Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 March 1997

47 articles found

No islands have disappeared since 1992, says mayor

No islands have disappeared since 1992, says mayor JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta Mayor Suprawito, denying reports that Seribu Islands had disappeared recently, said yesterday not a single island had disappeared in the last five years. But he did acknowledge that four of the 120 islands had vanished before 1992. The mayor was appointed in 1991. "The four islands disappeared due to uncontrolled sand quarrying. That was before 1992.

Convicts killed by home brew

Convicts killed by home brew JAKARTA: A senior official alleged yesterday wardens' negligence caused the death of three prisoners in the East Java town of Madiun Wednesday. "But I can assure you that the wardens were not involved in the case itself," said Thahir Abdullah, Director General for Correctional Institutions.

Amien's resignation a matter of prestige

Amien's resignation a matter of prestige JAKARTA (JP): Amien Rais relinquished his top slot in the Association of Indonesian Moslems Intellectuals (ICMI) last week because of pressures from within the Muhammadiyah organization he chairs, it was claimed yesterday. Amien resigned from ICMI's Council of Experts on the Muhammadiyah Youth Association's recommendation last November, said the youth wing organization leader, Hajriyanto Y. Tohari.

Two people die in toll road chain collision

Two people die in toll road chain collision JAKARTA (JP): A woman and a child died yesterday in an eight vehicle chain collision on a toll road above the junction of Jl. Pramuka, East Jakarta. Eleven others were injured and taken to the Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital. The two dead, Efrida Manalu, 18 months, and Rewin, were passengers on a Pluit Jaya bus that was racing three other buses from the same private company. Police said the child was the dead woman's nephew.

Youths held for fake kidnapping

Youths held for fake kidnapping JAKARTA (JP): A man, identified as Fani, 20, was arrested Thursday for attempting to extort money from his parents by faking his own kidnapping. Mobile Detectives unit chief, Maj. Budi Setiawan, said Thursday police had also arrested Fani's friends Yos and Hilman. Arif, the alleged mastermind of the "fake abduction", is still at large. The fake kidnap drama started after Fani stole two checks worth Rp 4 million from his father, Ahmad, Budi said.

ASEAN states may revive currency stabilization scheme

ASEAN states may revive currency stabilization scheme PHUKET, Thailand (Reuter): Southeast Asian finance ministry officials yesterday discussed the possibility of reviving a dormant scheme to stabilize regional currencies tied to the bullish dollar. Thai Finance Ministry permanent secretary Chatumongkol Sonakul said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was considering reviving the now inactive US$200 million ASEAN Swap Arrangement first set up by the regional grouping in 1977.

Only 10% of forest crimes taken to court

Only 10% of forest crimes taken to court JAKARTA (JP): The Director General of Forest Protection and Nature Conservation, Soemarsono, said the government managed to prosecute in only 10 percent of forest crimes last year. Soemarsono said yesterday the forest security team reported more than 700 forest crimes last year. He said in most cases the court fined or imprisonment the offenders.

Riau and West Sumatra to plug into new powerplant

Riau and West Sumatra to plug into new powerplant JAKARTA (JP): West Sumatra and Riau provinces will get an extra 114 megawatts (MW) of power when the hydropower plant in the Riau village of Kotapanjang becomes operational in August. The plant itself has been completed and the filling of the plant's dam with water started yesterday with a ceremony presided over by Djiteng Marsudi, president of the state-owned electricity company PLN.

Prosperity bodes well for religion, Soeharto says

Prosperity bodes well for religion, Soeharto says JAKARTA (JP): As Indonesians become more prosperous their faith will strengthen accordingly, President Soeharto said yesterday. "Some people are of the opinion that religion will be alienated from individuals' personal and community life as they become wealthier. This will never happen in our country," Soeharto said in Boyolali, Central Java, on inaugurating a new haj dormitory.

BI calls on banks to improve their internal controls

BI calls on banks to improve their internal controls JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia (BI) Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono has called on banks to tighten their internal controls to ensure all division, especially credit and treasury divisions, do business prudentially. He said at a seminar Thursday that internal controls became more important when a bank entered fee-based income business involving sophisticated financial techniques and products like derivatives.

'Bre-X consortium should hasten Busang approval'

'Bre-X consortium should hasten Busang approval' TORONTO (Reuter): A signed deal between Bre-X Minerals Ltd and Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc should speed up approval for the development of the huge Busang gold mine in Indonesia, analysts said. "This should expedite the issuance of the contracts of work," said gold analyst Chad Williams with Research Capital Corp in Montreal. Bre-X and Freeport announced on Thursday afternoon that they had signed a binding agreement to develop Busang.

SEA Games organizers appeals to sponsors

SEA Games organizers appeals to sponsors JAKARTA (JP): SEA Games organizers say they are hard-pressed to meet the rising costs of many sports organizations as they prepare for the biennial regional sports event. Togi Hutagal, chairman of the 19th SEA Games training program, has urged all organizational patrons to start providing financial assistance to the associations.

RI retains wood market despite export stoppage

RI retains wood market despite export stoppage JAKARTA (JP): Many of Indonesia's wood panel producers stopped exporting for about three weeks over the Idul Fitri period to overhaul their production facilities, a plywood executive said yesterday. The executive chairman of the Association of Indonesian Wood Panel Producers, A. Tjipto Wigjoprajitno, said other exporting nations had not taken over Indonesia's markets during the overhaul.

Legislators cautious over shoot-on-sight order

Legislators cautious over shoot-on-sight order JAKARTA (JP): Legislators responded cautiously yesterday to a warning from Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung that security officers had been ordered to shoot rioters on sight. The House of Representatives members said that such a stern measure should follow legal procedures and serve only as a last resort if other measures had failed.

Jakarta freezes KL investments

Jakarta freezes KL investments KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Indonesia has imposed a temporary freeze on new Malaysian investments in oil palm plantations there because of overwhelming investments in that sector, a Malaysian official said. Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik said he was informed of the freeze during a visit to Jakarta last week, Bernama national news agency quoted him as saying in Penang island.

Indovest offers new funds

Indovest offers new funds JAKARTA (JP): PT Indovest Securities, a Bank Indovest subsidiary, has launched an open-end mutual fund into the domestic capital market. The company said yesterday it expected to generate about Rp 1 trillion (US$415.8 million) from the fund which is named Reksadana Indovest Dana Obligasi (RIDO) by the end of 2000. Between 55 percent and 95 percent of the money raised will be invested in fixed-income instruments like bonds.

No ticketing for emission failure

No ticketing for emission failure JAKARTA (JP): City officials yesterday said motorists in Jakarta would not be ticketed for failing emission tests because a schedule to implement the emission law had yet to be decided. Head of the city's environmental bureau Aboejoewono Aboeprajitno was responding yesterday to reports of drivers being ticketed on the Ciawi toll road in Bogor because their busses failed emission tests.

Minister defends lifting ban on land-use permits

Minister defends lifting ban on land-use permits JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Agrarian Affairs Soni Harsono said developers who held land-appropriation permits before the now lifted land-use permit ban was announced last October would have their land-use permits applications prioritized. The Minister, also Chairman of the National Land Agency, said Thursday developers requesting new land-appropriation licenses, called ijin prinsip, would "be considered" but would not be given priority.

Djody buys Kazakh oil firm

Djody buys Kazakh oil firm JAKARTA (JP): Central Asia Petroleum Ltd., a subsidiary of Setdco Group, has won a tender to buy a Kazakh company which controls an oil field with reserves of about 1.5 billion barrels for US$1.5 billion, a Setdco executive said. Setdco chief commissioner Setiawan Djody said he would explain the details when the deal was signed.

Fadel invites investors into Golden Key Group

Fadel invites investors into Golden Key Group JAKARTA (JP): Fadel Muhammad, one of the new owners of the former Golden Key Group companies, has invited foreign investors to buy into the group's West Java chemical projects. Fadel said yesterday, Hutomo "Tommy" Mandala Putra, President Soeharto's youngest son, would also join the projects when they came on line.

Drawing contest for children

Drawing contest for children From Neraca In commemoration of its 48th anniversary, Garuda Indonesia intends to hold a national drawing contest for children, which will be held in the hangar of the Garuda maintenance facility at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport on March 9. Contestants participating in the competition are to be divided in three groups aged 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12 years. The theme is Aku Cinta Garuda Indonesia (I love Garuda Indonesia).

Product quality

Product quality I am writing in reference to an article in Kompas (Feb. 27) on Mendesak adanya standardisasi mutu produk (Urging standardization of product quality) written by Sudaryatmo, head of the Indonesian Foundation's complaint department. The article referred to the falling quality of consumer products and suggested the need for a proper forum or law to address the issue. Sudaryatmo gave various examples of letters from irate consumers to establish his point.

Storm wrecks houses

Storm wrecks houses BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: A storm wrecked more than 100 houses in the Hulu Sungai Tengah regency, about 165 km north of here, earlier this week, officials said yesterday. No fatalities were reported but several people were injured and at least 100 houses were badly damaged Tuesday, a spokesman for the provincial government, Busrani Wardi, said. Busrani said the authorities were still awaiting detailed reports from stricken areas, including estimates of material losses.

Thailand, KL form trade body

Thailand, KL form trade body KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysia and Thailand have agreed Thursday to set up a joint trade committee and a joint business council to help spur bilateral trade and investment cooperation. The agreement was reached in talks between Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his Thai counterpart, Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, who arrived earlier Thursday on a two-day visit.

Defendant denies plotting to defraud Bank Indonesia

Defendant denies plotting to defraud Bank Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): A Bank Indonesia employee, charged with fraud, told the Central Jakarta District Court yesterday he objected to the prosecutors' indictment last week because he had never plotted to defraud the central bank as accused. Reading his own statement due to the absence of his defense lawyers, Ayub Sutarya said all he had done was give his password to Naman Kawi, a colleague. The latter is the head of Bank Indonesia's cashiers' section.

Foreign tourist arrivals jumps 4.3 percent

Foreign tourist arrivals jumps 4.3 percent JAKARTA (JP): Foreign tourists to Indonesia rose 4.3 percent to 302,490 in January from the corresponding month last year, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave said yesterday. The minister said the growth rate was higher than the 1.6 percent recorded in January 1996. The figure counted all foreign visitors entering Indonesia through seven major entry points.

Soeharto urges people to vote

Soeharto urges people to vote JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto urged people yesterday to vote in the May 29 general election, describing it as a once-in-a five-year opportunity to determine the course of the nation's development, including its leadership. In off-the-cuff remarks made during a meeting with prospective haj pilgrims in Boyolali, Central Java, Soeharto said he was prepared to step down, if that was what the people wanted.

The problem with single loyalty

The problem with single loyalty A surprise was recently delivered by the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI). During a presentation of research findings at LIPI's Widya Graha building Wednesday, a basic and strategic subject in our political life -- that of bureaucracy's monoloyalitas (undivided loyalty) -- was again questioned. The policy of monoloyalitas was introduced following the birth of the present New Order government.

RI, Thailand reach basic gas pact

RI, Thailand reach basic gas pact JAKARTA (JP): State-owned oil and gas company Pertamina and Thailand's Petroleum Authority have reached a basic agreement on the purchase of natural gas from Natuna, Pertamina President Faisal Abda'oe said yesterday. "We have reached a basic agreement on Thailand's intention to buy our Natuna gas but we still have some disagreements between us," Abda'oe said after addressing a discussion on trade and investment liberalization.

RI hopeful of hosting 2006 Asian Games

RI hopeful of hosting 2006 Asian Games JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is ready to host the 2006 Asian Games but is doubtful of its chances of hosting the Olympics in 2008. State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman said last night after the four-day National Sports Coordinating Meeting and the National Sports Conference that the National Sports Council had promised to prepare to stage the quadrennial event, possibly outside the capital.

Vanishing islands

Vanishing islands Six out of a thousand may not sound like many -- nor, for that matter, would six out of 120, which is closer to the actual number of islands contained in the Seribu (thousand) Islands group just outside the Bay of Jakarta. That, perhaps, is why so little attention has been given to reports this week that at least six of the islands have disappeared in recent years.

PDI activists to stage Bali-Jakarta long march

PDI activists to stage Bali-Jakarta long march JAKARTA (JP): A former army general who sympathizes with the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) plans to lead a long march from Bali to Jakarta to dramatize his concern for the party's on-going leadership conflict. Roch Basoeki Mangoenprodjo, who was reluctant to mention his rank in the army, said yesterday the long march would start in Denpasar, Bali, on April 1 and finish at the House of Representatives in Jakarta a week later.

Apac to set up cotton plantation in Australia

Apac to set up cotton plantation in Australia JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed textile producer PT Apac Centertext Corporation plans to open a cotton plantation in Queensland, Australia, to support its garment production. Apac president Benny Soetrisno said his company would team up with Australian firms. "Mr Kotjo (vice chief commissioner Johannes Kotjo) is still negotiating the plan with an Australian partner," he said after the company's shareholder meeting Thursday.

Sex tour operator blacklisted

Sex tour operator blacklisted MANILA (AFP): The Philippines' authorities yesterday blacklisted a United States national accused of arranging sex tours to the country. Immigration Commissioner Edgar Mendoza said in a statement Norman Barabash had been barred from entering the Philippines after the Department of Foreign Affairs informed them of his alleged activities. He said that Barabash reportedly owns the New York-based Big Apple Oriental Tours which a U.S.

Officers jailed for bribes

Officers jailed for bribes SINGAPORE (AFP): Five Singaporean immigration officers have been jailed for taking bribes from Malaysian-operated syndicates to make it easier for Indonesians to enter the city state, a report said yesterday. The officers, on duty at the Malaysia-Singapore border checkpoint at Woodlands, were given jail sentences of up to two- and-a-half years each. Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore island are linked by a causeway.

Four more briquet plants

Four more briquet plants JAKARTA (JP): State-owned mining firm PT Bukit Asam in cooperation with Japan's Institute for Technology and Energy Development (NEDO) will build four more coal briquette plants to meet growing local demand. Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana said yesterday the four plants, which will cost Rp 80 billion (US$33.2 million), would be built in Semarang and Cilacap, Central Java, Serang, West Java, and Gresik, East Java.

Two die in diarrhea outbreak

Two die in diarrhea outbreak KEBUMEN, Central Java: Two people died and another 19 were hospitalized after a diarrhea outbreak in the Alian subdistrict, Kebumen regent Amin Sudibyo said yesterday. First reported a week ago, the illness is believed to have affected hundreds of people in the villages of Seliling, Karangtanjung and Tanuharja. Nineteen people remained under medical treatment in Kebumen General hospital yesterday.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 Cartoon Film: Animated Classic 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Sports 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:55 Filler and Trailler 5:00 Regional News 5:25 Travel: My Country 5:30 Development Program: Perjalanan National 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Filler and Trailler 7:30 Music: Paket 27 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Saturday Night Music 9:00 World News 9:30...

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 28, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,175 75 11,000 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,175 0 107,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,275 0 593,000 Alumindo Perkasa 775 0 21,000 Andayani Megah 1,025 -25 310,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,275 -75 768,000 Anwar Sierad 1,850 -25 82,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 5,700 100 5,000 Argha Karya Prima Industry...

Humpuss eyes IPTN's maintenance service

Humpuss eyes IPTN's maintenance service BANDUNG, West Java (JP): Three firms, including the Humpuss group, have offered to buy into state-owned aircraft maker PT IPTN's maintenance service. IPTN general manager Hari Laksono said here yesterday the three companies were keen to buy into the service called the Universal Maintenance Center. "Humpuss even made an offer ten years ago when the center was formed," he said.

Consulting firm opened

Consulting firm opened JAKARTA (JP): Insurance consulting firm PT Bumi Citra Cempaka announced yesterday the establishment of operations to help domestic insurers improve their performance. The company's chief executive officer, Thomas Turula, said his firm could assist insurance firms to strengthen their internal organization to comply with government guidelines and improve their customer services to boost their investment returns.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Jakarta Hilton International Hotel, Jl. Gatot Subroto: - Lagoon Lounge; Piano live entertainment, open daily, 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Pizzaria Restaurant; Ocean Park Band, Wednesday and Thursday. Prospect Band, Sunday, Monday, Tuesday. Dimensi Band, Friday and Saturday, at 8 p.m. to 12 a.m. - Kudus Bar; Pianist and Singer, daily 6 p.m. to 12 a.m. - Sriwedari Garden Restaurant; Omega Vocal Group, Monday to Thursday, 6 p.m.

Djajanti cement in Brunei

Djajanti cement in Brunei JAKARTA (JP): Butra Djajanti Cement, a joint venture between Brunei companies and Indonesia's Djajanti said it controlled about 60 percent of Brunei's cement market. Butra general manager David G. Overton said cement production had reached 1,500 tons a day since starting last June. Overton said he was optimistic his company could meet the growing demand for cement in Brunei,Antara reported from the country's capital, Bandar Seri Begawan.

Sterner finishes the job in Ladies Asia circuit

Sterner finishes the job in Ladies Asia circuit JAKARTA (JP): Pernilla Sterner of Sweden won the Kosaido Ladies Asia Golf Circuit in the play-off yesterday at the Pondok Cabe golf course and country club, Tangerang. Sterner, who celebrated her 29th birthday on Feb. 12, won against Wendy Dicks of England in the two-hole play-off. Both scored one-under-par 215 (72-67-76) in the three-day US$100,000 tournament.

Golkar upbeat hard work will pay off on election day

Golkar upbeat hard work will pay off on election day By Dwi Atmanta JAKARTA (JP): Golkar is confident of another landslide victory in the May 29 general election, given the amount of work it has put into consolidating grassroots support these past three years. Under chairman Harmoko, Golkar has recruited an army of 12 millions cadres in villages and kampongs across the country. Their job is to amass votes in their respective neighborhoods.

Four policemen imprisoned for torturing civilians

Four policemen imprisoned for torturing civilians JAKARTA (JP): A military tribunal in Bandung sentenced four Tasikmalaya police officers to between 22 and 28 months yesterday for torturing civilians. Their action triggered a major riot in the town last year. Chief Corporal Nursamsi Hendri was given 28 months, Second Sergeant Agus Martadinata 27 months, Second Sergeant Agus Yulianto 23 months and Second Sergeant Dedi Haeruddin 22 months. They are all to appeal.

Accident measures needed for nuclear plant: Observer

Accident measures needed for nuclear plant: Observer JAKARTA (JP): It would be irresponsible for the government to build a nuclear power plant without having measures in place to cope with accidents, a renowned intellectual said yesterday. Y.B. Mangunwijaya, a Catholic priest better known as Romo (Father) Mangun, said even Germany -- a country with very advanced nuclear technology -- had yet to formulate a solution on how to overcome a nuclear power plant catastrophe.