Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 July 1997

46 articles found

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. News: Lintas Nusantara 2:40 Travel: My Country 2:45 Cartoon Film: Silvan 3:10 TV Drama: Diantara Kita 3:35 Religious Teachings: Buddha 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Creative Program: Karya Tepat Guna 5:00 Indonesian Lessons 5:25 Variety Show: Music City Today 5:30 Science and Technology 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 Development Program: Lemhanas 8:00 New: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Music:...

Currency crisis threatens tropical commodities' prices

Currency crisis threatens tropical commodities' prices LONDON (AFP): The currency turmoil sweeping through Southeast Asia grabbed the attention of dealers on the global markets for tropical commodities such as rubber, cocoa and sugar cane. This region of the world accounts for two-thirds of the world's total rubber output. Indonesia and Malaysia are among the leading producers of cocoa beans and Thailand exports more sugar than Cuba.

Our civil service

Our civil service There can be no question about the validity of Vice President Try Sutrisno's recent call for young and bright Indonesians to dedicate themselves more to their country's civil service. "Facing the increasingly heavy challenges of the future, the need to develop human resources in various fields ... must coincide with the acquirement of high quality people in the bureaucracy," the Vice President told participants at the Indonesian Hindu Youths Organization congress Friday.

Five paintings will represent RI in ASEAN Art Awards

Five paintings will represent RI in ASEAN Art Awards By Astri Wright UBUD, Bali (JP): Paintings by five artists, which last week won this year's Indonesian Art Awards, will represent Indonesia at the ASEAN Art Awards 1997 in Manila in September.

Dossier on Arta Prima scam

Dossier on Arta Prima scam JAKARTA (JP): The City Police is scheduled to hand over the dossier of one of the seven suspects in the Bank Arta Prima Rp 1.2 trillion (US$516 million) scam to the Provincial Prosecutor's Office this week, an officer said. Chief of City Police Detectives Col. Gories Mere said over the weekend that the investigation was nearly completed but declined to give further details or name the suspect whose dossier was being prepared.

CGI no Santa Claus

CGI no Santa Claus The increase in the Consultative Group on Indonesia's (CGI) loans to Indonesia came as something of a surprise. At its meeting in Tokyo on Thursday, the group approved US$5.3 billion in loans to Indonesia. In money and percentage terms the increase may not be that big. But considering the prevailing situation, the increase seems significant. Many observers had doubted Indonesia could get at least the same amount as in previous years. They were apprehensive for two reasons.

Hope emerges in divided Myanmar

Hope emerges in divided Myanmar By Deborah Charles BANGKOK (Reuter): The first meeting in two years between a top Myanmar military general and leaders of Aung San Suu Kyi's opposition party is a key step towards improving relations between the two sides, diplomats and a government official said last Friday. Lt. Gen.

Tax hurts cacao exports

Tax hurts cacao exports JAKARTA (JP): The reimposition of a local tax on cacao bean exports in Central Sulawesi in April has led to a drastic fall in exports, Antara said yesterday. Achrul Udaya, Palu branch manager of the state-owned surveyor company Sucofindo, told the news agency that many exporters had said they were quitting the export business altogether unless the provincial administration waived the tax. He called on the administration to reconsider the tax.

Guns silent in RP on eve of cease-fire

Guns silent in RP on eve of cease-fire COTABATO, Philippines (AFP): The guns were silent yesterday on the eve of a cease-fire between the government and Moslem separatist rebels in the southern Philippines, officials said. Military officials and leaders of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) said there had been no reports of further clashes, a day after both forces exchanged a barrage of mortar fire in the town of Buldon outside this city.

North Sulawesi accidents costly

North Sulawesi accidents costly MANADO, North Sulawesi: More than Rp 5.1 billion (US$2.16 million) in insurance has been paid to road accident victims in the province between 1992-1996. Expressing his concern over the number of accidents in North Sulawesi, Governor E.E. Mangindaan said the money was paid to 6,024 accident victims by the state-owned PT Jasa Rahardja.

The other side of corruption

The other side of corruption The issue of corruption has become the "prima donna" in almost all newspapers in the past few days. Every day an article on corruption is published, looking at the phenomenon from different angles. Corruption is a very interesting subject to write about as there are several factors which lead to corruption; as a consequence the therapy is also very complex.

Outward Bound RI to be reviewed

Outward Bound RI to be reviewed JAKARTA (JP): A representative of Outward Bound, a development program for managers, said reviews would be made available to the Indonesian chapter every two years. Ian Wade recommended further improvements in safety measures, including different equipment for tying ropes to avoid damage to trees and more efficient climbs.

Banjarmasin looters jailed

Banjarmasin looters jailed BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Sixteen people were sentenced to between two to seven months in prison in separate trials Saturday for looting during the melee that erupted here on May 23. The toughest verdict was given to Heryanto, 20, who was given a seven month jail sentence. The youngest defendants -- Rusdi, 14, and Agus Salim, 15, -- were sentenced to two months. Antara reported the 16 were among the 119 arraigned in relation to the looting that erupted in May.

Tadjus quits the race

Tadjus quits the race JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of Golkar's city branch office Tadjus Sobirin announced his withdrawal from the list of proposed candidates for Jakarta's next governor yesterday. Tadjus said his name was proposed because he was the party's chairman. "Since the beginning, I had no intention to become Jakarta's next governor. I know my ability. After following some of the governor's activities, I realize I can't follow too many official events.

Sidewalk traders

Sidewalk traders From Merdeka Sidewalk traders in Jakarta are the object of a variety of extortionate practices by security personnel. Traders in the Oerip Soemohardjo field in Jatinegara, East Jakarta, were recently forced to pay an additional contribution although they had paid the regular Rp 1,500 fee. The traders said they followed regulations and did not disturb the traffic. Their problem seems without end.

Dharmala to start selling Pantai Mutiara apartments

Dharmala to start selling Pantai Mutiara apartments JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed developer PT Dharmala Intiland will start selling apartments in the fourth tower of the Pantai Mutiara Apartment project on Aug. 2, the company's president said Saturday. PT Dharmala Intiland's president, Hendro S. Gondokusumo, said the 23-story tower would be on eight hectares of reclaimed land.

RI's property unlikely to crash as in Thailand

RI's property unlikely to crash as in Thailand JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is unlikely to experience a widespread property market crash similar to that in Thailand in the next few years, local property experts say. Property consultant PT Procon Indah and James T. Riady of the Lippo Group said Indonesia's property fundamentals were still much sounder than those in Thailand.

Indonesian workers in Singapore

Indonesian workers in Singapore We were shocked by the report on the torture experienced by 14-year old Hartati, from Banyumas, Central Java, a migrant worker in Singapore, Based on our experience in handling the case of the late Sutarmi Samin from Lampung, who died in Singapore, we would like to appeal to the Indonesian Embassy in Singapore to show political will and help the victim's family in its effort to obtain justice, provide them with accurate information, and accompany them in court.

RI sweeps all titles at Indonesian Open

RI sweeps all titles at Indonesian Open JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia swept all titles in the finals of the Indonesian Open badminton championship in Surakarta, Central Java yesterday. Olympic gold medalist Susi Susanti claimed the first victory for Indonesia in the women's singles and at the same time defended the Indonesian Open title. Susi trashed the country's rising hope Meiluawati 11-4, 11-5 in a lopsided match that lasted about 30 minutes.

Change in ABRI an anticipative move: Analysts

Change in ABRI an anticipative move: Analysts JAKARTA (JP): Two analysts agreed the recent reshuffle in the Armed Forces was a well-planned move that would better equip the Indonesian military to meet future challenges. Political professor Juwono Sudarsono of the University of Indonesia said the reshuffle was an anticipative move while the restructuring in the Navy, Air Force and the National Police was meant to make them as effective as the Army.

Salim group urged not to shift assets overseas

Salim group urged not to shift assets overseas JAKARTA (JP): The Econit Advisory Group has appealed to the Salim Group to cancel its plan to inject its Indofood Sukses Makmur assets into the group's Singapore-based subsidiary, saying that the move could harm the investment climate in Indonesia.

Aspac on way to semis

Aspac on way to semis JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Aspac has a greater chance to advance to the semifinals of the 8th Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) Champions Cup here after defeating two teams in the qualifying round. Aspac ousted the Philippines' Tanduay Gold 75-63 on the third day of the championship yesterday. It also won the match against MHSK 72-63 on the second day of the championship here Saturday.

Azrul Azwar named chief of family planning body

Azrul Azwar named chief of family planning body YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Family Planning Association (PKBI) concluded its tenth congress Saturday electing Azrul Azwar as its new chairman for 1997-2000. Azrul will replace Kartono Mohammad who has chaired the organization for two periods. Azrul, who is also chairman of the Indonesian Medical Association, was elected leader of the organization following a great show of support from branches in Sumatra and Sulawesi.

1m Indonesians still isolated

1m Indonesians still isolated BENGKULU, Bengkulu: More than one million Indonesians still live in isolation, the Home Ministry's Director General for Regional Development Feisal Tamin said over the weekend. An estimated 1.05 million live in isolation in 295 locations spread throughout 18 provinces. Most of them belong to remote tribes who are difficult to reach. Governor Adjis Ahmad said that in Bengkulu 1,700 people live in the distant island of Enggano.

Fire guts Samarinda buildings

Fire guts Samarinda buildings SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A fire gutted 364 building units at Pasar Senggol RT 4 Dusun Setimpo, South Bontang, early Friday, causing Rp 4 billion (US$1.7 million) in damages and leaving 2,000 people homeless. Bontang mayor Fachmurniddin said the high damage costs resulted from resident's inability to save their belongings. No fatalities were reported in the fire. Police are still investigating the fire, but an electrical short circuit is believed to be the cause.

Share price on JSX expected to gain ground

Share price on JSX expected to gain ground JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) are expected to strengthen this week after losing ground last week. Securities analysts said the buying sentiment would likely improve and that many investors would reenter the market to benefit the low prices.

Two vying for top ASEAN post

Two vying for top ASEAN post KUALA LUMPUR (AP): A Filipino and Malaysian are vying to become the next secretary-general of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Malaysia's national news agency reported yesterday. At their 30th annual meeting this week, the foreign ministers of the seven ASEAN members will decide between another five-year term for Malaysia's Ajit Singh or giving the post to Philippine foreign affairs undersecretary Rodolfo C.

New councilors members elect factions chairmen

New councilors members elect factions chairmen JAKARTA (JP): New city council members serving the 1997-2002 office term have elected the factions' chairmen after their installation last Friday. Golkar elected M.U. Fatomy Asaari, who served the council for the 1992-1997 office term, as chairman of the party's faction, on Saturday, while councilors HMU Djajanto, Soeparmo and Tarman Azzam were elected as the faction's deputy chairmen.

South Sulawesi ferry sinks, 13 people dead

South Sulawesi ferry sinks, 13 people dead PANGKEP, South Sulawesi (JP): A ferry carrying twice its maximum passenger load sunk yesterday morning killing at least 13 people, including a four-year-old child. Eleven other passengers were injured, five in a critical condition, while scores of others went missing. The nine-meter long Sumber Jaya sank at the mouth of Pangkajene river as it was carrying passengers from Laiya island to Pangkep, about 60 kilometers north of Ujungpandang.

A land that time forgot?

A land that time forgot? Some two years ago, a well-known local supermarket chain marketed a 31-volume American encyclopedia/dictionary set through its stores around Jakarta. Customers were offered easy payment terms, including getting the first book free with purchases of other items. Over a period of six months, I managed to buy the entire set, by purchasing one or two books each time I shopped at that supermarket. Even today, I still consult that encyclopedia for certain information.

Plane crash toll up to 30, black box not found

Plane crash toll up to 30, black box not found JAKARTA (JP): As search teams continued looking for the black box of the Sempati Air airplane which crashed Thursday, another passenger on the ill-fated flight died in Bandung yesterday. Palal Santosa, a resident of Jakarta, died at Borromeus hospital yesterday at 8:00 a.m., increasing the death toll from the Fokker-27 crash to 30. Palal's body was flown from Bandung to Jakarta where he will be buried.

House of Representatives told to ignore weakened PDI

House of Representatives told to ignore weakened PDI JAKARTA (JP): The weakened Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) faction should not be a factor in the House of Representatives' internal rules amendment, experts said over the weekend. Political analyst Arbi Sanit and constitutional law expert Yusril Ihza Mahendra said in a seminar Saturday the House should make changes independent of the PDI which was weakened following its massive election defeat.

New legislative council

New legislative council From Pikiran Rakyat On July 11 newly elected members of the Legislative Council and City Council throughout the West Java province were installed and took the oath according to their respective creeds, for the 1997-2002 term. As an intelligent voter aware of what the election means, I welcome the new legislators and am eager to know if they will truly fight for the people's aspirations. They have an obligation to keep their promises made during the campaign.

$100m pipeline network

$100m pipeline network JAKARTA (JP): PT. Manggala Wibawa will build a $100 million pipeline network to speed up fuel distribution from state-owned oil company Pertamina's refinery in Balikpapan to Samarinda in East Kalimantan, Antara reported over the weekend. The company's president, Arissetyanto Wibowo, said in Samarinda that construction would start in October and was expected to be completed in three years. The company will also build two oil depots as part of the contract, Wibowo said.

KL firm forms RI venture

KL firm forms RI venture KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian cement and timber firm Tengggara Capital Bhd has signed a joint-venture agreement with P.T. Samana Citra Agung to undertake a US$450 million cement plant project in Indonesia. In a statement, Tenggara said the 50-50 joint-venture company will participate in conducting a feasibility study and the planning, installation and commissioning of a three million ton integrated cement plant in Aceh, Indonesia.

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.

Smoking causes impotence

Smoking causes impotence JAKARTA (JP): An Australian health expert warned Saturday that smoking and drinking alcohol may lead to impotence and premature ejaculation. Antara quoted Jack Vaisman of Sydney as saying during a break in a seminar on new treatment for impotence and premature ejaculation, that medication for hypertension, diabetes, and ulcers may also cause sexual problems among men. Another speaker at the seminar was Bambang Sukamto.

ICMI 'not to seek' cabinet positions

ICMI 'not to seek' cabinet positions SURABAYA (JP): An executive of the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) said here Saturday the organization, known for its political clout, would not seek any cabinet positions. Secretary-general Adi Sasono said the organization would not recommend any members for the next cabinet, scheduled to be established in 1998. "ICMI is an organization of intellectuals which since its inception does not wish to be involved in practical politics.

Expert criticizes redeliberation of broadcasting bill

Expert criticizes redeliberation of broadcasting bill JAKARTA (JP): Constitutional law expert Sri Soemantri said Saturday there was insufficient legal basis for the government to demand a second deliberation of the broadcasting bill. Soemantri, a legislator in the late 1950s, said Indonesian laws provide no rules that allow the government to return a bill which had been passed by the House of Representatives.

Traveler seeks funds for book

Traveler seeks funds for book By Ahmad Junaidi JAKARTA (JP): A 55-year-old paralyzed man, who traveled around the country in the late 1980s, is seeking donations to finance the publication of his travel book. Suwarno of Surakarta, Central Java, went to the Central Jakarta's mayoralty office over the weekend, hoping to meet the mayor to discuss the possibility of a donation. But Suwarno failed to meet the mayor as an official told him the mayor was not in his office at the time.

20 soldiers arrested in military raids

20 soldiers arrested in military raids JAKARTA (JP): At least twenty soldiers were arrested during military raids on red-light districts over the weekend. Jakarta Military Garrison Commander Brig. Gen. Yudomo SHD said Saturday that two hand guns were seized from two soldiers because they could not show a letter of permission to take the weapons to the night spots. "Military personnel are allowed to visit night spots only on undercover assignments.

Hooligans

Hooligans What can be done to stop noisy hooliganism at night? I have recently moved to Jl. Percetakan Negara IIA, Johar Baru, Central Jakarta. Every evening from about 8 p.m, a group of youths meet half way up the road. The noise they make until about 4.30 a.m. makes it is almost impossible to sleep. Complaints to the neighborhood chiefs do no good because these hooligans treat their elders with contempt.

The changing role of the police

The changing role of the police By Anton Tabah JAKARTA (JP): The role of members of society as both subjects and objects cannot be separated. The police was born due to the existence of the society, but society also needs the presence of police to maintain security and order. This was the ancient Greek philosophy of police existence until the modern theory was born. A country may have no armed forces, but no country is without a police force.

Austria's Elin set to expand in RI

Austria's Elin set to expand in RI PAITON, East Java (JP): Austrian power plant equipment maker Elin Energieversorgung GmbH will open several manufacturing plants in Indonesia. Elin's Southeast Asia account manager, Rudolf Kirchmayer, said over the weekend the company would set up a joint venture with Indonesia's Austrodwipa Priamanaya, to make a 150 kilovolt gas insulated switchgear (GIS) -- a special inhouse substation which distributes power.

Many state junior high schools desks left vacant

Many state junior high schools desks left vacant JAKARTA (JP): Some state junior high schools in Jakarta have decided not to fill some of their places despite being oversubscribed. The chief of the Jakarta office of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Sri Sudono Soemarto, said over the weekend that the decision was taken as many applicants' national final exams grades did not meet the schools' minimum requirements.

Soares elected as Timor House speaker

Soares elected as Timor House speaker DILI, East Timor: Armindo Soares was elected Saturday as speaker of the East Timor provincial legislature replacing Antonio Freitas Parada. "We will try to improve on the good work of the 1992-1997 provincial legislature (DPRD)," the new speaker was quoted as saying. Armindo was elected by a special legislative committee who also appointed Col.