Archive: 3 November 1997
49 articles found
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Administration has bold plans for city slums
Administration has bold plans for city slums JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is setting up a program with the State Ministry of Public Housing to rejuvenate slum areas, especially those on state land on riverbanks, Governor Sutiyoso said over the weekend. "The city is currently starting to list slum areas which are badly in need of rejuvenation.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bank closures to 'pave' future path
Bank closures to 'pave' future path The Indonesian government announced Saturday what the nation saw as the largest number of banks liquidated at one time. In the following discourse, economist Kwik Kian Gie talks about the impact of the bold measure and the fate of the remaining banks. Question: How do you feel about the liquidation of the 16 banks? Answer: Excellent.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
The complicated problems of manpower
The complicated problems of manpower By Wahyu Susilo JAKARTA (JP): Industrialization has spurred inter-state manpower mobility in Southeast Asia. Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar and Laos are among countries supplying manpower for job openings in Malaysia, Singapore, Brunei Darussalam and Thailand. Economic, cultural and political aspects influence Southeast Asia's manpower migration character.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Police ready to anticipate possible riots
Police ready to anticipate possible riots JAKARTA (JP): City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday that police had been deployed throughout the city to prevent unrest following the government's closure of 16 ailing private banks. "There isn't any special squad or operation. Police patrols around business areas will be held as usual. But, yes, we will be more alert to anticipate any possible commotion caused by the bank closure announcement," he said.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
HK considers backing IMF's Indonesia bailout
HK considers backing IMF's Indonesia bailout HONG KONG (Reuters): Hong Kong said on Saturday it was prepared to consider supporting the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) massive aid package for Indonesia, but stopped short of specifying an amount. Financial Secretary Donald Tsang had responded positively to an IMF request for Hong Kong's participation and said "Hong Kong is prepared to consider supporting the contingency supplementary financing arrangements," a government statement said.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia still vital to Asia-pacific tourism
Indonesia still vital to Asia-pacific tourism JAKARTA (JP): In spite of the ongoing thick haze caused by the widespread forest and brush fires in Indonesia, the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) predicts that Indonesia will be one of the 10 key tourist markets in the Asia-Pacific region in 1998.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
The preemptive bailout
The preemptive bailout The almost US$40 billion in aid pledged by multilateral institutions and country donors to the Indonesian government and the technical support and direct surveillance by an international team of experts led by the International Monetary Fund for the next three years will surely help restore confidence in the nation's economy. Once market confidence is restored, the turbulence of the rupiah is expected to subside and gradually settle to a stable market exchange rate range.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Rp 15b housing project canceled
Rp 15b housing project canceled JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The Irian Jaya office of the Ministry of Transmigration has canceled the construction of two housing complexes worth Rp 15 billion (US$4.14 million) due to the currency crisis. Kamso, the acting chief of the ministry's office, made the announcement, Antara reported Saturday.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Nightspot drugs dealer busted
Nightspot drugs dealer busted JAKARTA (JP): A man has been arrested for allegedly trafficking Ecstasy in discotheques and nightspots across the city, police said. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said Saturday that the suspect, identified as Suherman Satibi, 33, was arrested with 66 Ecstasy pills in his possession. "We busted him this morning at around 1 a.m.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Ministers officiate opening of new mall
Ministers officiate opening of new mall JAKARTA (JP): The undulating sound of kettledrums being struck by two ministers, two city officers and three businessmen, marked the grand opening of Mal Puri Indah in Puri Kembangan, West Jakarta, Saturday. Located in a six-hectare area on Jl. Puri Agung and operating since January, the shopping mall, which has 121,000 square meters of space, is currently home to 142 outlets, including fashion stores, bookstores, toy shops, supermarkets and a game center.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Andromeda's last effort fails to avoid liquidation axe
Andromeda's last effort fails to avoid liquidation axe JAKARTA (JP): Bank Andromeda, one of 16 banks closed by the government over the weekend, said yesterday it tried to save the bank at the last minute with Rp 350 billion (US$100 million) in new funds, but the effort fell short of the deadline.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Analysts stress need for reforms to bureaucracy
Analysts stress need for reforms to bureaucracy JAKARTA (JP): Political analysts hailed the international rescue package for Indonesia but demanded radical bureaucratic reforms to ensure proper use of the funds. Amien Rais of Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University suggested during a seminar here Saturday that Indonesia pay attention to the former Soviet Union's reform program, perestroika, launched after it received a massive financial aid package worth nearly US$40 billion.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, Nov. 3, 1997
Where to go in Jakarta: Monday, Nov. 3, 1997 Exhibitions * Batik Exhibition, by Maartri Djorghi, at Galeri TC (Twilight Cafe), Jl. Kemang Raya No.24A South Jakarta, 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., until Nov. 8. * Painting Exhibition: From Mooi Indie to Persagi, at Museum Seni Rupa Jakarta, Jl. Taman Fatahilah, West Jakarta, on Tuesday to Friday, Sunday at 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., until Dec. 26.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Thai minister urges U.S. help for region
Thai minister urges U.S. help for region BANGKOK (Reuters): A senior Thai minister has urged more direct U.S. intervention to bring stability to battered Southeast Asian economies, the Nation newspaper reported on Saturday. "If the U.S. shows its intentions or gives more cooperation in helping solve problems in South East Asia, investors from the U.S. and Europe will regain confidence," the paper quoted Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Virabongsa Ramangkura as saying.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Internet banking: It's closer than you might think
Internet banking: It's closer than you might think By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): One of the hottest issues in our letters column lately has been the unfairly huge commissions claimed by local banks that offer savings accounts in U.S. dollars. Just last week a letter on the same issue also appeared in the Kompas daily. Complaints varied from inconsistent policies to arrogant customer service staff and branch managers. The bottom line is the question whether it is worth putting our hard-earned U.S.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Experts divided over issue of presidential succession
Experts divided over issue of presidential succession JAKARTA (JP): The debate on presidential succession resumed over the weekend, with two leading experts taking opposite stands on whether it was time to seek an alternative candidate for the top job. Economist and political analyst Dawam Rahardjo said it was not an appropriate time for a changing of the guard, while government critic Amien Rais insisted that it was still possible to elect an alternative president for the 1998/2003 period.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Five nabbed for falsifying shipping documents for crew
Five nabbed for falsifying shipping documents for crew JAKARTA (JP): Five men have been arrested for allegedly counterfeiting hundreds of documents required to join a ship's crew. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said Saturday the suspects had been producing the fake documents since 1994. "The men's illegal business was finally revealed after a shipping company rejected a candidate crew which applied with the fake documents," he said without naming the firm.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
IMF ready to give more money to Indonesia
IMF ready to give more money to Indonesia WASHINGTON (Reuters): The international community, which announced plans on Friday to get Indonesia's economy back on track, could make US$40 billion available in the biggest aid package since Mexico's bailout in 1995. Michel Camdessus, managing director of the International Monetary Fund, told a news conference the IMF was ready to step in with $10 billion over three years provided Indonesia met the terms of a comprehensive reform package.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
IMF and ASEAN ministers to discuss forex rules
IMF and ASEAN ministers to discuss forex rules KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): The International Monetary Fund will brief Southeast Asian finance ministers next month on the progress of a study on regulated currency trading, a Malaysian government spokesman said on Saturday.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
'RCTI' celebrates Titiek's 60 years
'RCTI' celebrates Titiek's 60 years JAKARTA (JP): To celebrate legend singer Titiek Puspa's 60th birthday, TV station RCTI will sponsor a concert of 80 artists at the Jakarta Convention Center, South Jakarta, Nov. 18. The two-hour concert, titled Citra Karya Titiek Puspa (The creative works of Titiek Puspa), would have musical arrangements by conductor Dwiki Darmawan, said Titiek at her Menteng residence Saturday.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Unseeded George harasses Hariyanto at national c'ship
Unseeded George harasses Hariyanto at national c'ship BANDUNG (JP): A relatively unknown player, George Rimarchdi, defeated senior sportsman Hariyanto Arbi 8-15, 18-15, 15-2 in a surprising upset to the men's singles final at the Ardath National Badminton Championship here yesterday. Hariyanto, who was seeded first, encountered no difficulties in the first set with an easy 15-8 victory over the youngster.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Diarrhea kills two in Lampung
Diarrhea kills two in Lampung BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The local health office has sent a team to Menggala, in the Tulangbawang regency, to investigate an outbreak of diarrhea Thursday that has killed two residents. Rahmat Hakiki and Tania died, seven people remain in hospital and 15 others have been discharged, according to Abdurrohim of Menggala Community Health Center. A.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Elect members of MPR 'for democracy's sake'
Elect members of MPR 'for democracy's sake' JAKARTA (JP): Political observer Maswadi Rauf said the appointment rather than election of most members the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) was hampering democratization.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
TV Program: Monday, Nov. 3, 1997
TV Program: Monday, Nov. 3, 1997 TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 My Country 2:35 Cartoon Film: Lucan 3:10 TV Drama: Salah Duga 3:35 Religious Teachings: Hindu 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Creative Program: Karya Inovatif 5:00 Indonesian Lessons 5:25 Variety Show 5:30 Boy Scout's Program 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 News: Laporan Luar Negeri 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Quiz: Gita Remaja 9:00 World...
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Governnment statement on bank closure
Governnment statement on bank closure JAKARTA (JP): The following is the full text of the government's statement on the closure of 16 commercial banks, which was announced Saturday. Banks, as financial intermediaries that collect and distribute the funds of society, play a strategic role in the Indonesian economy. For this reason, banks must continuously safeguard their financial health in order to maintain public trust.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Was the life of late K'tut Tantri's fact or fiction?
Was the life of late K'tut Tantri's fact or fiction? By Ratih Hardjono MELBOURNE (JP): K'tut Tantri, born Muriel Stuart Walker, and better known as Surabaya Sue, was a controversial figure for most of her 98 years. The reason is not just because her autobiography Revolt in Paradise is often referred to as a piece of fiction, or that she collaborated with the Japanese in the 1940s, but also because of the way she lived.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
IMF's aid expected to raise sentiment
IMF's aid expected to raise sentiment JAKARTA (JP): The announcement of the US$23 billion financial rescue package from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is expected to boost market sentiment at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) this week. Analysts estimate that investors will use the momentum to buy blue chip shares, which they describe as being "very very" cheap.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir coutions on freeing markets
Mahathir coutions on freeing markets KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad reminded the Group of Fifteen (G-15) developing countries Saturday to be cautious in implementing market liberalization and globalization plans.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia aid plan seen lifting world confidence
Indonesia aid plan seen lifting world confidence NEW YORK (Reuters): The IMF's aid package to Indonesia came at the right time to help boost confidence in global financial markets, though it may not be enough to put to the region back on track, U.S. analysts said on Friday. Earlier, the International Monetary Fund pledged US$23 billion in funds to be paid by IMF, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Soldier's alleged killer turns himself in: Police spokesman
Soldier's alleged killer turns himself in: Police spokesman JAKARTA (JP): The alleged killer of Chief Sgt. Ahmat Tohir has surrendered to Pasar Rebo Police in East Jakarta, an officer said yesterday. City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the suspect, identified as Hasan Usman, arrived at the police station about 5 p.m. Friday. He was accompanied by a friend, Aritonang said.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
JSX opens new info center
JSX opens new info center YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) launched an information center at the University of Duta Wacana here Friday. "I hope this facility will give a better chance to society to take part in the development process, especially in the field of investment," the university's rector Aristarchus Sukarto said in a speech.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Japan, Singapore ready to provide $5b each to RI
Japan, Singapore ready to provide $5b each to RI JAKARTA (JP): Japan and Singapore hailed Saturday the Indonesian economic reform program and pledged to provide US$5 billion each as part of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aid package for the country. The aid commitment was made here during a meeting between Singaporean Minister of Finance Richard Hu, Japanese Vice Finance Minister Eisuke Sakakibara and Indonesian Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Extradition treaty not a solution: Lopa
Extradition treaty not a solution: Lopa JAKARTA (JP): Establishing an extradition agreement with Saudi Arabia will be ineffective if the government fails to address shortcomings in its worker recruitment procedures, a rights activist said Saturday. The call for an extradition agreement followed the beheading of an Indonesian worker in the oil-rich country.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Immigration on alert for bank owners
Immigration on alert for bank owners JAKARTA (JP): Immigration check points across the country have been put on alert and ordered to "delay" the departure of the owners of the 16 liquidated banks if they try to leave the country. Mursanuddin A. Ghani, the head of public affairs at the director general of immigration's office, said the bank owners were not officially banned or blacklisted from traveling abroad but precautions were being taken.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Preventing future forest fires
Preventing future forest fires By Aleksius Jemadu This is the first of two articles on how we can prevent forest fires in the future. BANDUNG (JP): Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo announced recently that forest fires over the last few months have destroyed 96,000 hectares of forest areas, consisting of 70,000 hectares of productive forests -- including some 15,000 on timber estates -- and 26,000 hectares of protected forests.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Fate of migrant workers
Fate of migrant workers From Republika We have recently been struck by a report that an Indonesian female migrant worker, Soleha, had to lose her life in the hands of an executioner. She was charged with murder, an accusation which is still open to question. Soleha's execution is one more addition to the long list of Indonesian migrant workers who have been punished or tortured by their masters.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Hot water spring found in Jayapura
Hot water spring found in Jayapura JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Residents around Podena village, Jayapura, have discovered what could be the largest hot water spring in the province. Jayapura regent Jan Pieter Karafir told Antara here yesterday the spring spurts boiling water out of the ground at a height of two meters. He said many human and animal remains have been found. They were believed to have died due to contact with boiling water from the spring.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Children under the sword
Children under the sword The President and the country are right to rejoice that Nasiroh has escaped the Saudi sword, although the execution of Soleha Anam Kadiran earlier in October cast a giant shadow over the result of this intervention by the government of Indonesia.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Unocal evacuates some 720 staff
Unocal evacuates some 720 staff BANGKOK (AFP): Unocal is evacuating some 720 staff from offshore gas facilities in the Gulf of Thailand because of a tropical storm approaching from the South China Sea to the east, the company said yesterday. All non-essential personnel were being evacuated by helicopter and boats as tropical storm Linda moves westwards towards the gas field off the coast of southern Thailand at a speed of 20 knots, a Unocal statement said.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Astra gets revolving facility to repay loans
Astra gets revolving facility to repay loans JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed PT Astra International, the country's largest automobile group, has secured US$160 million in revolving loan facility to repay its short-term, mature debts, the company announced over the weekend.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Two killed over Rp 20,000 debt
Two killed over Rp 20,000 debt JAKARTA (JP): An angry crowd beat two men to death during a commotion over the collection of a Rp 20,000 (US$5,71) debt in West Jakarta, one of victims' relatives said yesterday. The victims were identified as Dayat, 38, a resident of Kapuk, in West Jakarta, and his nephew, Heru Pratomo, a student of the economic and administrative high school SMEA PGRI II in Cengkareng. Dayat's older sister, Hartini, said Dayat died instantly at the scene about 9 p.m.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Asian stocks seen nervous, volatile
Asian stocks seen nervous, volatile HONG KONG (Reuters): Asian stocks braced for another week of extreme volatility, with concern that instability in other world markets could put further pressure on the region's wildly fluctuating exchanges.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Obituary
Obituary JAKARTA (JP): One of Indonesia's most famous vocal trainers, Pranadjaja, died yesterday afternoon at the age of 67. Born Pranowo Djojodinoto, Pranadjaja began his career after winning a classical singing contest as a student at Gadjah Mada University in his hometown of Yogyakarta. Despite his vocal prowess, Pranadjaja was better known as an educator than a singer. In the mid-1960s he studied vocal music in Japan.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Moslem urged to work together
Moslem urged to work together JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher said Moslems the world over should work together to fight poverty and illiteracy, and improve the quality of human resources in Islamic countries. "Moslems from different social and cultural backgrounds throughout the world should refer to the guidance of the Koran and Hadith (Prophet Muhammad's sayings and deeds) so they are not divided by political differences," Tarmizi said.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
German tourist drowns in Bali
German tourist drowns in Bali DENPASAR, Bali: Eming Karim, a 53-year-old German tourist, died after being caught in a strong current at Canggu Beach in Kuta, Friday night, Antara reported. Coastguard Gede Berata said Karim was the second person to drown in the last 10 days. The first was a young local, identified as Anak Agung Made Bagus. Karim was swimming with some foreigners at the beach, an estuary where two rivers meet. (imn)
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Reform welcomed with some reservations
Reform welcomed with some reservations JAKARTA (JP): Economists lauded the government's new economic reform package approved by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the weekend, but expressed concern over the implementation of the measures. Economist Sri Mulyani commended the government's compromise to open up the State Logistics Agency's (Bulog) monopoly on certain commodities.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Murder victim to be cremated
Murder victim to be cremated BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The government of the People's Republic of China has allowed the local administration to arrange the cremation of Guo Mao Jun, 19, who died from stab wounds on Oct. 13. "The Chinese Embassy has given a mandate to local shipping company PT. Samudera Indonesia to conduct the cremation for the crew of a Chinese cargo vessel, Lian Hua Shan, today (Saturday)," the chief of the Bandar Lampung City Police, Lt. Col. T.M.B.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Names of liquidated banks
Names of liquidated banks -------------------------------------------------------------------------- No. Name of bank Asset credits Public Equity (in bil. Rp) fund -------------------------------------------------------------------------- 1. PT Bank Pinaesaan (a) 358.74 161.22 275.53 24.05 2. PT Bank Industri (c) 543.90 478.15 501.38 30.57 3. PT Anrico Bank Ltd (a) 122.72 115.72 113.47 5.52 4. PT Astria Raya Bank 715.76 658.61 656.57 55.16 5.
Mon, 03 Nov 1997, 00:00 WIB
Liquidation of banks hailed
Liquidation of banks hailed JAKARTA (JP): Businesspeople and economists hailed the government's bold move to liquidate 16 insolvent banks, but urged tougher measures against existing troubled banks. Sofjan Wanandi, chairman of the Gemala Group, said the move should serve as shock therapy for the country's debt-plagued commercial banks. "It sends a strong message to owners and managers of surviving ill-fated banks to improve their performance by abiding by prudent banking practices," Sofjan said.