Archive: 2 January 1997
46 articles found
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Vatican calls in envoy to explain Tasikmalaya riot
Vatican calls in envoy to explain Tasikmalaya riot JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's newly appointed Ambassador to the Holy See, Irawan Abidin, was called in by the Vatican authorities Dec. 27 to explain the riots which rocked Tasikmalaya, West Java. In a statement received here yesterday from the Indonesian Embassy to the Holy See, Irawan said he had met with Monsignor Celestino Migliore, Undersecretary for Relations with States, to explain the "Tasikmalaya incident".
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
S'pore opposition warhorse still feisty at the age of 70
S'pore opposition warhorse still feisty at the age of 70 By Rene Pastor SINGAPORE (Reuter): Under leaden skies, Joshua Jeyaretnam raised a mock mallet while several thousand supporters around a grassy meadow cheered. J.B. Jeyaretnam has been the Don Quixote of Singapore politics for over three decades, tilting at the juggernaut of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) in Singapore.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Dai-ichi, Jl. Senen Raya 135, Central Jakarta. - Morgan's 1072 Classic Disco, Asian Force Band, Tuesday and Thursday, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Saturday: 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Acid Speed Band, Friday, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Platinum Band, Wednesdy, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. * Hotel Aryaduta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Los Morenitos Vocal Group, Monday, Thursday, Sunday, 7:15 p.m.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
About 100 hurt in Manila's New Year
About 100 hurt in Manila's New Year MANILA (Reuter): At least 100 people, including a five-year- old child, were hurt by stray bullets and firecracker blasts during New Year celebrations in Manila, government and hospital officials said yesterday. The number of injured, taken from the 10 biggest hospitals in Manila, was significantly lower than last year, said Health Secretary Carmencita Reodica, who led a campaign against the use of locally-made firecrackers to mark the New Year.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
S'pore ends poll campaign with law suits flying
S'pore ends poll campaign with law suits flying SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore ended its general election campaign yesterday with law suits flying and the already victorious People's Action Party (PAP) directing all its guns on one opposition candidate. Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong told a campaign rally he would sue Tang Liang Hong of the Workers' Party (WP), a man he accuses of being a "Chinese chauvinist" who endangers Singapore's multiracial society.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
PM Chavalit expected today for two-day visit
PM Chavalit expected today for two-day visit JAKARTA (JP): Thai Prime Minister Chavalit Yongchaiyudh is slated to begin a two-day visit to Indonesia at the invitation of President Soeharto today, Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono announced Tuesday. Besides giving a chance to get acquainted, the visit will allow the two leaders to strengthen the friendly relations between the two countries, Moerdiono said.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Cussons buys Indian firm
Cussons buys Indian firm BOMBAY (AFP): Britain's Cussons Group is to buy out its Indian partner in a joint venture toiletries company, a leading business daily reported Tuesday. The Economic Times newspaper said Cussons was increasing its stake from 60 to 100 percent in Cussons India Pvt Ltd, a joint venture it set up with local firm R.R. Oomerbhoy Pvt Ltd. The joint venture had been set up to manufacture Cussons' toiletries and shampoos in the country.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Jakartans ring out the old, ring in the new
Jakartans ring out the old, ring in the new Photo A/B/C: Festivities JP/IGN Oka Budhi Yogaswara JP/Arief Hidayat JP/Arief Suhardiman PARTY TIME: Exhausted children sleep as moms and dads join the New Year's party at Ancol Dreamland with Governor Surjadi Soedirdja Tuesday (far left). Circus performers and models entertain the crowd at the Grand Hyatt (left). Hawkers cash in on families stuck in the massive traffic jam on the way to the Puncak hill resort (above) by selling food and other items.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Softball body selects 44 athletes for SEA Games
Softball body selects 44 athletes for SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Baseball and Softball Federation has selected 22 male and 22 female players for the 19th SEA Games here in October. Doedie Gambiro, the association's head of softball development, told The Jakarta Post the selection was made in early December. "We picked 22 out of 38 male and 22 out of 32 female athletes during the decentralized training program from Oct. 27 to early December," he said.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Sudjana wins award
Sudjana wins award JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana and State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja will receive Sanobar awards for energy development and environmental care in Indonesia. Sanobar Foundation chairman, Victor Malonda, told The Jakarta Post Tuesday that his foundation would also present a similar award to East Kalimantan Governor G.H.M. Ardans for encouraging business investment in Kalimantan's mining sector.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
The 'aren' tree
The 'aren' tree From Kompas The Dec. 13 issue of Kompas contained the sad news that the sugar palm (arenga pinata or aren tree) is not cultivated in West Java. This is true in most of the province. However, the Yayasan Mandiri (an NGO in Padasuka, Cianjur) has cultivated the aren tree since 1989. The effort is supported by, among others, the Global Environment Facility Small Grants Program managed by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Behavior in TV ads
Behavior in TV ads From Media Indonesia I am stunned at artist MM's behavior in the latest "R" deodorant advertisement. She enthusiastically moves her body to obtain a far from appropriate result. Why does she not take the beautiful and proper movements of Indonesian traditional dancers as her model? MM should respect herself as a woman.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Four crimes spoil New Year's festivity
Four crimes spoil New Year's festivity JAKARTA (JP): Four crimes spoiled New Year's Eve celebrations in Greater Jakarta, City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata said yesterday. Speaking at an early morning press conference, Hamami said the most serious crime happened on a West Jakarta toll road when eight men robbed a truck driver and stole goods worth Rp 100 million (US$42,105) at 8:00 p.m. on Dec. 31.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Government warns political parties
Government warns political parties JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the General Election Committee Moch. Yogie S.M. warned political contestants Tuesday against using government facilities in their election campaigns. "None of the three political contestants are allowed to use government property in the campaign," he told reporters after briefing them on the newly issued government decrees on campaigning rules.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Golkar optimistic about national development
Golkar optimistic about national development JAKARTA (JP): Despite various threats to national stability and order over the past year, the ruling political organization Golkar is confident Indonesia will be able to continue its development programs. "We experienced unrest... yet we managed to maintain the nation's unity and harmony," said Golkar's year-end statement, co-signed by chairman Harmoko and secretary-general Ary Mardjono. The document was issued on Monday.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto promises openness
Soeharto promises openness JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto promises the government will encourage openness and democracy in 1997, but warns the nation against letting "new ideas and aspirations" rush out of control. "The government is encouraging openness and...democracy... But we must adhere to rules so that no new ideas and aspirations get out of control," Soeharto said in a televised year-end speech on Tuesday.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Franchising businesses set to perform well in 1997
Franchising businesses set to perform well in 1997 By Christiani SA Tumelap JAKARTA (JP): The country's franchising businesses performed remarkably well in 1996 and high growth is expected again in 1997. Amir Karamoy, a local franchising consultant, said earlier this week the number of foreign franchises in Indonesia increased by 18.5 percent in 1996, while the number of local franchises increased by 13 percent.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Calls of duty means no New Year's Eve holiday
Calls of duty means no New Year's Eve holiday JAKARTA (JP): Although millions of Jakartans celebrated New Year's Eve enthusiastically, a thousand others had to sacrifice their enjoyment simply because they responded to the call of duty. Those who missed the annual festivities Tuesday night -- from police officers to doctors to street vendors -- worked hard either because they had to or to earn extra money at a time when most city residents were indulging in celebrations.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Government discards pilot recruitment fees
Government discards pilot recruitment fees JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian airlines no longer have to pay government charges when recruiting pilots who graduated from the state-owned Aviation Training School in Curug, West Java, Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said early this week.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Race, housing key issues in Singapore elections
Race, housing key issues in Singapore elections SINGAPORE (Reuter): Race and housing are key issues in today's general election in Singapore after a campaign that featured tough words and a row between the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) and the United States. The campaign peaked with a war of words between Workers' Party candidate Tang Lian Hong and Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, whose PAP is guaranteed a majority with 47 uncontested seats in the 83- member parliament.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Narcotics up 26% in Bali this year
Narcotics up 26% in Bali this year DENPASAR, Bali: A senior police officer announced Tuesday that illegal drug trafficking in Bali had increased by 26 percent this year, up to 76 cases from 52 cases the previous year. The term illegal drugs refers to narcotics like heroin, marijuana and hashish and psychotropic drugs like Ecstasy. Bali chief of police Maj. Gen.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Population estimated at 199.7m
Population estimated at 199.7m JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's population at the start of 1997 was officially estimated at 199.7 million, the National Family Planning Board said yesterday. Board chairman Haryono Suyono said in a statement that this is an impressive achievement, considering that before Indonesia launched the family planning campaign in 1969, experts had predicted the population would reach 280 million by the turn of the century.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Phone tariff hike opposed
Phone tariff hike opposed JAKARTA (Antara): Members of the House of Representatives have opposed the government's move to raise local telephone call charges by 4.54 percent starting Jan. 1, 1997. Legislators said Tuesday PT Telkom, the state-owned domestic telecommunications company, should improve its services before demanding an increase in charges.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
132 tourists visit East Timor
132 tourists visit East Timor DILI, East Timor: Only 132 tourists visited Dili throughout 1996, head of the East Timor Immigration Office, Riawan Pramudjo, said here Tuesday. Contrary to previous years, there were no foreign journalists visiting in the guise of tourists. The local authorities usually deport such offenders. "None of the tourists were deported for carrying out journalistic tasks without a proper license," Riawan was quoted by Antara as saying.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Aceh to get rid of marijuana
Aceh to get rid of marijuana BANDA ACEH, Aceh: A police operation to free Aceh, the northern most province on the island of Sumatra, of marijuana will continue in 1997, chief of the Aceh Police Col. Suwahyu said here Tuesday. In a year-end press conference, he said plantations of cannabis in the province were frequently developed by outsiders. "Unless the operation continues, Aceh will earn the reputation of being a cannabis center," he said.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
One rebel killed, two arrested
One rebel killed, two arrested JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Troops have killed a separatist rebel and arrested two others in the eastern most province of Irian Jaya, Antara reported Monday. The shooting took place during a clash in the Tiom sub- district on December 23, Irian Jaya military spokesman Lt. Col. Maulud Hidayat said. A raid on two villages in the province on December 27 led to the capture of two rebels, Lieutenant Colonel Hidayat said.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Oversupply of 2m tons of cement predicted for 1997
Oversupply of 2m tons of cement predicted for 1997 By Riyadi CIBINONG, West Java, (JP): Indonesia, plagued by cement shortages in past years, is projected to see an oversupply of over 2 million tons of cement in 1997. Director of Non-Metal Mineral Industry Agra Kusuma forecast here Tuesday that overall cement supply would reach 30.9 million tons this year, of which 29.58 million tons would come from domestic cement plants and the remaining 1.34 million tons from committed imports.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Coal particles cause outages
Coal particles cause outages BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The state electricity company (PLN) says the frequent power outages in the city these past few months were caused by coal particles from a nearby coal terminal, Antara reported. Syaiful Ibrahim, the chief of the PLN Office, said the particles have interrupted the Barito diesel-fuel power plant.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Stern measures needed
Stern measures needed From Merdeka The riots in Tasikmalaya and its vicinity were clearly a violation of the law by police members against people of the Condong Cibeureum Islamic school in Tasikmalaya. There is no need to look for scapegoats. Stern measures must be taken against those police members who have vilified the good name of the National Police, Armed Forces and government. They should be sued, based on the Subversion Law, in consideration of the impact their brutal acts have had.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Eleven nightspots to be punished
Eleven nightspots to be punished JAKARTA (JP): The authorities will punish 11 nightspots found violating regulations during New Year's Eve, a City Public Order official said yesterday. Toha Reno, the head of the entertainment department, said the establishments committed various violations. "Some of them did not have business permits or permits to hold year-end festivities, while one nightspot was found performing erotic shows," he said. Others violated their permit's hours.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Retirement-age extension gets cautious welcome
Retirement-age extension gets cautious welcome By Sugianto Tandra JAKARTA (JP): The government's plan to extend the mandatory retirement age for civil servants from 55 to 65 has been hailed by experts and politicians, but they said that the move must be thoroughly thought out. Most argue for selective extension rather than making it across the board.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Singapore's growth slows to 6.5%
Singapore's growth slows to 6.5% SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's economic growth slowed to 6.5 percent in 1996 following an electronics downturn, and could dip further next year, Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said in a New Year message Tuesday. Goh, leading the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) into general elections today, said economic growth should range between five and seven percent in 1997.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
S. Africa-Asia trade surges
S. Africa-Asia trade surges PRETORIA (AFP): Trade between South Africa and Asia in 1996 is expected to exceed the record 42 billion rand (US$8.9 billion) of 1995, the foreign affairs department said Monday. "Significant investments also flowed into South Africa from Asia, especially from Japan and Malaysia," the department said in a statement summarizing Foreign Minister Alfred Nzo's end-of-year report. Asia is south Africa's second largest trading block after the European Union.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Family Matters 3:05 Children's Program: Sehari Bersama Ketut Suprana 3:30 TV Series: Investigators 4:05 Science Film: A Writer's Exchange 4:30 Education Program: Bina Pramuka 4:55 Filler and Trailer 5:00 Regional News 5:25 News: My Country 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country: North Sumatera 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Koran Recital 6:35 Religious Teachings: Moslem 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Filler...
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Rediscovering people
Rediscovering people Indonesia is in for another robust year with economic growth of more than 7 percent, according to the predictions of both government and private-sector economists. Very rarely have economists of both camps been so unanimous about the economic outlook despite the political overtones of the national agenda in the run-up to the May 29 general election.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Rights violation occurred in Dili riot: Rights body
Rights violation occurred in Dili riot: Rights body DILI, East Timor (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights says there was a violation of human rights in the Christmas Eve violence that killed off-duty Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief Corporal Alfredo Dos Santos Siga.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Traffic problems still unsolvable: Governor Surjadi
Traffic problems still unsolvable: Governor Surjadi JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is unlikely to solve the city's chronic traffic problems in the coming years, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has said. Speaking at his year-end press conference at the City Hall Tuesday, the governor blamed the rapid growth in the number of vehicles for the steady deterioration in the traffic. "Unfortunately the construction of new roads cannot match the increasing number of vehicles," he said.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
SBSI members file complaint
SBSI members file complaint JAKARTA (JP): A delegation from an unrecognized labor union complained to the National Commission on Human Rights Tuesday about the Supreme Court's ruling to send its leader, Muchtar Pakpahan, back to jail after exonerating him of all charges last year. Representatives of the Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI) told commission member Marzuki Darusman that after the October ruling a number of labor activists were fired by the companies they were working for.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Eleven die in New Year's Eve festivities
Eleven die in New Year's Eve festivities JAKARTA (JP): New Year celebrations were marred by at least five deaths in Jakarta and six in Puncak, Bogor, in a series of traffic accidents. Around 60 traffic victims were treated at the Central Jakarta Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital alone and 26 at the Red Cross hospital in Bogor. One who died was New Year reveler Joko Umbaran, aged 26, who fell from a crowded truck in Gambir, Central Jakarta, Tuesday evening.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Garuda adds extra flights
Garuda adds extra flights JAKARTA (JP): National air carrier Garuda Indonesia is operating 86 extra flights from Jakarta with 18,391 seats between Dec. 14 1996 and Jan. 5 to three overseas and four domestic destinations. The company said Tuesday that the additional flights include services from Jakarta to Singapore, Hong Kong and Perth, and from Jakarta to Yogyakarta, Surakarta, Denpasar and Surabaya.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Suggestion to water company
Suggestion to water company From Bisnis Indonesia Since taking up residence in Green Garden, we have paid our water and electricity bills through a collector. This method helped us greatly, as it kept us free of payment errors and delayed payments. Our collector recently told us a collector from the water company would now be delivering bills. At the time we thought this understandable. However, we have found the changed circumstances most disagreeable as our bills do not arrive on time.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Powerful quake jolts Maluku
Powerful quake jolts Maluku AMBON, Maluku: An earthquake registering 6.0 on the Richter scale jolted Maluku Tuesday, an official at the meteorology office in Jakarta said. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage. The epicenter of the quake, which struck at 2:41 a.m., was located some 20 kilometers (13 miles) south of the Maluku capital of Ambon, and 36 kilometers below the seabed, said Suharjono.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Govt delays open tender for cellular project
Govt delays open tender for cellular project JAKARTA (JP): The government has decided to delay the open tender of the Personal Communication Network (PCN), the next generation of digital wireless telephone systems, to pick up a number of new cellular operators. A telecommunications analyst, who requested anonymity, told The Jakarta Post Tuesday that the tender was originally scheduled for December 1996 after the first delay in July.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Neglected land to be used for simple housing: Soni
Neglected land to be used for simple housing: Soni JAKARTA (JP): The government will hand over "neglected" land in Botabek, which includes Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi, to developers who want to build simple houses and houses for expatriates, State Minister of Agrarian Affairs/Chairman of the National Land Agency Soni Harsono said early this week.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Improve U.S. lobby, President says
Improve U.S. lobby, President says JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto admitted there was a need to improve its lobby in the United States so more Americans learn about Indonesia. In a teleconference with Indonesian Ambassador Arifin Siregar in Washington, Soeharto said Indonesia needs to approach more U.S. officials and the public, and hold more exhibitions there.
Thu, 02 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
800 labor disputes reported last year
800 labor disputes reported last year JAKARTA (JP): More than 800 labor-related cases in Greater Jakarta were reported last year, mostly provoked by wage hike delays, the legal aid association said recently. Hendardi, the director of the Indonesian Legal Aid Association, said 762 (93 percent) of the 818 cases pertained to the economic conditions of the workers involved. "500 cases occurred from January to June last year, while the rest took place in the second half of last year," Hendardi said.