Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 December 1997

66 articles found

ITB seeks new vision at congress

ITB seeks new vision at congress BANDUNG, West Java (JP): The Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB), one of Indonesia's oldest and most famous higher learning institutions, is renowned for being the "campus of arts, science and technology".

Indosat operates ICO system

Indosat operates ICO system JAKARTA (JP): State-owned PT Indosat won a deal yesterday to operate ICO Global Communications, a satellite-based personal communications services provider, in Indonesia.The deal was signed by Indosat's director of corporate development, Safwan Natanagara, and ICO's...

No news on Timor car?

No news on Timor car? Have I missed something, I wonder? As I recall it, when the IMF bailout package war first mooted, one of the predictions was that certain non-essential projects should be postponed or altogether abandoned.

Crisis may affect Asian synthetic rubber

Crisis may affect Asian synthetic rubber SINGAPORE (Reuters): The financial crisis ripping through Asia is likely to squeeze capital for expansion of the region's synthetic rubber manufacturing firms, commodity firm LMC International Inc said in a report issued on Tuesday.

S&P may downgrade power project bonds

S&P may downgrade power project bonds JAKARTA (JP): The U.S.-based credit rating agency Standard & Poor's (S&P) announced yesterday that it was considering downgrading several bonds used to finance Indonesian power projects.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta:Exhibitions * Traditional ornamental roof ridges exhibition: Wuwungan at Rio Brazil Churrascaria, Jl. Kemang Raya 81, South Jakarta, 12-9 p.m., Dec. 5-14. * Painting Exhibition: The Southern Charm by Katrina Bohan- Tyrie, at Galeri Linggar, Jl. Kemang Timur No.

PGN builds gas distribution network

PGN builds gas distribution network JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned gas distribution company Perusahaan Gas Negara (PGN) is investing a total of US$1.27 billion to expand its gas distribution network in Sumatra, Java and Sulawesi, the company said yesterday.

Bayer issues rights shares

Bayer issues rights shares JAKARTA (JP): PT Bayer Indonesia's shareholders approved yesterday the company's plan to issue rights shares later this year.The company said yesterday that it expected to raise around Rp 24.84 billion (US$6.90 million) from the sales of 15.

Economic ills won't spark upheavals: Marzuki

Economic ills won't spark upheavals: Marzuki JAKARTA (JP): Human rights campaigner Marzuki Darusman appeased yesterday concern that the current economic woes would force massive layoffs and subsequently cause social upheaval.

Yogyakarta gets youth group chief

Yogyakarta gets youth group chief YOGYAKARTA (JP): Suhartono, a candidate from the Pancasila Youth group, has been elected head of the Yogyakarta branch of the National Youth Committee (KNPI) for the 1997-2000 term.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 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...

Soeharto tells nation to unite

Soeharto tells nation to unite JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto appealed to the nation again yesterday to be firmly united and work shoulder to shoulder to face the current currency turmoil.The President warned that the monetary crisis would not be conducive toward smooth national development.

RI, Australia sign deal

RI, Australia sign deal JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Australia have agreed to improve cooperation in tourism, post and telecommunications services.Under an agreement signed here yesterday by Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave and visiting Australian Minister for Communications...

Law on fight against graft: What about it?

Law on fight against graft: What about it? Some economists believe that Indonesia's economy is likely to recover in 1999 but corporate lawyer T. Mulya Lubis sees that corruption and uncontrolled spending might hamper the rapid recovery.

Suspect admits fetuses dumped in septic tank

Suspect admits fetuses dumped in septic tank JAKARTA (JP): The owner of an alleged abortion clinic, Herlina, has admitted dumping fetuses of up to four months gestation in the clinic's septic tank, a police officer said yesterday.

Film and manpower

Film and manpowerFrom JayakartaThe employment of Indonesian workers abroad has given rise to a lot of heartrending problems related to human rights violations, inhumane treatment and workers not being able to enjoy many of their rights.

More students reject Soeharto's renomination

More students reject Soeharto's renomination JAKARTA (JP): A delegation of students delivered a petition to the People's Consultative Assembly yesterday, suggesting the body not renominate President Soeharto to another five-year term.

City to ban rent by the hour hotels

City to ban rent by the hour hotels JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will revoke the operating licenses of dozens of short-term-stay hotels in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, as part of its plan to clean up the area, an official said.

Timber firms operate again

Timber firms operate again JAKARTA (JP): At least 21 timber companies, which last month were suspended for their alleged involvement in forest fires, are being allowed to resume operations again.The director for forest development at the Ministry of Forestry Soegeng Widodo said here yesterday that...

Maan set to fight in Johnnie Walker Tour

Maan set to fight in Johnnie Walker Tour JAKARTA (JP): Eager to pit his skill against seven of the world's golfing supermen, Indonesia's Maan Naasim, is gearing up for one of Asia's foremost golfing tournaments, the 1997 Johnnie Walker Super Tour.

Rosewood plans to operate a new hotel in Bali

Rosewood plans to operate a new hotel in Bali JAKARTA (JP): Luxury hotel operator Rosewood Hotels and Resort Inc. of the United States plans to operate a new hotel in Bali, its second hotel in the country after the newly opened Dharmawangsa in Jakarta.

Australian press loses interest in E. Timor

Australian press loses interest in E. Timor JAKARTA (JP): The Australian media now understands Indonesia better as its senior editors have become more aware about the complexity of problems facing the nation, and no longer only focus their attention on East Timor, an Indonesian editor said.

Two men jailed for carrying grenades

Two men jailed for carrying grenades JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta District Court has sentenced two men to two years in jail for carrying grenades during a religious festival attended by President Soeharto.

Early birds have their own market for sweet snacks

Early birds have their own market for sweet snacksBy Carl Chairul JAKARTA (JP): The recession has many companies fearing for their future. But Mak Taci, a snack distributor at the Senen market, does not seem fazed. She can smile because business is as brisk as usual.

Tight checks on RI-RP border

Tight checks on RI-RP border AMBON, Maluku: In an effort to clamp down on smugglers, tighter controls will be exercised on people crossing the Indonesian-Philippines border. Commander of Indonesia's Eastern Fleet Task Force, First Adm.

Spotlight

SpotlightPhoto A: CIDESJP/Agus Y. RanuTRAGIC TOPIC: Head of the Center for Information and Development Studies (CIDES), Adi Sasono (left) looks on as the dean of the School of law at Trisakti University, Adi Andojo, signs on a cloth opening a photo exhibition, Ranjau Darat (Land Mines) at Taman...

Asiad decision upsets archery, bowling bodies

Asiad decision upsets archery, bowling bodies JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Archery Association and the Indonesian Bowling Association expressed disappointment yesterday at the National Sports Council's decision not to choose their sports to represent the country at the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok...

Asian currencies drop on Korean aid worries

Asian currencies drop on Korean aid worries SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asian currencies were driven to new depths yesterday, a sign of growing impatience in the region for a definitive announcement of a financial bailout package for South Korea.

Denpasar to open P.O. Box 9000

Denpasar to open P.O. Box 9000 DENPASAR, Bali: Denpasar's city administration will open a special post office box to allow people to express their concerns about development in the area."Hopefully, through the P.O.

'Make sinetron fest merry'

'Make sinetron fest merry' JAKARTA (JP): As organizers of the Indonesian Sinetron Festival (FSI) continued to prepare for the airing of Indonesia's television awards event tomorrow night, a senior official at the Ministry of Information yesterday urged them to create a festive atmosphere.

RP looks to rivers to slake thirst

RP looks to rivers to slake thirst MANILA (AFP): President Fidel Ramos ordered yesterday a nationwide study on the use of Philippine rivers as a tap water source after the capital began rationing water amid an expectedly long drought, an official statement said.

Australia to aid Asia

Australia to aid Asia CANBERRA (Reuters): Australian Treasurer Peter Costello said yesterday the country would consider bilateral financial aid to Asian nations hit during the recent financial turmoil."If a further tier was requested on a bilateral basis, we would consider our position," Costello...

4,000 workers in Kemang face dismissal

4,000 workers in Kemang face dismissal JAKARTA (JP): The closure of 122 businesses -- including cafes, restaurants and furniture shops -- in Kemang, South Jakarta, is expected to affect about 4,000 workers, a city councilor said yesterday.

Will trading rules work in curbing speculation?

Will trading rules work in curbing speculation?By Ngiam Kee Jin SINGAPORE: The currency turmoil in Southeast Asia has been blamed squarely on excessive speculation and has prompted calls by Malaysia for some form of trading rules to prevent wild swings in currency values.

Military Command's anniversary

Military Command's anniversary JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Command will hold a score of war games and sports competitions to commemorate its 48th anniversary, which falls on Dec. 24.The command's inspector, Col.

Joint intervention to shore up rupiah temporarily halted

Joint intervention to shore up rupiah temporarily haltedBy Devi M. Asmarani KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Indonesian Finance Minister Mar'ie Muhammad said here yesterday that joint intervention with Singapore and Japan to prop up the rupiah has been temporarily suspended.

Rain washes out West Java Open

Rain washes out West Java Open CIAWI, West Java (JP): A heavy downpour washed out the opening round of the Rp 60 million (US$16,000) West Java Open Golf Championships yesterday when half of the 120 players were still completing the last eight holes at Gunung Geulis Golf and Country Club.

ASEAN committed to strengthen finance system

ASEAN committed to strengthen finance systemBy Devi M. Asmarani KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Asia-Pacific finance ministers ended a two-day meeting on the monetary turmoil here yesterday with a strong commitment to strengthen financial systems and to restore the ailing economies in the region.

Crisis calls for govt neutrality

Crisis calls for govt neutralityBy Hendrajit JAKARTA (JP): The recent liquidation of 16 troubled banks, given the close link between political power and business practices, was indeed the first test of the government's political will to deal with the business community.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 2, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 825 0 0 AHAP Insurance 600 0 0 Alter Abadi 475 -25 12,500 Alumindo Light Metal 325 -25 225,000 Alumindo...

CIDES's proposed affirmative action not racist

CIDES's proposed affirmative action not racistBy Irman G. Lanti JAKARTA (JP): The problem with indigenous and non-indigenous relations in Indonesia is evidently present and it should become the commitment of intellectuals to address the problems of the nation with sound reasoning, fairness and...

Two men beaten to death

Two men beaten to death JAKARTA (JP): Two alleged thieves have been beaten to death by an angry crowd in the Cakung district of East Jakarta, police said yesterday.City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the two victims were identified as Rian Aprianto, 22, and Irwanto, 20.

Cultural prejudice and cross-cultural dialog

Cultural prejudice and cross-cultural dialogBy Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): I have been involved in a number of discussions on cross-cultural interaction, about its increasing necessity and importance, and about problems in managing it.

Yayuk ends 1997 in 21st place

Yayuk ends 1997 in 21st place JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's best tennis player, Yayuk Basuki, ended 1997 in 21st place in the Women's Tennis Association list.This is Yayuk's highest ranking since she turned professional in October 1990.

(Other) People's money

(Other) People's money The scandal over the allegation that PT Jamsostek paid money to House of Representatives' members who deliberated the manpower bill this year has opened a whole Pandora's box. Many House members now openly admit that such contributions from sponsors are normal, and at times...

Ministers, artists to drive in Gebyar Gudang Garam race

Ministers, artists to drive in Gebyar Gudang Garam race JAKARTA (JP): State Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono will be among the ministers and artists competing in the Gebyar Gudang Garam auto race at Sentul, near Bogor, from Dec. 6 to Dec. 7.

Teachers 'told' to buy hats, sell books

Teachers 'told' to buy hats, sell books BOGOR (JP): State elementary school teachers in Bogor have reacted angrily to pressure from the local education office to buy hats.A principal, who did not want to be identified, said Monday that teachers were compelled to buy the hats -- sold in conjunction...

Nokia launches mobile phone

Nokia launches mobile phone JAKARTA (JP): Finland's telecommunications equipment maker Nokia launched here yesterday a new Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) mobile phone, the 6110, said to be the first which can adapt to users' lives.

Over 100,000 Ecstasy pills, marijuana go up in flames

Over 100,000 Ecstasy pills, marijuana go up in flames TANGERANG (JP): The local prosecutor's office has destroyed 104,919 Ecstasy pills and six kilograms of marijuana -- worth more than Rp 4 billion (US$1.1 million) -- which were smuggled into the country.

Rice production set to rise 8.3% next year

Rice production set to rise 8.3% next year JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's rice production, which is projected to decline by 3.85 percent this year, is set to increase by 8.3 percent next year to 53.2 million tons of unhusked rice.

Students seek revocation of Manpower Law

Students seek revocation of Manpower Law JAKARTA (JP): More than 200 students staged a protest at the House of Representatives yesterday demanding the revocation of the Manpower Law following allegations that the legislators deliberating the document had received bribes.

Jamsostek

JamsostekFrom MerdekaI really do not understand the use of funds from the state- owned workers' insurance company (Jamsostek) just to say "thank you" to legislators in compensation for their work in finishing a labor bill and passing it into law.

New team must probe Udin case

New team must probe Udin case JAKARTA (JP): Police should establish a new team to investigate the unsolved murder of Yogyakarta-based Bernas daily journalist, Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, a leading police expert said.Former national police operational chief Maj. Gen.

Ethnic Chinese close stores to protest killing

Ethnic Chinese close stores to protest killing MANILA (Reuters): Manila's economically powerful ethnic Chinese community closed stores and schools yesterday to protest the killing of a Filipino-Chinese businessman by kidnappers.

No money to fix streetlights: Official

No money to fix streetlights: Official TANGERANG (JP): Half of the 1,400 streetlights in the Tangerang mayoralty are out-of-order due to a lack of maintenance funds, an officer said.The head of the mayoralty's gardens and funeral agency, Muhaimin, said that one public facility had been in poor...

Discussing the heat

Discussing the heat Representatives of science, business, government and environment groups have gathered in Kyoto, Japan, to promote conflicting theories and interests and yet somehow contribute to a reduction in the so-called greenhouse gases.

U.S. politicians begin rebuilding protectionist walls

U.S. politicians begin rebuilding protectionist walls The Right and the Left in the U.S. are harking back to isolationism. Hardly Clinton's vision of a perfect global economy, reports Ed Vulliamy. WASHINGTON: "Congress refused to bail out the crooks in Indonesia," says John Makin, senior fellow at...

Malaysia tin up to 8-year high

Malaysia tin up to 8-year high KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's spot tin price rallied to an eight-year high yesterday, and industry sources and traders said prospects for the metal remain bullish on the back of a falling ringgit currency.

SE Asia's aerospace industry to soar: Mahathir

SE Asia's aerospace industry to soar: Mahathir LANGKAWI, Malaysia (AFP): Malaysian Premier Mahathir Mohamad opened an international air show yesterday and expressed optimism that the region's aerospace industry will expand on the back of the economic crisis.

Stock prices, rupiah continue to weaken

Stock prices, rupiah continue to weaken JAKARTA (JP): Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) closed marginally lower yesterday on increasing concern about a further decline in the rupiah against the American dollar.The JSX Composite index closed 4.33 points down at 394.

Violence mars Islamic student congress

Violence mars Islamic student congress SURABAYA, East Java (JP): Only one day after it decided to present a "democratic fighter" award to Megawati Soekarnoputri, and a "scapegoat" award for an acquitted murder suspect, a student organization resorted to violence to settle their dispute yesterday.

Jilted lover found dead in N. Bekasi

Jilted lover found dead in N. Bekasi JAKARTA (JP): A broken-hearted woman committed suicide yesterday after her lover refused to marry her and insisted that she abort her pregnancy.The body of the 22-year-old factory worker, identified as Lamtiur Simanungkalit, was found by a friend in the kitchen...

China to invest in Thailand

China to invest in Thailand HONG KONG (AFP): China Aerospace International Holdings Ltd. said yesterday it was considering investing in telecommunications in Thailand.Wang Mei-yue, president of the Chinese firm which is listed in Hong Kong, said investments in Thailand might include global...

Posnesia builds steel factory

Posnesia builds steel factoryJP/msa JAKARTA (JP): PT Posnesia Steel Industry, a joint venture company between PT Metro Dwi Widjaja (MDW) and South Korea's POSCO, started yesterday the construction if its stainless steel plant in Cikarang, West Java.The plant will be built on a 13.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung:Music and Entertainment * Sheraton Hotel, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda No. 390: - Tuscany's Restaurant: Quartet Singers, Los Anjus, Monday and Wednesday, at 7 p.m., Acapella, Friday, Saturday, at 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. - Samsara Lounge: Kecapi Suling, Monday to Thursday, at 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Indonesia to export 4.5 million tons of cement next year

Indonesia to export 4.5 million tons of cement next year JAKARTA (JP): After years of importing hundreds of tons of cement, Indonesia is projected to export 4.5 million tons of cement next year due to an oversupply in the domestic market.