Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 12 March 1997

53 articles found

Conglomerates 'may not control economy'

Conglomerates 'may not control economy' JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto insisted yesterday conglomerates would not be allowed to control the national economy and called for more emphasis on the development of small businesses and cooperatives. "In fact, we don't want the national economy to be controlled only by conglomerates. We also don't want a national economy which benefits only conglomerates," Soeharto said. The President said the national economic system should emphasize partnerships.

PT Indorama secures US$175 million in loans

PT Indorama secures US$175 million in loans JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed polyester maker PT Indorama Synthetics has obtained syndicated loans worth US$175 million from 13 international banks. The company said the agreement for the loans, which mature in three years, was signed in Singapore yesterday would be used to refinance existing borrowings and used for corporate purposes.

Workers protest unjust treatment

Workers protest unjust treatment JAKARTA (JP): At least 150 PT Intermitra Ragamulia Industries's workers protested at the House of Representatives Monday about threats of arbitrary dismissal from their employer. A delegation of the workers told three members of the Golkar faction the company had decided to move from Tambun, 40 kilometers southeast of here, to Gunung Putri, Bogor, and had ordered all the workers to work at the new site. H.

Documented insanity delays murder trial

Documented insanity delays murder trial JAKARTA (JP): The Los Angeles triple murder case trial was delayed yesterday after proof that the defendant had twice been hospitalized for 'mental disorder' was read in court. Prosecutor J. Kamaru told the court, presided over by judge IGK Sukarata, that the "latest development", forced him to delay reading the sentence demand for Harnoko Dewantono, known as Oki.

Newly returned bishop meet ABRI leaders

Newly returned bishop meet ABRI leaders DILI (JP): Mgr. Basilio do Nascimento, the newly ordained bishop of Baucau, East Timor, spent his first full day home after his January ordination in Rome meeting with local military officers. The 46-year-old do Nascimento was accompanied by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo on his visit to the commander of the Wira Dharma military district, Col. Mahidin Simbolon, and East Timor Police Chief Col. Yusuf Mucharam.

Soeharto says critics ignorant of govt system

Soeharto says critics ignorant of govt system JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that his administration's critics did not seem to understand the basics of Indonesia's political system. The President said certain people were eager to propose an overhaul of the system but the alternative they had in mind was foreign and incompatible with Indonesian culture and mores.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Book JP/byi OLD PALS: Three senior journalists, Rosihan Anwar (left to right), Muchtar Lubis and Jakob Oetama, chat during the launching of Tajuk Tajuk Muchtar Lubis, a new book published by the Obor Foundation to commemorate Lubis's 75th birthday. This event was held at the Wisata Hotel in Jakarta last Friday. Photo B: Flora JP/alx FLOWER QUEEN: Mrs.

Poll watchdog denies calling for boycott

Poll watchdog denies calling for boycott BOGOR (JP): The unrecognized Independent Election Monitoring Committee denied yesterday circulating anonymous leaflets urging townspeople to boycott the May 29 general election. Heri Soba, secretary of the committee's local chapter, said boycotting the general election was not on the organization's agenda as the authorities seemed to think.

Govt to restrict air ticket sales

Govt to restrict air ticket sales JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to stop travel agents selling airline tickets to avoid price manipulation, a senior official said yesterday. The Director General of Air Transportation, Zainuddin Sikado, said travel agents running tour packages and selling airline tickets, should handle only tours. "In Indonesia, travel agents are often more powerful than domestic airlines.

Rendani airport to be renovated

Rendani airport to be renovated MANOKWARI, Irian Jaya: The Ministry of Transportation is to set aside more than Rp 1 billion (approximately US$426,439) this year to renovate Rendani Airport, in Manokwari regency, Irian Jaya.

Sempati rating lowered

Sempati rating lowered JAKARTA (JP): Pefindo, Indonesia's only credit rating agency, has decided to downgrade the rating of PT Sempati Air's Rp 50 billion (US$21.09 million) commercial paper to B with from A-4 previously. The rating company said that the downgraded rating reflected the airline company's unfavorable financial performance. The company's financial performance had not shown significant improvement following the restructuring of the company's management recently.

Indonesia defeats Kiwis in Federation Cup opening

Indonesia defeats Kiwis in Federation Cup opening JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Fed Cup team defeated New Zealand 2-1 yesterday on the first day of Group A's round-robin matches at the Asia Oceania Qualifying Group I in Wellington. Yayuk Basuki, ranked 24th in the world, confirmed Indonesia's victory when she beat Graye McManus 6-1, 6-0 in the second singles match. Young hopeful Wynne Prakusya was tested earlier yesterday as she beat Rewa Hudson 6-1, 6-7 (9-11), 6-4.

RI and Australia to sign maritime agreement

RI and Australia to sign maritime agreement JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Australia are to sign a maritime agreement Friday delineating the continental shelf and their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) in three areas. The agreement will be signed by Indonesian foreign minister Ali Alatas and his counterpart Alexander Downer in Perth, Western Australia. Also present at the ceremony will be West Australia Premier Richard Court.

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.

Public to get Subway project explanation

Public to get Subway project explanation JAKARTA (JP): The public will be informed about the progress of the subway project as soon as financing and other matters are clear, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday. Surjadi said not everything was clear yet. "Sooner or later we will explain everything...I do not want to expose something which is not clear yet," Surjadi said yesterday.

Pollution detector installed

Pollution detector installed PURWAKARTA, West Java: An air pollution monitoring instrument will soon be installed in this rapidly industrializing district of West Java, Antara reported yesterday. "It's time for Purwakarta to have such an instrument to measure the air pollution caused by the town's factories," the head of the local health office, H.M. Aried Achdiar Adiwinata, said. He said locals have been complaining of the stench coming from factory waste, particularly on rainy days.

Golf body hopes locals will rise at Indonesia Open

Golf body hopes locals will rise at Indonesia Open JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Golf Association hopes seven locals will qualify for the final of the Satelindo Indonesia Open 1997 next month. "We hope national players Maan Nasim, Kasiyadi, Ilyasak and Marno are among the qualifiers," association official FX Widyastanto said yesterday. Fifteen local golfers are entered for the qualifying round of the annual championships.

Democracy vs efficiency at WTO

Democracy vs efficiency at WTO By Djauhari Oratmangun This is the second of two articles. GENEVA (JP): What lessons from the Singapore Ministerial Conference-WTO can we expect to characterize future multilateral trade negotiations within the WTO system? First, negotiations within the WTO system -- including in the future Ministerial Conference and in the various WTO bodies and committees -- will be conducted in a more businesslike manner.

Ramos bans screenings of maid's life story

Ramos bans screenings of maid's life story MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos yesterday banned a movie on Filipina maid Sarah Balabagan's ordeal in the United Arab Emirates, saying it could upset ties between Manila and Abu Dhabi, officials said.

Community of free traders

Community of free traders The presence of more than 600 business leaders from all over the world, including 100 from major American corporations, at the first ASEAN business summit which opens today speaks volumes about the region's economic potential. ASEAN's population of 430 million -- which will soon increase to 500 million if and when Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar join -- is a huge market that no corporation in the current era of increasing global competition can afford to ignore.

U.S., RI to boost trade ties

U.S., RI to boost trade ties JAKARTA (JP): A delegation of almost 100 senior U.S. business executives will be in Jakarta from March 12 to March 14 to promote U.S.-Indonesia trade investment relations and participate in a series of programs to understand ASEAN. The delegation will be led by chairman of the U.S.- ASEAN Business Council, George David, who is president and CEO of United Technologies Corporation. Delegation members include the former U.S.

Dua Satu Tiga Puluh offers shares to public

Dua Satu Tiga Puluh offers shares to public JAKARTA (JP): PT Dua Satu Tiga Puluh, a company established by President Soeharto to support the development of a prototype of the N-2130 passenger national jet aircraft, yesterday began the offering of the company's shares to the public. DSTP President Saadillah Mursjid said the company was offering 774,398 bearer shares with a nominal value of Rp 2.3 million (US$958) each at Rp 2.4 million per share, and 400,000 common stocks.

Zarina tried to bribe us, say police officers

Zarina tried to bribe us, say police officers JAKARTA (JP): Three police officers testified in court Monday that Zarina, charged with possession of Ecstasy, tried to bribe them as they confiscated a safe containing the drug from her house. The three officers of the Tangerang Police precinct, 26 kilometers west of here, told the West Jakarta District Court they went to her house on the evening of Aug. 7 with a warrant to confiscate the Ecstasy and arrest her.

Never let differences divide, Wahono says

Never let differences divide, Wahono says JAKARTA (JP): House Speaker Wahono reminded the nation yesterday that differences are acceptable and should not be allowed to cause enmity and division between people. "In the increasingly dynamic arena of public life, we can't entirely eliminate the potential for friction, conflict or discord.

ASEAN CCI strives to wipe out poverty

ASEAN CCI strives to wipe out poverty JAKARTA (JP): The ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASEAN CCI) supports ASEAN 2020's economic vision of eradicating poverty and increasing the region's share of world trade. In its two-day meeting here ASEAN CCI also decided to focus its activities during the next three years on three economic sectors: food and agriculture, capital goods and tourism.

Poll rigging exposers jailed

Poll rigging exposers jailed SEMARANG: Ungaran district court sentenced two students to two years in prison Monday for claiming to have exposed violations of the 1992 election rules by government officials. Presiding judge Fransiskus Lopy said the students were guilty of sowing hatred against the government by circulating leaflets alleging officials had acted in favor of a Golkar contestant.

Supreme Court asked to address lawsuit rumors

Supreme Court asked to address lawsuit rumors JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers representing Megawati Soekarnoputri called on the Supreme Court yesterday to respond to growing rumors that the law courts have succumbed to government pressure in trying cases involving the ousted PDI chairwoman.

'Lebaran' holidays

'Lebaran' holidays From Pikiran Rakyat After reading Kang Atang Ruswita's letter about "Lebaran" holidays on Feb. 14, 1997, I came to the conclusion that neither Ayi, who brought up the holiday matter, nor Akang who commented on it, were aware of the holiday regulations pertaining to Civil Service and State Company employees.

PT Eterindo to issue 170m shares

PT Eterindo to issue 170m shares JAKARTA (JP): Integrated chemical producer PT Eterina Wahanatama will list 170 million shares or 25 percent of its capital on the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges in May. The company's president, Hadiran Sridaja, said yesterday the shares would be issued at Rp 1,400 each and the company expected to raise about Rp 240 billion (US$100 million). Hadiran said the money raised would be used to build new plants and for working capital.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 11, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Dharmala Insurance 1,500 0 0 Ades Alfindo 1,025 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,025 -25 170,000 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,550 25 252,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,275 -50 1,361,000 Alter Abadi 1,175 0 62,500 Alumindo Perkasa 775 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,225 0 115,000 Asahimas Flat 1,475 -25 428,000 Anwar...

Problems of the post-shipment import system

Problems of the post-shipment import system Beginning next month, the inspection of imports will change from pre-shipment inspection to on-arrival inspection. Economist Hartojo Wignjowijoto, president of PT Aspecindo Kreasi, a business consulting company examines the shift.

Archers' training off target

Archers' training off target JAKARTA (JP): The female archery squad's discord is only a misperception between the archers and their coach, according to the SEA Games team archery training director. Udi Harsono said Monday the dispute had arisen because the archers' training programs were inconsistent. "The archers even see there is no standardization of training programs at all.

Quake damages over 100 houses

Quake damages over 100 houses TERNATE, Maluku: One hundred and eight houses in Galela district, North Maluku regency, are in various states of disrepair after an earthquake and a number of aftershocks hit the region last Thursday, Antara reported yesterday. Mochamad Iksan of the regency's social services office said the affected areas included the villages of Soasio, Toweka, Limau and Lalonga. There were no report of fatalities.

Comfort women to sue Japan, government

Comfort women to sue Japan, government YOGYAKARTA (JP): Almost 250 comfort women forced to work for the occupying Japanese troops during the Second World War are rejecting a government plan to divert Rp 9 billion (US$4 million) to rest homes, their lawyers said yesterday. They are threatening to sue the Japanese ambassador and the Indonesian minister of social services unless the plan is canceled and the money given directly to the women.

Illegal flyer suspects get legal aid lawyers

Illegal flyer suspects get legal aid lawyers JAKARTA (JP): The Foundation of the Indonesian Legal Aid Institute (YLBHI) confirmed yesterday that three men detained by police for allegedly possessing inflammatory flyers had asked RO Tambunan to defend them. YLBHI spokesman Munir told The Jakarta Post yesterday that RO Tambunan, lawyer for the supporters of Megawati, the ousted chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), had accepted the request.

Philips' markets new handset

Philips' markets new handset JAKARTA (JP): Dutch telecommunications equipment maker Philips Consumer Communications, introduced its new cellular handset yesterday which offers voice dial. The handset, dubbed Spark, is part of Philips' new series of Global System for Mobile (GSM) terminals after Fizz, which was introduced last year. Spark is 139 millimeters high, 56 mm long, 18 mm wide and weighs 139 grams. Talk-time is 10 hours and standby 350 hours.

Feisal firm on ABRI's dual role

Feisal firm on ABRI's dual role JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) will stick to its dual defense and sociopolitical function for the foreseeable future, its commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung said yesterday. Feisal told a seminar held by the military owned Angkatan Bersenjata daily at the National Resilience Institute that the dual functions were part of the consensus of the nation to which ABRI had devoted its life. "We don't want to overhaul the state's foundation.

Police called on to stick to ethics

Police called on to stick to ethics JAKARTA (JP): A former National Police Chief called yesterday on police officers to stick to police ethics in their work. Gen. (ret) Kunarto said ethical behavior improved the professionalism of the police and encouraged people to trust the police more. "People will be proud to have ethical police," he said after the launching of three of his books on police issues.

S. Sulawesi gets new daily

S. Sulawesi gets new daily UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: A new regional newspaper, Binabaru, was launched here yesterday. It will be in competition with Fajar and Pedoman Rakyat. Truitje Musila is the general manager while Sayamsu Nur is the chief editor, Antara reported. The new publication, which will appear six days a week, will concentrate on Ujungpandang city news. (swe)

PLN's meter readings

PLN's meter readings I do not think too many voices would be raised in dissent if I say that PLN is an inefficient outfit -- and I am not referring to the blackouts which, to be fair, seem to be getting less frequent in our area, though I still have to call in our very noisy generator from time to time -- like when the lights go out when I am in the middle of shaving, as they did the other day. No, I am talking about another form of quite unbelievable inefficiency.

Policeman found murdered

Policeman found murdered JAKARTA (JP): A policeman was found murdered at his home in the police housing complex in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, the City Police spokesman said yesterday. Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the victim, Sgt.Maj. Arsal Syarif, died after his throat was pierced by nails in his bedroom at about 1:30 a.m. yesterday. The victim was posted at the Cibinong police precinct, Bogor, West Java. Police arrested 20-year-old Nur Ayi at 6:00 am for the murder.

ASEAN CCI want active private sectors

ASEAN CCI want active private sectors JAKARTA (JP): The ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASEAN CCI) has called on private sectors to be more active in influencing their governments to establish an integrated economy in Southeast Asia. The president of ASEAN CCI, Aburizal Bakrie, said yesterday at the chamber's four-day annual meeting that stronger regional economic integration was needed because of rapid global economic changes and the region's dynamism.

Inefficiency causes fall in textile exports

Inefficiency causes fall in textile exports JAKARTA (JP): The poor performance of Indonesia's services sector was blamed yesterday for the declining growth of textile and textile-product exports over the past few years . The secretary-general of the Indonesian Textile Association, Benny Soetrisno, said Indonesia's inefficient services sector was likely to become a stumbling block when the sector was liberalized in 2005.

Fadel to go ahead with plan to take over GKG

Fadel to go ahead with plan to take over GKG JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the Bukaka group, Fadel Muhammed, will go ahead with his plan to take over the assets of the bankrupt Golden Key Group (GKG) despite rumors that he faces financial difficulties in doing so. Fadel said he was optimistic that state-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo), which controls Golden Key Group's assets, would eventually allow his new company, PT Serang Industri Utama, to buy and run the idle assets.

Soeharto visits Nasution in hospital

Soeharto visits Nasution in hospital Antara JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto visited Gen. (ret) Abdul Haris Nasution at Gatot Soebroto Army Hospital yesterday. The President was accompanied by Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono and his daughter Titiek Prabowo. Nasution lay in bed (right) with his wife, Johana Sunarti, standing at his bedside during the President's visit.

Disinterested or lazy

Disinterested or lazy I agree with G.S. Edwin (Sunday, March 9) that the phrase "It's so easy" is not usually very constructive. However, in the case of the Indonesian language, it is perfectly true. Any foreigner who is still unable to hold a simple conversation in Indonesian within six months of arriving must either be half- witted, lazy, or plain disinterested. Or maybe all three.

The Stage

The Stage I am writing in reference to the article Jakarta cafe culture catches on (Sunday, March 9, page one). The article read: "Beyond the success of a number of cafes many have also failed. The Stage, Blue Note, Upstairs, Zach and Metropolis are just a few of the unsuccessful ventures." Although we were pleased to read that The Stage's absence has been noted, we would like to bring to your attention that The Stage has always been a successful venture.

F-16 crash blamed on weather

F-16 crash blamed on weather JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung confirmed yesterday that one person died when an Air Force F-16 fighter crashed on landing at the Halim Perdanakusumah military air base Monday. Feisal blamed the accident on the weather. "The weather was very bad and it caused turbulence while the pilot was landing," Feisal said. The pilot, Capt. Dwi Sasongko, died in the accident that took place at 1.20 p.m.

Top riders line up for motocross c'ship

Top riders line up for motocross c'ship JAKARTA (JP): The world's top 15 riders are expected to fight an exiting battle next week in Yogyakarta at the World 125cc Moto Cross Championship, the season's opening competition. Fifty riders from all over the world, including its top 15 riders from England, France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, the Netherlands, Austria, Finland, Belgium, Latvia, U.S.A., Australia and New Zealand had confirmed their entries, organizing committee chief Bob R.E.

Teenager married a transvestite

Teenager married a transvestite JAKARTA (JP): Shockwaves of disbelief are rippling through an East Kalimantan community after it emerged a local teenager's bride is in fact a transvestite, reports said yesterday. The controversy burst only two days after their wedding was formalized last weekend by a Moslem cleric and celebrated at an extravagant party in the capital Samarinda. Hundreds of people attending the party thrown by the 18-year- old bridegroom went home believing nothing was amiss.

Malaysia starts rubber pact, urges fair prices

Malaysia starts rubber pact, urges fair prices KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia, the world's third largest rubber producer, launched a global rubber price pact yesterday and urged consumers, especially the world's five big tire makers, to support prices. "If there is no fair and remunerative price for rubber, then producers will be forced to cut back on production and rubber prices will spiral like nobody's business," Malaysian Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik told reporters.

Rubber futures prices up

Rubber futures prices up SINGAPORE (AFP): Rubber futures prices in Singapore ended higher yesterday on bigger turnover, dealers said. Volume for the four contracts traded on the Singapore Commodity Exchange Ltd. climbed to 2,665 tons from 1,295 tons a day earlier. April RSS 1 was last traded at 174.25 Singapore cents, April RSS 3 at 122. 25 US cents, May TSR 20 at 170.00 Singapore cents and October-December TSR 20 (FOB) at 120.00 US cents, dealers said.

The fundamentals of moral integrity

The fundamentals of moral integrity By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): In times of turmoil, hope and fear, I always look for somebody who is dependable, conscientious and morally courageous. I need to recognize such personalities to generate a feeling within myself that I am not walking blindly, but that I am following a morally correct path during a critical moment. By following examples or opinions pronounced by such personalities I have always hoped to have a correct and meaningful life.