Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 25 July 1997

66 articles found

Paribas names Jakarta boss

Paribas names Jakarta boss HONG KONG (Reuter): Paribas Asia Equity said yesterday it has appointed James Spence as president director in Indonesia and Justin Tooth as head of Philippines sales.Niall Shiner joins the firm's Hong Kong research team to cover smaller companies and Walter Lo has been...

SE Asian buyers seek 350,000 tons of corn

SE Asian buyers seek 350,000 tons of corn SINGAPORE (Reuter): Southeast Asian buyers are believed to be seeking 350,000 tons of corn with Indonesia inquiring for 200,000 tons and Thai buyers awaiting government approval to purchase 150,000 tons, traders said yesterday.

GoldCorp-Antam deal

GoldCorp-Antam deal PERTH (Reuter): Australia's largest gold refiner, Gold Corporation, said on Thursday it concluded an equipment supply and technical consultancy agreement to upgrade PT Aneka Tambang's (Antam) Logam Mulia precious metals refinery in Jakarta.

Police prohibit planned celebration of July 27 riot

Police prohibit planned celebration of July 27 riot JAKARTA (JP): The National Police have prohibited Megawati Soekarnoputri loyalists from commemorating the first anniversary of the July 27 political riot in which five people were killed.Spokesman for the National Police Col.

36 Games athletes in Sicily for tryouts

36 Games athletes in Sicily for tryouts JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games athletes will compete in five of the 10 events at the Universiade (Student Games) in Sicily, Italy, from Aug. 19 to Aug. 31.

Search for scapegoats as hot money flees Asia

Search for scapegoats as hot money flees AsiaBy Nick Cumming-Bruce BANGKOK: Another bad day for the Thai baht Wednesday threatened more turbulence for the currencies of its Southeast Asian neighbors, just as their club of tiger nations is celebrating its 30th anniversary by admitting two new...

Policeman jailed for torture

Policeman jailed for torture BANDUNG: A military court here Wednesday sentenced First Lt. Daniel Tifaona, 28, to nine months and 10 days in prison for the fatal torture of a robbery suspect.Tjetje Tadjudin, 42, had been named both a witness and a suspect in the armed robbery in which one person was...

House passes bill on narcotics with leniency on users

House passes bill on narcotics with leniency on users JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives endorsed yesterday a bill on narcotics which introduces lenient and heavy penalties.The bill, which will replace the 1976 narcotics law if it is enacted, retains a maximum sentence of death for...

RI minister urges S. Korea to help Kia

RI minister urges S. Korea to help Kia SEOUL (AFP): Indonesian Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo Thursday asked South Korea to take a special interest in the ailing Kia Group, taking into account his country's national auto program.

ASEAN and its future challenges

ASEAN and its future challengesBy Jusuf Wanandi PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (JP): On July 20 to July 23, 1997, ASEAN-Institutes of Strategic and International Studies (ASEAN- ISIS) held its second ASEAN congress in conjunction with ASEAN's 30th anniversary in Kuala Lumpur.

Indonesian teachers want more allowances

Indonesian teachers want more allowances JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Teachers Union urged the government yesterday to do more toward improving the welfare of its more than one million members.Union chairman Basyuni Suriamiharja said the government should offer more allowances to elementary and...

Danamon's extra charge

Danamon's extra charge As a customer, my relationship with Bank Danamon only began about 50 days ago but the experience has been disgusting.On July 11, 1997, I transferred a small amount of Australian dollars from my AUD primadollar account to Australia.

Plan for five-star pet hotel in Malaysia

Plan for five-star pet hotel in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Wealthy pet owners in Malaysia will soon be able to go on their holidays with peace of mind, as a five- star hotel for animals is in the offing soon.

Over 500 fires occured over last 7 months in the city

Over 500 fires occured over last 7 months in the city JAKARTA (JP): Over 500 fires took place in the capital over the first seven months of the year, City Fire Agency head Suharso said yesterday.Suharso said fires killed 18 people and injured 35 others, burned down 2,978 houses and left 19,390...

Construction of subway project delayed by financial problems

Construction of subway project delayed by financial problems JAKARTA (JP): The construction of the long-awaited subway project will be delayed indefinitely because of new problems, mainly from its financial scheme, an official said yesterday.

No end to turmoil for SE Asian money

No end to turmoil for SE Asian money SINGAPORE (AFP): Speculators mounted a fresh attack against Southeast Asian currencies yesterday, inspired by bad news out of Thailand which took regional financial markets into a fourth week of turmoil.

PSN to build rural telecoms networks

PSN to build rural telecoms networks JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Pasifik Satelit Nusantara (PSN) is to develop telecommunications networks in West Java using its satellite services in cooperation with PT Telekomunikasi Nusantara Prima (Telnus) and PT Ariawest International.

Volleyball World C'ships delayed over debt problems

Volleyball World C'ships delayed over debt problems JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Volleyball Association will delay the Ultrajaya Cup Women's Volleyball World Championships scheduled for here next month because of financial problems with promoter Spectrum.

Indonesia franchise boosts Delifrance earning prospects

Indonesia franchise boosts Delifrance earning prospects SINGAPORE (Reuter): Delifrance Asia Ltd's expansion of its French-style cafes to Indonesia prompted analysts yesterday to revise upwards the company's earnings prospects."The impact is definitely going to be positive.

Soldier elected council chief

Soldier elected council chief UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Burhanuddin Ali from the Armed Forces faction was elected chief of the provincial legislative council yesterday amid students protest.Burhanuddin won 37 votes while his only rival, Hasan Saleh, from the dominant Golkar faction, received...

SE Asian health insurers face soaring costs

SE Asian health insurers face soaring costs KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): A booming demand for health care services in Southeast Asia is threatening the long term stability of insurers who face soaring costs and rising claims, Industry executives said on Thursday.

BII to enter Manila

BII to enter Manila MANILA (AFP): Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) has received permission to set up a representative office in the Philippines, the Central Bank of the Philippines said here yesterday.

National soccer league semifinals start today

National soccer league semifinals start today JAKARTA (JP): The 110,000-seat Senayan Stadium will again be the focus of soccer fans when four teams -- two from East Java, one each from West Java and South Sulawesi -- play the national soccer league semifinals today.

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 * Downsizing has cut like the Angel of Death through management in Western firms, as fat, seemingly impregnable corporations...

Bira's profit up 67%

Bira's profit up 67% JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Bira reported yesterday a 51 percent increase in its net profit for the first half of this year to Rp 40.8 billion (US$15.7 million) over the same period of last year.The bank said net interest income rose by 67 percent to Rp 87.

House okays yearly legislation plan

House okays yearly legislation plan JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives approved yesterday an annual legislation program to be delivered by the President during the State Budget plan.Syamsul Mu'arif, who chairs a special committee considering an amendment to the House internal rule, said...

Lippo Cikarang listed

Lippo Cikarang listed JAKARTA (JP): Urban developing company PT Lippo Cikarang, of the widely diversified Lippo Group, made its capital debut yesterday when listing its shares in the Jakarta Stock Exchange.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta:Music * The Regent Hotel: Jl. Rasuna Said, Kuningan, South Jakarta: - Garden Terrace: Indonesia's Top Musicians, Friday and Saturday,, 9.30 p.m. to 1 a.m. - Pool Side: Sahata Vocal Group, Saturday, 6.30 p.m. to 9 p.m. * Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza, Jl. Gatot Subroto Kav.

Stock Exchange

Stock ExchangeStock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 24, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,150 25 31,000 AHAP Insurance 2,500 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,050 0 28,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,350 -25...

Pertamina's capability to operate CPP queried

Pertamina's capability to operate CPP queried JAKARTA (JP): Oil company Medco Energy's president supported yesterday the government decision not to extend Caltex Pacific Indonesia's contract for the Coastal Plains Pakanbaru oil field after its 2001 expiry.

Salim's maneuvers

Salim's maneuvers Seen from the business history and stature of the politically well-connected tycoon Sudono Salim in Indonesia, the fire and, in some cases, emotionally nationalistic outbursts drawn by the latest corporate maneuver involving the publicly listed Salim Group companies -- Indocement...

Indonesian youth picked up at brothel

Indonesian youth picked up at brothel GOLD COAST, Australia (AP): A 15-year-old illegal immigrant from Indonesia was discovered working at a brothel in far northern New South Wales, an immigration officer said yesterday.

Severino elected new ASEAN secretary-general

Severino elected new ASEAN secretary-generalBy Meidyatama Suryodiningrat PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (JP): Ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) concluded their first day of meetings here yesterday by electing Filipino Rodolfo C.

ASEAN and Cambodia

ASEAN and Cambodia It appears that ASEAN has lost its patience with (Cambodian co-Premier) Hun Sen. By unanimous vote, the association delayed Cambodia's admission until the ongoing conflict is resolved.

Haze disrupts flights

Haze disrupts flights PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: Thick haze from forest burning has disrupted river and air traffic in the hinterland.Over the past two days, haze has covered much of the North Barito regency, about 350 kilometers from here, virtually blocking-out the sunrise, Antara reported.

City gardens

City gardensFrom MerdekaThe results of the Jakarta Administration's program to provide the capital with more gardens are becoming more and more visible. In many areas of the city we can now see trees and other vegetation.

Minor on trial for drug abuse

Minor on trial for drug abuse JAKARTA (JP): A 17-year-old woman is being tried at the Jakarta Central District Court for possession of 0.0348 grams of third grade heroin with intent to use.Prosecutor Shinta Sasanti said LM was caught in a police operation on May 14 of this year.

Unseeded irawati upsets Benjamas

Unseeded irawati upsets Benjamas JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Irawati Moerid Iskandar upset third seeded Thai Benjamas Sangaram 6-3, 6-0 at the US$10,000 Governor Cup Women's Tennis Satellite tournament at the Kemayoran tennis complex yesterday.

Couple face jail terms for fraud

Couple face jail terms for fraud JAKARTA (JP): A state prosecutor asked the Central Jakarta District Court in two separate sessions yesterday to sentence a husband and wife to one year and two years of imprisonment, respectively for fraud.

Soeharto tells banks to reduce problem loans

Soeharto tells banks to reduce problem loans JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has called on the country's banking industry to cut down problem loans, strengthen capital and minimize banking crimes.Soeharto told the opening session of an Indonesian National Private Banks Association meeting here...

Ramayana opens new store

Ramayana opens new store JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa, the owner and operator of Ramayana department stores, opened yesterday its 58th outlet.The company said the new Denpasar (Bali ) store occupies 13,000 square meters of floor space in a mall, and is the second...

Hun Sen warns SE Asian nations over entry deferral

Hun Sen warns SE Asian nations over entry deferral PHNOM PENH (AFP): Cambodian leader Hun Sen sent a veiled warning to his Southeast Asian neighbors yesterday saying they had made a big mistake in rejecting his country's bid to join the group.

RI lost to South Korea in ABC championship

RI lost to South Korea in ABC championship JAKARTA (JP): South Korea's KIA Timor shattered local team Aspac's hopes of reaching the final after beating them 86-65 in the semifinals of the 8th Asian Basketball Confederation (ABC) championship yesterday.

TV today

TV todayTVRI 2:30 p.m. News: Lintas Nusantara 2:40 Travel: My Country 2:45 Children's Film: Kelley 3:10 Children's Program: Tunas 3:35 Talk Show: Sambung Rasa 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Student's Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 5:10 Film: Home Green Home 5:25 Variety Show: Serba-Serbi 5:30 Music: Paket 27 6:00...

Police detain 630 soccer fans from Surabaya

Police detain 630 soccer fans from Surabaya JAKARTA (JP): City Police were holding about 630 soccer fans from Surabaya, East Java, for causing trouble, ranging from robbery and extortion to stealing food, a City Police official said.

Military police chief installed

Military police chief installed JAKARTA (JP): Greater Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso installed Lt. Col. Subagya Jiwapraja, a former Bogor Military Police detachment commander, as the new detachment commander of the Jakarta Military Garrison yesterday.Subagya replaced Lt. Col.

Colonizers owe colonized

Colonizers owe colonized I refer to the letter Colonizers that bad? (July 22). Colonialism is definitely a bad dream for Indonesians. Mr. Budi Setiawan must have read the same books I have.These books recount the pains our people endured a long time ago, about forced labor in Java introduced by the...

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.

National horse racing start

National horse racing start JAKARTA (JP): East Java and North Sulawesi will be battling hard to win the first leg of the 31st Soeharto Cup horse racing national championship at Pulo Mas track Sunday.Last year's champion North Sulawesi, which will host the second series of the Cup in September, has...

Intellect wins RI contract

Intellect wins RI contract PERTH (Reuter): Electronic commerce firm Intellect Holdings Ltd said it had signed a A$13 million contract to install 17,000 terminals in Indonesia.The company, which makes payment systems and smart card readers among other things, did not identify the other parties in...

Polysindo secured notes priced at 9.37 percent

Polysindo secured notes priced at 9.37 percent JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's largest polyester producer, PT Polysindo Eka Perkasa, has announced the pricing of its guaranteed secured notes at a coupon of 9.37 percent.The spread of the US$250 million notes, rated Ba2/BB+, to the U.S.

AG office questios author over book criticisms

AG office questios author over book criticisms JAKARTA (JP): Author Wimanjaya Liotohe, a known government critic, was questioned at the Attorney General's Office yesterday over his book's criticism of the Soeharto administration.

Regional bankers prepare to tackle currency crisis

Regional bankers prepare to tackle currency crisis SHANGHAI (AFP): East Asian and Pacific central bankers began arriving here yesterday on the eve of a key annual meeting as Southeast Asian currencies faced further selling pressure.

Liberalization of ASEAN trade, markets sought

Liberalization of ASEAN trade, markets sought LOS ANGELES (AFP): Secretary of State Madeleine Albright said yesterday she will press Southeast Asian nations to liberalize their trade and financial markets.

Where to go in Surabaya:

Where to go in Surabaya:Music and Entertainment * Tunjungan Crystal Hotel, Jl. Tunjungan 102-104: - Lounge Bar: Stief's Band, Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday, open at 8 p.m. to 12 p.m. * Mirama Hotel, Jl. Raya Darmo 58-76: - Mirama Bar: Desire Band, Monday. Haztoria Band, Tuesday.

Debate on Salim Group's move continues

Debate on Salim Group's move continues JAKARTA (JP): The government sees the Salim Group's plans to sell Indocement's 50.1 percent stake in the world's largest noodle-maker to a Singapore-based bread-maker, QAF Ltd., as beneficial to the shareholders, a senior official said yesterday.

Though time for small-scale businesses

Though time for small-scale businessesBy Joko Sarwono BOGOR, West Java (JP): M. Soleh, 74, a small-scale entrepreneur and horticulturist dealing in plant seedlings from Bojong Gede subdistrict, complains that since 1990 his business has been quite sluggish.

Political motive could be behind currency flurries

Political motive could be behind currency flurries PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (JP): ASEAN countries expressed concern here yesterday over the currency flurry hitting several member states, with some suggesting that the crisis might be politically, not economically, motivated.

Rebels wants Ramos to hold second term

Rebels wants Ramos to hold second term Cotabato City, Philippines (DPA): The Philippines' largest remaining Moslem rebel group said yesterday it wants to see President Fidel Ramos hold a second term after 1998 despite constitutional restrictions to his reelection.

EEC unveils its Singa-1 gas flow

EEC unveils its Singa-1 gas flow SYDNEY (Reuter): Energy Equity Corp Ltd (EEC) said yesterday the Singa-1 exploration well in South Sumatera, Indonesia, flowed gas at the rate of 30.7 million standard cubic feet per day during a production test.

Rising military stars leads RI to democracy

Rising military stars leads RI to democracy YOGYAKARTA (JP): The rise of the younger generation to senior positions in the Armed Forces will help boost democratization in Indonesia, a retired general said yesterday.Former Kalimantan military commander Maj. Gen.

Bank Indonesia calls for vigilance over rupiah's falls

Bank Indonesia calls for vigilance over rupiah's falls JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian rupiah weakened against the U.S. dollar yesterday, and the monetary authorities were tightening rupiah liquidity to ease speculation on the currency, dealers said.

ASEAN watches Cambodia

ASEAN watches CambodiaBy Santi WE Soekanto PETALING JAYA (JP): ASEAN signaled yesterday that Monday's meeting of the Cambodian National Assembly in Phnom Penh could be a benchmark for reconsidering the timing of Cambodia's entry into the grouping.

Outspoken justice changes career

Outspoken justice changes careerJP/leo JAKARTA (JP): Adi Andojo Sutjipto (left, picture above), a former whistle-blower and deputy chief justice, was installed as a dean at Trisakti University yesterday.He plans to share his knowledge with his students.

Japan makes strides in China oil quests

Japan makes strides in China oil quests TOKYO (Reuter): Japan's long-term quest to secure oil and gas reserves in Asia has gained considerable ground in recent weeks, analysts say.On Wednesday, it pocketed rights to a 7,400 square km (2,860 square mile) chunk of remote but potentially lucrative...

Local shipbuilders get contracts

Local shipbuilders get contracts JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned oil and gas company Pertamina signed contracts yesterday with two local shipbuilders to build four 6,500 dead weight ton (DWT) tankers worth US$60 million for the oil company's domestic operation.