Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 6 August 1997

56 articles found

Yogyakarta journo's alleged killer claims he was framed

Yogyakarta journo's alleged killer claims he was framed YOGYAKARTA (JP): The defendant in the controversial murder case of a local journalist said yesterday he had been framed by the police to confess to committing the crime. Dwi Sumaji, alias Iwik, said in his defense before the Bantul district court that police had concocted a scheme to make him look guilty of murdering Bernas reporter Fuad Muhammad Syafruddin in August last year.

Immigration post in Irian Jaya

Immigration post in Irian Jaya JAKARTA: The government will set up an immigration checkpoint in Skou, which lies on the border between Irian Jaya and Papua New Guinea, the Directorate General of Immigration said yesterday. The immigration post would facilitate the flow of people between the two countries, Director General Pranowo said in a statement. Under an agreement with Papua New Guinea, Port Moresby will also build a similar facility at Wotung on the other side of the border, Pranowo said.

Jakarta needs funds for Games torch relay

Jakarta needs funds for Games torch relay JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta's administration will have to work hard to raise funds for the 19th SEA Games torch relay in the capital as it has only a Rp 150 million (US$57,252) budget for the ceremony. The Organizing Committee's municipal deputy secretary, Mawardi, said at City Hall yesterday that the organizers had promised to add Rp 25 million but this was still not enough.

Centrepindo makes motorbikes

Centrepindo makes motorbikes JAKARTA (JP): PT Centrepindo Sejahtera has received a license from the government to jointly produce motorcycles with two Chinese firms -- Nanchang Aircraft Manufacturing Company and Jiang-zhou, the Indonesian company's president said. Centrepindo president Gunadi Santoso said in a press meeting yesterday that his company would invest about Rp 80 billion (US$35 million) to build its manufacturing plant in Cirebon, West Java.

Golkar to lead three council commissions

Golkar to lead three council commissions JAKARTA (JP): The City Council announced yesterday that the ruling Golkar faction is to chair three of its five commissions. The decision was signed by the council speaker Edy Waluyo on July 31 after a plenary council meeting. Golkar will chair Commission C for city revenue, Commission D for development affairs and Commission E for social welfare. The three commissions are considered the most influential.

IGG on tea asks Indonesia to form int'l tea society

IGG on tea asks Indonesia to form int'l tea society JAKARTA (JP): The Intergovernmental Group on Tea (IGG on Tea), a forum under the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO), has appointed the Indonesian Tea Association to form an international tea society in a bid to stabilize tea prices, the association said yesterday. The tea association's chairman Rachmat Badruddin said here yesterday that the new grouping would serve as the only international forum for tea producers and consumers.

Rubber down in Malaysia on lack of buying interest

Rubber down in Malaysia on lack of buying interest KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian rubber prices ended lower on a lack of buying interest, worsened by talk that Thailand had excessive rubber stocks, traders said yesterday. They said the weakness of the ringgit against the U.S. dollar had kept Malaysian rubber prices up in the last two weeks.

Steady Safe to buy 19.9% stake in Citra Marga

Steady Safe to buy 19.9% stake in Citra Marga JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed transportation company PT Steady Safe (SS) obtained approval from its shareholders yesterday to acquire up to 19.9 percent shares of toll operator PT Citra Marga Nusaphala Persada (CMNP). Steady Safe's president Jopie Widjaya said the company would buy 11.01 percent of the toll operator's stake from a Yayasan Purna Bhakti Pertiwi, a CMNP founding shareholder.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita Untuk Anda 2:30 Travel: My Country 2:35 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 Nusantara, The Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News 6:53 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Entrepreneurship Program: Mitra Kita 8:05 Culture Program: Sepekan Budaya Daerah 8:30 Science and...

Soccer body vows action on drugs

Soccer body vows action on drugs KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Asian soccer supremo Peter Velappan warned yesterday that stiff penalties would be imposed on players who failed drug tests at the 19th SEA Games in Jakarta in October. "The Asian Football Confederation wants the football competition to be drugs free," Velappan, the AFC general secretary. He said the AFC would pressure national associations to ensure the objective of a drugs free tournament was met.

Rational expectations

Rational expectations The crucial role of timely, credible and comprehensive information in the financial market has been reemphasized in the wake of the latest bout of speculative attacks on the currencies of several countries in Southeast Asia. The most notable attacks being on Thailand, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. That the financial industry, notably the foreign exchange market, is highly sensitive to information is nevertheless not a new phenomenon.

U.S. Bank backs RI mine

U.S. Bank backs RI mine WASHINGTON (Reuter): The Export-Import Bank of the United States said it will provide US$425 million to back U.S. exporters of goods and services to develop one of the world's largest copper and gold deposits in Indonesia. The Ex-Im Bank's limited recourse project financing will leverage $1 billion of U.S. procurement, directly supporting over 14,000 U.S. jobs and thousands more through subsuppliers, the Bank said.

McCarthy to open BHP plant

McCarthy to open BHP plant JAKARTA (JP): Australia's ambassador to Indonesia, John McCarthy, will open a new steel building products plant owned by PT BHP Indonesia, a subsidiary of Australia's widely diversified BHP business group, on Friday. The Australian Embassy said in a statement yesterday that the opening of the production unit would be part of McCarthy's program during a three-day visit to Medan starting today.

Secretary charged with libel

Secretary charged with libel JAKARTA (JP): The personal secretary of former politician Soebadio Sastrosatomo was charged yesterday with defaming President Soeharto by helping publish his employer's banned book. Prosecutor Uri Hasan Basri told the South Jakarta District Court that Rachmad Buchori alias Buyung R.B., 34, was the one who typeset the banned book titled Era Baru, Pemimpin Baru (New Era, New Leader).

HK expects more tourists from Southeast Asia

HK expects more tourists from Southeast Asia JAKARTA (JP): Hong Kong expects more visitors from Southeast Asia this year following its return to China, the Hong Kong Tourist Association (HKTA) said here yesterday. HKTA's general manager Ellen Kwan said she expected the increase of visitors from Southeast Asia would far exceed the 6 percent growth of visitors predicted for this year. Southeast Asia comprises the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and Indonesia.

Education insurance seminar

Education insurance seminar JAKARTA (JP): Event organizer PT BisnisAsia MitraBuana is to hold a seminar on education insurance at the Jakarta Convention Center in Central Jakarta on Saturday and Sunday. BisnisAsia spokeswoman Hesti Sudjana said yesterday that the seminar, jointly sponsored by Astra Jardine CMG Life, is to be opened by Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro.

Capital flight

Capital flight From Merdeka The Indonesian government should have long prevented wealth transfer offshore or investment abroad by Indonesian businesspeople, or "capital flight" as it is otherwise known. But in the past decade, many Indonesian businesspeople have invested abroad by setting up joint-venture companies with other businesspeople abroad or establishing hotels, housing compounds and so forth.

Dutchman drowned in Bengkulu

Dutchman drowned in Bengkulu BENGKULU: A 42-year-old Dutchman, later identified as Mosjaab, drowned to death yesterday in the tourist resort of the Pantai Panjang beach here when he was swimming on the shore along with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law. Local police chief Lt. Col. Muh. Amin Saleh said Mosjaab was swimming on the shore at around 2 p.m. but was then missing a few minutes later. "His body was found at 3.20 p.m. at the same location," Amin was quoted by Antara as saying.

Tilaar, a futurist who wants consistency in education policy

Tilaar, a futurist who wants consistency in education policy By Irawati Wisnumurti JAKARTA (JP): H.A.R. Tilaar is a futurist and visionary to those who know him well, always looking ahead to study the future role of education. Tilaar, also known as a man of critical opinions, puts priority on the need for consistency in the national education policy. Teaching is in his blood. Born in Tondano, North Sulawesi, on June 16, 1932, he was the fourth of five children of a teacher.

Myanmar plans ASEAN bash

Myanmar plans ASEAN bash YANGON (AFP): Myanmar, a brand-new member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, is to hold a ceremony Friday marking ASEAN's 30th anniversary, the official press reported yesterday. The report was the latest in a series highlighting Myanmar's entry into ASEAN last month and trumpeting the benefits of membership amid public concerns over repercussions on the country's monetary and financial system. The English-language New Light of Myanmar quoted Lt.Gen.

New Army officers installed

New Army officers installed DILI, E. Timor: Col. Suryo Prabowo, former secretary to the chief of general affairs of the Armed Forces, was installed yesterday as deputy chief of Wira Dharma Command. Col. Suryo, who had served in East Timor as the command's chief of staff, replaced Col. Soekotjo HS, who was promoted to chief of Wira Bhakti Command, overseeing West Nusa Tenggara. Wira Dharma Chief Col. Slamet Sidabutar also installed yesterday Lt. Col.

RI opts for Russia's Sukhoi-30K

RI opts for Russia's Sukhoi-30K JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia opted yesterday to buy Sukhoi-30K jet fighters from Russia, in preference over fighters from other countries. The decision was announced by State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita, ending weeks of speculation about which aircraft the government would go for. The announcement came two months after President Soeharto wrote to U.S.

The clearing of land causes haze

The clearing of land causes haze PADANG, W. Sumatra: The practice of burning waste after clearing land for new plantations has contributed to the haze that has been clouding parts of Sumatra and Kalimantan, an official from the ministry of forestry said yesterday. Director General of Forestry Titus Saridjanto said haze and smoke from forest fires would likely remain for the next three to four months, Antara reported.

Indonesia still forbids tea plantation expansions

Indonesia still forbids tea plantation expansions JAKARTA (JP): The government would continue its policy to restrict an expansion of tea plantations despite an increase in the demand on international markets, Secretary General of the Ministry of Agriculture Syarifudin Karama said yesterday. "The restriction remains effective for an indefinite time," said Karama.

Surjadi wants 'greener' officials

Surjadi wants 'greener' officials JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja expressed concern yesterday over the numerous officials who are easily bribed to recommend the development of green belt areas into commercial projects.

Faulty wiring killed regent

Faulty wiring killed regent UJUNGPANDANG, S. Sulawesi: Police said yesterday that the death of Andi Saad Pasilong, the Polewali Mamasa Regency chief, at his official residence on Sunday was an accident. Polewali Mamasa Police Chief Lt. Col. Djoko Subagio said Pasilong died of electrocution, which was caused by an overflow of voltage in the house. A team from the local PLN office, the state electricity company, found irregularities in the electric wiring of the house.

Bhakti's shares in Ficorinvest to rise

Bhakti's shares in Ficorinvest to rise JAKARTA (JP): PT Bhakti Investama, a local securities company, will increase its share ownership in Ficorinvest Bank (First Indonesian Finance and Investment Corporation bank) to 26 percent. Company president Hary Tanoesoedibyo said his firm, which at present owns 19.41 percent stake in the bank, would buy another 10.54 million shares or 6.59 percent to increase its share ownership to 26 percent.

RI fencers go overseas for pre-Games matches

RI fencers go overseas for pre-Games matches JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian men's and women's fencers are set to retain the overall medal honors at the 19th SEA Games, as they did two years ago in Chiang Mai, Thailand. To achieve the goal, 20 Indonesian fencers will go to Hungary, Rumania and Italy for a series of trial matches to prepare for the Games. Only the six best will take part in the Universiade in Sicily, Italy from Aug. 16 to Aug. 31.

Soeharto yet to decide on Mandela's letter

Soeharto yet to decide on Mandela's letter JAKARTA (JP): A senior cabinet official questioned yesterday whether the release of rebel leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao, as requested by South African President Nelson Mandela in a letter to President Soeharto, would help resolve the East Timor issue. Speaking to journalists, Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono queried the relevance of Xanana's release in relation to achieving peace in Indonesia's youngest province.

SEAG local shuttlers named after World Cup

SEAG local shuttlers named after World Cup JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia will select the country's best shuttlers for the 19th SEA Games here in October after the 1997 World Cup Badminton Championships in Yogyakarta this month. The association's executive director, Sumaryono, said yesterday after a meeting with Games national training director Djoko Pramono that the association would use the World Cup, from Aug. 20 to Aug.

RP inflation 4.8% in July

RP inflation 4.8% in July MANILA (AFP): Philippine consumer prices rose by a lower than expected 4.8 percent from a year earlier in July, on course for the full-year target of between six and seven percent despite a sharp depreciation of the peso, officials said yesterday. On a month-on-month basis, consumer prices rose 0.1 percent in July from June, the National Statistics Office (NSO) said, adding that the year-on-year rate in July was the same rate posted in June.

Honda engine plant goes on stream in RI

Honda engine plant goes on stream in RI JAKARTA (JP): Japan's Honda Motor Ltd. launched its first assembly plant in Indonesia yesterday to consolidate its lead in the local market. The US$2.02 million Honda Engine Multipurpose plant in the Indotaisei Industrial District, Karawang, West Java, has an initial capacity to produce 100,000 engines, generators and water pumps under the brand name Honda GX Engine.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on August 05, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,125 -175 116,500 AHAP Insurance 2,500 0 0 Alter Abadi 1,150 25 930,500 Alumindo Light Metal 1,325 -25 328,000 Alumindo Perkasa 850 -25 7,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,400 0 77,500 Anwar Sierad 1,175 0 249,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

Preachers get airtime in KL

Preachers get airtime in KL KUALA LUMPUR (DPA): Malaysia's state-run television and radio networks may soon give airtime to religious leaders from all faiths, but they can only talk about social issues and not religion, reports said yesterday. The multireligious talk shows will be aimed solely at discussing how to combat social problems affecting Malaysian youths and how to foster good moral values.

Housing complex in Bogor

Housing complex in Bogor JAKARTA (JP): A developer of resort-style houses in Bogor will start the second phase of its project next week, according to a company executive. Privately-owned PT Graha Andrasentra Propertindo's president Hamid Mundzir said yesterday the construction of 850 houses in the Graha Bogor Indah complex would start on Aug. 15. "The project, designed by THG Master Planner of Australia, is expected to be completed in three years," Hamid said.

Senior official lauds regional councils' independence

Senior official lauds regional councils' independence JAKARTA (JP): A senior government official lauded yesterday the independence of regional legislative councils saying they had the right to elect their own council speakers without pressure from a political party's central office. Director-general of sociopolitical affairs at the Ministry of Home Affairs, Sutoyo N.K., said yesterday that provincial legislative councils were free to select their own leaders.

Adventure and culture all in a day's leisurely sail

Adventure and culture all in a day's leisurely sail By Listiana Operananta Looking for a day-tour with a difference to get away from the bustle of Jakarta? Try going for a sail aboard a phinisi, a traditional wooden Bugis schooner, to the Thousand Islands in Jakarta Bay. Friends of the Sea, which organizes the day trips, invited a group of journalists for a taste of adventure and culture. JAKARTA (JP): For most Indonesians sailing is a necessity, and for some even a matter of life and death.

Developer unveils plan for Kramat Jati market

Developer unveils plan for Kramat Jati market JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Administration unveiled its plan yesterday to renovate the notoriously dirty Kramat Jati market in East Jakarta into what it billed as Southeast Asia's largest fruit and vegetable distribution center. And, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja hoped, it will be clean.

New subscription rate

New subscription rate To meet with increasing production costs, The Jakarta Post will apply a new monthly subscription rate of Rp 22,000 as of Sept. 1, 1997. The new unregistered mailing rate will be Rp 66,000 for a three-month subscription. -- The Publisher

Artificial rain to start soon

Artificial rain to start soon JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar said yesterday that his department was intensifying the production of artificial rain in several drought-hit areas in Java and South Sulawesi. Speaking to reporters after the ground-breaking ceremony at the PT Jiwasraya Building here, Radinal said the government had taken steps to hasten the coming of the rainy season. The rains usually start in September or October.

Closed debate on labor bill irks workers union

Closed debate on labor bill irks workers union JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesian Workers Union Federation (FSPSI) joined in the chorus of criticism yesterday against the backroom deliberation of the manpower bill, demanding a public explanation from both the central government and the House of Representatives.

Student stabbing takes brawl death toll to six

Student stabbing takes brawl death toll to six JAKARTA (JP): Another senior high school student has died in a fight, bringing the 1997 death toll of students killed in street brawls to at least six. Madinah bin Simin, 18, a student at the private Panti Karya technical high school in Depok, was attacked and fatally stabbed in his back and thigh by a group of students from another school on Monday.

SEA Games fund: Don't cry!

SEA Games fund: Don't cry! From Sinar Pagi Not all realities will become realities. This axiom should be addressed to Wismoyo Arismunandar, the Indonesian Sports Committee's chairman. He is currently busy with preparations for the upcoming 19th Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games) to be held in Indonesia. As the leader of national sports committee he is, understandably, somewhat disappointed. His double target as host and winner of the games seems to be falling apart.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Infantry JP/leo INFANTRY AWARD: The chief of the Infantry Armament Center, Maj. Gen. Luhut B. Panjaitan (left) presents an award to August Parengkuan (right), deputy chief editor of Kompas daily, for his participation in the publication of a book on the Army's infantry. The presentation was made last Wednesday in Bandung, West Java.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Sari Pan Pacific Hotel: Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta: - Melati Mediterranean Bar & Grill: Opening hours at 12 noon to 1 a.m., Dora Sahertian, solo pianist, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Harpa Singers, Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. . - Pacific Lounge: Guitarist Monday to Saturday, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. - Pitstop: The Climax Band nightly except Monday, 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Flashback Band Monday 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.

S. Korea shakes out cabinet but keeps key ministers

S. Korea shakes out cabinet but keeps key ministers SEOUL (Reuter): South Korean President Kim Young-sam carried out a cabinet reshuffle yesterday but kept foreign, defense and key economic ministers, a presidential spokesman said. Kim also retained Prime Minister Koh Kun in the shakeout affecting half of the 22-member cabinet. "This reshuffle reflects President Kim's intention to pursue economic and securities policies effectively, while managing the Dec.

Four power talks 44 years late

Four power talks 44 years late HONG KONG (JP): Long overdue talks on the most crucial East Asian security issue begin in New York's Columbia University this morning. But it will be a minor miracle if the four-power discussions quickly lead to a major lessening of tensions in the enduring Cold War on the Korean peninsula. The talks will be between third-tier diplomatic officials of North and South Korea, China and the United States.

'Review on UN rights declaration not needed'

'Review on UN rights declaration not needed' The debate on whether the United Nations declaration on human rights needs a review surfaced during the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conference in Malaysia last week and has wide repercussions. Human rights observer Todung Mulya Lubis, shares his view with The Jakarta Post. Question: How do you see the problem? Answer: First of all, the 1948 UN Declaration on Human Rights is a historical document which is considered a milestone in world history.

Tridana sets Rp 30b loan

Tridana sets Rp 30b loan HONG KONG (Reuter): PT Tridana Pratama Finance has mandated BII Capital Markets to arrange a Rp 30 billion revolving underwriting facility, Bank Internasional Indonesia said. The facility has a tenor of two years and pays a committed margin of 0.75 percent per annum. The reference rate is 3.25 percent per annum plus Average Managers Time Deposit Rate (divided by 1 minus reserve requirement).

Asian stocks volatile on HK tycoon's move

Asian stocks volatile on HK tycoon's move SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore stocks fell, but two of the exchange's biggest stocks roared ahead on news that Hong Kong tycoon Li Ka-shing was taking stakes in Hong Kong trading firm Jardine Matheson Holdings Ltd. and its property subsidiary, HongKong Land Holdings Ltd. Both are listed in Singapore, and rose by 15.6 percent and 26.3 percent respectively on the news.

Int'l conference on religion

Int'l conference on religion JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher is scheduled to open an international conference on Islam- Christianity relations at Horison Hotel in North Jakarta Thursday. Chairperson of the organizing committee, H. Murni Djamal, said in a statement yesterday that the three-day conference would be attended by 92 local experts and 35 experts and professors from 18 countries.

Human rights body recommends independent team for Pakpahan

Human rights body recommends independent team for Pakpahan JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission for Human Rights promised yesterday to urge the government to form an independent medical team to seek a third opinion on labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan's health.

Soeharto okays Hartono's entry into ICMI

Soeharto okays Hartono's entry into ICMI JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto gave Minister of Information R. Hartono the green light yesterday to join the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI). ICMI chairman B.J. Habibie said after a meeting with Soeharto that all Hartono had to do before joining the association was submit a formal request to the President. Habibie met with the President for nearly three hours at Bina Graha presidential office yesterday.

Indonesia, Australia unite to combat crime

Indonesia, Australia unite to combat crime JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian and Australian police forces agreed in Canberra yesterday to help one another in fighting transnational crimes. A memorandum of understanding was signed in the Australian capital by Gen. Dibyo Widodo and Commissioner Mick J. Palmer, chiefs of the Indonesian National Police and the Australian Federal Police respectively, Antara said.

Singapore, HK, Japan have best institutions

Singapore, HK, Japan have best institutions SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore, Hong Kong and Japan boast Asia's most highly regarded institutions while Thailand, South Korea, Indonesia and China are seen to have the worst, according to a survey of expatriate executives. The Political and Economic Risk Consultancy Ltd. (PERC) asked 400 executives to rate the police and judiciary, the monetary authority, the legislature, and the stock market regulator in 10 Asian countries.

Rama sets revolving loan

Rama sets revolving loan HONG KONG (Reuter): PT Rama Multi Finance has mandated BII Capital Markets to arrange a US$100 billion two-tranche revolving facility, Bank Internasional Indonesia said. Tranche A is a Rp 60 billion revolving underwriting facility. It has a maturity of three years and pays a committed margin of 0.75 percent per annum. The spread is 2.75 percent per annum over the weighted average time deposit of the managers IDR Time Deposit Rate.