Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 30 July 1997

67 articles found

PSM profit soars in first half

PSM profit soars in first half JAKARTA (JP): PSP group finance company PT Putra Surya Multidana (PSM), reported a 435 percent net profit increase in the first half this year to Rp 101.07 billion from Rp 18.87 billion in the first half of 1996. Rudy Soraya, corporate secretary of publicly listed PSM, said net profit in the first half this year was about 44.5 percent of the projected Rp 227 billion profit for 1997.

Foreign books available at IKAPI exhibition

Foreign books available at IKAPI exhibition JAKARTA (JP): Foreign publishers will be allowed to sell a limited number of books during a major international book exhibition in September, organizers said yesterday. Foreign publishers can sell up to five books per title, the secretary-general of the Association of Indonesian Book Publishers (IKAPI), Setia Dharma Majid, said.

Satelindo promises to pay double billings

Satelindo promises to pay double billings JAKARTA (JP): Cellular phone operator PT Satelindo's president, Iwa Sewaka, promised yesterday his company would compensate customers for recent billing errors. Iwa said Satelindo would reimburse subscribers who had been billed twice after an error in the company's billing system over the past two weeks. "We will fix new billing equipment by Aug. 1," he said. Iwa said Satelindo was upgrading its billing system.

Late paper

Late paper Due to technical problems with the editorial and preprinting process, The Jakarta Post reached its readers in Bandung and Bandarlampung late yesterday. We apologize for the delay. -- Publisher

Indofood: Eroding nationalism or new trend?

Indofood: Eroding nationalism or new trend? By Djisman S. Simandjuntak JAKARTA (JP): The proposed spin-off of Indofood Sukses Makmur (ISM) from Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa (ITP) and its acquisition by QAF, a Singapore-based Asian food conglomerate with Salim Group's majority ownership, has sparked mixed reactions among Indonesian economists.

Albright arrives in Singapore

Albright arrives in Singapore SINGAPORE (AFP): U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright arrived yesterday on a two-day trip aimed at strengthening bilateral ties with Singapore, a strong supporter of U.S. military presence in Asia. She was scheduled to tour the local manufacturing facility of U.S. computer disk-drive maker Seagate Technology and hold talks with Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew and Foreign Minister S. Jayakumar later yesterday.

Investment firms named in Bre-X lawsuit

Investment firms named in Bre-X lawsuit HOUSTON (Reuter): Investment firms J.P. Morgan & Co, Lehman Brothers Inc and Nesbitt Burns Inc have been named as defendants in a shareholder lawsuit charging Canada's Bre-X Minerals Ltd with mining fraud. The suit, filed earlier but amended last Friday to include the three firms, charges that shareholders were misled into believing that Bre-X was the owner of a giant gold deposit in Indonesia that ultimately proved to be a sham.

Pino Bahari excluded from RI's SEA Games boxing team

Pino Bahari excluded from RI's SEA Games boxing team JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's light heavyweight boxer Pino Bahari was left out of the 19th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games team yesterday. The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association's chairman, Poul Toding, said the decision was made based on observations during the national training program and the President Cup tournament in Bogor which ended Saturday. "The decision is final and announced through the media.

SEA Games marksmen still lead Kapolri Cup

SEA Games marksmen still lead Kapolri Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's 19th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games shooters continued to dominate on the second day of the seventh Kapolri Cup and 1997 Bhayangkara Cup shooting championships. The Kartika team's Heri Kiswanto won the Rapid Fire Pistol event with 551 points. Teammate Djoko Wisunu came second with 546 and Hans Wibowo from the Bimantara club was third with 526.

Researchers advised to patent invention

Researchers advised to patent invention CIBINONG, West Java (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno called on researchers to register their inventions with the Ministry of Justice. There was a lack of knowledge about the need to patent inventions, Try said during an address at a meeting of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI). People try to copy the others' invention without realizing that they violate laws on intellectual property rights, he said.

EU concerned over U.S. moves on RI

EU concerned over U.S. moves on RI BRUSSELS (AFP): The European Union yesterday expressed concern about a growing trend for U.S cities and states to consider legislation to penalize companies with links to countries like Myanmar and Indonesia. In its annual report on the barriers to European companies doing business in the U.S, the EU's executive arm, the commission, expressed concern that such steps could become a major irritant in transatlantic trade relations.

Government wants to review 1982 press law: Hartono

Government wants to review 1982 press law: Hartono JAKARTA (JP): The government is seeking to review the 1982 press law to avoid contradictions in a proposed law on broadcasting, Minister of Information R. Hartono said yesterday. Hartono said the highly controversial clause relating to the publishing permit was among those to be reviewed. But, he added, the review did not necessarily mean that requirement of the permit would be abolished, Antara reported.

Each countries has its own human rights view

Each countries has its own human rights view By Ida Indawati Khouw JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia usually deflects criticism of its human rights record by stating that it adheres to its own concept, focused on universal values but also taking into account local considerations. Miriam Budiardjo, a political scientist and deputy chief of the National Commission on Human Rights, is one proponent of this argument.

7 arrested for killing sergeant

7 arrested for killing sergeant UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Police have arrested seven people they suspect of murdering Sgt. Maj. Syamsuddin last week. The suspects were arrested in Masamba, about 500 kilometers north of here on Sunday, police said yesterday. Syamsuddin was attacked near his office on June 23 and allegedly killed by the seven people after he scolded them for beating his son. He had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Trial of journalist murder case begins

Trial of journalist murder case begins YOGYAKARTA (JP): The trial of alleged journalist killer Dwi Sumaji began in the Bantul District Court yesterday amid tight security. Security forces, stationed in front of the court gate, examined every person attending the opening session to avoid disruption during the case. Prosecutor Amrin Naim, who read the charges against the defendant, said Sumaji, alias Iwik, had plotted the murder of Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin.

Asia-West delegates clash on human rights

Asia-West delegates clash on human rights By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat PETALING JAYA (JP): A clash over human rights closed the two- day Post Ministerial Conference (PMC) here yesterday, as Western states were pitted against Asian ones in a public debate over reviewing the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights. The debate erupted during the final joint press conference as ministers and senior delegates attending the PMC were queried on a proposal to review the UN Declaration.

Indonesia welcomes Mandela's offer on E. Timor

Indonesia welcomes Mandela's offer on E. Timor JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia welcomed yesterday Nelson Mandela's offer to help with the United Nations' efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the question of East Timor. Ghaffar Fadyl, chief spokesman for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said however that any role that the South African president played in the East Timor issue must be informal. "Mandela's offer of assistance was a positive idea," Ghaffar told The Jakarta Post by phone.

Sporting behavior?

Sporting behavior? Indonesians have no lack of excitement. Every day something happens, sometimes nice but most of the time unpleasant.

Govt, WB deny alleged wastage of loan funds

Govt, WB deny alleged wastage of loan funds JAKARTA (JP): The government and the World Bank separately denied yesterday allegations that one-third of the Washington- based bank's loans to Indonesia since 1965 have been wasted through collusion and corruption.

CSI launches new open-end mutual funds

CSI launches new open-end mutual funds JAKARTA (JP): PT Citicorp Securities Indonesia (CSI), a Citibank N.A. subsidiary, launched yesterday a new open-end mutual fund, Citireksadana Rupiah. Citibank's vice president of global consumer banking, Omar S. Anwar, said the company expected to raise about Rp 1 trillion (US$384.61 million) from the fund in four years. "We expect to reach the target by the year 2000," he said. CSI has secured total funds worth Rp 84 billion from its sponsors, he said.

PNG's new premier pledges to bring peace

PNG's new premier pledges to bring peace PORT MORESBY (Reuter): Papua New Guinea's newly elected Prime Minister Bill Skate vowed yesterday to find a lasting, peaceful solution to the secessionist rebellion on Bougainville island and to wipe out political corruption. "Bougainville remains the number one unresolved problem of PNG," Skate said in a speech read to parliament by Governor General Sir Wiwa Korowi.

New council chief for E. Timor

New council chief for E. Timor DILI, East Timor: Armindo Soares Mariano, former chief of Golkar's East Timor chapter, was inaugurated on Monday as the new chief of the East Timor provincial legislative council. He took an oath before E.L. Soewarso, the head of the East Timor High Court, in the presence of many local dignitaries including Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares, East Timor Military Chief Col. Slamat Sidabutar and East Timor Police Chief Col. Atok Rismanto.

Battery maker Trimitra gets ISO 9001 award

Battery maker Trimitra gets ISO 9001 award JAKARTA (JP): Car battery manufacturer PT Trimitra Baterai Prakasa, a subsidiary of Gemala Group, received yesterday ISO 9001 certification for quality management design from Germany's TUV Rheinland in Jakarta. The certificate was presented by Felix Herjink, TUV Rheinland's Indonesian representative, to the Director General of Basic Metal, Machineries and Chemical Industries, Effendi Sudarsono, who in turn handed it to Trimitra president, Wandi Wanandi.

BPK Penabur in Cikarang

BPK Penabur in Cikarang JAKARTA (JP): PT Graha Buana Cikarang, developer of Cikarang Baru Kota Hijau housing complex, has handed over a plot of land to BPK Penabur Foundation for the establishment of school facilities. The company said in a statement yesterday that the 43,759- square-meter plot of land was symbolically handed over by marketing manager of PT Graha Buana, Suhartono Widjojo, to managing director of the foundation, Jimmy Sadikin, in a ceremony on July 23.

Vendors face jail terms for rioting

Vendors face jail terms for rioting JAKARTA (JP): A state prosecutor asked the Central Jakarta District Court yesterday to sentence four sidewalk vendors to between 10 and 18 months' imprisonment for their role in the Tanah Abang market riot in January. Prosecutor Petrus Sambara charged Hadi Subarno, 39, Erri Suanto, 28, Daniel H. Tanjung, 22 and Willem Morgan, 17, under Article 170 of the Criminal Code for jointly and deliberately using force against another person.

Albright moves to smooth ties with RI

Albright moves to smooth ties with RI KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright sought on Monday to smooth strained ties with Indonesia, assuring its foreign minister of Washington's desire for a "very close" relationship. But her spokesman said that neither side proposed reviving the aborted sale of American-made F-16 jet fighters to Indonesia nor Jakarta's participation in a U.S. program called IMET to train foreign military officers.

'Politics may derail Philippine growth'

'Politics may derail Philippine growth' MANILA (Agencies): President Fidel Ramos said yesterday early campaigning for the presidential election would derail the Philippines' economic momentum. He expressed concern that campaigning by a dozen people girding up to run in the May 1998 election and succeed him was delaying passage of vital legislation intended to sustain the country's economic growth.

Failure in further talks obstructs subway project

Failure in further talks obstructs subway project BANGKOK, Thailand (JP): The absence of a negotiating partner for the government is holding up construction of the long-awaited subway, chairman of the subway's consortium said yesterday. Aburizal Bakrie told The Jakarta Post that since the financial proposal was submitted last March, the consortium has not met the negotiating partner representing interdepartmental interests regarding the subway project.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. News: Lintas Nusantara 2:40 Travel: My Country 2:45 Family's Film: Big Brother Jake 3:10 Children's Program: Anak-Anak Indonesia 3:35 Talk Show: Kotak Pos 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Education Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:10 TV Series: Topacio 5:55 Music 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Creative Program: Karya dan Upaya 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 6:53 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Entrepreneurship Program: Mitra Kita 8:05 Music: Yuni Shara, Rafika Duri etc.

ASEAN suffering 'growing pains' at 30

ASEAN suffering 'growing pains' at 30 By Gwen Benjamin KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): As ASEAN turns 30 this year, its long- cherished ambition of building a peaceful and prosperous Southeast Asia is being stunted by the actions of its new family members.

Lippo Life reports strong results

Lippo Life reports strong results JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Lippo Life reported yesterday a 500 percent increase in its operating profit in the first half of this year to Rp 69.8 billion (about US$27.9 million) from Rp 13.7 billion in the first half of 1996. Company president and chief executive officer Billy Sindoro said net income rose about 370 percent to Rp 65.8 billion in the first half this year from Rp 14 billion in the same period of 1996.

Hashim uses his own resources to buy Bank Niaga

Hashim uses his own resources to buy Bank Niaga JAKARTA (JP): Hashim Djojohadikusumo, chairman of the widely diversified Tirtamas Group, said yesterday his group would use its own cash reserves and sell some of its assets to buy 50 percent of publicly listed Bank Niaga for about Rp 756.24 billion (US$290.8 million). "As you know our group is no longer as small as some may think.

1,500 hooligans still at Senayan

1,500 hooligans still at Senayan JAKARTA (JP): At least 1,500 Surabaya soccer hooligans, locally known as bonek, were still being "secured" at Senayan Stadium yesterday, waiting for their free-ride home to the East Java capital. City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday that the hooligans were temporarily being kept at the stadium after they failed to board a Navy vessel on Monday evening that shipped some of them back to Surabaya.

Inco cuts '97 nickel output plan

Inco cuts '97 nickel output plan TORONTO (Reuter): Inco Ltd revised yesterday 1997 nickel production plan down to 413 million pounds from a previous estimate of 430 million pounds. Toronto-based Inco said the revision took into account the 26- day strike at its Ontario division, which ended on June 28.

Asian crude steady but Oman stronger

Asian crude steady but Oman stronger SINGAPORE (Reuter): Thin trading on Asian crudes kept prices steady, traders said yesterday. But healthy buying was seen for Oman, narrowing the crude's discount to its official price. A French major heard sold Oman at MPM -6 cents per barrel. This is higher than earlier September Oman deals that were done closer to MPM -19/20 cents. A U.S. major also sold two cargoes of Oman to two separate shosha, at MPM -13, and MPM -8.

Cambodia hails ASEAN initiative

Cambodia hails ASEAN initiative By Santi WE Soekanto PETALING JAYA, Malaysia (JP): An ASEAN ministerial mission led by Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas will go to Phnom Penh to engage in "silent diplomacy" after receiving confirmation yesterday that they would be welcomed by Cambodian Second Prime Minister Hun Sen.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Radio Radio Sonora ON-AIR ANNIVERSARY: Chief of the Airborne Police Col. Frans Wenas tries out International Maritime Satellite (Inmarsat) telecommunications equipment by making a call to colleagues on Batam Island in Riau. Radio Sonora presented the equipment last Thursday in conjunction with its 25th anniversary. Station director Gerald Djoko Tunggono (center) officiated at the airborne unit's headquarters in Pondok Cabe, west of Jakarta.

Fire leaves 80 families homeless

Fire leaves 80 families homeless JAKARTA (JP): Fire razed dozens of houses in a densely populated area of North Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, yesterday, City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said. There were no casualties, but 80 families lost their homes in the blaze which broke out at about 3:30 a.m., Aritonang said. Syafei, the owner of the house where the fire began, suffered burns and was admitted to Fatmawati Hospital.

Thai bank to seek IMF help

Thai bank to seek IMF help BANGKOK (AFP): Bank of Thailand governor Chaiyawat Wibulswasdi vowed just hours after being appointed yesterday to seek IMF assistance to restore confidence in the troubled economy. Chaiyawat said the Bank of Thailand (BoT) would hold further talks with an International Monetary Fund (IMF) team, which arrived here Monday, on a package to revive the economy.

Three men die of gas poisoning

Three men die of gas poisoning JAKARTA (JP): Three men were killed by poisonous gas emitted from a well in a house in Tangerang on Monday, police said yesterday. They died one by one as each climbed into the well in an attempt to rescue the other, Jakarta Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said. They were identified as Sayuti, 30, the owner of the well, Sujun bin Salim, 18, and Suhada bin Jasun, 20, all residents of Dangdeur in Tangerang.

Arifin raises to the tough U.S. challenge

Arifin raises to the tough U.S. challenge By Yenni Djahidin WASHINGTON D.C. (JP): He is regarded as a good diplomat by many in Washington, D.C. He is bright, articulate and willing to listen to different views. A banker by training, Indonesian Ambassador to the United States Arifin Siregar says he likes his job, which he describes as challenging.

Analysts see wastage of WB loan funds

Analysts see wastage of WB loan funds JAKARTA (JP): Two analysts shared American economist Jeffrey A. Winters' view yesterday that World Bank loan funds in Indonesia are grossly wasted through collusion and corruption. Indonesian Business Data Center's Christianto Wibisono said the 30 percent leakage in the use of World Bank loans to Indonesia, as American expert Winters claimed here Monday, was an "average" level.

Police officers get houses in Tangerang

Police officers get houses in Tangerang JAKARTA (JP): National Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo inaugurated 310 houses at the police-owned Pondok Daru Permai complex at Daru village in Tigaraksa, Tangerang, yesterday. In his speech, Dibyo said housing facilities were designed to help improve officers' welfare. "If they worry less about their families' needs, such as housing, then they will be able to concentrate more on accomplishing their duties," Dibyo said.

Thai Airways to add Indonesian flights

Thai Airways to add Indonesian flights JAKARTA (JP): Thai Airways International will start a new service route this year linking Bangkok, Jakarta, and Sydney, the company announced yesterday. The airline's general manager for Indonesia, Sarieng Maneelert, said the new route would start Oct. 26 and would be served by two Airbus A300-600s. "Each of the flights, TG985 and TG986, will fly the route four times a week," Maneelert said.

Surjadi asks people to conserve water

Surjadi asks people to conserve water JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja reiterated yesterday the importance of saving water during the current dry season, urging middle and upper-class people to pay attention to his call. He said in City Hall that Jakartans should prepare for the most unexpected circumstances of this year's long, dry spell. "Use water as efficiently as possible.

Air Force chief recommends Sukhoi-30 planes

Air Force chief recommends Sukhoi-30 planes JAKARTA (JP): Air Force Chief of Staff Marshal Sutria Tubagus said yesterday that he had recommended the government choose Russian built Sukhoi-30 over other fighter planes, Antara reported. Sutria told reporters in Yogyakarta that the Air Force's study to buy new fighters had focused on Sukhoi-27, Sukhoi-30 and MiG- 29, all built by Russia, and the French-built Mirage 2000.

Tycoons and cooperatives

Tycoons and cooperatives To ensure enterprises develop pursuant to Article 33 of the Constitution of 1945 and the Law on Cooperatives, I suggest that business tycoons consider the following options: a. Establish limited-liability companies which will provide permanent infrastructure such as buildings, factories, machinery, fishing vessels, new estates and so forth; b. Cooperatives can then lease this infrastructure from such companies. c.

BMW sales in Asia surge

BMW sales in Asia surge SINGAPORE (AFP): German auto-maker BMW said yesterday its car sales in Asia, excluding Japan, surged 30 percent above the previous year to 13,453 units in January-June despite a slowdown in Thailand and South Korea. But turmoil in regional currency markets would depress overall passenger car sales in the second half, BMW said.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on July 29, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,075 -25 43,000 AHAP Insurance 2,500 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,100 0 76,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,350 0 297,000 Alumindo Perkasa 850 -25 500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,450 0 366,500 Anwar Sierad 1,225 -50 6,456,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

Crash courses not compulsory, says Harmoko

Crash courses not compulsory, says Harmoko JAKARTA (JP): Crash courses for future House of Representatives members are not mandatory, the state minister of special assignments, Harmoko, said yesterday. Prospective House members who do not attend the courses will not face punitive action, said Harmoko, who is preparing the courses in conjunction with the Pancasila Propagation Agency (BP7). "The crash course is voluntary," he said.

Newcrest to produce gold in RI

Newcrest to produce gold in RI KALGOORLIE, Australia (Reuter): Newcrest Mining Ltd said yesterday it expects to produce 150,000 ounces of gold annually from its Gosowong project in Indonesia at an average cash cost of US$150 an ounce. Production at the mine should start in late 1998, Newcrest official David Sasson told the Diggers and Dealers mining conference here. The project is estimated to cost US$60 million, he said.

Seminar held to woo Thai investors

Seminar held to woo Thai investors By Ati Nurbaiti BANGKOK (JP): Indonesian business entrepreneurs seeking cooperation opportunities in Thailand are not discouraged by Thailand's current economic problems. Chairman of Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industries Aburizal Bakrie said here yesterday that Thailand's financial problems were only temporary. "We believe the condition is temporary ... and may recuperate in about six months ...

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. 2-3, South Jakarta: - Semanggi Lounge: Classic Guitar Melodies with Nelson Rumantir, daily except Sunday, 7.30 a.m. to 9.30 a.m., Arol (Pianist and flutist), Monday to Saturday, 12 p.m.

Australia and RP to talk security

Australia and RP to talk security KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Australia and the Philippines announced yesterday closer cooperation in three areas, including the establishment of formal bilateral security talks, foreign ministers from the two countries said. "We're upgrading our security (ties) by establishing bilateral regional security talks (with the Philippines)," Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said at a joint news briefing with Philippine Foreign Secretary Domingo Siazon.

Thai borrowing from IMF inevitable: Analyst

Thai borrowing from IMF inevitable: Analyst By Anchalee Koetsawang BANGKOK (Reuter): Rapid loss of investor confidence, festering economic wounds and heavy local pressure will inevitably force Thailand to take more than just IMF advice -- possibly loans or a credit line, analysts said on Monday.

Promote religious tolerance, President reiterates

Promote religious tolerance, President reiterates JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday he hoped Indonesia would become a center for excellence in Islamic studies, with its strong commitment toward tolerance and democracy. The President said Islamic institutions could encourage the democratization process by promoting peace, discussion and religious tolerance.

SE Asian moneys rise, then fall with baht

SE Asian moneys rise, then fall with baht BANGKOK (Reuter): Southeast Asian currencies ended higher but below their best levels yesterday with the Thai baht giving up an early strong gain as operators took the opportunity to hoover up cheaper U.S. dollars. Regional currencies were initially dragged up by the baht to levels not seen in a week, as optimism about an impending rescue package for Thailand's ailing economy spread through the region.

The promises and limits of cloning

The promises and limits of cloning By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): Decades ago, the late, great Isaac Asimov (1920 to 1992), a Russian-born American scientist and prolific writer, coauthored a doggerel verse with Randall Garrett, which reads as follows: Oh, give me a clone Of my own flesh and blood With its Y chromosome changed into X And when it is grown Then my own little clone Will be one of the opposite sex.

Sutoyoso tells Jakartans to maintain current stability

Sutoyoso tells Jakartans to maintain current stability JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso has appealed to Jakartans to keep maintaining current favorable conditions of the capital. "If we ease up even a little bit, problems and menaces...could possibly appear," said Sutiyoso in closing remarks at the 55th ABRI (Armed Forces) social works program in Cengkareng, West Jakarta, yesterday. His statement was delivered by his chief of staff, Brig. Gen. Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin.

Will manpower bill create trouble?

Will manpower bill create trouble? By Kastorius Sinaga JAKARTA (JP): In a hearing on the manpower bill between Forum Nusantara 1928 and the special committee of the Development Functional Faction (FKP) on July 4, an FKP member said the manpower bill resembled a "supermarket bill". What he meant was that the bill gave the impression of regulating in one package all matters with different substances and implications.

AIDS prevention clinic for Bali

AIDS prevention clinic for Bali DENPASAR, Bali: The Australian government will finance an AIDS prevention and information program in Bali, in association with the East Nusa Tenggara and South Sulawesi provinces. The chairman of Bali's AIDS Prevention Commission chapter, I Gusti Agung Mayun Eman, said the model project was organized with the help of the Indonesian Hindu Council (PHDI), Antara reported yesterday.

Sports council strives to get more Games funds

Sports council strives to get more Games funds JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council said yesterday it would have to borrow money for Southeast Asian (SEA) Games training because of a cash shortage. National training director Djoko Pramono said the council had so far got only Rp 16.5 billion (US$6,31 million) of the Rp 35 billion the SEA Games consortium had pledged.

Eman new speaker of Bogor council

Eman new speaker of Bogor council BOGOR (JP): Eman Akman of the Golkar faction was elected yesterday as new speaker of the Bogor City Council for the 1997/2002 office term, replacing Eddy Surjaman. Eman, who hails from Kuningan, West Java, will be assisted by two deputy speakers -- Pulman Hasibuan of the Armed Forces (ABRI) and Zaenal Abidin Uhar of the United Development Party (PPP). The three were elected unanimously at a plenary session chaired by M.

Through the looking glass

Through the looking glass From Sinar The dialog between Sinar and psychic Ki Ageng Selo (Sinar No. 43/Tahun IV, 19 Juli 1997) concerning the turmoil predicted to be taking place in 1997, and the emergence of a "hidden hero/heroine" interests me. Ki Ageng Selo also prophesied some natural phenomena related to politics, the economy and sociocultural affairs to happen in Indonesia and other parts of the world. According to Ki Ageng, the present situation is prone to turbulence.

BNI's new management team

BNI's new management team JAKARTA (JP): Shareholders of state-owned publicly listed Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) yesterday approved a new board of directors at an extraordinary general meeting, with Widigdo Sukarman remaining president director. He said the format of the board remained the same, one president director and six other directors. Five of the six directors are new faces. They are Sunardji Parto Adinoto, Binsar Pangaribuan, Hasan Soeftendy, Agus Daryanto and Saifuddien Hasan.

World Bank loans

World Bank loans The Washington-based World Bank has been accused of many notorious acts, including raking big profits from its lendings to poor nations. But none of the accusations went as far as the criticism by American professor Jeffrey A. Winters of Northwestern University, Illinois, that at least one third of World Bank loans to Indonesia was wasted. The wide perception of the high prevalence of malfeasance in Indonesia could provide credence to Winters' allegations.

BI sells $1b to stabilize the rupiah

BI sells $1b to stabilize the rupiah JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono said yesterday that the central bank had sold US$1 billion on the forward market to stabilize the rupiah. That amount was much less than the Thai and Philippine central banks sold to defend their currencies, he said. "This smaller amount (for intervention) is because we had taken preemptive action before the sharp depreciation of the rupiah (against the U.S.