Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 28 May 1997

55 articles found

Convenience for commuters

Convenience for commuters From Neraca In the name of thousands of users of the Jakarta-Bogor electric train, I thank the railway company for their efforts to improve services, including through providing additional coaches and increasing the frequency of departures. They now schedule a 9:30 p.m. train departing from Kota station, a service which benefits night-shift workers. In the morning, schoolchildren, university students and office workers find the additional coaches a great help.

Garuda to operate DC-10s on HK route

Garuda to operate DC-10s on HK route JAKARTA (JP): Garuda Indonesia yesterday replaced its Airbus A330-300s with McDonnell's DC-10s on its service to Hong Kong because they have been temporarily banned there, the airline's spokesman said. Arief Hartanto said the airline would continue to run Airbuses on other routes because it had not received any other orders to ground the jets.

Latest Thai economic projections too optimistic

Latest Thai economic projections too optimistic By Anchalee Koetsawang BANGKOK (Reuter): The latest economic indicators issued by the Bank of Thailand on Monday were seen by analysts as a bit too optimistic given the prevailing host of domestic problems facing the nation's slowing economy. However, they believed that the central bank's signal to commercial banks to lower high lending rates could counter some negativism about Thailand that has gripped many investors.

Bahana launched two mutual funds

Bahana launched two mutual funds JAKARTA (JP): Bahana TCW Investment Management launched two open-end mutual funds --- Bahana Dana Selaras (BDS) and Bahana Dana Infrastruktur (BDI) --- yesterday on the domestic market. Bahana's spokesperson Bowo W Rahardjo said the BDI and BDS funds would each offer one billion units and expected to raise Rp 1 trillion (US$416.66 million) respectively.

Serial rapist blows his freedom

Serial rapist blows his freedom KEBUMEN, Central Java (JP): A man who has just started his three-year probation for rape has been convicted of another rape and sentenced to 11 years in jail. Gani, 25, pleaded guilty Monday in the district court to raping a 19-year-old neighbor earlier this year. The village playboy has appeared in court many times for sex scandals. Other cases have been resolved out of court. In 1992, the same court sentenced him to eight years in jail for rape.

Banjarmasin residents ready for poll amid tight security

Banjarmasin residents ready for poll amid tight security By Johannes Simbolon BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan (JP): Residents, recovering from the shock of Friday's riot and arson that claimed 123 lives, are preparing for tomorrow's general election amid rumors of more unrest. Life proceeded normally until sunset yesterday, when men came out to guard their houses until the curfew came into effect at 10 p.m. Kalimantan Regional Military Commander Maj. Gen. Namoeri Anoem S.

Greater Jakarta needs integrated transport plan

Greater Jakarta needs integrated transport plan JAKARTA (JP): A plan for Greater Jakarta's transportation system is urgently needed to ensure the integration of various transportation modes, an expert said yesterday. Budhy Tjahjati S. Soegijoko, who chairs the board of the Urban Regional Development Institute, said this was among the most important factors to be considered in the new city planning.

Govt calls for no-smoking public places

Govt calls for no-smoking public places JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Health appealed to government agencies yesterday to declare more public places no-smoking areas. The ministry's director general of drugs and food, Wisnu Katim, said he would raise the issue with the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, the Ministry of Education and Culture, the Youth and Sports Office and the Ministry of Transportation.

Two women arrested for Ecstasy pills

Two women arrested for Ecstasy pills JAKARTA (JP): Two women were arrested in North Jakarta for purportedly possessing and dealing more than 600 Ecstasy pills, police said. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday the two women had allegedly sold drugs in several discotheques in West Jakarta. The two, who were arrested at their home on Sunday morning, were identified as Li Mei alias Lenny, 30, and Herniwati, 32. "Police had watched the two for some time.

Consumers should refuse SEA Games donation stickers

Consumers should refuse SEA Games donation stickers JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta consumers should refuse to pay for SEA Games donation stickers now that the decree authorizing sticker sales in the municipality has expired, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday. He was commenting on the fact that bills for this month sent by city-owned water company PAM Jaya included an item for the SEA donation, even though the decree expired Monday. "According to regulations, they can't do this.

Belo due to vote in Washington

Belo due to vote in Washington JAKARTA (JP): Dili Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo is expected to vote at the embassy in Washington D.C. in tomorrow's general election. Belo will be in Washington D.C. for several days from May 29, Antara quoted an embassy source as saying yesterday. Few details on the bishop's trip to the United States are available except that he arrived there last week for a meeting of the U.S. Bishops' Conference.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Telecoms Telkomsel HELLO SINGAPORE: Secretary-general of the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Jonathan Limbong Parapak (center) calls from Tana Toraja, South Sulawesi to the Indonesian Ambassador in Singapore, H.B.L. Mantiri, to inaugurate the Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) cellular mobile phones.

RI's investment climate promising

RI's investment climate promising JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's commercial and investment environment is moving in the right direction, a senior executive of U.S. firm General Electric has said. Speaking at a recent hearing with the House Committee of the United States Congress, R. Michael Gadbaw, vice president of the International Law and Policy of GE, said the Indonesian economy is a model of the private sector investment driven economy.

Indonesia to resume car talks with Japan, EU and U.S.

Indonesia to resume car talks with Japan, EU and U.S. JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will continue to seek bilateral solutions to the dispute over its national car policy, but has no intention of offering compensation to any of the parties protesting the policy.

Money may hamper Thamrin Cup tennis

Money may hamper Thamrin Cup tennis JAKARTA (JP): Organizers of the 23rd Thamrin Cup junior tennis championship are facing financial problems, tournament director August Ferry Raturandang said yesterday. So far sponsors include Dunlop, Gatorade, Danamon Tennis Center, Sempati Air, Danau Sunter Hotel, Bola sports tabloid, Mode magazine and Datascript. The championship will be held from June 16 to June 22.

South Africa optimistic on 2004 Olympic bid

South Africa optimistic on 2004 Olympic bid JAKARTA (JP): The Republic of South Africa is optimistic Cape Town can win the 2004 Olympic Games despite competition from Athens, Buenos Aires, Rome and Stockholm. South Africa's director of technology and international relations for the Cape Town 2004 Olympic bid, Ntsundeni Madzunya, said at the South African Embassy that "we are very positive that we have a chance to win the bid.

Gunung Agung to sue Jagata over bank scam

Gunung Agung to sue Jagata over bank scam JAKARTA (JP): PT Gunung Agung and Group will sue PT Jagata Primabumi over a Bank Arta Prima debacle which has resulted in the arrest of five executives from the former and one from the latter, lawyers said yesterday. Gunung Agung's lawyers have accused Jagata Primabuni of not fulfilling the obligations it undertook when taking over Bank Arta Prima from them. "We lost Bank Arta Prima but still have the burden. But it's not over.

RI to join property expo

RI to join property expo JAKARTA (JP): Four Indonesian developers -- PT Bumi Serpong Damai, Ciputra Group, PT Artha Graha Sentral and Pura Group -- will participate in an international property exhibition in Singapore, the organizer said yesterday. Director of Reed Midem Organization, Thierry Renault, said here that 80 parties, including developers, construction companies, real estate advisors, local city and regional authorities and banks, had confirmed their participation on Sept. 16 to Sept.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 27, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,350 100 591,500 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,125 -25 5,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,075 25 156,500 Alumindo Perkasa 825 25 90,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,250 25 572,500 Anwar Sierad 825 25 56,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

Uzbekistan soccer team to arrive in Jakarta on Friday

Uzbekistan soccer team to arrive in Jakarta on Friday JAKARTA (JP): The Uzbekistan soccer team arrives Friday for its Asian Zone World Cup match against Indonesia on June 1. The Indonesian Soccer Association's secretary, Nugraha Besoes, said Monday the Uzbekistan team would be on a chartered flight from Tashkent. "We don't know what time they will arrive or the names of the players. But I think the players will be the same as those who played against Cambodia," Nugraha said.

Ethnic violence victims wait for new housing

Ethnic violence victims wait for new housing JAKARTA (JP): Three months after ethnic conflict ravaged West Kalimantan, 5,000 people whose homes were destroyed are still waiting for the government to provide shelters. Governor Aspar Aswin reiterated yesterday that his office in cooperation with the Navy would build barracks for the homeless scattered across the province's northeast.

Body of Malaysian neglected in morgue

Body of Malaysian neglected in morgue JAKARTA (JP): A corpse of a Malaysian man who died Thursday was still in Cipto Mangukusumo General Hospital's morgue yesterday. The body of Chin Chong King, which had begun to decompose, has yet to be claimed or be picked up by relatives. Ace, a morgue official, said the morgue had received the body Saturday from Husada Hospital in West Jakarta for an autopsy.

Indosat denies second public offer plan

Indosat denies second public offer plan JAKARTA (JP): PT Indosat, the state-owned international telecommunications provider, denied yesterday it would launch a second public offering later this year. Its investor relations manager, Budi Prasetyo, said here that Indosat, which launched an initial public offering (IPO) two years ago, would not need fresh funds for its expansion program.

Rights body calls for just and fair election

Rights body calls for just and fair election JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights urged the three parties and the government yesterday to stop "unjust and unfair practices" and assure a fair election. "The public has every right to demand a fair election. Therefore unjust and unfair practices should be stopped so that people can accept the poll results," the commission said in a statement signed by chairman Munawir Sjadzali and secretary- general Baharuddin Lopa.

Registration for contractors

Registration for contractors JAKARTA (JP): The city administration has invited contractors intending to participate in project tenders in the capital to register themselves for prequalifications. Harun Al Rasyid, chairman of the prequalification team, was quoted by Antara as saying that the registration will be held from June 2 to Aug. 30. "The registration is open to both longtime contractors and newcomers," he said. Harun said that application forms could be acquired from City Hall.

People refuse to pay polling booth funds

People refuse to pay polling booth funds JAKARTA (JP): Residents in a number of subdistricts yesterday expressed objections to the imposition of payments to make polling booths for voting day tomorrow. Andrie, a father of three, said he and his neighbors in Kawi- Kawi, Johar Baru subdistrict in Central Jakarta have been asked to pay between Rp 5,000 (US$2) to Rp 10,000 to set up polling booths in the area.

Cheapening the campaign

Cheapening the campaign From Media Indonesia The three political parties and all their branches over the country have completed their campaigning. All contenders have presented their programs to their supporters through the media, or have conducted the campaigns in the open at auditoriums and the like. Several campaigners set up comical scenarios merely to draw public attention. We were treated to scenes of respected members of the present campaign dancing on stage just like entertainers.

Non-voting is no problem for govt: Analysts

Non-voting is no problem for govt: Analysts JAKARTA (JP): The government need not worry about people abstaining from voting tomorrow because it is common in democracies, two political analysts said yesterday. J. Kristiadi of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) was quoted by Antara as saying: "In Indonesia, where the political system adheres to Pancasila Democracy, the Golput (non-voter) phenomenon is something the government should not fear.

Party chiefs denied access to election results database

Party chiefs denied access to election results database JAKARTA (JP): Access to the computerized election results database is being granted to five senior government officials but not to the party chiefs, the National Elections Committee said yesterday. The officials are President Soeharto, Vice President Try Sutrisno, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung, Minister of Home Affairs/Chairman of the General Elections Institute Moch. Yogie S.M. and Minister of Information Harmoko.

Name cards cause trouble

Name cards cause trouble SURABAYA: A 64-year-old man has been interrogated by prosecutors for distributing his name cards bearing a picture of Indonesia's first president, Sukarno, since 1991. Sallie Roeswandi's red name cards said "Admirer and mouthpiece of Bung Karno" and included a head shot of the country's proclaimer of independence. Accompanied by 17 defense lawyers, he appeared Monday at the city's prosecutors' office for questioning on his motives for printing the cards.

Credit cards and SEA Games funds

Credit cards and SEA Games funds Can Satelindo please explain how it can lawfully deduct SEA Games funds from credit cards of their customers without their consent? I did not and will not give Satelindo authority to debit my card for the SEA Games. In the Western world this conduct would be considered unlawful, if not blatant theft. FRANK Jakarta

Sixteen Irian rebels surrender

Sixteen Irian rebels surrender JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Sixteen separatist rebels came out of their jungle hideout last week to surrender to the Army in Mindiptana, which borders Papua New Guinea, the military announced yesterday. They surrendered their guns to an infantry post in Mindiptana, regional military spokesman Lt. Col. Maulud Hidayat told Antara. The military said the rebels had surrendered after seeing the results of development in their villages, which they had left many years ago.

Danamon Aetna Life ties global knowledge, local touch

Danamon Aetna Life ties global knowledge, local touch Aetna made a bold and strategic decision three decades ago to look farther afield than its established base in the United States. The company, already one of the leading insurance firms in the U.S. after over 100 years in business, opened 30 years ago a new division, Aetna International Inc. (AII), to tap the vast growth opportunities in foreign markets.

New bills on health and sports services introduced

New bills on health and sports services introduced JAKARTA (JP): Three new bills on improving health services, liberalizing city hospitals, and developing new sports activities were introduced yesterday during a plenary session. Three city hospitals are to be converted into independent local institutions while additional emergency units and clinics are to be built in the near future, thus state the two bills.

Sahid group plans streamlining move

Sahid group plans streamlining move JAKARTA (JP): Sahid Group, a major hotel chain in Indonesia, plans a major consolidation measure to streamline its activities, the group's chief executive said yesterday. Setyanto Santosa, the newly appointed president of PT Hotel Sahid Jaya International (HSJI), said an internal acquisition would be an important alternative in the planned consolidation measure.

RP floods leave 53 dead, 77,000 homeless

RP floods leave 53 dead, 77,000 homeless MANILA (AFP): The Philippines was mopping up yesterday after flash floods left 53 people dead and 77,000 displaced as parts of the country were put on a disaster footing, officials said. The death toll rose as rescue workers dug through collapsed masonry and the debris of landslides, with several people still reported missing.

Bintang protests his dismissal

Bintang protests his dismissal JAKARTA (JP): Rebel politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas protested yesterday his recent dismissal as a staff lecturer at the state- run University of Indonesia, saying it was illegal. His lawyer Bambang Widjojanto told a press conference the 1979 government regulation on dishonorable discharge for civil servants, which the government used for Bintang's dismissal, did not apply in this case. "The regulation cannot be used...

Soerjadi denies deal with attackers

Soerjadi denies deal with attackers JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party's (PDI) chairman, Soerjadi, denied yesterday that he had hired people to seize the party's headquarters from supporters of the ousted PDI leader Megawati Soekarnoputri. "I've met a lot of people in my life. I couldn't be sure whether I had met them in the past," he said.

50 orangutans rehabilitated

50 orangutans rehabilitated SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The Wana Riset Samboja forestry research center in Kutai is seeking donations for a three-year program to rehabilitate 50 orangutans before sending them back to the wild. The East Kalimantan natural resource conservation agency's chief, Ade Rachmad, said yesterday that the 50 orangutans had been kept as pets.

Minor tried for stealing cigarettes

Minor tried for stealing cigarettes BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: A 14-year-old boy will be tried for stealing cigarettes, his Indonesian Legal Aid Institute lawyer said yesterday. Abi Hasan Mu'an's client had been in detention at Way Jepara police precinct since the middle of last month, Antara reported. "We have unsuccessfully sought his release because he is only a minor," Abi said.

Crocodile threatens Kutai villagers

Crocodile threatens Kutai villagers SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A giant yellow crocodile is terrorizing villagers in Sanga Sanga, Kutai regency. The three-meter-long, 50-centimeter-wide beast mauled a 12- year-old girl last week, who was washing dishes in a river at about 6:30 p.m. Residents said it was the first time a crocodile had been seen in their village, Antara reported. The girl survived the attack because her mother arrived in time to drag her out of the crocodile's jaws.

Fertilizer firms certified

Fertilizer firms certified JP/afs JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo yesterday presented five state-owned fertilizer manufacturers ISO-9000 and ISO-14000 certificates for quality and environmental management systems. The five were PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur, PT Petrokimia Gresik, PT Pupuk Kujang, PT Asean Aceh Fertilizer and PT Pupuk Iskandar Muda.

Pupuk Kaltim plans IPO

Pupuk Kaltim plans IPO JAKARTA (JP): State-owned fertilizer producer PT Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (Pupuk Kaltim) plans to sell a portion of its shares to the public to raise funds for expansion. Company President Syaiful Amir said yesterday the firm was ready for the initial public offering (IPO) plan but was awaiting government approval. "We don't know whether we will receive permission or not," he said.

Promote your reading!

Promote your reading! I am writing in reference to the article Libraries widely misperceived in Indonesia (May 21). I would like to comment that people need to develop their skills by reading a lot about their own professional interest or interests. I, for one, always promote the need to read or write. Perhaps one of the most well known handicaps is the language. When I taught at a senior high school in Pondok Indah in 1984, I used the direct method of teaching English.

S'pore investors eye Asia's problem hotels

S'pore investors eye Asia's problem hotels SINGAPORE (DPA): Singapore investors are shopping for bargains among hotels in Asia's big cities as an oversupply of hotel rooms hits the region, reports in the island republic said yesterday. Some 250 new hotels -- most of them four-star and five-star facilities and first-class resorts -- are currently under construction in Asia, according to a report by property firm Jones Lang Wootton (JLW).

Susi Susanti still teasing over retirement

Susi Susanti still teasing over retirement GLASGOW (Reuter): Susi Susanti is still playing a teasing game about when she will retire, but the Indonesian is certain that this week will be her last chance to reclaim the world championship crown that she donned in 1993. The 26-year-old, who totally dominated the sport in the early 1990s, has slipped to number five in the world rankings.

AIDA forum needs govt support

AIDA forum needs govt support The following article is an excerpt of a paper presented by the president of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) Aburizal Bakrie, at a seminar on the Australia-Indonesia Development Area (AIDA) in Sydney on May 14, 1997.

Mandela, Museveni defend Kabila

Mandela, Museveni defend Kabila CAPE TOWN (AFP): President Nelson Mandela and his visiting Ugandan counterpart, Yoweri Museveni, came to the defense of Laurent Kabila's new regime in the former Zaire yesterday, despite a ban there on all political parties.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. News: Lintas Nusantara 2:40 Travel: My Country 2:45 Family's Film: Road to Avonlea 3:10 Children's Program: Anak-Anak Indonesia 3:35 Talk Show: Kotak Pos 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Education Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:10 TV Series: Topacio 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 Entrepreneurship Program: Mitra Kita 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Quiz: Dewasa 8:30 Variety Show:...

Bapepam to get investigation training

Bapepam to get investigation training JAKARTA (JP): Officials investigating capital market crimes are to get special training from the Supreme Court. The training will be provided under a memorandum of understanding which was signed yesterday by the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) and the Attorney General's Office (AG0).

New township to be built in Lebak

New township to be built in Lebak JAKARTA (JP): The government will coordinate the development of a 9,000-hectare town in Maja, West Java, to cater for the growing need for housing in Greater Jakarta, Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tandjung said. Speaking after a meeting with President Soeharto here yesterday, Tandjung said that at least 16 developers would be involved in the massive housing project.

Kim backs down on spending furor

Kim backs down on spending furor SEOUL (Reuter): South Korea's beleaguered President, Kim Young-sam, bowed to public pressure yesterday and agreed to make a national address on the explosive issue of his 1992 election spending. Last week Kim had appeared to rule out any public statement, but his refusal to comment sparked public outrage and veiled calls for his resignation.

Bangkok approves banking tax cuts

Bangkok approves banking tax cuts BANGKOK (AFP): The Thai cabinet yesterday approved cuts in banking taxes in a move it hopes will help transform Thailand into a regional capital market hub by boosting its offshore foreign currency loans. The cabinet accepted a finance ministry proposal to eliminate taxes on fee income and interest income derived from foreign currency loans to businesses operating outside of Thailand.

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.

Four detained over alleged plan to bomb mall

Four detained over alleged plan to bomb mall JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso confirmed yesterday that his officers detained four men for allegedly attempting to plant a bomb at Kelapa Gading Mall in North Jakarta. "The four are believed to belong to a group who always tries to cause trouble in the capital, with the ultimate goal of disrupting the general election," Sutiyoso said after attending a mass prayer for the election scheduled tomorrow.