Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 9 May 1997

60 articles found

Daihatsu's expansion in RI

Daihatsu's expansion in RI TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Daihatsu Motor Co. Ltd. said Wednesday its Indonesian assembler PT Gaya Motors would more than double production capacity for its models by 1998. Daihatsu officials said PT Gaya would increase capacity from 40,000 units to 100,000 units a year. They said Daihatsu was aiming to raise its share of the Indonesian market from 12 percent in 1994 to 20 percent by 2004.

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 * Even native speakers make boo-boos in their English usage -- especially when writing (where rules of usage cannot be bent or ignored quite so freely as when speaking).

PPP turns Jakarta, Surabaya green

PPP turns Jakarta, Surabaya green JAKARTA (JP): Tens of thousands of United Development Party (PPP) supporters jammed the streets of several cities yesterday while party leaders tried to swing voters away from the split Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). The enthusiastic supporters, mostly youths, made a sea of green through the streets of Jakarta and East Java town of Pasuruan in their party green shirts, headbands, bandannas, banners and flags which bore the party's star symbol.

Busang

Busang On behalf of our client, we would like to thank you for your coverage of Krueng Gasui's position regarding the Busang gold mine (May 6, 1997). However, it appears there is a misperception which needs to be clarified. Krueng Gasui, the minority Indonesian shareholder in Busang, supported by Golden Valley Mines NL of Australia, stated that: * Krueng Gasui is in no doubt that the Strathcona report is correct.

PDI's chairman slams single majority

PDI's chairman slams single majority DILI, East Timor (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) broke its campaign silence yesterday with a call to end Golkar's political monopoly. PDI Chairman Soerjadi told thousands at the Pramuka field here that the dominant position, which Golkar has occupied for over 25 years, had allowed the political grouping stamp its authority over state affairs at the public's expense. Golkar has won the last five general elections under the New Order administration.

8 players qualify for selection

8 players qualify for selection JAKARTA (JP): Eight tennis players, five of them top seeds, qualified for national selection in June after beating their opponents in pre-selection matches between May 5 and May 7. Davis Cup player Donny Susetyo, Marco Sitepu, Djanuar Radjab and Stanley Sanger qualified for the men's team while old hand Irawati M Iskandar, Liza Andriyani, Agustine Limanto, Vinca Rampen were the women who qualified.

Government cool on Megawati-PPP alliance

Government cool on Megawati-PPP alliance JAKARTA (JP): The emerging alliance between Megawati Soekarnoputri loyalists and the United Development Party (PPP) was greeted warmly by a cabinet minister but received a cool response from the military Wednesday. Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. said it would be better for Megawati supporters to ally with PPP than to boycott the May 29 general election.

Servitia set to arrange ten syndicated loans

Servitia set to arrange ten syndicated loans JAKARTA (JP): The publicly listed Bank Umum Servitia is set to arrange 10 syndicated loans worth Rp 500 billion (US$208 million) this year. The bank's director Tarunodjojo said Wednesday that each syndicated loan would have a value of Rp 50 billion.

PKI political prisoner dies

PKI political prisoner dies JAKARTA: Death-row political prisoner, Soekatno, 69, of the now defunct Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) died in hospital yesterday. The secretary of the Working Group for Service to Prisoners (Pokja PLP-PGI), Gustav Dupe, said Soekatno died at 12:05 noon at the Kramat Djati police hospital after suffering complications from TB, lever and prostate problems. "He was hospitalized on April 17.

Lippo Life reports surge in net profit

Lippo Life reports surge in net profit JAKARTA (JP): Lippo Life, the publicly listed life insurance company booked a net income of Rp 31.2 billion in the first quarter of 1997, almost five times higher than Rp 6.2 billion booked in the same period last year. Total revenue recorded in the first quarter of this year was Rp 206.9 billion compared to Rp 136.6 billion generated during the same period in 1996, a company statement said.

Observers hail PPP-Megawati alliance

Observers hail PPP-Megawati alliance JAKARTA (JP): Observers have given the thumbs up to the United Development Party's (PPP) move to embrace Megawati Soekarnoputri loyalists but warn it may backlash if not properly managed. They said Wednesday in separate interviews that if the alliance did materialize, it would be fragile because the two camps had fundamentally different political agendas. Contributing ideas were political observers Muhammad Hikam, Daniel Dhakidae and Alexander Irwan.

Campaign's excess

Campaign's excess On May 5, when United Development Party (PPP) campaigning was held in Bogor, PPP youths were seem doing many things which no law-abiding and God-fearing Moslem youth should do. In the Bubulak area, they struck cars with sticks, causing damage. The car of a Japanese acquaintance of mine was hit several times. Needless to say, the man and his driver were terrified. So were a great many other Bogor residents. On May 6, things became worse.

Jakarta military get new spokesman

Jakarta military get new spokesman JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso installed four new officials Wednesday, including new spokesman Lt. Col. Djazairi Nachrowi, who replaced Lt. Col. Didi Supandi. Sutiyoso said spokesmen played an important and strategic role in explaining the military command's security policies.

U.S. ambassador's arrival symbol of stronger Vietnam ties

U.S. ambassador's arrival symbol of stronger Vietnam ties By Frederik Balfour HANOI (AFP): The arrival today of U.S. Ambassador Douglas "Pete" Peterson in Hanoi is seen by analysts as an important step by the two former enemies to forge stronger economic as well as strategic ties. "The two countries have laid the basis for solid relations across the board. They want dialogues in education, science, technology, and the military," said one Western diplomat.

Foreign presence boosts local stock trading

Foreign presence boosts local stock trading JAKARTA (JP): Trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange rose for a third consecutive day Wednesday on the back of an increased foreign presence. Christina Lim of Harita Securities said foreign investors had reentered the market with stronger confidence in the country's economic fundamentals and political stability.

SEA Games stickers don't burden public: Wismoyo

SEA Games stickers don't burden public: Wismoyo JAKARTA (JP): The 19th SEA Games are only five months away but fund-raising is still inviting controversy. The National Sports Council and the games consortium urged the public not to complain about the additional fees added on top of their electricity, water, telephone and other bills. "We give opportunities to the caring public who have enough money to contribute in sponsoring the games.

Drasindo enters housing

Drasindo enters housing JAKARTA (JP): PT Duta Cahaya Mas of the Drasindo Group will expand its property business by building two housing complexes in West Java with a total investment of Rp 550 billion (US$229.16 million). The company's president, Haryo Baskoro, said yesterday that the two property projects were Arumdami Panorama Estate in Ciwuraga, Bandung, with an area of 42 hectares; and Arumdami Metro in Jatiasih, Bekasi, with an area of 100 hectares.

Indonesian textile-export quota increased 29 percent

Indonesian textile-export quota increased 29 percent JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's textile-export quota will increase by up to 29 percent this year thanks to quota swaps from Singapore, higher quotas from Europe and the exemption of export overshipments last year.

Syahrizal finds direction through horse and rider sculptures

Syahrizal finds direction through horse and rider sculptures By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): Syahrizal's ongoing sculpture exhibition at the Cipta Gallery of the Taman Ismail Marzuki in Central Jakarta reflects his artistic development from 1984 to this year. The 30 sculptures can be viewed as demarcating three distinct periods in his career. Until the late 1980s his primary concern appeared to be to create figures with ideal human proportions.

Padang bulls knocked down

Padang bulls knocked down PADANG, West Sumatra: The local Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), which has the symbol of a bull, has admitted to having lost aggressiveness due to financial limitations. During the 1992 election, the minority party stood out for its huge campaign turnouts. This season, however, it has been conspicuous for its small, low-spirited rallies.

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.

Politicians parrot Sukarno

Politicians parrot Sukarno BANYUMAS, Central Java: There is something missing in Indonesian Democratic Party's campaign attributes this season: pictures of first president Sukarno. Pictures of the late Sukarno, founder of the Indonesian Nationalist Party which merged with Christian parties to form the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in 1973, used to be highly popular in winning public support.

Newmont refuses to give 10% stake to government

Newmont refuses to give 10% stake to government JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana has confirmed that Newmont Mining Corp. of the United States refused to give a 10-percent share of a gold mine operated by its subsidiary to the Indonesian government. Speaking before the monthly cabinet session on economic affairs on Wednesday, Sudjana said: "They said they don't want to (give the 10 percent)". Sudjana said he had no problem with the refusal and considered the case closed.

Telkom acts

Telkom acts We are pleased to report that following my letter (March 13, 1997) about the problems with my new telephone line, PT Telkom from Palmerah Service Point took immediate action fixing the line and clarifying the procedure for payment of our account. This was done the following day. Thank you to PT Telkom.

Congressional election monitor urged

Congressional election monitor urged WASHINGTON (AP): Human Rights Watch Asia is calling on the United States Congress to send monitors to oversee the coming elections in Indonesia. Director Sidney Jones said it was important that a congressional group monitor the May 29 elections. While the Congress currently has no plans to send a delegation, Jones said, if a request for such mission was forwarded, it would likely be accepted by the Indonesian government.

Poll rigging has begun, PPP chief claims

Poll rigging has begun, PPP chief claims JAKARTA (JP): United Development Party (PPP) chief Ismail Hasan Metareum said Wednesday he had evidence a government official had begun fixing the May 29 poll results. After a leadership meeting to review the first week of campaigning, Ismail said his party was worried the general election committee was involved in poll rigging. Ismail said a subdistrict head in a Sumatra province had arranged results. He refused to name the province.

Golkar getting rather hairy

Golkar getting rather hairy JAKARTA (JP): If you decide to trim your facial hair these days, make sure you shave it in the form of banyan tree or a figure two. That was Golkar chief Harmoko's advise to supporters of Golkar, the symbol of which is a banyan tree and whose ballot paper number is two. Apparently apprehensive about this month's election, Harmoko made fun of J. Osdar, a Kompas daily reporter, he found without his usual beard.

Multimedia firm to start next year

Multimedia firm to start next year JAKARTA (JP): PT Indonusa Telemedia, a newly established multimedia company, will offer interactive non-telephony services beginning next year to television viewers. Peter F. Gontha, the president of Datakom Asia, which partly owns the multimedia company, said yesterday that Indonusa Telemedia would offer domestic and international services.

Economy 'still sound despite campaigns'

Economy 'still sound despite campaigns' JAKARTA (JP): Campaigning for the May 29 election has had no effect on Indonesia's economy, Minister of Information Harmoko announced. Speaking after attending Wednesday's monthly meeting of finance and economic ministers at the presidential office, Harmoko said that despite the election campaign, Indonesia's capital markets remained sound.

Railway official wins lawsuit against transportation minister

Railway official wins lawsuit against transportation minister JAKARTA (JP): A chief of a railway station, who was said to have shared responsibility for the death of 129 people in a 1987 train accident in Bintaro, South Jakarta, won a lawsuit Tuesday against the Minister of Transportation. Lawyers representing 52-year-old Djamhari, the claimant, said the Jakarta State Administrative Court annulled a 1996 decree discharging him as a ministry employee.

Fire guts RI envoy's home in Stockholm

Fire guts RI envoy's home in Stockholm STOCKHOLM (Agencies): The Indonesian ambassador's residence in Stockholm was ravaged by a devastating fire yesterday morning as one person was taken to hospital suffering from smoke inhalation, rescue officials said. The identity of the injured person was not disclosed. The ambassador, Haringon Hardjotanojo, and his family were safe outside the residence, while four employees were inside the building when the fire broke out.

City denies report on reclamation study

City denies report on reclamation study JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor of Economic and Development Affairs Tb. M. Rais denied reports that an environmental impact study of the North Jakarta Reclamation Project had been rejected. He said Wednesday both the municipality and the agency were still working on the final report of the project's regional environmental impact study.

Pakpahan's children seek international help

Pakpahan's children seek international help JAKARTA (JP): Children of labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan, who is on trial for subversion, are seeking international help for their father. They claim the government has paid poor attention to his health and they wish to gain international support in their appeal to have him receive medical treatment abroad. They are also appealing for a fair trial for Pakpahan.

Mulia firm increase dividends

Mulia firm increase dividends JAKARTA (JP): The publicly listed PT Mulialand and PT Mulia Industrindo, both subsidiaries of the Mulia Group, will distribute Rp 49.1 billion and Rp 33.1 billion in dividends respectively, the companies have announced. Tjahja Sathiadi, the director of property company PT Mulialand, said yesterday his company would distribute a dividend of Rp 100 per share to its shareholders, up 30 percent from last year's level.

Shuttlers pledge to bring Sudirman Cup back home

Shuttlers pledge to bring Sudirman Cup back home JAKARTA (JP): National shuttlers playing for the Sudirman Cup pledged they would do their best and will try hard to bring home the coveted trophy. They made the promise yesterday when they bid farewell to National Sports Council chief Wismoyo Arismunandar at the council's headquarters in Senayan. "Our preparations are much better compared to the All England.

Texmaco enters Timor

Texmaco enters Timor JAKARTA (JP): The government has set up an alliance with the Texmaco Group, a major local textile conglomerate, to build a textile plant in East Timor with a total investment of Rp 2.5 billion (US$1.06 million). Information Minister Harmoko told the press after a monthly meeting of finance and economic ministers Wednesday that the plant would produce 900,000 yards of fabric a year. He did not mention when the plant would start operating commercially.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 2-3, South Jakarta: - Semanggi Lounge: Classic Guitar Melodies with Nelson Rumantir, daily except Sunday, 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m.; Pauli Yahya (Pianist), Monday to Saturday, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m.; Mullova Chamber Music String Quartet, semi classical and romantic hits, daily except Sunday, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Josef G. Mualim (Pianist), every night, except Saturday, 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya: Music and Entertainment * The Patra Surabaya Hilton International Jl. Gunungsari Surabaya: - Kedai Jepara: Pianist Marcell Suryadharma, daily (except Sunday and Monday), 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - The Beer Garden: The La Mapas Resident Band, Monday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. - Lobby: Traditional Music Gamelan Gandok Gita Budaya, daily, 5 p.m. to 6.30 p.m. * Majapahit Hotel, Jl. Tunjungan 65: - Indigo: La Prima Band, Sunday to Friday, 7.30 p.m. to 11.30 p.m.

Morocco replies

Morocco replies On May 5, 1997, The Jakarta Post published the right to reply of the Algerian Embassy contesting the commentary on the photo published by your daily on April 27, 1997, illustrating the visit of James Baker to the region of North West Africa. Although your comment was factual and impartial, the Algerian ambassador allowed himself to involve explicitly Morocco in his clarification inserting some tendentious allegations which have nothing to do with the commentary contested.

Golkar supporters top traffic violations

Golkar supporters top traffic violations UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): The police have ticketed 317 election rally revelers for traffic violations, most of them from the ruling political group Golkar. Chief of Ujungpandang city police Col. Mochammad Darus said yesterday that 197 Golkar supporters would go to court for various traffic law offenses they committed on their way back from a rally.

On nonvoters

On nonvoters In democracies, failing to vote may be justified if the voter cannot find a least-worst candidate, rarely the case. In Indonesia, however, it seems some voters feel they face an election that is more festival than democracy. By not voting, it is arguable that a voter denies legitimacy to the current electoral process. A vote sacrificed now, to encouraged the authorities to hasten the democratization process, may seem a good deal, particularly if today's vote carries scant value.

Two held for illegal telecom business

Two held for illegal telecom business JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested two foreigners for allegedly running an illegal international telecommunications operation in Jakarta, causing many companies to lose about Rp 2 billion (US$833,333). Police are hunting for 13 other suspects. The city police chief, Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata, said yesterday one of the men arrested April 25 was Malaysian and the other Pakistani. They were arrested in West Jakarta.

Soebadio accused of defamation

Soebadio accused of defamation JAKARTA (JP): Former politician Soebadio Sastrosatomo has been accused of defaming President Soeharto in his book titled Era Baru, Pemimpin Baru: Badio Menolak Rekayasa Regim Orde Baru (New Era, New Leader: Badio Rejects the New Order Regime's Engineering). The Indonesian Legal Aid and Human Rights Association's executive director, Hendardi, said Wednesday that police would summon the 78-year-old former House of Representatives member next Monday.

Mahathir says deputy competent

Mahathir says deputy competent KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday he would grant full powers to his deputy Anwar Ibrahim to run the country when he goes overseas for two months later in May. Mahathir, who will visit several European nations on a work- and-vacation mission starting May 19, said he had confidence in Anwar and Malaysia's political stability.

Government should not 'mess around with Newmont'

Government should not 'mess around with Newmont' Former mining minister Mohammad Sadli believes the Busang gold mine hoax is nothing compared to the government's proposal to get a stake in another gold mine project, Batu Hijau concession, on Sumbawa Island, West Nusa Tenggara. The following is excerpts of his interview with The Jakarta Post. Question: What do you think of the findings of auditor Strathcona Mineral Services Ltd. that the Busang gold discovery was nothing but a hoax?

Four more skeletons found

Four more skeletons found MEDAN: Four more skeletons of women allegedly killed by the notorious shaman, Achmad Suradji, alias Datuk, have been found buried in a sugar plantation in Sei Semayang, North Sumatra, over the last two days. This brings to 20 the number of women's skeletons and bodies believed to have been killed by the 45-year-old Datuk. Local police officers, assisted by residents, dug up the four skeletons in separate places yesterday and Wednesday.

Campaign schedule for Indonesia for May 9, 1997:

Campaign schedule for Indonesia for May 9, 1997: Party Campaign areas Important campaigners -------------------------------------------------------------- PPP Sumatra, Bali, East and Jusuf Syakir, Tosari Widjaja, West Nusa Tenggara, Muhammad Buang, Djufrie Asmoredjo, East Timor Zarkasih Nur Golkar Java, Maluku, Irian Jaya Harmoko, Abdul Gafur, Agung Laksono, Siti Hardijanti Rukmana, Ary Mardjono, Achmad Moestahid Astari Bambang Trihatmodjo PDI Kalimantan, Sulawesi Fatimah Achmad, Yahya Theo,...

Moslems told to renew religious commitment

Moslems told to renew religious commitment JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher called on religious leader and other Indonesians Wednesday to work together to strengthen harmonious coexistence among believers of different faiths. In his address to commemorate Islamic New Year Wednesday, Tarmizi hoped that Indonesian Moslems would follow the teachings of Prophet Muhammad on harmonious and peaceful living.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 a.m. News: Lintas Nusantara 2:40 Travel: My Country 2:45 Children's Film: Animated Classic 3:10 Education Program: Tunas 3:35 Talk Show: Sambung Rasa 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Student's Quiz : Cerdas Cermat 5:10 Film 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: Ragam Irama 9:00 World News 9:30 Domestic Product Appreciation...

YLKI told to fight harder for consumer protection

YLKI told to fight harder for consumer protection JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Foundation has been urged to be more aggressive in its fight for greater consumer protection. Noted economist Didiek J. Rachbini said at a panel discussion yesterday that the Indonesian Consumers Foundation (YLKI) should pay more attention to issues which have social, economic and political implications.

Thailand, Indonesia sign Natuna gas deal

Thailand, Indonesia sign Natuna gas deal BANGKOK (Reuter): Indonesia and Thailand yesterday signed a memorandum of understanding of natural gas sales to Thailand from Indonesia's Natuna project, a statement from the state-run Petroleum Authority of Thailand (PTT) said. Thai Industry Minister Korn Dabbaransi said earlier on Wednesday that Bangkok had agreed in principle to buy natural gas from the Natuna Project and to acquire a 11-15 percent stake in the scheme.

On AIDS awareness at a price

On AIDS awareness at a price In response to the letter from Dr. Walbran from Gandhi Memorial International School (April 26, 1997) titled AIDS awareness for students at a price, we would like to clarify as follows: The University of Indonesia's School of Medicine's Pokdisus AIDS Center (located at Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital) is actively implementing three programs, i.e. research (basic science, clinical, and behavior); education; and public services, mainly in the care of AIDS patients.

Police shoot two burglars

Police shoot two burglars PASURUAN, East Java: Police shot Wednesday two of five men who had just stolen Rp 1.5 million in cash, jewelry and three cameras from a house. The head of local police subprecinct, First Lt. S. Nyoman, said the two ignored warning shots and tried to escape, Antara reported yesterday. "They broke into a house of a woman, Salkah, in the Cangkringmalang village. They tried to escape and hide despite warning shots. They are now in police detention," Nyoman said.

Jaya expects 9.24% profit growth

Jaya expects 9.24% profit growth JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Jaya Real Property projects a 9.24 percent increase in net profit to Rp 130 billion (US$54.16 million) this year from Rp 119 billion in 1996, the company's president Tanto Kurniawan said Wednesday. Tanto said the net earning per share was expected to increase to Rp 277 from last year's Rp 253. He said the property business would continue to be sluggish this year.

Bank Niaga wary of property sector

Bank Niaga wary of property sector JAKARTA (JP): An oversupply of property and customers' current low purchasing power have made the publicly-listed Bank Niaga reluctant to provide loans to the property sector. Director Paulus Wiranata said Wednesday that the slow increase in the workers' salaries -- by an average of 7 percent per annum -- had weakened their purchasing power because property prices were increasing at a higher rate.

Bank Bahari to offer 50 million shares to public

Bank Bahari to offer 50 million shares to public JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bahari will sell around 50 million new shares to the public early next month to strengthen its capital structure. Bank Bahari's president Santoso Sumali said Wednesday the new shares, which have a nominal value of Rp 500 (U.S. 20 cents) a share, would account for 19 percent of its enlarged capital.

Defendants in Islamic state case sentenced

Defendants in Islamic state case sentenced JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court sentenced has three defendants accused of taking part in the activities of an obscure organization called the Indonesian Islamic State (NII) to between nine months and one year in jail. Subaryoto, aged 35, was given one year while Yose Arman, 24, and Arysad, 24, were given nine months each yesterday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 7, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,025 0 0 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,175 0 144,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,100 0 297,000 Alumindo Perkasa 750 0 76,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,175 25 1,525,000 Anwar Sierad 825 0 211,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

Indonesian coffee comes out, but crunch seen later

Indonesian coffee comes out, but crunch seen later SINGAPORE (Reuter): Indonesian coffee production has been rising steadily over the past few weeks, but output is expected to peak towards the end of May and this may pinch supplies later in the season, traders said on Wednesday. "Coffee has been coming out quite heavily, but I think the crop season will be shorter because of a fall in production this year," a senior trader for a European commodity house said.

Aurora gold on lookout for RI gold buys

Aurora gold on lookout for RI gold buys PERTH (Reuter): Perth-based Indonesian gold miner and explorer Aurora Gold Ltd said on Wednesday that it disagreed with recent criticism of investment opportunities in the Southeast Asian country and is on the lookout to buy an operation that has annual production of about 100,000 ounces. The company's Mt Muro mine and the Busang gold fraud are both located in East Kalimantan province.