Archive: 8 December 1997
49 articles found
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Many ad firms may go bust next year
Many ad firms may go bust next year JAKARTA (JP): Many advertising companies, particularly small and medium operations, may be forced to close their doors in the recession forecast for next year, an analyst has warned. Executive secretary of the Institute for National Development Studies, Umar Juoro, said Saturday ad firms could collapse due to a likely slump in orders amid the economic downturn.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
DNA tests to be used in abortion inquiry
DNA tests to be used in abortion inquiry JAKARTA (JP): DNA tests will be conducted on several women to determine if they are the mothers of 11 aborted babies and fetuses found dumped in North Jakarta last month, City Police chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata announced Saturday. The women are believed to have had abortions at two clinics alleged to have dumped the remains, and the police will use any positive DNA matches to prosecute the facilities' owners, Hamami said.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Man found dead after inhaling poisonous gas
Man found dead after inhaling poisonous gas JAKARTA (JP): A man was found dead in an underground gasoline tank at a public gas station on Jl. Meruya Ilir in Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta, early yesterday morning. Police are still investigating the death of Abdul Hanan, 38. Initial police reports assumed that he died after inhaling poisonous gas, the volume of which was dangerously high in the tank.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
S'pore to review growth forecast
S'pore to review growth forecast SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore will have to review its 1998 economic growth forecast of five to seven percent, state television quoted Minister for Trade and Industry Lee Yock Suan as saying yesterday. Lee said this was to take into account recent developments in South Korea, which last week announced an austerity program as part of a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Grenfell pulls out of Makindo
Grenfell pulls out of Makindo JAKARTA (JP): Makindo's president Gunawan Yusuf confirmed Saturday that Deutsche Morgan Grenfell Indonesia had pulled out from being the main underwriter of his company's initial public offering. Gunawan, however, denied a press report that Grenfell's withdrawal was made due to predictions that his company could face a gloomy capital market debut.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Thai govt polls popularity rating
Thai govt polls popularity rating BANGKOK (AFP): The new administration of Thai Premier Chuan Leekpai has polled a 74 percent popularity rating despite the plunging currency and the economic crisis, the Nation daily reported yesterday. In a poll conducted by Bangkok's Assumption University across 15 provinces, 74 percent of the 10,900 respondents said they trusted the government, while 70 percent had confidence in its economic ministers.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
KL trade deficit narrows
KL trade deficit narrows KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's trade deficit narrowed more than 80 percent from a year earlier to 142 million ringgit (US$42 million) in October, Bernama news agency reported Saturday. The report, quoting statistics department figures, said exports leapt 27. 7 percent to a record 21.6 billion ringgit, mainly reflecting a surge in exports of electrical and electronic products which were up 35.7 percent.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
BIS warns of effects from Asia turmoil
BIS warns of effects from Asia turmoil ZURICH (Reuters): The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) said yesterday that the large number of banks exposed to Southeast Asia, especially Japanese banks, suggested broader potential repercussions from the region's currency turmoil.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Elevate faith
Elevate faith I read with interest a letter by Mr. Iwan Sudarmanto several weeks ago in The Jakarta Post, regarding the subject of non- denominational faith, or Kepercayaan. In fact, non-denominational faith probably forms the core belief of most Indonesians. A most famous illustration may be found in Clifford Geertz' description of the santri, abangan, and priyayi communities of Central Java.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
RFM benefits from El Nino
RFM benefits from El Nino MANILA (AFP): Philippine food giant, RFM Corp. expects to enjoy a 25-percent hike in net profits next year despite the continuing economic slowdown and will even benefit from one of its contributing factors, the El Nino phenomenon.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
RP senator proposes bill on abortion
RP senator proposes bill on abortion By Adam Easton MANILA: Women in the Philippines who have abortions and the doctors performing them will face the death penalty if congress approves a bill being supported by the government. Senator Ramon Revilla, a former actor, proposed the bill after reading newspaper reports of fetuses being dumped on the streets in rural provinces. The bill, which defines abortion as a "heinous" crime on a par with murder or rape, has been backed by the health minister.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
20-year-old man arrested for allegedly killing Canadian
20-year-old man arrested for allegedly killing Canadian JAKARTA (JP): A 20-year-old man who allegedly killed his Canadian brother-in-law after learning that the victim frequently assaulted his sister, was arrested yesterday morning. A police team, led by Cilandak Police Chief Capt. Nurhayati, arrested the suspect, Kurniawan alias Iwan, at his parent's house on Jl. Habsy in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, at about 9 a.m.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Sailor dies in drunken brawl
Sailor dies in drunken brawl JAKARTA (JP): A sailor of a Japanese vessel was allegedly beaten to death with broken beer bottles by his drunken friends in Kalibaru, North Jakarta, yesterday. The victim was identified as Samuel Mantiri, 33, of Lajangiru, Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi. He was found dead in front of a food stall with severe wounds to his neck, said Herman Mantiri, the victim's uncle. According to him, a quarrel between Samuel and his friends broke out into a fight.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Jakarta Police urged to continue improving
Jakarta Police urged to continue improving JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has called on the Jakarta Police to keep improving performance and professionalism despite its lack of personnel, funds and facilities. The city police "must also be aware of the increasing demands and problems which could hinder its future," Soeharto said in his speech read by National Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo at the Jakarta Police's 48th Anniversary at the Senayan sports ground Saturday.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
RI to send six boxers to Asian Games
RI to send six boxers to Asian Games JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association will send six boxers to the 13th Asian Games in Bangkok in December next year. The boxers are La Paene Masara (pinweight), Hermensen Ballo (flyweight), Dufri Masihor (bantamweight), Wilpare Jamhur (lightweight), Bara Gomies (welterweight) and Albert Papilaya (middleweight).
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Dagadu attracts business with local humor
Dagadu attracts business with local humor By Sri Wahyuni YOGYAKARTA (JP): Many Indonesians know of Twilite Orchestra, one of the more popular orchestras here led by young composer Adie M.S., whose performance in various events is respectfully appreciated by its audience. Here, young people don T-shirts with a picture of an outhouse from which certain "impolite" noises emanate. On top of the illustration is the inscription: Toilet Orchestra.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Stock prices likely to remain volatile
Stock prices likely to remain volatile JAKARTA (JP): Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) are likely to remain volatile this week due to persistent anxiety over a weakening rupiah against the U.S. dollar, securities analysts and brokers said. The securities analysts said the persistent decline of the rupiah against the American dollar would continue to affect stocks trading on the JSX despite a rise in the last two days of last week.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
City speeds up process of 63,000 land titles
City speeds up process of 63,000 land titles JAKARTA (JP): The National Land Agency (BPN) will speed up the processing of some 63,000 land certificates in 12 of Jakarta's subdistricts, an official said over the weekend. Head of BPN's city office, Rizal Anshari, told reporters that the move was part of the office's plan to improve services for low-income land owners who do not have sufficient legal land documents.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Assembly's synchronizing team to meet today
Assembly's synchronizing team to meet today JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly will convene a synchronizing team today to resolve 20 unsettled issues left over from the regular sessions to deliberate the draft 1998/2003 State Policy Guidelines. One of the team members, Muhammad Buang, said over the weekend that the synchronizing team was formed to smooth the way for a unanimous approval of the draft. "The team will seek compromises through intensive lobbying.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Play on Marsinah banned in Bandung
Play on Marsinah banned in Bandung BANDUNG (JP): Playwright Ratna Sarumpaet condemned the police banning of a play about the life of slain labor activist Marsinah shortly before it was about to be staged here Saturday. It was the second time in two weeks that the monologue play had been banned. The play was first banned on Nov. 26 in Surabaya, just before it was to begin. "This ban is really a picture of how hard we all still have to work to convey the truth," she said.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Asia will survive with realistic economic policies
Asia will survive with realistic economic policies International Monetary Fund chief Michel Camdessus spoke to Southeast Asian business leaders in Kuala Lumpur last week. The following article is based on his speech. This is the first of two articles. KUALA LUMPUR: The crisis that began in Thailand has now shaken a number of other economies in the region, and its aftershocks have been felt as far away as Latin America and Eastern Europe.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
271 ex-rebels end military training
271 ex-rebels end military training ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (DPA): At least 271 former guerrillas have completed a rigid six-month military training in the southern Philippines to become the first batch of rebels to be integrated into the armed forces, officials said yesterday.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Society needs more time for democracy: Observers
Society needs more time for democracy: Observers JAKARTA (JP): Observers noted here over the weekend that both the government and society at large would have to mature further before democratization could occur in the country. Speaking at a seminar on Menuju Pendewasaan Politik Bangsa (Toward the Nation's Political Maturity), they said that events of the past year showed that the nation still lacked political maturity.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Mahathir backs new economic policy measures
Mahathir backs new economic policy measures KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad yesterday gave his backing to the new economic policy measures announced by his deputy last week to restore investor confidence and cool the economy. "We have decided on these measures... but I cannot say how much clearer we can be," he was quoted as telling reporters at the northern resort island of Langkawi.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Sudomo lauds Soeharto's action in Jamsostek case
Sudomo lauds Soeharto's action in Jamsostek case BANDUNG, West Java (JP): The announcement that President Soeharto will personally oversee the use of PT Jamsostek's funds has gained a positive response from observers, but they said it does not bode well on the credibility of his aides. Chairman of the Supreme Advisory Council (DPA), Sudomo, said the decision reflects Soeharto's strong leadership. "A good leader must act like that.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
RI diplomacy hangs high hopes on ICWA
RI diplomacy hangs high hopes on ICWA By Aleksius Jemadu BANDUNG (JP): Those who have been longing for a breakthrough in Indonesian diplomacy must welcome the establishment of the Indonesian Council on World Affairs (ICWA) with great enthusiasm. The council, which was inaugurated by Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas recently, is an independent body dedicated to the promotion of international cooperation and functions as a forum of discussion.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Former Navy chiefs attend ceremony
Former Navy chiefs attend ceremony SURABAYA: Five former Navy commanders were present at a ceremony marking the 52nd Indonesian Fleet Day here Saturday. The five retired admirals -- Soebyakto, R. Kasenda, Sudomo, M. Romli dam M. Arifin -- were given front row seats along with current Navy commander Adm. Arief Kushariadi. Armed Forces commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung praised the work of the Navy.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Something is cooking at Nestl Indonesia
Something is cooking at Nestl Indonesia By Sona Vora Blessing JAKARTA (JP): There is perhaps hardly a household or family in Indonesia that hasn't tried one of Nestle's many products. If it isn't the ubiquitous Tjap Nona, Nescaf, Milo, Maggi or Cerelac, it is a brand that is unique to Indonesia like "Dancow".
Mon, 08 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, the 2nd Anniversary of Galeria Grand Hyatt at Plaza Indonesia, Jl. MH. Thamrin Kav. 28-30, Central Jakarta, until Dec. 10.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Compaq takes notebook expandability to new height
Compaq takes notebook expandability to new height By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): If we look at the notebook arena today, we will find that basically there are three players leading the game: Compaq, IBM and Toshiba. Other big players are Digital, Micron, Acer and Dell, but they don't really have as strong an influence on the industry as those in the first tier. It's also interesting to watch how these three players take turns pushing notebook technology and usability forward.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Latief's responsibility
Latief's responsibility As expected all along, Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief finally reported to President Soeharto on the public uproar over use of Jamsostek state social security insurance funds, the widely discussed scandal. Since the scandal was uncovered and then reported by the media, people had expected this ending. They were proven right when Latief talked to the press Wednesday after meeting with President Soeharto at his Jl. Cendana residence the day before.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Airlines use gimmicks to lure more passengers
Airlines use gimmicks to lure more passengers By I. Christianto JAKARTA (JP): Several overseas airlines serving Indonesia have launched gimmicks ranging from price discounts to special packages to attract passengers in the dwindling market. EVA Air, Singapore Airlines, Air France, Qantas and Ansett, for example, have cut their fares by some 50 percent in particular periods.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Siberut island
Siberut island Not long ago I visited the island of Siberut, an island near Padang, West Sumatra. Meeting the Mentawai and learning about their way of life is probably the best experience I had during my travels through Indonesia. The Mentawai tribes live in clans, they have their own language and their own way of life. With the help of a guide, who speaks their language, they pointed out to me that the Indonesian government is destroying their rain forest to build oil palm plantations.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Nirwana Bali operates, controversy forgotten
Nirwana Bali operates, controversy forgotten By Sylvia Gratia Miranda TABANAN, BALI (JP): Controversy was forgotten as the Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunication Joop Ave officially opened Nirwana Bali Resort, Bali's first integrated resort, last month. The resort is within walking distance of the sea temple Pura Tanah Lot, one of the holiest temples for Hindu Bali devotees. Built in the 15th century, the temple is in Tabanan regency, about 40 kilometers south of Denpasar.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
S'pore to expand sources of fish
S'pore to expand sources of fish SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore will expand its sources of fish with the opening of a new fishing port and a deep-sea farm project, a newspaper report said yesterday. Singapore, which gets its imported fish from Malaysia and Indonesia, will also be looking to China, Myanmar, Bangladesh, and India as cheap sources of fish, the Straits Times quoted Koo Tsai Kee, parliamentary secretary for national development, as saying.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Foreign officials visit provinces
Foreign officials visit provinces MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Thirty-two senior officials from various developing countries started their four day-visit here Saturday to learn about Indonesia's family planning program. "They will visit some family planning program centers and hold dialogs with local officials," Antara quoted a member of West Nusa Tenggara's family planning office, Sutrisno, as saying.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Bechtel develops human resources for expansion
Bechtel develops human resources for expansion JAKARTA (JP): Engineering and construction company Bechtel of the United States sees the improvement of local human resources as an important factor in its continued expansion in Indonesia. Bechtel's Indonesia country manager Dick Erskine said skilled workers were essential in a company's ability to meet market demand.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Journalist murder investigation resumes
Journalist murder investigation resumes JAKARTA (JP): Yogyakarta Police Chief Col. Bani Siswono revealed that Sgt. Maj. Edy Wuryanto, the detective in charge of the controversial investigation into the murder of journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin, has been relieved of his post in the Bantul regency and reassigned to police headquarters. But Bani refused to link Edy's posting to the murder case, saying only that police headquarters in Yogyakarta needed the additional manpower.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Christmas goodwill at Plaza Senayan
Christmas goodwill at Plaza Senayan JAKARTA (JP): Plaza Senayan plans to invite orphans and handicapped children in the city to celebrate Christmas Day with a special lunch and enjoy the festive season at the plaza every Monday beginning today. "We care about their future and we want to share the happiness with these kids by inviting them here," Hashimoto, president of PT Senayan Trikarya Sempana, said here yesterday. The plaza's marketing officer Riri A.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Thief tries to escape arrest
Thief tries to escape arrest JAKARTA (JP): A man tried to escape arrest yesterday after he allegedly stole a Rp 3 million (US$750) handbag at Plaza Indonesia in Central Jakarta. Doni, in his 20s, escaped from security guards' custody as they tried to hand the suspect over to police. He was apprehended a few meters away from the Menteng Police subprecinct office after failing to make his getaway on a motorcycle driven by a reporter from The Jakarta Post and his colleague.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Lead pollution, a big problem
Lead pollution, a big problem We refer to the letter 'Danger lurking everywhere' (Dec. 2, 1997) by Mr. Soegih Arto. I very much appreciate that finally somebody is tackling the subject. According to a very recent CNBC report, Jakarta is one of the cities with the highest pollution in the world, it is three times the acceptable level, with the result that very grave health problems are the consequence. Out of our own personal experience we can confirm everything Mr. Soegih Arto said.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Coffee boils over amid Indonesian woe
Coffee boils over amid Indonesian woe LONDON (AFP): Coffee prices boiled over this week amid fresh fears of damage to crops in Indonesia, the world's top producer of robusta, which prompted large-scale buying by investment funds. Heavy downpours also lashed central America, and while it is too early to assess the damage to arabica plantations in the region, some market watchers warn that the quality and size of the crop could be affected.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
India takes 1st round lead in Johnnie Walker
India takes 1st round lead in Johnnie Walker CIMANGGIS, West Java (JP): Defending champion India, represented by players from the Royal Calcutta Golf Club, overcame heat and humidity yesterday to take the first round lead in the prestigious amateur Johnnie Walker International Club Championship at the Emeralda Golf and Country Club.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Pakistan palm oil imports
Pakistan palm oil imports KARACHI, Pakistan (Reuters): Pakistani imports of palm oil are likely to rise amid high demand ahead of the Moslem fasting month of Ramadhan falling in January and low prices abroad, dealers said on Saturday. "Low prices and high stocks position in Malaysia would encourage Pakistani mills and importers to import as much as they can ahead of Ramadhan when consumption rises by at least one and a half times," dealer Ziaul Haq of Saulat Enterprise said.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Empowered diplomacy
Empowered diplomacy Interest in the formal inauguration of the Indonesian Council on World Affairs failed to reverberate beyond the walls of the ballroom of the Borobudur Inter-Continental Hotel last week. Not even music flowing from the Twilite Orchestra that night succeeded in generating much public interest in this important development in Indonesia's sphere of diplomacy. The launching of the council and its journal, DUTA, received scant publicity in the local media the next day.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 My Country 2:35 Cartoon Film: The Big Valley 3:10 TV Drama: Waktu 3:35 Belief in God The Almighty 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Health Program: Pencegahan Dini Kanker Payudara 5:00 Indonesian Lessons 5:25 Variety Show 5:30 Sports 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 Entrepreneurship Program: Sukses Berkarya 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Culture Program: Sepekan Budaya...
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Killer crocodile caught and killed
Killer crocodile caught and killed SAMARINDA, E. Kalimantan: A six-meter-long crocodile (Crocodilus Porosus) which is believed to have killed a villager by the Kayan River a fortnight ago, was caught Saturday. Residents and Bulungan regency personnel hunted down and killed the crocodile, which had also attacked a seven-year-old boy.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
French label takes a crack at robing China's 'Little Emperors'
French label takes a crack at robing China's 'Little Emperors' By Lew Siew Ying SHANGHAI (AFP): French label Naf Naf entered the Chinese children's wear market Friday, hoping it will turn a profit in two years as Chinese get used to the idea of splurging on their single children. The Naf Naf range was launched at Shanghai Orient Shopping Center, one of three department stores in Shanghai which have provided rent-free space in return for a 30-percent-cut on sales.
Mon, 08 Dec 1997, 00:00 WIB
Myanmar ousts constitution drafters
Myanmar ousts constitution drafters YANGON (Reuters): Myanmar's newly-named military government said yesterday it had removed three senior officials of the key National Convention Convening Commission (NCCC) in charge of drafting a new constitution for the country. A statement by the State Peace and Development Council (SPDC) said that NCCC chairman Lt. Gen. Myo Nyunt and vice-chairmen Lt. Gen. Maung Thint and Brig. Gen. Myo Thant had been replaced. Minister of Hotels and Tourism Maj. Gen.