Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 15 October 1997

67 articles found

Province needs more forest rangers

Province needs more forest rangers SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: An official says the province needs 2,540 more rangers to effectively protect its 21,144,000 hectares of forest from fires and illegal logging. The province also needs 5,000 guards. Antara quoted H. Syahranie of the local forestry office as saying yesterday that currently there are only 460 rangers, each of them responsible for 5,000 hectares of forest.

Ansett Australia, NZ to increase flights

Ansett Australia, NZ to increase flights JAKARTA (JP): The recently formed alliance between Ansett Australia and Air New Zealand will soon increase flights from Indonesia to both Australia and New Zealand, the companies' spokesman said yesterday. Ansett's general manager in Indonesia Con Korfiatis said both airlines formed an alliance July 1 and would offer daily flights from Jakarta to New Zealand via Australia, and four weekly flights from Bali to New Zealand via Sydney starting Oct. 27.

BI urged to slash interest rates

BI urged to slash interest rates JAKARTA (JP): An improvement in public confidence of the rupiah in the past several days has created better momentum for Bank Indonesia (the central bank) to ease its tight monetary policy, businessmen and analysts have said. Sofjan Wanandi, chairman of the Gemala Group, said yesterday that improved public confidence made rate cuts much more feasible. "I think now is the right time for Bank Indonesia to cut its rates," he told The Jakarta Post.

IPTN employees return to work

IPTN employees return to work JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of employees of state-owned aircraft manufacturer PT IPTN in Bandung returned to work yesterday after staging a strike since last Wednesday demanding better welfare. Antara reported that the situation at the manufacturer's compound had returned to normal. Workers were no longer seen huddled together or standing before the "free speech forum" erected in the lobby to vent their protest.

Residents burn billiard house

Residents burn billiard house TANGERANG (JP): Tired of waiting for the authorities to act, about 400 local residents set ablaze a billiard house belonging to a 43-year-old woman in Serpong on Monday evening. According to witnesses, the angry mob came to Nunung's house at 7:30 p.m. and burnt three billiard tables and the house using liters of gasoline they brought in cans.

Vissanu steals show in 100 meters to fly Thai flag high

Vissanu steals show in 100 meters to fly Thai flag high By Emmy Fitri JAKARTA (JP): Malaysia cleaned up in overall medals in track and field yesterday, but Thailand's Vissanu Sophanich grabbed the limelight in the prestigious 100 meters. Sophanich, the tallest man in the race, strode to a comfortable victory in 10.45, followed by compatriot Kongdech Natanee (10.52) and Malaysian Watson Nyambek (10.53).

More controversy hits gymnastics at Games

More controversy hits gymnastics at Games JAKARTA (JP): Judging was again a point of contention as gymnasts from Thailand and Indonesia shared gold in the men's individual all-around apparatus competition yesterday. Amornthep Unchai of Thailand and Jonathan Mangiring Sianturi of Indonesia finished top equal with a score of 53.2. Sattra Suwansa of Thailand was third with 52.1. The Indonesian contingent had questioned the starting value of Jonathan's routine in the high bar.

Scribes find room for a snooze

Scribes find room for a snooze JAKARTA (JP): The race to meet deadlines and land the latest scoop plays havoc with sleep patterns of the harried members of the press corps. But luckily Games organizers have set aside a corner of the press room for hacks to kick back and catch forty winks. At any given hour, a motley crew of drowsy journalists lies sprawled across the comfy sofas in the Relax Room. A big screen TV keeps those who can stay awake informed of the latest happenings in the Games.

RI extends its SEA Games lead

RI extends its SEA Games lead JAKARTA (JP): Thailand and Malaysia sprinted away with the 19th SEA Games blue-ribbon events yesterday, but Indonesia extended its commanding lead at the top of the medals table. Nine more Games records were broken, in the pool, on the track and on the weight lifting stage. At the end of competition yesterday Indonesia had 64 golds, 30 silvers and 40 bronzes.

Unflagging Thai shows true colors

Unflagging Thai shows true colors JAKARTA (JP): It was a case of anything you can do, we can do better. Local fans in the Senayan swimming pool on Monday found, much to their chagrin, that the only person with a flag was from Thailand. A lone island of Thai support in an Indonesian sea, the Thai woman showed no fear in standing up to wave her flag and back her compatriots, turning a deaf ear to the raucous heckling from her hosts. The Thai woman was back again yesterday, as vociferous as ever.

RI wobbles on way to double team gold

RI wobbles on way to double team gold By Budiman Moerdijat JAKARTA (JP): The end result was what had been predicted. But the route to Indonesia winning both badminton team golds was anything but the plain sailing most people had thought it would be. The women cruised to a 5-0 thrashing of Thailand but the men stuttered and stumbled before eventually overcoming a spirited Malaysian side 4-1 in a much tighter clash than the scoreline suggests.

Airbus Industrie team set to leave crash site

Airbus Industrie team set to leave crash site MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Airbus Industrie's air safety investigation team will leave the country today after helping Indonesian workers over the past three weeks search for the cockpit voice recorder of the ill-fated Garuda Indonesia Airbus A-300-B4. "Those colleagues from Airbus Industrie have been working very hard in assisting us search for the black box," said Oetarjo Diran, the head of the Ministry of Transportation's search team.

Tangerang regent repudiates criticism of his achievements

Tangerang regent repudiates criticism of his achievements TANGERANG (JP): Regent Saifullah AR refuted yesterday claims that he had failed to develop the regency and said the criticism leveled against him was absolutely groundless. "Our administration has so far built six markets. We've repaired many roads. All of these efforts are evidence of development progress," he said.

PAL raises domestic fares

PAL raises domestic fares MANILA (AFP): Philippine Airlines (PAL) said yesterday it would raise fares 35 percent on major domestic routes, citing the need to recoup huge operating losses compounded by the fall of the peso. The increase, to take effect Wednesday, will affect passenger fares and freight rates in all domestic destinations also served by competing airlines, the national flag-carrier said in a statement.

Lifter's world mark comes up short

Lifter's world mark comes up short JAKARTA (JP): Despite setting a new world junior record, Thai lifter Parksupho Ahinya still finished in second place yesterday. She lifted 117.5 kg in the 64 kg clean and jerk, 10.0 kg more than Russian Svetlana Habirova in the 1996 World Weight Lifting Championship in Warsaw. Indonesia's Sriyani had snatched 77.5 kg for the first record on Sunday.

Malaysian PM down with flu

Malaysian PM down with flu KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has the flu, leading him to take a day off from his hectic schedule to rest, officials said yesterday. Mahathir was to have attended a signing ceremony by the government's investment arm Khazanah Nasional and US-based Atmel Corp, on the establishment of a US$830 million wafer fabrication plant.

IMF still silent about amount of aid for RI

IMF still silent about amount of aid for RI JAKARTA (JP): The government and International Monetary Fund (IMF) officials have not yet discussed the amount of funds needed by Indonesia, a senior minister said. "The IMF team has not yet talked about the amount of money, but we are still seeking technical assistance," Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said yesterday.

Birthday Carol

Birthday Carol JAKARTA (JP): The following athletes taking part in the SEA Games mark their birthday today: Veng Peau (boxing, Cambodia 1978); Lucky Ramdhani Lukman Achmadi (fencing, Indonesia 1973); Mohammad Zainuddin (table tennis, Indonesia 1977); Eko Setiawan Lulus (coach, Indonesia 1964); Levi Rumbewas (coach, Indonesia 1948); Hi Sieu Ngik (track and field, Malaysia 1971); Jacquelyn Ghan (swimming, Malaysia 1983); Manikam Nadasan (assistant coach, Malaysia 1953); Sithu Zaw (support...

Stronger action needed to stop forest burning

Stronger action needed to stop forest burning JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) has called on the government to take stronger action against companies accused of burning forests, and says it is not enough to merely revoke their wood-use permits. It says the decision last week by the Ministry of Forestry to revoke permits should be copied by the Ministry of Agriculture, the National Land Agency and the provincial administration.

BCA blues

BCA blues I want to thank Mr. Smith for his letter of Oct. 10. I also have a BCA dollar account and like Mr. Smith, Mr. Taufiq and Mr. Menon, felt deceived when I was told that in order to withdraw my money I would first have to pay the exchange rate from U.S. dollars to rupiah and then back to dollars. After reading Mr. Smith's letter, I went to the Depok branch of BCA to show them the letter and told them that since Mr.

Table setting exhibition

Table setting exhibition JP/alx Mrs. Tuti Try Sutrisno (third right with sash over shoulder), wife of the Vice President, opened a table setting exhibition at the Regent Hotel yesterday. The two-day exhibition features the art of table setting from various Indonesian cultures, including those of Palembang, Betawi, Tana Toraja and Java. The chairwoman of the exhibition committee, Yuna A. Nasution, said the exhibition mainly aimed at promoting our ancestors' table settings.

Indonesian shooters on target again

Indonesian shooters on target again By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): She had been poker-faced throughout the competition, but markswoman Herce Meiske Tumbuan let tears of joy flow after winning the gold in running target shooting yesterday. Her score of 412.2 points edged red-hot favorite Hoang Thi Nga of Vietnam (410.3). Tan Pilar of the Philippines won bronze with 162.6. "I can't help crying, the match was so tense and my rivals were very good in the qualification round," Herce sobbed.

Asia's key trade artery plagued by traffic and smog

Asia's key trade artery plagued by traffic and smog By Ramthan Hussain SINGAPORE (Reuter): Growing traffic problems in the Strait of Malacca, for centuries one of Asia's key trade arteries, are sparking fears over safety and the environment. Concerns over congestion have been compounded by thick smog choking much of Southeast Asia, which has been blamed for a spate of shipping accidents in recent weeks.

Bogor car dealers operate illegally

Bogor car dealers operate illegally BOGOR (JP): Many automotive dealers and showrooms may be operating illegally in Bogor, the acting spokesman of Bogor city administration, Anas S. Rasmana, said yesterday. "We are currently gathering information on the number of dealers and showrooms, which have been licensed by the city administration," he said. Anas warned that stern measures could be taken against illegal dealers at any time.

SEA Games Medals Tally

SEA Games Medals Tally Medal's tally as at 22.25 last night Gold Silver Bronze --------------------------------- Indonesia 64 30 40 Thailand 30 30 32 Malaysia 17 20 23 Philippines 15 20 30 Vietnam 14 18 19 Singapore 9 6 19 Myanmar 2 15 10 Brunei 0 1 1 Laos 0 0 3 Cambodia 0 0 1 --------------------------------- Total 151 140 178 Some events gave two golds and no silver, one event in ten-pin bowling gave two silvers and several events gave two bronzes.

Aceh fishermen protest poaching by foreigners

Aceh fishermen protest poaching by foreigners By Syaharuddin Hamzah BANDA ACEH, Aceh (Antara): Local fishermen are seeing red as they allege foreign vessels are bolder than ever in entering Indonesian waters off West Aceh to plunder marine resources. The ships are visible just a mile off shore as they cast large trawls, use of which is forbidden by law, during the day. Aceh's waters yield approximately 102,483 tons of fish annually from 17,293 fishing ships.

Gandhi School boss stabbed

Gandhi School boss stabbed JAKARTA (JP): Police are still questioning a 24-year-old man believed to have stabbed and attempted to rob an executive of the Gandhi Memorial School in Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, on Sunday. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday that Raja Jeager, 70, an Indonesian of Indian origin, the school's principal, was attacked in his home on Jl. Petak Arab, in Sawah Besar district, Central Jakarta. He said the suspect, identified as Khairul Anam, of Jl.

ASEAN economic ministers to have their hands full

ASEAN economic ministers to have their hands full KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): ASEAN economic ministers meeting yesterday in Kuala Lumpur will have their hands full trying on one hand to liberalize services and on the other to do something about the crisis in the financial markets.

Legislators back plan to scrap 3-in-1 rule

Legislators back plan to scrap 3-in-1 rule JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso's plan to revoke the "three-in-one" traffic regulation has received strong support from the city's legislators. But police oppose any change to the law. Police said the only reason it had been ineffective was the presence of three-in-one kids or "jockeys" -- youngsters who become the second and/or third passenger in a car so the driver can access the restricted areas during rush hours.

Govt plans new tax incentives

Govt plans new tax incentives JAKARTA (JP): The government will issue a new package of deregulation measures in the next few days to boost non-oil and gas exports, Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo said yesterday. Tunky said the deregulation measures would include value-added tax incentives for export companies. "With the currency crisis, our officials have realized the importance of exporters in raising foreign exchange...

Fuel oil price hike

Fuel oil price hike From Merdeka Is there a close link between campaign promises made during the May 1997 general election and the government's preparations to increase the price of fuel oil? The government considers it necessary to increase the price of fuel oil owing to the increasing amount of government subsidies to the sector and the weakening of the rupiah's exchange rate against the U.S. dollar.

'Distant cousin' of man found

'Distant cousin' of man found LONDON (AFP): British explorers say they have found an unknown species of ape in Indonesia which could be a "distant cousin" of man, The Sunday Times reported. The ape, which the explorers named orang pendek, reportedly lives in the jungles of Sumatra and stands about 1.20 meters tall. It was said to be covered in long, orange hair and to walk upright. Several hundred orang pendek were said to be living in the most inaccessible part of Sumatra around Mount Kerinci.

WB on path from good governance to humane governance

WB on path from good governance to humane governance By Muhadi Sugiono YOGYAKARTA (JP): The World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) reaffirmed their commitment to the adoption of good governance. In his closing remark at the annual financial meeting in Hong Kong on Sept. 25, IMF Managing Director Michel Camdessus said that good governance constituted a necessity not only for moral but also for economic reasons.

SE Asia's fastest woman, a mother of one

SE Asia's fastest woman, a mother of one JAKARTA (JP): Malaysian sprinter Shanti Govindasamy completed a series of firsts yesterday. She finished first in the 100 meters women's dash, in a new personal best time to win her first gold and be officially declared the fastest women in the region. "This is my first gold medal and my best time, don't ask how I feel," she said. There was no need to ask, the expression on her face and the overall delight of the Malaysian contingent said it all.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 14, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,000 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,500 0 0 Alter Abadi 775 -75 22,500 Alumindo Light Metal 700 -50 54,000 Alumindo Perkasa 400 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 700 0 7,000 Anwar Sierad 925 -125 213,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

Mitsubishi dominates Mesran Junior rally

Mitsubishi dominates Mesran Junior rally JAKARTA (JP): Five local racers, all driving Mitsubishi Lancer Evo IVs dominated the top spots in the second leg of the Mesran Junior rally at the Subang tea plantation in West Java on Sunday. The racers sped through seven special stages covering 86.59 kilometers, passing the Subang tea plantation and finishing in Bandung, West Java. Rifat Sungkar with his navigator M. Herkusuma led the dominating pack of Mitsubishi Lancers with a time of 1:06.25.

I thank DAAD

I thank DAAD On Oct. 9, The Jakarta Post published my letter Dollar victim concerning my problem with the rising dollar against the rupiah. The letter seemed to have been regarded as a disgrace to the DAAD, an institution that supports me to do research in Germany. On the contrary, I would like to thank DAAD which has given me the precious chance to carry out this research. What I wanted to point out in the letter was the impact of the rupiah crises on my program.

Southeast Asia set to remain second-largest arms market

Southeast Asia set to remain second-largest arms market LONDON (AFP): Southeast Asia is likely to remain the world's second biggest arms market as China continues to upgrade its military forces, the International Institute for Strategic Studies said in its annual report published Tuesday. Beijing will require most of the next decade, and increasing expenditure, to bring its forces to the technological level of major western countries, the report said.

Edgy fans veto touchy-feely play

Edgy fans veto touchy-feely play JAKARTA (JP): The pressure can be too much in a nail-biting contest, even for those sitting in the stands. Indonesian doubles pair Bonit Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo were on the receiving end of some unsolicited advice during their crucial match against Thailand in the men's team tennis event yesterday. "Bonit, Sulis, please don't do those high fives too much, they waste time," a spectator shouted impatiently during the tense match.

19th SEA Games Results

19th SEA Games Results Athletics Men: 100m: 1. Vissanu Sophanich (Tha) 10.45 2. Kongdech Natenee (Tha) 10.52 3. Watson Nyambek (Mas) 10.53 800m: 1.Nanda Kumar Ramadoss (Mas) 1:51.08 2. SY Tran Van (Viet) 1:51.84 3. Chern Srichudanu (Tha) 1:51.85 10,000m: 1. Ramachandran Murusamy (Mas) 30:28.88 2. Eduardus Nabunome (Ina) 31:01.13 3. Antonius Fallo (Ina) 31:11.52 20km walk: 1. Narinder Singh Harbans Singh (Mas) 1hr 29mins 13secs 2. Sakchai Samutkao (Tha) 1:31:54 3.

Avoid walkathon, marathon routes

Avoid walkathon, marathon routes JAKARTA (JP): The SEA Games' athletics committee has urged motorists to avoid the roads being used for the 50-kilometer walkathon and marathon competitions. The walkathon event will be held from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. tomorrow, while the marathon will take place at 5 a.m. and finish about 8:30 a.m. Sunday, the committee said yesterday in a statement.

Prince buys 5.9% of Daewoo

Prince buys 5.9% of Daewoo RIYADH (AFP): Saudi billionaire Prince Walid ibn Talal Abdelaziz announced yesterday the purchase of 5.9 percent of South Korea's Daewoo Corp for US$50.5 million. In his first investment in the Far East, the prince said his Kingdom Inc. acquired the stake through convertible bonds. "I find that conditions in the Pacific Rim are now ripe for investment," he said in a statement.

Facing the reality

Facing the reality The Jakarta city administration seems to need some new ideas in dealing with its efforts to put an end to the city's notorious traffic debacle. After so many statements by city officials on the importance of the continuation of the three-in-one traffic policy, newly installed Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso said after meeting with President Soeharto on Monday that he planned to abolish the system because it had been proven ineffective.

Sit-in continues at Cibadak shoe factory

Sit-in continues at Cibadak shoe factory TANGERANG (JP): About 6,000 shoemakers at a Cibadak factory, in the Cikupa district here, entered yesterday the second day of their strike. After Monday's sit-in at the factory, their employer met strikers' demands by firing two personnel managers, bringing forward the pay day and promising to open a workers insurance fund. But the protesters said that the two factory managers, Bambang Sardoko and Akhmad Suhardo, were still working at the site yesterday.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Graphic Art Exhibition: by Marida Nasution, at the Galeri Cipta II, Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, at 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Oct. 16. * Painting Exhibition: Van Der Sterren from New Zealand, at Galeri Linggar, Jl. Kemang Timur No. 36, South Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., until Oct. 19. * Painting Exhibition: by Ling Nan Lung, Tjeng Tjiam Hwie, L. Mantarja, Eveline Hilman, Chien Pang L, at Balai Budaya, Jl.

Ramos says Asian crisis is wake-up call

Ramos says Asian crisis is wake-up call HONG KONG (Reuters): Asia's economic crisis is a "wake-up call", not a major turning point in the region's growth prospects, Philippine President Fidel Ramos said yesterday. Recent financial turmoil, rather than shocking the region into protectionist mode, was a timely reminder of the benefits of openness, Ramos said.

RI finally wrests men's tennis team gold

RI finally wrests men's tennis team gold By Primastuti Handayani JAKARTA (JP): It took 10 years, but Indonesia finally reclaimed the men's tennis team gold by edging Thailand 2-1 at the Senayan tennis complex yesterday. Everything hinged on the final match of the best-of-three tie, and Indonesians Bonit Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo were not daunted by their task.

Renewable energy development urged

Renewable energy development urged JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto called for the development of renewable energy resources yesterday to meet increasing demand for electricity. In his speech at the opening of an Asia-Pacific conference on renewable energy and energy efficiency at the State Palace, the President said the development of renewable energy resources was essential because current resources could be depleted by the middle of the next century.

Tight security for soccer semifinals

Tight security for soccer semifinals By Dwiatmanta JAKARTA (JP): Security chiefs promised yesterday to deploy all their personnel to cover tomorrow's soccer semifinals as anxiety mounted over likely trouble in the rush for seats. City military spokesman Lt. Col. D.J. Nachrowi said all 7,500 troops and police reserved for the SEA Games would be assigned to maintain order during the matches, particularly the one pitting Indonesia against Singapore.

Australia deports 50 RI fishermen

Australia deports 50 RI fishermen KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The Australian government deports about 50 Indonesian fishermen every month for illegally entering its waters, a local official said yesterday. Antara quoted Lukman Hakim at the provincial office of the Ministry of Social Services as saying that most of the fishermen were sent home through the El Tari Airport here. Last month, 69 fishermen were deported by Australia.

UN says forest fires need rapid response

UN says forest fires need rapid response JAKARTA (JP): A United Nations body said here yesterday that a rapid response was still required to cope with forest fires in Sumatra, Kalimantan and Irian Jaya despite some respite in the past week. The United Nations Disaster Assessment and Coordination (UNDAC) said that even though the state of emergency appeared to be over, the ongoing peat, coal and surface fires continued to contribute to the spreading haze.

RI to free itself of leprosy

RI to free itself of leprosy SURABAYA, East Java: Indonesia will launch a leprosy eradication program in 1998 with the aim of entirely freeing the country from the disease by 2000, Minister of Health Sujudi said here Monday.

Singapore sees shakeout of weak companies in Asia

Singapore sees shakeout of weak companies in Asia HONG KONG (Reuters): Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong yesterday predicted a shakeout of weak companies in Southeast Asia and called upon governments to take firm steps to reclaim international investors' confidence. Describing the region's currency turmoil as "hiccups", Goh said that east Asian economies would head for more robust growth in the longer term.

Thailand and Indonesia dominate the pool

Thailand and Indonesia dominate the pool By I. Christianto and Sylvia Gratia Miranda JAKARTA (JP): Traditional swim rivals Indonesia and Thailand are vying for top honors in the pool, with the hosts netting two of the seven golds on offer yesterday and Thailand three. Indonesia won the 4 x 100 meter men's freestyle relay with a new Games record of 3:28.66, breaking its own 3:30.66 from 1993. Chaterine Surya won the women's 100 meters butterfly (1:02.40) for the second gold.

Sports-mad dad drags son along

Sports-mad dad drags son along JAKARTA (JP): Sports junkie Faisal Abu Sammah, 32, could not find an easy way to get out of his babysitting duties so he decided to take his 13-month-old son, Rilo Pambudi, with him to the Games. Faisal said yesterday that he and Rilo had been wandering the Senayan Sports Complex since Saturday. "I took Rilo to the opening ceremony last Saturday and he seemed to enjoy it," he said. Rilo, asleep in Faisal's arms, was in no position to confirm this.

Rupiah steady against dollar in slow trading

Rupiah steady against dollar in slow trading JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah was steady against the American dollar in slow trading yesterday as stocks lost ground on high selling pressure on blue chip shares, currency and stock dealers said. Currency dealers said that there was almost no trading activity throughout the afternoon after active morning trading pushed the rupiah to its lowest level of 3,510.

Soeharto rejects cult figure image

Soeharto rejects cult figure image JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto told the nation yesterday not to turn him into a cult figure because it was against religious teachings, a minister said yesterday. The President said he could lead the nation because people trusted him as their head of state and were grateful of his service to the country over the past five years.

Harmoko won't meet VP criteria: Sudomo

Harmoko won't meet VP criteria: Sudomo JAKARTA (JP): The field for the vice presidency appeared to narrow yesterday when the chairman of the presidential Supreme Advisory Council, Sudomo, indicated that Golkar chairman Harmoko would not meet the criteria for a new vice president.

Grumbles prevail on telecoms services

Grumbles prevail on telecoms services By I. Christianto JAKARTA (JP): The five-minute blackout at 1:52 p.m. in the Senayan area yesterday played havoc with broadcasters who had already compiled a long list of complaints about the facilities during the SEA Games. The effect of yesterday's power cut, the first since the Games opened on Oct. 11, was exacerbated by the back-up power generator at the TVRI complex not kicking in. It had been set to come on 0.3 seconds after any blackout.

City to regulate names of projects

City to regulate names of projects JAKARTA (JP): The city administration plans to issue a gubernatorial decree forbidding developers from using the word kota (city) in the name of projects. The decree, expected to be issued this week, was approved by then governor Surjadi Soedirdja but must be signed by other high ranking officials, Ahmaddin Ahmad, the head of the city's planning agency, said yesterday. "The decree is informally ready," Ahmaddin said.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Wings JP/oby FOR THE AIR BORNE: Secretary for Development Operations Lt. Gen. (ret.) A.M. Hendropriyono (right) is congratulated by Air Force Chief Vice Marshal Sutria Tubagus after he was awarded his Wings for having more than 200 flying hours. Hendro, who has 270 flying hours, is the first recipient outside the Air Force to achieve this. The award was made Monday at the Halim Perdanakusuma airport, East Jakarta. Before the ceremony he flew a helicopter for 10 minutes.

Fastest man has hair cut at finish line

Fastest man has hair cut at finish line JAKARTA (JP): What do you do when you have just been declared the fastest man in Southeast Asia? You get a haircut! That's what Thai 100 meter gold medalist Vissanu Sophanich did after he crossed the finish line ahead of the seven other contenders in the Games blue-ribbon event. "I'm just very, very happy," said the 23-year-old runner.

RI's shame won't blow away

RI's shame won't blow away For weeks, Indonesian big business cleared forests for palm oil cultivation, creating pollution that enshrouded neighboring states, causing inestimable damage to the health of millions, devastating agriculture and local economies alike. In some parts of the region, Kuala Lumpur in particular, the carcinogenic export from Indonesia had the same effect on human lungs as smoking two packets of cigarettes a day.

TV today

TV today TVRI 10:00 a.m. Live Reports: Gelanggang Sea Games XIX 1:00 p.m. Music 2:00 News: Berita 14 2:30 Live Reports: Gelanggang Sea Games XIX 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Education Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:10 TV Series: Road to Avonlea 5:55 Music 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 6:53 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Entrepreneurship Program: Mitra Kita 8:05 TV Drama: Menyongsong Mentari 8:30 Jazz Music 9:00 World News 9:30 Sea Games Journal...

RI ahead with a 4-stroke lead in golf

RI ahead with a 4-stroke lead in golf JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has never won a SEA Games golf title since the sport was introduced in 1987, but the nation's most seasoned golfer, Sukamdi, pushed yesterday the team to an early lead of four strokes after carding a 212 (68 71 73). Veteran player Sukamdi, who has represented Indonesia five times in the SEA Games, surged ahead after playing a bogey-free round of 34 34 for a 68.

Special team sought to maintain Monas

Special team sought to maintain Monas JAKARTA (JP): A city councilor has urged the municipality to set up an integrated team to supervise the maintenance of the National Monument (Monas) in Medan Merdeka Square, Central Jakarta. The establishment of the team, which should be under the supervision of the Central Jakarta mayoralty office, is badly needed due to the poor condition of the monument and its surroundings, Amarullah Asbah, head of Commission C for finance affairs, said Monday.

Protect Condet's water reservoirs: City councilor

Protect Condet's water reservoirs: City councilor JAKARTA (JP): A city councilor urged yesterday the city administration to protect water reservoirs in Condet, East Jakarta, to help prevent another water crisis in the area. A severe water shortage has affected Jakarta's green conservation area in Condet since August due to the prolonged dry season.