Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 November 1997

52 articles found

Nahdlatul Ulama begins final preparations for congress

Nahdlatul Ulama begins final preparations for congress BAGU, West Nusa Tenggara (JP): The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Moslem organization began final preparations for its congress here yesterday against the backdrop of activities held by NU rival factions. Koranic readings were held by the rival faction yesterday evening throughout the island of Lombok.

Five former comfort women to sue Inten

Five former comfort women to sue Inten YOGYAKARTA (JP): Five former jugun ianfus, women forced into serving the sexual needs of Japanese troops during World War II, threatened Friday to sue Minister of Social Services Endang Kusuma Inten Soeweno over a compensation fund dispute.

Municipality urged to be more responsive to residents' needs

Municipality urged to be more responsive to residents' needs JAKARTA (JP): An urban expert urged the municipality Saturday to be more open-minded in dealing with several land-use alteration cases, including the one in Kemang, South Jakarta. Mohammad Danisworo, head of the city's architecture team, said the municipality must be consistent in applying the land-use regulation, but at the same time also be ready to face changes occurring in Jakarta.

Money woes costs SE Asia $200 billion: Mahathir

Money woes costs SE Asia $200 billion: Mahathir KULIM, Malaysia (AFP): Malaysian estimates show that the recent currency depreciation had wiped about US$200 billion off the wealth of Southeast Asian nations, Premier Mahathir Mohamad said Saturday. Those behind the downfall of the region's currencies would "soon find that by making us poor, they will lose this market," Mahathir warned as he launched the production at an automobile venture comprising South Korean's Hyundai Motor Co.

Sutoyoso says subway project to start in 1998

Sutoyoso says subway project to start in 1998 JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso said yesterday that the city would start construction of the long-awaited subway project sometime next year, following the beginning of the three-tier transit system construction in February. But he said the municipality would first have to meet with the consortium in charge of the Rp 4.5 trillion (US$1.3 billion) subway project to further discuss construction, which has been delayed many times.

Railway line to be built

Railway line to be built PAREPARE, S. Sulawesi: A railway line linking Ujungpandang and Manado, the provincial capitals of South Sulawesi and North Sulawesi respectively, will be built to boost regional economic development, Antara reported Saturday. As a first step, the government will build a 150-kilometer railway connecting Ujungpandang and Parepare, Parepare Mayor Syamsul Alam Bulu told the provincial legislative council Friday. "The feasibility study has been conducted," he said.

Madeleine Albright visits Pakistan

Madeleine Albright visits Pakistan ISLAMABAD (Reuters): Anti-terrorist measures will be high on the agenda when U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright arrives in Pakistan today, two days after the bodies of four American oilmen killed in an ambush were flown home. Albright, the first secretary of state to visit here since 1983, will bring renewed American focus to a country suffering poverty at home, war in Afghanistan and conflict with India over the disputed province of Kashmir.

Chirac starts visit to Malaysia

Chirac starts visit to Malaysia LANGKAWI, Malaysia (Reuters): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad welcomed French President Jacques Chirac yesterday for a two-day working visit during which Mahathir was expected to raise his plans for new currency trading rules. The two leaders were also likely to discuss a $2 billion gas deal involving Malaysian, French and Russian companies in Iran, which is being probed by the United States.

Tambang Timah's profit decreases

Tambang Timah's profit decreases JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Tambang Timah has announced a 10.26 percent drop in net profit to Rp 100.6 billion (US$29.58 million), or Rp 200 per share, to September this year from Rp 112.1 billion in the same period last year. The company's statement said its operating profit to the end of the third quarter this year fell 12.03 percent to Rp 110.4 billion from Rp 125.5 billion year to year.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 My Country 2:35 Cartoon Film: The Big Valley 3:10 TV Drama: Termakan Isyu 3:35 Religious Teachings: Buddha 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Creative Program: Karya Tepat Guna 5:00 Indonesian Lessons 5:25 Variety Show 5:30 Documentary: Pahlawan Nasional Raja Haji 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Development Program: Lemhanas 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Quiz: Gita...

Jakarta stock prices to remain weak this weak

Jakarta stock prices to remain weak this weak JAKARTA (JP): Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) are expected to remain weak this week as worries about unfavorable third quarter results could further worsen market sentiment. Securities analysts said unfavorable financial reports published by publicly listed companies last week would put additional pressure on the already weak market.

Worker crushed to death

Worker crushed to death JAKARTA (JP): A 24-year-old construction worker was crushed to death by a crane's platform loaded with heavy steel blocks Saturday evening in Cibitung, 45 kilometers east of here. According to Slamet, a security guard of the factory project, the heavy load was released unintentionally by the crane's operator, who was in shock when he learned what had happened. The victim, identified as Muhani, worked daily at the PT Gunung Garuda site.

Armed robbery remains mystery

Armed robbery remains mystery TANGERANG (JP): Local police detectives are still in the dark about the recent shooting of a goldsmith trader, who was also a used car broker, by two men in front of the victim's house in Karawaci. "We're still tracing the suspects' hideout to find the real motive, which is believed to have been an armed robbery," a senior Tangerang police detective, who refused to be identified, said yesterday. According to Tangerang Police Chief Lt. Col.

Two tribesmen beaten to death

Two tribesmen beaten to death JAMBI: Two Kubu tribesmen living in the Sei Ruan Ilir village next to the Batanghari river here were beaten to death in a brawl late last month. Yusuf Kacai, the head of the village some 150 kilometers west of Jambi, told Antara Saturday that it was the first brawl ever between villagers and members of the isolated tribe.

Center for tropical fruit opens in Bogor

Center for tropical fruit opens in Bogor BOGOR (JP): Bogor Institute of Agriculture rector Soleh Solahuddin opened a new center for tropical fruit studies here Saturday. He said the operation of the new center was part of the institute's efforts to participate in the development of national fruit tree plantations. Soleh said the center was urgently needed to help produce quality fruit. "Quality fruit is expected to meet a huge demand in the domestic market," Soleh said.

House asks 'TVRI' for live coverage of Mar'ie

House asks 'TVRI' for live coverage of Mar'ie JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives has officially asked the state-owned television station TVRI to broadcast its hearing with Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad live tomorrow, an official of the House said over the weekend. The request was made following Minister of Information R.

There must be more than one VP candidate: Academician

There must be more than one VP candidate: Academician JAKARTA (JP): Political scientist Maswadi Rauf of the University of Indonesia has suggested that the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) and the elected president offer more than one vice presidential candidate, but asked them to show wisdom in choosing the right person. "That's what the consultative meeting between the Assembly and the elected president is for.

Networking in Asia, the West

Networking in Asia, the West By Peter Verhezen This is the first of two articles exploring the concept of networking in Asian and Western communities. JAKARTA (JP): In an Aug. 25, 1997 article in this paper, Bob Widyahartono addressed the issue of Asian networking resulting from the establishment of trust.

Last ditch putt brings win for Pena in Malaysia

Last ditch putt brings win for Pena in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): American Christian Pena sank a five feet putt with pressure mounting on the last hole to beat Taiwan's Hsieh Yu-shu to the Masters of Malaysia title here yesterday. Pena saved his par and carded a three-under-par 69 for an aggregate 12-under-par 276 to beat Hsieh by a stroke in the Asian PGA event at Kelab Golf Sultan Abdul Aziz Shah.

New printing technologies focus on speed and quality

New printing technologies focus on speed and quality By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): If the method by which printer makers label their products indicates anything, it wouldn't be easy to find the reasons behind any changes. HP used the Roman numerals II and III to label their laser printers in the late 1980s and early 1990s. My very loyal laser printer, for example, was a LaserJet IIIP.

Calling off of EU-ASEAN summit surprises few

Calling off of EU-ASEAN summit surprises few By Stefan Klein SINGAPORE (DPA): As if European Union representatives needed another reason to avoid sitting down with representatives of Myanmar's military regime, the masters of Yangon came along with another timely example of their inability to change for the better.

Draft on currency rules

Draft on currency rules KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia has completed a draft on regulating currency trading for discussion between ASEAN members before submission to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the national Bernama news agency said on Saturday. It quoted Deputy Finance Minister Affifuddin Omar as saying the draft would be fined-tuned at a deputy finance ministers' meeting of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Manila next week.

Suit against forestry minister adjourned

Suit against forestry minister adjourned PALU, Central Sulawesi: The first session of the lawsuit of PT Iradat Puri against the Forestry Minister and the Central Sulawesi provincial administration at the District Court in Palu was on Saturday adjourned until Nov. 25.

KL-U.S. trade ties unharmed

KL-U.S. trade ties unharmed KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's trade ties with the United States would not be harmed by a proposed U.S. resolution for Premier Mahathir Mohamad to apologize or resign over his remarks about Jews, a minister was reported saying Saturday. Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik said the resolution was made by U.S. congressmen who have hidden motives and would not have any "negative bearing" on Malaysia's trade ties with its largest trading partner. "The (U.S.

The number two man

The number two man The five-yearly meeting of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR), which will elect the republic's president and vice president, is only four months away. But just the same, most people are still reluctant to speak about the future national leadership. The reasons behind the mass silence are not pointless shyness nor unnecessary politeness, but rather a certainty that their opinions would be useless.

Hit-and-run driver called on to accept responsibility

Hit-and-run driver called on to accept responsibility JAKARTA (JP): Kebayoran Lama Police in South Jakarta have called on the owner of a white Jimmy jeep to accept responsibility for the death of a father and son killed in a hit- and-run incident yesterday morning. "The owner of the jeep, which was abandoned in traffic on Jl. Panjang Cipulir, has already been identified," said First Lieutenant Sugijo of the Kebayoran Lama police subprecinct.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Kecil itu Indah 5, by AD Pirous, Barli Sasmitawinata, Nana Bana and others, at Edwin's Gallery Jl. Kemang Raya No. 21, Kemang, South Jakarta, Monday to Friday, at 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Nov. 23. * Graphic Art Exhibition: Boeatan Indonesia Asli, vintage Indonesian Advertising and Graphic Design Revisited, at Galeri TC (Twilight Cafe), Jl.

Storm destroys houses

Storm destroys houses PURBALINGGA, C. Java: At least 38 houses, 3 mosques and 2 elementary school buildings were destroyed when a storm hit the Central Java regency of Purbalingga Friday. The local natural disaster control service said the storm inflicted losses of tens of millions of rupiah but claimed no lives, Antara reported. The storm also forced dozens of people outdoors over worries that their houses would collapse.

Natuna gas field looks at China for sales option

Natuna gas field looks at China for sales option SINGAPORE (Reuters): Another option has emerged for the giant US$40 billion Natuna gas field -- a 4,800 kilometer pipeline to Shanghai in China. G.A.S. Nayoan, senior executive vice president at Pertamina for gas field development, said selling Natuna gas to China was an option being considered by developers.

Prevention of national waste

Prevention of national waste From Panji Masyarakat The heading of this letter is not meant to incite anger or bitterness, nor is it politically motivated. It may be categorized as a form of participation in selecting the best and wisest prospective assistants to the President, or to open opportunities for achievements toward the end of the current term of presidential office. The habit of waiting until a problem escalates to disastrous proportions must be stopped immediately.

NU launches new magazine

NU launches new magazine SEMARANG, Central Java: The central Java branch of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) Moslem organization launched a new magazine here Saturday titled Suara Umat. "With the presence of the magazine, NU members can follow NU's policy and development. Besides that, members can also channel their aspirations through the magazine," chairman of the local NU branch, Achmad, told The Jakarta Post on Saturday. Achmad said 5,000 copies of the magazine will initially be printed.

All at sea with PELNI service

All at sea with PELNI service We recently traveled for the first time on state-owned shipping line, PELNI. As we wanted to get some information about prices and ticket purchase beforehand, we went to PELNI's main office in Ujungpandang, which provided us with the details. The price for the Ujungpandang-Ambon route varied from the one listed. It was explained to us that there was a 25 percent discount for first and second class tickets, valid until Oct. 31, 1997.

Transparency needed to boost public trust

Transparency needed to boost public trust JAKARTA (JP): A political analyst has urged the government to be more open in explaining all aspects of its economic reform package, to avoid public speculations. Amien Rais, of the University of Gadjah Mada, said here over the weekend that transparency will also strengthen public trust towards the government's reform package sponsored by the International Monetary Fund.

Kalijodo to become a green area

Kalijodo to become a green area JAKARTA (JP): The city plans to turn the Kalijodo red-light district in Penjaringan, North Jakarta, into a green area following a fire there on Nov. 2, said an officer. As part of the plan, the local authorities have been instructed to prevent the reestablishment of brothels in the area, which was home to about 600 sex workers for many years, said deputy governor of administrative affairs, Abdul Kahfi, Thursday.

India faces competition from Southeast Asia

India faces competition from Southeast Asia NEW DELHI (Reuters): India is facing growing competition from Southeast Asia where currencies have slumped, business leaders said yesterday. They said the falls in the currencies of Southeast Asian countries, which are major producers of polymers, synthetic fibers, rice and other plantation crops, had thrown up a challenge for Indian exporters.

Linda death toll has risen to 43

Linda death toll has risen to 43 BANGKOK (Reuters): Police in southern Thailand said yesterday the death toll from typhoon Linda had risen to at least 43 with more bodies of Thai fishermen expected to be washed ashore in the next few days. Police in southern Chumpon province told Reuters by telephone that bodies of eight more victims of the typhoon, which hit the Gulf of Thailand more than a week ago, floated to a beach yesterday bringing to 43 the total number of dead fishermen found since Nov.

Jepara riot an indication of people's dissatisfaction

Jepara riot an indication of people's dissatisfaction JAKARTA (JP): The trail of destruction in Bangsri district, Jepara, Central Java, by a crowd following the detention and death of a resident, was an indication of people's vexation over the "prejudiced" arrest, said Jepara regent, Soenarto.

Ja'afar starts visit to Kuwait

Ja'afar starts visit to Kuwait KUALA LUMPUR (AP): The Malaysian king and queen left yesterday for Kuwait, where they will try to strengthen ties between the two nations. During their three-day visit, Yang di-Pertuan Agong Tuanku Ja'afar and Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Najihah will meet with the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, and other officials as well as visit a museum, the national news agency Bernama reported.

Malaysian writers join cultural camp

Malaysian writers join cultural camp PEKANBARU, Riau: Forty-nine Malaysian writers will attend early next month a cultural camp on Rupat Island, Antara reported Saturday. The activity is being organized by local writers. Committee chairman Yusmar Yusuf said the program was to promote the island which is in the Bengkalis regency -- just opposite the Malaysian peninsula. On the island, "the writers will produce short stories and poems about the island which will later be published," said Yusuf.

Badak NGL's seventh unit starts production

Badak NGL's seventh unit starts production JAKARTA (JP): The seventh unit (train) of PT Badak NGL Co. at Bontang, East Kalimantan, has come on stream with an annual production capacity of 2.3 million tons of liquefied natural gas (LNG), the company's general manager, Suhadi, said over the weekend. Suhadi said in Bontang that the seventh unit, called the G train, which was built at a cost of US$522 million, was ready for an official opening by President Soeharto on Dec. 5.

Ancient animal skeleton found

Ancient animal skeleton found KUALA KAPUAS, C. Kalimantan: Sei Pasah villagers in the Kapuas Hilir subdistrict here were excited Saturday over the discovery of a skeleton of what they think is an ancient, winged animal. Antara reported that the six-meter-long skeleton of a four- legged creature was found in a village some 135 kilometers south of the capital Palangkaraya by 60-year-old Samuel Dalay.

Haze affects tourism, aviation industries

Haze affects tourism, aviation industries By I. Christianto JAKARTA (JP): Haze from forest fires has become a serious threat to Indonesia's tourism industry because fewer foreigners are visiting the archipelago due to extensive international reporting on the situation. But, believe it or not, local airline companies consider the situation a blessing in disguise.

Bid to change election rules gets support

Bid to change election rules gets support JAKARTA (JP): General elections will be run fairly only when they are jointly organized by the government and the political parties, two leading political scientists said over the weekend. Maswadi Rauf of the state-run University of Indonesia and Muhammad A.S. Hikam of the National Institute of Sciences said in a House of Representatives discussion, that the minor role played by the parties caused cheating throughout all stages of the elections.

City Hall firm on plan to build Betawi kampongs

City Hall firm on plan to build Betawi kampongs JAKARTA (JP): The municipality will continue its plan to reconstruct Betawi (native Jakartan) kampongs to preserve Betawi culture despite objections from a city councilor, an official said over the weekend. Deputy Governor of Social Welfare Djaelani told The Jakarta Post over the weekend that the concept used in preserving Betawi culture was based on a dynamic mobilization of human beings. "We don't intend to fossilize them.

SE Asian currencies fragile despite IMF bid of confidence

SE Asian currencies fragile despite IMF bid of confidence SINGAPORE (AFP): Southeast Asian currencies could face new tests despite a thumbs-up from IMF chief Michel Camdessus amid turmoil in North Asia and fears that financial malaise could creep worldwide, bankers said. The managing director of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) toured Southeast Asian countries last week to meet presidents and prime ministers, lauding their efforts to put their economies back into shape.

Jockeying over initiative to color Asia fund meet

Jockeying over initiative to color Asia fund meet TOKYO (Reuters): Asian officials and representatives from United States and the IMF meet in Manila this week to discuss an Asian economic emergency fund, but there may be more haggling over who leads the initiative than how the facility would be set up. Asian nations, keen to craft a framework to fend off a repeat of the recent financial upheaval, might see their idea of a regional fund leave their hands after the U.S.

Disguised beggar

Disguised beggar From Media Indonesia Referring to an article in Gatra No. 17 in the Astaloka column, titled "A village of beggars", I would like to give the following comments. The village mentioned has been typically known as a village of beggars. They collect alms and charity under the pretext that the funds will be submitted to a foundation which has a project to be completed. The foundation sends its people to big cities like Jakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, etc.

RI faces hurdles in filling 6 million jobs in S. Arabia

RI faces hurdles in filling 6 million jobs in S. Arabia JAKARTA (JP): Saudi Arabia has some 6 million job openings in the formal sector but many Indonesian labor export companies are unable to send skilled workers. Waleed A. al Swaidan, chairman of the committee of worker placement agencies in Saudi Arabia, said here that most openings were for computer experts, nurses, and skilled construction and factory workers.

Rifat and Herkusuma grab Mesran rally title

Rifat and Herkusuma grab Mesran rally title JAKARTA (JP): Rifat Sungkar and his navigator M. Herkusuma won the Mesran junior rally from Bandung to Jakarta yesterday. Rifat and Herkusuma clocked one hour eight minutes and 15 seconds. Yaldi Indra/Herry Koentoyo won second place with a time of 1:10:43 and Ijeck/Budi Parama was in third clocking 1:10.47. "It was a tough race since Yaldi lead the race until the second stage," Rifat said.

Supachai Panitchpakdi credibility to Thailand

Supachai Panitchpakdi credibility to Thailand By Vithoon Amorn BANGKOK (Reuters): Former central banker Supachai Panitchpakdi, Thailand's new deputy premier in charge of economic affairs, will lend credibility to the country by playing a key role in government at a time when its image abroad needs polishing.

Crisis does not affect trade

Crisis does not affect trade WASHINGTON (AFP): The financial crisis in Southeast Asia has not yet had any impact on the region's trade, U.S. Trade Representatives Charlene Barshefsky said Friday. Barshefsky, however, raised the possibility that Asian exports to the United States may increase because of a devaluation in local currencies. "There is speculation that Asian devaluations will increase exports," she said.

Expert says most children suffer from dental cavities

Expert says most children suffer from dental cavities JAKARTA (JP): Ninety-five percent of 2.4 million children between six and 12 years old in Jakarta suffer from dental cavities, an expert said Saturday. Heriandi Sutandi, head of the Children's Dentistry Division at the University of Indonesia, told The Jakarta Post that the high number of cavities was uncovered in last year's survey by the university's School of Dentistry.