Archive: 20 November 1997
67 articles found
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Deposit rates reduced to curb bank credit rates
Deposit rates reduced to curb bank credit rates JAKARTA (JP): The initiative of state and private banks to gradually lower deposit rates starting this week is aimed at stabilizing the banking industry and reducing credit interest rates, a leading banker said yesterday. Widigdo Sukarman, chairman of the Association of State Banks, told The Jakarta Post that deposit rates should first be cut to allow for a gradual decrease in the prohibitively high lending rates at present.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
NZ embassy moves to BRI II
NZ embassy moves to BRI II JAKARTA (JP): The New Zealand Embassy has moved from Jl. Diponegoro 41 to the 23rd floor of Gedung BRI II on Jl. Sudirman Kav. 44-46 in Central Jakarta. An embassy press release stated that the change of address was effective as of this week and the embassy's telephone and facsimile numbers have also changed. The new numbers are 570 9460 for telephone and 570 9457 for facsimile. The numbers for TradeNZ are now 572 7676 and 572 7878, respectively. (bsr)
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Firm admits to spending Rp 3b to fund labor bill deliberation
Firm admits to spending Rp 3b to fund labor bill deliberation JAKARTA (JP): State-owned workers' social insurance company PT Jamsostek admitted yesterday it had slashed Rp 3.1 billion (US$911,000) off its budget to fund the deliberation of the manpower bill. The company's president, Abdillah Nusi, told a press conference at the Ministry of Manpower that the money came from the portion of its 1997/1998 budget allotted to the protection of workers and membership expenditure.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina to charter tanker from PT Humpuss
Pertamina to charter tanker from PT Humpuss JAKARTA (JP): The state oil company Pertamina has agreed to lease an oil tanker from PT Humpuss Intermoda Transportasi (HIT). Under the 10-year charter contract signed yesterday, Pertamina will use the 3,500-dead weight ton (dwt) Mt. Nawa Samudra tanker with Panamanian flag to carry its oil product, Humpuss said. The tanker is owned by Panama-based First Topaz Incorporation, a subsidiary of Singapore's Humpuss Sea Transport Pte. Ltd., it said.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Talks with Pretoria on East Timor loom
Talks with Pretoria on East Timor loom JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday Indonesia was ready to discuss the East Timor question with South African officials, including President Nelson Mandela. He was quoted by Antara as saying President Soeharto's visit to South Africa today is in exchange for Mandela's visit to Indonesia last July, and is not intended to specifically focus on the East Timor issue.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 19, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 850 0 0 AHAP Insurance 1,700 -800 2,000 Alter Abadi 525 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 375 -50 242,500 Alumindo Perkasa 275 -25 27,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 625 0 256,000 Anwar Sierad 250 -50 184,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
RI and RP coconut oil exports expected to rise
RI and RP coconut oil exports expected to rise HAMBURG (Reuters): Coconut oil exports from the Philippines and Indonesia are expected to increase to 400,000 tons during October-December of this year, the independent Oil World newsletter said on Tuesday. This is up about 40,000 tons from the same period in 1996, it said. Third quarter 1997 exports are estimated to rise to 377,000 tons, up 100,000 tons from the same period last year.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
House urges govt to issue ruling on live TV coverage
House urges govt to issue ruling on live TV coverage JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives urged yesterday Minister of Information R. Hartono to issue a ruling on live TV broadcasts. Hisyam Usamah and Muchlis of the United Development Party (PPP) and Y.B.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Badminton body urged to be prudent in selecting chief
Badminton body urged to be prudent in selecting chief JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman has urged participants of the Badminton Association of Indonesia's national congress to look further than someone's position in choosing a chairman.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bribery legalized?
Bribery legalized? From Jayakarta The statement by Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso that he did not object to his subordinates receiving money as a token of gratitude for the services they offer has invited reaction. It is no secret that the acceptance of illegal levies, bribes, grease money, etc. have been common practice among bureaucrats and their superiors overlook this culture. Most government employees have small salaries.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Palembang to have new airport
Palembang to have new airport PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: South Sumatra's capital, Palembang, will have an international airport by 2001, an official said here yesterday. Antara quoted head of the PT Angkasa Pura airport authority here, Asman Soetjipto, as saying that the city's Sultan Mahmud Badaruddin Airport will be expanded to become an international airport. An international airport will turn Palembang into an international gateway, he added.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
PT AAL to sell shares
PT AAL to sell shares JAKARTA (JP): PT Astra Agro Lestari (AAL), a plantation company, announced yesterday that the company and its underwriters had agreed to a price of Rp 1,550 per share in its initial public offering. The offering period is scheduled to open Nov. 25 and close Nov. 27, subject to receiving an effective date for the registration of the offering from the Capital Market Supervisory Board.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Govt renews vow to closely watch NGOs
Govt renews vow to closely watch NGOs JAKARTA (JP): The government has renewed its vow to keep a close watch on local non-governmental organizations it has branded "problematic." Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. told journalists after attending a hearing session with the House of Representatives' Commission II for foreign and domestic affairs yesterday that the surveillance "will go on". Yogie said measures would be taken in accordance with 1985's Law No.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Rules for building underground being formulated: BPN
Rules for building underground being formulated: BPN JAKARTA (JP): The National Land Agency (BPN) is preparing regulations on land use and ownership in areas set aside for underground projects in the city, an official said yesterday. Minister for Agrarian Affairs/Chairman of BPN Soni Harsono said the regulations would create a strong legal basis for future underground project.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Telkom collects Rp 5.6b for Games
Telkom collects Rp 5.6b for Games JAKARTA (JP): State-owned PT Telkom has collected Rp 5.6 billion (US$1.62 million) from the sale of 19th SEA Games stickers, a company executive, A.M. Sampoerna, said in Bandung on Tuesday. The company raised a total of Rp 5,671,251,630 between May and October from its Sumatra, Jakarta, West Java, Central Java, East Java, Kalimantan and Eastern Indonesia regional divisions.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Semanggi to become Jakarta's green symbol
Semanggi to become Jakarta's green symbol JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso outlined his vision yesterday of developing Semanggi cloverleaf, one of the city's landmarks, as a symbol for the greening of Jakarta. Sutiyoso met the city's five mayors and other officials yesterday to promote his vision of a green city. The head of the city parks agency, Syamsir Alam, told reporters after the meeting that the governor wanted Semanggi to be planted with large trees, grass and flowers.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Private TV stations' debts exceed Rp 40b
Private TV stations' debts exceed Rp 40b JAKARTA (JP): Private TV stations owe their state-owned counterpart TVRI more than Rp 40 billion (US$11.7 million), Minister of Information R. Hartono said yesterday. Hartono told a House of Representatives session that four of the country's five private TV stations had been accumulating the debts since 1994. He said RCTI was the only station to have paid its dues.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Lonsum's net income drops 24%
Lonsum's net income drops 24% JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT PP London Sumatra Indonesia (Lonsum) reported a 24 percent drop in net income to Rp 41.64 billion (US$12.24 million) in the year to September. The company said yesterday the drop was partly due to an extraordinary charge of Rp 44.91 billion following the rupiah's depreciation. "This was due to the conversion of the U.S.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Security guard assaulted for stopping student brawl
Security guard assaulted for stopping student brawl JAKARTA (JP): A security guard, who tried to break up a student brawl Tuesday, was slashed with a machete yesterday in an alleged act of retaliation. A shop attendant, who witnessed the attack, said about 50 students threatened the security guard with metal rulers, chains and machetes and chased him down the street. The guard, Rokhmudin, 35, was treated at a nearby medical clinic for wounds to his arm and released a few hours later.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Hermawan out of Vietnam Open
Hermawan out of Vietnam Open HANOI (AFP): Men's top seed Indonesian Hermawan Susanto was eliminated in the first round match of the Vietnam Badminton open yesterday by unseeded Thomas Johansson of Sweden. Susanto lost 4-15, 12-15. His compatriot, top women's seed Susi Susanti, an Olympic gold medalist at Barcelona in 1992, beat Margit Borg of Sweden 11-3 and 11-0.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Lessons to be learned from Japan's reform measures
Lessons to be learned from Japan's reform measures By Paridah A. Samad JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's reform measures are genuinely needed to restore confidence in its troubled economy during the current monetary crisis, the worst in the 30 years of the country's period of economic growth.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Challenges in interreligious dialogs
Challenges in interreligious dialogs By B.S. Mardiatmadja The following is an excerpt of a paper to be delivered next week at a seminar in Oegstgeest, the Netherlands. The seminar, Religious Plurality and Nationalism in Indonesia, is organized by the Netherlands chapter of the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals. This is the first of two articles.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Two men in court for defamation
Two men in court for defamation TANGERANG (JP): Two Ciledug residents faced court yesterday to answer charges of defaming President Soeharto by distribution of leaflets with anti-Soeharto messages. Prosecutor Samiun Yahya told Tangerang District Court that Syarifudin bin Murdali, 23, and Abdullah bin Sarmili, 22, both from Sudimara Timur village, rode a motorcycle along Jl. Lembang in Tajur village, Ciledug, and gave out 200 leaflets.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Districts still need water
Districts still need water PACITAN, East Java: Rain might have arrived in many parts of the country, but six districts in Pacitan are still suffering from a water shortage resulting from the long dry season. Antara quoted the regency's spokesman Marsih as saying Tuesday that the local administration had distributed clean water to villagers in Donorejo, Tulakan, Sudimoro, Bandar, Pringkulu and Punung districts.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Oscar's photographs capture eerie echoes from Angkor
Oscar's photographs capture eerie echoes from Angkor By K. Basrie JAKARTA (JP): It was April 1996 when Oscar Matuloh called the Antara head office in Jakarta to extend his visit in Cambodia. "I'm already here, and I think this is the right time to cover the famous complex of temples and royal buildings at Angkor," he proposed to his boss. "Well, go and do it. You have five extra days, Oscar," was the reply.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
S. Korea to buy CN-235 plane
S. Korea to buy CN-235 plane SEOUL (DPA): South Korea will buy military-use transport aircraft worth 100 billion won (about US$ 99 million) from Indonesia, the defense ministry announced in Seoul yesterday. The ministry did not announce how many of the medium-sized CN- 235 troop and cargo carriers it would buy. The jets have a range of 3,000 kilometers and can be used in rescue operations as well as military missions.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Les Ballets returns to the city
Les Ballets returns to the city JAKARTA (JP): No stranger to Jakarta's modern dance buffs, Canada's Les Ballets jazz de Montreal dance company begins a three-night engagement at The Jakarta Playhouse tomorrow. "This is their fourth time to perform here at the playhouse, and each time they have something new to offer," choreographer of Indonesia's Sumber Cipta dance school, Farida Oetoyo, said at a press conference recently. The stop here is part of the company's fifth Asian tour.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian fishing boats run aground
Indonesian fishing boats run aground BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Three Indonesian fishing boats have been detained by the Nicobar India Marine Patrol because they entered the country's territory illegally, Antara reported yesterday. "I was told by a friend three days ago that my husband was arrested on the Andaman-Nicobar Island," said Adrina, the wife of the Meuraxa boat skipper, here yesterday.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian wins hotel award
Indonesian wins hotel award JAKARTA (JP): Degan Septoadji, the executive chef of the Ritz- Carlton Bali, has become the first Indonesian hotelier to win a special commendation in the "Young Hotelier of the World", a program jointly created by the IH&RA and Hotels Magazine. Ritz-Carlton Bali said yesterday that Septoadji received the recognition earlier this month at the International Hotel and Restaurant Association (IH&RA) congress in Amsterdam.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
No bailout for private debts
No bailout for private debts JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad ruled out yesterday any government bailout for offshore private sector debt, totaling US$65 billion as of September. However, he offered the government's help to lobby foreign creditors to roll over short-term loans.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Probosutedjo proceeds with lawsuit against govt
Probosutedjo proceeds with lawsuit against govt JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Probosutedjo, the owner of Bank Jakarta liquidated on Nov. 1 by the government, went ahead yesterday with his lawsuit against the minister of finance and the central bank governor, his lawyers said. The lawyers, however, said they were headed toward an out-of- court settlement. Probosutedjo, President Soeharto's half brother, had his first hearing at the Jakarta State Administrative Court yesterday.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
11 judokas to compete in Asian c'ships
11 judokas to compete in Asian c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Eleven local judokas left yesterday for Manila to take part in the Asian championships in Manila from Nov. 21 to Nov. 23. The 11 judokas consist of six men and five women. They will be assisted by coaches Indriyana Kusnadi (men), Pujawati and Lee Biong Oek (women), and team manager Ajii Kusmantri. The male judokas are Peter Taslim (60 kilograms), Yudi Sulistyanto (65kg), Handoko (61kg), Kresna Bayu (86kg), Wisnu (95kg) and Maruli (71kg).
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Travel agencies say they deserve fiscal incentives
Travel agencies say they deserve fiscal incentives JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (Asita) said yesterday that its members deserved government fiscal incentives. Speaking at a hearing at the House of Representatives, the association's vice chairman, Sjarman Sjarif, said the government should provide them with fiscal incentives as those given to export-oriented companies.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bus shelter at Cengkareng market
Bus shelter at Cengkareng market From Kompas I work in an office in Central Jakarta and live at Tegal Alur, Cengkareng in West Jakarta. I don't like the traffic conditions at Cengkareng market because there is no bus stop in the vicinity. Every morning I see our "national athletes" running after city buses. Those who are afraid to join the race just wait at the intersection hoping for a propitious change of the traffic light which would allow them to board a bus.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
NU says rallies, strikes lawful acording to Islam
NU says rallies, strikes lawful acording to Islam BAGU, West Nusa Tenggara (JP): Indonesian ulemas decreed yesterday that street rallies and strikes, if held for good purposes, are lawful according to Islam. Members of Indonesia's largest Moslem organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), agreed on the third day of their national meeting that Islam mandates amar ma'ruf nahyi munkar (persuading society to do good and discouraging bad).
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Scientists plan to study Komodo
Scientists plan to study Komodo KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: A group of scientists from the Udayana University in Bali, led by Professor Putra Sastrawan, are currently studying the Komodo dragon population on Komodo Island and the mainland Flores Island. The study will be conducted over five years and aims to collect information on the exact types of Komodo in the region, Antara reported Paul Boleng from the local tourist office as saying yesterday.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Bandung:
Where to go in Bandung: Music and Entertainment * Hotel Grand Aquila, Jl. Dr. Djundjunan No. 116, Bandung: - Paparazzi Club: Gen, Pop Rock Band, Monday. Fix Band, Sweet Rock Band, on Wednesday. Valencia, Attractive Top 40 Band, on Friday. AS band, All Round Band, Tuesday and Saturday. Paparazzi all star, Top 40, Bankers Night, Thursday. Ex-cite, Top 40 Band, Sunday. Net band, Funky R&B, on Nov. 27. * Preanger Aerowisata Bandung Hotel, Jl. Asia Afrika No.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Asian woes cut world thermal coal demand
Asian woes cut world thermal coal demand SYDNEY (Reuters): Economic disruption in Asia was a major factor behind a big cut in forecast world demand for thermal coal in calendar 1997, a coal conference here was told yesterday.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
RP heeds threat to kidnapped priest
RP heeds threat to kidnapped priest COTABATO, Philippines (AFP): The government has told some 500 soldiers and police not to move in on the kidnappers of a Belgian priest in the southern Philippines following warnings that he would be "executed" if they approached, military sources said. The government told Colonel Adelberto Yap to keep his men back from the hideout of former Moslem rebels who snatched missionary Bernard Maes Tuesday in Lanao del Sur province, the sources in Cotabato said.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Fire engulfs C. Jakarta hotel, half-naked guests flee
Fire engulfs C. Jakarta hotel, half-naked guests flee JAKARTA (JP): A low-cost, two-story hotel on Jl. Jatibaru, in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, was gutted by fire yesterday, forcing dozens of scantily clad guests to flee in panic. Some of the women later took shelter at a nearby police subprecinct, where police lent them jackets to cover themselves. Maj.
Thu, 20 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: Adventure of Pinochio 3:10 Science Film: Animal Odyssey 3:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Variety Show: Pelangi Budaya 5:00 Arabic Lessons 5:30 Student's music: Ansamble Angklung 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 Variety Show: Cakrawala Budaya 8:05 Comedy: Cincin Pengasihan 9:00 World News 9:30 Koran...
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
OPEC advised to ignore uncertainty over Iraq
OPEC advised to ignore uncertainty over Iraq LONDON (Reuters): OPEC must ignore short-term uncertainty over Iraqi exports and raise its official output ceiling at ministerial talks in Jakarta next week, a senior Gulf Arab oil industry source said on Tuesday. The oil producer group should raise its ceiling to more accurately reflect demand for its oil and improve the credibility of its system of output quotas, the source said.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Taiwanese, Chinese deported
Taiwanese, Chinese deported BITUNG, North Sulawesi: Immigration officials deported here yesterday 93 Chinese and Taiwanese nationals working as sailors in the North Sulawesi capital of Manado, after they overstayed their visas for eight months. The foreigners had forged their immigration documents and entered Bitung port illegally, head of the local immigration office, Nur Hutoro, was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Cleanup of slums along Ciliwung will continue
Cleanup of slums along Ciliwung will continue JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso pledged yesterday to continue cleaning up slums along Ciliwung River, the largest of 13 rivers in the capital, to help prevent flooding during the rainy season. "Some 60 percent of the slums along Ciliwung River have thus far been cleared," Sutiyoso said during a seminar at City Hall on surveying and underground mapping.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia to screen Internet reports
Malaysia to screen Internet reports KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The Malaysian government has set up a committee to screen all foreign reports about the country in the Internet, a newspaper reported yesterday. The Star daily quoted Culture, Arts and Tourism Ministry deputy secretary-general Tengku Alaudin Tengku Abdul Majid as saying the committee would "decide on the appropriate action to correct any wrong perceptions in the reports".
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Singapore's $5 billion loan to be at 'commercial' rate
Singapore's $5 billion loan to be at 'commercial' rate SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore pledged yesterday to help support Indonesia through its financial troubles but said its promised loan of up to US$5 billion would be offered at commercial rates of interest.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
AMEX's style of management
AMEX's style of management I was a member of American Express (AMEX) from 1991 to 1994, when I held a gold card issued in Boston, the United States. In early August 1997, upon the recommendation of a friend who works at an AMEX bank in Switzerland, I reapplied for membership in Jakarta. I completed the application and sent it immediately to the AMEX branch in Jakarta. I was told by an AMEX officer that it would take three to four weeks to have my application approved.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
G-7 roped in as Asian crisis worsens
G-7 roped in as Asian crisis worsens By Philippe Ries HONG KONG (AFP): The Group of Seven leading industrialized countries are becoming increasingly involved in the southeast Asian financial crisis, worsening as the South Korean currency plunges. Germany, France, Britain and Italy will join the United States, Japan and Canada for discussions Wednesday on providing financial assistance to the region's troubled economies, Philippine financial officials said.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Grand Hyatt named best resort
Grand Hyatt named best resort JAKARTA (JP): Business Traveler magazine has selected Grand Hyatt Bali as the best resort hotel worldwide in 1997. Based on a poll of its readers around the world, the magazine reviewed several key aspects of hotels, including room quality, rates, facilities and services. "We are proud of this recognition and this will make us strive even harder to meet our guests' expectations," said regional director of Hyatt International Hotels Indonesia Peter Stettler.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Asian currencies poised for new dive as won falls
Asian currencies poised for new dive as won falls SINGAPORE (AFP): Asian currencies threatened to test new depths against the U.S. dollar yesterday as South Korea scrambled to avert a crash and proposals for an independent Asian fund to bolster regional currencies were junked. Most Southeast Asian currencies ended near recent lows as investors took profits on the back of the uncertainty in South Korea and domestic concerns, said Alison Seng, regional economist with Standard and Poor's MMS.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
More flood-prone areas this year
More flood-prone areas this year JAKARTA (JP): The number of areas in the capital likely to be inundated by flood waters during the wet season could reach at least 108, far in excess of last year's 82 sites, it was announced yesterday. "However, the number could be even higher if the level of rainfall is similar to last year's," R. Sitindjak, head of the Jakarta Disaster Prevention unit, said.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
'Pay teachers more for the students' sake'
'Pay teachers more for the students' sake' JAKARTA (JP): Councilors urged the municipality yesterday to review the city's policies on teachers' salaries and involuntary deductions. Councilors Lukman Mokoginta from the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) faction and Soeparmo from the dominant Golkar said a drastic salary increase was needed to ensure the nation had professional educators.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Karpov confident of beating Utut in chess duel
Karpov confident of beating Utut in chess duel JAKARTA (JP): FIDE world chess champion Grandmaster Anatoly Karpov of Russia voiced optimism that he could beat Indonesia's GM Utut Adianto in a duel which starts at Omni Batavia Hotel today and will last through Nov. 24. "I know that Utut is a good player but I am confident that I can beat him in the match," Karpov said upon arrival at Soekarno- Hatta Airport yesterday. Karpov ranks fourth in the world with an elo rating of 2,745.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Fight against TB gets a boost from abroad
Fight against TB gets a boost from abroad JAKARTA (JP): The Dutch government has donated Rp 150 million (US$42,000) to the provincial health office in Irian Jaya to help cure 1,500 sufferers of tuberculosis in the province, Antara reported yesterday. Office head Slamet said the funds channeled through a Dutch epidemics fighting body here, NSL, was an annual donation which has run for several years to help the fight against the burgeoning disease in the villages of Merauke and Jayawijaya.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
S&P affirms ratings on Bank Danamon, Niaga
S&P affirms ratings on Bank Danamon, Niaga JAKARTA (JP): International rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) said yesterday it affirmed its "BB" long-term and "B" short-term counterparty ratings on Bank Danamon. The agency said in a statement that the affirmation of the ratings followed the announcement that the Salim Group and Credit Suisse First Boston were likely to acquire 19 percent and 10 percent stakes in the bank, respectively, from PT Danamon International.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Pesona Lukisan Kecil 4 by Five Indonesian Artists (Indonesia Lima), at Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 2-3, Central Jakarta, until Nov. 27. * 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.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur's wish to quit rejected by NU leaders
Gus Dur's wish to quit rejected by NU leaders BAGU, West Nusa Tenggara (JP): Senior ulemas rejected yesterday Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Abdurrahman Wahid's wish to retire and hold elections next year. Ahmad Bagdja, the secretary-general of the organization, and Mustofa Bisri, the deputy chairman of the organization's syuriyah (lawmaking body), said separately that Abdurrahman's wish was against NU's statutes.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Four business sectors severely hit by turmoil
Four business sectors severely hit by turmoil JAKARTA (JP): Construction, financial, transportation and telecommunications sectors had been the hardest hit by the country's monetary crisis, an analyst said yesterday. Didik J. Rachbini, a senior researcher at the Institute for Development of Economics and Finance, said the construction sector should delay new projects or at least slow their pace if they wanted to survive.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Koch Industries Inc. buys 5% stake in Trans-Pacific
Koch Industries Inc. buys 5% stake in Trans-Pacific JAKARTA (JP): Koch Industries Inc, a major petrochemical company of the United States, has acquired a 5 percent stake in PT Trans-Pacific Petrochemical Indotama (TPPI). TPPI said yesterday that the American company bought the 5 percent stake through its wholly owned subsidiary. TPPI is developing a US$2.5 billion olefin and aromatic facility in Tuban, East Java, with an annual capacity of over 3 million metric tons.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Treating mystic believers
Treating mystic believers The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) recently held discussions concerning a topic uncommon in any other country: old-style traditional mystic beliefs, or non-denominational faiths as they are called here. The debate was provoked by the United Development Party's demand that the country's mystical movements, which are popular mainly in Central Java, not be officially given a similar status as that of the five recognized religions.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Timber thieves caught in the act
Timber thieves caught in the act SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A team of provincial councilors touring the Kutai National Park accidentally came upon a group of men loading four trucks with stolen meranti blambangan logs recently, Antara reported Tuesday. Upon seeing the people's representatives, the thieves dropped whatever they were holding and fled. Their trucks were later confiscated by police. "We hope police can soon arrest the suspects," said Hatta Zainal, one of the councilors.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Derogatory English word
Derogatory English word On Saturday evening, Nov. 8, I tuned in to one of the most popular radio stations in Jakarta, Prambors, while I was in heavy traffic. A couple of disc jockeys (DJs) named Nadia and Rizal were on the air, holding a conversation about a person they know in Paris. Nadia said this person in Paris had gotten mugged by two men. But it was not the story that caught my attention.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Traffic violations
Traffic violations From Pos Kota During my daily commute on the Jagorawi (Jakarta, Bogor, Ciawi) toll road to and from work, I observe at least 30 to 40 vehicles violating traffic regulations. I mostly see vehicles exceeding the speed limit or following too closely the vehicles in front of them, while some overtake other vehicles from the emergency lane. During a 45 minute period, I see no less than 30 violations of traffic signs.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Asian coffee trade wary of RI rains
Asian coffee trade wary of RI rains SINGAPORE (Reuters): Late rains drenching the Indonesian coffee belt will likely trim the losses inflicted by a drought caused by the El Nino weather pattern, regional dealers said yesterday. Steady rain continued to fall over the key coffee-growing regions of Bengkulu, Lampung and South Sumatra over the past 24 hours. The three areas account for up to 70 percent of coffee production in Indonesia. "It looks like the (annual) monsoon season has arrived.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Marching bands compete next month
Marching bands compete next month JAKARTA (JP): The Grand Prix Marching Band Foundation in cooperation with the City Tourism Office will hold the 15th annual marching band competition at Istora Senayan stadium in Central Jakarta from Dec. 23 to Dec. 28. Lisa Ayodhia, the organizing committee's chairwoman, said yesterday that at least 12 student marching bands and 12 public marching bands would perform in the contest next month. "The overall winner will be awarded the (late) Mrs.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Call to stop sending unskilled workers abroad gains support
Call to stop sending unskilled workers abroad gains support JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Labor Export Companies (Apjati) supported yesterday legislators' call for the government to stop sending unskilled workers abroad. Abdullah Puteh, chairman of the organization, said in a hearing with House Commission V for manpower here yesterday that his organization also asked the government to seek alternatives to the export of unskilled workers.
Thu, 20 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
PLN asks Sengkang to lower power prices
PLN asks Sengkang to lower power prices JAKARTA (JP): PT Energy Sengkang has asked state-owned electricity company PLN for a license to build another power plant in compensation for willingness to reduce power prices for its steam power plant in Sengkang, South Sulawesi, PLN president Djiteng Marsudi said.