Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 24 January 1997

56 articles found

Raising communist specter may be ineffective

Raising communist specter may be ineffective The government is working hard to find the perpetrators of the recent riot in Tasikmalaya. It has hinted the riot was the work of "intellectual actors" and that the masterminds were using the Mao strategy. Political scientist J. Soedjati Djiwandono grapples with the issue. JAKARTA (JP): Since the communist coup attempt on Sept. 30 1965, we have been warned against the "latent communist threat". We have been constantly urged to be vigilant.

Low investment realization investors' fault: Sanyoto

Low investment realization investors' fault: Sanyoto JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo said yesterday the low number of realized investment commitments were due to the shortcomings of prospective investors. He said the high number of unrealized investment commitments, by both domestic and foreign firms, had been mainly caused by companies' financial problems.

Raising minimum wages

Raising minimum wages Few people would argue against the 10 percent average increase in the minimum wages in the 27 provinces announced Wednesday, especially if the figure was reached after what Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief described as "very democratic" deliberations, involving representatives of the government, employers and workers. Some union leaders may complain that the increases are too small and few employers are expected to object citing financial difficulties.

Wild elephants kill two

Wild elephants kill two BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: A herd of wild elephants strayed out of a reserve park here and went on the rampage in a nearby settlement, killing two people, Antara reported yesterday. At least seven elephants from the Way Kambas National Park attacked the nearby Brajayekti village Wednesday, destroying houses and crops and trampling two villagers to death. Eight to 12 people were killed by elephants in southern Sumatra each year, the agency said. (swe)

Politics mars Ecstasy case in Holland: Envoy

Politics mars Ecstasy case in Holland: Envoy JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia insisted yesterday the Ecstasy trafficking case involving an Indonesian pilot in the Netherlands had been marred by political influences. Indonesian Ambassador to the Netherlands J.B.

Brittle, handle with care

Brittle, handle with care JAKARTA (JP): The bodies of two workers were sent home to Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara, from Malaysia in a large package labeled "Brittle handle with care" Sunday, a press report said yesterday. The hair raising anonymous airmail package was received at 12.30 a.m. Sunday by Inaq Agus in Gunungsari subdistrict, who recognized one of the corpses as her son, Agus Saini, 20.

Indonesia forges ties with Goethe Institute

Indonesia forges ties with Goethe Institute JAKARTA (JP): The education and culture ministry and Germany's Goethe Institute have agreed to exchange works on science, technology, religion, culture, economics and politics. The project agreement, with a term of five years, is the first of its kind between Indonesia and Germany.

Zarina to stand trial next week

Zarina to stand trial next week JAKARTA (JP): Zarina, the 24-year-old TV actress charged with trafficking 29,677 Ecstasy pills, will be tried in the West Jakarta District Court on Jan. 30. The hearing will be presided over by a panel of judges chaired by Sumantri. Sumantri, who is also the Court's public relations officer, said yesterday the other judges would be Fadli Fahmi and H.A. Pardede. Zarina will be defended by a team of lawyers led by Amir Syamsudin.

Tutut invited to visit NU boarding schools

Tutut invited to visit NU boarding schools JAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid offered yesterday to accompany Golkar leader Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana on visits to any of the boarding schools run by the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Moslem organization. Abdurrahman, chairman of the 30 million-strong organization, said all NU boarding schools, known as pesantren, were open to political leaders. Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, better known as Mbak (elder sister) Tutut, is President Soeharto's eldest daughter.

30 top executives to attend WEF meeting

30 top executives to attend WEF meeting JAKARTA (JP): The government and 30 leading Indonesian executives and entrepreneurs are scheduled to attend the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland, to promote Indonesia and attract foreign investment. State Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo said yesterday that, during the WEF meeting, the Indonesian delegation would meet 20 heads of states and ministers from 100 countries.

U.S. funds hospital construction

U.S. funds hospital construction KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi (Antara): The United States had provided more than US$3 million (about Rp 7 billion) of fund to assist the construction of a public hospital here. The fund would be channeled in stages starting this year, said the province's Governor La Ode Kaimoeddin here yesterday.

Conglomerates agree to set up partnership body

Conglomerates agree to set up partnership body JAKARTA (JP): A task force, representing 79 big local businesses, agreed yesterday to set up an organization to develop partnerships with small businesses and cooperatives in a similar arrangement to the Jimbaran group. "We shall try to make the partnership program succeed following the government's directives," Sukamdani Gitosardjono, the chairman of the eleven-strong task force, said yesterday.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Friday Maghrib 6:19 p.m. Saturday Imsak 4:22 a.m. Subuh 4:32 a.m.

Schering-Plough Indonesia expects 20% profit rise

Schering-Plough Indonesia expects 20% profit rise JAKARTA (JP): The manufacturer of pharmaceutical products, PT Schering-Plough Indonesia, expects its profits to rise 20 percent this year, company spokesman Tjiptono Darmadji said yesterday. Tjiptono said the profit rise would result from a price rise of between 8 percent and 9 percent and increased sales. He did not say how much he expected sales to rise. The company reported a 33 percent profit growth to Rp 7.3 billion for 1995.

Firecracker victims

Firecracker victims From Kompas The Mental Hospital in Grogol was the first casualty of firecrackers to herald in the new year. Fortunately, the firecrackers did not cause any fatalities and only grazed a building. Will this situation continue until more serious accidents occur? We appeal to the relevant security services to curb firecracker games. The public is tired of promises that action will be taken in regard to the problem regardless of rank, status or position.

PLN posts net profit of US$431 million

PLN posts net profit of US$431 million JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned electricity company PT PLN has booked a net profit of Rp 1 trillion (US$431.03 million) for 1996, up about 15 percent on the previous year. Speaking at a fast breaking ceremony on Wednesday night, PLN president Djiteng Marsoedi said that his company's sales of electricity had risen 17 percent to Rp 9.7 trillion last year.

Two robbers shot dead

Two robbers shot dead JAKARTA (JP): Police have shot dead two men after two separate robberies led to a chase to apprehend the offenders. West Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Andi Chaeruddin said Jajang Munanjar robbed a bank employee, Linda of her gold necklace in a public van on Jl. Raya Sereal, West Jakarta Tuesday. "The suspect threatened to kill the victim and demanded her necklace," Chaeruddin said. He said Linda cried for help as the suspect escaped.

Job discrimination

Job discrimination Recently I came across an advertisement in The Jakarta Post inviting applications for various job titles. Among the many requirements, the one that caught my attention was "Male and Unmarried Female." It is quite obvious that, even if their accomplishments meet all other criteria, married women are barred from offering themselves for these vacancies. Doesn't this classify as discrimination? Why should married women be denied equal employment opportunities?

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment * Elmi Hotel: Jl. Panglima Sudirman No. 42-44: - Qemi Club: Karaoke, daily, 8 p.m. to 10.30; Disco, daily, 12.30 a.m. to 3 a.m.; Puri R and Dankdut Group, Sunday, 10.30 p.m. to 12.30 a.m.; Master Band, Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Atlantic Band, Tuesday and Saturday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Abouwhim Band, Thursday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Gress Band, Friday, 10:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. * Majapahit Hotel: Jl.

Jamu to be made in Malaysia

Jamu to be made in Malaysia MEDAN, North Sumatra: Indonesian medicinal and tonic drinks, locally known as jamu, will soon be produced in Malaysia, Antara reported here yesterday. Carrying the brand name "Madura Jamu", it will be produced by businessman T. Abdul Rachman Daud, an Indonesian from North Aceh. He told the news agency his herbal jamu manufacturing company would be set up in Subang, Malaysia, at a cost of Rp 1.5 billion.

House queries private role in electricity generation

House queries private role in electricity generation JAKARTA (JP): The budgetary commission of the House of Representatives yesterday questioned the viability of electricity generation by private firms, saying the large number of new power projects might cause an oversupply. Tadjuddin Noer Said of Golkar said the electricity shortage might have been exaggerated by the government as a pretext to allow massive participation by private companies in power generation.

Coaches upbeat over Davis Cup tie

Coaches upbeat over Davis Cup tie JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is optimistic of beating a tough Philippines team in the Asia Oceania Group I Davis Cup first round match in Manila, next month. Wimar Witoelar, an Indonesian Tennis Association official named Andrian Raturandang, Suwandi, Bonit Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo yesterday as the team members.

Poor reading habits?

Poor reading habits? From Kompas At the end of every year Kompas runs advertisements for cheap books for the benefit of book worms. One such advertisement appeared on Dec. 30, 1996 on page 14. I would like to question whether research was conducted before the advertisement appeared in the paper. To my knowledge, book prices in Indonesia cannot be called reasonable when compared with the per capita income ratio.

TV advertisements

TV advertisements From Neraca We are quite concerned about television advertisements in the country because of their biases. Take, for instance, the advertisement of a vitamin product carrying the initials SJ. The advertisement portrayed a child with eating problems and showed how the mother then proceeded to replace the child's food with the vitamin.

Bre-X and Barrick get green light for Busang mine

Bre-X and Barrick get green light for Busang mine JAKARTA (JP): The government has given two Canadian mining companies, Barrick Gold Corp. and Bre-X Minerals Ltd., the go ahead to start exploiting the huge Busang gold deposit in East Kalimantan, according to a statement from Barrick.

Shareholders approve BDNI rights share issue

Shareholders approve BDNI rights share issue JAKARTA (JP): The extraordinary shareholders meeting of publicly listed Bank Dagang Nasional Indonesia (BDNI) approved yesterday management's plan to issue rights shares to strengthen the bank's capital structure. BDNI president Sjamsul Nursalim said his bank expected to raise around Rp 615 billion (US$260.5 million) from the issue of rights shares.

Direct questioning forbidden in Pakpahan subversion trial

Direct questioning forbidden in Pakpahan subversion trial JAKARTA (JP): The subversion trial of union leader Muchtar Pakpahan continued yesterday with presiding judge Djazuli P. Sudibyo prohibiting defense lawyers from directly questioning witnesses. Djazuli ordered lawyers to raise their questions through him. One of the lawyers, Adnan Buyung Nasution, protested the decision strongly and said the procedure was "inefficient and confusing the witnesses".

Feudalism hinders law enforcement, says legal expert

Feudalism hinders law enforcement, says legal expert JAKARTA (JP): Lingering feudalistic attitudes are hampering the socialization of laws in Indonesia, a legal expert said here yesterday. Soetandyo Wignjosoebroto said Indonesia had yet to erase feudalism, a political culture with a clear-cut dichotomy between rulers and their subjects. "Rule by (using) law, not rule of law, has been established to strengthen power.

Common courtesy

Common courtesy I have now lived in Jakarta for over nine years. Certain facets of life are, indeed, much better now than when I arrived. For example, the phone system generally connects, Garuda usually flies to schedule, taxis all have air conditioning and there are fewer electricity power cuts. However, I rarely detect what the British refer to as common courtesy.

Four rhinos to come home

Four rhinos to come home BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Four two-horned rhinoceros (Dicerorhinus sumatrensis) would be returned home from London as soon as their breeding area in Way Kambas National Park, Central Lampung, was ready, an official said yesterday. Head of the local forestry office Eko Wardoyo was quoted by Antara saying the breeding area, to be completed by the end of this year, would cover 10 hectares inside the national park.

Timor claims 30% of sedan market

Timor claims 30% of sedan market JAKARTA (JP): PT Timor Distributor Nasional (TDN), the distributing arm of national car licensee PT Timor Putra Nasional, claims it has grabbed over 30 percent of the sedan market since Timor sedans hit the market in October. TDN Director Richard Hendarmo said Wednesday evening that Timor sedan sales in Jakarta reached 848 units in October (32.5 percent of the sedan market), 1,043 units in November (38.5 percent) and 632 units in December (27.2 percent).

UK denies training RI police to win exports

UK denies training RI police to win exports LONDON (Reuter): The head of the government's aid program vigorously denied allegations Wednesday by members of parliament that Britain set up a program to train Indonesian policemen in the hope of winning big export orders.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Family Classic 3:05 Teenagers' Program: Remaja Indonesia 3:30 TV Series: Emergency Call 4:05 Comedy: Situasi 4:30 Student's Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:55 Filler 5:00 News: Siaran Berita TVRI 5:25 Travel: My Country 5:30 News: Lintas Kesehatan 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 English News Service 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Filler 7:30 Creative Program: Karya Nyata 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita...

The new city budget is inadequate: Governor

The new city budget is inadequate: Governor JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday the city administration's 1997/1998 budget of Rp 3.36 trillion (US$1.4 billion) is inadequate to finance its activities. The administration had to cover not only its routine expenditure but also finance events such as the many national holiday celebrations and state-guest banquets, Surjadi said at a hearing of House Commission II for home affairs at his office.

SEAG golf training centered in Matoa

SEAG golf training centered in Matoa JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian golfers preparing for the upcoming SEA Games (SEAG) will be based at one training center, the Matoa Golf and Country Club in Ciganjur, South Jakarta, from March, according to an official. The golfers currently have to train in two places, Matoa and Pondok Indah, also in South Jakarta but 15 kilometers away.

New narcotics bill carries death penalty

New narcotics bill carries death penalty JAKARTA (JP): The new bill on narcotic drugs the government submitted to the House of Representatives yesterday carries a maximum penalty of death for convicted offenders. The bill, submitted by Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman, is a revision of Law No. 9 of 1976. It carries stiffer jail terms and fines. Oetojo said the new bill was drafted due to concerns that the 1976 law on narcotics was no longer an effective deterrent for drug dealers.

On the E. Timor issue

On the E. Timor issue I greatly appreciated Mr. Tony Jennings' letter on East Timor and development (Jan. 22, 1997). Not many foreigners, especially westerners, are willing to understand the real position of Indonesia on the East Timor issue. They seem to close their eyes on the effort Indonesian authorities have made in the last 20 years to develop the province. My view may be wrong, but I sense the western world seems to be prejudiced towards Indonesia.

Choice Hotels offers more rooms

Choice Hotels offers more rooms JAKARTA (JP): PT Choice Hotels Indonesia, the master franchiser in Indonesia for the Choice Hotels International chain, has opened a new hotel in Batam, in the Riau province, and additional apartment-hotel units in Yogyakarta. A spokesperson for Choice, Dina Herdiana, said yesterday the hotel in Batam, called Quality Resort Batam, would open 50 rooms by the end of the month, during its soft operation.

Pertamina outsources asset management

Pertamina outsources asset management JAKARTA (JP): State oil company Pertamina is inviting private firms to manage some of its assets in North Sumatra to make its operations more efficient, an executive said yesterday.

Sentul to hold motorcycle GP

Sentul to hold motorcycle GP JAKARTA (JP): The world motorcycle federation (FIM) has selected the Sentul international circuit near Bogor to host the 14th leg of the 1997 motorcycle Grand Prix circuit on Sept. 28. FIM announced 15 motorcycle grands prix will be held this year. The first in the series will be at Shah Alam, Malaysia, on April 13, the second at Suzuka, Japan, on April 20 and the third at Mugello, Italy, on May 4. On June 1, the Zweltweg circuit in Austria will host the fourth leg.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 23, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,000 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,125 -25 833,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,425 75 10,642,000 Alumindo Perkasa 800 50 15,500 Andayani Megah 1,000 0 3,837,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,425 -25 1,450,500 Anwar Sierad 2,050 50 215,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 4,125 75 12,000 Argha Karya Prima...

Death toll rises to 37

Death toll rises to 37 ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Reuter): Soldiers clearing the site of a battle between troops and Moro rebels in the southern Philippines have found 14 more bodies, taking the death toll in the fighting to 37, the military said yesterday. It said 33 members of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and four soldiers were killed in Tuesday's fighting near Buldon in Maguindanao province before both sides agreed on a ceasefire to pave the way for peace talks to resume next month.

STIE to hold seminar

STIE to hold seminar JAKARTA (JP): Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Ekonomi (STIE) IBEK will hold a two-day seminar on the fundamentals of Asian economies on March 12 and 13 at Hotel Horison. President of STIE IBEK Laurence A Manullang said yesterday the seminar would feature a single speaker, Donald Wilson, former president of Pittsburgh State University and current president of Kilang Nusantara Pacific Consultants.

Singapore, U.S. open skies

Singapore, U.S. open skies SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore has initialed a landmark open skies agreement with the United States, the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore announced Thursday. The outcome followed two days of negotiations in Washington between the two countries, the CAAS said in a statement. "The agreement between Singapore and the U.S. marks a milestone in bilateral aviation relations.

Japan searches for its own identity

Japan searches for its own identity By Ignas Kleden JAKARTA (JP): Most of the success of Japanese development is usually attributed to the fondness, ability and discipline of the Japanese people to imitate everything they consider good for their country and themselves. Without much pretense of creativity, they take the good things from outside, assimilate them and produce a better product than the original.

Four Season expands spa

Four Season expands spa JAKARTA (JP): Increased luxury hotel rivalry on the holiday island of Bali has compelled the Four Seasons Resort Bali, located above the Jimbaran bay, to spend $US1.3 million to expand its spa. The Four Seasons Resort Jimbaran has assigned Australian architects Grounds Kent Architects to design the new 1,000 square-meter spa which will focus on indigenous traditions and rituals and nature.

Even posters may trigger violence

Even posters may trigger violence JAKARTA (JP): The placing of posters may provoke physical clashes between rival activists campaigning in the May election if it is not properly regulated, Attorney General Singgih warned yesterday. Political organizations contesting the May 29 election would be allocated separate zones to place their posters, Singgih told a meeting of Armed Forces members at the defense ministry office.

City councillors rebuke market authority

City councillors rebuke market authority JAKARTA (JP): City councilors rebuked the market authority, PD Pasar Jaya, yesterday for not taking action against city market roadside vendors having to pay illegal levies. The councilors who visited the Cipulir and Kebayoran Lama markets in South Jakarta were told by the vendors that they each had to pay Rp 1,750 (US$0.7) a day in illegal levies. At least 200 roadside vendors have been occupying spaces at the markets since Ramadhan began.

The Listening Post

The Listening Post * A source of pride to Indonesians and keen interest to others around the world, Indonesia's economy continues to grow in size and evolve in complexity. The countries of Southeast Asia, and Indonesia in particular, have been booming, and continue to offer great opportunities to investors, entrepreneurs and employees alike.

Seven wrestlers questioned for beating tennis coach

Seven wrestlers questioned for beating tennis coach JAKARTA (JP): Police questioned seven wrestlers for assaulting a national tennis coach on Wednesday night at Century Park Athletes Hotel in Senayan, Central Jakarta. The Chief of the City Police Detectives for General Affairs Lt. Col. Bakat Purwanto said the coach, Wailan Walalangi, told police that at least 30 wrestlers beat him.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and Entertainment * Grand Hyatt Bali, Nusa Dua: Poolside - Pasar Senggol, daily, 6.30 p.m. Kecak Dance, Friday and Tuesday, Legong Dance, Saturday and Wednesday, 7 p.m. Arjuna Wiwaha Dance, Sunday, 7 p.m. Balinese dance parade - Rejang dance, Puspawresti Dance, Belibis Dance & Jaran Teji Dance, Monday, 7 p.m. * Nusa Dua Beach Hotel: Budaya Open Stage - Ramayana ballet, Monday, 7.30 p.m.

Police chief confirms arrest for tollway heist

Police chief confirms arrest for tollway heist JAKARTA (JP): National Police Chief Lt. Gen. Dibyo Widodo confirmed yesterday the arrest of two suspects in last October's Jagorawi toll road fatal robbery and said he hoped they could be tried soon. He also said he wanted the other suspect arrested immediately. Widodo was talking in Bandar Lampung after addressing a police roll call for officers involved in security during Ramadhan and Idul Fitri.

British laborer found dead in pipe

British laborer found dead in pipe SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The body of a British worker was found yesterday morning in a gas pipe off the coast of East Kalimantan, Antara reported. Graham Robertson Henry Weir, 36, who worked for marine construction firm PT McDermott Indonesia, was last seen leaving with three colleagues to weld a gas pipe on Bontang Island, East Kalimantan, Monday. The one-meter-wide pipe is located six miles off the Santan Unocal terminal in the Bontang oil and gas field.

Panasonic to enter Medan

Panasonic to enter Medan MEDAN, N. Sumatra (Antara): Two American and Japanese companies, Sea Gate Corp and Panasonic, had expressed their intention to build a plant at the Medan Industrial Estate (KIM) in Mabar, North Sumatra. The two companies are planning to build starting next month a computer microchip plant in the 314-hectare industrial estate, which is still being constructed, PT KIM president director, Papo Hermawan, said here yesterday.

House calls govt to task on revenue

House calls govt to task on revenue JAKARTA (JP): Members of the House of Representatives have again criticized the government's handling of non-tax revenue raised by various ministries and government agencies. Legislator Saleh Khalid of the United Development Party demanded at a House plenary session yesterday that the government give a full account of the use of all revenue raised from sources other than taxation since 1969.

PT Excelcomindo Pratama builds fiber optic network

PT Excelcomindo Pratama builds fiber optic network JAKARTA (JP): PT Excelcomindo Pratama, a private global system for mobile (GSM) operator, is installing a 2,000-kilometer fiber optic network along railway lines in Java belonging to state railway firm Perumka. Excelcomindo president Julius S. Djohan said Wednesday that the US$100 million project would be completed before the end of this year.