Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 19 July 1997

62 articles found

Bank employee, housewife arrested in Rp 1.5b scam

Bank employee, housewife arrested in Rp 1.5b scam JAKARTA (JP): A state-owned bank in Central Jakarta was hit by bogus transfer orders with a combined value of Rp 1.5 billion (US$612,244) issued between 1993 and 1995, a police officer said yesterday. A bank employee and a housewife allegedly involved in the scam, identified respectively as IL and MR, were being detained by police, City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said. He declined to name the bank in fear of ruining its credibility.

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 Teenagers' Program: Vokal Grup SMU 3:35 Travel: Wisata Nasional 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Sports 5:25 Variety Show: Country Tracks 5:30 TV Series: Emergency Call 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 7:35 TV Drama: Losmen Pak Jono 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Variety Show: Dibalik Kreasi 9:00...

Student denies role in fatal beating

Student denies role in fatal beating JAKARTA (JP): A senior high school student denied in court yesterday that he beat another student during an interschool brawl in Central Jakarta last December. Mahesa Chandra Tambunan, 18, who is being tried with six other students, objected to a statement by a police officer who said Mahesa took part in the beating of another student from a rival school -- which led to the latter's death.

Albright to visit Singapore

Albright to visit Singapore SINGAPORE (DPA): U.S. Secretary of State Madeline Albright plans to visit Singapore July 29 to July 30 to review her country's relations with the island nation, an American embassy official said yesterday. Albright's trip marks the first visit of a U.S. secretary of state to Singapore during the administration of President Bill Clinton. Washington officials said Albright would use the visit to explain U.S.

Try wants top graduates to join civil service

Try wants top graduates to join civil service JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno expressed concern yesterday that too few of the country's best graduates were entering the civil service, preferring instead to join the private sector. "We also need high quality youths to dedicate themselves to the state apparatus (civil service).

SEA Games merchandising expected to rise Rp 500m

SEA Games merchandising expected to rise Rp 500m JAKARTA (JP): Merchandising for the 19th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games is expected to collect Rp 500 million (US$204,082) in three months but the Games consortium is not optimistic about sales. The consortium's promotion and business deputy, Enggartiasto Lukita, said yesterday the consortium was not expecting much in the way of sales. "We're using the products only to support the Games, not to make a profit. As long as they are sold, we're happy.

Bank of Korea pumps $550m into market

Bank of Korea pumps $550m into market SEOUL (AFP): The central bank said yesterday it had pumped another 490 billion won (US$550 million) into South Korea's financial system to ease a liquidity squeeze caused by Kia Group's woes. The amount supplied through repurchase agreements was in addition to the one trillion won the central Bank of Korea (BOK) injected, also through repurchase agreements immediately after Kia Group was put under bank protection July 15.

KL relaxes property rules

KL relaxes property rules KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's Acting Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said yesterday the government would rules over property buyers to allow foreign investors to purchase office and shopping complexes. "I have asked the foreign investment committee to give more flexibility to allow foreigners to buy properties including condominiums within the city limits," he told reporters here.

Timor Putra ceases imports

Timor Putra ceases imports JAKARTA: Indonesia's national carmaker, PT Timor Putra National, has almost ended imports of finished cars duty free from South Korea. The company will now concentrate on building its own cars. Timor Putra has permission from the government to import 45,000 cars without tariff, but the company will stop somewhat short of 40,000. Halting the imports early may be out of consideration to Japan over its protests over the national car plan.

Kia's crisis may affect Timor car program, says Saleh Afiff

Kia's crisis may affect Timor car program, says Saleh Afiff JAKARTA (JP): The on-going financial crisis within South Korea's Kia Motors Corp, may affect Indonesia's national car program, says Coordinating Minister for Economic and Finance Saleh Afiff. But auto analyst Suhari Sargo said he was confident Kia would maintain its highly profitable cooperation with program carrier PT Timor Putra Nasional.

City urges big contractors to help small firms

City urges big contractors to help small firms JAKARTA (JP): The city government has threatened to cancel its projects currently being handled by large contractors unless they cooperate with small contractors and cooperatives. They could also be barred from taking part in future tenders for government projects, a statement citing Harun Al Rasyid, head of the city administration's Prequalification Committee, said.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Planet Hollywood, Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav. 16, South Jakarta, Music Hours, Wednesday to Sunday, 9.30 p.m. onwards: Tricia Tahara, an American Singer. Top Classic Rock Music, every Thursday. Flashback night features old time favorite songs, every Friday. * Jamz, Jl. Panglima Polim Raya. No. LMN 11, South Jakarta, at 9.30 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Harvey M, Benny L & Co, Monday. Benny L & Co, Dixie Night, Tuesday. Indra, Jamz Session, Wednesday. Wachdach Band, Thursday.

Bogor market renovation to start soon

Bogor market renovation to start soon BOGOR (JP): Reconstruction of the Kebon Kembang Market, which was gutted by a large fire in March last year, will begin next month and should be completed by January 1999, a private developer appointed to carry out the project said yesterday. "The project will cost about Rp 44.5 billion (US$18 million)," PT Propindo Mulya Utama director for general affairs, Eric Wirawan Suganda, said.

ASEAN envoys start talks with Ranariddh

ASEAN envoys start talks with Ranariddh BANGKOK (Agencies): Cambodia's ousted First Prime Minister Prince Norodom Ranariddh began talks with envoys from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) yesterday, which has launched shuttle diplomacy aimed at resolving Cambodia's latest crisis. Prince Ranariddh was to meet Thai Foreign Minister Prachuab Chaiyasarn, his Indonesian counterpart Ali Alatas, and Philippine Foreign Minister Domingo Siazon.

Singaporeans taking up Jakarta condominiums

Singaporeans taking up Jakarta condominiums JAKARTA (JP): Many Singaporeans are taking advantage of the low prices of new condominiums in Jakarta, a leading developer said yesterday. PT Dewata Wibawa, which is developing Four Seasons Regent Residences located in Jakarta's Golden Triangle, said Singaporeans form the largest group of foreign buyers of its condos that have been put up for sale. Singaporeans comprise 14 percent of all buyers in Towers I, II and III, the company said in a statement.

Bank customer complain to police

Bank customer complain to police JAKARTA (JP): City Police have asked representatives of the Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi city office to appear at City Police Headquarters to settle a complaint from one of its customers, an officer said. City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday the request was made after a bank customer, Johari Bowo, reported to police that the bank, located on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta, allegedly did not respond to his complaint.

Extensive military reshuffle

Extensive military reshuffle JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) unveiled yesterday a massive leadership reshuffle in the Army, Navy, Air Force and National Police. Armed Forces Spokesman Brig. Gen. Slamet Supriadi told a press conference yesterday that the reshuffle affected 298 high-ranking officials in the four military corps. He said a decree on the reshuffle had been signed by Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung on July 14. He did not say when the transfer of duties would occur.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 18, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,175 25 107,000 AHAP Insurance 2,500 -300 20,000 Alter Abadi 1,025 0 50,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,350 -50 6,820,000 Alumindo Perkasa 900 0 16,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,550 50 945,500 Anwar Sierad 1,100 -50 992,000 Apac Centertex Corp.

Rumania and RI eye cooperation

Rumania and RI eye cooperation JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto and Rumanian President Emil Constantinescu held bilateral talks yesterday morning aimed at strengthening economic and political ties. In their 90-minute talks the two leaders underlined the importance of private sector participation, and exchange visits by officials in strengthening economic bonds. Accompanied by their ministers, the two leaders also briefed each other their domestic affairs.

Air crash death toll rises to 29

Air crash death toll rises to 29 JAKARTA (JP): The death toll from Thursday's aircraft crash near Bandung rose to 29 yesterday evening when a passenger, Yeshi, died in hospital here. Sempati Air emergency center coordinator Adi Agung said his company had arranged to send Yeshi's body back to her hometown of Padang, West Sumatra. Earlier the center reported that 28 people, five crew and 23 passengers, of the 50 people on board had died.

Fall in number of women councilors 'saddening'

Fall in number of women councilors 'saddening' JAKARTA (JP): A noted scholar lamented yesterday the decrease in women councilors from 12 during the previous term to eight. All 75 new councilors were sworn in by chief of the Jakarta High Court, Soegiarto, on behalf of Chief Justice Sarwata, in a special plenary session yesterday. Saparinah Sadli, chairperson of the Women Studies Program at the University of Indonesia's Post Graduate School, said the decrease in women councilors was "saddening".

Lone gets results from Tarra

Lone gets results from Tarra SYDNEY (Reuter): Lone Star Exploration NL said yesterday it had significant gold and base metal results from its Tarra prospect north of the Awak Mas deposit in Indonesia. "A total of 96 continuous five metre composite channel samples were collected which defined a significant west-north-westerly gold anomaly," Lone Star said.

East Timor blossoms after 21 years of integration

East Timor blossoms after 21 years of integration Text and photos by IGN Oka Budhi Yogaswara DILI, East Timor (JP): Indonesia's youngest province this week celebrated its 21st anniversary of integration with Indonesia. After four-and-a-half centuries as a Portuguese colony, East Timor was integrated into Indonesia on July 17, 1976. The world hears much about East Timor but too often it is the negative side, such as sporadic violence and the Fretilin guerrillas' separatist struggle.

Some E. Timorese youths 'ignore benefits'

Some E. Timorese youths 'ignore benefits' DILI, East Timor (JP): Joao Delfino da Silva, one of the surviving local elders who helped East Timor integrate into Indonesia in 1976, said last week that some youths were anti-Indonesia because of their ignorance. "They know nothing about the history of integration because they were not born at the time," he told The Jakarta Post. The youths did not understand that integration meant liberating East Timorese from Portuguese colonial rule, he said.

Families fetch dead relatives at Halim

Families fetch dead relatives at Halim JAKARTA (JP): A heart-wrenching drama unfolded at Halim Perdana Kusuma Airport yesterday as the families of 20 of the victims of Thursday's airplane crash in Bandung gathered for the arrival of their relatives' coffins. The wife of Capt. FX Bambang Rudi Santoso, the pilot of the ill-fated Sempati flight SG304, who came all the way from the Yogyakarta to collect her husband's body, became hysterical when she saw his coffin.

MPR/DPR chairman

MPR/DPR chairman From Merdeka Hectic discussions on the future chairman of the People's Consultative Assembly/House of Representatives (MPR/DPR) make people feel dissatisfied, because contrary to past elections, candidates for the seat have been earmarked this year. The names most quoted are Harmoko, Syarwan Hamid, etc.

PLN secures power supply with new Paiton transformer

PLN secures power supply with new Paiton transformer PAITON, East Java (JP): State-owned electricity company PLN will install a second giant transformer to secure the electricity supply from Paiton power complex into the Java and Bali power grids. PLN's operation chief of East Java and Nusatenggara Power Network and Generation, Willem D.

Protests over national car

Protests over national car JAKARTA: About 50 Indonesians protested last week in front of the Japanese Embassy in Jakarta over the country's national car policy. They called on the Japanese Government not to interfere in Indonesia's national car policy.

Vietnam faces tough job over Cambodia

Vietnam faces tough job over Cambodia By Serguei Blagov HANOI (DPA): Vietnam is anxious to avoid a semblance of involvement in the current Cambodian struggles but Hanoi's muted support for Hun Sen fuels rather than helps dismiss speculation, say analysts. Vietnam really needs to do something now in order not to be viewed by the outside world as, once again, being involved in Cambodia, said a Hanoi-based diplomat.

Telecoms tennis opened

Telecoms tennis opened JAKARTA (JP): The minister of tourism, post and telecommunications, Joop Ave, and the Indonesian Tennis Association's chairman, Sarwono Kusumaatmadja, opened the 1997 Telecommunications Tennis championships at the Senayan tennis complex yesterday. Twenty-eight companies are participating in the event which features under-70-year-old-doubles, the 71 years old to 80 years old doubles and over-81-year-old-doubles.

ASEAN and the Cambodian crisis

ASEAN and the Cambodian crisis By Rizal Sukma JAKARTA (JP): In a special meeting of Foreign Ministers on July 10 in Kuala Lumpur, ASEAN finally came to the conclusion that the time has not yet come for Cambodia to join ASEAN. The outbreak of armed conflict between the two prime ministers, Hun Sen and Norodom Ranariddh, has plunged the country once again into a crisis. This development has been unfortunate.

Raising the NTCR price

Raising the NTCR price From Republika Recent reports revealed that the former head of the Regency Religious Office in Purbalingga, Central Java, was taken to court for allegedly increasing the marriage, repudiation, divorce and reconciliation (NTCR) price from Rp 10,000 to Rp 35,000. This is indeed extraordinary. Why didn't the public complain about it? It was a corrupt practice, and undermined the image of the office.

46 women to compete in Governor's Cup tennis

46 women to compete in Governor's Cup tennis JAKARTA (JP): Forty-six tennis players from 11 countries will compete in the women's international tournament at Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, from July 19 to July 27. The tournament is part of the annual Jakarta Governor's Cup. Governor Suryadi Soedirdja will open the eight-day tournament. The 11 countries are Australia, Chinese Taipei, India, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Sweden, Thailand, Uzbekistan and Indonesia.

Border meeting to be held

Border meeting to be held JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The Indonesia-Papua New Guinea border liaison meeting is scheduled to take place in Biak regency here from July 21 to July 24, Antara reported yesterday. The Irian Jaya administration's official in charge of border affairs, F.X. Suryanto Sri Wardoyo, said the Biak meeting aimed to discuss social, economic and trade issues, as well as border issues.

RI fishermen detained

RI fishermen detained BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Thirteen fishermen missing since early last month are reportedly being detained in the Nicobar Islands for illegally entering Indian waters. Antara quoted Sabang police chief Lt. Col. Enjang Sudrajat as saying the fishermen, from Weh Island in Sabang and Meulaboh in West Aceh, were arrested by a Port Blair patrol. One of the men, M.

A game called raid

A game called raid Overpopulation and urbanization problems continue to be a headache for the Jakarta administration. Today, the city is still looking for an effective and humanistic solution. The problem is not only due to imbalanced development in many regions and the population's high mobility, but also due to the Jakarta administration's poor implementation of its operation by public order officers.

Choreography competition

Choreography competition JAKARTA (JP): Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (GKJ), the Jakarta Performing Arts Theater, will hold a dance choreography competition from Aug. 1 to Aug. 5. Vice chairman of GKJ, Husein Wijaya, told a press conference yesterday that the competition was mainly aimed at seeking new talent from the Indonesian dance world. Husein said about 94 dance groups from throughout the country would participate at the competition.

Kobe makes air compressors

Kobe makes air compressors TOKYO (Reuter): Kobe Steel Ltd said on Friday that its wholly owned subsidiary in Singapore began production of screw air compressors in July to be sold in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Hong Kong and southern China. The subsidiary, Kobe International (S) Co Pte Ltd (KISCO), is the first company to make screw air compressors in Southeast Asia, Kobe Steel said in a statement.

Borrow with caution

Borrow with caution The new loan recently approved by the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI) is the 30th since the aid consortium -- formerly known as the Inter-Governmental Group on Indonesia (IGGI) -- began giving out loans to Indonesia. There is no need to mention the amount involved; the important thing to note is the fact that our government loans have been constantly increasing.

'Bubbleogist' forms circle of fun

'Bubbleogist' forms circle of fun By Yenni Kwok JAKARTA (JP): The children went ooh and aah as the man in black fascinated them with his bubble mastery. He put bubbles inside bubbles. He pulled out a smaller bubble from a bigger one, without destroying anything. He even pulled a child onto the stage, trying to shell him with a giant bubble. Meet Fan Yang, hailed as "the Master of Bubbles". His black outfit makes him look more like a magician than a physics enthusiast.

Legislator defends RP executions

Legislator defends RP executions MANILA (DPA): A Philippine legislator assured critics of the death penalty yesterday that the country's capital punishment law contained safety provisions against reckless sentencing. The remarks by Senator Ernesto Herrera, author of the law re- instating capital punishment in 1994, came as opposition mounted against the first execution scheduled for next year.

Indonesian coffee output may drop 30 percent

Indonesian coffee output may drop 30 percent LONDON (Reuter): A consensus is emerging among coffee exporters that the Indonesian robusta coffee crop is at least 30 percent lower in 1997/98 than a year earlier, UK trade house E D & F Man said yesterday. Total 1996/97 production, including arabicas, is estimated at 7.0 million bags, so a 30 percent fall in robusta production would cut the current crop to below 5.0 million bags, it said in its June/July coffee report.

ADB chief due here

ADB chief due here JAKARTA (JP): Asian Development Bank (ADB) president Mitsuo Sato will arrive here on Sunday for an official five-day visit. During his visit, Sato will meet President Soeharto, the Minister of Finance, Coordinating Minister for Production and Distribution, Central Bank Governor and Deputy-Chairman of the National Development Planning Board.

Two dies in diarrhea outbreak

Two dies in diarrhea outbreak KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: An outbreak of diarrhea in Sabu Island has killed two people and affected 53 others, Antara quoted health official Dr. Agus Berek as saying yesterday. The 53 affected residents are in hospital. A medical team has been sent to stop the outbreak spreading. Many people attribute the outbreak to the prolonged drought. (swe)

Rebel member shot dead in East Timor attack

Rebel member shot dead in East Timor attack DILI, East Timor (JP): About 20 armed men, believed to be Fretilin separatists, attacked the 713th Territorial Battalion's barracks Wednesday in Purugua village, Bobonaro regency, some 80 kilometers west of here. One rebel died in the clash. He was identified as Mauleqi, 50. He was found with a Mauser gun, 43 bullets and Rp 46,000 (US$19) in cash. East Timor's Wiradharma military commander Col.

Bank Bali's Olympic Visa

Bank Bali's Olympic Visa JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bali in cooperation with Kodak, Coca Cola, Mc Donald's and Awani Dream cruise ship has issued a Bali Visa Nagano credit card in anticipation of next year's winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan. The new credit card, bearing special Olympic designs, will be launched tonight on the Awani Dream cruiseship. Bank Bali's chief general manager for credit cards, Georgino Godong, said yesterday the card issuance was part of the bank's move toward retail banking.

British export of jets to Indonesia to go ahead

British export of jets to Indonesia to go ahead LONDON (AFP): The British export of fighter jets to Indonesia is to go ahead, it was reported yesterday, despite a warning from London that arms supplies will be cut if Jakarta does not improve its human rights record.

75 new members of City Council installed

75 new members of City Council installed JAKARTA (JP): Seventy-five new members of the City Council were officially installed in a special plenary session yesterday. All new members were sworn in by chief of the Jakarta High Court, Soegiarto, on behalf of Chief Justice Sarwata. The session was attended by Governor Surjadi Soedirdja, on behalf of Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M., and other Jakarta high-ranking officials, including deputy governors and mayors.

SE Asian currencies plunge, rupiah low

SE Asian currencies plunge, rupiah low SINGAPORE (AFP): Key Southeast Asian currencies plunged yesterday with the Indonesian rupiah hitting an all-time low and no immediate relief in sight for the regional currency turmoil, dealers said. "One thing we can see from this recent weakness is that the whole episode has not blown over yet," Andy Tan, general manager of U.S. investment house MMS International, told AFP.

Defender set to march into town

Defender set to march into town By John Aglionby LAND ROVER is going to launch its Defender in Indonesia in the first half of next year, according to a source within the automotive industry. The source, who asked for anonymity, said: "Land Rover is looking to import its Defenders some time in the first semester of next year. However no date has been fixed." He added that they would be imported in completely knockdown form and then assembled here. Few of the parts would be made locally.

Big bonus for outgoing East Java councilors

Big bonus for outgoing East Java councilors SURABAYA (JP): All 100 East Java provincial councilors ended their five-year term yesterday with lucrative bonuses from the local administration. The legislative body's former chairman, Trimarjono, said that each councilor would receive a 70-square-meter house built on a 400-square-meter plot in Surabaya's neighboring town of Sidoarjo, plus Rp 70 million (US$29,200) in cash.

Economists credit govt policy for higher foreign aid

Economists credit govt policy for higher foreign aid JAKARTA (JP): Economists said overseas donors' decision to increase aid to Indonesia reflected international confidence in Indonesia's economy. The head of the National Private Banks Association supervisory board, I Nyoman Moena, said Indonesia had convinced donor countries and organizations that it could manage the loans prudently.

Arrogant officials in ID operation to be punished

Arrogant officials in ID operation to be punished JAKARTA (JP): The head of the City Population Agency, Soemarto, said yesterday that he would punish his subordinates who were found guilty of asking for people's travel documents during an identification card operation. Soemarto made the remark after attending an installation ceremony for new City Council members. He said there was no regulation which stipulated that people from other cities had to bring travel documents to enter Jakarta.

Stronger response on Cambodia wanted

Stronger response on Cambodia wanted Australia's reaction to Hun Sen's actions has been weak. Canberra did condemn Hun Sen's violent overthrow of the democratically elected prime minister. But the reaction of some other nations is instructive the U.S. immediately suspended all aid to Cambodia for a month while it reviews the situation; Germany, another substantial donor, suspended its aid.

Radio journalist murdered

Radio journalist murdered JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A local journalist for the state radio station RRI, Wempy A. Thessia, was stabbed to death Thursday afternoon at the Entrop bus terminal in South Jayapura. Antara said police had arrested a 36-year-old man who witnesses said stabbed the journalist several times with a traditional Buginese knife. The suspect, identified as S.D.A, reportedly followed Wempy from his office on Jl.

Police continue search for boat victims

Police continue search for boat victims MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Police said yesterday they were continuing to search for victims of the ill-fated Peldatari I boat which sank Sunday in Lake Toba, because many people were still unaccounted for. The North Sumatra Police had received reports from 67 people who believed they had relatives on that boat, Chief Spokesman Lt. Col. Amrin Karim told The Jakarta Post.

'Operation' ID

'Operation' ID I would like to share my opinion concerning the ID card operation conducted in Jakarta a few days ago. I can't fully comprehend the way the raid was conducted; passersby and public transport passengers were stopped and they were required to present their Greater Jakarta IDs, or they would have to pay fines. Some people from out of town who happened to spend their holiday here were netted for failure to show IDs of proper travel documents. I don't understand this.

U.S. nuke tests criticized

U.S. nuke tests criticized JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government called on the United States yesterday to review its decision to conduct subcritical nuclear weapons tests, saying it contradicts the spirit of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT). The Indonesian foreign ministry expressed "deep concern" over the United States' latest subcritical test on July 2. "The Indonesian government urges the U.S.

Youngest province set for investors

Youngest province set for investors By Imanuddin DILI, East Timor (JP): Twenty-one years after it was integrated into Indonesia on July 17, 1976, the former Portuguese colony of East Timor can no longer be considered an isolated territory. The United Nations still recognizes Portugal as the administrative power here, but Jakarta is extending itself to speed up development programs in the province.

Salim's Indofood deal 'indicates its inconsistency'

Salim's Indofood deal 'indicates its inconsistency' JAKARTA (JP): Salim group's plan to sell Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa's 50.1 percent share of Indofood shows inconsistencies in the group's restructuring program, securities analysts said. Sigma Research Institute head Jasso Winarto said here yesterday that the sale plan proved the group's restructuring program did not give "a good synergy and profit result".

Soeharto welcomes US$5.3 billion CGI aid pledge

Soeharto welcomes US$5.3 billion CGI aid pledge JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday welcomed the US$5.3 billion aid pledged for this year by donor governments and international lending agencies under the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI). Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad, quoting Soeharto, said Indonesia was grateful for the international community's continued trust.

Credit card crimes

Credit card crimes I would like to thank you for your article Credit body seeks firm laws (July 16) which referred to the Indonesian Credit Card Association. While the article generally reflected what was said during the question and answer session accurately, there was one particular statement in the fifth paragraph, first line, which needs clarification.