Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 21 August 1997

64 articles found

Price study delays subway project

Price study delays subway project JAKARTA (JP): The municipality has yet to complete its study on the fares for the city's subway, causing further delays to the US$2.3 billion transportation project. The head of the City's Development Planning Board, Budihardjo Soekmadi, said yesterday the administration was still studying the tariffs proposed by its project partner.

Warso paints human issues with a brush of beauty

Warso paints human issues with a brush of beauty By Yogita Tahil Ramani JAKARTA (JP): Splashes on the canvas of turquoise blue and linings in sunflower yellow formed the eye-catching, iridescent abstraction. The contoured form seemed to pulsate in a reverently melancholic mood, as serene as if lulled by an engaging dream while asleep. Cloaked in ethereal colors, the nude woman lying on the sofa (Wanita Di Atas sofa) seemingly hid her expression behind the hair falling in front of her face.

Megawati should redefine herself, observers say

Megawati should redefine herself, observers say JAKARTA (JP): Political observers are calling on ousted leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), Megawati Soekarnoputri, to elevate her political competition to fight for national interest. Political lecturer Ramlan Surbakti, PDI senior member Abdul Madjid and PDI legislator Sukowaluyo Mintorahardjo agreed in a discussion yesterday that Megawati's role in democratization has been expanding and that PDI has become too small a venue for her.

Philippine dancers to perform next week

Philippine dancers to perform next week JAKARTA (JP): A famous Philippine dance troupe, Bayanihan, is to perform here on Aug. 29 and Aug. 30 in commemoration with their country's independence centennial. Embassy cultural officer Gloria L. Tablico said yesterday that the 40-year-old dance company, dubbed a national treasure, would perform on their first day here before Women's International Club members in the morning and conference delegates in the evening.

Lisbon under pressure over RI investment

Lisbon under pressure over RI investment LISBON (Reuter): The Portuguese government was under pressure on Tuesday from East Timor resistance groups to block a planned transfer of a German-owned textile firm in Portugal to a joint venture under Indonesian control. But it was not clear what, if anything, Portugal would or could do about the proposed switch of ownership.

Bulog's monopoly to end

Bulog's monopoly to end JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economy and Finance Saleh Afiff said here yesterday the government planned to remove the National Logistics Agency's (Bulog) monopoly to allow consumers to buy commodities at market prices. Speaking to reporters at his office, Afiff said the measure would be part of a deregulation package currently under discussion following the floating of the rupiah. "This will be introduced, if possible, this month.

Rupiah and stock markets recover

Rupiah and stock markets recover JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah strengthened further yesterday rising by 100 points against the U.S. dollar while the stock market gained ground to break a six-day losing streak. Dealers said spot rupiah, which opened at 2,845/2,855 against the American greenback, dropped to 2,865/2,875 at midday but the currency strengthened in the afternoon to close at 2,765/2,775.

Reclamation project may affect islands: Expert

Reclamation project may affect islands: Expert JAKARTA (JP): Reclamation work currently underway in North Jakarta could threaten the existence of islets in the Thousand Islands in Jakarta Bay, an environmental official warned yesterday. L.P. Coutrier, the deputy chairman of the Environmental Impact Management Agency (Bapedal), said many reclamation projects were taking sand quarried from islets in the bay.

Helicopter crashes near Gorontalo

Helicopter crashes near Gorontalo GORONTALO, North Sulawesi: An Allowette helicopter crashed near here yesterday morning. No casualties were reported. Antara reported that the helicopter, owned by PT International Air Transport, was chartered by gold mining company PT BHP Minerals and was dropping supplies when it crashed, 70 kilometers from Gorontalo. Strong winds were thought to be the cause of the crash. Pilot Capt. Eko, 47, was not seriously injured in the crash.

Governor nominee

Governor nominee From Merdeka Nominees for Jakarta governor should be chosen among magnanimous people who are ready to place the interests of other people above their families' and their own personal interests. The future governor of Jakarta must be someone who can fight for the interests of his residents and do, among other things, the following: 1. Prevent corruption, illegal levies, collusion, manipulation and prostitution. 2.

Police to probe Made Oka's assets

Police to probe Made Oka's assets JAKARTA (JP): The City Police are awaiting an official permit from the Minister of Finance to allow officers to investigate the bank account of one of the main suspects in the Rp 1.2 trillion (US$444 million) Bank Arta Prima scam. City Police Detectives Chief Col. Gories Mere said yesterday that a team had been set up to trace the assets of the suspect, Made Oka Masagung, in the bad loans case.

RI asked to reduce Asian meet entries

RI asked to reduce Asian meet entries KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP): The Asian Badminton Confederation (ABC) has asked Indonesia to reduce the number of Indonesian players participating in its championships to be held next month in Malaysia. Executive secretary Karen Koh said Tuesday that the ABC had faxed the Indonesian Badminton Association Monday and asked Indonesia to cut down on the list of 40 players submitted for the Sept. 3 to Sept. 7 championship.

Antipolio drive for needy infants

Antipolio drive for needy infants JAKARTA (JP): Polio vaccination posts are to be set up soon across the capital: in markets, supermarkets, railway stations, airports and hotels, to serve 972,000 needy infants, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday. The vaccination service, which will be provided free of charge on Sept. 2 and Oct. 7, is a part of the national campaign to eradicate polio, he said. The first round was held in 1995 and the second in 1996.

Space for gas stations running out: Sarwono

Space for gas stations running out: Sarwono JAKARTA (JP): The scarcity of land in the city has become a major obstacle to building new gas stations, Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja said yesterday. He said investors were struggling to find land to build new stations.

Rubber prices mixed in KL but stable in Jakarta

Rubber prices mixed in KL but stable in Jakarta KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia's rubber market closed mixed yesterday with players watching movements of the ringgit to fix prices while the market drifted aimlessly, traders said. There was no news of business in the market, although inquiries were reported from China for the SMR20, said the traders. The SMR20 for September buyer was priced a cent higher at 250.50 cents a kg.

Veteran golfer takes early lead to East Java Open

Veteran golfer takes early lead to East Java Open By Robert Soelistyo SURABAYA (JP): Veteran Jakarta golfer Ilyasak took an early two-stroke lead in the Prasidha East Java Open championship yesterday as favorites got off to poor starts at the Citra Raya Golf and Country Club here. The par-72 course, designed by world renowned American designer Andy Dye, got the thumb ups from players who described the course as "very good" and "quite challenging".

Scarcity of experts hampers computer networking growth

Scarcity of experts hampers computer networking growth JAKARTA (JP): Computer networking is a fast growing business in Indonesia which is limited only by the scarcity of experts, an executive of Novell Inc, a leading network company, said yesterday. Rodney Yap, country sales manager for Indonesia of the Singapore-based company, said human resources was the limiting factor in networking business.

Police drug raid on entertainment centers to continue

Police drug raid on entertainment centers to continue JAKARTA (JP): The country's senior detective, Maj. Gen. Nurfaizi, underlined here yesterday the importance of continuing the police's routine raids on night spots in a bid to help eliminate the distribution of drugs. The raids were expected to remind drug dealers and users that the police were serious in their efforts to stamp out the problem, Nurfaizi said. "We need to minimize the number of drug users.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 20, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 750 0 49,500 AHAP Insurance 2,500 0 0 Alter Abadi 950 -50 30,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,175 -25 151,000 Alumindo Perkasa 600 0 4,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,025 0 22,500 Anwar Sierad 1,025 25 103,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

Players agree with IBF's World Cup changes

Players agree with IBF's World Cup changes YOGYAKARTA (JP): Players have supported the International Badminton Federation's decision to stage the last World Cup badminton championship here. Malaysia's men's singles player Ong Ewe Hock said yesterday after practice that he agreed with the decision. "It depends on the IBF to stop the World Cup," he said. Ong said the championship is invitational and does not influence the players' world ranking whether they win or lose.

Tight money policy causes banks to raise rates

Tight money policy causes banks to raise rates JAKARTA (JP): Most commercial banks are increasing their one- month time deposit rates to over 30 percent to draw more liquidity from the public to survive the current tight money policy. A foreign exchange bank dealer said yesterday that starting today state banks would start increasing their on-counter, one- month deposit rates to 30 percent, two-to-three-months to 28 percent, and six-to-12-months to 19 percent.

Indonesia to promote exports to Japan

Indonesia to promote exports to Japan JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is to hold a trade exhibition in the city of Kobe in a bid to boost exports to Japanese markets. The head of the National Agency for Export Development, Muchtar, said yesterday that about 40 small and medium-scale companies would participate at the Indonesian Solo Exhibition, to be held from Sept. 17 to Sept. 21.

Bukit Soeharto forest on fire

Bukit Soeharto forest on fire SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: At least 2,000 hectares in the Bukit Soeharto conservation forest has been on fire for the past week, Antara reported yesterday. The local authorities had set up a 300-strong team under Lt. Col. Adang Sondja to fight the fire spreading in the 61,000 hectare forest. The team was equipped with two water tanks, five bulldozers, ten trucks and buses. The news agency reported that in some spots the fire had been controlled.

House opposed to excessive power of police force

House opposed to excessive power of police force JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives agreed yesterday to modify a controversial bill that strives to give police what some analysts say excessive power. Hari Soegiman, who chairs a special team deliberating the government-sponsored bill, said yesterday that police officers would now be given job descriptions and authority with enough legal basis and control mechanisms.

Earthquake shakes Medan

Earthquake shakes Medan MEDAN, North Sumatra: An earthquake measuring 5.8 on the Richter scale shook Medan yesterday, Antara reported. There was no immediate report of casualties or structural damage in Medan or other cities in northern Sumatra. The tremor, lasting about five seconds, sent people scurrying out of houses, hotels and office buildings, the news agency said.

Farabi music school reopens under new management

Farabi music school reopens under new management JAKARTA (JP): Farabi music school reopened under new management yesterday, 10 years after it closed down. The new owners hope to revive its glory days, even without its original founders Jack Lesmana and Indra Lesmana, by recruiting musicians who are equally impressive to teach. A small reception to relaunch the school was held at the same building which housed the old Farabi school on Jl. Dharmawangsa XI in South Jakarta.

RI, Malaysia to build world's longest bridge

RI, Malaysia to build world's longest bridge JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto gave his blessing yesterday for the construction of a 95-kilometer bridge connecting the Malaysian peninsula and Sumatra. The bridge will be built by a private consortium of Indonesian and Malaysian companies. The Indonesian consortium, PT Malindo Transmadu, is headed by Siti Hediati Heriyadi Prabowo, Soeharto's second daughter. Malaysia is represented by Renong Sdn. Bhd.

Timika tense over trust fund

Timika tense over trust fund JAKARTA (JP): Harapan Kwamki Lama village in Timika, Irian Jaya, was tense yesterday as tribal leaders were at odds over a share of the trust fund given by PT Freeport Indonesia Company.

Power struggle looming in China

Power struggle looming in China By Rizal Sukma JAKARTA (JP): When China's paramount leader, Deng Xiaoping, died in February this year, many analysts speculated that China would face the problem of succession. Even though Deng had already appointed China's Communist Party (CCP) Secretary-General and President Jiang Zemin as his heir, many believed that this crucial issue would not be easily solved.

Brunei prepared to host 20th SEA Games in 1999

Brunei prepared to host 20th SEA Games in 1999 JAKARTA (JP): An official of Brunei's sport council yesterday confirmed that his country was willing to host the 20th SEA Games in 1999. Thalib Haji Berudin of Majelis Olimpiade Kebangsaan Brunei said the government of Brunei had decided to take the helm of the next SEA Games.

Indocement opens new school

Indocement opens new school JAKARTA (JP): Director of Private Schools of the Ministry of Education and Culture, Umaedi, inaugurated Bantarjati junior high school in Cileungsi, Bogor, yesterday. Umaedi welcomed the private sector's participation in the establishment of more private schools to help the government carry out its nine-year compulsory education program.

Australian scholarship

Australian scholarship I refer to the article Australia offers 300 scholarships (Aug. 19, page 2). I am interested in applying for the scholarship and would be grateful if you could provide me with the address of the Australian Embassy. Thank you for your cooperation. LINAWATY Medan, North Sumatra Note: Applications should be submitted to: 1. PO Box 4707/JKTM, Jakarta 12047 (especially for the government sector). 2. PO Box 4284/JKTM, Jakarta 12042 (especially for the private sector). -- Editor

Rupiah comment

Rupiah comment Correction: Comments on the rupiah which appeared on the front page of this newspaper Wednesday should not have been attributed to John Rachmat, a senior analyst at Schroder Indonesia, but to a bank dealer who declined to be named. We apologize for the error. -- Editor

Local shuttlers find no trouble in Sanyo World Cup

Local shuttlers find no trouble in Sanyo World Cup By Primastuti Handayani YOGYAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's men's singles players dominated their opponents in the first day's round-robin matches of the 1997 Sanyo World Cup Badminton Championship at the Among Rogo sports hall here yesterday. After a few early problems, Joko Suprianto easily overcame Thomas Johansson of Sweden 15-5, 15-3 in only 30 minutes.

Rupiah's fall can attract foreign tourists: Joop Ave

Rupiah's fall can attract foreign tourists: Joop Ave JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah's fall against the U.S. dollar will help attract more foreign tourists, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave said yesterday. Joop said the rupiah's fall would make visits to Indonesia cheaper and local tourist companies should benefit as a result, Antara reported.

Post office's responsibility

Post office's responsibility First, I would like to commend the Indonesian Postal Service for their generally reliable performance. It has been noted, particularly by international correspondents, that vast improvements in service have taken place in recent years. However, I find myself in the grip of a situation which under normal conditions should not present much of a problem. But it is proving to be quite a conundrum.

Govt postpones meeting with rights commission

Govt postpones meeting with rights commission JAKARTA (JP): The government postponed yesterday a routine meeting with the National Commission on Human Rights, whose members had planned to again raise questions about the fate of 23 missing people in the bloody riots on July 27 last year.

Art gems now for sale in S'pore

Art gems now for sale in S'pore JAKARTA (JP): A sale exhibition of Southeast Asian sculptures, jewelry and batik opened in Singapore yesterday and runs through Sept. 10. Spink Singapore, a sister company of Christie's International, is organizing The Art of Southeast Asia event at its gallery at Goodwood Park Hotel on Scotts Road.

BPIS won't reschedule projects

BPIS won't reschedule projects JAKARTA (JP): The Management Board of Strategic Industries (BPIS) has no plan to reschedule its industrial projects despite the rupiah's sharp drop against the U.S. dollar, the board's chairman B.J. Habibie said here yesterday. Habibie, also State Minister of Research and Technology, said the rupiah's depreciation would not cause the rescheduling of the board's strategic industrial projects.

Two bodies found on toll road

Two bodies found on toll road JAKARTA (JP): The bound bodies of two men were found yesterday in a truck parked on the shoulder of the Jatibening toll road in Bekasi. The men, believed to be the driver and his assistant of the truck bearing Medan (North Sumatra) license plates, had been assaulted with a sharp weapon and were bound hand and foot, Capt. Gono Sihardi of the Jatibening police subprecinct said.

Surjadi checks preparation for the press center project

Surjadi checks preparation for the press center project JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja checked yesterday on the latest preparations for the establishment of a press center building, the first ever in the country. Jakarta needed a press center, which would also function as the center of information and news sources in Indonesia, to help strengthen the capital's status as a service city, Surjadi said. The Jakarta Press Center will be built on Jl.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Romance by Firman Ichsan, at Cemara 6 Galeri Kafe, Jl. HOS. Cokroaminoto No. 9-11, Central Jakarta, 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m., until Aug. 31. * Painting Exhibition: by Kartini Basuki at Duta Fine Arts Foundation, Jl. Kemang Utara 55A, South Jakarta, daily at 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Sunday and Monday at 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., until Sept. 16. * Doll Exhibition: by Siana Kristiani, at Galeri TC, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 24A South Jakarta, 11.30 a.m.

Indonesian rupiah surge lifts SE Asian currencies

Indonesian rupiah surge lifts SE Asian currencies SINGAPORE (Reuter): The Indonesian rupiah's rebound on the back of sharply higher domestic interest rates gave a reprieve to Southeast Asian currencies yesterday, but dealers said the gains were likely to prove short lived. The rupiah extended its rise after Bank Indonesia raised interest rates on Tuesday, which pulled the currency back from a fresh historic low of 3,045 to the dollar.

Price hike won't affect sales of mobile phone

Price hike won't affect sales of mobile phone JAKARTA (JP): The price rise of cellular phones following the rupiah's recent drop against the U.S. dollar will not have a significant impact on sales, an executive has said. Rudiantara, a commissioner of PT Excelcomindo Pratama, said here yesterday he was optimistic the dollar's surge against the rupiah would not affect sales because telephones including mobile phones had now become a necessity for the people.

Kebayoran Baru youth reunion

Kebayoran Baru youth reunion JAKARTA (JP): Members of a 1960s organization grouping teenagers in the South Jakarta Kebayoran Baru area plan a reunion bash with a four-kilometer charity walkathon. National Police Chief Gen. Dibyo Widodo, who was a member of the group, will launch the walkathon on Sept. 14 which will start and finish at the PTIK field on Jl. Tirtayasa Raya. Musicians from the Koes Plus band are among the members who have since hit the big time.

New Lampung police chief

New Lampung police chief BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Col. Gendro Budi Santoso will be installed Saturday as Lampung Police chief, replacing Col. Didy Kusumayadi. Lt. Zainal Gunawan of the Lampung Police said the deputy national police chief, Lt. Gen. Luthfi Dahlan, would officiate at the ceremony. According to Antara, Col. Gendro was a former deputy chief of the Lampung Police. His predecessor will join the National Resilience Institute for training. (mds)

Three charged with subversion for rioting

Three charged with subversion for rioting JAKARTA (JP): A trial began yesterday for three people suspected of being involved in a bloody riot in the West Java town of Tasikmalaya in December last year. The three were charged with subversion which carries a maximum penalty of death. The suspects were Abdul Muis, 25, Asep Ilyas, 23, and Agustiana, 32. There is another suspect, youth activist Mimih Haeruman, 25, who is still at large. He is being tried in his absence.

Phibro closes down its Sulawesi cocoa project

Phibro closes down its Sulawesi cocoa project LONDON (Reuter): Commodities trader Phibro said yesterday it closed down its cocoa operations in Indonesia because the business had ceased to be attractive. "We are just getting out of a business that doesn't have the upside it had when we first got into it," Phibro Commodities director Anthony Ward said.

Moslem students told to go beyond politics

Moslem students told to go beyond politics YOGYAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman asked Indonesian Moslem students yesterday to stretch their activities beyond the political arena. Hayono said while opening the 21st congress of the Association of Islamic Students (HMI) at the Yoyyakarta Palace complex that the country desperately needed economic and cultural experts to come up with ways to survive ongoing globalization.

Cue bids for Sampang PSC

Cue bids for Sampang PSC WELLINGTON (Reuter): New Zealand exploration company Cue Energy Resources Ltd said yesterday a consortium of which it is a part has been notified that it is the preferred bidder for the Sampang PSC in Indonesia. Cue Energy (15 percent), Coastal Oil and Gas Corporation (40 percent) and Santos Limited (45 percent, operator) lodged a bid on June 27 for the Sampang block PSC. "The consortium has been notified by Pertamina that it is the preferred bidder for the acreage.

Painting expo at Ubud

Painting expo at Ubud DENPASAR, Bali: Five Indonesians and a Kuwaiti are taking part in a painting exhibition in Ubud on Tuesday, Antara reported. Srihadi Soedarsono, Widayat, Abas Alibasyah, Made Budhiana and N. A. Arnawa are joined by Jafar Islah from Kuwait. Wife of the minister of education and culture, Atie Wardiman Djojonegoro, opened the exhibition at the Rudana Museum on Tuesday. The exhibition will end Aug. 31. (09)

Barge capsizes, kills 15

Barge capsizes, kills 15 SURABAYA: A barge ferrying more than 40 people across the Brantas river capsized killing at least 15 people. Fifteen bodies have been recovered while 17 people are known to have survived. Antara reported another 11 are believed to still be missing. The accident occurred late Wednesday evening as the barge was ferrying mostly students from Kartika Technical High School. Surabaya Police Chief Col.

El Nino could ruin Indonesian 1998 coffee crop

El Nino could ruin Indonesian 1998 coffee crop SINGAPORE (Reuter): An extending drought in Indonesia, linked to the El Nino weather phenomenon, may wreak havoc on the country's coffee output next year unless badly needed rains reach the trees soon, dealers said yesterday. "The coffee trees are bearing fruit. If they don't get rain by early September, you're going to have a lot of unripened or shriveled beans," one coffee trader told Reuters.

Writing contest for teachers

Writing contest for teachers JAKARTA (JP): Private television station TPI in cooperation with the Ministry of Education and Culture is holding a nationwide writing contest for teachers. The contest is open to teachers of kindergartens and elementary, junior and senior high schools, as well as vocational schools, the station announced yesterday. Compositions should be on the theme: Teachers' efforts in improving student learning through planning, presentation and evaluation activities.

Spratlys tops Li Peng's agenda

Spratlys tops Li Peng's agenda KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Chinese premier Li Peng will visit Malaysia for four days beginning today with the dispute over the Spratly islands topping the agenda, officials said yesterday. "Kuala Lumpur is expected to impress on Beijing that Spratlys claimants should not use force," a foreign ministry official told AFP. Li last visited Malaysia in 1990.

Temanggung in clean city contest

Temanggung in clean city contest TEMANGGUNG, Central Java: Temanggung has been appointed to represent Indonesia in an upcoming competition for cleanliness among cities in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Antara reported yesterday. Head of the Central Java environmental office, Enny Soemargo, said a team from the United Nations' Education Science and Cultural Organization is expected to evaluate the town.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Travel: My Country 2:35 Children's Film: Family Matters 3:10 Science Film: Animal Odyssey 3:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Traditional Culture: Pelangi Budaya 5:00 Arabic Lessons 5:30 Children's Program: Bermain Musik 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 6:53 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Cultural Performances: Cakrawala Budaya 8:05 Comedy: Humoria 9:00 World News...

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Music and Entertainment * Holiday Inn, Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 33, Bandung: - Kebun Bambu Restaurant: Guitar performance, Saturday, 7.45 p.m. to 10.15 p.m. - Braga Bar and Lounge: Jazz live entertainment at 7.30 p.m. to 11.15, featuring Duet Piano and Saxophone, every Tuesday and Thursday, Piano, Saxophone and Bass, Friday, Piano, Saxophone, Bass and Singer, Saturday. - Kutilang: Traditional musics, Kecapi and Suling, daily, 6.30 p.m. to 9.15 p.m.

Haj pilgrims won't receive subsidy from government

Haj pilgrims won't receive subsidy from government JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher said yesterday the government would not subsidize the spiraling cost of the haj pilgrimage since it would be against Islamic teachings, but assured that the fee would not go over Rp 9 million (US$3,157). Tarmizi claimed the tariff hike was unavoidable and higher than expected due to the sharp depreciation of the rupiah against the U.S. dollar.

Controlling prices

Controlling prices Amid the current financial uncertainty and rupiah upheaval, there is some good news. The latest reports from the National Logistics Agency show the level of its rice stocks, now amounting to about three million tonnes, is adequate to cover any shortfall in harvests caused by the prolonged dry season. This situation will greatly help the government control the general price rise.

ICMI backs workers' right to go on strike

ICMI backs workers' right to go on strike JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) called on legislators deliberating the controversial manpower bill to drop a stipulation on labor strikes from the document. The association said in a proposal for altering the bill that striking is a worker's right and does not need to be regulated. The association told a press conference yesterday that it studied the bill and drew up a list of alteration suggestions.

BIS expected to reassure G-10 to back Thailand

BIS expected to reassure G-10 to back Thailand ZURICH (Reuter): The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) was yesterday expected to reassure global markets that the world's leading central banks support Thailand and are ready to put up cash if needed, bankers said. But international central bankers do not expect BIS to offer any immediate money to Thailand as the country is not considered to be facing an immediate liquidity crunch.

Thai budget cuts not enough to save economy: Analysts

Thai budget cuts not enough to save economy: Analysts BANGKOK (AFP): Analysts warned yesterday Thailand's tough budget cuts may not be enough to bring recovery to the country's economy ahead of the expected approval of a 16 billion dollar bailout loan. The 59 billion baht (US$1.86 billion) cuts for the fiscal year to September 1998 were in line with austerity measures required by the International Monetary Fund ahead of its brokered rescue package for Thailand.

Press freedom

Press freedom It appears that the case between The Jakarta Post and IPTN (Nusantara Aircraft Industry) will go to court after lawyers of both sides have failed to reach a compromise. There seems to be a no more tragic and shameful case in media history to date. After 52 years of independence how little understanding -- let alone respect -- is there left on the part of the "powerful" with the plight of the press.