Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 11 March 1997

59 articles found

Standard tariff for ASEAN

Standard tariff for ASEAN JAKARTA (JP): The ASEAN Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Working Committee for Infrastructure and Tourism (WCIT) has proposed charter tariffs among nonscheduled airlines in the region be standardized. WCIT's executive director, Barens Saragih, said yesterday the rental standardization was needed to support ASEAN tourism. He said such cooperation would improve services to tourists renting planes while visiting ASEAN.

BOC wins RI contract

BOC wins RI contract LONDON (Reuter): BOC Plc said yesterday that its BOC Gases division and a joint venture partner had won a contract to supply oxygen and power to PT Smelting Co in East Java, Indonesia. In a statement, BOC Gases said it would invest 70 million pounds in the project with its joint venture partner, Garama Group of Indonesia. It said the contract was the largest ever awarded to BOC Gases.

Security troops drop into markets

Security troops drop into markets JAKARTA (JP): The army conducted security drills yesterday in Greater Jakarta in preparation for the May general election. Drills were conducted around Hotel Indonesia, the Senen Market, Central Jakarta, the downtown business centers of Jl. Gajah Mada and Glodok, as well as Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta and Blok M, South Jakarta.

PDI rifts shows up lack of democracy

PDI rifts shows up lack of democracy By Asip Agus Hasani YOGYAKARTA (JP): Cornelis LAY, a political scientist based at Gadjah Mada University's Inter-University Center, once described Indonesian politics as having a "barbarian" face because of the ever-decreasing opportunities made available to common people to express their opinions.

Warring tribes in Timika agree to end violence

Warring tribes in Timika agree to end violence JAKARTA (JP): The death toll in the tribal clashes in Irian Jaya has risen to four, but conflicting parties agreed to end the violence Sunday in a traditional "tying up the arrows" ceremony. The body of Wenda, a Dani tribesman, was found stabbed with an arrow Sunday afternoon. He died in the latest outburst of violence in the mining town of Timika that afternoon, according to Tom Beanal.

Swindled by experts

Swindled by experts From Pos Kota On March 3 at 11 a.m., I left my bank on Jl. Gunung Sahari for Jatinegara. When I arrived at the Jatinegara market, I met someone who claimed to be a Korean. The man asked me how he could get to Glodok as he wanted to take his computer there. I gave him directions to Glodok, when two other men appeared on the scene and queried me about the Korean. I replied that he only wanted to know the way to Glodok.

'RI can learn from loss to Saudis'

'RI can learn from loss to Saudis' JAKARTA (JP): The All-Indonesian Football Federation (PSSI) should learn a lot from the country's defeat by Saudi Arabia in Sunday's friendly match in Singapore, the assistant national coach Parlin Siagian said Sunday. The Indonesian team, preparing for the SEA Games here in October and a qualifying round of the 1998 World Cup, lost to Saudi Arabia 0-4. Parlin said in Singapore that, although it had lost to Saudi Arabia, the team had played well.

Indonesia's Susi Susanti aims for All-England title

Indonesia's Susi Susanti aims for All-England title BIRMINGHAM, England (AFP): Susi Susanti, the world's most successful professional badminton player, hopes to win the All- England trophy to supplement the wedding ring she acquired last month. After her long-awaited marriage to fellow Indonesian former Olympic champion Alan Budikusuma she will be looking to get her hands on the women's singles trophy once more when the world's oldest tournament gets underway today.

Refinery output key for Minas

Refinery output key for Minas SINGAPORE (Reuter): Asian crude sales for prompt trading are expected to slow this week as Middle East grades appear mostly placed, while Indonesian refineries are the focus for Minas and Duri sellers. The unexpected and prolonged shutdown of the 125,000 barrel- per-day (bpd) crude distillation unit (CDU) at the Balongan refinery and the scheduled shutdown of the 120,000-bpd Dumai refinery for maintenance has led to an overhang of Minas and Duri.

SE Asian rubber trade frustrated by flat demand

SE Asian rubber trade frustrated by flat demand SINGAPORE (Reuter): Flat global demand for rubber will continue to weigh on Southeast Asian prices this week and the trend will not change unless major consumers step up their buying, regional traders said yesterday. "The market has been dead for a while. Consumers are just not keen to come here," said one Malaysian trader. "It's going to be very quiet and flat again this week.

RI key to Australia's live cattle exports

RI key to Australia's live cattle exports SYDNEY (Reuter): Australia's meat industry statutory authority, the Australian Meat and Livestock Corp (AMLC), said in its latest monthly market review live cattle exports, mainly to Indonesia and the Philippines, were the major factor ensuring the viability of an otherwise struggling northern cattle sector.

Lukman Harun's opinion

Lukman Harun's opinion From Merdeka Lukman Harun's way of thinking as reported by Merdeka of Feb. 27 is very disturbing. I do not agree on a number of points. 1. Muhammadiyah members should not talk to the press directly. Does Muhammadiyah want Lukman Harun to become a kind of censor or a political organization that has to adjust itself to the wishes of the government?

Garuda Indonesia to reopen Munich service

Garuda Indonesia to reopen Munich service JAKARTA (JP): National air carrier Garuda Indonesia plans to reopen its service to Munich, Germany after quitting the Jakarta- Munich route in 1995. Company general manager in Germany, Agus Asmayadinata, said in Berlin yesterday that Munich had the potential to attract Indonesian tourists. Garuda would fly to Munich soon after arranging additional fleets, Antara news agency quoted Asmayadinata as saying.

Two killed in C. Jakarta fires

Two killed in C. Jakarta fires JAKARTA (JP): Fires broke out in several places in Central Jakarta over the weekend, leaving two people dead and some 1,900 people homeless, the city police spokesman said yesterday. Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said one of the fires was caused by a candle which fell onto flammable material in a house during a power failure at 8 p.m. Sunday. The fire, which claimed lives and ravaged 25 semipermanent homes occupied by some 150 families on Jl.

C. Java promotes exports

C. Java promotes exports JAKARTA (JP): The Central Java administration will promote trade with Singapore, South Korea, Japan, the United States, Australia, Czech Republic, and France. The Investment Coordinating Board's Central Java Office Chairman, Soedarsono, said in Semarang yesterday that all the seven countries were potential markets for the province's goods. He said that in the U.S., Czech Republic and France, the Central Java administration would also organize regular trade expos.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Travel: My Country 2:35 TV Series: Berenstain Bears 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:05 Children's Program: Gelar Music 3:30 Science Film: Four Minute Mile 4:00 News: Lintasan Berita 4:05 Science and Technology Film 4:30 TV Drama: Kejora 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 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 Trailer 7:30 Religious Teachings: Belief in God The Almighty 8:05...

Democracy vs efficiency at WTO

Democracy vs efficiency at WTO By Djauhari Oratmangun GENEVA (JP): More than two months have elapsed since the World Trade Organization's Singapore Ministerial Conference (SMC) ended. Yet the accusations of "nontransparency and an undemocratic way of doing business", in particular in the decision-making process of the World Trade Organization (WTO), continue to be a controversial topic in Geneva with most of the developing countries. The closing remarks made on Dec.

Governors told to enforce all the electoral laws

Governors told to enforce all the electoral laws JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto ordered the provincial governors yesterday to enforce all the electoral laws in the May 29 general election. "I'm asking you all to pay great attention to make sure the general election is successful," Soeharto said in a meeting with all 27 governors at Bina Graha. The governors are responsible for organizing the election in their respective regions in their capacity as head of provincial election committees.

PUDI executives reject evidence

PUDI executives reject evidence JAKARTA (JP): The three politicians of the unrecognized Indonesian Democratic Union Party (PUDI) being detained for disseminating antigovernment messages through Idul Fitri greetings cards rejected evidence produced by the Attorney General's Office yesterday.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Radisson Hotel, Jl. Pecenongan 72, Central Jakarta: - Lobby Lounge Bar; Vino on Bass and Yudi on Piano, Mona and Nongky (Singers), Monday to Saturday, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. * Ancol Travelodge, Jl. Lodan Timur No. 7, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, North Jakarta: - Jungles Restaurant; Pasar Malam, Keroncong and Kecapi Suling, Friday, 6 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., Dixie Band, Saturday, 6 p.m. to 10.30 p.m., Trio Band, Sunday, 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. - No.

Nurturing small firms

Nurturing small firms They are known as venture capitalists -- two words which in most developing countries, including Indonesia, have negative or even exploitative connotations. But it was these capitalists and several tycoons that President Soeharto summoned for a special meeting on the development of small enterprises at the Presidential Palace in Bogor, West Java, over the weekend.

Bekasi proclaimed new mayoralty

Bekasi proclaimed new mayoralty BEKASI (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. inaugurated the Bekasi mayoralty yesterday, hoping the new administration would immediately deal with its lingering urban problems. Prior to the induction of Kailani A.R. as Bekasi's acting mayor, Yogie said the town administration had lacked the authority and expertise to carry out its mission.

City PDI chapter publishes problems

City PDI chapter publishes problems JAKARTA (JP): Campaigners of the city's chapter of the Indonesian Democratic Party will be issued with a reference book on the city's problems launched yesterday. The book has been in the making since June last year, Lukman F. Mokoginta, chairman of PDI's city chapter said. The 1,500 copies are titled "The hopes of the low income earners in 2000," and were printed by "very small print shops" for only Rp 1 million, Lukman said.

Soeharto warns foreign press

Soeharto warns foreign press NEW YORK (AFP): Indonesian President Soeharto warned that negative press reports about his country could provoke violence in the Southeast Asian nation, according to Newsweek magazine. "Continuing to blow up the issues of poverty and income gaps without offering a realistic concept for solving them may provoke the sensitivity of our diverse community," Soeharto said in an interview in the March 17 issue of the magazine's international edition.

Yogie blasts 'white group' irresponsible citizens

Yogie blasts 'white group' irresponsible citizens BEKASI (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. waded into the increasingly acrimonious debate on people who refuse to exercise their right to vote yesterday, blasting them irresponsible citizens. Yogie, who also chairs the General Elections Institute, warned the public against groups who tried to persuade people not to vote during the May 29 poll. "Don't follow the wrong people. Follow the government.

Jazz-gamelan concert on stage

Jazz-gamelan concert on stage JAKARTA (JP): A rare music performance blending Jazz and Javanese gamelan will be staged at the Wayang Orang Bharata art center in Senen, Central Jakarta on Wednesday at 8 p.m. Organized by the French Cultural Center and the Wayang Orang Bharata organization, the concert features Indonesian contemporary artist Sapto Rahardjo and French musician Mique Montanaro performing music from their joint album Java.

Statistic bill rules foreign researchers

Statistic bill rules foreign researchers JAKARTA (JP): A new bill will require foreign research institutions to form partnerships with local researchers before they survey or publish statistics in Indonesia. The National Development Planning Board's chairman Ginandjar Kartasasmita told a House session on the statistics bill yesterday that this requirement would benefit local organizations.

Ayuningrum wins downhill cycling

Ayuningrum wins downhill cycling JAKARTA (JP): National female cyclist Ayuningrum won the downhill event of the mountainous Karangkates Terbuka cycling races in Malang, East Java, on Sunday. Ayuningrum clocked one minute 54.43 seconds and Resa Susanty came second a few seconds later. Resa came third in the cross country in one hour 45 minutes and 17.8 seconds.

Asian rapid growth could cause friction

Asian rapid growth could cause friction SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said yesterday Asia's rapid economic growth could lead to friction, especially with the emergence of China as a leading economic superpower. "Within Asia, growth rivalry can easily lead to friction, tensions or conflict," Goh said in a speech to a one-day meeting of the U.S./ASEAN Business Council in Singapore.

No transition period for new customs rules

No transition period for new customs rules JAKARTA (JP): The government will not give any transition period for the implementation of the new customs procedures which comes into force on April 1, the customs office said yesterday. The Director of Tariffs and Customs Prices, Daeng M. Nazier, told a seminar the customs office would not accept any surveyor inspection reports on imported goods after April 1. "There will be no transition period.

Govt wants GKG in strong hands

Govt wants GKG in strong hands JAKARTA (JP): The Minister of Finance, Mar'ie Muhammad, said yesterday investors wanting to buy the bankrupt Golden Key Group's (GKG) assets must be financially strong enough to do so without further burdening state-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo). Speaking at a House Budgetary Commission hearing, Mar'ie said many investors were interested in buying the assets.

BI firm on lending to small businesses

BI firm on lending to small businesses JAKARTA (JP): The central bank, Bank Indonesia, plans to penalize banks that fail to disburse at least 20 percent of their total credits to small and medium businesses, an official said yesterday. The central bank's director for credit, Mukhlis Rasyid, said the penalty was expected to increase bank lendings to small and medium businesses and encourage banks to achieve the government- set ratio quickly.

Wimar to host new talk show

Wimar to host new talk show JAKARTA (JP): Local TV viewers can now watch a new talk show hosted by Wimar Witoelar on Indosiar private television station. The 30-minute show Selayang Pandang, a combination of chat and music, will have the high-profile Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Azwar Anas as its first guest on Tuesday (tonight) at 9.30 p.m.

Investment board proposes bill

Investment board proposes bill JAKARTA (JP): The Investment Coordinating Board will propose a bill on both domestic and foreign investment operations to replace Law No.1/1967 and Law No.8/1968. The board secretary Asriel Noer said the bill was made to accommodate the process of economic globalization. Foreign investment is currently governed by Law No.1/1967 and domestic investment by Law.8/1968.

Ardy wins Sweden Open

Ardy wins Sweden Open JAKARTA (JP): Old hand Ardy B Wiranata of Indonesia beat Budi Santoso, a junior, in Sunday's all-Indonesian final of the Sweden Open badminton championship 15-10, 15-10. After his victory, Ardy said he planned to reach the world's top 16 so he could take part in the World Championships in Glasgow in May. Antara reported that Ardy, ranked 27th, had been absent from badminton for seven months after suffering hepatitis. He started his comeback at the Thailand Open in November.

Diah family to sell all shares in Hotel Prapatan

Diah family to sell all shares in Hotel Prapatan JAKARTA (JP): The president of the publicly listed PT Hotel Prapatan, A.T. Nurman Diah, will resign and sell all his family's shares in the company. Nurman will tender his resignation at the company's extraordinary shareholders meeting Thursday, ending the Diah family's control of the company they founded in 1969.

ANZ starts emerging markets fund

ANZ starts emerging markets fund LONDON (Reuter): ANZ Investment Bank said on Monday it had launched a new emerging market's local currency debt fund. It said the open-ended fund, ANZ Local Currency Debt Portfolio, was targeted at institutions and sophisticated investors globally and would invest in a cross-section of countries, including Mexico, South Africa, Indonesia and Bulgaria.

Andrian rejoins national team today

Andrian rejoins national team today JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association has confirmed that it will let Andrian Raturandang return to the Davis Cup team and the 19th SEA Games training. Benny Mailili, an official of the association's National Tennis Board, said yesterday that Andrian would start training today. "In his letter of apology today, Andrian said he was sorry for his misbehavior during training," Benny said.

SSE to introduce new system to boost trade

SSE to introduce new system to boost trade JAKARTA (JP): The Surabaya Stock Exchange (SSE) will introduce a new trading system today to boost trade. SSE's president, Isakayoga, said yesterday the new trading system, called continuous auction, would enable dealers to trade directly through on-line computer terminals installed in brokerage firms. "Trade in the current system cannot be carried out continuously.

Open heart surgery in Bali

Open heart surgery in Bali DENPASAR, Bali: The Sanglah General Hospital received Friday a Rp 4.7 billion cardiac surgical machine from the Harapan Kita Cardiac Hospital Foundation in Jakarta. Antara reported that the sophisticated equipment was donated under a cooperation between the Denpasar hospital and Harapan Kita Foundation. It was handed over by the chief of the foundation's board of trustees chairperson Halimah B. Trihatmodjo to the Denpasar hospital director, Dr. GLM Rudiartha.

Soeharto's smile gives nothing away

Soeharto's smile gives nothing away JAKARTA (JP): A smile is the only response one will likely get from President Soeharto to the question whether civil servants and Armed Forces (ABRI) personnel will see their wages increased this year. State Minister of Administrative Reforms T.B. Silalahi refused to give a firm answer when the question was put to him by reporters after he met Soeharto at Bina Graha yesterday. "He (the President) smiled at me, and now I'm smiling at you.

Rescue program returns orangutan to forests

Rescue program returns orangutan to forests By Yenni Kwok JAKARTA (JP): One of Willie Smits' jobs is returning orangutans that have been kept as pets to the rain forests of Kalimantan. The rescue program, based at the Wanariset Forest research station in East Kalimantan, is part of the larger orangutan reintroduction project that Smits has been in charge of since January 1991. Returning the orangutans to their natural habitat is not an overnight process.

Kiss of life for Asia's energy futures

Kiss of life for Asia's energy futures By P. Parameswaran SINGAPORE (AFP): Asia is moving closer to having a safety-net against oil-price volatility with the impending revival of the region's sole energy futures contract and plans to introduce more hedging mechanisms, analysts say. Despite being the second largest petroleum-consuming region, Asia does not set its own prices nor directly influence prices on the world market mainly because it does not have a vibrant oil futures market.

Hanbo's bankruptcy

Hanbo's bankruptcy From Merdeka It seems that Kim junior (Kim Hyun-chul) has forgotten that his beloved father, South Korean President Kim Young-sam, is a public figure. A state leader is the property of the people, he becomes a model of the public from the moment he is sworn in as president. President Kim Young-sam lived in accordance with his position, he rightfully mirrors the status of a public figure, he will always be at the center of public attention and in the delicate hands of the law.

McDonald's Corp. lobbies ASEAN on farm reform

McDonald's Corp. lobbies ASEAN on farm reform SINGAPORE (Reuter): A senior official of U.S. hamburger giant McDonald's Corp. said yesterday that protectionist farm policies had driven up the cost of food in Southeast Asia. Raymond Cesca, managing director of McDonald's World Trade, which runs the company's international operations, told Reuters Southeast Asian governments and the U.S.

Asian palm oil markets seen mixed

Asian palm oil markets seen mixed KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Asian palm oil markets were expected to be mixed this week with bearish technicals seen dampening Malaysian sentiment, while Singapore may recover due to a nearby supply tightness, regional traders said. In Indonesia, palm prices were expected to trend lower on sustained weak demand, but downside could be limited by the relatively high price of crude palm oil.

ARCO appraisal almost finished

ARCO appraisal almost finished SINGAPORE (Reuter): Atlantic Richfield Co (ARCO) aims to complete an appraisal program at its Irian Jaya gas field by the end of 1997, ARCO Asia Inc President Roger Truitt said yesterday. Truitt declined to reveal the level of reserves the company estimated were contained in the gas field -- the Wiriagar and Berau blocks in Bituni Bay.

Alter Abadi books profits

Alter Abadi books profits JAKARTA (JP): The listed kaolin producer PT Alter Abadi posted a net profit of Rp 36.38 billion (US$15.28 million) in 1996, up 33.8 percent compared to 1995's Rp 27.55 billion. Herry Santoso, finance director of the firm said yesterday, the profit was higher than the projected Rp 33.9 billion. He said the company booked net sales rose 16.6 percent to Rp 143.90 billion in 1996 from Rp 123.43 billion in 1995.

HK reassures Indonesia over travel documents

HK reassures Indonesia over travel documents HONG KONG (Reuter): Hong Kong authorities assured Jakarta yesterday that travel documents would remain valid after the British colony reverts to China, making it unnecessary to send home 60,000 Hong Kong people now working in Indonesia.

Five killed in bus crash

Five killed in bus crash MANADO, North Sulawesi: Five people were killed and five others injured, two of them critically, in a bus crash here Sunday night, a press report said yesterday. The accident happened at about 8:15 p.m. when a van crashed into Bintang Terang bus near the Manadoku housing complex. Eyewitnesses said the collision happened when a speeding van coming from Tumohon tried to overtake a car when it was too close to the oncoming bus.

Emission tests start again across the city

Emission tests start again across the city JAKARTA (JP): The third phase of vehicle emission tests began at five city sites yesterday, targeting 5,000 cars by Thursday, the head of the city environmental bureau said. Aboejoewono Aboeprajitno said the tests were necessary to make Jakartans aware that their vehicles may have contributed to the city's air pollution. He said, however, the bureau did not have the authority to punish motorists whose vehicles failed the tests.

Mandela ends four-nation tour

Mandela ends four-nation tour KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): South African President Nelson Mandela left Malaysia's northern Langkawi island resort yesterday at the end of a successful five-day visit. During his four-nation tour of the Philippines, Brunei, Singapore and Malaysia, Mandela promoted South African products and sought more foreign investment in his country, which is trying to uplift its impoverished black majority in the post- apartheid era.

Govt to loosen some restrictive campaign rules

Govt to loosen some restrictive campaign rules JAKARTA (JP): Following a torrent of criticism from the minority parties contesting the May 29 general election, the government agreed yesterday to loosen campaign regulations they had branded restrictive.

PT Lampung to buy three firms

PT Lampung to buy three firms JAKARTA (JP): PT Lampung Pelletizing Factory, a subsidiary of PT Dharmala Agrifood, will take over three commodity processing companies as part of the retructuring program of its parent firm. The takeover plan was approved in a shareholders meeting yesterday.

Lightning kills senior official

Lightning kills senior official JAKARTA (JP): Government officials mourned yesterday the death of Director General for International Trade Anang Fuad Rivai, who was killed by a lightening bolt while playing golf in Batam on Sunday. Anang, survived by his wife, four children and four grandchildren, was buried in Tanah Kusir public cemetery.

Indonesia joins Australia's trade expo

Indonesia joins Australia's trade expo JAKARTA (JP): More than 40 businesspeople from 20 Indonesian companies will participate in Australia's Trade Expo 1997 in Melbourne from March 18 to March 20, a government official said yesterday. The Industrial Attache of the Indonesian Embassy in Canberra, Harmen Sembiring, told Antara Indonesia would also send a trade and investment mission to Australia.

Advice for Timorese youths

Advice for Timorese youths YOGYAKARTA: East Timor Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares called on youths in the former Portuguese colony to stop making an issue out of integration with Indonesia. East Timorese youths should stop concentrating on political, social and religious issues and focus instead on development, he said when addressing a seminar on East Timor's integration into Indonesia.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 10, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,025 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,175 0 51,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,225 0 97,500 Alumindo Perkasa 775 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,050 50 199,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,325 100 4,076,000 Anwar Sierad 1,875 0 304,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 5,100 -125 30,000 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,525 225...

RI to produce more ceramic tiles

RI to produce more ceramic tiles JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's production of ceramic floor and wall tiles is projected to increase to 200,000 million square meters this year from 170 million square meters in 1995, an official said here yesterday. Director General for Metal, Machinery and Chemical Industries Effendi Sudarsono said at the opening of a four-day seminar on ceramic floor and wall tile production technology that this year's production increase would be supported by new factories.