Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 May 1997

63 articles found

Riots across Jakarta orchestrated: Governor

Riots across Jakarta orchestrated: Governor JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said Wednesday evidence had been found that the recent riots in the city, including the unrest that claimed the life of a 17-year-old Tuesday, were premeditated. "These indications aren't being made up by security officials or anybody else," he said rebuffing skeptics. "There's real proof that the riots were planned. The City Sanitation Bureau collected about 107 cubic meters of rocks up until 10 p.m.

S. Korea, Denmark early winners in Sudirman Cup

S. Korea, Denmark early winners in Sudirman Cup GLASGOW (AFP): South Korea and Denmark, playing their first matches in the Sudirman Cup, the team event of the World Badminton Championships, beat England and Sweden by identical margins, 4-1 here on Wednesday. Denmark's win was more comfortable, however, because the one rubber it conceded was a dead one -- and the manner of its victory was more impressive. Korea, twice former champions, was pushed a little harder.

Top Danish shuttler says match against RI the key

Top Danish shuttler says match against RI the key JAKARTA (JP): Denmark's number one shuttler Poul-Erik Hoyer- Larsen said the match between Denmark and Indonesia would be the match which decided whether Denmark made it through to the Sudirman Cup finals. Hoyer-Larsen told Antara in Glasgow yesterday that Denmark would do its best to beat Indonesia to win Group 1B. "If we win the group, it will be much easier for us to overcome South Korea than China in the semifinals," he said.

Yellow forces hit the road

Yellow forces hit the road BANDUNG: For many people here, the election means a smoother road in their neighborhood. On a one-kilometer strip between Sukagalih and Pelesiran, dozens of people in yellow Golkar T-shirts are racing against the clock to lay asphalt. The workers are filling pot holes and repaving the road, but officials have denied they are campaigning for Golkar. "This project was planned long before the campaign began," a foreman said.

Five foreigners held for fraud

Five foreigners held for fraud JAKARTA (JP): Five Cameroonian and Congolese nationals, including a soccer player hired by a local club, were arrested this week for alleged fraud. The head of the immigration's control and supervision department, Zaiman Nurmatias, said two of the five men had also overstayed their visas. Police confiscated two electric irons, sheets of black and white papers the size of U.S. dollar notes, three bottles of chemicals and a black bag.

Wismoyo urges people not to exaggerate sticker issue

Wismoyo urges people not to exaggerate sticker issue JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council's chairman, Wismoyo Arismunandar, has urged people not to exaggerate the controversy over the sale of stickers promoting the 19th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games. Wismoyo, who is also chairman of the Games organizing committee, said Wednesday that there was no need to over expose the problem.

Cement firm raises output

Cement firm raises output JAKARTA (JP): Construction began Wednesday to expand PT Semen Andalas Indonesia's cement factory in Lhoknga, Aceh, to increase its annual production capacity from 1.3 million to 1.6 million tons, Antara reported. The company's president, Martin R. Wilkes, said that Semen Andalas had contracted FL-Smidth & Co A/S of Denmark to complete the US$12.5 million project in 18 months.

Ban on political forums muzzles campuses

Ban on political forums muzzles campuses By Israr Ardiansyah YOGYAKARTA (JP): With open political discussions declared off- limits at university campuses, the question remains whether students need to be involved in politics. Although the government believes in political education for the public in general, it prohibits university campuses from serving as campaigning arenas. This policy has not prevented the government-endorsed Golkar from recruiting rectors and professors as its campaigners.

Excelcomindo secures $400m for expansion

Excelcomindo secures $400m for expansion JAKARTA (JP): PT Excelcomindo Pratama, which operates the GSM- XL cellular system, will sign an agreement in Bali today for a US$400 million syndicated loan from 22 overseas banks. A senior Excelcomindo executive said Wednesday the loan would be arranged by Sakura Finance Asia Ltd, ING Barings, ANZ Investment Bank and Chase Manhattan Asia Ltd. "The loan agreement is scheduled to be signed by Excelcomindo's president, Y.W.

Campaign schedule for Indonesia for May 23, 1997:

Campaign schedule for Indonesia for May 23, 1997: Party Campaign area Important campaigners --------------------------------------------------------------- PPP Java, Maluku, Irian Jaya Ismail Hasan Metareum, Hamzah Haz, Yudo Paripurno, Jusuf Syakir, Tosari Widjaja, Rusjdi Hamka, Alawy Muhammad Golkar Kalimantan, Sulawesi Harmoko, Theo Sambuaga, Fadel Muhammad, Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, Saadilah Mursjid, Azwar Anas, I.B.

EU buries a plan to impose cotton duties

EU buries a plan to impose cotton duties BRUSSELS (Reuter): The EU has buried a plan to impose anti- dumping duties on unbleached cotton imports from China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Turkey and Pakistan, after France failed in a last-ditch effort to revive the package. Duties due from the countries named, some of which have already been paid or guaranteed by bankers' draft, will be returned, Commission spokesman Peter Guilford told a Wednesday news conference.

119 workers go on strike

119 workers go on strike UJUNGPANDANG: One-hundred-and-nineteen workers from PT Pyramid Megah Sakti at the Makasar Industrial Estate went on strike over wages Tuesday. A spokesman for the workers said he was paid Rp 3,750 (US$1.56) for ten-hour work a day with no food or health allowance. "Many of us are paid Rp 1,500 a day," the spokesman said. The new minimum wage for South Sulawesi is Rp 4,500 a day or Rp 112,000 a month.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. News: Lintas Nusantara 2:40 Travel: My Country 2:45 Children's Film: Animated Classic 3:10 Children's Program: Tunas 3:35 Talk Show: Sambung Rasa 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Student's Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 5:10 Film: Dream of Flight 5:30 Music: Paket 27 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: Pamor Dangdut 9:00 World News 9:30 Music: Karya...

Three-tier transit design needs modifying

Three-tier transit design needs modifying JAKARTA (JP): City authorities have urged the company earmarked to develop a proposed three-tier transit system to modify the design to make more efficient use of the available land. PT Citramoda Margakencana Persada project officer Budisantoso Joewono, said one of the things the city wanted was the addition of light rail tracks next to the planned toll roads.

NATO's eastward expansion is thorny issue

NATO's eastward expansion is thorny issue By Anak Agung Banyu Perwita BANDUNG (JP): Among the Atlantic community and European countries, the discussion on the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's eastward expansion has become very interesting. The proponents of NATO expansion believe it is only a matter of time. As U.S. President Bill Clinton said after the NATO Summit in January 1994, "the question is no longer whether NATO will take on new members, but when and how".

Six killed in CN-235 accident in Serang

Six killed in CN-235 accident in Serang JAKARTA (JP): All six people aboard an Indonesian-made CN-235 aircraft were killed yesterday afternoon when it crashed in a freak accident at the Gorda airbase in Serang, West Java. A flight team was testing a Low Altitude Parachute Extraction System (Lapes) when the accident occurred at 1:15 p.m. The CN-235 is manufactured by PT Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN) based in Bandung.

More vendors stand trial

More vendors stand trial JAKARTA (JP): Four more Tanah Abang Market traders faced the Central Jakarta District Court Wednesday charged with inflicting violence on people and property in the Jan. 27, Tanah Abang riot. On Tuesday in a separate hearing, four other traders including a minor stood trial at the court on similar charges.

Lessons from the campaign

Lessons from the campaign By Aleksius Jemadu BANDUNG (JP): Few people foresaw the formation of a coalition between the United Development Party (PPP) and Megawati, the deposed Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) leader, before this year's election campaign began. Yet, in the strange turn of events that often define politics, it is now close to a reality, looming as the possible catalyst for tremendous change in the power configuration among the political parties.

Golkar promises employment, education in East Timor

Golkar promises employment, education in East Timor JAKARTA (JP): Golkar rallies went relatively smoothly over the past two days in various parts of the country. In Dili, the capital of East Timor, Golkar appeased local people's concerns yesterday over the shortage of business and job opportunities as well as education in the province.

German body seeks end to import duty on RI electronics

German body seeks end to import duty on RI electronics JAKARTA (JP): The German Association for Entertainment and Communications Electronic (GFU) is working to persuade the European Union to abolish the import duty on Indonesian electronic goods, an association executive says. Paul-Albert Ruhr, the association's managing director, said Wednesday he was optimistic imports of Indonesian electronic goods in Germany would be exempt from the duty before 2000.

NAM wants veto eliminated at UN

NAM wants veto eliminated at UN BANDUNG (JP): The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) will keep up its efforts to ensure that the use of veto rights at the United Nations is not used too often or inappropriately, the chairman of the NAM's executive committee and ambassador-at-large, Nana Sutresna, said Wednesday. Speaking on Indonesia's role in NAM at Padjadjaran University here, Nana said that if the right of veto in the UN could not be abolished, it should be exercised properly.

Malaysia, RI to discuss oil investment freeze

Malaysia, RI to discuss oil investment freeze KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysia wants to discuss with Indonesia its freeze late last year on new foreign investments in palm oil cultivation which has affected 19 Malaysian companies, news reports said yesterday. The Primary Industries Ministry will submit a detailed report on problems faced by the Malaysian plantation firms to the government next week, before the matter is taken up with Jakarta, Minister Lim Keng Yaik said.

Pilgrims protest levy

Pilgrims protest levy BANYUMAS, Central Java: As many as 720 people who have just returned from a haj pilgrimage lodged a protest Wednesday against the regent and the head of the Prosecutors' Office over a levy of Rp 200,000 that each had to pay before leaving for Mecca. One of the complainants, Sidik Fauzan, said he had sent a letter to Banyumas Regent Djoko Sudantoko asking where the extra Rp 200,000 had gone to.

Rare flyby startles VIPs

Rare flyby startles VIPs BANDUNG: A rare maneuver by an old military transport Hercules airplane startled attendants at the ceremony of the anniversary of the West Java Military Command here Wednesday. The U.S.-made Hercules C-130, piloted by Capt. Jeffrey flew at an altitude of only 10 meters in front of the VIP podium. West Java Military Commander Maj. Gen. Tayo Tarmadi, who stepped down from the podium to congratulate 51 parachutists, was perplexed by the scene.

Police kitchen serves up meals during election campaign

Police kitchen serves up meals during election campaign JAKARTA (JP): Police officers can find some solace from the heat and grime of rowdy rallies in a nutritious "homemade" meal during the campaign. City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata has ordered the kitchen located inside the City Police's Directorate of Logistics to serve three meals a day free-of-charge to all officers working the beat and those on duty at headquarters during the campaign's duration. Twenty personnel run the kitchen.

Art Agenda

Art Agenda Drawing exhibition: Satya Graha at Galeri Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta; Until June 4. The experimental Galeri Lontar presents the compelling drawings of artist Satya Graha. Most of his drawings depict the human figure as he attempts to express the psychology of his subject matter. Painting exhibition: I want to be at Museum Puri Lukisan, Jl. Raya Ubud, Ubud, Bali; Until May 25. An imaginative exhibition of children's paintings held in Ubud's first art museum.

Lippo Bank's profit up 44% in 1st quarter

Lippo Bank's profit up 44% in 1st quarter JAKARTA (JP): The Lippo Group's Lippo Bank posted a 44 percent increase in net profit to Rp 39.6 billion (US$16.50 million) for the first quarter, up from Rp 27.46 billion in the corresponding period last year. The bank stated that its pretax profits had risen 46.4 percent to Rp 56.6 billion in the Jan.-March period from Rp 38.6 billion in the same period last year. Operating income surged 51 percent to Rp 60.8 billion from Rp 40.20 billion.

Unfair treatment

Unfair treatment It is expected that all people who work in a foreign country abide by the employment laws of that country, whatever their nationality. Therefore when something goes wrong between employer and employee, the problem is viewed through the host country's rules and regulations. On April 10, 1997 the Ministry of Manpower in Jakarta established that in January 1995, I was illegally terminated by the Headmaster of The British International School.

Copy-cat 'Mideast heroes' flock Yogyakarta streets

Copy-cat 'Mideast heroes' flock Yogyakarta streets By Muhamad Achadi YOGYAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of white-robed people, only their eyes showing through their hoods, process down Yogyakarta streets with a peculiar dance-like gait, one hand revving their motorbike throttles and the other rhythmically making the PPP sign. Don't mistake them for Middle Eastern bikers caught in a United Development Party (PPP) rally. They are fanatical members of PPP's Intifadah group.

Donation on poverty alleviation to be reported

Donation on poverty alleviation to be reported JAKARTA (JP): An accountability report on donations to a poverty alleviation program will be released Monday at President Soeharto's residence on Jl. Cendana, Central Jakarta. The President would chair the first annual meeting of the Yayasan Dana Sejahtera Mandiri foundation, which runs the program, State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono said Wednesday.

No gathering, rallies in Jakarta: PPP

No gathering, rallies in Jakarta: PPP JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta branch of the United Development Party (PPP) has called off plans for public gatherings on today's final day of campaigning in the wake of recent violent clashes. It also told its supporters yesterday to refrain from holding street rallies, which have escalated into riots during the 27-day campaign. The party is instead endorsing "sympathetic campaigning", defined by gladhanding and the handing out of pamphlets across the city.

1945 Constitution is amendable: Law expert

1945 Constitution is amendable: Law expert JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) has come under fire for its reluctance to amend the 1945 Constitution to accommodate 50 years of change. The National University's School of Law dean, Dahlan Ranuwihardjo, said Wednesday: "The 1945 Constitution is not a Holy Book which cannot be changed." He said the constitution was drafted and enacted during the 1945 revolutionary struggle for independence.

Quickest route to cemetery

Quickest route to cemetery YOGYAKARTA: Street rallies are not only a nightmare for the living they can also cause problems for the dead. A man's body was ready to be taken for burial Saturday in Sentolo, about 15 kilometers west of here, when a seemingly endless United Development Party (PPP) motorcade interrupted the funeral procession. The deceased's relatives did not bother seeking police assistance because the security forces were flat out trying to ensure safety during campaigning.

Technical error behind failure, says Satelindo

Technical error behind failure, says Satelindo JAKARTA (JP): PT Satelindo announced here Wednesday that a technical error caused its 12-hour network crash on Tuesday. Company cellular operations director Saleh Gunawan said the failure occurred during Satelindo's network expansion project. The company's 50,000 users in the greater Jakarta area were unable to make and receive calls during the morning, but the system was back in service by the evening.

PPP leadership warns of 'people power' group

PPP leadership warns of 'people power' group JAKARTA (JP): United Development Party (PPP) leaders say there are groups seeking to use the Moslem-based party as a source of "people power" to force sociopolitical change. PPP's deputy chairman, Hamzah Haz, said party executives drew this conclusion in a recent evaluation of the party's campaigns which were marred by sporadic clashes. PPP has attracted huge numbers of people to its rallies across Java.

Enjoy the music, forget the talk

Enjoy the music, forget the talk SEMARANG: Campaigner Supriyadi proved it is hard to entertain sympathizers of the Indonesian Democratic Party under the unpopular leadership of Soerjadi. Only several dozen people attended the party's rally here Monday. Most, apparently, came with the main purpose of enjoying the Dangndut folk music. It was only a few minutes after the music stopped to allow Supriyadi to deliver his speech when supporters shouted at him, "Get down, we want Dangndut.

Surya Dumai Industri to change IPO gains

Surya Dumai Industri to change IPO gains JAKARTA (JP): PT Surya Dumai Industri, a publicly listed timber company, announced Wednesday it would divert the use of 20 percent of its initial public offering (IPO) proceeds. The company said the IPO proceeds, which were initially earmarked for the establishment of a new fiberboard plant, would be used to raise its stake in PT Perawang Lumber Industri, another timber company. It said the change should strengthen its future performance.

Thailand cuts target for tourism

Thailand cuts target for tourism BANGKOK (AP): Faced with stronger competition from other exotic locations, Thailand's tourism authority is expecting only 10 million foreign tourists to visit the country in the next four years, an official said Wednesday. That would be a sharp drop from the 7.2 million tourists Thailand received in 1996 alone.

Thai central bank under pressure to cut rates

Thai central bank under pressure to cut rates BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand's central bank yesterday resisted mounting pressure from the government and banking sector for a quick interest rate cut to help kickstart the country's troubled economy. An official at Bank of Thailand Governor Rerngchai Marakanonda's office told AFP the bank chief was opposed to any immediate cut in the official discount rate the central bank charges commercial banks for loans.

Buddha's Day of Enlightenment celebrate

Buddha's Day of Enlightenment celebrate MEGAMENDUNG, Bogor (JP): About 2,000,000 Buddhists gathered midnight at the Sadapaributha Buddhist Center, Wednesday, to observe Waisak, Buddha's Day of Enlightenment. The congregation, affiliated to the Pandita Sabha Buddha Dharma Indonesia Foundation, commemorated three important events in Buddha's life: his birth, his enlightenment and his death. At 11:30 pm the Buddhists held a procession and then held a ceremony until 1 a.m.

Yogyakarta anniversary

Yogyakarta anniversary YOGYAKARTA: The launching of a book titled 50 Tahun Pemerintahan Kodya Yogyakarta will mark the 50th anniversary of the mayoralty of Yogyakarta on June 7, 1997, A mayoralty spokesman, Boedhi Prasetyo, told Antara Wednesday that the book traced the history of the mayoralty since it was established in 1947. The book is expected to become a reference for people wanting to know about the mayoralty.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment * Ibis Rajawali Hotel, Jl. Rajawali 11 - 9: - Arjuna Restaurant: Dinner Theme Buffet, Curry Tiffin, Wednesday. Go around Europe, Thursday. Java Sea Food, Friday. * Mercure Grand Hotel, Jl. Raya Kupang Indah: - Sphynzx Fun Pub: Karaoke, open daily. * Garden Palace Hotel, Jl. Yos Sudarso 11: - Kencana Cyber Cafe, Tuesday to Sunday, 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. * Tunjungan Crystal Hotel, Jl.

Architects visit Italy

Architects visit Italy JAKARTA (JP): Four Indonesian architects arrived in Italy yesterday for the 18th International Exhibition on Marble and Granite 1997 in Carrara which will end May 25, an Italian diplomat said. Trade commissioner Michele Branca said that during their five- day visit to Italy, the architects would meet executives of Italian companies dealing in marble and granite.

The Listening Post

The Listening Post 'Building English Skills Through Newspaper + Radio' Produced by American Language Center in cooperation with The Jakarta Post and Radio Sonora FM 100.9 Mhz * "Desert Death Song" by famed Western author Louis L'Amour. It's a thrilling tale of the Old West, in which a man wrongly accused of robbery and murder flees into the badlands, with a posse of angry cowboys closing in on him.

Sarwono takes Golkar message to north coast

Sarwono takes Golkar message to north coast JAKARTA (JP): Senior Golkar official Sarwono Kusumaatmadja went on the campaign trail in North Jakarta Wednesday, trumpeting the message that everyone in the area stood to gain from the government-sponsored Jakarta Waterfront Development Program.

Colorful war at cemeteries

Colorful war at cemeteries YOGYAKARTA: People in the sultanate have accused the United Development Party (PPP) of being hypocritical over its attacks on Golkar for extending the color war to local cemeteries. Last month PPP complained to the Purwokerto administration for painting the grave of an ancient Moslem propagator, Kyai Robosemangsang, yellow -- the color of Golkar.

Banner war outside palace

Banner war outside palace YOGYAKARTA: The United Development Party (PPP) and Golkar are embroiled in a war of banners outside Sultan Hamengku Buwono X's palace. PPP fired the first shot last week when it erected a large poster, reading "The beloved Sultan is for PPP" in a refined Javanese language. The next day, Golkar placed its own banner, of about the same size, saying "People in and around the palace must vote Golkar" in the same dialect.

KIA to spend Rp 125.5b to lift stake in 2 firms

KIA to spend Rp 125.5b to lift stake in 2 firms JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed ceramic maker PT Keramika Indonesia Assosiasi (KIA) is set to spend Rp 125.5 billion (US$52.3 million) to buy all the outstanding stock in two ceramic firms, PT KIA Keramik Mas (KKM) and PT KIA Serpih Mas (KSM). KIA announced Wednesday that it planned to spend almost Rp 28.2 billion to increase its stake in KKM from 85 percent to 100 percent.

Govt reiterates call to vote

Govt reiterates call to vote JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia concludes its 27-day campaigning period today with the government reiterating its call to people not to abstain from voting on May 29. Secretary-general of the General Elections Institute Suryatna Subrata told a press conference at the agency's office in Central Jakarta that people "must use their political rights and vote".

Govt pledges election totals for May 30

Govt pledges election totals for May 30 JAKARTA (JP): Provisional election results will be made public less than 24 hours after polling stations close at 2 p.m. on May 29, the government said Wednesday. The Coordinating Agency for Election Communication Systems' spokesman, Tjetjep Suparman, said results for about 95 percent of votes were expected to be made public in the afternoon of May 30.

Businessman denies mastermind role in robbery

Businessman denies mastermind role in robbery BOGOR (JP): A businessman has denied any involvement in a robbery last Oct. 11 on the Jagorawi toll road in which one of his associates was shot. The police detained Idfiel Jaya Anwar, 36, in December for being the mastermind behind the theft of Rp 312 million and the murder of Zaenuddin Lesmana.

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.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 20, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,100 -25 7,500 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,150 0 2,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,050 -25 432,500 Alumindo Perkasa 775 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,250 0 10,090,000 Anwar Sierad 825 0 82,000 Apac Centertex Corp.

Busang troubles stop Bre-X releasing year-end results

Busang troubles stop Bre-X releasing year-end results TORONTO (Reuter): Bre-X Minerals Ltd said on Tuesday its recent troubles have delayed the release of year-end financial results for the gold prospector and its sister companies. Calgary-based Bre-X said it also planned to reduce its Indonesian workforce as it winds down operations in the country. "As a result of the interim Strathcona Mineral Services Ltd.

Lindskog extends lead at Bali Open by six strokes

Lindskog extends lead at Bali Open by six strokes By Robert Soelistyo NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Sweden's Stephen Atako Lindskog took the lead at the Bali Open Golf Championship by six strokes yesterday with an 8-under par-208. The four-day event, which began Tuesday, is being held at the plush 6,849-yard Bali Golf and Country Club designed by Rodney Wright and Robin Nelson, two reputed golf course specialists of Nelson & Wright, Hawaii.

Try denounces use of ethnic divisions

Try denounces use of ethnic divisions JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno has called on people to stop raising the Chinese-versus-indigenous Indonesian issue as it could weaken the country's economic strength in the world market.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Bali Cliff, Pecatu: Frog Dance, Saturday. Balinese Theater, Ramayana Ballet, Monday. Kecak Dance, Tuesday and Saturday. Legong Dance, Wednesday. Mask Dance, Thursday. Jegog Orchestra, Friday. Tektekan Calonarang, Sunday, from 8.30 p.m. * The Ritz Carlton Bali, Jl. Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran: - Sami Sami Restaurant: Batak Folk Songs, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Padi Restaurant: Keroncong, nightly, 6 p.m.

Consumer Dreams

Consumer Dreams I read with great interest the article Consumer rights remain a dream in The Jakarta Post, May 11. It came just when I was letting off steam about a typical "Indonesian" case of service with no service, where customers are completely ignored by the provider. I hope to make it short but detailed for you to understand. We have been running our business south of Jakarta, where the lack of telephone lines forced us to rely on the service of PT Radio Telephone Indonesia (Ratelindo).

CCF's activities traced in photographic essay

CCF's activities traced in photographic essay By Yenni Kwok JAKARTA (JP): The existence of Centre Culturel Francais, or the French Cultural Center, means a guaranteed art event in Jakarta every month. Hardly a month goes by without an interesting activity at the center. A play in sign language, a dance performance, a jazz-gamelan concert and a socially provocative photo exhibition focusing on ugly Jakarta are just a few of the many acts the CCF has brought to town.

Perumka speeds up cargo service

Perumka speeds up cargo service JAKARTA (JP): State-owned railway company Perumka is planning to slash travel time on its Jakarta-Surabaya cargo route with the operation of a faster train. Perumka's general manager in Jakarta, Eddy Sasongko, said here Wednesday that the company began trial operations last week. "We want to improve the cargo service by cutting travel time by two hours to just 11 hours on the Jakarta-Surabaya route," he said.

Rats galore at Golden Truly

Rats galore at Golden Truly On May 19, 1997, I visited Golden Truly in Blok M, South Jakarta. On the second floor the odor of rat waste was overwhelming to the point of nauseating customers. An inquiry made to one of the attendants about the obnoxious smell received the reply that rats are rampant everywhere in the store, but particularly in the fruit and vegetable section. Corn, I was informed, is a favorite food of rodents.

Bre-X seeks govt advise on its operations

Bre-X seeks govt advise on its operations JAKARTA (Antara): Bre-X Minerals Ltd said Tuesday it would seek the Indonesian government's advise on how to go about its operations in the country. Bre-X manager for Indonesia, Greg McDonald, said the company and its local subsidiaries in the meantime would keep evaluating the potentials of its projects in the country and hope a decision would be reached on what the company should do next.

China rejects Manila's stake

China rejects Manila's stake BEIJING (AFP): China dismissed efforts yesterday by the Philippines to assert their claim over Scarborough shoal in the South China Sea as "unacceptable". "The Philippine side is redoubling its activities on the Huangyan islands (Scarborough shoal). They have even declared administrative rights on the pretext of their 200-mile exclusive economic zone," foreign ministry spokesman Shen Guofang told reporters.