Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 22 January 1997

50 articles found

National car issue has not reached WTO panel: Tunky

National car issue has not reached WTO panel: Tunky JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo said that Indonesia's controversial national car policy would not be discussed by the World Trade Organization's (WTO) dispute settlement body which will meet today in Geneva. Tunky said yesterday that, based on reports from Indonesia's representatives at the WTO's Geneva headquarters, no country had filed a complaint against the national car policy.

Jaya Real Property to rebuild razed Senen building

Jaya Real Property to rebuild razed Senen building JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed PT Jaya Real Property will begin rebuilding Block IV and V of Senen shopping center in June, the company's executive director said yesterday. The old center was destroyed by fire in November last year. Executive director Tanto Kurniawan said the new center would be better designed, use higher quality materials and have a better safety system.

Penalty sought for activists

Penalty sought for activists DILI (JP): The local military pressured East Timor University officials yesterday to punish students involved in political activities. Maj. Gen. Abdul Rivai told journalists after meeting with university officials that many students have been involved in political activities, which he said is in violation of college rules.

Sodomist sentenced to four years in jail

Sodomist sentenced to four years in jail JAKARTA (JP): A man accused of pedophilia was sentenced yesterday to four years in jail for sodomizing 10 children. Sunarto, alias Babeh bin Salman, 61, was found guilty in a Jakarta court of sodomizing 10 street children between the ages of 11 and 16 between January 1994 and July 1996.

Astra to float three subsidiaries on local exchanges

Astra to float three subsidiaries on local exchanges JAKARTA (JP): The publicly listed PT Astra International plans to list three of its subsidiaries on local stock exchanges to benefit from cheap public funds, the company's finance director said yesterday. Rini M. Soewandi said that two of the subsidiaries, Bank Universal and car-component producer PT Astra Dian Lestari, would be listed later this year on both the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges.

Meitri prefers Germany to America for training

Meitri prefers Germany to America for training JAKARTA (JP): Talented swimmer Meitri Widya Pangestika is refusing to go to the United States for a 10-month overseas training stint for personal reasons in addition to wanting to study in her hometown of Purwokerto, Central Java. Meitri, aged 19, who has been a member of the national squad at four SEA Games, was sent to the United States for several months but said she felt isolated during her stay in California.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

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

Witnesses say student died in campus beating

Witnesses say student died in campus beating JAKARTA (JP): Two witnesses in the trial of three students charged with torturing a freshman to death two years ago said that the victim died after being severely beaten during a campus security training program. Budiarto Sutandar, 24, and Roni Irawan, 23, both at Tarumanegara University, said on Monday that they recalled The Manto looking exhausted after a long session that involved a regiment member walking on his chest and stomach.

Indofood greets competitors

Indofood greets competitors JAKARTA (JP): PT Indofood Sukses Makmur, the country's largest instant-noodle producer with 90 percent of the domestic market, says it warmly welcomes new competitors. The company's president, Sudwikatmono, said after the opening of a bazaar organized by the Ministry of Industry and Trade that the entrance of new players would increase healthy competition in the instant-noodle industry.

Govt told to think twice on local firms leading mining

Govt told to think twice on local firms leading mining JAKARTA (JP): The government should conduct a comprehensive study before letting local companies play the lead role in developing the country's mining sector, the finance director of PT Astra International said yesterday. Rini M. Soewandi said, "The mining business is very high risk. It needs a large amount of long term investment.

'Timun suri' -- Greater Jakarta's specialty

'Timun suri' -- Greater Jakarta's specialty By Ati Nurbaiti JAKARTA (JP): Each region of Indonesia has a specialty cooked mostly in the fasting month. One of the refreshments specific to Greater Jakarta is a large cucumber called the timun suri (cucumis sativus). Along with another pumpkin-like fruit, blewah, the yellow cucumber is only found along streets and in markets during the fasting month.

Sempu Island for turtle breeding

Sempu Island for turtle breeding SURABAYA: A natural resources conservation center in Jember, East Java, will breed turtles on Sempu Island, South Malang, Antara reported. "Next month, some 300 turtles will be bred and put on show to educate the public about the need to protect these creatures," said Indra Arinal, the head of the center, in Jember Monday. Sempu island is close to Malang, a tourist resort and the second largest city in East Java after the capital Surabaya.

Crackdown on trippers hailed

Crackdown on trippers hailed JAKARTA (JP): Ancol Dreamland Park's owner, PT Pembangunan Jaya, said yesterday the company did not like the park being used as a haven by drug dealers and junkies. The company's president, Hanafi Lauw, told journalists that despite the probability of losing some visitors, his company would continue to support police operations in the area. "We need to cooperate with the police as we do not have the authority to inspect visitor's belongings," he said.

Ulemas to study peat land project

Ulemas to study peat land project MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The provincial administration recently dispatched six respected Moslem leaders to the site of the massive agricultural project in West Kalimantan. The ulemas will inspect conditions at the government's 1.3 million-hectare of peat moss land project, and are expected to return with enough evidence to convince their congregations back home to resettle in West Kalimantan, according to H.L.

Fire engulfs diesel store

Fire engulfs diesel store JAKARTA (JP): A store selling diesel fuel and paint in Marunda, North Jakarta was gutted by fire Monday afternoon. The fire was believed to have stemmed from a short circuit which then set inflammable material such as tinder on fire, the Antara news agency reported yesterday. No casualties were reported. The fire was contained to the building which is owned by private firm, P.T. Delta Santa. A fire fighter, Soeparman, said the fire was reported at 1:55 p.m.

East Timor promotes tourism

East Timor promotes tourism DILI, East Timor: Efforts to promote East Timor's tourism industry overseas are intensifying, head of the provincial tourism office, Thomas Correira, said here Monday. "We are promoting natural attractions in the districts of Bobonaro, Dili, Liquisa, Baucau and Los Palos," he said. He said, however, many tourist spots could not be developed due to limited funding. He hoped investors would help develop the province's tourism potential to improve local welfare.

Cement plant for Kupang

Cement plant for Kupang KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): PT Semen Osin, a joint venture of an Indonesian company and a Belgian company, will build a Rp 400 billion (US$169 million) cement factory in Bolok, Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, an official said here yesterday. The governor's assistant, Alo Jong Joko, said PT Pembangunan Timor Raya and its Belgian partner, which he refused to name, would start building the cement factory next month.

Villagers demand openness from Safari Ramadhan

Villagers demand openness from Safari Ramadhan By Ainur R. Sophiaan PATI, Central Java (JP): Openness and development funding are primary concerns of people at the grassroots level, if discussions between Minister of Information Harmoko and villagers during his recent travels across Java are anything to go by.

Gus Dur denies calling ICMI sectarian

Gus Dur denies calling ICMI sectarian JAKARTA (JP): Moslem scholar Abdurrahman Wahid, long thought to despise the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI), said he needed the powerful organization just like many other Indonesians. The chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Moslem organization with some 30 million supporters, denied he ever accused ICMI of being a sectarian group.

RI GMs to take part in chess meet

RI GMs to take part in chess meet JAKARTA (JP): Three Indonesian Grandmasters have confirmed their participation in the Kiani Kertas Enerpac chess tournament scheduled to be held here from Jan. 23 to Feb. 1. Utut Adianto, Edhi Handoko and Ardiansyah are among other those taking part in the eight-day tournament to be held at Wisma Catur F. Sumanti. The tournament is open to players who do not have an elo rating or National Masters, International Masters and Grandmasters.

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.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 21, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,000 0 14,500 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,175 -25 964,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,350 -25 633,500 Alumindo Perkasa 750 0 15,500 Andayani Megah 1,000 0 21,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,425 50 561,500 Anwar Sierad 1,925 -125 461,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 4,100 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,450 0...

Singapore's investments in Asia up

Singapore's investments in Asia up SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's approved investments in Asian countries last year totaled at least US$8.06 billion, a 28- percent increase over 1995, officials said yesterday. Singapore's partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) absorbed the bulk of the investments. ASEAN groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

Mulia to split its stocks to oil trading liquidity

Mulia to split its stocks to oil trading liquidity JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of publicly listed Mulia Industrindo approved yesterday a proposal to split the company's nominal share value to Rp 500 (20 U.S. cents) from Rp 1,000. Hendra Heryadi, the company's managing director, said the split would double the amount of shares to 1.32 billion. "The additional shares will be listed on the exchange on March 17," he said after an extraordinary meeting of shareholders.

Time element complicating Oki case: Forensics expert

Time element complicating Oki case: Forensics expert JAKARTA (JP): A forensics expert told a court hearing yesterday that after two years it would be difficult to determine the exact cause and time of death of the victims in the Los Angeles triple murder case. Abdul Mun'im Idries, from the University of Indonesia's School of Medicine, said a two-year-old corpse poses great difficulties for examiners.

'Cutting paperwork better for exports than incentives'

'Cutting paperwork better for exports than incentives' JAKARTA (JP): Fundamental policies to streamline trade and investment administration are more likely to increase exports than incentives for some exporters, trade expert William E. James said yesterday.

Semen Gresik plans power plant tender

Semen Gresik plans power plant tender JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed cement producer PT Semen Gresik plans to tender the management of its 50 megawatt power plant in South Sulawesi to supply electricity to its subsidiary PT Semen Tonasa's new cement plant. A senior executive of Semen Gresik, Moeharam, said yesterday that his company was mulling over extending the plant's management to the state electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) or to its current contractors from China.

Two passerby shot in robbery attempt

Two passerby shot in robbery attempt JAKARTA (JP): Two armed men, frustrated after failing to rob two private firm employees, allegedly shot at one of the targeted victims but the bullets hit two passersby in Pancoran, South Jakarta, yesterday. City Police Spokesman Maj. Nyoman Suriasta said the robbers approached Priono and Mikroword who had stopped their jeep in the parking lot of their office, PT Puri Fajar Mandiri, on Jl. Warung Jati Barat.

Futures exchange law will ensure fair play: Tunky

Futures exchange law will ensure fair play: Tunky JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Trade and Industry Tunky Ariwibowo reasserted yesterday that the proposed law on the futures commodity exchange would not let a single exchange member dominate trade. "The bill will, for example, include clauses which prevent the possibility of excessive speculation," he said in response to questions from the House of Representatives on the bill.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Awards JP/byi AWARDS: Johny Zulkarnaen (from second left to right), Yani Saptohudoyo and Johny Sugiarto accept 1996 Indonesian Awards from Maruli Sitompul of the Indonesia Kharisma Foundation. The event took place at the Mandarin hotel in Jakarta last Friday. Photo B: Fast JP/byi BREAKING OF THE FAST: Chief of the Army Strategic Command Wiranto (in cap) smiles as he meets with journalists at the Handayani restaurant in Jakarta for the breaking of the fast Sunday.

Whither our democracy

Whither our democracy The announcement of the provisional list of government- approved House of Representatives candidates marks the halfway point in the run-up to Indonesia's sixth general election. Golkar, the United Development Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) are fielding a total of 2,303 candidates to contest the 425 House seats at stake on May 29. However, going through Golkar's 829 candidates, one can't help but feel that something is amiss.

Banten to get resort

Banten to get resort JAKARTA (JP): Prominent businessman Sudwikatmono, foster brother of President Soeharto, is developing a "tourist city" in Tanjung Lesung, Pandeglang regency, Banten. The Rp 1.5 trillion (US$632 million) project, called Tanjung Lesung, is located on a 1,500-hectare plot and is to be developed by PT Banten West Java Tourism Development Corp, a consortium controlled by Sudwikatmono. The company's director, S.D.

Telkom prepares CATV network

Telkom prepares CATV network JAKARTA (JP): The state telecommunications company PT Telkom plans to create a new subsidiary to set up a cable television (CATV) network. Company president Asman A. Nasution told The Jakarta Post yesterday that the planned company would use the fiber optic networks laid by Telkom in recent years. Nasution refused to give further details about the CATV plan.

Bimantara Citra to build power plant

Bimantara Citra to build power plant JAKARTA (JP): The widely diversified Bimantara Citra group, through its infrastructure division, signed an agreement yesterday to build a power plant in Balikpapan, East Kalimantan. An executive from the infrastructure division, Joseph Dharmabrata, told The Jakarta Post that Bimantara would team up with U.S. oil company VICO and Indonesia's PT Industrial Machinery Equipment Company (IMECO) to set up the power plant.

Maleo eggs stolen in SE Sulawesi

Maleo eggs stolen in SE Sulawesi JAKARTA (JP): Maleo eggs in Tanjung Taipa conservation park in Southeast Sulawesi are often stolen, governor La Ode Kaimoeddin said yesterday. Kaimoeddin said that since last week the authorities have tightened security in the area, one of the province's popular tourist destinations. The Maleo is a bird endemic to Sulawesi. It is seriously endangered and protected by law. The governor said unless security was tightened, the Maleo would eventually become extinct.

City's pollution

City's pollution On Jan. 14, 1997, I noticed something quite odd after taking a glance at The Jakarta Post. * On page 6: A picture of a man and his young daughter protecting themselves with anti-smog masks in Dhaka's streets. The caption said: "Officials say pollution is mainly blamed on vehicle emission in a city of millions of people." * On page 9: "Some Bangkok residents use handkerchiefs as protection against the streets' smog.

Megawati camp protests candidate list endorsement

Megawati camp protests candidate list endorsement JAKARTA (JP): Megawati Soekarnoputri is to lodge a protest with the General Elections Institute today against endorsement of the list of legislature candidates submitted by Soerjadi, who last year ousted her from the helm of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). Megawati's central executive board, no longer recognized by the government, is to send a copy of its protest letter to the National Commission on Human Rights.

Scholars question disparity as cause of recent riots

Scholars question disparity as cause of recent riots JAKARTA (JP): The widespread belief that socioeconomic disparities were to blame for the recent spate of religious and ethnically-sparked riots was challenged yesterday. Sociopsychologist Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono from University of Indonesia's School of Psychology and political scholar Arbi Sanit said the theory was far from sufficient to explain the riots.

Telkom privatization programs to be evaluated soon

Telkom privatization programs to be evaluated soon JAKARTA (JP): The government is to evaluate later this month privatization programs of telecommunications in the country's five regions handled by five joint ventures holding 15-year joint operation contracts.

East Timor and development

East Timor and development I feel privileged to work and live in Indonesia and during my stay so far (more than one and a half years) I have tried hard to improve my knowledge of Indonesia's history, culture and current affairs. It is against this background that watching Ramos Horta being interviewed by CNN television following his recent address to the Hong Kong Foreign Correspondents Club, I found myself becoming disappointed and feeling a little bewildered by his remarks.

Riot alert centers to be set up

Riot alert centers to be set up JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto reiterated yesterday the need to set up "alert command centers" to monitor the entire country and nip unrest in the bud. Soeharto said the centers would be the first of their kind in Indonesia and would be stationed at Kodim (district military commands). They would monitor situations and rumors that could incite social unrest and report them to the relevant authorities.

RI players out-trumped in Holland

RI players out-trumped in Holland JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top bridge pair, Henky Lasut and Eddy Manoppo failed to repeat last year's success at the Volmac World Top Tournament, held in The Hague from Jan. 16 to Jan. 19. The pair came only seventh with 777 Victory Points (VP), a poor showing compared to the second place they achieved last year in the same tournament.

Perhutani firms turn profits

Perhutani firms turn profits SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): State-owned forestry company Perhutani I, which oversees state forests in Central Java, recorded profits of Rp 140.3 billion (US$59 million) last year, up from Rp 137.1 billion in 1995, the company said yesterday. Vice president Tangsing Soetjipto said revenue reached Rp 362.2 billion last year, including Rp 225.1 billion from domestic sales and Rp 87.5 billion from exports.

Government announces extra flights for Idul Fitri

Government announces extra flights for Idul Fitri JAKARTA (JP): The government announced yesterday that there would be extra flights on 24 domestic and 12 international air routes for seven days before the Idul Fitri holiday and seven days after it. Director General of Air Transportation Zainuddin Sikado guaranteed that air fares would not rise during this period despite the busy traffic. "As Idul Fitri will coincide with the Chinese New Year (Feb.

Ratelindo to spend $500m on phone lines

Ratelindo to spend $500m on phone lines JAKARTA (JP): The telecommunications company PT Ratelindo, a subsidiary of PT Bakrie & Brothers, plans to spend US$500 million increasing its line capacity to 500,000 fixed telephone lines by 1999, Ratelindo's senior vice president said yesterday. Nalin Rathaod said the company installed 75,000 fixed telephone lines in Jakarta in 1996 and expected to install another 100,000 lines in 1997. He said that U.S.

Ways to prevent bank robberies

Ways to prevent bank robberies From Media Indonesia Bank robberies have increased in the last few months and are showing a growing tendency to be violent, in some cases even with fatal outcomes. Pleas made by the security sector, such as police, that bank customers should make use of the free guard service when transferring considerable amounts of money, received a lukewarm welcome from clients. Customers gave various reasons for not using this police facility.

Mount Merapi calms but caution remains

Mount Merapi calms but caution remains MAGELANG, Central Java (JP): The authorities decreased Mount Merapi's alert level yesterday although residents in areas highly vulnerable to lava floods were asked to remain watchful. The lessened alert level did not apply to residents living within a six kilometer radius of the volcano, which erupted Jan. 17 forcing 18,000 people to flee their homes.

Different reports, cause confusion

Different reports, cause confusion If you want to maintain peace in your heart and mind, do not read too many newspapers. Stick to one, because this will prevent you from becoming confused and frustrated. I read many dailies, among others The Jakarta Post and Kompas, both of which are reputable newspapers backed by an experienced professional staff. But I was confused when reading an article on "yellowization" printed on Jan. 16, 1997.

Companies pollute river

Companies pollute river MEDAN, North Sumatra: Ninety percent of the wastes dumped into the Belumai River, in Tanjung Morawa subdistrict, Deli Serdang district in the province of North Sumatra come from three companies, a survey said.

6,000 students to get scholarships

6,000 students to get scholarships JAKARTA (JP): The Orangtua Bimbing Terpadu (Foster Parent Integrated Program) plans to award scholarships to 6,000 students nationwide this year, a spokesperson said yesterday. Nurjayanti Zain said the target of the program, known by its Indonesian acronym of ORBIT, was double last year's 3,000 recipients. This year's program will prioritize elementary and junior high school students.