Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 May 1997

63 articles found

Expansion of forest-based industries to be controlled

Expansion of forest-based industries to be controlled JAKARTA (JP): Timber-related industries will be exempted from government regulation No.13/1995, which allows industrial companies to expand capacity up to 30 percent without a license, a minister said. Minister of Forestry Djamaloeddin Soerjohadikoesoemo said here yesterday, "we're afraid too much freedom for capacity expansion for timber-based industries will have a negative impact".

PDI supporters' arrest protested

PDI supporters' arrest protested JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation protested yesterday the violent arrest of 16 Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) supporters in North Jakarta on Sunday. The foundation said police had beaten people while arresting them during a demonstration outside a PDI gathering at a youth center in Tanjung Priok. "The authorities forcibly dispersed the protesters without initially trying persuasion," foundation chairman Bambang Widjojanto said.

Films on trains

Films on trains From Kompas On March 23, 1997, I took the 12:30 p.m. Parahyangan train from Gambir station to Bandung in West Java. Video clips were shown, along with a film named Hellraiser-Bloodline. The film had atrocious scenes. A man was knifed in the throat and his head was cut. Blood spilled. The headless body fell. A large screw was drilled into another man's body. Close-up scenes of the drilled flesh were seen. Still another man had the skin of his face partially peeled off.

Two drown in boat accident

Two drown in boat accident CILACAP, Central Java: Two fishermen drowned when their motorboat overturned on the Cipret river, near the Indian Ocean here Sunday. Locals saved Darsun, 39, but Sutrisno, 36, and Taufik Hidayat, 35, drowned. The Wijayakusuma rescue team said yesterday that the men, who worked for state-owned Pertamina contractor, were fishing from a rented motorboat. The boat overturned when its propeller caught in a local fisherman's net.

Separatist hope keeps East Timor issue unresolved

Separatist hope keeps East Timor issue unresolved By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat During a recent visit to Dili, East Timor, The Jakarta Post had the opportunity to talk with the deputy military commander of the province, Col. Soekotjo HS. In the interview he talks about the issue of East Timor and his role, as a military man in the province, in helping to resolve the matter. Question: Many people do not understand why the issue of East Timor continues to drag on?

Learning from comparative studies

Learning from comparative studies By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): International comparative studies about educational performance are always interesting, but very hard to do. The reason is that performance of educational systems is so much influenced by cultural factors that to make a meaningful comparison you have to take those factors into account. This usually makes the study very complex and very hard to manage.

Hexindo gets $37m loan

Hexindo gets $37m loan JAKARTA (JP): Heavy equipment distributor PT Hexindo Adiperkasa has secured a US$37 million syndicated loan arranged by the Sanwa Bank's Singapore branch and Japan's LTD.

RI coach draws up new strategy for Sudirman Cup

RI coach draws up new strategy for Sudirman Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is preparing a special strategy to face Danish, South Korean and Chinese shuttlers in the Sudirman Cup badminton championship in Glasgow, Scotland, from May 19 to May 25. The national men's singles coach, Indra Gunawan, said the strategy would be in accordance with the players' conditions. "The condition of the players is the most important thing we have to be aware of in applying the special strategy.

Institution vows to meet requirement

Institution vows to meet requirement JAKARTA (JP): An educational institution said yesterday it would continue with its management training while trying to increase its faculty members as requested by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The ministry's office for higher education last week announced it would not accept applications to register new students of the Institute Pengembangan Wiraswasta Indonesia (Indonesian Institute for the Development of Entrepreneurship, IPWI).

Bintang won't seek presidential pardon

Bintang won't seek presidential pardon JAKARTA (JP): Rebel politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas said yesterday he would not seek a presidential pardon after being officially declared a criminal. Bintang was moved yesterday from a cell at the Attorney General's Office to Cipinang Penitentiary in East Jakarta after losing his appeal against a Supreme Court ruling.

Bull shelters under banyan tree

Bull shelters under banyan tree TASIKMALAYA, West Java: Torn apart by a leadership rift and cash strapped, the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) has found an ingenious way to raise its flags. Along some main streets here, PDI flags fly on the same poles as Golkar's. Townspeople are calling the PDI "too poor" to buy bamboo poles for flags. "In Tasikmalaya, the bull takes refuge under the banyan tree," a resident said over the weekend.

Shares strengthen on Jakarta stock market

Shares strengthen on Jakarta stock market JAKARTA (JP): Share trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) strengthened yesterday with the main price index rising 4.49 points. Securities brokers said the market was marked with bargain hunting on heavyweight stocks and speculative buying on selected second line stocks.

'Golkar should not dominate the legislature': Sultan

'Golkar should not dominate the legislature': Sultan YOGYAKARTA (JP): Sri Sultan Hamengkubuwono X, the king and supreme leader of the Yogyakarta sultanate, is also the local Golkar leader but is respected for his fair treatment of the other two political parties: the United Development Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). He laments, for instance, the PPP's decision to stop campaigning in Yogyakarta in protest of an attack by Golkar supporters on its local offices.

Gujral hopes for warmer ties with Pakistan

Gujral hopes for warmer ties with Pakistan NEW DELHI (Agencies): Indian Prime Minister Inder Kumar Gujral has said he hopes a face-to-face meeting with his Pakistani counterpart next week will lead to warmer relations between the longtime enemies. "We will try to find a way out of the deadlock in Indo- Pakistan relations and I hope we will find a way to improve relations to our mutual benefit," United News of India (UNI) quoted Gujral as saying.

General election legally, morally defective: Megawati

General election legally, morally defective: Megawati JAKARTA (JP): The ousted chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), Megawati Soekarnoputri, said the general election was politically, legally and morally defective and was trampling on human rights. A delegation, representing the party's old executive board under Megawati, visited the National Commission on Human Rights yesterday.

CMNP rating outlook

CMNP rating outlook JAKARTA (JP): The country's only rating agency PT Pemeringkat Efek Indonesia (PT Pefindo) has given a positive outlook on the progress of ringroad tollway project of the private toll operator PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada (CMNP) in eastern part of Surabaya, East Java. The rating agency also said that the company's plan to issue rights shares was also positive. The statement said that the agency's positive outlook was reflected in firm's bond II rating triple B plus (BBB+).

Newmont's gold mine suspends its operation

Newmont's gold mine suspends its operation JAKARTA (JP): Gold mining company PT Newmont Nusa Tenggara, controlled by U.S.-based Newmont Mining Corp., said it had suspended operations at its gold mine on Sumbawa island while it waited for a government permit. Company president director Erik Hamer told AFP, in the West Nusa Tenggara provincial capital of Mataram, that his company was waiting for a permit to resume operations.

GE Lokindo making 2 locomotives a month

GE Lokindo making 2 locomotives a month MADIUN, East Java (JP): PT GE Lokomotif Indonesia (Lokindo), an Indonesia-U.S. locomotive maker, is making two locomotives a month to meet a delivery order of 10 to state-owned railway firm Perumka in August. Lokindo is a joint venture company owned by U.S. General Electric, PT General Electric Teknologi Indonesia, a subsidiary of General Electric, and state-owned railway equipment manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api (Inka).

Rule violations abound in campaign's first 9 days

Rule violations abound in campaign's first 9 days JAKARTA (JP): The government and the three parties agreed yesterday there had been an abundance of rule infringements in the first third of the 27-day election campaign. "Improve your campaigning and stop the violations," Yogie S.M., the General Elections Institute chairman, told the leaders of the United Development Party (PPP), Golkar and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). "We are now in the third round of the election campaign.

Soerjadi calls for revision of military's political role

Soerjadi calls for revision of military's political role MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara (JP): The government-recognized chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), Soerjadi, called for the military yesterday to review its political role. Soerjadi said Dwifungsi, or the military's dual function, was widely seen as letting the Armed Forces favor Golkar, which has been in power since 1971.

First woman heads police subprecinct

First woman heads police subprecinct JAKARTA (JP): A police woman has been installed as chief of the Cilandak police precinct, South Jakarta. City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday that Capt. Nurhayati was the first policewoman to head a police subprecinct. Aritonang said South Jakarta police precinct chief Lt. Col. Sisno Adiwinoto installed Nurhayati on Saturday to replace Maj. Hapsoro Wahyu Priyanto.

Salim group quits PT Gelael

Salim group quits PT Gelael JAKARTA (JP): PT Gelael Supermarket, the domestic grocery store pioneer, announced yesterday that the Salim Group had pulled out of the company. Gelael's president, Dick Gelael, said his company and Salim Group had agreed to end their cooperation on March 31 this year and split their holding in the country's 18 Gelael stores.

Mine fire will not affect power

Mine fire will not affect power JAKARTA (JP): A fire which hit a coal terminal in Tarahan, Lampung Sunday, would not affect the Suralaya coal-fired power station in West Java, an official said yesterday. The president director of the state-owned coal mine PT Tambang Batubara Bukit Asam, RA Sunardi, said the fire burned the terminal's conveyor belt for about one hour on Sunday morning, causing a problem in the transportation of the coal to the ships.

RI Everest climbers return to Kathmandu

RI Everest climbers return to Kathmandu KATHMANDU (AFP): The first Indonesian team to conquer Mount Everest from the Nepalese side returned to Kathmandu on Sunday in high spirits after surviving a blizzard at the summit. Asmujiono, 25 and Misirin, 28, were accompanied to the top of the 8,848-meter-high peak last month by two Russian mountain guides, Vladimir Bachikirov, 45, and Evgeni Vinogradski, 50, and Nepalese high altitude guide Appa Sherpa.

TV today

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

Contests held for New Year fiesta

Contests held for New Year fiesta JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Religious Affairs is organizing a series of events including seminars, bazaars and competitions to mark Islamic New Year, which falls on Thursday. The "Muharram Week" festivities will be held at the Istiqlal Grand Mosque beginning today and will run until May 12, chief organizer Kholid Fadlullah said. Muharram is the first month of the Islamic lunar calendar.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Atlet Century Park, Jl. Pintu Satu Senayan, Central Jakarta: - Jasmine Lounge; Lucy and Bobby Trio Vocal, Monday, Friday, at 8 p.m. to midnight, Sunday, at 7 p.m. to 11 p.m., Silvie and Armonia Trio Vocal, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, at 8 p.m. to midnight, Ernie and Yon (vocalist & pianist), Monday, Thursday, at 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m., Lenny and Yon (vocalist & pianist), Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, at 5.30 p.m. to 7.30 p.m.

Habibie to raise funds from public for car project

Habibie to raise funds from public for car project JAKARTA (JP): PT Maleo, the developer of the Maleo "national car" Maleo, will float most of its shares to raise funds to develop the car, State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie said here yesterday. Habibie, also chairman of the Management Board of Strategic Industries (BPIS) which is developing the car in cooperation with Australian design firm Millard Design, said the agency would only hold about 30 percent of PT Maleo.

Australian gold explorers socked by Busang fraud

Australian gold explorers socked by Busang fraud MELBOURNE (Agencies): The Australian mining industry reacted with shock and disbelief yesterday to news that Indonesia's fabled Busang gold deposit was a hoax. The Association of Mining and Exploration Companies, which represents many of Australia's listed gold companies, said the Busang saga would shake confidence in the entire gold industry.

Men wearing earrings 'haram'

Men wearing earrings 'haram' PALU, Central Sulawesi: The Central Sulawesi chapter of the Indonesian Ulemas Council has issued a new ruling that, according to Islamic teaching, a man is prohibited from wearing earrings. The secretary of the provincial council, Dahlan Tangkaderi, said wearing earrings was feminine, and that was condemned by Allah, Antara reported yesterday.

Campaign schedule for Indonesia for May 6, 1997:

Campaign schedule for Indonesia for May 6, 1997: Party Campaign area Important campaigners ---------------------------------------------------------------- PPP Sumatra, Bali, West and Ismail H. Metareum, Djufrie Asmoredjo, East Nusa Tenggara, Tosari Widjaja, M. Buang, Rusjdi East Timor Hamka, Mukrom As'ad Golkar Java, Maluku, Irian Jaya Harmoko, Abdul Gafur, Siti H. Rukmana, Ary Mardjono, Bambang R.

Aussie warship rescues passengers

Aussie warship rescues passengers SURABAYA: A visiting Australian warship came to the rescue of hundreds of passengers trapped in an Indonesian ferry which caught fire in the Straits of Madura Sunday afternoon. The HMS Melbourne rescued all passengers of the Selat Madura II, which caught fire a few minutes after leaving the Ujung pier, Tanjung Perak police spokesman, Lt. Col. Wisjnu Amat Sastro, said yesterday.

Privatization plan of city water firm hampered by talks

Privatization plan of city water firm hampered by talks JAKARTA (JP): Negotiations on investment have hampered the planned privatization of city-owned water company PAM Jaya, deputy governor of economic and development affairs Tb. M. Rais said yesterday. He said the negotiations had delayed the signing of a contract between PAM Jaya and private investors. "We hope it (the cooperation's contract) can be signed in June," Rais said yesterday at City Hall.

Prosecutor seeks five years jail for Zarina

Prosecutor seeks five years jail for Zarina JAKARTA (JP): The prosecution has asked the West Jakarta District Court to sentence budding TV actress Zarina to five years jail for possessing Ecstasy. Prosecutor Rizia Djamil said Zarina, 25, violated the 1992 Health Law by possessing Ecstasy but did not make or traffic the drug. She faces a maximum seven years jail or a Rp 140,000,000 (US$56,000) fine.

Marzuki questions PRD trial verdicts

Marzuki questions PRD trial verdicts The court verdicts meted to nine activists of the Democratic People's Party (PRD) charged with subversion, ranging between 18 months to 13 years of imprisonment, have come as a surprise to many. Vice Chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights Marzuki Darusman ponders the issue. Question: How do you perceive the verdict? Answer: The severe verdicts show that there was nothing new about the case.

Hotels occupancy rates drop sharply during campaign

Hotels occupancy rates drop sharply during campaign JAKARTA (JP): The election campaign is increasing political tension and hurting the business of hotels, which are suffering up to 50 percent lower occupancy rates, executives said yesterday. The executives said they hoped occupancy rates would return to normal in July when school holidays begin. The election campaigns began on April 27 and will last until May 23.

Female aviator flies here today on global journey

Female aviator flies here today on global journey By Aditiatama Santoso Marsoem RALEIGH, North Carolina (JP): If everything goes according to plan, Linda Finch, the second woman to attempt to fly around the world in a Lockheed Electra 10E, will land in Jakarta today. She will be accompanied on the flight from Singapore by one of several navigators who are taking turns in assisting her in her bid.

PDI campaigner sings alone

PDI campaigner sings alone JAKARTA: Many people at rallies do not believe in the parties organizing them. They follow the "fiesta of democracy" for the thrill of joining thousands of people at rallies or for other reasons. No wonder many do not know the leaders or policies of the parties holding the rallies. Djeni Suharso, an Indonesian Democratic Party campaigner, found this out the hard way Sunday while addressing a PDI rally in North Jakarta.

KL speeds up expat permit approval

KL speeds up expat permit approval KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Labor-starved Malaysia simplified yesterday procedures for expatriates to apply for work permits as part of efforts to hasten approvals following complaints from local industries. Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that "authorities and agencies responsible for supervising certain sectors of the economy" had been given permission from this month to approve expatriate work permits.

Asian palm oil markets at top end of range

Asian palm oil markets at top end of range KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Asian palm oil markets are seen trading firm this week, though demand may begin to dry up as the price of Malaysia's benchmark July futures heads up towards closer to 1,300 ringgit a ton, regional traders said. "It's at the top end of the range," a senior Singapore dealer for a U.S. commodity company said, adding July contract will likely inch up to around 1,295 a ringgit a ton.

More violence in Ujungpandang

More violence in Ujungpandang UJUNGPANDANG (JP): Two people were injured and dozens of traffic lights vandalized in violence here yesterday which marred Golkar's third campaign round. Thousands of Golkar supporters smashed traffic lights and vandalized two vans after a rally in Sambungjawa soccer field. It was the second day of mob violence in the town. On Sunday, United Development Party (PPP) supporters ran amuck, vandalizing a car and more than 20 shops.

Geologist denies involvement in Busang fraud

Geologist denies involvement in Busang fraud TORONTO (Reuter): Bre-X Minerals Ltd head of exploration John Felderhof said he was not involved in a fraud and personally still thinks there is significant gold at Bre-X's Busang property in Indonesia.

Delay ownership transfer tax law until 1999: REI

Delay ownership transfer tax law until 1999: REI JAKARTA (JP): Real Estate Indonesia (REI), an association of Indonesian developers, asked the government yesterday to delay introducing a tax on land and building transfers until January 1999. Speaking after meeting President Soeharto, REI chairman, Edwin Kawilarang said the one-year delay would give developers time to prepare. The new tax approved by the House of Representatives recently was to be introduced next January.

Tile maker gets ISO 9002

Tile maker gets ISO 9002 JAKARTA (JP): Porcelain tile maker PT Intikeramik Alamasri Industri received International Standards Organization (ISO) 9002 certification for its industrial management yesterday. "The certification, which makes us more responsible for improving the quality of our products, is needed to improve our competitiveness in the international market," the company's president, Lie Ju Tjhong, said after the presentation of the ISO award.

Rp 15,000 and more for street rallies

Rp 15,000 and more for street rallies JAKARTA: It seems that anyone can capitalize from campaigning these days; a small investment can mean regular income. An ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver in Palmerah, West Jakarta, has bought some green and yellow bandanas, which he carries every day. "I need only wait near spots where I know street rallies will start. I whip out the appropriate-colored bandana.

Nusamba, Freeport quit Busang gold project

Nusamba, Freeport quit Busang gold project JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Nusamba Group and Freeport-McMoRan Copper and Gold decided yesterday to quit the Busang gold project after Bre-X Minerals Ltd.'s claim of a huge gold deposit in Busang proved to be a hoax. Nusamba's president Muhammad "Bob" Hasan said last night his group had no reason now to remain in the Busang project. Nusamba is controlled by President Soeharto chaired foundations.

'PDI activists are like chicken'

'PDI activists are like chicken' PURBALINGGA, Central Java: Banyumas police chief Col. Binarto complained yesterday about the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) local chapter's decision to cancel its campaign Sunday despite receiving police permits. The chapter's chairman, Tri Daya Kartika, said the program had been canceled because the chapter feared clashes with supporters of the ousted PDI chief Megawati Soekarnoputri.

Continued support for Palestine urged

Continued support for Palestine urged JAKARTA (JP): A United Nations Asian seminar and Non- Governmental Forum (NGO) forum on Palestine opened here yesterday with calls for continued mobilization of support for the Palestinian cause against what is seen as continued Israeli aggression. During the opening ceremony, delegates said that despite its geographic distance, Asia remained an important source of support for the Palestinians.

Two-legged Siamese twins Indonesia's first

Two-legged Siamese twins Indonesia's first JAKARTA (JP): Mujito and Eka, who died Saturday night, were the country's first Siamese twins born with only one pair of legs, the chairman of the Indonesian Medical Association, Azrul Azwar, said yesterday. "Previously, I have never heard of two-legged Siamese born in this country and such births rarely occur in the world," Azrul said.

PPP uses Megawati's name at election rally in Semarang

PPP uses Megawati's name at election rally in Semarang SEMARANG (JP): An United Development Party (PPP) rally took an interesting twist here yesterday when it used the name of the ousted Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) chief, Megawati Soekarnoputri, to attract voters. "The ousted Megawati is my friend," campaigner Matori Abdul Djalil shouted. "I know her very well.

SE Asian rubber market looks grim

SE Asian rubber market looks grim SINGAPORE (Reuter): The end of a strike at U.S. tire-maker Goodyear and a Thai price rise could give the Southeast Asian rubber market a temporary boost, but the underlying mood is fairly grim, regional traders said yesterday. The Thai government soothed irate tappers on Friday by raising its market intervention price to 29 baht (US$ 1.11) a kg from 27.50 baht.

Indonesia and the Internet

Indonesia and the Internet This is a postscript to my earlier letter describing great difficulties in connecting to the Internet, and it may serve as advice for readers experiencing similar problems. The problem was that with Meganet, I could connect easily at my office, but at home, connection was always cut after a maximum of two or three minutes, with the message "disconnected from the computer you dialed".

Death of legislator in Saudi Arabia probed

Death of legislator in Saudi Arabia probed JAKARTA (JP): Garuda Indonesia has offered to fly four children of a legislator and his wife who died while on the haj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia to pay their last respects to the couple. The national flag carrier has set up a team to investigate the deaths of Koensholehoedin, aged 67, and his wife Masruroh, 66, the airline's vice president for business relations, Arif Hartanto, said yesterday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 5, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,025 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,175 0 41,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,125 0 129,000 Alumindo Perkasa 750 -25 24,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,125 25 56,500 Anwar Sierad 825 0 90,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

ASEAN starts course for diplomats

ASEAN starts course for diplomats JAKARTA (JP): The ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta yesterday began a five-day course for junior ASEAN diplomats aimed at forging a better understanding of the region's foremost organization. During the course participants will be briefed on political, economic and social development in ASEAN. It is part of an overall two-month program in which the junior diplomats visit various ASEAn capitals.

China urged to exercise restraint over Spratlys

China urged to exercise restraint over Spratlys KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has urged China to exercise restraint in the Spratly islands after a recent row with the Philippines but does not believe Beijing poses a security threat to the region, reports said yesterday. "I think China knows the position of ASEAN in regard to the settlement of overlapping territorial claims," Malaysia's Defense Minister Syed Hamid Albar was quoted as saying in the New Straits Times daily.

Soerjadi's men run half naked

Soerjadi's men run half naked SEMARANG: Ten youths loyal to Soerjadi, the government- recognized chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), who took to the streets waving PDI banners yesterday were stripped of their party T-shirts by Megawati loyalists. The youths were outnumbered by the supporters of Megawati Soekarnoputri, who had led the party until a government-backed rebel party conference last year.

Golkar campaigner quizzes reporters

Golkar campaigner quizzes reporters JAKARTA: Golkar campaigners are trying everything to win the hearts and minds of reporters, including playing question and answer for prizes. Kemala Motik Abdul Gafur, the chief of Indonesian Women for Development, Golkar's women's wing, quizzed journalists about Golkar yesterday. The wife of Abdul Gafur, a deputy chief of Golkar, said: "I'll give you my watch if you can tell me about the three pillars of Golkar." The reporters were silent.

Indonesia to ratify Bern Convention on copyright

Indonesia to ratify Bern Convention on copyright JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon ratify the 1886 Bern Convention on copyrights protection, the vice cabinet secretary of the State Secretariat Bambang Kesowo said yesterday. The ratification is scheduled to take place this week, Bambang said at the opening of a three-day discussion on copyrights in Asia.

At least 250 job seekers cheated by brokers: Soni

At least 250 job seekers cheated by brokers: Soni JAKARTA (JP): At least 250 people applying for the State Minister of Agrarian's office/National Land Agency have been cheated by brokers, Minister Soni Harsono said yesterday. After meeting with President Soeharto at Istana Merdeka yesterday, Soni said the job seekers, who came to his office late last month, said they had paid between Rp 4 million (US$1,600) and Rp 6 million to unidentified men who promised them jobs at the office.

Korean Red Cross negotiations fail to secure accord

Korean Red Cross negotiations fail to secure accord BEIJING (Reuter): Negotiators from the Red Cross organizations of rival North and South Korea failed yesterday to reach agreement on shipments of grain aid to the hungry and isolated North, officials said. "In today's meetings we did not get a final agreement between the two sides," Lee Byung-woong, secretary-general of the South Korean Red Cross, told reporters.

Hyundai gets new contract

Hyundai gets new contract SEOUL (AFP): South Korea's Hyundai Precision Industries Co. has concluded a contract to sell jeeps to China, Yonhap News Agency reported yesterday. Under the contract with a provincial firm in Shandong, 200 Galloper V-6 jeeps will be exported this year, with the number rising to 3,000 next year and 20,000 in 1999, the agency said.

Busang gold find a hoax: Report

Busang gold find a hoax: Report TORONTO (Reuter): The Busang gold discovery in Indonesia -- touted by Canada's Bre-X Minerals Ltd. as the richest find of the century -- was falsified on a scale "without precedent in the history of mining" according to a report released on Sunday. In a stunning report to Bre-X, consultant Strathcona Mineral Services Ltd. said it found evidence of tampering with Bre-X core samples taken from the Busang site, located deep in the jungles of Borneo.