Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 May 1997

50 articles found

Junior chamber to meet here

Junior chamber to meet here JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will host in May 1999 a meeting of the Junior Chamber International (JCI). The Indonesia Junior Chamber's (IJC) president, Yugi Prayanto, said Saturday that the Indonesian meeting would be announced at the JCI's Asia Pacific Congress in Pattaya, Thailand, which is being held from May 22 to May 25. The IJC, now comprising 8,000 members, joined the JCI in 1988. The JCI groups 124 member countries. (13)

City criticized for inaction on work proposals

City criticized for inaction on work proposals JAKARTA (JP): The municipality should have asked for proposals of projects considered important to the city before completing the 1985 to 2010 revised spatial plan, a councilor said Saturday. Councilor Lukman F. Mokoginta said the municipality should not wait for the private sector to hand in their proposals.

KL proposes cyberlaws

KL proposes cyberlaws KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has proposed Malaysia's cyberlaws be adopted by other ASEAN countries to enable the setting up of an international court for enforcement, reports said yesterday. "Yes, we need to talk to other ASEAN countries so that we can provide a uniform set of laws," he was quoted as saying by the Sunday Star, an English-language newspaper here.

No hint on next E. Timor governor

No hint on next E. Timor governor DILI: The East Timor provincial council has consulted Minister of Home Affairs Yogie S.M. on the province's next governor, but many locals favor another term for governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares. Council speaker Antonio Freitas Parada said over the weekend that the screening of people nominated for the post would begin after the general election.

Fighting breaks out across Jakarta

Fighting breaks out across Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Violence hit vast parts of the capital and Yogyakarta yesterday as thousands of campaigning Golkar supporters fought their United Development Party (PPP) rivals and security personnel. Golkar supporters started their street rallies early, despite an agreement by the three parties' Jakarta branches not to hold any public gatherings or rallies until after campaigning officially ends Friday.

Kite throws PDI rally in disarray

Kite throws PDI rally in disarray BANDUNG: Election promises and scathing criticism of the bureaucracy have obviously lost their appeal to many potential voters for the minority Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). When senior politician Popo Sonadar Harun spoke at the Padjadjaran sports stadium, all eyes were on youths who began flying a giant kite in the building. The red kite with a picture of bull's head danced in the air for only a minute or two before dropping because of no wind.

Eight more skeletons found

Eight more skeletons found MEDAN: A team of police and forensic experts have found eight more skeletons, believed to be those of victims of shaman Achmad Suraji, in Sei Semayang, Deli Serdang regency. Forty skeletons have been found since police excavations began there 17 days ago. The eight skeletons were found Saturday at a sugarcane plantation, where the other 32 skeletons were discovered. Police are looking for more skeletons in a one-hectare excavation area.

RI rattan furniture 'uncompetitive'

RI rattan furniture 'uncompetitive' JAKARTA (JP): Rattan furniture makers could lose most of their Japanese buyers, the major importer of Indonesia's rattan products, if they cannot lower production costs. The Ministry of Trade and Industry's directorate general of international trade, Djoko Moeljono, said Friday Indonesia could no longer compete with Malaysia, the Philippines and Vietnam, which also exported rattan furniture to Japan.

Driver assistant stabbed for Rp 200

Driver assistant stabbed for Rp 200 JAKARTA (JP): Two people were killed in separate crimes Thursday and Friday which involved money and gold of little value. A Metromini bus driver's assistant was stabbed to death by a man in South Jakarta Friday night for refusing to hand over Rp 200 (8.3 U.S. cents). In West Jakarta, a man was mobbed to death by residents for stealing a three gram gold necklace Thursday night.

Indonesian firms to lead trade expo in Toronto

Indonesian firms to lead trade expo in Toronto MONTREAL (JP): Indonesian companies and state agencies will take up more spaces than any other country at an international trade exhibition in Toronto, Canada, from Sept. 17 to Sept. 21. The Indonesian Embassy's trade attache in Ottawa, Doddy Hidayat, said recently 30 Indonesian firms and state agencies had confirmed their participation in the expo, called Asia Show '97.

Man wins makeup contest

Man wins makeup contest JAKARTA (JP): A 35-year-old city man has won the national Yves Saint Laurent Creative Look Award in the professional category. Fachruddin, who was crowned as the most creative makeup artist Thursday, will compete at the regional level in Singapore next month. He also received Rp 1.5 million cash and a Rp 2 million Yves Saint Laurent voucher. The first place in the amateur category went to Diah Sriwahyuni, 39, a Surabaya housewife.

RI to keep auction yard for tobacco in Bremen

RI to keep auction yard for tobacco in Bremen JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will maintain the Bremen tobacco auction yard in Germany despite a supply laggard, Director General of Plantations A.R. Tondok said here on Saturday. Tondok said he had received a letter from the agency for overseas tobacco marketing and supervision that it would hold tobacco auctions in Bremen starting next month.

God in politics

God in politics YOGYAKARTA: About 200 enraged Moslem supporters of the United Development Party (PPP) marched to nearby Gemuruh, Purbalingga, recently to find the Golkar supporters who had flaunted a banner which said, in Javanese: "Lurahku, Kiaiku Golkar, Ustadzku Golkar...

Jakarta market trading likely to ease this week

Jakarta market trading likely to ease this week JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta stock market will probably ease this week as foreign investors are expected to remain sidelined. Securities analysts said foreign investors would again take a wait and see position for the last part of the campaign. "It seems that foreign investors are not very comfortable with reports of increased violence ahead of the May 29 elections," one analyst said.

Looking to the stars

Looking to the stars YOGYAKARTA: Golkar may have the upper hand when it comes to hiring expensive singers, actors and other celebrities to energize its rallies, but United Development Party (PPP) supporters refuse to throw in the towel. At a recent rally in Yogyakarta, Golkar featured actor Rano Karno, who plays Doel in the popular television series Si Doel Anak Sekolahan (Doel Goes to School), his sister Suti Karno who plays Atun, and actor Mandra who plays his namesake in the series.

Beware of 'yellow disease'

Beware of 'yellow disease' YOGYAKARTA: Local United Development Party (PPP) supporters are doing everything they can to win the publicity war against Golkar. Just before a famous Golkar leader was due to visit Imogiri recently, they displayed banners which said: "Beware of yellow disease," and "Yellow disease is not good for mothers and babies." Indonesians call hepatitis, which often causes jaundice, penyakit kuning or "yellow disease". Yellow is Golkar's color. (38)

Japan secures 2nd spot in East Asian Games tally

Japan secures 2nd spot in East Asian Games tally PUSAN, South Korea (AFP): Asian champions South Korea breezed past Japan in the women's basketball final yesterday, but Japan secured second spot in the East Asian Games medal standings. Japan added seven golds for a total of 47 gold, 52 silver and 53 bronze medals, ahead of archrivals South Korea, who managed to win 10 golds for 44 gold, 37 silver and 51 bronze medals.

Witness testifies on toll road robbery

Witness testifies on toll road robbery BOGOR (JP): The court was told at a hearing on the Jagorawi toll road robbery that after the incident the defendant's superior told him to stay away from Bogor and change his appearance. Witness M. Diar Purakusumah, who worked with land broker Idfiel Jaya Anwar, said that two weeks after the robbery on Oct. 11 last year she was instructed by Idfiel to tell defendant Erling Doly Wijaya, alias Mikel or Handoko, to leave Bogor and change his appearance.

Are businesspeople ready for globalization?

Are businesspeople ready for globalization? By Aleksius Jemadu BANDUNG (JP): As we approach the end of the 20th century, mounting awareness and concern about our international competitiveness seems to increase. We may never fully understand the meaning of the concept of international competitiveness. Yet, as a matter of fact, this concept has become a familiar slogan of politicians and government leaders aspiring to rally support for greater national efforts in succeeding in the global economy.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. News: Lintas Nusantara 2:40 Travel: My Country 2:45 Cartoon Film: The Ink Thief 3:10 TV Drama: Diantara Kita 3:35 Religious Teachings: Buddha 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Creative Program: Karya Tepat Guna 5:00 Indonesian Lessons 5:25 Variety Show: Country Tracks 5:30 Talk Show: Sebaiknya Anda Tahu 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Campaign Program 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Music:...

No exodus overseas, say RI travel agents

No exodus overseas, say RI travel agents JAKARTA (JP): The number of Indonesians traveling abroad during the election campaign is no more than usual for the time of year but many foreign tourists have delayed their visits to Indonesia until after the election is over, according to travel executives. Director of travel agency PT Iwata Meity Robot said that staff in her office handling outbound tours had not been very busy this month.

RI sweeps 30 golds at Arafura Games

RI sweeps 30 golds at Arafura Games By Primastuti Handayani DARWIN, Australia (JP): The eight-day Arafura Games in Darwin ended Saturday, with the Indonesian team sweeping 30 golds, 21 silvers and 17 bronzes. Indonesia, which sent mostly second-string athletes except for softball, gymnastics and track and field, used the biennial event as a warm up for the SEA Games in Jakarta in October.

EU dismisses modified cotton dumping plan

EU dismisses modified cotton dumping plan BRUSSELS (Reuter): European Union member states rejected on Friday a modified plan for definitive anti-dumping duties on cotton imports from China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Turkey and Pakistan, EU diplomats said. Renewed talks after Friday's rejection, held at France's insistence, failed to overturn the decision of eight of the EU's 15 member countries, said a Dutch diplomat.

Public relations fail Golkar

Public relations fail Golkar By Wimar Witoelar JAKARTA (JP): The hottest political issue in this election is the "Mega-Bintang" phenomenon, the voter coalition between the United Development Party (PPP) and supporters of ousted Indonesian Democratic party (PDI) chairwoman Megawati Soekarnoputri. Many understand this to be a repudiation of Golkar, judging from the types of people supporting the campaigns.

Traffic jams

Traffic jams From Republika I am writing this letter in response to J.C. Princen's letter in Republika (quoted by The Jakarta Post on May 2) on a solution to traffic jams. First, about his proposal to increase fuel prices. Hasn't he considered the impact that such an increase might have? Doesn't he know that when fuel prices go up, the prices of other commodities also rise because of transportation costs? Some people wouldn't be able to eat well because of the increase in food prices.

Sudjana's resignation 'not necessary'

Sudjana's resignation 'not necessary' UJUNGPANDANG (JP): Demanding the minister of mines and energy's resignation will not solve the Busang gold mine hoax, a member of the House of Representatives said yesterday. Tadjuddin Noor Said of Golkar told The Jakarta Post yesterday that Sudjana's resignation would not be ideal. "The most important thing is that the government guarantees that such a scandal will not happen again in future.

Bosowa to start operation

Bosowa to start operation UJUNGPANDANG (JP): PT Bosowa Maros will start operating in December its cement factory in Maros, South Sulawesi, an executive said. Bosowa Group's president, Muhammad Aksa Mahmud, said last week in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, that the construction of the factory was 90 percent completed. "The construction of the whole factory complex will be finished by next July," he said.

Campaign 'most violent' since new order govt

Campaign 'most violent' since new order govt JAKARTA (JP): This year's election campaign is the most violent in the history of the New Order government, observers have said. Political scientist Syamsuddin Haris and sociologist Loekman Soetrisno said in separate interviews over the weekend that the campaign violence is very serious, as could be seen in the number of deaths.

PDI campaign joy for drivers

PDI campaign joy for drivers YOGYAKARTA: Golkar and United Development Party (PPP) might boast about having supporters from various layers of society, but the conflict-ridden Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) should be pleased to know that bus and taxi drivers are their "ardent admirers." A number of drivers here and nearby Surakarta said they were happy when it comes for PDI to hold campaign because "those days are peaceful days, the streets are in order and we can work." "I can earn more...

Turkey suffers from clash between secularists and Islamists

Turkey suffers from clash between secularists and Islamists By Riza Sihbudi JAKARTA (JP): Turkey is a country with a host of unique characteristics. It is reckoned that 99 percent of its citizens are Moslem. However, in general they see religion as a private matter in that religious practices are, except for in a few regions, kept in the background. This is perhaps the result of the notion of secularism developed by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk, the father of modern Turkey, more than 70 years ago.

Dahlan dies of heart attack

Dahlan dies of heart attack JAKARTA (JP): Dahlan Mansur Sutalaksana, a Ministry of Finance official, died of a heart attack yesterday. He was buried at South Jakarta's Tanah Kusir public cemetery yesterday afternoon. Dahlan, born in Bandung on March 15, 1939, is survived by a wife and three children. He worked as an expert on capital market development and as secretary of the Monetary Council in 1994. Dahlan held several important positions at Bank Indonesia.

Stop the violence

Stop the violence As we enter the last five days of the election campaign, it is disturbing to think just how ugly the violence and disruptions may get. The current trend is very discouraging. Some people have even suggested halting the campaign altogether, fearing the possibility of massive riots.

Hallo, hallo, let's vote PDI

Hallo, hallo, let's vote PDI PURWOKERTO, Central Java: A severe lack of funds does not discourage the rift-riddled Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in Banyumas district from campaigning. To make the best use of the limited money and energy, the PDI will campaign in Banyumas by driving around town in a van and shouting its promises through a megaphone. Banyumas PDI chief Narsim Reksosardjono called it the "Hallo- Hallo campaign".

The other side of the campaign

The other side of the campaign When the election campaign began a couple of weeks ago, we might have viewed the across-city parades with slight amusement, I know I did. It was amusing to see people with their faces painted bright colors or with their heads shaved so that what was left of their hair was shaped into one of the three campaigning parties' logo. After a week, that amusement turned to boredom.

Campaign schedule for Indonesia for May 19, 1997:

Campaign schedule for Indonesia for May 19, 1997: Party Campaign area Important campaigners -------------------------------------------------------------- PPP Kalimantan, Sulawesi Hamzah Haz, Ali Hardi Kiaidemak, Djurfie Asmoredjo, Zain Badjeber, Djafar Siddiq Golkar Sumatra, Bali, West and Harmoko, Abdul Gafur, Bambang R.

Rights body calls for fair election

Rights body calls for fair election JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights urged the three parties Saturday to ensure an honest and fair election to facilitate democratization. The commission's secretary-general, Baharuddin Lopa, criticized the United Development Party (PPP), Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) for breaking the law.

Famous preacher pledges allegiance with PPP

Famous preacher pledges allegiance with PPP JAKARTA (JP): The loyalty of Zainuddin MZ, a well-known Moslem preacher whom political parties have fought for as a vote-getter, remains with the United Development Party (PPP), his son said Saturday. Zainuddin, affectionately called "the preacher of millions of people" for the huge turnout he attracts, has been labeled a "Golkar propagator" because of his close relationship with the dominant political organization.

Trust in RI man power

Trust in RI man power From Merdeka What had been predicted by some scholars like Amien Rais concerning the Busang gold mine has become fact. The Busang gold reserve which has been a controversial issue for some time is nothing but a hoax. It is generally reasoned that business in the field of minerals and mining is full of risk and requires an investment of billions or even trillions of rupiah. It is indeed a megaproject. There is no doubt about that.

Singaporeans shun Malaysia

Singaporeans shun Malaysia SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore community groups linked to the ruling People's Action Party (PAP) are boycotting Malaysia for vacations following tension between Singapore and its northern neighbor, the Sunday Times said. The newspaper said "grassroots bodies" -- PAP-linked residents committees and local community organizations -- were avoiding Malaysia to show support for Singapore, for Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and to avoid being attacked.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Dai-ichi Hotel, Jl. Senen Raya 135, Central Jakarta: - Morgan's 1072 Classic Disco: Lemon Tea Band/Time Motion Band, Tuesday, 9 p.m. to 12.30 a.m., Smart Band, Wednesday, 9 p.m. to 12.30 a.m., R and Co Band, Saturday, 9.30 p.m. to 1 a.m., Acid Speed Band, Friday, at 9 p.m. to 12.30 a.m., Progress Band, Thursday, at 9 p.m. to 12.30 a.m. * Kartika Chandra Hotel, Jl. Gatot Subroto, Jakarta: - Prambanan Cafe: Singers, Agape Trio, Monday, Tuesday, 12 p.m.

Kuningan new tower topped off

Kuningan new tower topped off JAKARTA (JP): A new tower building in Kuningan, South Jakarta, is set to be completed by the end of the year, the director of PT Rajawali Adiwisma, Erwinaryo, said Friday after a topping-off ceremony. The new building, called Menara Rajawali, is located on Jl. Prof. Dr. Satrio and will be the first office space available along with Menara 2000 in Mega Kuningan, a complex inspired by Singapore's Orchard Road, Erwinaryo said.

Thais win money battle, what about the war?

Thais win money battle, what about the war? HONG KONG (Reuter): Thailand cried victory on Friday against speculators who sought to take out the Thai baht this week, but analysts warned the war has only just begun. "Just because the patient survived the operation doesn't mean he'll live," said Callum Henderson, currency analyst at MMS International.

Should ASEAN accept Myanmar this year?

Should ASEAN accept Myanmar this year? The question of whether ASEAN will welcome Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia as full members this year is the air. J. Soedjati Djiwandono of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies takes a look at the issue. JAKARTA (JP): It is almost certain that Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar will be admitted simultaneously into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on the occasion of its 30th anniversary.

Prime Minister Mahathir launches city of the future

Prime Minister Mahathir launches city of the future SEPANG, Malaysia (Reuter): Standing on a hill surrounded by rubber and oil palm plantations, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Saturday launched what is being touted as the world's first planned intelligent city. Using a "smart card", Mahathir sent an instruction via computer to an object resembling a space probe on the hill which then drilled a hole in the ground, launching Cyberjaya ("cyber- success" in Malay).

Mega-'bintang'

Mega-'bintang' The appearance of Mega-bintang (Mega-star) is a new phenomenon in Indonesia's political history which emerged during the hustle and bustle of the 1997 election campaign. The United Development Party (PPP), which was regarded as a nice and calm party, now appears different. It dashed out like a meteorite which surprised many people, including high-ranking officials. Although the Mega-bintang symbol was instantly banned by the government, it keeps appearing.

Military has evidence of plot to topple President

Military has evidence of plot to topple President BANDUNG(JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) claimed Saturday it had evidence of a plot aimed at foiling the general election and toppling the President. Lt. Gen. Syarwan Hamid, ABRI's sociopolitical affairs chief, said conspirators had infiltrated the election campaign to cause chaos whenever they had the chance. People with vested political interests easily switched allegiance to different political parties, he said.

All three parties agree to stop holding street rallies in capital

All three parties agree to stop holding street rallies in capital JAKARTA (JP): Representatives of the three parties' Jakarta branches signed a statement Saturday pledging not to hold large rallies or parades in the capital in the last week of campaigning. The joint statement was signed by Rusjdi Hamka of the United Development Party (PPP), Tadjus Sobirin of Golkar and Lukman F. Mokoginta of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI).

Murder trial could stop for lacking witness

Murder trial could stop for lacking witness JAKARTA (JP): The ongoing trial of Eng San for the murder of business rival, Nyo Beng Seng, is questionable, a criminal law expert said yesterday. University of Indonesia's Loebby Loqman said the prosecution would find it impossible to produce key witness Hong Lie, who reportedly lives in Singapore. The prosecution also wants Kiki Arianto and A Gun to testify at the trial.

RI shuttlers 'fighting fit' for Sudirman Cup in Glasgow

RI shuttlers 'fighting fit' for Sudirman Cup in Glasgow JAKARTA (JP): Despite the changing weather, the Indonesian team is fighting fit for the Sudirman Cup badminton championship due to start today in Glasgow, Scotland, the team's deputy manager said Saturday. Hadi Nazri said in Glasgow that it was important for players to retain their fitness, particularly against influenza and other illnesses, while the weather warms up.

Campaigning continues despite violence in Java

Campaigning continues despite violence in Java JAKARTA (JP): Despite clashes in Jakarta and several Central Java towns which continued well into the night, campaigning proceeded orderly in many other parts of the country. Golkar campaigners in Central Java yesterday spoke on poverty alleviation, collusion, legal development, the role of the press in national development and other issues. Golkar deputy chief Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana spoke in Magelang on the party's commitment to people's welfare.