Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 June 1997

53 articles found

Jakarta Great Sales '97 opens throughout city

Jakarta Great Sales '97 opens throughout city JAKARTA (JP): Jakartans can find more tempting discounts now because Jakarta Great Sales '97 begins today at 50 shopping centers and malls in conjunction with the city's' 470th anniversary. The one-month event also simultaneously coincides with the 30th annual Jakarta Trade Fair and the annual school holidays. Discounts, which range from 5 percent to 70 percent, are offered by 1,140 vendors and retailers.

Matahari to cooperate with 1,000 small firms

Matahari to cooperate with 1,000 small firms JAKARTA (JP): PT Matahari Putra Prima, one of the country's major retail chains, said yesterday it would have established partnerships with 1,000 small entrepreneurs in Java soon. Eddy Soegiantoro, the head of Matahari's partnership program, said the publicly listed retail chain, which had partnerships with about 500 small companies, would recruit other 500 this week.

Mayor's mansion plan criticized

Mayor's mansion plan criticized PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Community leaders are criticizing the municipality's plan to construct a Rp 2.5 billion (US$1.037 million) official residence for the Pontianak mayor. Antara news agency quoted Ibrahim Saleh, an informal leader, as saying here Thursday that the city had more urgent needs such as clean water supply, sewage treatment and improving the city's roads.

PDI holds out on endorsement of poll results

PDI holds out on endorsement of poll results JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) is maintaining its threat not to approve election results because its protests over electoral violations have gone unheeded, a party official said yesterday. Secretary-general Buttu Hutapea said his party would wait until June 24 before making a final decision on whether to maintain the policy, pending a response from the Election Supervision Committee.

Soeharto arrives in Istambul for D-8 summit

Soeharto arrives in Istambul for D-8 summit ISTANBUL, Turkey (JP): Indonesian President Soeharto arrived here yesterday afternoon to attend a summit of eight developing nations tomorrow on economic cooperation projects aimed at alleviating poverty. President Soeharto, who is accompanied by Foreign Minister Ali Alatas and State Secretary/Minister Moerdiono and other senior officials, is scheduled to hold bilateral meetings with several leaders today.

'Beware of risks to MPR assembly'

'Beware of risks to MPR assembly' JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) chief, Gen. Feisal Tanjung, told the Army yesterday to prepare for the general assembly of the People's Consultative Council (MPR) next March. "Beware of a campaign to disrupt next year's general assembly of the People's Consultative Council," Feisal said during a ceremony to transfer the Army chief of staff post from Gen. R. Hartono to the newly promoted Gen. Wiranto at the Army headquarters.

Jababeka's profit rises

Jababeka's profit rises JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed industrial estates firm PT Kawasan Industri Jababeka posted a net profit of Rp 67 billion (US$27.91 million) in the first quarter of 1997, up 191 percent from Rp 23 billion in the corresponding period last year. The company said yesterday that total sales also rose to Rp 194 billion in the January to March period this year, up 148 percent from Rp 78 billion in the same period last year.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Horison, Jl. Pantai Indah, Taman Impian Jaya Ancol, North Jakarta: - The Anging Mamiri Garden: Fantastic Group from Philippines, Ever Green Hawaiian Band/Orkes Keroncong, Hula-hula Dances, every Saturday Night, 7 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. - Nelayan Bar: Sandra Lintang, Yully, Purwanto (electone & singers), Monday to Sunday, 9 p.m. to midnight. - Pondok Samudra: Dolimas Vocal Group, Saturday and Sunday, 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.

SEA Games consortium has to rent Senayan at Rp 3.5b

SEA Games consortium has to rent Senayan at Rp 3.5b JAKARTA (JP): The troubled 19th Southeast Asia (SEA) Games consortium has been struck another blow by having to pay Rp 3.5 billion (US$1.45 million) to the Gelora Senayan Management Board for renting the Senayan Sports Complex. The biennial event, which will be opened by President Soeharto on Oct. 11 and end on Oct.

Special partfolio 'won't burden state'

Special partfolio 'won't burden state' JAKARTA (JP): The government has appeased concerns that the recent creation of the office of State Minister of Special Assignments would pose a financial and bureaucratic burden on the state. State Minister of Administrative Reform T.B. Silalahi said yesterday that Harmoko, the former minister of information who assumed the new position yesterday, would not need his own personnel as he would be assisted by members of the State Secretariat.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 13, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,550 -25 79,500 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,000 0 20,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,125 25 213,000 Alumindo Perkasa 850 50 75,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,250 50 2,351,500 Anwar Sierad 950 75 2,368,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

City to police red-light parks

City to police red-light parks SURABAYA: East Java Governor Basofi Soedirman and Regional Military spokesman Brig. Gen. Muchdi have promised to clean up the city's parks which have become sexual-rendezvous venues. Antara reported Thursday that Basofi, after receiving complaints from the public, immediately instructed Surabaya Mayor Sunarto Sumoprawiro to take action to return the parks to their original function.

Optimize local resources; House

Optimize local resources; House JAKARTA (JP): Members of the House of Representatives said yesterday the government should optimize its efforts in mobilizing domestic resources and refrain from relying heavily on foreign aid. Legislator Tadjudin Noer Said of the House's Budgetary Commission said the government should not see the large amount of foreign loans Indonesia received every year as a sign of success or donors' trust in Indonesia.

Car policy talks to continue: Tungky

Car policy talks to continue: Tungky JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is determined to continue bilateral talks with Japan and the European Union (EU) on its national car policy despite the World Trade Organization's (WTO) approval of a panel to assess the issue, Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo says. Tunky said yesterday Indonesia would proceed with bilateral talks with Japan and the EU "because the panel will be held over a long period of time".

Student beaten for robbery attempt

Student beaten for robbery attempt JAKARTA (JP): A high school student was beaten by taxi drivers following his attempt to rob a Dian taxi driver in East Jakarta. The student, identified as Irman alias Cetek, 16, told police he needed money to cover daily expenses. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday that Irman got in the taxi driven by Asmui, 26, in Pondok Gede late Tuesday. "Irman made Asmui drive around as if he did not know where he was going.

Journalist dies after 'beating'

Journalist dies after 'beating' UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): The Pos Makassar weekly journalist died Wednesday in hospital with head and neck injuries, four days after his investigative reports on local government corruption were published. The journalist, Muhammad Sayuti Haji Bochari, was found lying unconscious Monday afternoon on a street in Luwu, about 400 kilometers north of here. Witnesses said Sayuti's bruises and injuries indicated that he had been beaten.

Election violence may harm govt's image: Rights body

Election violence may harm govt's image: Rights body JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights said yesterday that widespread election violence might tarnish the government as the election organizer. "The commission...

Five missing in boat sinking

Five missing in boat sinking PEKANBARU, Riau: Five people are missing after a Malaysia- bound wooden speedboat carrying 21 passengers sank on the Malacca Strait two hours after it left Jangkang village, Bengkalis Island in Riau. Antara reported yesterday that the accident took place on Tuesday night. Bengkalis port administrator Bay M. Hasani said two of the missing people were crew. The single-engine boat was thought to have sunk because of poor weather.

Court asked to acquit Iranian

Court asked to acquit Iranian JAKARTA (JP): Defense lawyers has asked the Central Jakarta District Court to acquit an Iranian citizen on trial for heroin possession. They said in their final statement on Wednesday that their client, who was charged with possessing and trafficking 155 heroin pills, was based on the fact that the prosecutor could not prove the heroin pills belonged to the defendant. And none of the witnesses could testify as to who was the real owner, they said.

UNDP praises RI success in poverty alleviation

UNDP praises RI success in poverty alleviation JAKARTA (JP): The 1997 United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) report released yesterday praises Indonesia for successfully reducing poverty and developing human resources. The report says the country reduced income poverty from about 60 percent of the population in 1970 to 11.2 percent in 1996. The UNDP's Human Development Index ranks Indonesia at 99 in the world, up from 102 last year, keeping it in the medium category.

IT project must leap cultural hurdles

IT project must leap cultural hurdles By I. Christianto SINGAPORE (JP): Social and business culture could be a hurdle to information technology (IT) as it gains a foothold in Indonesia, a telecommunications expert said here yesterday. Project manager of the research and information technology division of state-owned PT Telkom, Yogi Pratomo W, said that some aspects of the new IT "culture", such as telecommuting -- would not sit well beside Indonesia's traditional social and business practices.

Former U.S. official 'spied for Lippo'

Former U.S. official 'spied for Lippo' WASHINGTON (AFP): The key figure in a Democratic Party campaign fundraising controversy committed economic espionage and passed classified information to Indonesia's Lippo Group, a U.S. congressman said Thursday.

Mercedes expands range with Kompressor in Indonesia

Mercedes expands range with Kompressor in Indonesia By John Aglionby THE woman was undoubtedly beautiful. Her fine cheekbones offset her small, perfectly straight nose and sensual mouth. Her hair was tied back revealing a graceful neck and cute little ears. But my gaze was drawn elsewhere. For nestling between two slim, elegantly long fingers with brightly painted nails was the fattest cigar you are ever likely to see outside Cuba. The impression I made was instantaneous and unambiguous.

Air France adds flights

Air France adds flights JAKARTA (JP): Air France will increase its flights between Paris and Jakarta from four times a week to five beginning June 18, the airline said yesterday. The airline's regional manager, Christian Herpin, said the airline was increasing its flights because the number of passengers traveling between Indonesian and France had risen 10 percent. Air France carried around 17,000 passengers from Paris to Jakarta and 18,000 passengers from Jakarta to Paris last year.

Fish agency addresses complaint

Fish agency addresses complaint JAKARTA (JP): The head of the city fishery agency guaranteed fairness in allocating space in the new North Jakarta fish market to 220 regular fish vendors from the old fish market as soon as possible. He denied that the agency granted new vendors a larger space than regular auctioneers at the new Muara Angke market.

Indonesia to host 2001 World Bridge C'ships

Indonesia to host 2001 World Bridge C'ships JAKARTA (JP): The World Bridge Federation's (WBF) 2001 World Bridge Championships will be either in Jakarta or Bali. WBF decided the venue at last year's Bridge Olympiad in Greece, where Indonesia finished second behind France. The Indonesian Contract Bridge Association's Jakarta chapter will organize general National Bridge championships and National Bridge Championships for university students, to prepare for the event.

Wilde Style makes an impressive return to town

Wilde Style makes an impressive return to town By Paul Franks JAKARTA (JP): Australian band Wilde Style made an impressive return to the local music scene when they opened at B.A.T.S. Bar at The Shangri-La Friday night. Booked to play a three-month season after five months at Desperado's in Surabaya, Wilde Style were quickly into the groove in their first performance in Jakarta since 1995.

'Public will judge' govt's reaction to PPP's protests

'Public will judge' govt's reaction to PPP's protests JAKARTA (JP): The United Development Party's (PPP) secretary- general said yesterday the public would judge the government by its response to growing protests over vote-rigging and election irregularities. "People will just judge for themselves if the government decides to ignore the blatant and shameless election fraud," secretary-general Tosari Widjaya said.

SSI considers buying 500 hectares to expand

SSI considers buying 500 hectares to expand JAKARTA (JP): PT Surya Semesta Internusa (SSI) is considering buying about 500 hectares in Karawang, West Java, next year to expand its industrial estate project. The publicly listed industrial estate developer's vice president, Johannes Suriadjaya, said here yesterday it would buy the land in the first semester next year. He said the firm would spend between Rp 125 billion (US$52.08 million) and Rp 150 billion on the land.

Expats prefer scenery over beaches: Study

Expats prefer scenery over beaches: Study BANDUNG (JP): Most expatriates living in Jakarta prefer going to places that have beautiful scenery and cultural heritage than going to beaches, Mira T. Gunawan of Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB) said yesterday. Mira said that a study, conducted by ITB's Tourism Research Center, showed that scenery was classified as ranking first, followed by cultural performances and historical sites, in expatriates' destination choices during holidays.

Overseas lobbies are needed

Overseas lobbies are needed It seems that the voices of criticism aimed at Indonesia are increasing in the United States Congress, with members, from House of Representatives Chairman Newt Gingrich to politicians such as Senator Pacheco joining in the chorus. American foreign policy is no longer an element of that country's "federal policy" only. Instead, each state has the autonomy to act on its own. The good thing about this new phenomenon in the U.S.

Tosin knows who's who after 40 years at court

Tosin knows who's who after 40 years at court JAKARTA (JP): If you have to go to Central Jakarta District Court sometime, it might help to look up an old man who has known who's who at the court for the past 40 years. M. Tosin Atmawinata, 68, a helper at the court, has worked there since 1950. For the past 12 years he said he has lived at the courthouse, lacking money to rent a home.

ASEAN to draft 2020 economic vision

ASEAN to draft 2020 economic vision JAKARTA (JP): Economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are to hold a one-day informal meeting here today to draft an economic vision for ASEAN in 2020. Sources close to the meeting said the drafted "vision" would focus on ASEAN in 2020, forging a partnership in dynamic development. The vision will map out a guideline for creating an efficient economic region.

Importers unhappy with free storage time cut

Importers unhappy with free storage time cut JAKARTA (JP): Importers are unhappy with the government's decision to cut the time containers can be stored for free at the city's Tanjung Priok port, from five days to three days, but a local shipping line welcomes it. Chairman of the Indonesian Importers Association, Amirudin Saud, said yesterday that costs to importers would increase, but the port's container pile-up would not be reduced under the plan.

Workers' rights hit by markets, labor bodies say

Workers' rights hit by markets, labor bodies say GENEVA (Reuter): The world's largest labor group said yesterday workers' rights were under fierce assault around the world as employers drive to exploit free markets and economic globalization to push up profits. Although a report from the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) pointed to China, Colombia and Indonesia as among the worst offenders, it also asserted that abuse was frequent in the United States.

U.S. Congress' amendment

U.S. Congress' amendment The amendment that was passed by the United States House of Representatives should not be interpreted too broadly in its condemnation of Indonesia. The amendment to the Foreign Policy Reform Act was in fact a Sense of Congress Amendment. Many of these types of amendments are passed during each congressional session and attempt to reflect congressional opinion rather than a legal position.

Bankers welcome govt's plan to merge state-owned banks

Bankers welcome govt's plan to merge state-owned banks JAKARTA (JP): Bankers welcomed yesterday the government's plan to merge the seven state banks, and asked it to merge private banks too, to improve their competitiveness. Abdullah Ali, president of Bank Central Asia -- the country's largest privately owned bank --, and Bangun S. Kusmulyono, president of Bank Nusa International, agreed that the government's plan would create a healthy banking industry.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 a.m. News: Lintas Nusantara 2:40 Travel: My Country 2:45 Children's Film: Road to Avonlea 3:10 Culture Program: Reog dalam Pentas Budaya Bangsa 3:35 Tour and Travel: Wisata Nasional 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Sports 5:25 Science Program: Science World 5:30 TV Series 5:55 Music 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 TV Drama: Losmen Pak Jono 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Saturday Night Music 9:00...

Eight questioned for stoning toll booths

Eight questioned for stoning toll booths JAKARTA (JP): Police questioned eight men yesterday after angry motorcycle taxi (ojek) drivers stoned toll booths and cars on the Jati Bening toll road in Bekasi Thursday night. At least four toll booths were smashed and the windows of a police car shattered before riot police took control. Witnesses told police that dozens of ojek drivers became angry around 7 p.m.

Man arrested for killing daughter

Man arrested for killing daughter JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested a man for beating his 13- year-old daughter to death because she tried to wake him up. The man, Jumadi, a bajaj (three-wheeled taxi) driver aged in his 40s, from South Jakarta, was arrested at the Sarinah shopping center on Jl. M.H. Thamrin, Central Jakarta on Wednesday. South Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Sisno Adiwinoto said Jumadi had been on the run since March 4 when the murder took place.

Malaysian kids told to stay inside

Malaysian kids told to stay inside KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The Malaysian government told 40,000 infants in the eastern Sarawak state on Borneo island yesterday to stay indoors as the death toll from an airborne viral attack rose to 25. The ministry also ordered that contact with children below two years be limited to reduce their exposure to potential sources of the Coxsackie virus B, said Health Minister Chua Jui Meng.

City, universities must boost cooperation: Rais

City, universities must boost cooperation: Rais BANDUNG (JP): The Jakarta municipality and universities need to strengthen cooperation to help detect new developments within society, Deputy Governor for Economic and Development Affairs Tb.M. Rais said. He said that strengthening such cooperation was important because the municipality did not have enough facilities or human resources to detect all new developments by itself.

Coping with a larger family

Coping with a larger family Now that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has given a new slant to the meaning of noninterference by admitting Burma (Myanmar) as one of its three new members, the next steps are eagerly awaited.

Timor car

Timor car I can agree with M. Sulhan Askandar (Timor sedan, Letter, June 9, 1997) on one point, namely, if public servants in government are going to be obliged to prop up the flagging sales of the Timor sedan by using it in preference to other makes, the obligation should apply at all levels. But in other respects I think his views are somewhat blinkered. From his letter, one might be led to believe that, as a patriotic Indonesian, he owns or intends to own a Timor.

Late treasurer's family denies charges in toll road robbery

Late treasurer's family denies charges in toll road robbery BOGOR (JP): The family of a late treasurer shot dead in a robbery last year denied Thursday charges that the victim was involved in planning the crime. Zaenuddin Lesmana, a treasurer in a land appropriation business group, was shot on Jagorawi toll road on Oct. 11 last year. Two defendants on trial recently told Bogor District Court that Zaenuddin planned the robbery with them.

Pelangi Air serves Medan

Pelangi Air serves Medan JAKARTA (JP): Pelangi Air of Malaysia is now serving the Medan to Ipoh in Malaysia route daily, Antara reported yesterday. A travel agency executive, Syamsir Alamsyah, said in Medan that via Ipoh, travelers could reach Kuala Lumpur by bus in two hours, faster than a four-hour bus trip from Penang to the Malaysian capital. According Syamsir, Medan residents could now fly to Malaysia via Ipoh and Penang without paying exit tax. (13)

Police arrest 50 three-in-one passengers

Police arrest 50 three-in-one passengers JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested at least 50 people, mostly teenagers, offering their services as passengers for a fee during restricted traffic hours. In line with an existing three-in-one traffic regulation, a car is only allowed to enter major thoroughfares, including Jl. Jend. Sudirman, Jl. M.H. Thamrin and Jl. Gatot Subroto, if it has at least three passengers. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. E.

Maids and feudalism

Maids and feudalism "If you always behave like that, it means you still retain the feudalistic manners that the Dutch used toward us," a friend once accused his parents for repeatedly treating their housemaids rudely. There have been plenty of stories circulating about domestic helpers in our country. On the one hand, we often hear people's complaints about how their maids lack responsibility in doing their jobs.

Protest turns violent in Jember

Protest turns violent in Jember JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of people were injured yesterday in the East Java town of Jember when a street protest over election results turned violent. Sources in the small town, about 200 kilometers southeast of Surabaya, said the violence broke out shortly after about 300 people had begun marching towards the Jember administration's office after Friday prayers. The protesters were demanding discussions on a revote.

Col. Salamat installed as East Timor military chief

Col. Salamat installed as East Timor military chief DILI, East Timor (JP): Col. Salamat Sidabutar took over his new post as chief of the Wiradharma military command yesterday and pledged to crack down harder on Fretilin separatists. Salamat, who replaced Col. Mahidin Simbolon, received a command baton from the Udayana regional military chief of staff, Brig. Gen. Syahrir M.S., who led a hand-over ceremony on behalf of the region's military commander, Maj. Gen. Abdul Rivai.

Jiang to attend HK handover

Jiang to attend HK handover By Harvey Stockwin HONG KONG (JP): Seventeen days before Hong Kong formally becomes part of China, full details of the handover ceremony have yet to be agreed between the Britain and China.

One wounded in shooting

One wounded in shooting DENPASAR, Bali: Roadside vendor Wayan Pasek Samiada was rushed to Sanglah Hospital after he was hit by a stray bullet when an unknown, gun-wielding man fired after an escaping pickpocket in Kuta. Antara quoted Badung police chief Lt. Col. Paulus Purwoko Thursday as saying that an examination of the projectile showed the gun could not have belonged to a policeman. The news agency said that the incident took place when a pickpocket tried to rob a tourist, Tracy Jane, on Jl.

Students mobbed for robbery

Students mobbed for robbery JAKARTA (JP): Three university students were mobbed by residents and passersby for robbing a woman of some cash on Jl. Adityawarman in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta on Thursday. South Jakarta Police Chief Lt. Col. Sisno Adiwinoto said the students, Drajat, 21, Dedi, 21, and Ap, 23, drove a sedan and approached the woman, Rohati, 49, a resident of Jl. Cipadu in Ciledug, South Jakarta.