Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 January 1997

50 articles found

Pelita helicopter goes missing

Pelita helicopter goes missing JAKARTA (JP): A Pelita Air Service helicopter with three passengers reported missing Jan. 9 in West Kalimantan has still not been found, a press report said yesterday. It is feared the Bolkow 105 helicopter crashed in the jungle. Authorities identified the three passengers as pilot Izwar E, load master Marsono and technician Suwito. The helicopter disappeared at 9:40 a.m.

Mount Merapi evacuees told to stay in refuges

Mount Merapi evacuees told to stay in refuges YOGYAKARTA (JP): Mount Merapi's activity decreased yesterday although it continued sending tremors and streams of molten lava down its slopes. Despite the decrease in activity, the authorities kept the alert at the highest level on the grounds that the situation could unexpectedly change for the worse. They were busy trying to convince the thousands of people sheltered in temporary evacuation centers that it was too risky to return yesterday.

Little Mia Audina eying up queen Susi Susanti's throne

Little Mia Audina eying up queen Susi Susanti's throne TOKYO (AFP): Fresh from her victory in the Japan Open, world number one Mia Audina is looking for an even more aggressive style as she seeks to eclipse badminton's most successful player -- Susi Susanti. "I think I have found how to play my game," said the little 17-year-old, who beat China's Gong Zhichao in the Japan Open final on Sunday to take her second career title after the U.S. Open in September.

Candidate list draws criticism

Candidate list draws criticism JAKARTA (JP): Criticism of the composition of the newly issued list of candidates for the 1997-2002 House of Representatives came in hard and fast yesterday. Outspoken Moslem scholar Amien Rais criticized the General Election Institute for endorsing the provisional list of legislature candidates which was marked by the strong presence of relatives of senior civilian and military officials.

Police meet ulemas

Police meet ulemas JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata said yesterday ulemas are needed to calm possible conflicts relating to SARA (tribal affiliations, religion, race and societal groups) issues that might disrupt unity. "Like the police, ulemas play a role in maintaining the community's security," Hamami said at a breaking of fast gathering with at least 500 Greater Jakarta ulemas. "We will set a forum to enhance communication between the police and ulemas," he said.

Hendro promoted to Lt. General

Hendro promoted to Lt. General JAKARTA (JP): The newly inducted Secretary of Development Operations A. M. Hendropriyono has had his military ranking raised to lieutenant general. Hendro, former chief of the Jakarta Military Command, reported his promotion to the Armed Forces chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung yesterday. Also reporting promotion to Feisal were Hendro's predecessor Maj. Gen. (ret.) Tuk Setyohadi, Brig. Gen. (ret.) Dadad Kustiwa and Brig. Gen. (ret.) Saffrudin Bahar, Antara reported.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 20, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,000 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,200 0 2,218,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,375 0 2,030,500 Alumindo Perkasa 750 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,000 -25 362,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,375 -25 238,000 Anwar Sierad 2,050 -50 15,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 4,100 0 12,500 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,450 50...

Couple robbed of Rp 9.2 million

Couple robbed of Rp 9.2 million JAKARTA (JP): Five men armed with knives stole Rp 9.2 million in cash and jewelry from a couple in West Jakarta Sunday afternoon. The left tire of the couple's sedan deflated en route to Jl. Bandengan Utara. While a man at a service shop helped them fix the tire the five assailants approached the couple.

Asian rice bowls threatened by budget cuts

Asian rice bowls threatened by budget cuts By Martin Abbugao MANILA (AFP): A budget shortfall is threatening research at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) south of here which aims to increase yields and feed Asia into the next century. Even a potential "super rice" is under threat, bad news for Asians, the world's most voracious rice consumers.

Ciputra plans E. Java housing project

Ciputra plans E. Java housing project JAKARTA (JP): PT Ciputra Development plans to invest Rp 250 billion (US$106 million) this year to develop its Citra Harmoni housing complex just south of Surabaya, East Java. Company director Harun Hajadi said that Ciputra would build about 15,000 small houses at the 500-hectare complex in the industrial town of Sidoardjo. He said the company would start building houses in the middle of this year and complete them all within five years.

Telemedicine used to help doctors in remote areas

Telemedicine used to help doctors in remote areas JAKARTA (JP): What would you do if you were a doctor trying to save someone's life in an area far from the modern cities where countless well-equipped, capable doctors live? This is the kind of problem often faced in Indonesia in the islands scattered across vast areas with not enough doctors, Minister of Health Sujudi acknowledged here yesterday.

'Lebaran' transportation

'Lebaran' transportation From Bisnis Indonesia The majority of Moslem people prefer to celebrate Idul Fitri (also popularly referred to as Lebaran) in their hometown in accordance with the traditional family gathering. However, there is a catch. When time to travel approaches, we are often worried that we will not be able to get transportation home. We are therefore relieved to hear that a larger number of buses would be mobilized to transport Lebaran travelers throughout the archipelago.

'Tiras' trial stalled

'Tiras' trial stalled DILI, East Timor: The trial of four men accused of assaulting a reporter had to be adjourned yesterday because none of the five prosecutor's witnesses turned up, Antara reported. Prosecutor Bambang Riyanto could not explain the absence of his witnesses.

Scholars skeptical about Maoist theory

Scholars skeptical about Maoist theory JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto's allegation that Maoists masterminded the recent riots received skeptical responses from scientists yesterday. Amien Rais, Kausar Bailusi and Farid Ali were of the opinion that the sectarian violence in Situbondo, East Java, and Tasikmalaya, West Java, was fueled by socio-economic disparity.

Indonesian seamen queried

Indonesian seamen queried SEOUL (AFP): Twenty Indonesian seamen were in custody Monday after mob violence on a South Korean trawler triggered by an argument over instant noodles, police said. "They are under custody here for questioning," a police spokesman in the southern port of Pusan said by telephone. Police said the 20 sailors went on a rampage injuring three South Korean engineers, after their supervisors took away instant noodles they were preparing in their cabins.

Recent riots not affecting investments: Sanyoto

Recent riots not affecting investments: Sanyoto JAKARTA (JP): The riots which have hit several towns in the last few months have not stopped foreign businesspeople investing in Indonesia, State Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo said yesterday. Sanyoto, also the chairman of the Investment Coordinating Board, said the government had approved 80 foreign investment projects worth US$3.4 billion in forestry, transportation, hospitality and consultancy in the first three weeks of January.

SIA and Indian group make tieup on airline

SIA and Indian group make tieup on airline NEW DELHI (AFP): India's industry ministry has apparently cleared the way for Singapore Airlines (SIA) to tie up with the country's Tata group to launch an airline here, the Press Trust of India (PTI) said yesterday. The ministry cleared the controversial venture on grounds that "no good proposal ... of such a mega nature should be held back," the news agency quoted an unidentified official as saying.

Govt calculating annual rice price increase

Govt calculating annual rice price increase JAKARTA (JP): The government is calculating this year's annual increase in the producer (floor) price of rice and will announce it later this month, Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsjah said yesterday. "The formula for determining the price increase is similar to that used last year," Sjarifudin told reporters.

House approves temporary 25% bus fare hike

House approves temporary 25% bus fare hike JAKARTA (JP): The government will allow bus operators to increase bus fares by 25 percent for seven days prior to Idul Fitri and 10 days after the holiday, which falls on Feb. 9 and Feb. 10. Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto told reporters after meeting with President Soeharto yesterday that the House of Representatives had approved the increase.

RP police chief expected to resign

RP police chief expected to resign MANILA (AFP): The head of the Philippine National Police (PNP) was expected to resign following the failure of police to capture a fugitive congressman, a spokesman for President Fidel Ramos said yesterday. PNP Director General Recaredo Sarmiento "is an honorable man so he probably will submit his courtesy resignation," presidential press secretary Hector Villanueva told reporters. Sarmiento, however, was reported saying he would not stand down.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Aryaduta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Los Morenitos Vocal Group, Monday, Thursday, Sunday, 7:15 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Los Paraguas Vocal Group, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 7:15 p.m. to 411 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Pianist Sudarmadi, Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m to 9:30 a.m.; Boece & Ayu, Monday and Tuesday, 8 p.m.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Berentain Bears 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Education Program: Diletansia; Piano, Biola dan Gitar 3:30 Science Film: Beyond Tomorrow 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 Science and Technology Film: Science World 4:30 Performance: Pelangi Budaya; Tari dan Lagu Melayu 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 News: Siaran Pedesaan 6:30 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:25...

Bank Indonesia defends aggregate targeting policy

Bank Indonesia defends aggregate targeting policy JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono defended yesterday the central bank's policy of targeting monetary aggregates to contain inflation. Soedradjad said the central bank would continue to implement and adjust market-friendly instruments, such as open market operations, discount windows and the reserve requirement, to control the money supply.

Election committees invite complaints, objections

Election committees invite complaints, objections JAKARTA (JP): Officials at regional and municipal election committee offices across the country opened their doors wide yesterday to people wanting to lodge complaints or raise objections to provincial and local legislature candidates. In Jakarta, residents are urged to scrutinize the city's legislature candidates for the May general election and to lodge any complaints in writing.

Witness held 'hostage' during unionist's trial

Witness held 'hostage' during unionist's trial JAKARTA (JP): The court trying labor activist Muchtar Pakpahan was marked yesterday with an incident in which presiding Judge Djazuli P. Sudibyo decided to hold a witness "hostage" for allegedly giving false testimony. Djazuli ordered Berar Fathia be isolated in a guarded room so she could "clearly reconsider" the statements she had just made before the court.

KL to probe log smuggling case

KL to probe log smuggling case KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has ordered a probe into a suspected log smuggling operation in Malaysian Borneo, the national news agency Bernama said yesterday. Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who visited Sabah on Monday, ordered the probe after Malaysian authorities on Saturday intercepted an illegal shipment of timber. The shipment, worth six million ringgit ($2.4 million), was on its way to Japan.

Five swimming golds targeted at SEA Games

Five swimming golds targeted at SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia expects to win at least five swimming gold medals in the coming SEA Games in October, an official said. Having observed their intensive training in the United States, Radja M. Nasution, a national swimming trainer said Sunday it was possible the country's swimmers could win five golds at the Games. The Indonesian Swimming Association recently sent eight swimmers to the United States and one to Australia.

Biennial Yogyakarta 1997

Biennial Yogyakarta 1997 I read Mr. R. Fadjri's review on Yogyakarta's 1997 art festival (Jan. 14, 1997) with utmost interest. It is very rare that you write about modern art in Indonesia other than exhibitions in Jakarta. Yogyakarta is too seldom mentioned, even though the city is one of the main hubs of artistic creativity in Indonesia. For a progressive paper such as The Jakarta Post, one would expect more involvement in the development of the regions.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Tuesday Maghrib 6:19 p.m. Wednesday Imsak 4:21 a.m. Subuh 4:31 a.m.

Jasa Marga to sell shares after poll

Jasa Marga to sell shares after poll JAKARTA (JP): Some of the shares of the state-owned toll road operator PT Jasa Marga will be sold to the public after the May general election, the company's senior executives said yesterday. Company president Maryadi Darmokumoro said that an initial public offering (IPO) of the company's shares would be launched by the end of this year.

'Missing' land puzzles authorities

'Missing' land puzzles authorities KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian authorities yesterday were investigating the "disappearance" of some 18,000 hectares (45,000 acres) of land to be gazetted as permanent forest reserves in northern Kedah state. The area, constituting about half of the 35,567 hectares of land earmarked to be gazetted, has been classified as missing, Kedah land officials said.

Residents seek higher compensation

Residents seek higher compensation JAKARTA (JP): Residents of Cipayung, East Jakarta sought the help of the City Council to improve conditions in compensation paid to them for a toll road project. The five-person delegation, representing 167 families of the Setu subdistrict, was received by chairman of the Commission A in charge of administrative affairs, Tatang Solichin.

Old woman burns herself

Old woman burns herself JAKARTA (JP): A sixty-year-old woman committed suicide Saturday by setting herself ablaze. An officer at the Central Jakarta Police precinct said yesterday the police assumed that Rukiyah had immolated herself at her house on Jl. Kramat Sawah, Central Jakarta, because she was under stress. "Residents rushed her to the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital but she died on the way," the officer said.

Councilors attack water firm's plan on joint venture

Councilors attack water firm's plan on joint venture JAKARTA (JP): A city councilor has denounced plans that would allow private firms to supply water along with the city-owned water company, PDAM. The head of the City Council's commission D for development affairs, Bandjar Marpaung, said yesterday that private sector involvement in supplying water violates provincial decree 13/1992.

KIM to expand estate

KIM to expand estate JAKARTA (JP): PT Kawasan Industri Medan (KIM) will invest Rp 83 billion (US$34.6 million) in expanding its industrial estate in Medan, North Sumatra, by 314 hectares next month, according to the company's president Papo Hermawan. He said Sunday that the extended area, which would accommodate up to 200 factories, was expected to be ready for developers by the end of this year.

RI firms join Austrian expo

RI firms join Austrian expo JAKARTA (JP): Twelve Indonesian companies participated in a trade exhibition in Wina, Austria, last week, displaying about 50 kinds of export commodities, an Indonesian diplomat said over the weekend. Max Pangeman of the Indonesian embassy in Austria, said that the 12 companies included PT Hadinata Brothers, Indonesian Originals/PT Prolindo Original Perkasa, PT Bukit Perak, PT Demico Internusa, PT Aneka Tusma/Prima Decor, CV.

Garuda losses drop by 75% to $36.8m in 1996

Garuda losses drop by 75% to $36.8m in 1996 JAKARTA (JP): State-owned air carrier Garuda Indonesia reduced its losses last year by more than 75 percent to Rp 87.44 billion (US$36.8 million), down from Rp 342.79 in 1995, Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said yesterday. The minister said Garuda was expected to make Rp 300 billion in profit this year.

CMNP gets BBB rating from Standard & Poor's

CMNP gets BBB rating from Standard & Poor's JAKARTA (JP): Standard & Poor's has given a 'BBB' rating to the proposed US$100 million notes to be issued by Citra Marga Finance B.V. and guaranteed by toll road developer PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada (CMNP). The international rating agency announced yesterday the notes' rating outlook was stable.

Hanoi, Manila open talks

Hanoi, Manila open talks HANOI (Reuter): The Philippines and Vietnam opened high-level talks in Hanoi yesterday aimed at bolstering bilateral cooperation, which was expected to include the issue of disputed islands in the South China Sea. The meeting of the Philippines-Vietnam Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation was to be chaired by visiting Philippine Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon and Vietnam's Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam.

Armed men rob Dutchmen of Rp 2 million in Tanah Abang

Armed men rob Dutchmen of Rp 2 million in Tanah Abang JAKARTA (JP): Two armed men attacked a Dutchman while his taxi was stopped on Jl. KH Mas Mansyur in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, yesterday, robbing him of nearly Rp 2 million (US$840). Tanah Abang Police Chief Maj. Zulkarnain said one of the men slashed Benno Suizzennaar's left hand and then grabbed his black bag which contained the money.

Legislators want greater control of state budget

Legislators want greater control of state budget JAKARTA (JP): Members of the House of Representatives attacked yesterday the proposed 1997/1998 state budget, saying that legislators should have greater control of state spending and development projects. Legislator Muchsin from the United Development Party (PPP) faction said that House budgetary rights should be "reviewed" because they were not being exercised optimally.

Our simmering political climate

Our simmering political climate On Friday the plan to establish a National Alert Command Center was announced by President Soeharto. The announcement reminded many people of the defunct internal security agency, which was installed immediately after Soeharto received the March 11 Order in 1966 (giving him full authority to put down the 1965 communist coup attempt).

Workers return home

Workers return home SURABAYA: Indonesian workers in Malaysia have begun returning home for the Idul Fitri holidays, as is evident from, among other things, the fully-booked flights from Kuala Lumpur to Surabaya, the capital of East Java. District sales supervisor for Malaysian Airline System (MAS), Lilianawati Dinata, said here Thursday that since Jan. 14, there have been no vacant seats on MAS flights from Kuala Lumpur to Surabaya.

'Govt must take higher stake in Busang mine'

'Govt must take higher stake in Busang mine' JAKARTA (JP): Analysts reaffirmed yesterday their suggestion that the government take a much bigger stake in the Busang gold mine and allow Indonesian companies to play a key role in mining. Analyst Rizal Ramli, a director of Econit research institute, said it was encouraging that the government would have a 10 percent stake plus an option to raise its share in future. "But the 10 percent stake is not enough.

ASEAN called to commit to nuclear weapons ban

ASEAN called to commit to nuclear weapons ban JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas yesterday made a fresh call for fellow ASEAN countries to display their commitment to the elimination of nuclear weapons by ratifying the Treaty on a Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapon Free Zone.

Shanties obstruct flood control plan

Shanties obstruct flood control plan JAKARTA (JP): More than 5,000 shanties built along riverbanks from North to South Jakarta are obstructing the city's flood control program, officials of the Ministry of Public Works said. Soeparmono, the ministry's director general of water resources development, said yesterday this was the dilemma faced in flood control projects. "I am very concerned about this," Soeparmono said. "Each shack has at least three inhabitants," he added.

Two masterminds caught in Dili

Two masterminds caught in Dili JAKARTA: Police in East Timor have arrested two alleged rebels for masterminding the recent riots in the capital Dili, Antara reported yesterday. "They were trying to escape when they were captured Sunday by security officers monitoring Dili and its surrounding areas," local police chief, Col. Yusuf Mucharam. The authorities also arrested people suspected of rioting in Dili on Dec.

PT Hero denies shares acquisition by Multipolar

PT Hero denies shares acquisition by Multipolar JAKARTA (JP): Anton Lukmanto, a director of PT Hero Supermarket, denied yesterday a rumor that the publicly listed retail company would be acquired by the department store operator PT Multipolar Corporation. Anton said the rumor was baseless because neither Hero or Multipolar had made any plans to form a strategic alliance or buy each other's shares.

Old Greek civilization comes alive at exhibition

Old Greek civilization comes alive at exhibition By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): Modern-day Greece has always been associated with celebrities such as the late shipping magnate Aristotle Onassis, opera singer Maria Callas and the flamboyant Andreas Papandareou. Forget these names. Jakartans will likely learn more about the country's centuries-old civilization through a rare exhibition at the National Museum.

SingTel eyes Asia-Pacific investments

SingTel eyes Asia-Pacific investments SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. (SingTel) is eying major investments in the Asia-Pacific region before losing its domestic monopoly in 2000, a top official said in remarks published Monday. Allen Lew, chief operating officer of Singapore Telecom International, the conglomerate's overseas investment arm, told the Straits Times the company will now focus on the region after a massive investment in Europe.