Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 October 1997

65 articles found

W. Jakarta's crime rate drops by 32%

W. Jakarta's crime rate drops by 32% JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief, Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata, said yesterday the crime total in West Jakarta had dropped by 32 percent over the last eight months. Hamami made the remark at the installation of Lt. Col. Timur Pradopo as the new West Jakarta Police precinct chief, replacing Lt. Col. Bakat Purwanto. Hamami said under the leadership of Lt. Col.

AIDS in SE Asia linked to vice

AIDS in SE Asia linked to vice MANILA (Agencies): The prevalence of AIDS in Southeast Asia was linked to the number of men visiting prostitutes and the number of clients a prostitute sees, researchers said here yesterday. The group, Monitoring the AIDS Pandemic, which is backed by the United Nations and the U.S. Agency for International Development, said it had studied the incidence of AIDS in Myanmar, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, the Philippines and Thailand.

Nasiroh escapes death after victim's family forgives her

Nasiroh escapes death after victim's family forgives her JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian worker Nasiroh Karmudin escaped death yesterday after a Saudi Arabian court decided to free her from execution because the family of the victim she admitted to have killed forgave her, an official says.

IMF, Indonesia near settlement

IMF, Indonesia near settlement WASHINGTON (Reuters): IMF First Deputy Managing Director Stanley Fischer said the IMF was close to sealing a loan arrangement with Indonesia, the latest of the one-time Asian "Tiger economies" to turn to the fund for help. The International Monetary Fund is ready to help countries hit by this week's meltdown of emerging market stocks, but will insist on tough economic policies in return, Fischer told a seminar on Tuesday.

Nothing wrong with child labor, says official

Nothing wrong with child labor, says official By T. Sima Gunawan OSLO (JP): An Indonesian delegate to the International Conference on Child Labor said there was nothing wrong with child labor as long it did not interfere with a child's education, social and moral development.

HK firms enter Cambodia

HK firms enter Cambodia PHNOM PENH (AFP): Two Hong Kong companies have signed a 35- million-dollar joint venture deal to construct Cambodia's largest cement factory, reports said yesterday. Land Regent Ltd. and Wing Group Co. Ltd. will have a 70 percent stake in the factory with Cambodia's Angkor Cement Ltd. holding the remaining shares, the reports said, citing Minister of Industry Pou Sothirak.

Drivers told to turn down music

Drivers told to turn down music PEKANBARU, Riau: Police have stepped up a campaign to discipline public transportation drivers, not only for bad driving but also for playing their stereos too loudly. As reported by Antara, passengers have often complained of deafening music in the minivans which serve as city transportation. To the chagrin of many passengers, it has become almost "trendy" to play music at high volume.

Maan retains Matoa Open lead despite bad round

Maan retains Matoa Open lead despite bad round JAKARTA (JP): Despite playing a poor round yesterday, Maan Naasim from the Sawangan golf club retained his four-stroke lead after a two-under-par 70 with a 137 (67 70) at the Matoa Nasional Open championships yesterday. It was rising young amateur star Denny Supriadi, also from Sawangan, who stole the show yesterday when he carded a 5-under par 67, comprising seven marvelous birdies and only a single bogey.

Gloomy days to continue

Gloomy days to continue JAKARTA (JP): The bearish trading at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) would continue until next year, JSX president Cyrill Noerhadi said yesterday. Cyrill said the daily transaction value, which dropped by about 40 percent to about Rp 300 billion (US$84.50 million) since August from Rp 500 billion in July, would continue to drop next year due to the currency crisis.

New military district chief

New military district chief TANGERANG (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Syamsoedin installed Lt. Col. Herman Rozanie yesterday as the new chief of the Tangerang military district, replacing Lt. Col. Karseno. Herman previously served as an officer at the Jakarta Military Command, while Karseno has been promoted to assistant to the command's intelligence deputy.

Much ado about 3-in-1

Much ado about 3-in-1 From Pos Kota I am astonished at the brouhaha accompanying the so-called three-in-one policy which restricts the use of certain streets in Jakarta from 6:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. on weekdays. Some people say the system is not effective, others have suggested the use of stickers at a price, still others think that the last number of the license plate, whether it is odd or even, should decide on what day the vehicle can enter the restricted area.

On leaded and unleaded gas

On leaded and unleaded gas In a letter to The Jakarta Post of Oct. 24, 1997, we were invited to enlighten the public with unbiased scientific information on unleaded gasoline. For good reasons, practically all countries in the world are eliminating or have already eliminated lead in gasoline. Only OCTEL in England, the last major producer of lead additives for gasoline, still strongly supports leaded gasoline in various ways and with obvious motivation.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Music and Entertainment * Holiday Inn, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 33, Bandung: - Kebun Bambu Restaurant: Guitar performance, Saturday, 7:45 p.m. to 10:15 p.m. - Braga Bar and Lounge: Prospect Band, Thursday and Saturday, 7:30 p.m. to 11:15 p.m. * Preanger Aerowisata Bandung Hotel, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 81, Central Bandung: - Tempo Doeloe Terrace: Back To Sixties featuring Starlite Band, every Sunday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Asea Band, from Philippines, Monday to Friday, 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Asian turmoil not a risk for financial services agreement

Asian turmoil not a risk for financial services agreement GENEVA (AFP): Southeast Asia's stockmarket turmoil will not derail moves to sew up an agreement liberalizing global financial services by the mid-December deadline, World Trade Organization director general Renato Ruggiero said here Tuesday. "We do not have any negative sign on (Southeast Asian nations') position, " Ruggiero told AFP, insisting there was "positive movement" to clinch a deal.

Singapore's $10 billion aid to Jakarta may have strings

Singapore's $10 billion aid to Jakarta may have strings By Doreen Siow SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore should benefit from helping Indonesia to beat its financial crisis, but it is unlikely to give money without conditions, economists and analysts in Singapore said yesterday. Singapore has not said how much money will be forthcoming for its giant neighbor and major trading partner, even though Indonesian President Soeharto said on Tuesday it had agreed to extend US$10 billion in soft loans.

Drinking binge kills six men

Drinking binge kills six men SEMARANG, Central Java: Six men died yesterday of drinking too much alcohol, police said. Central Java police spokesman Lt. Col. Bardja said they died after drinking vast quantities of a homemade concoction: a mixture of alcohol, wine and herbal jamu. "They died after trying to outdo each other to see who was the best drinker," he said without saying whether an autopsy had been performed. (har)

Howard urges progress on E. Timor, promises aid

Howard urges progress on E. Timor, promises aid JAKARTA (JP): Australian Prime Minister John Howard touched on the East Timor issue during his talks with President Soeharto yesterday, urging progress from dialog and greater control for the East Timorese over their own affairs. Indonesia's Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said Howard did not specifically raise the issue of human rights.

EU pledges $303,000 for forest fire problems

EU pledges $303,000 for forest fire problems JAKARTA (JP): The European Union (EU) has pledged ECU 326,000, equivalent to Rp 1.09 billion (US$303,000), to the Indonesian government to help overcome problems caused by the current forest fires.

Public warned of dead fish risk

Public warned of dead fish risk PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: People in the province are being warned not to buy dead fish to avoid food poisoning. "This is the only way to avoid poisoning from contaminated fish," said Tukik B Toemon head of the province's health office.

Armed Forces' dual role depends on public acceptance

Armed Forces' dual role depends on public acceptance JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces' dual function, which allows it to play both a security and sociopolitical role, would lose its validity if people no longer accepted it, Deputy House Speaker Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid, said yesterday. Syarwan, also former Armed Forces (ABRI) chief of sociopolitical affairs, told a discussion here that Indonesia maintained the concept because of the benefits it had yielded.

Uncertainties cloud RI political sky up to March 1998

Uncertainties cloud RI political sky up to March 1998 The following article is based on a recent interview with a prominent visiting Indonesianist, Dr. Harold Crouch. Now a senior fellow at the Australian National University, Dr. Crouch has been researching Indonesian army politics over the last 25 years. His book, Army and Politics in Indonesia (1978), is a classic on the subject. Question: As a long time observer of Indonesian politics did you find anything particularly interesting this visit?

Pregnant woman arrested for assaulting five maids

Pregnant woman arrested for assaulting five maids JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested a West Jakarta woman for allegedly assaulting her five maids, and have released the suspect's husband, who was being held in connection with the assaults. The head of the region's detectives, Capt. Idham Azis, said yesterday that the woman, identified as Hong, was arrested at a relative's house in Taman Sari, West Jakarta, Tuesday night.

Indonesians defend PABA boxing title

Indonesians defend PABA boxing title JAKARTA (JP): Two Indonesian boxers retained their Pan Asia Boxing Association (PABA) titles Tuesday night after defeating opponents from Australia. Ceppy Holman defended the 61.2 kg lightweight division title after beating Colin Graham on points and Bugiarso defended the 55.3kg featherweight title, defeating Barry Olson with a first- round knockout.

Offbeat Murni tramples taboos in unorthodox view of Bali

Offbeat Murni tramples taboos in unorthodox view of Bali By Astri Wright DENPASAR (JP): Something is afoot in Bali. Shoes with just the barest hint of legs disappear up into the sky. Tall boots with a life of their own cross streets in the rain. High heels smile from one end of a naked body. The front tips of a gum boot opens up into the leering smile of a tantric elephant traversing wet streets. A pointed shoe charts its course, aiming between the legs of a naked female torso. What is this?

Executive trains

Executive trains From Jayakarta Long years of waiting for improved service from the state railways (Perumka) were finally ended by the launch of executive trains the like of Argo Bromo, Argo Gede and Fajar Utama. However, Perumka's service in its executive trains has apparently but a short life span and has been a disappointment to train passengers. If Perumka does not want to be called wanting in its service, its management should respond to the following complaints: 1. On Oct.

Runner draws energy from sucking blood

Runner draws energy from sucking blood SALATIGA, Central Java (Antara): An Indonesian female marathon gold medalist sucks blood from her coach every time she reaches the finishing line. Ruwiyati, a gold medalist in the recent 19th Southeast Asian Games held in Jakarta and who works at the state-run railway company, Perumka, said here Tuesday: "I don't know why, but as soon as I reach the finishing line and suck my coach's blood from one of his fingers, I feel refreshed." Last Sunday (Oct.

PT Sahid International to manage Sanghyang Hotel

PT Sahid International to manage Sanghyang Hotel JAKARTA (JP): PT Sahid International Hotel Management and Consultants of the Sahid Group has increased its hotel portfolio to 21 by signing a management contract with PT Bina Wahana Pusaka, which owns Sanghyang Hotel and Resort in Anyer, West Java. The hotel, which opened in 1987, has 76 bungalows and 22 standard rooms, a swimming pool and other sport facilities.

Consortium to build water plant

Consortium to build water plant PASURUAN, East Java (JP): PT Mandala Citra Umbulan, a consortium comprising the Humpuss and Ciputra business groups, has started construction of a drinking water plant, the first private drinking water plant in East Java. The consortium's chief commissioner, Hutomo Mandala Putra, said Tuesday that Mandala Citra would invest about US$250 million in the project, which would be ready for commercial production in 18 months.

Olympus camera

Olympus camera I was impressed by an advertisement for the Olympus Camera in the National Geographic magazine. On Aug. 16, 1997, I therefore decided to buy a new camera (Trip XB3) at a nearby store, Amalia Photo, on Jl. Raya Pekayon No. 49, Bekasi, West Java. In less than one month, I found that the camera's battery compartment could not be closed properly. On Sept. 9, 1997, I returned the camera to the store for necessary repair and maintenance.

Kemang may be developed into commercial site

Kemang may be developed into commercial site JAKARTA (JP): Businesspeople in Kemang, South Jakarta, have no need to worry -- at least for the meantime -- about being evicted from their commercial sites. After seven months of nail-biting, Governor Sutiyoso has offered them some hope with his plan to change Kemang's status from residential to commercial.

Elevator accident kills one worker

Elevator accident kills one worker JAKARTA (JP): An elevator at a food canning factory in Kapuk Kamal, North Jakarta, malfunctioned yesterday, killing one factory worker and severely injuring another. It plummeted to the ground after the two workers forced a trolley, loaded with unprocessed food, out of the elevator onto the second floor. The elevator crushed the head and shoulders of Nur Alim, killing him instantly, and his colleague Muhammad suffered chest and leg injuries.

Pefindo cuts credit ratings of 16 listed firms

Pefindo cuts credit ratings of 16 listed firms JAKARTA (JP): The country's only rating agency, PT Pemeringkat Efek Indonesia (Pefindo), announced yesterday that it had cut the credit ratings of 16 publicly listed companies due to a decline in their business performance. Pefindo's president, Farid Harianto, told a news conference yesterday that the rating company had also put the credit ratings of 26 other listed companies on an alert list for the same reason.

Winds fell tress in Bogor

Winds fell tress in Bogor BOGOR (JP): Strong winds have been blamed for the destruction of 12 trees in the Bogor Botanical Garden during the last two months, Didik Widyatmoko, the head of the garden's registration section, said yesterday. It was believed that winds were able to knock over the trees because most had been transplanted to the garden rather than planted as seeds, he said.

OPEC president sees oil quota unchanged

OPEC president sees oil quota unchanged TOKYO (Reuters): Oil traders can expect business as usual next month at the OPEC meeting in Jakarta, with a likely roll-over of its production quota, the group's president said yesterday. "I don't expect there will be an increase in Jakarta. I believe they will roll over again," Abdullah bin Hamad al-Attiyah told Reuters in an interview. "I expect a very ordinary meeting," he said of the Jakarta OPEC session, scheduled to begin on Nov. 26.

Japan, Australia offer help to RI

Japan, Australia offer help to RI JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono confirmed yesterday that Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto had offered Indonesia financial assistance within a bilateral framework to help restore confidence in the economy, especially the rupiah. "Mr. Hashimoto made the offer during a telephone conversation with President Soeharto earlier today," Moerdiono said.

Asian coffee trade shifts focus to Vietnam

Asian coffee trade shifts focus to Vietnam SINGAPORE (Reuters): The Asian coffee trade has shifted its focus to what is expected to be a record coffee crop in Vietnam as supplies from drought-stricken Indonesia tails off, dealers said yesterday. "Coffee is beginning to come in from Vietnam," a European dealer said. "Weather conditions are close to ideal in Dak Lak." The province of Dak Lak in Vietnam harvests around two-thirds of the coffee produced in the country.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 29, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 850 0 25,000 AHAP Insurance 2,500 0 0 Alter Abadi 600 0 6,000 Alumindo Light Metal 575 75 496,000 Alumindo Perkasa 300 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 625 25 505,000 Anwar Sierad 700 75 752,000 Apac Centertex Corp.

Forwarders deal signed

Forwarders deal signed JAKARTA (JP): State-owned PT Asuransi Jasa Indonesia agreed yesterday to provide insurance coverage to forwarding companies under the Indonesian Forwarders Association. The insurance company signed an agreement yesterday to provide insurance coverage for a year for documents being forwarded by the association's members.

Fakfak police seize porno films

Fakfak police seize porno films FAKFAK, Irian Jaya: Police have confiscated 341 pornographic laser discs and compact discs in a sweep which began Saturday they said here yesterday. Police are also detaining five men suspected of distributing the pornographic material. Fakfak police chief Sukamto Handoko said the five men -- identified as Leo, DS, RT, JG and ME -- would probably only be given strong warnings this time.

Game food fair on at the Regent

Game food fair on at the Regent JAKARTA (JP): The Regent Jakarta will offer special meals featuring game, such as deer, hare, wild boar, grouse, guinea fowl and quail for two weeks starting Saturday. The Regent's Swiss born executive chef Franz Faeh said yesterday that the animals had been imported, mostly from France and Scotland. He said Asian and European style meals would be offered at the Asiatique restaurant and the Steak House.

Mercure hotel to open soon

Mercure hotel to open soon JAKARTA (JP): Accor Asia Pacific will see next month the opening of its newest hotel in Indonesia, the Mercure Rekso Hayam Wuruk on Jl. Hayam Wuruk, West Jakarta. The hotel spokeswoman, Mirna A. Basalamah, said here yesterday that the 246-room property has a convenient location in the center of the capital's Chinatown within the old city and the Glodok and Mangga Dua shopping areas.

Rain predicted to start early next month

Rain predicted to start early next month JAKARTA (JP): The National Meteorology and Geophysics Agency forecast yesterday that the rain will start falling in Jakarta between the second week of next month and the beginning of December, an official said. The head of the agency, Sri Diharto, told The Jakarta Post that the latest forecast was two to four weeks later than an earlier prediction because of the continuing effects of the El Nio phenomenon.

Cycling body awaits doping decision from int'l body

Cycling body awaits doping decision from int'l body JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Sports Cycle Federation is still waiting for the International Cycling Union to punish national cyclist Tonton Susanto, who was found to have used banned substances in the 19th SEA Games. The federation's vice chairman, Hario Tilarso, told reporters yesterday that Tonton, who won two golds in the Games, did not consume the substance intentionally.

Rupiah stable as regional currencies gain footing

Rupiah stable as regional currencies gain footing JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah stabilized yesterday against the U.S. dollar as regional currencies gained footing on the back of a recovery in the world's major stock markets. Foreign exchange dealers said the rupiah was stable against the greenback closing at 3,630/40 compared to the opening of 3,620/45 in the morning trade session.

100 people fall ill daily due to haze

100 people fall ill daily due to haze JAKARTA (JP): An estimated 100 residents of Palangkaraya in Central Kalimantan, which is one of the worst affected areas by the forest fires and haze, fall ill with respiratory infections every day, according to an official. Antara quoted Tukik Toemon, the head of the provincial health office, as saying yesterday that a total of 23,303 sufferers of respiratory problems had sought medical attention at village clinics and Dr.

Verdict on Oki's sentence upheld

Verdict on Oki's sentence upheld JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta High Court upheld the Central Jakarta District Court's death sentence verdict for Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, who murdered three people in the United States. A source at the district court said yesterday that a copy of the high court's decision was received on Monday.

SEA Games organizers still need Rp 15 billion

SEA Games organizers still need Rp 15 billion JAKARTA (JP): The 19th SEA Games organizing committee has received Rp 90 billion (US$25 million) of its Rp 105 billion budget from the Games consortium. The organizers' information and communications deputy, Ishadi SK, told a press conference after the organizers' eight-hour plenary meeting yesterday that the Rp 15 billion difference is expected from sticker sales.

Women not ready to assume military command posts

Women not ready to assume military command posts JAKARTA (JP): Navy chief Adm. Arief Kushariadi said female naval officers were not quite ready yet to assume the highest ranking position in the navy. "Ha..ha... They're not quite there yet. We'll have to see because there are various ranks you have to go through," replied the admiral when asked if a woman could take his post. Arief was speaking in Surabaya, East Java, yesterday after attending a graduation ceremony of recently trained officers.

Golkar will not force its motions through MPR

Golkar will not force its motions through MPR JAKARTA (JP): The dominant Golkar faction dismissed yesterday fears that it would pressure minority factions into accepting its motions in People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) sessions. Ginandjar Kartasasmita, chairman of the Golkar faction in the Assembly, said the party would maintain the country's tradition of consensus through deliberation, even though it stood head and shoulders above the other four factions.

Astra Buana expects 25% rise in premium income

Astra Buana expects 25% rise in premium income JAKARTA (JP): PT Asuransi Astra Buana's premium income is expected to increase by 25 percent to Rp 170 billion (US$47 million) this year despite the impact of the current monetary crisis. The company's vice president Hardi Montana said yesterday the company's total premium income already reached a total of Rp 149 billion as of September this year.

Ministers to meet on crisis

Ministers to meet on crisis TOKYO (AFP): Finance ministers from Japan, the United States and Southeast Asian nations plan to meet in the coming weeks to discuss ways of coping with the currency and stockmarket turmoil in Asia, reports said yesterday. China, Hong Kong and other economies are also expected to be represented at the meeting which will discuss such measures as procurement of funds for intervention in foreign exchange markets, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun said.

PLN to follow rules in renegotiation with private firm

PLN to follow rules in renegotiation with private firm JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana promised yesterday that state-owned electricity company PLN would follow rules in its bid to renegotiate with private power companies over prices. Sudjana said PLN would not force private power companies to reduce power prices, but tell them that the company could no longer afford private power at prices settled in U.S. dollars before the monetary crisis beset the region.

Sincerity needed for true repentance

Sincerity needed for true repentance By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): "What do you think of Amien Rais' call to the nation that we repent?" a journalist asked me over the phone referring to the chairman of Muhammadiyah which has 28 million members. "It is a good idea. It is excellent," I answered. "But do you think it will be effective?" I was lost. I simply could not grasp what he actually wanted to ask me.

Sino-American summit

Sino-American summit One of the goals which China's President Jiang Zemin wants to achieve during his visit to the United States is the restoration of the warm relations the two countries enjoyed in the early 1980s. This was before ties went sour following the brutal crackdown carried out by the People's Liberation Army against pro-democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square in 1989.

Clinton, Jiang aim at summit agreements

Clinton, Jiang aim at summit agreements WASHINGTON (Reuters): Amid the fanfare of the first U.S.-China summit since the 1989 Tiananmen crackdown, President Bill Clinton and Chinese President Jiang Zemin sought agreement on economic and security issues yesterday. Clinton and Jiang, who held informal talks in the White House residence Tuesday night, were to lay out their agendas in speeches at a welcoming ceremony steeped in military pomp on the south lawn of the executive mansion.

Islam a peace-loving religion: Soeharto

Islam a peace-loving religion: Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday reminded Moslems across the world that Islam forbade its followers from insulting others, let alone resorting to violence. "We are obliged to use a way that is good as much as possible," Soeharto said here as he opened the sixth conference of Ministers of Awqaf (mortmain) and Islamic Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC).

Hanoi grapples with peasant unrest

Hanoi grapples with peasant unrest By Ian Stewart DONG HUNG, Vietnam (AP): Like the colonial French in Vietnam earlier this century and the feudal mandarins before them, the Communist Party is struggling to hold back a tide of peasant discontent. In the impoverished central provinces -- the birthplace of Vietnam's communist patriarchs -- the peasants are bristling at inequity.

Three-in-one scheme still being evaluated

Three-in-one scheme still being evaluated JAKARTA (JP): The three-in-one traffic zone will not be phased out until the People's Consultative Assembly general meeting next March, the head of the City Land Transportation Agency, J.P. Sepang, said yesterday. And the system will undergo a thorough assessment before a decision is made about its future, Sepang said after meeting with the municipality's high-ranking officials and Governor Sutiyoso. "We need time to evaluate the policy," he said.

Japanese caught in Malacca raid

Japanese caught in Malacca raid KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Thirty-eight Japanese were among 109 foreigners detained in a raid on illegal workers in Malacca, it was reported yesterday. "This is the first time such a large number of Japanese were hauled up in a single operation," Malacca state Immigration Director Che Mamat Abdullah was quoted as saying by the Straits Times. In Tuesday's raid two Dutchmen, some Indonesians and others were also detained.

Fiserv sets up subsidiary

Fiserv sets up subsidiary JAKARTA (JP): Fiserv (Aspac) Pte. Ltd., one of the leading providers of data processing and information management products and services, has established a local subsidiary called PT Fiserv Indonesia to boost its business here.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Ceramics Exhibition, Golekan at Bentara Budaya, Jl. Palmerah Selatan No. 17, Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Oct. 31. * Painting Exhibition, by Laila Dempster, at Shangri-La, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 1, Central Jakarta, until Nov. 2. * Fine Arts Exhibition: Kelompok C'antique at the Lobby, Sari Pan Pacific Hotel, Jl. MH Thamrin 6, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Oct. 30. * Painting Exhibition: From Mooi Indie to Persagi, at Museum Seni Rupa Jakarta, Jl.

Government should limit gifts to officials: Scholar

Government should limit gifts to officials: Scholar JAKARTA (JP): A scholar suggested yesterday that the government renew its anticorruption campaign by regulating the maximum worth of "gifts" that a government official can accept from businesspeople.

Pedersen's play on light shines on Java images

Pedersen's play on light shines on Java images By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): Hugo von Pedersen's sensitive use of light illuminates his impressions of Indonesia, particularly in paintings of the courts of Java at the tail end of the 19th century. In many of his works, it is clear the Danish artist consciously used light to enhance the visual quality and set scenes.

Shameful display of self-interest

Shameful display of self-interest The outrage expressed by dissident members of the New Aspiration Party following the latest cabinet reshuffle was not unexpected. On the contrary, what would have been surprising was if these honorable representatives of the people had behaved correctly and exercised restraint by keeping their views to themselves. But this was not to be.

Salak power plant starts operation

Salak power plant starts operation JAKARTA (JP): The third unit at the geothermal plant in Salak mountain in West Java owned by PT Pembangkitan Tenaga Listrik Jawa-Bali I (PJB I) has started commercial operation. Ansaldo Energy of Italy, which supplied the unit's machinery and built the plant, said yesterday that the 55 Megawatt (MW) power unit came on stream on schedule in late August.