Archive: 6 December 1997
50 articles found
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Susi ready to defend GP title for the seventh time
Susi ready to defend GP title for the seventh time JAKARTA (JP): Susi Susanti of Indonesia, ranked number one in the world, said she was ready to defend the Grand Prix badminton women's singles title for the seventh time. The Grand Prix badminton finals will be held at Senayan Indoor Stadium, from Dec. 10 to Dec. 14. "I am ready to defend the title. I know it's going to be difficult since there will be many players out to dethrone me," Susi said after training at the Cipayung center on Thursday.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
MetLife forms RI venture
MetLife forms RI venture NEW YORK (Reuters): Metropolitan Life Insurance Co said Thursday that it established a new life insurance company in Indonesia through a joint venture partnership. MetLife said its primary partner for the new company is PT Tunasmas Paduarta, a financial services subsidiary of the Tirtamas Group, a major Indonesian conglomerate.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Govt and businessmen agree to join forces
Govt and businessmen agree to join forces JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad and prominent local business leaders agreed yesterday to join forces to restore foreign investors' confidence in the country's economy and currency. Mar'ie said, after meeting with dozens of business leaders at his office, that the government would also take measures to revive bruised local stock markets.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Mitsubishi to launch new Galant here early next year
Mitsubishi to launch new Galant here early next year By John Aglionby MITSUBISHI marked the sale of its one millionth vehicle in Indonesia this week by announcing that the new Galant would be available here from the very beginning of next year. The deputy president director of PT Krama Yudha Tiga Berlian Motors, Herman Latief, said that the sedan, with a 2.5-liter V6 SOHC 24-valve engine, would go on sale next month.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
WB grants Indonesia loan to improve banking sector
WB grants Indonesia loan to improve banking sector JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank has approved a technical assistance loan worth US$20 million to Indonesia to improve its banking sector. The World Bank (WB) said in a statement yesterday that the loan was designed to help implement Indonesia's banking reforms and boost the country's macroeconomic stability.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Rudini applauds decision to scrap VP selection team
Rudini applauds decision to scrap VP selection team JAKARTA (JP): Political observer Rudini has applauded President Soeharto's decision to scrap the tradition of forming an extraparliamentary team to help him choose a vice president, saying it indicated improved democratization.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchange
Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Dec.5, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 825 0 0 AHAP Insurance 625 0 0 Alter Abadi 425 0 161,000 Alumindo Light Metal 300 -25 217,000 Alumindo Perkasa 275 0 5,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 775 -25 50,000 Aneka Tambang 1,325 -25 1,284,000 Anwar Sierad 250 25 390,500 Apac Centertex Corp.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Poor villagers place last hope in 'salak'
Poor villagers place last hope in 'salak' By Sri Wahyuni BANJARNEGARA, Central Java (JP): For farmers of Pagedongan, a poor village 10 kilometers south of here, the first rain last month not only brought an end to this year's harsh drought but also hope. Banjarnegara is among 31 regencies in Indonesia's 15 provinces included in a project of cultivation of economically superior local fruits aimed at boosting the regions' income.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Cacuk elected new chairman of ITB alumni
Cacuk elected new chairman of ITB alumni BANDUNG (JP): Cacuk Sudarijanto was elected the new chairman of the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) alumni association yesterday, replacing Giri Suseno. Of the 1,264 ballots, Cacuk, former general manager of state- owned telecommunications company PT Telkom, won 583 votes. He beat his closest rival Meilono Siswondo, president of construction company PT Bangun Cipta Sarana, who collected 314 votes.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Try inaugurates Bontang gas line
Try inaugurates Bontang gas line JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno inaugurated here yesterday Pertamina's seventh liquefied natural gas production unit, the Train-G, in Bontang, East Kalimantan. Try also inaugurated two other projects of the state-owned gas and oil company: the Balikpapan I refinery in East Kalimantan and the Kasim Sorong refinery in Irian Jaya. All three projects were inaugurated by the Vice President at a ceremony held in Jakarta.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Indonesian exports rise 8.5% as imports fall 5.3%
Indonesian exports rise 8.5% as imports fall 5.3% JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's monthly exports rose by nearly 8.5 percent to US$4.69 billion in September from $4.33 billion in the same month last year, according to the lastest government figures. Exports in the first three-quarters of this year also rose, by 9.09 percent to US$39.49 billion from US36.30 million in the January-September period, last year.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Amateurs tee off Johnnie Walker week
Amateurs tee off Johnnie Walker week JAKARTA (JP): The seventh Johnnie Walker International Club Championship tees off at Emeralda Golf & Country Club near here from Dec. 7 to Dec. 8 when 14 nations are competing to win Asia's most prestigious amateur team event. The tournament will host teams from China, Guam, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Thailand and Vietnam.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Kemang delegation gets no joy from City Council
Kemang delegation gets no joy from City Council JAKARTA (JP): A deputation claiming to represent employees of Kemang businesses was told yesterday it should not expect the city administration to change its mind over the planned closures. The head of Commission E for social welfare, Soeparmo, told the five-person deputation that the council supported the administration's plan to restore Kemang, South Jakarta, to a residential area in line with the city plan.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Banyuwangi to get new airport
Banyuwangi to get new airport BANYUWANGI, East Java: Construction of a new airport here is expected to begin early next year despite an earlier postponement of the plan. "The (central) government has agreed (to build the new airport) because it was not part of the list of projects reviewed due to the monetary crisis," East Java Governor Basofi Soedirman said as quoted by Antara Thursday.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
W. Java police to patrol in force
W. Java police to patrol in force CIREBON, West Java: West Java Police will be out in force for the Christmas and Idul Fitri holidays with some 11,000 personnel, or about two-thirds of the West Java police force, on duty. The police operation for the Christmas and end of year holiday season is traditionally called Operation Lilin (Candle Operation), while for Idul Fitri it is Operation Ketupat. West Java police chief Maj. Gen.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) conversion rates on Dec. 5, 1997.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
House backs PLN move on tariffs
House backs PLN move on tariffs JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives Commission VIII for budgetary affairs supported yesterday PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara's (PLN) move to renegotiate power prices with private electricity companies. Commission vice chairman Johny Alwi Banyo of the Golkar faction said at a hearing that the commission understood the financial difficulties the state-owned electricity company might face in buying the power based on existing tariff arrangements.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
'Mat Angin' wins lion's share of 'sinetron' awards
'Mat Angin' wins lion's share of 'sinetron' awards By Yogita Tahil Ramani JAKARTA (JP): Deddy Mizwar could not have been a happier man Thursday night, or at least happier than Mat Angin, the self- opinionated character he played in the TV comedy serial of the same name. Mat Angin grabbed 11 awards at Festival Sinetron Indonesia, including best teleserial and comedy, and kudos to Deddy as best lead actor and director.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
3.6 kilograms of heroin destroyed
3.6 kilograms of heroin destroyed TANGERANG (JP): The local prosecutor's office destroyed yesterday 3.6 kilograms of heroin, worth about Rp 5 billion (US$1.25 million), which was smuggled into the country by three Myanmarese nationals. The drugs went up in flames at the state-owned Research & Technology Center in Serpong under the supervision of Abdul Hakim Ritonga, head of the prosecutor's office.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Yamatake, Berca sign deal
Yamatake, Berca sign deal JAKARTA (JP): PT Berca Indonesia and Japan's Yamatake- Honeywell Co. Ltd signed an agreement Thursday to set up a joint venture to provide electrical installation equipment and air conditioners for high-rise buildings. Yamatake owns 55 percent of the company, called PT Yamatake Berca Indonesia, and the remaining stake is owned by Berca. Berca is the trading arm of the Central Cipta Murdaya group, owned by husband and wife Murdaya Widyawimarta and Siti Hartati Murdaya.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Govt lures bamboo investors
Govt lures bamboo investors JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Forestry has promised to issue incentives to private companies willing to develop bamboo-based industries in Indonesia. The director general of reforestation and reclamation, Hendarsun S. Sanusiputra, said Thursday that incentives would include soft loans. He admitted that major investments in the bamboo industry were very rare due to the scarcity of raw materials.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Indonesia Incorporated?
Indonesia Incorporated? We have noted that since the International Monetary Fund announced its US$23 billion rescue packet about a month ago, no major steps have been taken to show our desire to get out of the present crisis. The impression so far has been that we are viewing that $23 billion package as a prescription that will cure our problems.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Chaos breaks out in Surabaya PMII congress
Chaos breaks out in Surabaya PMII congress SURABAYA (JP): Chaos broke out at the congress of the Islamic Student Movement Association (PMII) yesterday when hundreds of participants ditched talking in favor demonstrating at the meeting. The protesters accused the organizing committee of holding a forum full of political intrigue. The Surabaya chapter delegates, who arranged and hosted the meeting in the Sukolilo haj dormitory, walked out of the congress.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Novotel hotels to open in Lombok and Yogya
Novotel hotels to open in Lombok and Yogya JAKARTA (JP): One of the largest hotel groups in the Asia- Pacific region, Accor Asia Pacific, is expanding its business in Indonesia with the addition of two four-star hotels in Yogyakarta and Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. Accor Asia Pacific, which has more than 40 hotels in operation or under construction throughout the archipelago, will open Novotel Yogyakarta today.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Suwito retains WBF welterweight title
Suwito retains WBF welterweight title JAKARTA (JP): Suwito Lagola of Indonesia retained his World Boxing Federation (WBF) welterweight title in a controversial points decision against Danny Boy of Australia on Thursday night. The three judges scored the fight very differently. Bruce McTavis of the Philippines made it a 114-114 draw, Peter Gedoan gave a 115-113 victory to Suwito and N. Larnula of Thailand gave a 116-112 victory to Boy.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Asian currencies pare losses
Asian currencies pare losses SINGAPORE (Reuters): Most Asian currencies erased their losses late yesterday as the Malaysian ringgit suddenly rebounded, spurring widespread profit-taking on the U.S. dollar's earlier rise. Malaysian Finance Minister Anwar Ibrahim's announcement of a series of measures aimed at curbing the current account deficit prompted a near five percent rise in the ringgit to the 3.6950 per dollar level in thin afternoon trade, dealers said.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Twenty dialects in C. Sulawesi
Twenty dialects in C. Sulawesi PALU, Central Sulawesi: Researchers here have recently discovered 20 widely spoken dialects in five districts in the province. Head of the six-month research project, Abdillah Abdul Rahim, said here yesterday that the dialects are spoken mostly in the districts of Donggala, Buol Toli-toli, Poso, Banggai and Palu. As reported by Antara, Donggala is among several districts that have at least nine dialects, including the widely used Kaili, Balaesang and Tomini.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
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, at Galeria Grand Hyatt, Plaza Indonesia, 3rd floor, Jl. MH. Thamrin Kav. 28- 30, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., until Dec. 10.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Foundation slams dumping of bodies
Foundation slams dumping of bodies JAKARTA (JP): Sumber Asih Foundation board members voiced regret yesterday over their indirect role in the dumping of dozens of aborted babies and fetuses in its school yard in Central Jakarta. The foundation's chairperson, M. Tengker Rombot, also condemned two of the foundation's employees, Daniel and Sumarjono, who were allegedly involved in the burying of the bodies in the school's compound.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Seven men bash police officer waiting for bus
Seven men bash police officer waiting for bus JAKARTA (JP): Police are searching for seven men who bashed a police officer while he was waiting for a bus in Central Jakarta. The officer, Capt. Ulung Kanjaya, was badly beaten about the head and was being treated yesterday at Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital for face wounds and other injuries. City police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the attack took place Thursday about 8 p.m. at a bus stop on Jl.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Council says no to Hotel Mulia's 2nd tower
Council says no to Hotel Mulia's 2nd tower JAKARTA (JP): The City Council has sent a letter to Governor Sutiyoso urging him to prevent Hotel Mulia Senayan from building a second tower on the grounds that it could adversely affect the surrounding area. Amarullah Asbah, head of Commission C for financial affairs, said Thursday the letter had officially been sent to the municipality.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bank Andromeda vs. government
Bank Andromeda vs. government I refer to the article 'Integrity at stake in bank closure aftermath' (Nov. 12, 1997, page 1) by Laksamana Sukardi. I am a regular reader of The Jakarta Post as it is the official paper at the Kartika Chandra and Shangri-La hotels. First, I must congratulate and confirm the high quality of your articles by various analysts and the editorials on highlighted events. They are indeed excellent.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Furniture exports expected to decline
Furniture exports expected to decline JAKARTA (JP): Furniture exports to several Asian countries are expected to start declining in coming months. Tjipto Wignjoprajitno, the acting chairman of the Association of Furniture and Handcraft Producers, said yesterday the region's monetary crisis would force Asian importers to reduce their purchases. He said Indonesian furniture should be more competitive in overseas markets with the rupiah's sharp decrease in value against the U.S. dollar.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
President and Vice President
President and Vice President From Panji Masyarakat The issue of presidential and vice presidential nominations has been widely talked about lately. Some groups have nominated Soeharto as the next president of the republic. While Try Sutrisno, Habibie, Hartono, Wiranto and Harmoko are among the strong candidates for the vice presidency. Other groups have also channeled their aspirations to the House of Representatives/People's Consultative Assembly (DPR/MPR) concerning their nominees.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Foster parents movement told to prioritize eastern Indonesia
Foster parents movement told to prioritize eastern Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno told the Foster Parents Movement yesterday to focus its campaign in eastern Indonesia to help poor children attend school. Addressing participants of the movement's congress, Try said the difficult terrain, scarcity of transportation and low income were among factors that had robbed many children in the region of education opportunities.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Belo reflects on 1997, calls for harmony
Belo reflects on 1997, calls for harmony DILI, East Timor (JP): Reflecting with some pessimism on the events of the past 12-months, East Timor Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo called on all parties in the province to come together in harmony and pursue change. Belo said here yesterday that a unified commitment of solidarity toward mutual respect should be emphasized by all -- the church, the military and youth.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Relief operations in Irian Jaya shift to food sufficiency
Relief operations in Irian Jaya shift to food sufficiency JAKARTA (JP): Relief operations in drought-hit Irian Jaya jointly conducted by the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC) and the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) will be followed by efforts to help the local people reach self-sufficiency in food, an ICRC official said yesterday.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Govt urged to act swiftly against rumors
Govt urged to act swiftly against rumors JAKARTA (JP): The government's slow response to public rumors concerning the banking industry may have triggered further public unease, an economist has said. The chairman of the Indonesian Business Data Center, Christianto Wibisono, told The Jakarta Post yesterday the government must quickly respond to rumors so that the banking sector would not be further hurt.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Experts to discuss RI's social history
Experts to discuss RI's social history JAKARTA (JP): University of Indonesia in cooperation with the Center for Asian Studies Amsterdam will hold a four-day seminar on Indonesian social history, starting Monday. The seminar is to be held at the university's Depok campus, south of the city, and Erasmus Language Center in South Jakarta. Dutch Ambassador Paul R. Brouwer and the university's rector, M.K. Tadjudin, are scheduled to open the seminar. The speakers will include H. Sutherland, R.Z.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Singapore government too cavalier: Jeyaretnam
Singapore government too cavalier: Jeyaretnam SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore's ruling party has such tight control of the government that it tends to ignore parliament and simply does what it likes, veteran opposition leader Joshua Jeyaretnam alleged yesterday. Jeyaretnam told a news conference his Workers Party was unhappy with the way the People's Action Party (PAP) government had taken a decision to lend US$5 billion to Indonesia to help it out of its financial troubles.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah breaches 4,000 barrier
Rupiah breaches 4,000 barrier JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah hit another new record low yesterday, breaking the 4,000 psychological level in midday trading while the stock market gained ground, dealers and brokers said. Currency dealers said the drop in the rupiah was driven by a combination of regional weaknesses and increasing dollar demand by indebted local corporations. The rupiah, which opened at 3930/50, touched a new historic low of 4,020 against the U.S.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Beware of this old scam
Beware of this old scam Readers should be aware of the sudden appearance in Indonesia of faxes and color brochures from a company in Italy calling itself Future Strategies. The writing is all in Bahasa Indonesia, and the documents invite you to send US$40 to a bank account in Kelapa Gading and another $40 to their bank account in Italy. This investment will get you a "certificate", a piece of paper, which according to the blurb will then help you to reach a "peak" by recruiting other people.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Transport body gears up for holiday exodus
Transport body gears up for holiday exodus JAKARTA (JP): The City Land Transportation Agency has arranged for 7,801 buses to accommodate the estimated 1.26 million travelers in the holiday seasons of Christmas, New Year and Ramadhan fasting month. Head of the agency, J.P. Sepang, said in a statement here yesterday that the buses would be carrying passengers to cities and towns in Java and Sumatra.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Antonov, Timor sign deal
Antonov, Timor sign deal AMSTERDAM (Reuters): Gearbox maker Antonov said yesterday it had signed an agreement with Indonesian car manufacturer Timor for the development and installation of a prototype Antonov transmission. "This new agreement with Timor is directed at its passenger vehicle program.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
No ordinary college
No ordinary college Not many colleges in the country have a strong and influential association of alumni, and even fewer of these associations meet regularly. And perhaps only one college in Indonesia has an alumni association which can get the country's president to open its congress: the Bandung Institute of Technology. But then ITB, as the revered college is popularly known by its Indonesian acronym, is not an ordinary college.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Duty and responsibility
Duty and responsibility From Merdeka Nearly 50 percent of the Indonesian population have seen in the printed media or on television that you have taken an oath of office stating, "will neither receive nor give anything in any form that is suspicious or is liable to suspicion ..." If you have received something which is liable to suspicion and related to your duty and responsibility, and to which only God is witness, it is possible or certain that God has forgiven you for violating your pledge.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Police doing their best despite personnel pinch
Police doing their best despite personnel pinch JAKARTA (JP): Chronic problems besiege the 17,000-strong Jakarta Police Force but a lack of personnel, funds and facilities will not dampen spirits as it celebrates 48 years of service today. An array of activities, including a parade, sports competitions and marching band displays, will be held at police headquarters on Jl. Sudirman, in the southeast corner of Semanggi cloverleaf in South Jakarta.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Woman tried for consuming'putaw'
Woman tried for consuming'putaw' JAKARTA (JP): A woman was indicted at Central Jakarta District Court yesterday for possessing and consuming putaw, a low-grade heroin. Prosecutor Shinta Sasanti said Eva Linda Gunawan, 28, was arrested by undercover police officers in her rented house on Jl. Kartini, Central Jakarta, on Aug. 25. Shinta said the officers found a small plastic bag containing 0.006 grams of heroin in the defendant's cigarette packet.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Soeharto cancels trip to OIC summit in Iran
Soeharto cancels trip to OIC summit in Iran JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has canceled a planned trip to attend an Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) summit in Tehran after doctors advised him to take a 10-day rest. But Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono was quick to point out that the President was in good health and would remain in charge of state affairs.
Sat, 06 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Kasiadi wins West Java Open
Kasiadi wins West Java Open CIAWI, West Java (JP): Indonesia's leading golfer Kasiadi from Surabaya's Yani Golf Club justified his billing yesterday when he won the West Java Open by three strokes with an even par 284 (71 72 70 71) at the Gunung Geulis Golf Country Club here. Kasiadi, who with Maan Naasim will play in the Johnnie Walker Classic in Phuket, Thailand early next year, said he was raring to meet world golfing phenomena Tiger Woods of the U.S.