Archive: 28 January 1997
52 articles found
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Ramadhan time for Jakarta
Ramadhan time for Jakarta Tuesday Maghrib 6:19 p.m. Wednesday Imsak 4:24 a.m. Subuh 4:34 a.m.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bakrie to decide whether to sell Indocopper stake
Bakrie to decide whether to sell Indocopper stake JAKARTA (JP): The shareholders of Bakrie & Brothers are expected to decide today whether the company will sell its stake in Indocopper Investama Corporation (IIC), which owns 9.36 percent of Freeport Indonesia. Bakrie & Brothers' president Tanri Abeng said yesterday that the shareholders' annual meeting today would decide whether there was to be a sale. He refused to name potential buyers but said they would have to meet Bakrie's requirements.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Ecstasy pills to be destroyed
Ecstasy pills to be destroyed DENPASAR: The authorities are waiting for the green light from the Attorney General's Office in Jakarta to destroy tens of thousands of Ecstasy pills. Chief of the Denpasar prosecutors office said the planned destruction of the illicit drugs would demonstrate to the public just how serious the authorities are about fighting drug trafficking. On Saturday, the authorities destroyed almost 38,900 bottles of liquor which had been smuggled into the tourist island.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Krakatau Steel pledges efficiency
Krakatau Steel pledges efficiency JAKARTA (JP): State steel producer PT Krakatau Steel wants to become more efficient before its initial public offering (IPO) in October. Company president Soetoro Mangoensoewargo said yesterday the company set up a task force last month to improve its efficiency and production. The task force aimed to cut production costs to US$40 for every ton of steel, Soetoro was quoted by Antara as saying.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Astra, Isuzu form venture
Astra, Isuzu form venture TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Isuzu Motors Ltd. and PT Astra International of Indonesia will set up a joint venture in Indonesia to produce cylinder blocks and cylinder heads, an Isuzu official said yesterday. Astra will hold a 51 percent stake in the venture, with Isuzu, which has close links to General Motors Corp. of the United States, holding the remaining 49 percent, the official said. Astra and Isuzu are expected to sign a contract this week, the official said.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Hoodlums blamed for violent clash in Tanah Abang
Hoodlums blamed for violent clash in Tanah Abang JAKARTA (JP): Officials blamed hoodlums for the violent clash between vendors and public order officials yesterday at the Tanah Abang market, while vendors expressed anger at public order officials. Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi and city public order official Toha Reno said the clash, which culminated in a district office being burned down by around 3,000 people, was probably incited by hoodlums.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Control and security
Control and security Vice President Try Sutrisno explained during a visit last week to the Ministry of Defense and Security explained that the recent cases of unrest around the country show that supervision and control need to be improved, both in government and private institutions.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Merapi activity still dangerous
Merapi activity still dangerous SEMARANG: Although Mount Merapi has been listed as relatively "calm", the maximum alert level still applies for people living in villages within a six kilometer radius. The directorate of volcanology in Yogyakarta described Merapi's activity yesterday as "uncertain" with the intensity of tremors sharply fluctuating.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur and NU
Gus Dur and NU From Neraca Everybody knows who Gus Dur is. His full name is Abdurrahman Wahid. He is a controversial figure, whose way of thinking is difficult to follow. Whatever Gus Dur says, it is interesting material for public debate. The controversy is a boon to the press. His comments make good copy for the media. I would like to recall some events surrounding Gus Dur.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Government plans to publish community-based newspapers
Government plans to publish community-based newspapers JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to publish community newspapers to cater to the needs and develop the reading habits of residents of outlying regions. Minister of Information Harmoko said yesterday the plan would be realized in cooperation with the Association of Newspaper Publishers and the National Journalists Association.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Wild elephants disciplined
Wild elephants disciplined BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The authorities plan to catch and tame 30 wild elephants this year. The targeted elephants are those guilty of the occasional rampage, damaging residential areas and destroying farmers' crops in Tanjungkarang. The agency for conservation of natural resources will send the protected beasts to the Way Kambas elephant training center, Antara reported.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Tanah Abang rocked by riot
Tanah Abang rocked by riot JAKARTA (JP): A violent clash between hundreds of roadside vendors and city public order officials in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, culminated yesterday in the burning of two municipal buildings and seven cars. The enraged vendors burned the district head's office and the fire also gutted part of a nearby Ministry of Religious Affairs office. The vendors, yelling "the officials are killers", then tried to run away. Eight of them were arrested.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Jan. 27, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,000 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,125 0 20,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,400 -25 369,500 Alumindo Perkasa 750 -50 1,000 Andayani Megah 1,025 0 921,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,400 0 82,000 Anwar Sierad 1,975 -25 40,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 4,100 -25 20,500 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,350 0 50,000...
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
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 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Pianist Sudarmadi, Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m to 9:30 a.m.; Boece & Ayu, daily except Monday and Tuesday, at 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Monday and Tuesday at 8 p.m.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
RI firm to buy 20% of Malaysian line
RI firm to buy 20% of Malaysian line JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of the publicly listed shipping company PT Berlian Laju Tanker approved yesterday a proposal that the company acquire a 20 percent stake in a Malaysian shipping company. Kevin Wong, Berlian's corporate secretary, said his company would buy the shares of Malaysian Merchant Marine for US$1.43 million.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
3 strategic companies lose money
3 strategic companies lose money JAKARTA (JP): Three of the 10 companies under the Strategic Industry Management Board made losses in 1995, according to a report delivered to the House of Representatives yesterday. Giri Suseno, an executive of the board, told a hearing of House Commission X for science, technology and research that the board's number of unprofitable companies had fallen from six in 1994.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Keris Gallery opens new store
Keris Gallery opens new store JAKARTA (JP): Keris Gallery opened a new store in Mal Puri Indah, West Jakarta, on Jan. 24. The store carries cosmetics, accessories, garments, handicrafts and batik. Handianto, the president of PT Keris Gallery, said yesterday that the store would carry domestic and foreign products, such as Esprit, Caractere, Kookai and She. He said that store was hoping to capitalize on the location, which is surrounded by 15 luxury housing complexes. (sur)
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Kennedy to lead coaching clinic
Kennedy to lead coaching clinic JAKARTA (JP): The Bakrie Pesona Rasuna, in cooperation with the government, is to stage an Alan Kennedy Soccer Coaching School for students aged between 10 and 16. The program, which will take place at the Gelanggang Mahasiswa Sumantri Brodjonegoro in South Jakarta from March 3 to March 14, is expected to be attended by 2,000 students every day. The purpose is to increase the students' interest and sporting skills, particularly in soccer.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Sunda Strait bridge unfeasible: Minister
Sunda Strait bridge unfeasible: Minister JAKARTA (JP): A plan to build a bridge above the Sunda Strait connecting Java and Sumatra is not feasible, at least until 2018, Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said yesterday.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Tribal chiefs give up land for resettlement
Tribal chiefs give up land for resettlement JAKARTA (JP): Three tribal chiefs in Fakfak regency, Irian Jaya have given 390,000 hectares to the Ministry of Transmigration and the Irian Jaya transmigration office for a resettlement site. "No compensation has been offered in return," said the head of the Irian Jaya transmigration office, N. Hutapea, in the provincial capital of Jayapura yesterday. "They gave up their land because they want to see more resettlers in their areas.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Boosting farmers' income
Boosting farmers' income Maintaining a stable supply of basic food and ensuring food security is the ultimate objective of the government following last week's decision to raise the producer (floor) price of rice by 16.67 percent. Farmers will continue to grow rice if their earnings remain higher than that from other crops. However, the food crop sector cannot be separated from other sectors of the economy.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bhutto trailing in poll
Bhutto trailing in poll KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuter): Ousted prime minister Benazir Bhutto is trailing well behind her main rival, Nawaz Sharif, in the run-up to Pakistan's Feb. 3 elections, an opinion poll obtained by Reuters yesterday said. The poll, to be published in the English-language monthly Newsline tomorrow, said 33 percent of 2,048 people interviewed in 13 cities wanted to see Sharif become the next prime minister, against 25 percent who favored Bhutto.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Floods hit, more likely until March
Floods hit, more likely until March JAKARTA (JP): Areas in North Jakarta and East Jakarta were inundated again yesterday following a downpour Sunday night. The Meteorology and Geophysics Agency warned that residents should be prepared for floods until March as rain levels continue to exceed 100 millimeters.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Fire guts Jakarta's major shopping center
Fire guts Jakarta's major shopping center JAKARTA (JP): Fire gutted around 300 shops in the Pasar Baru Shopping Center yesterday. The fire began around 5:30 a.m. and had not subsided by late evening. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries and losses are expected to amount to billions of rupiah. The fire burned the second, third and fourth story of the Harco Plaza on Jl. Samanhudi, Central Jakarta. Twenty-eight fire brigades from various districts were deployed.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Widespread frustation behind riots: Observers
Widespread frustation behind riots: Observers JAKARTA (JP): More observers have offered an explanation for the outburst of violence that has jolted the country over the past two months, with most pinning the blame on widespread frustration and a sense of powerlessness among people. In Semarang, Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher said yesterday the riots erupted because people were frustrated with living conditions and felt powerless to stop corruption.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
RI downs Australia in bridge c'ship final
RI downs Australia in bridge c'ship final JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian bridge team won the National Open Team Championship beating the Australian team 117-77 IMP, the Indonesian Bridge Association's spokesman reported yesterday from Canberra. Ananta Widjaja said the team of Denny Sacul/Taufik Asbi and Sance Panelewen/Franky Karwur defeated the Australian team of Tim Courtney/P. Gill and B. Travis/E. Havas.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Disparities trigger riots
Disparities trigger riots Disparity has been raised as one cause of the recent riots. This opinion was aired by scholars at a one-day seminar held by the Center for Information and Development Studies. The scholars, Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono and Arbi Sanit, deserve the attention of the authorities and the core of the problem should be studied. I agree completely with the scholars because their statement is backed by experience and knowledge. We should also not neglect Prof.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
MAS orders Pratt engines
MAS orders Pratt engines KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia Airlines System Bhd. has sealed an order with Pratt and Whitney of the United States to buy 44 PW 4056 engines for its 10 new Boeing 747-400 series aircraft, reports said yesterday. The selection of the PW 4056 engines to power its new aircraft reflected Malaysia Airlines' confidence in its capability and outstanding performance, airline managing director Wan Malek Ibrahim was quoted saying in the New Straits Times.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Witness testifying for Pakpahan under threat of arrest
Witness testifying for Pakpahan under threat of arrest JAKARTA (JP): A witness testifying for labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan was threatened yesterday with arrest for perjury. South Jakarta district court judge, Djadzuli P. Sudibyo, said he needed until Thursday to decide whether Berar Fathia should be arrested or simply removed from the witness list. The session was dominated by heated debate between the judge and Berar's lawyers, Adnan Buyung Nasution and Luthfie M.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Developers told to issue bank guarantees
Developers told to issue bank guarantees JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto requested property developers yesterday to give home buyers bank guarantees to ensure payments in case they fail to build houses. "The President said developers should open accounts in banks from which clients could withdraw their money if houses are not built as planned," State Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tanjung said yesterday after meeting Soeharto.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia's bourse set to enjoy bullish streak
Malaysia's bourse set to enjoy bullish streak KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The Malaysian bourse is set to enjoy a bullish streak this year on the back of its attractive interest rates and strong growth, a global market strategist was reported saying Sunday. The Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange's 100-share weighted composite index is expected to gain about 200 points from its present level, said David Fuller, the author and publisher of international investment letter,Fullermoney.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
'Alert centers need House approval to be permanent'
'Alert centers need House approval to be permanent' SEMARANG (JP): The government should first solicit the approval of the House of Representatives if the "alert command centers" it plans to establish are to be permanent, says a legal expert. Muladi, who is rector of the Diponegoro University, said here yesterday the government needed a legal basis for the planned centers.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bulgarian treated for Zebra bite
Bulgarian treated for Zebra bite JAKARTA (JP): A Bulgarian expatriate was bitten by a hungry zebra which mistook her hand for peanuts at Taman Safari Indonesia near Puncak Sunday. Irina Tcherjelova was enjoying the park with friends around 2 p.m. Sunday when they stopped to admire a small zebra herd. "When the prettiest one approached the car I held out a handful of peanuts as you do for horses, because I thought that was the way you fed zebras," said Irina.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
S'pore polls left scars, opposition leader says
S'pore polls left scars, opposition leader says SINGAPORE (Reuter): The obsession of the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) with dominating Singapore politics has revived old fears and left scars in the minds of voters, a senior opposition figure said yesterday. "Singaporeans were treated to a spectacle of a government dominated with just one obsession", that of having "absolute control over the lives of Singaporeans", said Joshua Jeyaretnam, secretary general of the leftist Workers' Party.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Massage parlors attacked in Ciracas
Massage parlors attacked in Ciracas JAKARTA (JP): Nearly 300 people attacked seven small establishments on Jl. Raya Bogor in Ciracas, East Jakarta, Saturday night. Two massage parlors, three stalls selling liquor, a stall traditionally operated by Batak people, and one billiard center, all located in two neighborhood units, were torn down during a rampage by local residents.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
RP to speed up vote-counting
RP to speed up vote-counting MANILA (AFP): The Philippines' notorious vote counting system, which often takes six weeks to provide election results, will be speeded up with technology and reforms, President Fidel Ramos said yesterday. The computerization of the electoral process began last year, Ramos said, but major problems remained. For example, voters must manually write down about 40 names when national, legislative and local elections are held at the same time.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Merpati books Rp 137.1b loss
Merpati books Rp 137.1b loss JAKARTA (JP): PT Merpati Nusantara Airlines, a subsidiary of national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, suffered an estimated loss of Rp 137.12 billion (US$58 million) last year, up from Rp 132 billion in 1995, Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said yesterday. "However, Merpati is expected to turn this around with a profit of Rp 993 million this year," Haryanto told a working session of the House of Representatives.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
A matter of discipline
A matter of discipline On Jan. 20, 1997 I visited Plaza Indonesia. As maghrib time came, a friend and I went up to the mushala on the fourth floor to do the maghrib prayer. We used the back elevator (for employees) since it is the easiest way to get to the mushala, a man also entered the lift with a lit cigarette. I asked him to put out the cigarette (politely of course) but he didn't want to do it.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Interest rates will remain high this year, say analysts
Interest rates will remain high this year, say analysts JAKARTA (JP): Interest rates will remain high this year unless the government limits the expansion of its out of budget expenditure and improves the efficiency of commercial banks, analysts said yesterday. At a seminar on the 1997/1998 state budget, Anwar Nasution predicted that non-budgetary spending would increase next fiscal year.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Train service
Train service Commuting by train every morning from Bogor to Jakarta is depressing. Not only is it far from comfortable, it is also dangerous. People are packed in the carriages like sardines in a can. The train is absolutely full with no space to move. Sometimes it is hard to breathe because your body is squeezed by others. If you're big and strong, you can squeeze those who are small and weak. If you win the fight for a seat, you are lucky. Otherwise you've got to stand up for an hour or so.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Setiawan brothers rethink resignations
Setiawan brothers rethink resignations JAKARTA (JP): Brothers Hengky Setiawan and Herry Janto Setiawan have agreed to join the cycling centralized training program for the 19th SEA Games despite an Indonesian Cycling Association statement saying they have retired. Both Hengky and Herry confirmed their participation in the national training squad to SEA Games training director Djoko Pramono yesterday.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
RI tourney attracts 8 nations
RI tourney attracts 8 nations JAKARTA (JP): Eight countries have accepted invitations to take part in the Angsapura international basketball tournament in Medan, North Sumatra. Japan, South Korea, Thailand, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Jordan and Malaysia have all agreed to participate in the October competition. Ardjan Leo, the organizer, said in Medan yesterday that two Indonesian teams, from North Sumatra and the national SEA Games team, would also compete.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Travelers warned of transportation problem
Travelers warned of transportation problem JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto predicted yesterday the 25 million people expected to travel in next month's Idul Fitri holidays would pose a major problem to the nation's transportation system. The mass exodus will occur prior to the Moslem holidays taking place on Feb. 9 and Feb. 10, two days after the Chinese New Year.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Government's foreign debts falls to $54.6b
Government's foreign debts falls to $54.6b JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad announced yesterday the government's foreign debt had fallen to $54.6 billion last November from $57.22 billion in September and $59.59 billion at the end of 1995. Mar'ie told a House of Representatives' plenary session that the remaining $54.6 billion debt had a cumulative interest value of $21.4 billion. The minister did not disclose the value of private foreign debt. Bank Indonesia Governor J.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Flying Dutch trip to NU 'pesantren'
Flying Dutch trip to NU 'pesantren' SURABAYA: Local Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) leaders have agreed to meet with a delegation of Dutch church leaders interested in the socio-educational organization's Islamic boarding schools. Hasyim Muzadi, chairman of the East Java NU chapter, said yesterday he would meet with the Dutch delegation on Feb. 1 at his well-known pesantren (boarding school) Al-Hikam in Malang.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Govt defends management of non-tax revenue
Govt defends management of non-tax revenue JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad yesterday defended the government's handling of non-tax revenue raised by ministries and state agencies. Speaking at a House of Representatives' plenary session, Mar'ie acknowledged that the bill on non-tax revenue was aimed to improve the government's discipline in managing income raised from sources other than taxation.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Signs of the times
Signs of the times From Jayakarta Minister of Transmigration, Ir. Siswono Yudohusodo, insinuated recently that people and officials were sick. I am sure the Minister knew what he was talking about. He would not dare make such a scathing remark otherwise, the words were not said to seek popularity or to blast officialdom. The insinuation he made drew the attention of top officials, and it became a serious matter. As for me, a devout Moslem, Mr.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Death for Ecstasy syndicates
Death for Ecstasy syndicates JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives yesterday endorsed a bill on psychotropic drugs that will allow courts to sentence members of syndicates trafficking in Ecstasy to death. The clause on the death penalty was an addition to the original bill, reflecting growing public concern on the increasing abuse of Ecstasy in Indonesia, particularly among youths.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
PT Satelindo expands to Sumatra and Sulawesi
PT Satelindo expands to Sumatra and Sulawesi JAKARTA (JP): Private telecommunications operator PT Satelindo will launch its Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) cellular services tomorrow in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, Medan, North Sumatra and Palembang, South Sumatra.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
RI diplomats lack initiative, says scholar
RI diplomats lack initiative, says scholar JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian diplomats are often criticized for lacking initiative, a character which makes them the target of ridicule by foreign countries, a prominent scholar has said. Mohammad Budyatna, dean of the University of Indonesia's School of Social and Political Sciences, said yesterday Indonesian diplomats tended to work only to rebut attacks by other countries.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Minister told to stop mining uproar
Minister told to stop mining uproar JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday ordered Minister of Mines and Energy Ida Bagus Sudjana to explain the government's mining policy and end the current debate on Freeport and Busang mining projects. Sudjana told journalists after meeting with Soeharto that he would give the explanation after the next cabinet meeting, scheduled on Feb. 5.
Tue, 28 Jan 1997, 00:00 WIB
Moro rebels, govt sign local truce in southern RP
Moro rebels, govt sign local truce in southern RP SULTAN KUDARAT, Philippines (AFP): Philippine Moro guerrillas and military officials meeting here agreed yesterday to a ceasefire to end week-long clashes, which have killed more than 40 people, a military official said. The military and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) units involved in the clashes in Buldon will maintain "as is, where is" positions, said Army Major General Joselin Nazareno, who signed the ceasefire document.