Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 December 1997

63 articles found

Comedy serial 'Mat Angin' sweeps 11 awards

Comedy serial 'Mat Angin' sweeps 11 awards JAKARTA (JP): The winners almost took all as comedy serial Mat Angin lassoed eleven awards and TV drama Sepanjang Jalan Kenangan (Along Memory Lane) roped in eight at the Festival Sinetron Indonesia here last night. Mat Angin, a miniseries about a poor, opinionated Betawi man, his panicky wife and their boastful neighbors, won the Vidia Utama trophy, given to the best sinetron (television miniseries and melodramas) of the year.

ECFIN to hold seminar

ECFIN to hold seminar JAKARTA (JP): The Institute for Economic and Financial Research (ECFIN) will hold a seminar on the prospects of investment in mutual funds on Dec. 15 at Hotel Borobudur.

Assembly rejects PPP's motion on economy

Assembly rejects PPP's motion on economy JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly asked the minority faction the United Development Party (PPP) yesterday to drop its motion for the establishment of a decree on a democratic economy. Wiranto, who chairs the Assembly committee in charge of nonstate policy guidelines, said that all the five factions in the Assembly agreed to give the Moslem-based faction time-out to reconsider.

Two more newborns dumped in Jakarta

Two more newborns dumped in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Two newborns have been found dead in South and East Jakarta in the past two days. One of the infants was found floating in a river in Ulujami, Pesanggrahan district in South Jakarta, 7 a.m. yesterday, while the other was found on a vacant lot on Jl. Dermaga in Duren Sawit, East Jakarta, Wednesday. Forensic experts at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital who examined the bodies said both were newborns and not the victims of abortion.

KL to proceed with $2.7b bridge to Thailand

KL to proceed with $2.7b bridge to Thailand KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Construction of a 10 billion ringgit (US$2.7 billion) land bridge to southern Thailand will go ahead despite a weakening ringgit, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday. Mahathir described the bridge as "very viable" and a way to reduce congestion in the Malacca Straits, one of the world's busiest waterways passing between Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

I Made Bandem new ISI rector

I Made Bandem new ISI rector YOGYAKARTA: Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro inaugurated yesterday I Made Bandem as the new rector of Yogyakarta's Art Institute of Indonesia (ISI) for the 1997/2001 term, replacing R.M. Soedarsono. I Made Bandem was previously head of the Art College of Indonesia, Denpasar, Bali. He is also a member of the People's Consultative Assembly.

Small enterprises told to enter foreign markets

Small enterprises told to enter foreign markets JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto told small companies yesterday that they needed to improve their competitiveness to boost sales at home and to enter foreign markets. Soeharto said that small companies would have a stronger position if they cooperated with big companies, both in marketing and production activities.

Where is SPSI?

Where is SPSI? From Pelita It seems that several times we have heard the demand that an official should resign because he is considered to have offended or even trifled with the sense of justice of the community. Certainly still fresh in our memory is the hullabaloo for officials to give up their positions and be held ethically and morally accountable for the case of mega corruption and collusion at Bapindo, which involved a number of high-ranking state officials.

Spatial Planning Agency revenue below target

Spatial Planning Agency revenue below target JAKARTA (JP): The City Spatial Planning Agency is unlikely to meet its target of Rp 71 billion (US$18.7 million) in revenue for the 1996/1997 fiscal year, city councilors said yesterday. "It could probably meet only 80 percent of the target," Amarullah Asbah, head of Commission C for city revenue said after a meeting with the agency yesterday.

Fretilin separatists kill four youths, military says

Fretilin separatists kill four youths, military says DILI, East Timor (JP): The Armed Forces accused yesterday Fretilin separatist rebels of the recent murder of four youths from Sare village, Maubara district in Liquisa regency. East Timor Military Commander Col. Salamat Sidabutar told the press yesterday that the badly wounded bodies of Imersio, Fernando, Fatrecio and Bendito were found buried in a hole near their village Wednesday morning.

Govt awards eight contracts in the oil and gas sector

Govt awards eight contracts in the oil and gas sector JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana awarded yesterday seven production sharing contracts (PSC) to foreign and local companies to explore for oil and gas in the country. The minister also awarded one technical assistance contract (TAC) to a local contractor to operate one of Pertamina's old oil wells.

Nightspots to be closed for 6 days during Ramadhan

Nightspots to be closed for 6 days during Ramadhan JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has issued a gubernatorial decree banning the operation of discotheques, cafes, massage parlors, live music centers, billiard houses and nightclubs for six days during the fasting month, the public order office announced yesterday. Toha Reno, head of the public order and entertainment subdivision, said that Decree No. 437/1997, dated Nov.

Govt to review policies on sugar (2)

Govt to review policies on sugar (2) By Beddu Amang This is the second of two articles based on a paper presented in the International Sugar Council meeting in London on Nov. 28, 1997. LONDON: The domestic sugar market continues to require imports. Even before this year's currency crisis, the government expected that the sugar supply shortfall would be around 800,000 tons.

Churches call for peace and justice

Churches call for peace and justice JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bishops' Conference (KWI) and the Indonesian Communion of Churches (PGI) issued a year-end 1997 Christmas message yesterday, asking people to come together and create peace, justice and harmony. The joint message, signed by KWI chairman Yoseph Suwatan and secretary-general J. Hadiwikarta P.R. and PGI chairman Sularso Sopater and secretary-general J.M. Pattiasina, was a two-page statement, popularly known as the Pastoral Letter.

Progress on land mines

Progress on land mines Amid all the misfortunes that have badgered this country in the past few months, Indonesians certainly have reason to feel rather good this week: By signing the Ottawa treaty to ban the production, use, sale and stockpiling of antipersonnel land mines, this country has placed itself among the 125 nations of the world which have now shown more than mere verbal concern over the agony which these inhumane, though militarily effective, weapons have caused among an uncountable...

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: by Diego Menendez, an Argentinean in Indonesia, at Duta Fine Arts Foundation, Jl. Kemang Utara 55A, South Jakarta, daily at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday and Monday at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Dec. 23. * Collector's Art, Haute Couture and Precious Gems, the 2nd Anniversary of Galeria Grand Hyatt at Plaza Indonesia, Jl. MH. Thamrin Kav. 28-30, Central Jakarta, Dec. 5-10.

Flora and fauna exhibition

Flora and fauna exhibition JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is holding a 10-day flora and fauna exhibition at the Ragunan Camping Ground in South Jakarta starting yesterday. Ruchiyat Patmakusumah, head of the city agriculture agency, said the exhibition features a wide variety of tree species, ornamental fish and other agricultural produce. A seminar will be held in conjunction with the exhibition today featuring a talk on traditional medicine by Hembing Wijaya. (edt)

Soeharto ordered bill funding

Soeharto ordered bill funding JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief said yesterday that it was President Soeharto who ordered the use of state-owned social insurance company PT Jamsostek's funds to finance the deliberation of the manpower bill. Latief said the President's decision was taken because the ministry fell short of funds and the government was pressed for time to establish such a crucial law in the face of many problems such as unemployment.

Vendors rob pedestrians' right

Vendors rob pedestrians' right From Pikiran Rakyat Pedestrians have so far not enjoyed formal legal protection and no discussion has ever been held on this matter. However the government has shown some sign of doing something about it by building more sidewalks for the benefit of pedestrians. Unfortunately, realities show that many vendors do their business on the sidewalks, thus robbing the pedestrians of their right to use the facility.

Servants of the public

Servants of the public Up to the present, complaints are still being heard from the business world regarding the various factors that cause inefficiency and our high-cost economy. Could it be that the government is not paying any attention whatsoever to those complaints? The answer is a definite no. Many efforts have been taken by the (central) government to reduce or even eliminate those factors.

Local chess star ready for world championships

Local chess star ready for world championships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grandmaster Utut Adianto is refusing to predict how well he will do in the world chess championships in Groningen, the Netherlands, from Dec. 8 to Dec. 28 and only said he was fully prepared for the event. "I don't want to say anything yet on whether I can win any matches at the world chess championships. I only want to say that I am ready," Utut said yesterday.

Sheraton to promote tourism

Sheraton to promote tourism JAKARTA (JP): ITT Sheraton Hotels and Resorts, a leading hotel operator from the United States, has developed a computer program to promote Indonesia's tourist destinations in an interactive multimedia system. Sheraton's director of marketing in Indonesia, Angus MacLachlan, said here Wednesday that Sheraton Multimedia was created to help company salespeople promote the hotels. "But we have to promote Indonesia before we can promote our hotels in the country.

Centra Wonosobo to open

Centra Wonosobo to open JAKARTA (JP): Wonosobo, a small town in Central Java, will see its first star-rated international hotel open next week. The 115-room Centra Wonosobo hotel is owned by PT Krisna Duta Wisata of the Krisna Group which is controlled by businessman Bambang R. Soegomo. Spokesperson for Krisna Duta, Ita Pattiradjawane, said here yesterday that the four-star hotel would be officially opened by Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave on Dec. 12.

VP selection team no longer needed: Golkar leader

VP selection team no longer needed: Golkar leader JAKARTA (JP): Golkar leader Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana supported yesterday President Soeharto's decision to do away with his tradition of forming an extraparliamentary team to select vice presidential candidates. She said the tradition was no longer appropriate nor necessary. People should instead adjust to change, she said yesterday after attending a meeting of the People's Consultative Assembly.

Smart marketing

Smart marketing Rarely do we get to read any positive or good news in the newspapers these days. So, your "Focus on Jakarta" on page 3 on Dec. 2, 1997 gripped my attention. It is nice to know that a five-star hotel in Jakarta is offering free lunch for the city's taxi drivers. What better way exists to satisfy a man except through his stomach? However, in all advertising related activities, my theory is quite simple. If the message is too good to be true, don't believe it.

Army officer's son shot dead in Depok

Army officer's son shot dead in Depok JAKARTA (JP): A son of a retired Army lieutenant colonel was shot dead early yesterday allegedly by a police sergeant in Depok, the victim's family said. Morgue staffer Sofyan of Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital quoted the victim's relatives as saying that 35-year-old Rosidin was shot on Jl. Tanjakan Kramat in Citayam district after a minor argument with the sergeant. Rosidin was shot once in the back of his head and twice in his back, Sofyan said.

Film themes

Film themes From Merdeka Does the national film world desire to resuscitate itself from its dormancy? There is no secret as to how to go about it. Add to the variety of themes to be adapted into films. Do not imitate the themes of foreign films. When we consider the themes of films allowed to be shown in cinemas and on TV, we actually have great freedom to select quality and marketable themes. Do you want to see brutal action and bloodshed? You go and see Hong Kong films.

BI denies freezing U.S. dollar accounts

BI denies freezing U.S. dollar accounts JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia, the central bank, yesterday denied rumors that it would convert bank deposits into government bonds and freeze U.S. dollar accounts. "Regarding the misleading rumors that the government would convert bank deposits above certain amounts into government bonds, it must be stressed that the news is not true at all," the central bank said in a statement. "It is also not true that the government would freeze U.S.

No RI men's singles seeds in GP finals

No RI men's singles seeds in GP finals JAKARTA (JP): None of Indonesia's men's singles players are to be seeded in the Grand Prix badminton finals to be held at Senayan Indoor Stadium, from Dec. 10 to Dec. 14. Based on the draw by the International Badminton Federation on Wednesday, the seeds in the men's singles in the four groups are all foreigners. Three Danish players are seeded in Groups A and D, Peter Gade and Christensen in Group A and Poul-Erik Hoyer-Larsen in Group D.

Foreign language study on the decline in city schools

Foreign language study on the decline in city schools JAKARTA (JP): More than 100 qualified German language teachers in Jakarta's senior high schools are teaching everything but German, an officer of the city's education and culture office said yesterday. Henny Liestiana of the city's office, who chaired a conference on German language teaching yesterday, said the teachers were now teaching subjects like sociology and history even though they may not have mastered them.

Housewife sets herself on fire

Housewife sets herself on fire JAKARTA (JP): A woman died after setting herself on fire in the bedroom of a house in Tangerang, West Java, police said yesterday. The reasons behind the 30-year-old housewife's suicide Wednesday afternoon were not known and police were trying to locate her husband and their children. City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang identified the woman as Sanah of Nambo village in the Kresek district.

Nissan's engine plant in RI

Nissan's engine plant in RI TOKYO (Reuters): Nissan Motor Co Ltd said yesterday it would set up an engine production joint venture in Indonesia in January. The joint venture will be 51 percent held by Nissan, 30 percent owned by the Indomobile Group, which is based in Jakarta and engages in vehicle manufacturing and sales, and 19 percent owned by Tan Chong & Sons Motor Co Shd Bhd, a subsidiary of Malaysian automaker Tan Chong Motor Holdings Bhd, Nissan said in a statement.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 My Country 2:35 TV Series: Tom and Jerry Kid 3:10 Children's Dance 3:35 Talk Show: Sambung Rasa 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Student's Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 5:10 Documentary Film: Science World 5:30 Music: Paket 27 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 Parliamentary 8:05 Culture Program: Sepekan Ragam Budaya Nusantara 9:00 World News 9:30 Music: Gebyar Keroncong 10:30 Late...

Transparency, consistency needed in banking sector

Transparency, consistency needed in banking sector JAKARTA (JP): To support the rupiah, the government should improve transparency in the banking sector, dismantle inconsistent policies and give details of its reform package, economist Anwar Nasution said. Common people were still in the dark about the country's banking situation because the monetary authority had never stated the condition of each bank to the public, he said. "Nothing is clear about our banking industry.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Bali Inter. Continental Resort, Jimbaran: - Singaraja Restaurant: Mini Balinese Jegog, daily, 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Saraswati Lounge: Balinese Cultural Dances, daily except Thursday and Sunday. - Padi Prada Lounge: Jazz music by Milestone Dua, daily (except Monday), 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. - Taman Gita Terrace: Kecak dance, on Thursday. Barong dance, Sunday. - Monkey Forest Fun Pub: Karaoke and disco, daily 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

S. Korea vulnerable despite IMF package

S. Korea vulnerable despite IMF package By Kanta Watanabe TOKYO (Reuters): The IMF-led bail-out package for South Korea is likely to provide only temporary relief, as it will take time to restore confidence in the world's 11th largest economy, analysts and economists in Japan say. Korea's currency, the won, could remain under pressure as austerity measures to be adopted by Seoul are likely to result in more failures of Korean conglomerates, known as chaebols, they say.

Humpuss again wins LNG contract from Pertamina

Humpuss again wins LNG contract from Pertamina JAKARTA (JP): PT Humpuss Intermoda Transportasi has again won a contract from the state-owned oil company Pertamina to transport liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Bontang, East Kalimantan to several Japanese cities.

Bailout news brings relief to currencies

Bailout news brings relief to currencies SINGAPORE (Reuters): Joy was only fleeting for some Asian currencies on Thursday after they were heartened by the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) expanded aid package of US$57 billion to South Korea, dealers said. A fresh bout of selling from overseas operators drove the Malaysian ringgit and Indonesian rupiah back down the slippery slope in late trade, after they had risen in early trade.

School accreditation not final, Wardiman says

School accreditation not final, Wardiman says YOGYAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro assured upset administrators and students of universities yesterday that even if their courses failed a recent accreditation program, they could still appeal. Wardiman said that the results of an evaluation by the independent National Accreditation Board was not final, and did not sound a death toll for the schools.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment * Ibis Rajawali Hotel, Jl. Rajawali 11-9: - Yudhistira Bar, at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.: George T. (Pianist), Saturday, Sunday, Monday. Duo Erna and Robin, Tuesday. Q'Sera Band, Friday. * Garden Palace Hotel, Jl. Yos Sudarso 11: - Kencana Cyber Cafe open on Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. - Kencana Coffee Shop: Violist and Organist, daily at 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. * Novotel Surabaya Hotel & Suites, Jl.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec. 4, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Dharmala Insurance 1,800 0 0 Ades Alfindo 825 0 0 GT Petrochem Industrie 375 -25 65,000 AHAP Insurance 625 25 7,500 Asia Intiselera 300 -25 603,500 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,300 25 307,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 800 0 606,000 Alter Abadi 425 -50 6,000 Alumindo Perkasa 275 0 4,500 Alumindo Light Metal 325 25 210,500...

Abortion cases

Abortion cases From Pelita The recent discovery of 11 aborted babies that were dumped under the Warakas flyover in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta has caused a commotion in society. Investigation has so far led to two obstetricians, two clinics in Tanah Tinggi, Central Jakarta, a meat-ball seller who assisted in dumping the aborted fetuses, a midwife and a gardener of a school for the disabled located behind the Anglican Church near the Patung Tani traffic circle in Central Jakarta.

Inflation rate reaches 9.9%

Inflation rate reaches 9.9% JAKARTA (AFP): The Indonesian inflation rate was checked at 1.65 percent in November, raising the year-on-year rate to 9.96 percent -- much higher than the 5.9 percent in the same period of last year. According to the Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS), in November food prices rose 3.66 percent from October or 17.31 percent year-on-year, while housing prices increased 0.54 percent or 5.36 percent year-on-year. Clothing prices fell 0.19 percent from October but rose 6.

Dr. Budiman needs special attention, a doctor warn

Dr. Budiman needs special attention, a doctor warn JAKARTA (JP): A psychologist spent long hours with abortion suspect Dr. Budiman to help restore his "will to live" after he allegedly attempted suicide at Jakarta Police Headquarters. Budiman was moved to Kramat Jati Police Hospital in East Jakarta yesterday afternoon, after being taken to Mintohardjo Navy Hospital in Central Jakarta on Wednesday afternoon suffering from severe blood loss from slashed wrists.

Women weight lifters off to world c'ships

Women weight lifters off to world c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is sending three women weight lifters to the world championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, from Dec. 6 to Dec. 10. Sri Indriyani, Winarni and Patmatawi were scheduled to leave for Thailand yesterday. Indriyani will compete in the 46 kilogram division, Winarni in the 50kg and Patmawati in the 59kg.

You can run but you can't hide

You can run but you can't hide JAKARTA (JP): A West Java man was forced to pull out from the village leadership race and spend his days behind bars after the police recognized him as the thief they were tracking down. Na alias Mastuni, 29, had to bury his ambition to become the next number one of Pringwulung village, Serang, about 100 kilometers west of here, when police arrested him on Nov. 20.

Emerging markets can no longer rely on 'rich uncles'

Emerging markets can no longer rely on 'rich uncles' By Devi M. Asmarani KUALA LUMPUR (JP): Emerging markets in Asia can no longer rely on the United States, Japan and Western Europe to play the role of "rich uncle" to get them out of a crisis, according to Moody's Investors Service. Speaking at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) business forum here Wednesday, the managing director of the U.S.- based rating agency, Vincent J.

BI urged to help indebted companies

BI urged to help indebted companies JAKARTA (JP): Banker Mochtar Riady yesterday urged Bank Indonesia to intervene in the swap market, instead of the spot market, to help indebted firms and ease pressure on the rupiah. Speaking at a seminar hosted by Trisakti University here, Mochtar also urged the central bank to increase the statutory minimum capital of a commercial bank to US$100 million and set the maximum individual or group ownership of a bank at 15 percent.

Caltex to increase oil output by 25,000 bpd

Caltex to increase oil output by 25,000 bpd JAKARTA (JP): The country's largest oil producer PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia planned to increase its crude oil output by at least 25,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 795,000 bpd next year, company president Baihaki H. Hakim said yesterday. Baihaki said the output increase would be made through the application of more advanced enhanced oil recovery technology in its 10 largest oil fields, including Duri and Minas.

Malaysian, Thai bridge to go ahead

Malaysian, Thai bridge to go ahead KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia will build a US$3 billion bridge linking the country with Thailand despite the ringgit's sharp fall, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was quoted as saying by national Bernama news agency yesterday. He said the bridge would help reduce shipping congestion in the Strait of Malacca which separates Malaysia from the Indonesian island of Sumatra. He was speaking at a maritime conference in the northern Malaysian island of Langkawi.

Navy expels 10,000 ships

Navy expels 10,000 ships SURABAYA, East Java: The Navy has expelled more than 10,000 ships this year for illegally anchoring in Indonesian territorial waters. "Of those, 255 were foreign battleships, 9,885 were commercial ships or tankers and 128 were ships from social communist countries," Navy spokesman Commodore Muallimin Santoso MZ told journalists here yesterday. "This shows that the navy is never asleep," he said as quoted by Antara.

Serayu River fitting site for white-water rafting

Serayu River fitting site for white-water rafting By Mulkan Salmona BANJARNEGARA (JP): The Serayu is the longest river in Central Java but has no visitors to speak of at most times of the year. That all changed last month as young people from throughout the country descended on its waters for the first national white- water rafting competition.

W. Nusa Tenggara to build six dams

W. Nusa Tenggara to build six dams MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The province will build six major dams and 70 water catchment facilities in the Seventh Five-Year Development Plan (1999/2004) in efforts to meet its target of producing 1.7 million tons of unhusked rice a year.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates Jakarta (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) conversion rates on Dec.4, 1997 Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S dollar 3,900.00 4,000.00 Austrian shilling 302.90 332.40 Australian dollar 2,625.20 2,690.50 Belgian franc 107.00 109.10 Canadian dollar 2,761.80 2,810.70 Swiss franc 2,729.20 2,783.20 Deutschemark 2,200.40 2,260.10 Danish krone 579.90 591.60 French franc 659.10 673.20 Poundsterling 6,594.50 6,706.30 Hong Kong dollar 501.40 521.10 Italian lira 222.80 232.20 Japanese...

Lestari completes IPO

Lestari completes IPO JAKARTA (JP): PT Astra Agro Lestari, a subsidiary of the country's automaker Astra International, announced yesterday that its initial public offering (IPO) of shares, which was closed last week, was oversubscribed. The company said in a statement yesterday it offered around 125.8 million shares to the public at a price of Rp 1,550 each to raise approximately Rp 195 billion in fresh funds from the public.

IMF aid 'could lead' to political reforms

IMF aid 'could lead' to political reforms JAKARTA (JP): Legal expert Todung Mulya Lubis said here yesterday that the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) approach to dealing with the economic crisis in some Asian countries could lead to economic and political reforms. Todung said the conditions set by the IMF could help create a situation where the political system is more open and more democratic.

Breathing space?

Breathing space? After months of rolling financial crisis, Asia may now be within reach of a breathing space in which to consider the causes of the turmoil and how best to prevent a reoccurrence. Certainly, the climate has changed since the shockwaves from Thailand spread across the region in the early autumn. There are signs that the preference of Dr. Mahathir Mohamad for blaming everything on foreign investors is losing support.

Myanmar activists release report

Myanmar activists release report BANGKOK (AFP): The Myanmar military is responsible for massive human rights abuses in southern Myanmar in the pursuit of major economic ventures, a report by dissident students released yesterday said. The All Burma Students' Democratic Front allege that tens of thousands of villagers have been relocated or used as forced labor on state infrastructure projects in the drive to develop the region.

S'pore's Lee candid in China

S'pore's Lee candid in China SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's elder statesman Lee Kuan Yew has urged Chinese officials to be more transparent with their policies to hasten the entry of more investments in the country, a newspaper reported yesterday. Lee, who is on a 12-day visit to China, made the candid remarks in a speech to officials at Suzhou, the site of a Singapore-developed industrial park near Shanghai, China. "It is important to help them (investors).

Soeharto to attend next week's OIC summit

Soeharto to attend next week's OIC summit JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is scheduled to attend the eighth summit of the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) in Tehran, Iran, from Dec. 9 to Dec. 11, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday. Speaking to reporters after meeting with President Soeharto here, Alatas said he and Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono would accompany the President. "This summit is important.

PATA helps promote members overseas

PATA helps promote members overseas JAKARTA (JP): The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) will help its members stricken by the region's currency crisis and forest fires promote their business overseas. PATA's chief executive officer, Joseph A. McInerney, said the association held a forum in Jakarta yesterday to gather information especially relating to the haze problem before promoting the city's tourist potential.

Crocodile wanted dead or alive

Crocodile wanted dead or alive SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Two police sharpshooters have been assigned to a local team searching for an estuary crocodile (Crocodilus porosus) which killed a 14-year-old boy at Kayan River a fortnight ago. Lt. Col. M. Hidayat of the Bulungan police said that two of his men were assigned to the search team to help capture the crocodile dead or alive.

ACeS enters Taiwan

ACeS enters Taiwan JAKARTA (JP): PT ACeS, a subsidiary of publicly-listed PT PSN which will operate regional satellite-based cellular phones, has signed a deal with Taiwan's Comsearch Enterprise to become its national service provider (NSP) in Taiwan. PSN said in a statement here yesterday that the agreement had a 10-year term and called for minimum guaranteed payments to ACeS of US$5 million annually for airtime.