Archive: 17 December 1997
63 articles found
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Try Sutrisno appeases confusion over politics
Try Sutrisno appeases confusion over politics JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno has called on Indonesian people, especially youth, not to be confused about the current political situation. The vice president urged young people not to be influenced by certain groups' attempts to disturb national unity and integrity. He did not identify the groups or the political situation which he deemed a cause for concern.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Hashimoto says U.S. presence in Asia required
Hashimoto says U.S. presence in Asia required KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto told ASEAN leaders yesterday that the presence of American troops in Asia and closer ties with China were crucial to promoting regional security. "We had a very candid exchange of views on security," Hashimoto told a news conference after unprecedented talks with leaders from the nine-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bumbu's seasoning spices up eclectic decor
Bumbu's seasoning spices up eclectic decor "Where does one get a good, reasonably priced Indonesian meal?" friends visiting the city recently asked me. An expansive wave in the direction of my local roadside food stall would not have sufficed, even though the food-loving mother-of-three who runs it makes a mean rice-meat-and-veg take- out.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
RI buys Indian rice know-how
RI buys Indian rice know-how NEW DELHI (DPA): Indian-made technology to produce particle boards from rice husks rather than wood chips will soon be adopted in Indonesia under a licensing deal signed yesterday. India's state-run National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), which developed the eco-friendly timber substitute, has already taken patents in several rice-growing countries.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Extra buses ready for Idul Fitri
Extra buses ready for Idul Fitri SEMARANG, Central Java: The land transportation office has prepared 24,815 buses for the Idul Fitri and New Year exodus, an official said here Monday. "In addition to the buses prepared, an extra 188 buses will be operated during Idul Fitri," Rasiswo said. The buses have been readied for the exodus of travelers during the holidays from Dec. 18, 1997 through to Jan. 4, 1998, Antara quoted Rasiswo as saying.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Sahid International, Park Plaza forms alliance
Sahid International, Park Plaza forms alliance JAKARTA (JP): Sahid International Hotel Management and Consultant will form an alliance with Park Plaza International (PPI) Asia Pacific Pty Ltd to jointly tap the growing hotel industry in the region. Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed yesterday, the two hotel chains agreed to cooperate in marketing and sales as well as in the development of human resources in the hotel industry.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Asia braces for unrest as turmoil spreads
Asia braces for unrest as turmoil spreads By Sarah Davison HONG KONG (Reuters): Asia's economic turmoil is threatening to spill over from the financial markets to the streets, with many analysts predicting outbreaks of violence and nationalism as the crisis intensifies.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN, Japan reaffirm commitment to IMF bailout
ASEAN, Japan reaffirm commitment to IMF bailout KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Leaders of the nine ASEAN nations and Japan yesterday reaffirmed their support for IMF bailout schemes and called for swift implementation of the Manila framework to restore regional financial stability. The call was contained in a joint statement following a meeting between Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) leaders and Japanese Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto at an annual ASEAN summit in Kuala Lumpur.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
UN vows to accelerate E. Timor settlement
UN vows to accelerate E. Timor settlement JAKARTA (JP): United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan pledged yesterday to accelerate his efforts to help Indonesia and Portugal settle the East Timor issue. In a meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas in Kuala Lumpur yesterday, Annan also promised to find the best way to develop a better understanding between Jakarta and Lisbon on the issue.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Four teenagers die in fire
Four teenagers die in fire SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Four teenagers burned to death when they failed to escape a fire that razed at least 70 houses in Tanjung Redep district, Berau regency, East Kalimantan province last Sunday. The students, aged between 11 and 13 years old, were relatives and two of them were found clutching each other, spokesman for the local police, Lt. Col. Syarifudin Gomay, said Monday. The fire left 570 people homeless.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Attorney General vows to probe officials' conduct
Attorney General vows to probe officials' conduct JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Singgih announced yesterday that a team of investigators would probe the alleged role of employees from the Jakarta Provincial Prosecutor's Office in influencing witnesses' testimonies. The employees -- including three prosecutors -- would not be given special treatment and they would be dealt with according to the existing rules, he said.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Foreigners fathered RI's graft
Foreigners fathered RI's graft By Donna K. Woodward MEDAN (JP): Indonesia is a country often at the top of the world's lists of the most corrupt countries. Why? Is Indonesian culture innately and inevitably corrupt? Contrary to this popular but superficial view, corruption is not an endemic part of Indonesia's culture or character. Indonesians too are appalled and ashamed by the magnitude of corruption here.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Naval parade in Surabaya
Naval parade in Surabaya SURABAYA, East Java: To celebrate its 52nd anniversary, the Indonesian Navy held a big parade here Sunday. Some 5,224 personnel participated in the parade which also featured models of battleships and the Jalesveva Jayamahe Monument. "Through such parades, the Navy strengthens its unity with the people of Surabaya," said parade commander, Col. Moekhlas Sidik, as quoted by Antara. The parade only covered a distance of 4.5 kilometers to prevent it from disrupting traffic.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Whence come rumors?
Whence come rumors? Public concern about the health of President Soeharto has apparently been exploited by some people to instill fear into the financial markets, leading to the renewed free-fall of the rupiah these past few days. Rumors about Soeharto's failing health has sent the rupiah plunging, almost by leaps and bounds, touching a record low each day. Yesterday, it hit the psychological barrier of Rp 6,000 to the dollar.
Wed, 17 Dec 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 8:30 Jazz 9:00 World News 9:30 My Beloved Country 9:43 Comedy: Memburu Menantu 10:43 Late News...
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Ajib to fight Thai in WBF title defense
Ajib to fight Thai in WBF title defense JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian World Boxing Federation (WBF) welterweight junior titleholder Ajib Albarado is ready to defend his title in today's bout against Thailand's Umnard Sukhthai at the Indosiar building. The 28-year-old Ajib, who is receiving Rp 25 million (US$4,485), told a press conference yesterday that he was optimistic about winning against the number four challenger on the WBF list. "My rival is not very special.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
House does not need code of ethics
House does not need code of ethics Following bribery allegations of some members of the House of Representatives (DPR), leaders of all four factions of the House have approved a plan to set up an ethics code for legislators. Yusril Ihza Mahendra, a constitutional law professor at the University of Indonesia, discusses the necessity of such a code. Question: What should be included in the planned code of ethics to help improve the credibility of House members?
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Food shortage requires urgent action: Megawati
Food shortage requires urgent action: Megawati JAKARTA (JP): Megawati Soekarnoputri warned the government yesterday that while the economic crisis can be cured in the long-term, the problem of hunger is urgent and should be dealt with immediately. "Stomachs cannot wait," said Megawati, the ousted chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) -- which in the past had sometimes been branded the closest Indonesia got to an opposition party.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bank channel loans to small enterprises
Bank channel loans to small enterprises JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia, the central bank, said yesterday that subsidized loans for small- and medium-scaled enterprises had been made available through state banks and Bank Bukopin since early this month. Small and medium firms or cooperatives needing additional working capital to run or expand their businesses should go to one of seven state banks or Bank Bukopin to get the low-interest loans, the central bank said in a statement.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah strengthens, stocks gain
Rupiah strengthens, stocks gain JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia gave a push to the rupiah yesterday, which slipped to a record low of 6,000 against the U.S. dollar, while local stock prices gained ground, currency dealers and stockbrokers said. Dealers said the rupiah strengthened in the afternoon after the central bank stepped in. The spot rupiah closed at 5,450/5,550 to the dollar, compared with an opening of 5,750/5,900.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Conversion rates
Conversion rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) conversion rates on Dec.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Expert warns of Mt. Merapi lahar
Expert warns of Mt. Merapi lahar SEMARANG, Central Java: The large lahar dome on the peak of Mount Merapi has begun to crack and poses a real threat as the region enters the rainy season, according to a volcanology official. Mas Atje Purbawinata, who heads the volcanology office in Yogyakarta, 30 kilometers south of Merapi, warned people living on the upper slopes of the 2,914 meter conic volcano to be prepared for sudden cold lahar avalanches brought on by heavy rain.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Spotlight
Spotlight Photo A: Journal Borobudur Inter-Continental Jakarta DIPLOMATIC DO: Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas meets general manager of the Borobudur Inter-Continental Jakarta, Michael Tuorniare (right) at the launching of Duta, the Indonesian Journal of World Affairs. Alatas officiated at the ceremony on Dec. 2 at the hotel in Central Jakarta.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Cathay to defer new plane purchases
Cathay to defer new plane purchases HONG KONG (AFP): Cathay Pacific Airways is to defer options on new aircraft because of the slump in regional tourism caused by Asia's financial crisis, a company spokeswoman said yesterday. Cathay may also sell some of its older planes because of the economic downturn, she said. "We're looking into the possibility, but nothing is confirmed," the spokeswoman commented. The purchases have not been canceled just delayed by one or two years.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
S'poreans jailed for smuggling pills
S'poreans jailed for smuggling pills TANGERANG (JP): The local district court here sentenced two Singaporeans to four years in jail each for attempting to smuggle thousands of Ecstasy pills into the country late last year. During separate trials Monday, the defendants -- identified as Loh Kok Ban, 37, and Lim Thian Kwang, 25 -- were each ordered to also pay a fine of Rp 4 million (US$695).
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Pelabuhan Ratu puts best face on for cultural festival
Pelabuhan Ratu puts best face on for cultural festival JAKARTA (JP): Preparations are underway for a special week of festivities at the Pelabuhan Ratu coastal area in West Java. Locals have started sprucing up the district as they ready to host the first Palabuhan Ratu Festival, to open this Saturday. Several hotels are also preparing to welcome both local and foreign tourists expected to attend the festival through Dec. 27 to watch traditional performances and more.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
RI gymnasts up for SEAGCON
RI gymnasts up for SEAGCON JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Gymnastics Association will send nine gymnasts to the fourth Southeast Asian Games Confederation (SEAGCON) junior gymnastics championships in Kuala Lumpur from Dec. 17 to Dec. 22. Zainal Abidin, Helmi Firmansyah and Harun Fauzi Rangkuti will compete in the men's artistic event and Nurfiana Akhmadi, Astrida Nila Kusuma, Dewi Prahara and Titi Febriati in the women's artistic competition, according to an announcement made yesterday.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Unicef officer tells govt to maintain food supply
Unicef officer tells govt to maintain food supply JAKARTA (JP): A Unicef officer appealed to the government yesterday to issue a special policy to enable households, particularly those still living in poverty, to maintain their food supply during the economic crisis.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Debt-ridden Asian corporates fight to cut losses
Debt-ridden Asian corporates fight to cut losses SINGAPORE (AFP): Asian corporates buried under a mountain of U.S. dollar-denominated debt are unwittingly pulling down their own currencies as they race to repay their ballooning loans by year-end, analysts said Tuesday. Most Southeast Asian currencies have weakened rapidly over the last few weeks against the U.S. dollar, attributed largely to buying of the greenback by debt-ridden corporates servicing their foreign loans, the analysts said.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Gas field found in Fak-fak
Gas field found in Fak-fak SORONG, Irian Jaya: A huge natural gas field, believed to be the biggest in Indonesia, has been found in Bomberai village, Fak-fak, Irian Jaya. The field was the first to be discovered in Fak-fak by PT ARCO, a contractor of state oil and gas company Pertamina, since it started exploring the area in 1996, district head, Suparlan Pasambuna, was quoted by Antara as saying over the weekend.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Military braces for massive layoffs
Military braces for massive layoffs SURABAYA (JP): The East Java military is bracing itself for large scale demonstrations in anticipation of the expected 6,000 layoffs likely to occur in January. Maj. Gen. Djaja Suparman, commander of the Brawijaya Military Command in East Java, lamented yesterday the fact that the layoffs would take place so close to the New Year, the end of the Moslem fasting month Idul Fitri and Chinese New Year.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Planting rice in Irian?
Planting rice in Irian? From Republika I have been wondering how the Indonesian Science Institute (LIPI) could have come up with the "brilliant idea" of teaching the Irian Jaya population to plant rice, as reported by one of Jakarta's newspapers. This is really disheartening. The project does not make any sense and needs to be questioned on its basis of argumentation and its scale of priority. If the plan is a serious LIPI project, it is even more confounding.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Wild boar scares S'pore ferry staff
Wild boar scares S'pore ferry staff SINGAPORE (DPA): Passengers were evacuated from a Singapore ferry terminal after a wild boar wandered into the area, news reports said yesterday. The 60-centimeter long animal was spotted early Monday in the shrubbery at Changi Ferry Terminal, which operates a ferry service between Singapore and Malaysia. Ferry passengers were taken out by bus and police cordoned off the site. It took 14 police officers and two zoo workers 45 minutes to subdue the beast.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Travel industry warned of rates
Travel industry warned of rates JAKARTA (JP): A senior tourism executive has warned Indonesia's travel industry and related businesses to set realistic prices to survive global tourism competition. Managing director of the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board, Wuryastuti Sunario, told The Jakarta Post here yesterday that travel-related prices were down, making competition in the world tourism industry fiercer.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Medco raises output of Sumatra oil field
Medco raises output of Sumatra oil field JAKARTA (JP): Oil company PT Exspan Kalimantan, a subsidiary of Medco Energi Corp, has increased the output of the Kaji Semoga oil field in South Sumatra by 7,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 10,000 bpd. "The development of the oil field is continuing. We hope to increase its output to 30,000 bpd by 1999," said Exspan president John S. Karamoy at the ceremony to celebrate the new level of output here yesterday.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta:
Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: Kilas Balik 97, at Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara, Jl. Antara No. 59 Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta, daily except Monday, 11:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., Dec. 17 through Jan. 14. Followed by discussions with photographer and public, at 2 p.m., Dec. 20. * Fine Arts Exhibition: Djentik 94 at the Arts Exhibition Room, Institut Kesenian Jakarta, Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta, until Dec. 23.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Medical check-ups from military
Medical check-ups from military JAKARTA (JP): More than 1,700 Tambora residents in West Jakarta received free medical check-ups yesterday from the Jakarta Military Command in a public-service activity to commemorate its 42nd anniversary this year. Commander Maj. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin said the free treatments were aimed at building a closer a relationship between military command members and the city residents. "I do hope that soldiers always remember that they are also from the people.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Regent threatens karaoke bars
Regent threatens karaoke bars PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: Kotawaringin Timur Regent Didik Salmijardi has threatened to burn down karaoke bars which continued operations without permits, Antara reported yesterday. "If there are any karaoke bars open in Sampit, please report them to me and I will burn them down," he said Monday. Didik was responding to reports that 12 bars were operating without permits.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
France wins world c'ships: Bermuda Bowl
France wins world c'ships: Bermuda Bowl By Djanwar Madjolelo JAKARTA (JP): Congratulations first to France which has achieved the great feat of being Olympiad and Bermuda Bowl Champions in consecutive years: 1996 and 1997. That this year's final was between the holders, USA II (Nick Nickell Teams) and the Olympiad Champions, France, implied the route was destined. Norway took third place after beating USA I (Seymon Deutsch team 97 - 67) in a shorter, 32-board, clash.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Three students die in collision
Three students die in collision LHOKSEUMAWE, Aceh: Three high school students were killed in a collision between a bus and truck yesterday morning. Antara reported that the bus, which was carrying about 40 students, was believed to have been speeding when the accident occurred. Two students died instantly and a third died in hospital. Eleven more were being treated for their injuries. The three casualties bring to 55 the number of people who have died on the roads in the province this year.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 16, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 650 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 400 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 175 0 1,174,000 Alumindo Perkasa 250 -25 500 Aneka Kimia Raya 700 0 65,000 Aneka Tambang 950 125 1,482,500 Anwar Sierad 225 0 20,000 Apac Centertex Corp.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Pensioners protest failed payments
Pensioners protest failed payments MEDAN, North Sumatra: Hundreds of former employees of a state- owned plantation company here demonstrated at the provincial legislative council denouncing the company's failure to pay their pension for six years. Antara quoted some of the pensioners of the PTPN-II as saying that those who were still paid joined the protest because they only received up to Rp 16,800 (US$3) per month.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
No perks, no village chief
No perks, no village chief JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie SM is concerned that fewer people will want to become village chiefs because the perks, such as the provision of free land, are no longer available. Yogie said Monday at least 600 villages across the country do not have a village chief because they now have to work on a voluntary basis since the government can no longer provide financial incentives.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Myanmar military pledges to stop future power grab
Myanmar military pledges to stop future power grab YANGON (Agencies): The Myanmar military government has vowed to develop the country so the nation's armed forces never need to seize power again, official media outlets said yesterday. Lt. Gen. Tin Oo, the army's chief of staff and Secretary Two in the ruling State Peace and Development Council (SPDC), was quoted as making the statement Monday during a meeting with armed forces officers.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
No roll over for loans, Japan says
No roll over for loans, Japan says KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Japan told yesterday Southeast Asian nations that it could not help their troubled economies by forcing private banks to roll over loans, Philippine President Fidel Ramos said. Ramos told a news conference after a regional summit in the Malaysian capital that Thailand had suggested Japanese banks roll over loans falling due as part of an effort to support Southeast Asia's economies.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
PT Telkom wary over telephone line target
PT Telkom wary over telephone line target JAKARTA (JP): State-owned PT Telkom and its private partners will face difficulties in meeting the government's target to install eight million telephone lines in the current Sixth Five- Year Development Plan.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Asia unites in adversity
Asia unites in adversity KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Twelve Asian nations formed a sense of unity through adversity during a three-day summit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia's host Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
UN envoy to go to Myanmar
UN envoy to go to Myanmar KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan said here yesterday he would send a special envoy to Myanmar in January to meet officials of its ruling junta as well as opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi. Annan disclosed the plan to journalists after meeting Myanmar leader Senior Gen. Than Shwe on the sidelines of an East Asian summit here. "We agreed that I will send my envoy Alvaro de Soto to Myanmar in January to discuss with Mrs.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Asian woes to affect Chinese exports
Asian woes to affect Chinese exports BEIJING (Reuters): Weaker currencies in Southeast Asia and rising trade friction are likely to dampen China's exports in 1998, Chinese Trade Minister Wu Yi was quoted on Tuesday as saying. "Compared with 1997, China's imports, exports and the use of foreign capital will face greater challenges next year," she said in an interview with the official People's Daily.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
28 caught without ID cards
28 caught without ID cards JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Police have rounded up 28 people who were caught without their identification cards (KTP) during an operation at Senen market, an officer said yesterday. Second Lt. Suharjono, chief detective of the Central Jakarta Police subprecinct, said that seven of the 28 offenders were identified as former prisoners. The crackdown, Operasi Kilat Jaya, conducted Monday between 10 p.m.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Only radical reforms can end present crisis, says scholar
Only radical reforms can end present crisis, says scholar JAKARTA (JP): Political scholar Nurcholish Madjid said yesterday the nation must be willing to engage in radical political and economic reforms if it is to lift itself from the monetary crisis. Addressing a discussion on good governance, Nurcholish said the economic crisis was not cyclical but systematic.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
China faces up to ASEAN facts
China faces up to ASEAN facts There is no mistaking the atmosphere of gloom at this ASEAN meeting. It is likely that the participants at this ASEAN summit will work out some program for mutual assistance. How effective this will be remains to be seen. But no one should underestimate the importance of this summit, especially since China is taking part for the first time.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Enron seeks to revive US$525m power project
Enron seeks to revive US$525m power project JAKARTA (JP): Enron International, a major American energy company, is seeking to revive its US$525 million power project in East Java which the government postponed in September as part of spending cuts forced by the currency crisis.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
PPP opts to wait and see on presidential candidate
PPP opts to wait and see on presidential candidate JAKARTA (JP): Despite prolonged debate, the United Development Party (PPP) failed to agree yesterday on its presidential candidate and deferred the job of announcing the name to chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum. Ismail told a press conference he would announce the party's nominee "at the right time". He refused to elaborate, except to say that the presidential election for the 1998/2003 period could take place only next March.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
S&P puts some Indonesian banks under review
S&P puts some Indonesian banks under review HONG KONG (AFP): U.S. ratings agency Standard and Poor's yesterday put four Indonesian banks under review for a possible downgrade of their credit rating, citing concerns the country's banking system was deteriorating. The four banks put under credit watch with "negative implications" were PT Bank Negara Indonesia, PT Bank Danamon Indonesia, PT Bank Internasional Indonesia and PT Bank Umum Nasional.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Most discotheques, cafes ignore rules
Most discotheques, cafes ignore rules JAKARTA (JP): Most cafes and discotheques in Jakarta have failed to win an Excellence in Tourism award because they constantly breach regulations, an official said yesterday. Fauzi Bowo, head of the city's tourist agency, said after the Adikarya Wisata 1997 award ceremony at Sahid Jaya Hotel, Central Jakarta, that most cafes and discotheques violated opening hours, had insufficient permits or allowed drug dealing and obscene activities on their premises.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Businessman may get 4 years for stealing designer watches
Businessman may get 4 years for stealing designer watches JAKARTA (JP): A prosecutor asked Central Jakarta District Court yesterday to sentence a businessman to four years in jail for allegedly masterminding the theft of watches worth Rp 3.9 billion (US$678.60). Prosecutor Y.W. Mere said defendant Edi Cay Nam Sui -- alias Buci or Andi Wijaya Gunawan -- was behind the plot which netted 51 designer watches.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Assembly may drop draft on human rights charter
Assembly may drop draft on human rights charter JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly came closer yesterday to reaching a decision to reject motions for human rights protection sponsored by minority factions.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Investment funds of Jamsostek 'mismanaged'
Investment funds of Jamsostek 'mismanaged' JAKARTA (JP): The returns on investment by state-owned social insurance company PT Jamsostek are still below average as most investments are mismanaged, according to the Econit Advisory Group. Econit's managing director Arif Arryman said yesterday that the return on Jamsostek's investment was only 11.6 percent last year, much lower than the average deposit interest rate of 15 percent during the period. "In 1996, Jamsostek invested Rp 4.36 trillion.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
RI's youth suffer from crisis of values
RI's youth suffer from crisis of values JAKARTA (JP): Researchers say young Indonesians today suffer from anomie. They do not know right from wrong. Rusydi Syahra, a senior researcher at the National Institute of Sciences, told a seminar on youth here yesterday that many young people committed socially unacceptable acts -- such as vandalism or becoming involved in brawls -- because they lacked a sense of values.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Thai cabinet cut their pay
Thai cabinet cut their pay BANGKOK (DPA): The Thai cabinet pushed through a 20 percent cut in monthly salaries for government ministers and legislators as an austerity measure, a senior minister said yesterday. "We have decided to cut the salaries for ministers, their assistants and all government members of parliament," said Thai Interior Minister Sanan Kachaornprasart. The cabinet has not yet decided whether it will cut salaries for opposition MPs.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bangkok subway deal signed
Bangkok subway deal signed BANGKOK (AFP): Thai authorities have appointed a foreign-led consortium to oversee the building of a long-awaited subway system, a report said yesterday. Bangkok's Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) signed a 1.28 billion baht (US$26.7 million) consultancy contract with U.S.-based Louis Berger International Inc. to oversee the project, the Bangkok Post said.
Wed, 17 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Labor insurance
Labor insurance From Kompas As a member of the Astek/Jamsostek (labor insurance) program, I would like a clear explanation of a number of things. According to articles six and 25 of Law No. 3 of 1992, the objective of the collection of labor insurance funds is to enhance the welfare of Indonesian workers. If the Jamsostek funds are so huge, is it still appropriate to pay only Rp 1.2 million in compensation for cases of death?