Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 29 April 1997

63 articles found

Sudjana awards 65 mining contracts

Sudjana awards 65 mining contracts JAKARTA (JP): The minister of mines and energy, I.B. Sudjana, awarded 65 sixth generation contracts of work (COWs) yesterday to joint venture and foreign companies to explore for gold, nickel and diamonds in Indonesia. "The signing of these contracts proves that foreign investor interest in our mineral resources remains great," Sudjana said.

PDI enjoys 'intimacy'

PDI enjoys 'intimacy' SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: While election contenders in other areas treat each other suspiciously, the local Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) here has described interparty relations as "intimate". "We are happy because the relations between PDI, Golkar and PPP (United Development Party) are very romantic," said Mulyono Sutarmo, a PDI deputy chief under the government-recognized leadership of Soerjadi.

Motorola eyes CDMA deal

Motorola eyes CDMA deal JAKARTA (JP): U.S. firm Motorola wants to supply wireless telecommunications networks, using code division multiple access (CDMA) technology, to Indonesian analog cellular mobile telecommunications operators. The company said CDMA technology would enable operators to increase their analog cellular network capacity six to 10 times. The government has already approved CDMA technology. The system was developed in the U.S.

Storm destroys 85 houses

Storm destroys 85 houses PURBALINGGA, Central Java: At least 85 houses were destroyed in two villages in the Kalimanah district of Purbalingga in a storm that began Saturday and ended Sunday morning. No fatalities were reported. Grecol and Karangpetir villagers are rebuilding their houses with the help of local military and police. The storm is the fourth natural disaster to hit the disaster- prone area this year.

Council calls on Moslems to make election a success

Council calls on Moslems to make election a success JAKARTA (JP): An influential Moslem organization called on Moslems yesterday to vote for political groups which not only defend the interests of the Islamic community and the Indonesian population, but are consistent with Islamic teaching.

KIPP reports violations to govt

KIPP reports violations to govt JAKARTA (JP): An independent poll watchdog, whose establishment created controversy last year, began filing reports of minor violations of campaign rules to the official Election Monitoring Committee yesterday. The Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP) accused the dominant Golkar of misusing state-agencies facilities for its campaign.

Aussie project inaugurated

Aussie project inaugurated JAKARTA (JP): The Australian foreign affairs minister, Alexander Downer, has inaugurated a A$25 million sanitation and water supply project in Lombok, West Nusa Tenggara. The project, which has been managed by the Australian Agency for International Development since 1991, was inaugurated Friday. A statement from the Australian Embassy stated the project would provide clean water to 900,000 people in Lombok and Sumbawa, as well as improve public sanitation.

Use unleaded gasoline!

Use unleaded gasoline! According to the June 1996 Reader's Digest, "Experts estimate that 600 metric tons of lead fell on Jakarta in 1994, and that amount increases annually by 6 percent to 8 percent. Most of the lead comes from vehicle exhaust.

Perodua unveils $520m expansion plan

Perodua unveils $520m expansion plan KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's second national car maker Perodua yesterday unveiled a 1.3-billion-ringgit (US$520 million) five-year expansion plan to boost production and enhance its market share. Perusahaan Otomobil Kedua Sdn. Bhd. (Perodua) managing director Abdul Rahman Omar said the program included the establishment of a second plant and a research and development building complete with test facilities.

Startling request for Golkar

Startling request for Golkar JAKARTA: A neighborhood chief unchallenged since 1974 in Cakung, East Jakarta, has asked for a typewriter if Golkar wins next month's election. Muhadjir's request may sound odd to many Jakartan bureaucrats who have long been computer literate, but he insisted that although he had been "in power" for more than 20 years he still dreamed of owning a typewriter. "We don't mean to aim high.

'Garimpeiros'

'Garimpeiros' I agree with Mr. Wahyu's suggestion ('Diggers' not miners, April 23, 1997) to refer to Kalimantan miners as gold diggers or garimpeiros. They may not feel very comfortable being referred to as miners in the light of the recent well-publicized misunderstanding of the mining profession and industry at large. OSVALDO COELHO Bandung, West Java

Raising quality of democracy in polls

Raising quality of democracy in polls By Kastorius Sinaga JAKARTA (JP): The future election, when seen from a political aspect, is the most interesting in the history of the New Order. Different from previous elections, the sixth is, for instance, an open confrontation between candidate supporters, which recently intensified to levels of mass destruction. Repeated riots over the past three weeks in Pekalongan are an example of the intense conflict prior to the election.

TGI Friday opens second outlet

TGI Friday opens second outlet JAKARTA (JP): TGI Friday, a subsidiary of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide of the United States, has opened its second restaurant located at the refurbished Taman Ria Senayan in Central Jakarta. The restaurant, run by PT Tri Saga Sarana, the domestic franchiser of TGI Friday in Indonesia, is TGI Friday's 410th outlet in the world. Tri's chief executive officer, Brigitta Sastranegara, said Saturday that Rp 2.5 billion had been invested in the restaurant.

Complaints about new customs service starts

Complaints about new customs service starts JAKARTA (JP): Businesspeole are complaining that container freight flows through Tanjung Perak port in Surabaya, East Java, and Tanjung Priok port in Jakarta are being hindered by slow customs clearance.

Camera ticket

Camera ticket From Bisnis Indonesia During my last vacation, my family and I went to Yogyakarta and visited the Prambanan Temple, one of the well-known tourist attractions there. After paying an entrance fee, we entered the temple complex. Two security guards asked every visitor in a loud voice, "Have you got a camera?" Their next question was, "Have you bought a camera ticket?" It is quite natural for a tourist to take a camera along.

FAST FACT FILE

FAST FACT FILE Name of golf club : Bali Golf and Country Club Address : P.O. Box 12, Nusa Dua 80361, Bali, Indonesia Telephone : 62 361 771791; Fax: 62 361 771797 Developer : PT Narendra Inter Pacific Course Designers : Nelson, Wright and Harworth Date Opened : June 1992 Total no.

JAL's passengers to Indonesia rising

JAL's passengers to Indonesia rising JAKARTA (JP): Japan Airlines' (JAL) Tokyo-Jakarta route has grown steadily since it began in May 1962. JAL's president and regional manager for Indonesia, Yuho Konno, said yesterday JAL carried 195,533 passengers to Jakarta between April, 1996 and February, 1997 -- up 29.8 percent on the previous corresponding period.

Coffee investors sought

Coffee investors sought JAKARTA (JP): The Southeast Sulawesi administration is seeking local and foreign investors to open coffee plantations. The province's plantation service chairman, Soewondo, said in Kendari yesterday that there were at least 10,000 hectares on which Arabica coffee could be planted. He said most of the land was in the northern part of Kolaka district.

Insurance for SEA Games team

Insurance for SEA Games team JAKARTA (JP): Those representing Indonesia at the 19th SEA Games here in October will be insured by the Standard Chartered Bank. The National Sports Council's vice chairman, Arie Sudewo, signed a Memorandum of Understanding yesterday with Danny Chua, the bank's card center senior manager. The athletes will be insured while competing at the SEA Games and the Asian Games 1998 in Bangkok, Thailand. (yan)

Dual role of the Armed Forces

Dual role of the Armed Forces From Jayakarta People are now discussing the function of the Armed Forces' dual role, and it is interesting to know that there are different opinions on this matter. Basically, every country recognizes this dual role system, both in military and civilian circles. The military is involved in civilian affairs whenever the country is in a state of war. But in this country the dual role of the Armed Forces is rather overdone. We have to make it work proportionally.

Election boycott by NU groups won't work: Observers

Election boycott by NU groups won't work: Observers JAKARTA (JP): Observers dismissed yesterday the recent endorsement of poll boycotting by a group of Nahdlatul Ulama activists, saying it had not even scratched the surface.

Arson indicated in RP hotel fire

Arson indicated in RP hotel fire COTABATO, Philippines (AFP): Police said yesterday they had uncovered evidence pointing to "arson or sabotage" as the cause of a hotel fire which killed 24 people in this southern city last weekend. A fierce predawn blaze gutted the upper three floors of the Imperial Hotel on Saturday, killing 24 people including six members of the former separatist guerrilla group, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF). Fifteen others were injured.

Myanmar puts ASEAN in tough spot

Myanmar puts ASEAN in tough spot By Deborah Charles BANGKOK (Reuter): Mounting U.S. pressure on Southeast Asian nations to isolate Myanmar has put them in the tough spot of having to choose between backing a neighbor and risking relations with Washington, officials and analysts said.

Palm oil seen steadier on Euro veg oils mart

Palm oil seen steadier on Euro veg oils mart LONDON (Reuter): Palm oil prices are expected to move higher during the coming weeks following the Palm and Lauric Oil forum held in Kuala Lumpur last weekend. However, activity in Europe over the next two weeks will be disrupted by holidays in most of the area. The Netherlands will be closed on April 30 for the Queen Birthday holiday, while the rest of Europe, except the Netherlands and the U.K. will be closed on May 1 for May Day.

Construction of Semen Kupang II under way

Construction of Semen Kupang II under way JAKARTA (JP): The minister of transportation, Haryanto Dhanutirto, broke the ground yesterday at Semen Kupang's second plant in Kupang. He said the cement company's expansion was necessary to meet eatern Indonesia's growing demand for cement. "Demand for cement in the eastern part is growing at an average of 14.6 percent a year," he said. State-owned PT Semen Kupang's president, H.M.

Ex-VP to give aid to 32 children

Ex-VP to give aid to 32 children JAKARTA: Addressing a Golkar campaign rally Sunday, former vice president Sudharmono said he was moved by the hardship in Central Jakarta's Karet Tengsin slum area. He promised to provide educational assistance to 32 children from impoverished families that cannot afford to attend school. The former Golkar chief said the money would come from his private foundation and his "own pocket", Antara reported.

Cartenz still closed to public

Cartenz still closed to public JAYAPURA: The chief of the Trikora (Irian Jaya and Maluku) Military Command. Maj. Gen. Johny Lumintamg says the Cartenz mountain range is still dangerous and closed to climbers. The entry ban was imposed last August when 14 workers from the timber firm PT Kamundan Raya were taken hostage by 50 local tribespeople. The Djajanti Group employees were captured when 50 tribespeople raided their base camp 60 kilometers north of Timika.

Food-poisoned children still in critical state

Food-poisoned children still in critical state JAKARTA (JP): The results of the laboratory tests on mung bean porridge that poisoned 192 children in Lampung nearly two weeks have not yet been announced. Three of the children are being treated in Jakarta's Cipto Mangunkusomo hospital. The hospital and the Ministry of Health say they are working on the tests. At the hospital yesterday, Dr. Abdul Latif said he was unable to say what poisoned the children.

Jamboree sticker

Jamboree sticker From Berita Buana On April 18, 1997, a friend and I saw the movie White Squall at Cinema 21, Kalibata Mall, South Jakarta. The tickets cost Rp 9,900 each, so we had to pay Rp 19,800 for both of us. But the employee in the ticket booth asked for Rp 20,800, the extra Rp 1,000 for a contribution to the National Jamboree.

Tennis selection starts next week

Tennis selection starts next week JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Tennis Association will hold a pre-selection tournament for the national men's and women's squads from May 5 to May 7. Sixteen men and 16 women are expected to compete at the tournament at the Senayan tennis complex. Only eight men and eight women will qualify for the selection tournament for the SEA Games team from June 9 to June 14. (yan)

Malaysia Airlines not scared of U.S. aviation pact

Malaysia Airlines not scared of U.S. aviation pact KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia Airlines System Bhd. has no fear of competition from North American carriers under an impending "open skies" pact with the United States, reports said yesterday. Airline chairman Tajudin Ramli said the national carrier's domestic and regional operations were sufficient to withstand any competition and viewed the pact as a boost to the airline's future earnings.

Evicted squatters asked to leave rights body's office

Evicted squatters asked to leave rights body's office JAKARTA (JP): About 250 people who moved into the complaint room of the National Commission on Human Rights office on Jl. Latuharhari after they were evicted from Pancoran Mas last week have been asked to leave the office. The commission's secretary-general Baharudin Lopa suggested they rent small houses in the areas they lived in before they moved to Pancoran Mas. "This office is not a shelter. We can't afford to feed them for a long time.

SUCACO expected to recover this year

SUCACO expected to recover this year JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Supreme Cable Manufacturing Corporation (SUCACO) said yesterday its net profit would recover this year after a sharp drop last year. The company's president, Elly Soepono, predicted this year's net profit would surge to Rp 20 billion (US$8.20 million) after a 87 percent drop to Rp 2.08 billion last year.

RI-Canada trade steady

RI-Canada trade steady JAKARTA (JP): Bilateral trade between Indonesia and Canada has grown steadily over the past few years. The Canadian embassy said yesterday the combined two-way trade between Canada and Indonesia had reached C$1.45 billion last year. Canadian exports to Indonesia are mainly wheat, wood, pulp, machinery, mechanical appliances and parts, organic chemicals, plastics sulfur and asbestos, flight stimulators and electrical machinery.

PPP criticizes pressure on high school students

PPP criticizes pressure on high school students JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the city chapter of the United Development Party (PPP) criticized what he called pressure on first time voters to vote for Golkar. Rusjdi Hamka said Saturday that teachers have been "indoctrinating" students into voting for a "certain party". He said students have been threatened with failing their final exams if they did not vote for the "certain party".

Court orders Lee remarks deleted

Court orders Lee remarks deleted SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's High Court ordered yesterday that remarks by Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew which triggered a bitter diplomatic row with Malaysia be stricken from a court document. The order was issued at Lee's request in a rare court appearance. "The powers of the court must be used to maintain friendly relations between Singapore and every other country," Justice Lai Kew Chai said. "The statements are to be deleted," he added.

PELNI orders six new vessels from PT PAL

PELNI orders six new vessels from PT PAL JAKARTA (JP): State shipping firm PT Pelni has ordered six Caraka Jaya 4,180 DWT freighters from state shipbuilder PT PAL in Surabaya to replace its old ships. Pelni's president, Roesman, said yesterday his company was negotiating with state-owned PT PANN Multi Finance about the leasing agreements. He said Pelni was expanding its freight service and making this its core business along with inter-island passenger services.

Violence mars PDI campaign

Violence mars PDI campaign By Ainur Sophiaan SURABAYA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party's (PDI) first day of campaigning here ended in disarray yesterday as about 5,000 loyalists of ousted party chief Megawati Soekarnoputri stormed the arena. Several people sustained injuries from punches and flying rocks during the scuffle. The police said no arrests were made in the brawl that security authorities quickly brought under control.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 28, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,025 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,175 0 17,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,175 50 5,194,500 Alumindo Perkasa 750 25 51,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,150 25 428,500 Anwar Sierad 875 0 223,000 Apac Centertex Corp.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Horison, Jl. Pantai Indah, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, North Jakarta: - The Anging Mamiri Garden: Fantastic Group from Philippines, Ever Green Hawaian Band/Orkes Keroncong, Hula-hula Dances, every Saturday Night, 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. - Nelayan Bar: Sandra Lintang, Yully, Purwanto (electone & singers), Monday to Sunday, 9 p.m. to midnight. - Pondok Samudra: Dolimas Vocal Group, Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

Share prices on JSX gain ground

Share prices on JSX gain ground JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) gained ground yesterday as the campaign for the May 29 election got off to a smooth start. Dealers said trade went ahead as normal with many shares actively traded. "There is no problem so far with the election campaign. There have been no incidents which is good for stock trading," one foreign analyst said.

Freeport position unclear: Sudjana

Freeport position unclear: Sudjana JAKARTA (JP): The minister of mines and energy, Ida Bagus Sudjana, said yesterday he had not received any reports of U.S. mining giant Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold Inc's plan to pull out of the Busang gold project. "There is not yet any official announcement or an official report to the Ministry of Mines and Energy about Freeport's plan to withdraw," he said after the signing ceremony for the seventh generation of contract of works.

RI soccer team facing shake-up

RI soccer team facing shake-up JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian soccer team is facing a shake-up after its surprise 1-1 away draw to Cambodia in Sunday's World Cup Asian Zone qualifying match. The Indonesian Soccer Association's secretary-general, Nugraha Besoes, said yesterday the team would have to beat tougher challengers than Cambodia to stay in the Asian group five. "Because of the draw yesterday, it will be harder for us in the next three matches. We can't loose them all," he said.

Retail chains chained

Retail chains chained The government's plan to prohibit big retailers from operating outside provincial capitals could hinder the development of marketing services, which are vital to the program of enhancing consumers' appreciation of domestic products. The plan, disclosed after the first cabinet session on poverty alleviation early last week, appears to be an emotional and unproportional, rather than rational and pragmatic, response to the concern for small businesses.

Second day slow going for PPP's major campaigners

Second day slow going for PPP's major campaigners JAKARTA (JP): It was a slow day for the United Development Party (PPP) yesterday with more than half of its major vote- getters taking a break from campaigning to prepare for today's schedule. From the more than 100 national-level campaigners, only 10 met supporters. These included the chairman of the PPP faction at the House of Representatives, Hamzah Haz, deputy chairman Zain Badjeber and noted ulema Alawy Muhammad.

Tansil gives PPP trouble, too

Tansil gives PPP trouble, too DILI, East Timor: The Moslem-based United Development Party (PPP) was reprimanded by the local Election Supervision Committee for naming names in alleged widespread corruption in Indonesia. The party was accused of breaching the campaign rules Sunday when PPP campaigner Bela Mauboleng singled out Eddy Tansil as Indonesia's biggest swindler who escaped prison.

Prosecutors reject Jagorawi defense

Prosecutors reject Jagorawi defense BOGOR (JP): Prosecutors in the Jagorawi toll road robbery and murder trial rejected the defense's claim yesterday that the prosecution was vague. The prosecution team, which included Andi Rachman Asbar, was responding to lawyers of defendant Erling Doly Wijaya alias Mikel and Hendrik. A lawyer, Mansjur, demanded that the indictment be annulled.

ASEAN told to resist linking trade to politics

ASEAN told to resist linking trade to politics KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia urged member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) yesterday to resist moves by major trading nations to link trade to politics. Citing Washington's recent ban on U.S. investments in Myanmar, International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz warned that such policies would hamper free trade and investment in the regional grouping.

Sempati Air responds

Sempati Air responds We refer to Mr. Supriya Venkat's complaint Airport tax included (April 16, 1997). We are very sorry about the inconvenience you experienced related to the airport tax payment. We would like to explain that, according to regulations made by the Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore, the passenger service charge for Changi Airport, worth S$15, is included in the airfare. The trouble you had when checking in at Changi occurred because of miscommunication among our frontliners.

Gunshot wound found on Alcino's body

Gunshot wound found on Alcino's body DILI (JP): Police forensic experts found yesterday a gunshot wound and a small object believed to be a bullet in the body of Alcino da Costa, a man killed Friday in a brawl in Baucau. East Timor Police Chief Col. Yusuf Mucharam also said the younger brother of a member of the Baucau military district command had not been stabbed.

Local golfers to play for Peugeot challenge sports

Local golfers to play for Peugeot challenge sports JAKARTA (JP): About 140 local golfers will battle for two spots to represent Indonesia at the Peugeot Challenge World Tour '97 in France in June. The amateurs, with handicaps of 18 or less, are all members of golf clubs in Greater Jakarta. They will contest a one-day selection tournament on May 4 at the Pantai Indah Kapuk Golf and Country Club in North Jakarta.

Vendors hail drive against bird smuggling

Vendors hail drive against bird smuggling JAKARTA (JP): Over 250 Pramuka Bird Market vendors responded positively Sunday to the government's drive to raise the public's awareness of the 1990 ruling on the smuggling of endangered species. "The government needs to improve its, and the public's, awareness of the illegal trade in animals," said Sutarno, a Pramuka market vendor. "I believe almost all the traders here support the campaign," he said.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. News: Lintas Nusantara 2:40 Travel: My Country 2:45 Children's Film: Berenstain Bears 3:00 News: Lintasan Berita 3:10 Teenagers' Program: Remaja Indonesia 3:35 Music: Lagu Poo Daerah 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Science and Technology 5:00 English Lessons 5:25 Science World 5:30 Documentary Film 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Variety Show: Pelangi 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 6:53 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Campaign Program 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 TV Drama...

Cable plant in C. Java

Cable plant in C. Java JAKARTA (JP): CV Surya Utama Industri will build a Rp 30 billion (US$12.8 million) cable making plant in Boyolali, Central Java. The local investment coordinating board's Boyolali office chairman, Soedarsono, said 20 percent of the plant's production would be exported. He did not say when construction would start or what its production capacity would be. (bnt)

Nine PRD activists sentenced for subversion

Nine PRD activists sentenced for subversion JAKARTA (JP): Nine leaders of the Democratic People's Party (PRD) were given jail sentences yesterday of between 18 months and 13 years for subversion. The nine young men, all in their 20s, were convicted in absentia in separate trials in Central and South Jakarta district courts. PRD chairman Budiman Sudjatmiko received the stiffest term.

Bank officers questioned

Bank officers questioned UJUNGPANDANG (JP): Police are questioning at least four employees of Bank Bali over a Rp 557.5 million (US$232,291) fraud, despite having arrested two people as main suspects. The four, including the branch manager, are being questioned as witnesses in the case, the head of South Sulawesi detectives, Col. Hindarto, said yesterday. "We need more information from the bank officers to get everything clear," Hindarto said.

Auchan sets up hypermarts

Auchan sets up hypermarts BANGKOK (AP): Bangchak Petroleum said yesterday it would take a 10 percent stake in a joint venture with France's Auchan S.A. to invest at least 1.34 billion baht (US$ 53.6 million) to set up hypermarts in Thailand.

RI, FOREIGN FIRMS TIE UP:

RI, FOREIGN FIRMS TIE UP: JP/alx South Korea's Samsung Corp, Japan's Nissho Iwai Corp and Indonesia's PT Suryamas Dutamakmur have entered a US$2.7 billion venture to develop a residential and commercial complex in Bogor, West Java. Executives from the three firms signed a contract in Jakarta yesterday. Suryamas will own 60 percent of the venture, while Samsung and Nissho Iwai will each have 20 percent.

Megawati supporters haunts Soerjadi loyalists

Megawati supporters haunts Soerjadi loyalists JAKARTA (JP): Anxiety gripped the second day of election campaigning across Java yesterday as supporters of the Indonesian Democratic Party's (PDI) ousted leader Megawati Soekarnoputri showed their teeth. The government-sanctioned chairman of the party Soerjadi, arriving from a tiring trip to West Kalimantan, made a visit to Pekayon subdistrict in East Jakarta, but it was not enough to pump up his demoralized supporters in Java.

Curtailing supermarkets

Curtailing supermarkets From Neraca Efforts to revive the economic standards of the public has been the focus of the media lately. The government has finally decided to curtail supermarket businesses in small towns at regency levels, while on-going supermarkets in the various regions are expected to join traditional cooperatives. I wholly support the decision to restrict big businesses in small towns.

Ruling Golkar promises to tackle unemployment

Ruling Golkar promises to tackle unemployment By Sugianto Tandra MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): An estimated 50,000 Golkar supporters cheered as chairman Harmoko concluded the second day of campaigning, promising to "eradicate unemployment". Waving placards and banners, supporters in this North Sumatra province shouted slogans supporting the development programs under the New Order administration.

Army heightens alert in run-up to election

Army heightens alert in run-up to election JAKARTA (JP): The Army Strategic Reserves Command (Kostrad) is heightening alert in the lead-up to the general election and the 1998 presidential election. Kostrad Chief Lt. Gen. Wiranto said in Malang, East Java, yesterday that his command was watching closely every sociopolitical development surrounding the election.

Bali Golf & Country Club has three settings to thrill senses

Bali Golf & Country Club has three settings to thrill senses By Nicklaus D'Cruz Bali Golf & Country Club is set within the ecologically planned tourist resort of Nusa Dua located on the magical island of Bali, the Island of the Gods. Amidst the twitter of birds, the calming crash of surf, the splendour of flora, the peacefulness of forests, the contrasting scenery of rugged volcanoes and unique Balinese rice terraces, it is not too much unlike the playground of paradise.