Archive: 12 November 1997
54 articles found
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
IMF chief's visit a show of confidence
IMF chief's visit a show of confidence JAKARTA (JP): The managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Michel Camdessus, arrived here yesterday evening for a two-day visit to show support for the country's reforms to tackle the monetary crisis. Speaking upon his arrival at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport, Camdessus expressed his confidence that Indonesia would eventually recover from the current economic downturn after it fully implemented the IMF-backed reform program.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
European seafood makes bigger splash than Chinese
European seafood makes bigger splash than Chinese By John Aglionby JAKARTA (JP): Is good food better than good sex? Before this week I would not have hesitated to answer no, particularly when considering what is usually on offer in Jakarta (in the culinary department, I am talking about). Until Nov. 16, however, there are two seafood promotions in the capital that make it just that little bit harder to immediately come up with a negative answer.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Mother of 5 arrested for marijuana stash
Mother of 5 arrested for marijuana stash JAKARTA (JP): A mother of five was arrested at her house in Bekasi for allegedly possessing and trafficking marijuana, police said yesterday. City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang identified the suspect only as As, 46. "She was arrested Monday at her home on Jl. Siput Raya in Perumnas II Bekasi, West Java." Aritonang said police had seized two ounces of dried marijuana, which was allegedly hidden by the suspect in bedroom pillows.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Temporary market for 450 traders
Temporary market for 450 traders JAKARTA (JP): A Rp 1.3 billion (US$394,000) market is currently being built in Menteng Pulo, Central Jakarta, to temporarily accommodate 450 traders from three South Jakarta markets. South Jakarta's assistant for development administration, Amiruddin Sani Lubis, said the new, 6,000-square-meter, market was for traders from the Ratna, Minangkabau and Kawi markets.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
World's food marketing agencies open workshop
World's food marketing agencies open workshop JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Food Marketing Agencies (AFMA) in cooperation with the United Nations' Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and Indonesia's State Logistics Agency (Bulog) began a three-day workshop in Jakarta yesterday.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Immediate action needed to avert starvation
Immediate action needed to avert starvation JAKARTA (JP): Besides being blamed for the smog, the prolonged drought will also impact agricultural production. We asked Dr. H.S. Dillon, executive director of the recently founded Center for Agriculture Policy Studies, to comment on the current situation. JP: The drought shows no sign of ending. How bad is the situation in agricultural terms? Answer: Well, I fear that the situation might be deteriorating very rapidly.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Graphic Exhibition: Boeatan Indonesia Asli, Vintage Indonesian Advertising and Graphic Design Revisited at Galeri TC (Twilight Cafe), Jl. Kemang Raya No.24A South Jakarta, Nov. 12-30. * Painting Exhibition: Night and Day, by Arnold Sobers and Mulyadi W., at Hadiprana's Gallery, Mitra Hadiprana Boutique Mall, Jl. Kemang Raya 30, South Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Nov. 16. * Painting Exhibition: From Mooi Indie to Persagi, at Museum Seni Rupa Jakarta, Jl.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
RP 'inactive' over kidnapped girl
RP 'inactive' over kidnapped girl COTABATO, Philippines (AFP): The father of a two-year-old girl kidnapped by bandits in July, accused the government yesterday of "inaction" over his daughter's abduction while acting immediately to free an Irish priest. Noli Ledda said the government had moved swiftly to seek the freedom of priest Desmond Hartford who was held hostage by former Moslem rebels for 11 days until his release Saturday.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
RP suspends peace talks
RP suspends peace talks MANILA (AFP): The Philippine government said yesterday it was suspending peace talks with Communist guerrillas until insurgents freed a police officer they seized near Manila last month. Manila "is suspending formal discussions on the substantive agenda of the peace talks with the (rebel) leadership in the Netherlands until the safe release of Rodriguez chief Police Superintendent Rene Francisco" and another policeman, chief negotiator Howard Dee said in a statement.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
BI urged to help small firms
BI urged to help small firms JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia, the central bank, was urged yesterday to provide bridging finance to business customers of the 16 closed banks to prevent them from going into bankruptcy, otherwise the already swollen ranks of the unemployed would further explode. "I think such a facility is quite crucial to prevent corporate customers of the closed banks from having to lay off thousands of more workers," said Sofjan Wanandi, the chairman of the Gemala Group.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Caltex to acquire Thai British Petroleum Oil
Caltex to acquire Thai British Petroleum Oil BANGKOK (AFP): Caltex Oil (Thailand) Ltd. said yesterday it will acquire the entire retail service station network of British Petroleum Oil (Thailand) Ltd., despite a serious recession and a slump in oil sales. Caltex has signed an agreement to take over 48 BP service stations, bringing the number of its outlets in the country to more than 600, company executives said.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Problem of migrant workers
Problem of migrant workers From Media Indonesia Frequently occurring problems related to Indonesian migrant workers are a dilemma. It often happens that cases involving these migrant workers are not thoroughly settled because information about these workers, while still at home and abroad, is not adequately disseminated. We have often been shocked by problems encountered by Indonesian migrant workers abroad.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto enters vice presidential candidacy debate
Soeharto enters vice presidential candidacy debate JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto stepped into the ongoing discourse on who will be the next vice president yesterday, saying that only the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has a final say on the matter.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
More Nigerians arrested for heroin possession
More Nigerians arrested for heroin possession JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested another two foreigners holding Nigerian passports for possessing 3.6 kilograms of first- grade heroin, a senior officer said yesterday. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. Trimada Dani said it was the second largest heroin haul this year following the confiscation last week of 3.7 kilos of heroin -- with a street value of US$555,000 -- from three Nigerians.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Women workers
Women workers From Merdeka I agree that all illegal women workers abroad should be deported, because they have created many problems for the Indonesian government. But I don't agree to the idea to stop sending legal workers abroad because it would increase unemployment and hamper efforts to eradicate poverty.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Medan students protest price hikes
Medan students protest price hikes MEDAN, North Sumatra: Dozens of university students took to the streets yesterday to protest the rise in prices prevalent throughout the city. Carrying posters saying "Prices rise, the people are restless" and "Reduce prices now", the students went to the provincial legislature building and demanded to see legislators. But there efforts were unsuccessful as the legislators were attending a plenary meeting.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Mine investment to remain unattractive
Mine investment to remain unattractive SINGAPORE (Reuters): Mining investment will not come back to Asia soon, after the scandal surrounding the Busang gold find in Indonesia, and there is also a need to re-establish confidence in mining rules here, an analyst said yesterday.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Live broadcast ban undue: House leaders
Live broadcast ban undue: House leaders JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives leaders said yesterday that they had not expected the government to ban two private televisions from broadcasting live Monday's plenary session. The House's top brass, however, fell short of denouncing the ban. Instead, they said the incident would teach them how to avoid further TV broadcast bans.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Integrity at stake in bank closure aftermath
Integrity at stake in bank closure aftermath Bank Andromeda, one of the 16 banks being liquidated, has filed a lawsuit at the State Administrative Court against the government. Analyst Laksamana Sukardi discusses the consequences of the lawsuit. JAKARTA (JP): The success of the International Monetary Fund's reform package to help restore confidence in the Indonesian economy will depend on the government's follow-up measures after its bank liquidation decision.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Govt to protect workers facing dismissal
Govt to protect workers facing dismissal JAKARTA (JP): The government promised yesterday to protect workers facing dismissal by companies affected by the economic crisis. Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief told a hearing of House Commission V for manpower and trade that employers could not arbitrarily fire workers for any reason, including the monetary turmoil affecting their companies. "Such a dismissal is not allowed. That's the rule, that's all...
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Arco produces 1b barrel oil
Arco produces 1b barrel oil JAKARTA (JP): Arco Indonesia marked yesterday its one billionth barrel of oil produced from its offshore Ardjuna field in the Java Sea. Crude oil has been produced at this field since operations started under a production-sharing contract with the state-owned Pertamina in 1972. "When we started nobody believed the field would be able to supply 1 billion barrels of oil," the company president Leon Codron said yesterday.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bank Jakarta has 'bad ties' with Bank Indonesia
Bank Jakarta has 'bad ties' with Bank Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto's half brother Probosutedjo has implied that a poor relationship between his closed bank, Bank Jakarta, and Bank Indonesia, the central bank, triggered the government's recent decision to close his bank. Probosutedjo said yesterday none of Bank Jakarta's directors had ever built a good relationship with Bank Indonesia's executives, and this might have caused the shocking move to force his bank into liquidation.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Motorola enters Laos
Motorola enters Laos BANGKOK (AFP): U.S.-based telecommunications giant Motorola announced here yesterday it is making its latest GSM-system cellular mobile phones available in Laos. The statement came as Laos Telecom, a joint venture between the Laotian government and Shinawatra International of Thailand, officially launched a GSM cellular network, the company said.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Elderly get 20% fare discount
Elderly get 20% fare discount JAKARTA (JP): The elderly may now find it easier to travel as they will be given a 20 percent discount in transport fares. In a letter No.SE.11/KH/306/Phb/97 issued on Oct. 2, the Minister of Transportation specified that those over 65-years of age would be given a 20 percent discount when traveling either by land, sea or air. Antara reported that it was notified Monday about the reductions.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
State facilities for Papuans
State facilities for Papuans MADANG, Irian Jaya: The Merauke regency office says all public facilities available in the area can be used by citizens of Papua New Guinea living close to the border, Antara said. These facilities include primary and senior high schools, health centers, markets and public transportation, said head of the Merauke sociopolitical office Alex Sayono.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
S&P gives 'B+' to APP Finance's $300m notes
S&P gives 'B+' to APP Finance's $300m notes JAKARTA (JP): International rating agency Standard and Poor's has assigned a 'B+' long-term rating to APP Finance Mauritius Ltd.'s US$300 million liquid yield option notes due in 2012. The rating outlook was stable, the rating agency said in a statement yesterday.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Ineffective supervision
Ineffective supervision The commentaries appearing in the media on the crisis relating to the liquidation of a great number of banks reveals that there is a latent deficiency in the supervision system within the Indonesian corporation structure that was disregarded which subsequently caused the revocation of the banks' licenses by the government. Much has been said on the subject, but the discussions have predominantly dealt with the macroeconomic and monetary aspects of the problem.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 11, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 850 50 17,000 AHAP Insurance 2,500 0 0 Alter Abadi 525 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 475 -25 5,000 Alumindo Perkasa 325 25 4,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 625 -75 806,500 Anwar Sierad 425 -75 113,500 Apac Centertex Corp.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Mgr. Jos Suwatan elected bishop conference chief
Mgr. Jos Suwatan elected bishop conference chief JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bishops Conference (KWI) elected Mgr. Jos Suwatan OSC, as its new chairman for the 1997-2000 period yesterday, replacing Julius Cardinal Darmaatmadja. Suwatan, 57, is also Bishop of Manado, North Sulawesi. Thirty-five bishops from 34 dioceses across Indonesia also elected in its three-yearly congress yesterday Mgr. Martinus D. Situmorang of Padang diocese in West Sumatra as the first vice chairman, and Mgr.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Lenteng Agung residents stung by water crisis
Lenteng Agung residents stung by water crisis JAKARTA (JP): For the first time ever, Lenteng Agung -- which is considered one of Jakarta's water catchment areas -- is experiencing a water shortage, an official said yesterday. Amrul Sandjaya, the head of Lenteng Agung subdistrict, said the shortage was forcing some residents to use dirty water from the nearby Ciliwung River. About 300 families living in three neighborhoods have to buy clean water from neighbors or water vendors.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
'Liquidity, lower rates' can save businesses
'Liquidity, lower rates' can save businesses JAKARTA (JP): Dying local businesses could be saved only with supplying enough liquidity and lowering bank interest rates, economist Sjahrir and banker Masyhud Ali said yesterday. Sjahrir noted that more and more companies were in trouble now because of a credit crunch and a high interest rate policy pursued by the government to stabilize the currency.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Artist on probation for damaging painting
Artist on probation for damaging painting JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta District Court sentenced a local choreographer to a six-month suspended jail term with a one-year probation period for damaging a painting valued at up to Rp 200 million (US$60,606). On Monday, presiding judge Zulkifli Lubis found the defendant, Sri Sugeng Edhi Kwartanto, 41, also known as Teted Sri WD, guilty of damaging a painting by the late Hendra Gunawan. The painting was owned by the Jakarta Art Council.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Demand for industrial estates to drop 10 percent
Demand for industrial estates to drop 10 percent JAKARTA (JP): Industrial park developer PT Suryacipta Swadaya, a subsidiary of publicly listed PT Surya Semesta Internusa, expects a 10 percent drop in demand due to the currency crisis. The company's president Basroni Rizal said that amid the monetary crisis, some investors had delayed their plans to open factories in Indonesia. "But a lot more are still continuing their plans," he said.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Asian currencies tread water
Asian currencies tread water SINGAPORE (Reuters): Most Asian currencies remained in well- worn territory yesterday as the stricken Korean won managed to stave off further attacks with the help of its central bank. Dealers said the Bank of Korea stepped in to rescue the won from the brink of the psychological 1,000-to-the-dollar level in opening trade and later lowered its intervention level.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Year-end concerts begin
Year-end concerts begin JAKARTA (JP): Local rock group Dewa 19, pop band Bragi and foreign group Michael Learns to Rock will end the year with a bang in A Mild Cigarette Concert Tour sponsored by cigarette company PT H.M. Sampoerna. Sampoerna's special events manager Minaryuliawati said Monday that Dewa 19 and Bragi concerts will be held in 21 and 37 cities respectively. Dewa 19's tour began Monday at Bekasi Stadium in Bekasi, West Java, and is scheduled to end on Dec.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Borobudur Hotel reopens
Borobudur Hotel reopens JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto inaugurated yesterday the newly renovated Borobudur Inter-Continental Hotel on Jl. Lapangan Banteng Selatan, Central Jakarta. The official reopening of the 674-room, five-star hotel also marked a return to business after 22 months of renovation which cost US$65 million.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Momentum grows for OPEC to boost output
Momentum grows for OPEC to boost output DUBAI (Reuters): Saudi Arabia appeared to have stepped closer yesterday in securing key backing for its proposal to let OPEC members open up the taps next year to meet world oil demand. United Arab Emirates (UAE), a core Gulf Arab member of the 11- member cartel, indicated that it saw scope for a higher OPEC output ceiling in 1998 because of robust demand growth.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Annual EU-ASEAN meeting in doubt
Annual EU-ASEAN meeting in doubt BANGKOK (AFP): A meeting between officials of the European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations here next week could be canceled because of a dispute over Myanmar, sources said yesterday. Unresolved differences on Yangon's participation have cast doubt over the annual meeting of senior officials to discuss cooperation, due to be held in Bangkok between Nov. 17 and Nov. 19, a European source told AFP.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bulog to raise rice price by 10 percent next year
Bulog to raise rice price by 10 percent next year JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the State Logistics Agency (Bulog) Beddu Amang said yesterday that the government planned to increase the floor price of rice early next year by about 10 percent. Beddu said that the increase would be made to reflect the expected rise in the inflation rate. "I hope the increase can be carried out before the early main harvest next year," he said.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Premier Chuan finalizes new cabinet lineup
Premier Chuan finalizes new cabinet lineup BANGKOK (Agencies): Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai finalized an eight-party cabinet yesterday with his 123-seat Democrat Party set to take the helm of most economic ministries, senior party sources said. They said the new cabinet was expected to be sworn in by King Bhumibol Adulyadej today, and its first meeting was tentatively scheduled for Friday.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Airlines face collapse on Asian woes: Report
Airlines face collapse on Asian woes: Report MELBOURNE (Reuters): At least three Asian airlines face collapse as some of the region's high-flying economies skid to a virtual halt over the next two years, an Australian-based aviation consultant said in a report released yesterday.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Hartono formally retires from military
Hartono formally retires from military JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information R. Hartono was among the 96 senior ranking Army officers who were given a symbolic military farewell in a retirement ceremony filled with pageantry at the National Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java, yesterday. The 97 officers included one four-star general, four three- star generals, 37 two-star generals and 55 one-star generals. Present at the ceremony, led by Army Chief of Staff Gen.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Thailand to keep buying natuna gas: Pertamina
Thailand to keep buying natuna gas: Pertamina JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia remains optimistic that Thailand will continue with its plan to buy natural gas from Natuna island despite Thailand's recent announcement that it would delay the purchase. "The commitment is a long-term one, while (Thailand's current situation) is only temporary," Pertamina president Faisal Abda'oe said here yesterday.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Most domestic help agencies illegal
Most domestic help agencies illegal JAKARTA (JP): The City Manpower Agency's supervision of companies that supply domestic helpers is hindered by a lack of funds and facilities, an official said yesterday. R.H. Sudhartin, the head of the agency, said limited funds prevented the agency from providing training courses for both the suppliers and the housemaids.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Two sugar mills, one cement plant to be built in East Timor
Two sugar mills, one cement plant to be built in East Timor JAKARTA (JP): East Timor will have two sugar mills and a cement plant next year, its governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares said yesterday. Abilio expects the presence of the new industry will be able to provide at least 20,000 job opportunities for East Timorese youths.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Police seize 3 kg of hashish
Police seize 3 kg of hashish BANDUNG, West Java: Police confiscated here yesterday three- kilograms of hashish and arrested the seven people suspected of selling the illegal substance. Five of the seven arrested were registered as students at a local university. Of the five, two are women. Col. Erwin Map of Bandung Police, claims that the hashish was distributed from a syndicate from Medan, North Sumatra, who probably acquired it from Aceh. "Our officers received word of a transaction on Jl.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Depok gets new police chief
Depok gets new police chief DEPOK (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata yesterday inducted Lt. Col. Fajar Priantoro as the new chief of the Depok Police Precinct. Fajar replaces Lt. Col. Yudi Sushariyadi who has been assigned to lead the South Jakarta Police Precinct. Fajar was previously head of the Sabhara division at the City Police's Directorate of the On-the-Alert Unit.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
RI's macroeconomy affected by graft, monopoly
RI's macroeconomy affected by graft, monopoly JAKARTA (JP): The International Monetary Fund's first deputy managing director, Stanley Fischer, sees Indonesia's economic problems as complex because macroeconomic conditions are actually sound and robust.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Messengers under pressure as Asian news sours
Messengers under pressure as Asian news sours By Chris Johnson SINGAPORE (Reuters): Information and those who publish it are coming under pressure across Asia as the region experiences some of its biggest challenges in decades. Financial crises, currency devaluations, stock market crashes and environmental disasters have prompted governments to try to tinker with the reporting of bad news and discourage officials from commenting on sensitive subjects.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 My Country 2:35 TV Series: Big Brother Jake 3:10 Indonesian Children 3:35 Talk Show: Kotak Pos 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 Music 8:30 Variety show: Gelora 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:30 Late News 10:40 TV...
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Expert criticizes 1994 school curriculum
Expert criticizes 1994 school curriculum JAKARTA (JP): The current high school curriculum introduced by the government in 1994 is designed solely for those intending to further their education at universities, not for those who plan to work, leading education expert J. Drost said yesterday. Effectively, the curriculum caters for the needs of 30 percent of high school students but neglects the interests of the other 70 percent, Drost was quoted as saying by Antara.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Beware of major floods next year, expert warns
Beware of major floods next year, expert warns YOGYAKARTA (JP): An expert has warned the public to prepare for the coming monsoon as huge floods may occur during January and February, especially in the provinces of Central Java, Yogyakarta and East Java. Sudibyakto of the Center for the Studies of Natural Disasters at Gadjah Mada University said downpours were expected this month and next.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
NGOs back PPP's bid for human rights charter
NGOs back PPP's bid for human rights charter JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party's (PPP) bid for the establishment of a People's Consultative Assembly decree on human rights received a boost yesterday when 10 non-governmental organizations declared their support for the campaign.
Wed, 12 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Seizure of Tonton's medal too rushed: Cycling body
Seizure of Tonton's medal too rushed: Cycling body JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Cycling Association's vice chairman, Hario Tilarso, said yesterday he was disappointed with the 19th SEA Games organizers' decision to confiscate Tonton Susanto's gold in the 40kms Individual Time Trial after he was found guilty of using banned substances.