Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 1 May 1997

65 articles found

City to rebuild Tjitjih playhouse

City to rebuild Tjitjih playhouse JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said the city would rebuild the Miss Tjitjih playhouse that was gutted in a fire Saturday in Cempaka Baru, Central Jakarta. "It's no problem. The city will rebuild the playhouse because it is important to preserve local culture," Surjadi said Tuesday. The playhouse opened in 1930 and is one of the few that specializes in Sundanese drama. It has moved several times.

Customs director vows to improve service

Customs director vows to improve service JAKARTA (JP): Customs director Permana Agung has again pledged to facilitate smooth flows of goods through Tanjung Priok port by forging closer coordination with banks and customs brokers. Permana said the customs office could not speed up the clearance of goods from the customs area without help from banks, customs brokers and the port authority.

Teenager jailed for beating

Teenager jailed for beating DILI: The Dili District Court sentenced a 15-year-old youth to four months in prison and one year's probation on Tuesday in the beating of a magazine reporter. Liban Cavin Soares was one of five men charged with attacking Gaudensius Mau, the Dili-based correspondent for Tiras, on Nov. 27 last year in front of a market kiosk. Indictments against the men said they believed Mau was an intelligence agent, Antara said. Liban was tried separately because he is a minor.

Campaign schedule for Indonesia for May 1, 1997:

Campaign schedule for Indonesia for May 1, 1997: Party Campaign area Important campaigners ----------------------------------------------------------------- PPP Kalimantan, Sulawesi Hamzah Haz, Zain Badjeber, Sulawesi Tosari Widjaya, Ali Hardi Kiaidemak Golkar Sumatra, Bali, West Harmoko, Abdul Gafur, Bambang R.

Setyanto elected as Sahid hotel chain's president

Setyanto elected as Sahid hotel chain's president JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Hotel Sahid Jaya International elected PT Telkom's former president, Setyanto Prawira Santosa, as its new president yesterday. Sahid's outgoing president, Sukamdani S. Gitosardjono, said after the company's shareholders' meeting that Setyanto was chosen for his professionalism. "Sahid started as a family firm and needs a lot of improvements. That's why we chose a professional.

Geologist's autopsy report completed

Geologist's autopsy report completed JAKARTA (JP): An autopsy report confirming the suicide of Filipino Bre-X geologist Michael de Guzman will be given to the Philippines government soon, police said. Head of National Police Detective Department, Brig. Gen. Rusdihardjo said Tuesday that the police had completed autopsy tests that confirmed the former chief geologist of the Canadian Bre-X mining firm committed suicide on March 19. But the report was not final, Rusdihardjo said.

RI coffee sales steady as roasters mark time

RI coffee sales steady as roasters mark time SINGAPORE (Reuter): Indonesian coffee sales are steady, although roasters had slowed down the pace of their buying, dealers said yesterday. "The Western roasters are holding off a bit. The supply from Indonesia is fairly steady although the offtake is not very fast," a dealer for a Singapore-based trading house said.

NTB chosen for fishing project

NTB chosen for fishing project MATARAM: West Nusa Tenggara (NTB) is among four provinces selected for a pilot project for intensification of fishing operations, a local official says. The head of the fishery products office, Bambang Kartiko, said Tuesday that the project, involving 50 fishermen and 10 small vessels, would be centralized at the Tanjung Luar, Lombok Timur regency. "The fishermen will be trained in how to use proper fishing methods," he was quoted as saying by Antara yesterday.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * President Hotel, Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta: - Sky Garden Grill and Supper Club; Sky Riders Band, daily except Wednesday at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Abadi Soesman Band, Wednesday at 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Rainbow Lounge; open daily, at 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Solo Pianist, on day time. Trio Griya with Classic and Pop Music, nightly. - Lobby; Indonesian Traditional Dances, every Monday, 7 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 30, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,025 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,175 0 98,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,125 25 1,007,000 Alumindo Perkasa 775 0 27,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,125 25 88,500 Anwar Sierad 850 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.

Iranian involved in court debate

Iranian involved in court debate JAKARTA (JP): An Iranian on trial here for allegedly possessing 155 heroin pills, was involved in a lengthy debate with the judge and a security guard when he denied the charges against him. Mehdi Jarari, a 28-year-old businessman from Tehran, told the Central Jakarta district court the heroin did not belong to him but to his Austrian friend. The security guard said it was not true.

Naval officers get promotion

Naval officers get promotion SURABAYA: A total of 176 members of the eastern fleet (Armatim) of the Indonesian Navy have been promoted. The base commander, Lt. Col. JW. Kainawa, led the ceremony here yesterday. "Promotion is not a gift," he said. "Those who get promoted are those who have given their best to the Navy." Kainawa conferred higher ranks on 130 petty officers and 46 lower ranking non-commissioned officers, Antara reported.

Golkar supporters attack PPP offices

Golkar supporters attack PPP offices YOGYAKARTA (JP): Two groups participating in a Golkar rally vandalized two United development Party (PPP) offices and injured one person here yesterday, a local party official said. The incidents marred Golkar's otherwise orderly campaign elsewhere in Java, Maluku and Irian Jaya, where its politicians reiterated promises to eradicate poverty and create more jobs.

Ciputra's profit up 41% last year

Ciputra's profit up 41% last year JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed property developer PT Ciputra Development reported yesterday a 41 percent increase in net profit to Rp 131.4 billion (US$54.3 million) last year from Rp 93.1 billion in 1995. The company's spokesperson, Nanik J. Santoso, said the profit growth was spurred by the purchase of three residential development projects.

Five arrested for drug possession

Five arrested for drug possession JAKARTA (JP): Police detectives arrested five men in different incidents for possessing a gun, 12 kilograms of marijuana, and 28 grams of heroin worth around Rp 38.7 million (US$16,133). Chief detective for general affairs at the City Police, Lt. Col. Prasetyo, said yesterday three men were arrested for possessing 25 grams of heroin.

Sealing of Kemang establishments halted for election

Sealing of Kemang establishments halted for election JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta mayorality is to suspend closing business establishments on Jl. Kemang Raya for the next two months because of the election. However checking business permits was to proceed, South Jakarta Mayor Pardjoko said yesterday. "We are having a cooling down period of around two months because of the election," he said.

Furukawa strengthens SUCACO

Furukawa strengthens SUCACO TOKYO (Reuter): Furukawa Electric Co Ltd said yesterday that it would increase its stake in Indonesia's Supreme Cable Manufacturing Corp (SUCACO) and that two of its executives would join the company's board. Furukawa said in a statement that it would boost its stake in Indonesia's largest cable maker to 11.5 percent from 5.2 percent at present.

Surjadi reprimands poll contenders

Surjadi reprimands poll contenders JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Surjadi Soedirdja, in his capacity as chairman of the Jakarta branch of the Indonesian Elections Committee, reprimanded yesterday the three political groups for breaking the rules.

Samsung's investment in RI

Samsung's investment in RI SEOUL (Reuter): Samsung Corp, the trading unit of South Korea's Samsung Group, said yesterday it and its two partners would invest US$500 million to develop a residential and commercial complex in Indonesia. The project would be invested 20 percent by Samsung, 20 percent by Nissho Iwai Corp of Japan and 60 percent by Suryamas Group of Indonesia, a Samsung official said. The complex will be built near Jakarta over the next 12 years.

Domestic airline to use endorsable ticket system

Domestic airline to use endorsable ticket system JAKARTA (JP): After two years preparation, six domestic airlines will introduce today endorsable tickets allowing passengers to use tickets from one airline on other carriers. The Indonesian National Air Carriers Association's (INACA) chairman, Soelarto Hadisumarto, said yesterday the endorsable ticket system aimed to end the price war among the six scheduled domestic airlines.

RI team told to ignore East Timor protests

RI team told to ignore East Timor protests JAKARTA (JP): Athletes representing Indonesia at the Arafura Games in Darwin, Australia, in two weeks must ignore protests on East Timor's integration, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said yesterday. "Anti-integration groups usually wave banners and yell rude words about East Timor's integration. We must stay calm and ignore their protests," said Budidoyo, the director for security and management of Indonesians abroad.

Many pilgrims arrive home without luggage

Many pilgrims arrive home without luggage JAKARTA (JP): Many haj pilgrims returned home from Saudi Arabia yesterday only to learn that their luggage was missing. Similar incidents also marred the return of the first Indonesian pilgrims at Halim Perdana Kusumah airport and five other airports in the country on April 23. In many cases, the planes carried luggage belonging to pilgrims from other flights.

Second Indonesia team tries to conquer Everest

Second Indonesia team tries to conquer Everest JAKARTA (JP): After an Indonesian team reached the summit of Mt. Everest (8,848 meters) Saturday, a second Indonesian team is planning to do the same by May 6. Lt. Col. Erfi Triasunu, Army Special Forces deputy assistant for operational affairs, told a press conference yesterday that the team of Sgt. Sunardi, private Tarmudi and Gunawan Achmad of the Wanadri nature lovers club would climb the northern col to the summit.

Megawati T-shirts sell like hot cakes

Megawati T-shirts sell like hot cakes SEMARANG: Megawati T-shirts calling on people to boycott this month's election are selling like hot cakes here and in Salatiga. Customers include mothers and children, who can buy the T- shirts for between Rp 5,000 (US$2) and Rp 10,000. The shirts carry messages written in either Javanese or Indonesian, saying that people would rather stay away from the May 29 poll if the government insists on barring Megawati from running.

Abstaining 'shows political awareness'

Abstaining 'shows political awareness' By Sirikit Syah JAKARTA (JP): Political observer M. Budyatna defended yesterday students who decided to abstain from voting, saying the stance reflects political awareness rather than apathy. "The students are just critical. I'm proud of them," said Budyatna, the dean of the University of Indonesia's School of Social and Political Sciences.

S'pore buys Natuna gas

S'pore buys Natuna gas LONDON (Reuter): U.K. oil and gas company Premier Oil Plc said yesterday it had signed a letter of agreement (LOA) with Sembawang Engineering and Construction Pt Ltd for the sale of 2.5 trillion cubic feet of West Natuna Sea natural gas.

W. Java to host 250cc motorcross meet

W. Java to host 250cc motorcross meet JAKARTA (JP): Preparations are underway at the Jatinangor circuit, West Java, for the 12th leg of the world 250cc motorcross championship from Aug. 2 to Aug. 3. Organizer Helmy Sungkar said Tuesday: "We are still working on the circuit and hopefully it will be ready by August 2. All expenses for the circuit's construction are being borne by the Indonesian Automotive Foundation.

Property oversupply weighs on Asian stocks

Property oversupply weighs on Asian stocks HONG KONG (Reuter): Property oversupply in Southeast Asia and Thailand's economic woes are weighing on the region's stock markets, preventing them benefiting much from strong U.S. markets, experts said yesterday. Investors have become increasingly concerned that the Philippines could be hit by banking and property problems similar to those in Thailand.

Patent protection system application

Patent protection system application Indonesia revised last month its copyright, trademark and patent laws to conform with the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of the Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPs) of the Geneva-based World Trade Organization. It was not too big a problem to reform the existing laws, yet it has always been a major concern when it comes to the issue of enforcement, according to James B. Lumenta, a senior intellectual property lawyer of Amroos Law Consultants in Jakarta.

Malaysia's power giant secures tariffs, subsidy

Malaysia's power giant secures tariffs, subsidy KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's power giant Tenaga Nasional Bhd. yesterday secured an earnings boost when the government approved an eight-percent rise in electricity tariffs despite consumer opposition. Energy, Telecommunications and Post Minister Leo Moggie said power tariffs would be raised by an average of eight percent, or 1.8 sen (0.72 cents), to 23.5 sen a kilowatt/hour effective Thursday.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Music and Entertainment * Horison Hotel, Jl. Pelajar Pejuang 45 No. 121, Maskumambang 8 Buah Batu: - Spec's Music Lounge and Karaoke, at 7 p.m. to 2 a.m., P&P Band and Flower Power Band, Wednesday, Saturday. Organist and Singer, daily. - Malabar Coffee Shop; New Name Vocal Group, Tarambo Vocal Group, Rotama Vocal Group, open 24 hours. - Lobby, Jaipongan Dance, Saturday, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. * Chedi Hotel, Jl. Rancabentang 56 - 58: Job (Pianist), Monday to Wednesday, 5:30 p.m.

Political parties told to quit convoy of vehicles

Political parties told to quit convoy of vehicles JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) said yesterday it was holding the three general election contestants' leaders accountable for the illegal, massive street rallies that have congested traffic and caused one fatality. ABRI spokesman Brig. Gen. Slamet Supriadi said the United Development Party (PPP), Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), should be able to control their supporters.

Golkar supporters rally in the streets

Golkar supporters rally in the streets JAKARTA (JP): Golkar supporters could not fail the temptation to rally in the streets of the capital and elsewhere in Java yesterday in an obvious breach of the election campaigning rules. Thousands of Golkar supporters took to the streets in deafening motorcades across the city, disrupting traffic in several areas. Chanting slogans and making Golkar's one-finger sign, they forced motorists and bystanders to make way for them.

Supermarkets in regencies

Supermarkets in regencies We would like to thank you for your recent coverage of our company (April 28, 1997) under the title, Matahari to open outlets in six regencies. However, in our opinion, the article contained some misleading parts which have created a negative image of Matahari. In order to avoid potential misperception among your readers, we would like to give the following comments.

Share prices gain ground

Share prices gain ground JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta stock market gained ground yesterday as the JSX composite index rose 4.82 points to 652.05. Turnover was worth Rp 444.14 billion (US$185.05 million) as 224,83 million shares were traded. An ABN AMRO Indonesia dealer said the market rose on local speculative buying on second and third line stocks. Foreign buyers picked up mostly bluechip stocks.

Tommy marries his dream girl

Tommy marries his dream girl JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo Mandala Putra, or Tommy as he is widely known, was married yesterday in a stylish ceremony that combined traditional Javanese regalia and Islamic ritual. The limited number of guests who went to the Pendopo Agung Sasono hall at Taman Mini did not prevent the wedding of the prominent businessman to Ardhia Pramesti Regita Cahyani, being the wedding of the year.

Election jitters grip businesses, says Sofyan

Election jitters grip businesses, says Sofyan JAKARTA (JP): Leading businessman Sofyan Wanandi described yesterday the May 29 general election as Indonesia's "most critical", and admitted that local businesses are jittery. "They fear the process preceding the election and its outcomes might harm their businesses," Sofyan told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

What's the independent poll watchdog doing now?

What's the independent poll watchdog doing now? By Yenni Kwok JAKARTA (JP): Very often, the word "independent" means that the Independent Election Monitoring Committee (KIPP) has to work underground as if it was an outlawed organization. The unofficial poll watchdog has never been banned, but it has been given the government cold shoulder since the day it was founded on March 15, 1996.

Rivalry appeases around table

Rivalry appeases around table PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Arch rivalry between the three election contenders here has turned into night-long chats between friends. Faisal Urai of the United Development Party (PPP), Said Alkadrie of Golkar and Darwis Abubakar of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) have no reason to end their private talks, although they are now each competing for public support. "We are West Kalimantan natives and we are used to working together at the House of Representatives.

Bina Graha donates nut seeds

Bina Graha donates nut seeds PALU, Central Sulawesi: The Bina Graha presidential office in Jakarta will provide superior quality cashew nut seeds to farmers in the Banggai Islands, Central Sulawesi, in a bid to increase smallholder crop production. "The superior seeds, to be distributed for free by the Bina Graha, will be cultivated on a 500-hectare smallholding area on the islands," the head of the provincial plantation service, Nursidah Kasim Bantilan, said here yesterday.

Jakarta office rentals expected to increase

Jakarta office rentals expected to increase JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta office rentals have begun to increase with A-grade prime rental space averaging US$15 a square meter a month for tenants occupying units of less than 500 square meters. Property consultant First Pacific Davies says in its latest quarterly market review that rents as high as $19 a square meter have been achieved for new grade A premises.

Fire inflicts Rp 1m in losses

Fire inflicts Rp 1m in losses CILACAP, Central Java: A fire destroyed a three-story electronic goods shop on Jl. Raya Diponegoro here, causing Rp 1 million in losses. No fatalities were reported. Eyewitnesses said the fire started about 7 p.m. Tuesday, and the fire brigade managed to put it out nine hours later. Majenang police chief, Lt. Andi Setiyono, said the cause of the fire was being investigated.

PSSI to decide fate of Danurwindo today

PSSI to decide fate of Danurwindo today JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Football Association (PSSI) will meet today to decide whether to replace Danurwindo as national coach. A PSSI source said yesterday the association's technical director, Nirwan Bakrie, would issue a statement on Danurwindo and problems facing the organization. Danurwindo said earlier that he was responsible for the team's poor performances against Yemen and Cambodia.

Raising PPP flag turns deadly

Raising PPP flag turns deadly KLATEN, Central Java: A man fell to his death from the top of a tree Monday when raising a United Development Party (PPP) flag on a bamboo pole, police said yesterday. The staunch PPP supporter, Lestari, 20, came crashing down after the wet pole he was holding touched a high voltage cable and he was electrocuted. "A strong wind was blowing when Lestari was tying the pole to the tree," Sgt. Nasikun of the local police precinct said. "The electric shock sent him down.

Megaproject

Megaproject I'd like to comment on the letter Mamberamo project by Mr. Dominggus Mompioper (April 19, 1997). My attention was first aroused when Mr. Dominggus quoted Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie's statement that the main stay area is the area which the province is trying to develop within a short time period, within certain limits (Kompas, April 14, 1997). I also agree with Mr.

PDI runs out of money

PDI runs out of money PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: The local Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) chapter has run out of money on the third day of campaigning. Local PDI officials are uncertain if they can continue their campaign now that the party's coffers are empty. "It's difficult to continue campaigning at the moment. This year, the local government gave only Rp 5 million (US$2,000) for the campaign activities," said Darmos J. Kiong, chairman of the Palangkaraya PDI chapter.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. News: Lintas Nusantara 2:40 Travel: My Country 2:45 Children's Film: Family Matters 3:10 Science Film: Animal Odyssey 3:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Performance: Pelangi Budaya 5:00 Arabic Lessons 5:25 Variety Show: Jendela Dunia 5:55 Music 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 6:53 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Campaign Program 7:45 Performances: Cakrawala Budaya 8:00 News: Lintasan...

Smooth succession

Smooth succession From Jayakarta The succession issue is drawing greater attention especially when the general election is just around the corner. The fact is that the present president is getting older, even though many believe he is still strong enough to maintain his post. It should be noted that the New Order has had successes and failures, and we have to learn from these failures. The foreign press even labeled Indonesia as the most corrupt country in Asia.

Ericsson eyes lucrative Asian market

Ericsson eyes lucrative Asian market SINGAPORE (Reuter): Swedish telecommunications group Ericsson expects good growth of its phone systems and mobile handphones in Asia over the next few years, senior vice president for Asia Pacific Bo Landin said yesterday. "We look upon the Asian markets as the fastest growing markets with a very high potential today," HongKong-based Landin told Reuters in a telephone interview.

Sunkyong-Tamara finance

Sunkyong-Tamara finance SEOUL (Reuter): South Korea's Sunkyong Ltd said yesterday it has agreed with its sister firm Sunkyong Industry Co. Ltd and two Indonesian banks on a joint venture to set up a multi-finance company in the country. A Sunkyong statement said it would hold a 59 percent stake in the joint venture and Sunkyong Industry a 15 percent share. Indonesia's Tamara Bank and Rimba Bank will hold 21 percent and five percent respectively.

Government urges insurance mergers

Government urges insurance mergers JAKARTA (JP): The government has called on domestic insurance firms to merge to increase their capital and strengthen their international competitiveness. The Ministry of Finance's insurance director, Suyoto, said yesterday Indonesian insurance companies should win more foreign insurance deals to help reduce the insurance service deficit. Suyoto said mergers were the best way to improve Indonesia's insurance capacity and competitiveness.

An ASEAN quandary

An ASEAN quandary Within the next 100 days, the seven foreign ministers of the ASEAN members will decide whether to enlarge their group to 10. The current belief is that they will vote in late July to admit Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. At its 30th anniversary later in the year, the Association would be complete, with all 10 nations of Southeast Asia holding full membership. This has a neat sound to it. Unfortunately, ASEAN is not really ready to accept the three new applicants.

RP scrambles jets over Chinese Spratly intrusion

RP scrambles jets over Chinese Spratly intrusion MANILA (Agencies): The Philippines scrambled its aging jets for patrol missions to the disputed Spratlys and demanded an explanation from Beijing yesterday after armed Chinese ships were seen near two Filipino-held islands, officials said.

Lippo eyes RP bank

Lippo eyes RP bank MANILA (AFP): Lippo Group of Indonesia has offered to buy a majority stake in ailing Philippine thrift bank Monte de Piedad and Savings Bank, authorities said yesterday. The group would inject capital of one billion pesos (US$38.5 million) into the bank, Central Bank of the Philippines governor Gabriel Singson said in a statement. Lippo's offer topped rehabilitation proposals submitted by two Philippine banks, the central bank chief said.

Hundreds of people leave PDI campaign

Hundreds of people leave PDI campaign UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): An indoor election campaign organized by the government-recognized Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) faction was abandoned by hundreds of the party's supporters here yesterday. The PDI cadres opted out of the gathering, saying they were bored with the discussion and preferred street rallies instead.

Ometraco's profit up 22%

Ometraco's profit up 22% JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed conglomerate PT Ometraco Corporation's 1996 net rose 22 percent from Rp 54.4 billion in 1995 to Rp 66.3 billion (US$27.3 million) last year. The company's financial services division contributed most of the profit growth with a 77 percent increase in pretax profit, while the infrastructure division had a bad year.

Children are our future

Children are our future An article tucked in the inside page of yesterday's Kompas daily newspaper was hardly surprising, yet it was disturbing nevertheless because it begs us to do something urgent. "Indonesia rated second from bottom in reading and writing scores of primary school pupils", reads the headline. The article picked up the March 29th cover story of the Economist, which looked at the link between education and the wealth of nations.

RI soybean imports up

RI soybean imports up WASHINGTON (Reuter): A U.S. agricultural attache pegged Indonesia 1996/97 soybean imports at 800,000 tonnes, up from a previous estimate of 770,000 tonnes, due to reduced domestic soybean output and higher consumption. Soybean imports from the United States in 1996/97 are forecast to rise approximately 12 percent, to about 780,000 tonnes, due mainly to lack of supplies from China and a preference for U.S.

PPP cancels public gathering in Medan

PPP cancels public gathering in Medan JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party (PPP) canceled its campaign in Medan, North Sumatra yesterday, fearing possible further clashes with supporters of rival political groups. Branch chairman Hasrul Azwar said three PPP supporters were injured in a brawl with Golkar supporters Sunday. Hasrul said his organization had filed a complaint over the incident to the local office of the Election Supervision Committee.

Chopper makes forced landing

Chopper makes forced landing JAKARTA (JP): Rain and strong winds forced a police helicopter to make an emergency landing on a racecourse in Pamulang, Tangerang, on Monday, police said yesterday. The helicopter was returning from securing first day campaign activities in Jakarta. Pilot Capt. Purnomo, co-pilot Capt. Yan Pitro and mechanic Edi Achmadi were unhurt. National Police Spokesman Brig. Gen. Nurfaizi denied yesterday that sabotage or human error was involved.

Lippo triples profit

Lippo triples profit JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed insurance firm Lippo Life reported a huge increase in pre-tax profit yesterday from Rp 20.1 billion in 1995 to Rp 66 billion (US$27.2 million) last year. Net earnings jumped from Rp 20.1 billion to almost Rp 60 billion last year. The company's managing director, Roy E.

Criminal shot dead

Criminal shot dead JAKARTA (JP): The number of alleged criminals shot dead by police increased when an unemployed man was shot yesterday in Ciracas area, East Jakarta, when he resisted arrest. A police sergeant at the East Jakarta Police precinct said the man, M.S. Tanjung alias Rudi, 39, had been wanted in connection with several crimes, including robbery. "Rudi was arrested in a house in the area, but he tried to escape," the officer said.

Airport chief killed in accident

Airport chief killed in accident DILI: Dili's airport commander, Lt. Col. Daniel Parinding, was killed yesterday when his motorized hang glider crashed. Airport officials said the accident happened at about 9 a.m. when the glider was about 60 meters up in the air. "The glider was shaky before it crashed," an eyewitness said. Daniel had been in his post since April 1, 1996. He was rushed to Wira Husada hospital, but died on the way.

Cultural diversity must be maintained: Expert

Cultural diversity must be maintained: Expert JAKARTA (JP): The government must preserve cultural diversity and give greater recognition to the achievements of Indonesia's indigenous people in sustainable development, a law professor said. Loekman Soetrisno of Yogyakarta's Gadjah Mada University said respect for cultural diversity must be maintained in spite of the development fueled trend toward uniformity.

A UN official for East Timor?

A UN official for East Timor? The International Commission on Human Rights has adopted a resolution calling for the stationing of a UN human rights official in Jakarta. The official's task will be to observe the implementation of human rights in East Timor. We would like to know if Western countries in which, as far as we know, human rights are not being respected, a UN human rights official is also being stationed.