this new found appreciation is not all positive. When at least six paintings were allegedly stolen from the National Museum recently, the thieves took advantage of the dilapidated condition of Indonesian museums. There are now more painters and art collectors in Indonesia, and the works of a few painters have improved tremendously.

Legislator deplores PDI candidate list

Legislator deplores PDI candidate list JAKARTA (JP): A legislator criticized the government yesterday for accepting the election candidate list from the rift-ridden Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), saying that the list breached the electoral law. A.A. Oka Mahendra, a member of House Commission II for home affairs, said in a hearing with Minister of Home Affairs Yogie S.M. that the PDI had listed 903 legislative candidates although the law allowed 850 to be listed.

'Belantara Jakarta' on display

'Belantara Jakarta' on display JAKARTA (JP): An exhibition of the works of French photographer Herve Dangla is to be opened today at the French Cultural Center in Central Jakarta. A book on his works, titled "Belantara Jakarta", is also to be launched at the center on Jl. Salemba Raya. The exhibition runs to Oct. 12. (anr)

Inflation rate expected to hit 8.5% this year

Inflation rate expected to hit 8.5% this year JAKARTA (JP): The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) expects Indonesia's inflation rate to reach 8.5 percent this calender year and 8.9 percent next year. The agency attributed the high estimates to continued increases in demand for consumer products. A BPS economic forecast for 1996 and 1997, made available yesterday, said the projected rates are not expected to affect confidence in the rupiah.

238 arrested for timber theft

238 arrested for timber theft SURABAYA: A forest raid, code-named "Brush Operation", has resulted in the arrest of 238 people in Jombang and Nganjuk who are suspected of stealing 600 cubic meters of teakwood from surrounding forests. "We expect that court hearings will be held soon to try all the suspects, some of which are members of the Armed Forces (ABRI)," Marsanto, a provincial government official in charge of security, agrarian and public affairs, said yesterday.

7-day cruise to Banda Islands

7-day cruise to Banda Islands JAKARTA (JP): A new seven-day cruise to the Banda islands, known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, will operate for the first time to coincide with the island's annual Kora Kora boat race from Nov. 12 to Nov. 19. Sailing on the Modern Group's Awani Dream, the tour will cast off from Bali's Benoa harbor on Nov. 12 and will call first at Komodo island. On Nov.

NGOs demand controls on land ownership

NGOs demand controls on land ownership JAKARTA (JP): A group of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) yesterday renewed their long-held demand for a government regulation to limit the size of land ownership across the country. On the eve of the 26th anniversary of the Land Reforms Law, the Consortium of Agrarian Reforms said the 1960 legislation has not been fully upheld, particularly on the question of limiting land ownership.

IKIP Surabaya selects new rector

IKIP Surabaya selects new rector SURABAYA: The state Teachers Training Institute (IKIP) in Surabaya, is having trouble selecting a new rector to replace Soerono Martorahardjo. The three best of ten nominees for the position are said to have flaws. Although two of them have doctorate degrees, one is said to have been involved in corruption involving a campus development project three years ago and one has been the target of student protests over the expulsion of a lecturer.

Sarwono hails idea to build homes on stilts

Sarwono hails idea to build homes on stilts JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja is in favor of a proposal that homes in water catchment areas be built on stilts. The proposal, from South Jakarta Mayor Pardjoko, was among other suggestions to help preserve water catchment areas. "But the municipality should serve as an example and build its offices on stilts" in such areas, Sarwono said.

Internal dispute among labor exporters drags on

Internal dispute among labor exporters drags on JAKARTA (JP): The row in the Association of Labor Export Companies (Apjati) heightened yesterday with the government- backed leader threatening to take his opponents to court unless they surrendered the funds belonging to the association. Abdullah Puteh, the chairman of the government-backed executive board, demanded the old board to surrender the association's bank accounts and their books peacefully, or face a court order.

Man arrested for forging money

Man arrested for forging money JAKARTA (JP): The Bogor police have arrested one of four people suspected of forging money, Suara Pembaruan reported yesterday. The suspect, identified as Bud, 24, was apprehended over the weekend when he was about to use a fake Rp 50,000 note at the PD Pangestu store in front of the Bogor railway station on Jl. Nyi Raja Permas. The police seized three Rp 50,000 notes from the suspect, an ID card and some bank receipts.

Australia and Indonesia sign cooperation pacts

Australia and Indonesia sign cooperation pacts CANBERRA (Agencies): Australia and Indonesia signed agreements here yesterday aimed at boosting cooperation and information exchanges between the two neighbors' finance industries. Australian Treasurer Peter Costello and visiting Indonesian Finance Minister Mar'ie Mumammad signed the umbrella agreement.

PT Gobel diversifies to build three-star hotel

PT Gobel diversifies to build three-star hotel JAKARTA (JP): PT Gobel Development Corporation, a major electronics manufacturer, is entering the hotel business by constructing a three star-hotel on Jl. Saharjo in South Jakarta. The planned hotel, to be called Hotel Clarion Jakarta, is owned by PT Dharmagraha Nusantara, a Gobel subsidiary, and will be managed by PT Choice Hotels Indonesia, the master license holder of Choice Hotels International of the United States.