Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 23 August 1997

67 articles found

For better control of aliens

For better control of aliens It is an understatement to say that Malaysia's dependence on foreign labor in its rapid industrialization pace is causing the country a headache. As events unfolded in the past year, locals could not help but gather the impression that if no effective solution is found to deal with the burgeoning problem, it will inevitably develop into a nightmare for the government and the people. The end result as Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Travel: My Country 2:35 Children's Film: The Crystal Maze 3:10 Teenagers' Program: Jenjang Vocal 3:35 Travel: Wisata Nasional 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Sports 5:25 Variety Show 5:30 TV Series: Full House 5:55 Music 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 7:00 Evening News 7:35 TV Drama: Losmen Pak Jono 8:05 Saturday Night Music 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show: TVRI's Birthday Celebration 10:30...

Don't let TV control your life: Expert

Don't let TV control your life: Expert JAKARTA (JP): Television is beginning to take control of the lives of many Indonesians, leading mass communications expert Alwi Dahlan warned. Most TV stations in Indonesia were giving out "useless information", Alwi told Antara yesterday. Alwi launched his attack as three local television channels prepare to celebrate their anniversaries this weekend. "We should control television, not the other way round," he said.

Bogor launches cleanliness drive

Bogor launches cleanliness drive JAKARTA (JP): Bogor has launched a campaign to keep the town orderly, tidy and beautiful. A spokesman for the town's administration, Hari Harsono, said the campaign was aimed particularly at motorists and pedestrians. Many of them simply lacked discipline, he told Antara. A joint team involving the army, police and civil servants has been formed to implement the campaign.

No more villas being built in Puncak

No more villas being built in Puncak BOGOR (JP): Not a single house or holiday villa has been built in the Puncak hill resort since the launch of the Bogor regency's aggressive operations against illegal construction in the area late last year, an official said yesterday. Regency spokesman Denny M. Moechry told The Jakarta Post that of the 500 houses and villas known to lack permits, 150 had been demolished.

Two RI workers abused in Germany and Malaysia

Two RI workers abused in Germany and Malaysia JAKARTA (JP): Two Indonesian women workers in Germany and Malaysia respectively have reportedly been abused by their employers, according to an official at the Ministry of Justice's Directorate General of Immigration. Spokesman Mursanudin A. Ghani quoted the head of the immigration section at the Indonesian embassy in Bonn, Lukmiardi, as saying that Misda Indarti Muhammad was found, badly bruised, by the police here on Aug. 12.

Ukraine makes economic in-roads into SE Asia

Ukraine makes economic in-roads into SE Asia JAKARTA (JP): Six years after it declared its independence, the Ukraine is starting to make political and economic in-roads into Southeast Asia. The Ukraine, one of the breakaway republics of the old Soviet Union, has established its beachhead for promoting closer ties with the region here. It sees Indonesia as an important gateway to political and economic cooperation in Southeast Asian countries. Ukrainian Ambassador Ihor A.

KNPI chief threatens to sue 'Sinar' weekly

KNPI chief threatens to sue 'Sinar' weekly JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI) chairman Maulana Isman threatened yesterday to sue the weekly Sinar for allegedly tarnishing his name. Maulana's lawyer Adnan Buyung Nasution said in a statement, a copy of which was made available to The Jakarta Post, that in its 47th edition dated Aug. 16, the news weekly carried out a report on his client which he considers baseless.

Australian meat firms urged to expand into RI

Australian meat firms urged to expand into RI GOLD COAST (Reuter): The Australian Meat Council (AMC) urged yesterday red meat exporters to exploit the "unlimited potential" of emerging markets in Indonesia and Malaysia while consolidating their traditional dominance in Japan and South Korea. "Australian meat exporters are in an ideal position to capitalize on (these) fast emerging markets," AMC chairman George Gilbertson said.

China indicates support for Southeast Asia during money crisis

China indicates support for Southeast Asia during money crisis KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Visiting Chinese Premier Li Peng indicated Friday Beijing's support for Southeast Asia during its currency crisis, a senior Malaysian official said yesterday. Li raised the region's currency woes during talks with Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who is also finance minister, said Clifford Herbert, secretary-general of the Malaysian finance ministry. "I am sure if required China will (give support)..

Bank Lippo offers cellular incentive

Bank Lippo offers cellular incentive JAKARTA (JP): Bank Lippo will cooperate with PT Excelcomindo Pratama, one of the country's cellular telephone operators, to market its credit card service. Under an agreement signed here yesterday, applicants for Bank Lippo credit cards can get a free cellular phone when their application has been approved by the bank, or buy them at a much lower price than usual.

Mercedes makes inroads into Indonesian truck market

Mercedes makes inroads into Indonesian truck market By John Aglionby LUXURY sedans and small trucks rarely go hand in hand but Mercedes-Benz, one of the leaders of the former market, is starting a major offensive to improve its share of the latter. On September 5, the German carmaker will launch the MB 800 turbo, a truck designed specially for the Indonesian market, and the MBO 800 turbo, a bus engine and chassis. The two vehicles will not only be sold here.

Thai baht fall depresses SE Asian currencies

Thai baht fall depresses SE Asian currencies SINGAPORE (Reuter): Southeast Asian currencies slid once more yesterday as the Thai baht fell to record lows, spurring fresh buying of the dollar across the board. The baht hit a new record low of 34.10 to the dollar onshore in the afternoon after heavy commercial demand for dollars and nagging concerns about Thailand's economic and political outlook pushed the baht through the key 33 level in early trade.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 22, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 700 -75 63,500 AHAP Insurance 2,500 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,000 0 0 Alumindo Light Metal 1,000 -100 750,000 Alumindo Perkasa 600 0 3,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,000 -75 112,500 Anwar Sierad 1,000 -25 16,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

PT Telkom wins ISO certificates

PT Telkom wins ISO certificates JAKARTA (JP): State-owned domestic telecommunications provider PT Telkom has obtained ISO 9002 certificates and will launch a gambling-like soccer quiz via telephone toll free with a total prize of up to Rp 30 million per week.

Daewoo plans $27m spend up

Daewoo plans $27m spend up SEOUL: Daewoo has plans to spend about US$20 million through its Uzbekistan joint-venture partner UzDaewooAuto on a dealership and service network for Russia and other CIS countries, according to Automotive News Europe. That should be refreshing news for all those folk forced to soldier on in their trusty Ladas. However, they can probably only dream of owning a Daewoo.

Malaysia jails two Filipinos

Malaysia jails two Filipinos KUALA LUMPUR (AP): A Philippine woman has pleaded guilty to hacking her husband to death and was sentenced to 12 years in prison, a report said yesterday. In the same court, another Filipino was jailed for 11 years and ordered to be whipped four times for raping his 15-year-old daughter in front of his wife and step-daughter, The Star daily reported.

Empowerment of DPR

Empowerment of DPR From Kompas" The title of an article in Kompas on July 21 (page 14) read: Empowerment of the House of Representatives needed to make it equal with other institutions. It was reported that Prof. Dr. Sri Sumantri, a constitutional law expert, said in a panel discussion on "Thoughts regarding the Amendment to the Draft of Internal Regulations of the House of Representatives of the Republic of Indonesia" that no high institution of the state is of a higher position than another.

Thai Airways's new flight

Thai Airways's new flight BANGKOK (AFP): Thai Airways International said yesterday it would launch a non-stop service four times a week between Indonesia and Australia, starting Oct. 27. The flights between Jakarta and Sydney would be serviced by wide-bodied Airbus A300-600 aircraft, the airline said in a statement.

Is going int'l capital flight?

Is going int'l capital flight? By Dewi Anggraeni MELBOURNE (JP): How come, ask some interested businesspeople in Australia, when an Australian company goes international, it is praised for its achievements, while an Indonesian company going international may be accused of capital flight? Are there issues that are uniquely Indonesian, not immediately clear to outsiders? It is only right that businesses in Australia consider the situation before making decisions to invest in Indonesia.

No project rescheduling so far, say ministers

No project rescheduling so far, say ministers JAKARTA (JP): The government has not made any decision regarding the rescheduling of development projects despite President Soeharto's call last week to do so. Coordinating Minister for Economy and Finance Saleh Afiff said here yesterday the government did not see the need to reschedule the projects because such measures would slow the country's development.

Indra upsets Dong, Ong beats Hariyanto

Indra upsets Dong, Ong beats Hariyanto By Primastuti Handayani YOGYAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Indra Wijaya upset first seeded and defending champion Dong Jiong of China 13-15, 15-12, 15-13 yesterday to go through to the semifinals of the 1997 Sanyo World Cup badminton championships at Among Rogo sports hall here. But compatriot Hariyanto Arbi, winner of the Singapore Open, lost to Malaysia's Ong Ewe Hock 0-15, 5-15 and failed to get a berth in the semis.

Peugeot offers refreshed 306 to Indonesian market

Peugeot offers refreshed 306 to Indonesian market By John Aglionby IT is summer in France and people are on holiday, hoping to return home looking fresher, relaxed and ready to take on the perils and pitfalls of the rest of the year. Peugeot, one of France's leading car manufacturers, is no exception. A few months ago, it gave its 306 a facelift and the new-look car went on sale in Indonesia for the first time this week.

Senator calls for sex ring probe

Senator calls for sex ring probe MANILA (AP): A Philippine senator urged the government yesterday to investigate a report that a sex ring has brought Filipino children into Australia for sexual exploitation. Sen. Ernesto Herrera said the government should check why children can get passports and leave the country unescorted by their parents. He said such cases could not happen without the connivance of passport and airport officials.

Kasiadi leads East Java Golf Open

Kasiadi leads East Java Golf Open SURABAYA (JP): Pre-tournament favorite Kasiadi led host golfers to hold off visitors' charges and take control of the game by one shot in the Prasidha East Java Open at Ciputra Golf course yesterday. Twenty-one pros and 20 amateurs from an original field of more than 180 golfers won the right to continue their games yesterday.

'TVRI' levies (1)

'TVRI' levies (1) The TVRI foundation has announced that starting Aug. 11 televisions would be reregistered and levies collected in Jakarta, Tangerang and Bekasi. The foundation will operate by sending its employees assisted by regional stability agency (Bakorstanasda) officers. What is the legal basis for these levies? These levies are collected by virtue of a presidential decree and not a law passed by the House of Representatives.

Indonesian smoke hits neighbors

Indonesian smoke hits neighbors SINGAPORE (Reuter): Smoke billowing from forest fires in Indonesia has reached Singapore, and the government warned yesterday the elderly and those with heart or respiratory ailments to reduce their activity outdoors. Singapore had largely escaped the smoke haze that hit Malaysia and Indonesia over the past few weeks. The smoke came from fires in parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan that will be hard to put out because of drought.

Bus drivers protest overlapping routes

Bus drivers protest overlapping routes JAKARTA (JP): About 160 drivers of Kopaja minibuses plying the Manggarai-Blok M route in South Jakarta went to the City Council yesterday to complain about an overlapping route with Pahala Kencana buses. They demanded that the Pahala Kencana bus route, from Blok M to Grogol, be revoked because it overlapped with their route for eight kilometers from Jl. Cianjur to Jl. Kuningan in Central Jakarta. The drivers went to the council building in 80 buses.

Nissan to build engines in Indonesia

Nissan to build engines in Indonesia TOKYO: Nissan Motor has revealed that it is to start joint- production of petrol engines in Indonesia starting in 2000. The joint-venture partner is a major financial conglomerate in Indonesia, and is now involved in the joint-financing with Nissan of an auto assembly plant that has been operational in that country since last October. The engine factory is to have a capacity of about 10,000 per month, and ground breaking is projected to take place next year.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: by Sri Hadhy, Tulus Warsito, Sukriyal Sadin and Kristiyanto at Hotel Kristal Jl. Tarogong Raya, Cilandak Barat, South Jakarta, 24 hours, until Sept. 30. * Painting Exhibition: Tanda Tanya by Dwi Aryo Prihutomo and Ronny Agustinus, at CCF Gallery - French Cultural Center, Jl. Salemba Raya 25 Central Jakarta, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Sept. 20. * Painting Exhibition: Romance by Firman Ichsan, at Cemara 6 Galeri Kafe, Jl. HOS.

Military subcommands

Military subcommands JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso unveiled a plan yesterday to set up two military subcommands which would oversee the seven military districts in the city, Bekasi and Tangerang. Sutiyoso said the establishment of the two military subcommands was designed to increase efficiency and cooperation among military bases in Greater Jakarta.

Asian crude end the weak steady

Asian crude end the weak steady SINGAPORE (Reuter): Asian crudes ended the week steady, overshadowed by the activity on the Middle East crude market, traders said on Friday. Traders were also focusing on the term price talks for Vietnamese Bach Ho crude six month contracts starting October, limiting the spot activity on Asian grades. Vietnam was scheduled to have decided on the term price for its Bach Ho crude on Friday, following a one-week extension due to a deadlock.

Stock prices plunge 4.8% as rupiah remains stable

Stock prices plunge 4.8% as rupiah remains stable JAKARTA (JP): Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange suffered the biggest intraday drop of 4.8 percent yesterday while the Indonesian rupiah was stable at 2,700 level against the U.S. dollar. The composite index dropped 28.665 points to 574.395 -- its lowest close since Nov. 1 and turnover totaled 404.5 million shares valued at Rp 580.3 billion (US$212.6 million).

Jakarta and tourist attractions

Jakarta and tourist attractions I would like to bring some thoughts to the attention of the Jakarta tourism office which seems to be concerned about the decline in tourist arrivals. No doubt, Indonesia is one of the most beautiful countries in the world and therefore highly recommended to foreign tourists. But what could possibly attract them to visit the country's capital, Jakarta?

'TVRI' levies (2)

'TVRI' levies (2) From Republika The Indonesian consumer institute (YLKI) deplores the use of officials from Bakorstanasda, the regional stability coordination agency, to collect television levies. Mass collection of these levies should be based on legal regulations, in the absence of which the community is entitled to refuse making the payment. Many members of the community have refused to pay TVRI levies because the collection is based on a presidential decree and not on law.

RI oil subsidy trims revenue on weak rupiah

RI oil subsidy trims revenue on weak rupiah SINGAPORE (Reuter): Indonesia's net crude oil exports will cushion the impact of its currency woes but sales revenues, which outweigh import costs, will be trimmed by high domestic price subsidies, analysts said yesterday. "Pertamina's exports are more than its imports. Therefore, there will be a net gain from an increase in revenue in rupiah terms," an oil analyst told Reuters.

Li denounces Japan's fear of China's strength

Li denounces Japan's fear of China's strength KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Chinese Premier Li Peng denounced Japan yesterday and dismissed fears of Beijing's growing economic and military strength in Southeast Asia, a region traditionally wary of China. "You have overestimated the strength of China's economy. We are not that powerful yet," Li said. And in terms of military strength, "up to now, we have not acquired any aircraft carriers".

Local and foreign NGOs urge review of manpower bill

Local and foreign NGOs urge review of manpower bill JAKARTA (JP): Criticism of the draft manpower bill grew yesterday as 26 national and international Non-governmental Organizations (NGOs) declared their opposition and urged the government to revise it. "The manpower bill will impose severe restrictions on workers' fundamental rights," they said in a declaration. The declaration was issued one day after an international conference on trade union rights in Indonesia.

Action urged over public facilities

Action urged over public facilities JAKARTA (JP): City councilors said yesterday they expected Jakarta's next governor to aggressively tackle one of the city's oldest problems: urging real-estate developers to abide by their obligations to construct social and public facilities. They made the remarks because they said many developers still failed to fulfill their obligations.

Asian sugar trade to rise as Japan, U.S. open markets

Asian sugar trade to rise as Japan, U.S. open markets MANILA (Reuter): The liberalization of sugar trade in the United States and Japan by year 2010 will likely benefit producers from the Asia-Pacific region, the general manager of an Australia-based sugar marketing firm said yesterday. "Australian, Thai, Malaysian, Indonesian and Chinese producers gain from increased sales and increased prices," Phil Atkins, general manager of CSR Ltd said.

Billions spent on dengue

Billions spent on dengue BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Indonesia spends Rp 47.25 billion (US$17.83 million) annually on curbing the spread of dengue across the country, an official said. Dr. Hadi Abednego, director general for the prevention of communicable diseases at the Ministry of Health, was quoted by Antara as saying Tuesday that dengue prevalence increases every year while efforts to curb its spread are often hampered by public ignorance.

Summarecon builds military sector base

Summarecon builds military sector base JAKARTA (JP): Private property developer PT Summarecon Agung handed over a building yesterday to be used as a military sector base at its Kelapa Gading housing complex in North Jakarta. Sumarecon's president, Soetjipto Nagaria, symbolically handed over the building, which cost Rp 170 million (US$64,150) to build, to Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Sutiyoso.

Lessons from the Southeast Asian currency crisis

Lessons from the Southeast Asian currency crisis The financial turmoil sweeping Southeast Asia may scare off western investors, but not the Japanese. And as Walden Bello writes in this Inter Press Service commentary, the crisis may serve to strengthen the already dominant position of Japanese capital in the region. MANILA: Does the currency crisis in Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines spell the end of the Southeast Asian model of development?

163 orchid species found on Buru Island

163 orchid species found on Buru Island AMBON, Maluku: A team of seven researchers from the Bogor Botanical Gardens has found 163 species of orchids in the mountains of Buru Island in Central Maluku, Antara reported yesterday. The news agency said the team spent 16 days in the northwestern part of the island since earlier this month. The research aimed to identify and help protect the rare species of plants in the virgin forests of Buru Island.

Stop showing the absurd

Stop showing the absurd For many local theater lovers who enjoy the absurd, they might feel it is no longer necessary to go to Europe for such a show because it is available here. The quality might not be there but the fee is reasonable, since it does not cost anything to watch. The whole country seems to have become a theater of the absurd.

Theater hits malls to find youth talent

Theater hits malls to find youth talent By Yenni Kwok JAKARTA (JP): "Mom, I want to be a thespian" is not something most parents are likely to hear from their teenage children. Compared with other performing professions, such as television acting or modeling, theater is a far less glamorous field.

Kobe to build RI plant

Kobe to build RI plant TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Kobe Steel Ltd. said yesterday it would build a 1.5 billion yen (US$13 million) spunbond plant in Indonesia for PT Multi Spunindo Jaya. Kobe Steel said in a statement the plant would have capacity to produce 3,500 tons of non-woven polypropylene (PP) and polyethylene terephtalate (PET) a year. Construction of the plant was expected to begin in early 1998, with production to start from mid-1998, it said.

Soeharto briefs Chiluba on East Timor situation

Soeharto briefs Chiluba on East Timor situation JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has briefed visiting Zambian President Frederick J.T. Chiluba on the history and latest development in East Timor. The President explained the situation to Chiluba after he raised the issue during 90-minute talks at Merdeka Palace, Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said yesterday.

Murder suspects identified

Murder suspects identified JAKARTA (JP): Police have identified the people who allegedly killed a construction worker and dumped the body in a ditch on Jl. Gusti Ngurah Rai, Klender, East Jakarta. The identities of the suspects, believed to have known the victim well, were revealed by eyewitnesses, City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday. He, however, refused to disclose their names.

HIGI calls for tighter control of herbicide use

HIGI calls for tighter control of herbicide use JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Weed Scientists (HIGI) called yesterday for a control of herbicides to stop weeds from being resistant to herbicides. The association's secretary general Edison Purba said it was time for the government, industrial sector and farmers to pay more serious attention to the use of herbicides because cases of weeds resistant to herbicides had multiplied worldwide.

Cook to visit 4 ASEAN nations

Cook to visit 4 ASEAN nations KUALA LUMPUR (AP): British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook will visit four Southeast Asian nations later this month to discuss Britain's relations with Asia and human rights issues, officials said yesterday. The British High Commission said Cook will discuss a "deepening of (Britain's) relations across Asia and ensuring respect for human rights" during his tour of Malaysia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Singapore. Cook will begin his tour in Malaysia Aug.

Local companies need humanistic management

Local companies need humanistic management JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian companies have to practice forward- looking management with humanistic and realistic orientations, a management expert said yesterday. Management has to develop its hard side and human side in harmony, said Japan's Peace, Happiness and Prosperity Institute Inc. (PHP) executive director Robert J.J Wargo.

New bill gets tough on polluters

New bill gets tough on polluters JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives passed a new environment bill yesterday which imposes stiffer penalties on polluters, with a maximum 15 years jail and a Rp 750 million (US$278,000) fine. The bill also allows the government to seize the assets or close down activities of those convicted of polluting or damaging the environment. The bill now awaits President Soeharto's endorsement before it can be enacted. It replaces law No.

Jababeka posts 56 percent increase in net profit

Jababeka posts 56 percent increase in net profit JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed PT Kawasan Industri Jababeka posted a 56 percent increase in net profit to Rp 101.6 billion (US$35.64 million) in the first semester this year from Rp 65.1 billion in the same period last year.

Two men killed as troops disperse protest in Timika

Two men killed as troops disperse protest in Timika JAKARTA (JP): Two people died yesterday in the Irian Jaya town of Timika when security officers tried to disperse a group of locals demonstrating over the earlier deaths of two fellow tribesmen. Stevanus Pekeke, 23, and Timotius Koga, 21, of the Ekari tribe in the Harapan Kwamki Lama village were shot in the head and the abdomen respectively, a church source said.

BI urged to ease liquidity to block bank run

BI urged to ease liquidity to block bank run JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia, the central bank, should inject fresh blood into the banking industry by easing rupiah liquidity if it does not want to see a bank run or even default, bank dealers said yesterday. They said several banks now faced liquidity problems and were forced to postpone or cancel credits already in the pipeline and adjust the rates for the already disbursed credits.

City wants land details of Manggarai project

City wants land details of Manggarai project JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor of Economic and Development Affairs Tb.M. Rais has urged the consortium building the Manggarai integrated terminal to immediately present details of the amount of land it will need to the City Administration. "Detailed land information is very important because the data will enable the administration to pass it on to the people in the area.

Parents object to shoe company monopoly

Parents object to shoe company monopoly JAKARTA (JP): A controversy is raging over a private shoe manufacturer selling its products directly to schools, seemingly with the Ministry of Education and Culture's endorsement. Jakarta-based PT Aryo Nusa Pakarti has reportedly been working on an ambitious project to put shoes, bearing the logo OSIS, on the feet of 26.5 million elementary school students across the country.

Three killed in boat accident

Three killed in boat accident PALANGKA RAYA, C. Kalimantan: A speedboat carrying 13 people including its skipper sank in the Kahayan river, 45 kilometers northeast of here, Thursday, killing three people on board. The search and rescue team has found three bodies identified as Ester (35) Nely (32) and Indu Yosep (36), Antara quoted the local transportation office's deputy head, H.M. Pharhusif, as saying yesterday.

Boyzone to wow Jakarta on A Different Beat Tour

Boyzone to wow Jakarta on A Different Beat Tour JAKARTA (JP): Boyzone makes a second stop here next month on their A Different Beat Asian Tour 1997. The performance, coming off visits to India and Singapore and a visit here in January, will be held at Bengkel Night Park on Sept. 9. Ticket prices will be announced later this month. One of the crop of boy groups to emerge in the last few years, Boyzone's hits began with Love Me For A Reason, followed by Father and Son and Key To My Life.

Distortions must be removed to restore rupiah stability

Distortions must be removed to restore rupiah stability JAKARTA (JP): Economists warned yesterday the current liquidity crisis could drag on and worsen if the government did not abolish market distortions to facilitate the smooth distribution of goods. They saw the rebound in the rupiah rate over the last few days (from its historic low last week) largely as a result of the skyrocketing of Bank Indonesia Certificate (SBI) rates to 30 percent.

China unveils hug Malaysia investment

China unveils hug Malaysia investment KUALA LUMPUR (AP): China announced yesterday it would establish its largest foreign investment project in Malaysia, signing a joint venture to build a pulp and paper mill on Borneo.

Malaysia to have new radio station

Malaysia to have new radio station KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): A new Malaysian radio station that will broadcast mostly information on government policies is expected to be launched September 25, the national Bernama news agency reported yesterday. "The channel will be more information than entertainment. The public needs to obtain information more effectively," Information Minister Mohamed Rahmat was quoted as saying.

ASEAN wrestles with Cambodia

ASEAN wrestles with Cambodia By Olaf Jahn HONG KONG (DPA): The deposed First Prime Minister of Cambodia, Prince Norodom Ranariddh, has not won the backing he was hoping for during his tour of the capitals of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries. On the contrary: ASEAN member nations have decided no longer to refer to him as "First Prime Minister". In Manila, President Fidel Ramos urged Ranariddh to come to terms with the man who mounted the coup against him, Hun Sen.

Obituary

Obituary YOGYAKARTA (JP): Siti Alfiyah Soedirman, widow of the founding father of the Indonesian Armed Forces Gen. Soedirman, passed away yesterday morning here at the age of 77. In a funeral befitting a national hero, her body was buried next to her husband's at Kusumanegara Heroes Cemetery. The burial ceremony, led by Army Chief Gen. Wiranto, followed a prayer at the Diponegoro mosque. Siti died at her home two days after suffering a heart attack and was surrounded by her family.

Three drug dealers arrested in raids

Three drug dealers arrested in raids JAKARTA (JP): Narcotics detectives have busted three alleged drug dealers, seizing 132 Ecstasy pills and almost three kilograms of marijuana from them. The suspects were nabbed in different raids, City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said yesterday. The alleged Ecstasy dealer, identified as Budi Hartono, was arrested in the early hours of yesterday while hanging around the Hailai discotheque in Ancol, North Jakarta.

Trial of sick Pakpahan to proceed

Trial of sick Pakpahan to proceed JAKARTA (JP): The subversion trial of jailed labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan will resume Thursday at the South Jakarta District Court, his lawyer said yesterday. Pakpahan's lawyer, Luthfie Hakim, said the hearing would last no longer than three hours because of Pakpahan's poor health. He said presiding Judge Djazuli P. Sudibyo had agreed to holding only one hearing a week, rather than the usual two.