Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 17 September 1997

60 articles found

Indonesia vows to do its best to curb forest fires

Indonesia vows to do its best to curb forest fires JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government said yesterday that it was doing everything in its power to contain the spread of forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan, whose thick smoke has shrouded neighboring Malaysia and Singapore.

Ethnic-colored riot hits Ujungpandang

Ethnic-colored riot hits Ujungpandang UJUNGPANDANG (JP): Mobs of people went on a rampage throughout the city's center in a riot with ethnic overtones on Monday night and yesterday. Witnesses said the city remained tense last night with soldiers and police officers deployed in the Chinatown district which suffered the worst damage. The riot was provoked by rumors that a nine-year-old girl was hacked to death by a man, said to be of a Chinese descent, on Monday evening.

Water company apologizes

Water company apologizes JAKARTA (JP): City-owned water company PDAM Jaya has apologized to its customers for the temporary suspension of water supplies between 7:45 a.m. and 5 p.m. yesterday. The head of the firm's marketing section, Agus Tabrani, said in a press release that the delay was caused by a lack of water supply from Jatiluhur dam in West Java. Agus gave no further details but said the dam was one of the facilities used by watersport athletes preparing for the upcoming SEA Games.

Kotjo to sell stake in S'pore's ABR

Kotjo to sell stake in S'pore's ABR SINGAPORE (Reuter): Four Singapore-based businessmen have agreed on an option to buy the controlling stake in food company ABR Holdings now held by Indonesian tycoon Johanes Kotjo, Schroders International Merchant Bankers said. Schroders said in a statement, received by Reuters on Tuesday, that Ang Yee Lim, Foo Jong Long, Ricky Goh Hoon Kan and William Tan Leong Ko agreed to pay S$1.35 each for 17.8 million shares in ABR, or about 40 percent of the company.

MOU on Ancol Baru project signing

MOU on Ancol Baru project signing JAKARTA (JP): The city administration signed yesterday a memorandum of understanding with PT Manggala Krida Yudha for the early construction of the Ancol Baru project. Manggala -- a private firm owned by President Soeharto's youngest daughter Siti Hutami Endang Adiningsih -- has been allowed to reclaim 500 hectares of the 2,700-hectare plot designated for the reclamation project in Jakarta Bay.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 16, 1997: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,075 25 153,500 AHAP Insurance 2,500 0 0 Alter Abadi 850 -50 2,500 Alumindo Light Metal 800 -25 344,000 Alumindo Perkasa 600 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 975 -50 319,500 Anwar Sierad 925 -25 35,000 Apac Centertex Corp.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting and Ceramics Exhibition, works of Firman, Tisna Sanjaya, Agus Suwage and Suyatna, at the Lontar Gallery. Jl. Utan Kayu 68 H East Jakarta, Monday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until Sept. 30. * Contemporary Art Exhibition: Axis, at the National Gallery, The Art Exhibition Building, Jl. Medan Merdeka Timur, Central Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., until Sept. 24. * Painting Exhibition: by Soegeng, at the Galeri TC, Jl. Kemang Raya No.

BNI sets up insurance company

BNI sets up insurance company JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) has established a life insurance company in cooperation with its pension fund and the employees' welfare foundation of the state- owned life insurance company Jiwasraya. BNI announced yesterday a 60 percent stake in the insurance company, which has a paid-in capital of Rp 15 billion (US$5 million).

Rupiah, stocks fall on riots, regional weakness

Rupiah, stocks fall on riots, regional weakness JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah and local stock prices weakened yesterday despite the government's announcement on project rescheduling, dealers and brokers said. Both foreign exchange and stock markets seemed to be riding more on regional weakness sentiments and fresh rioting in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, they said. Spot rupiah weakened to a low of 2,955 against the U.S.

Younger leaders to wait until 2003: Feisal

Younger leaders to wait until 2003: Feisal JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung hinted yesterday that the "young generation" would have to wait until 2003 to take over the national leadership. While opening the organization of retired Armed Forces members children (FKPPI) executive board meeting in Bandung, West Java, Feisal said Indonesia's new leaders would emerge probably within the next six years.

PT ACeS may expand to other regions: Joop

PT ACeS may expand to other regions: Joop By I. Christianto DENVER, Colorado, U.S. (JP): Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave said here Monday that satellite operator PT Asia Cellular Satellite (ACeS) has the opportunity to expand to other regions with low telephone density.

KL needs 7% growth until 2020

KL needs 7% growth until 2020 KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia's economy will have to grow by at least 7 percent a year until 2020 if the country is to achieve developed country status by then, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday. "According to our calculations, to achieve our target of a developed nation, the growth rate must continue to average at least 7 percent until the year 2020," Mahathir said in a speech to a multimedia conference.

Soeharto apologizes to ASEAN members for haze

Soeharto apologizes to ASEAN members for haze JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto sincerely apologized to fellow members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) yesterday for the choking effects of the haze caused by widespread forest fires in Indonesia. Soeharto said the sheer vastness of Indonesia's forests and the scorching dry season had created insurmountable obstacles in efforts to put the fires under control.

Military and civilians

Military and civilians Over the past week, I've read with surprise and dismay the many reactions to Dr. Juwono Sudarsono's opinion on this country's coming leadership choice. As I see it, what Juwono did was state his view on the situation. In this case, the qualities of Indonesians of different backgrounds, military and civilian, and their eligibility to lead this nation. This view was based on his broad experiences and knowledge, being an expert on sociopolitical affairs.

Govt defends Moslem leaders' MPR exclusion

Govt defends Moslem leaders' MPR exclusion JAKARTA (JP): General Elections Institute chairman Moch. Yogie S.M. defended yesterday the exclusion of prominent Moslem figures Abdurrahman Wahid and Amien Rais from the list of 100 candidates representing various mass organizations in new People's Consultative Assembly (MPR). After attending a House of Representatives plenary session, Yogie brushed aside questions from journalists who suggested the selection was at the President's prerogative.

10,000 Thais rally to support PM Chavalit

10,000 Thais rally to support PM Chavalit BANGKOK (AFP): Thousands of farmers and Thai villagers rallied in the country's capital yesterday in a show of support for embattled Premier Chavalit Yongchaiyudh, police and witnesses said. The crowd gathered in front of Government House as the cabinet -- led by Chavalit -- held its weekly meeting amid fears that an apparent split in the ruling coalition could topple the premier.

Upcoming ASEM to discuss cooperation

Upcoming ASEM to discuss cooperation BANGKOK (Reuter): Finance ministers from Europe and Asia will meet in Bangkok this week to discuss the currency crisis in Southeast Asia and talk about improved cooperation and investment between the regions, officials said yesterday.

More deregulation measures needed to boost economy

More deregulation measures needed to boost economy JAKARTA (JP): The government's deregulation measures are not yet sufficient to boost the economy, a senior economist said yesterday. Ali Wardhana, a former finance minister and currently the government's senior economic advisor, said more deregulation measures were needed to sustain the country's high economic growth.

10 Indonesians in Adventure Team

10 Indonesians in Adventure Team JAKARTA (JP): Ten Indonesians were chosen for the 1997 Indonesian Marlboro Adventure Team through a three-day selection process at Jatiluhur dam, Purwakarta, West Java, last weekend. The 10, who were selected from a field if 42, will leave on Oct. 6 for Los Angeles before gathering in Salt Lake City to meet teams from other countries. All participants will undertake whitewater rafting, tracking, rodeo riding, jeep driving and repelling from Oct. 8 to Oct.

Rights declaration needs revision

Rights declaration needs revision By A. Havas Ugroseno and P.L.E. Priatna JAKARTA (JP): The statement by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) of 1948 needs to be revised has shocked many, including Indonesian experts on human rights and U.S. State Secretary Madeline Albright, while the EU ridicules the statement as being no more than a defense mechanism of Asian values against the universality of human rights. However, Dr.

Malaysian PM says MSC to proceed

Malaysian PM says MSC to proceed KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia will push ahead with an ambitious hi-tech multimedia zone despite the shelving of several other major projects, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday. "There will be no delay, although some people will want us to delay," Mahathir said while opening a conference to showcase his Multimedia Super Corridor (MSC) pet project.

Plane crashes in Jepara

Plane crashes in Jepara SEMARANG, Central Java: An airplane crashed in the town of Sinanggul, in Jepara regency, yesterday morning injuring two trainee pilots. The Tobago TB 10 aircraft, flight number PK-AGY, crashed into a rice field, and was flown by Andreas Sitorus, 21, and copilot Augus Heri Susanto, 21. Both were on a routine training flight. Augus and Andreas were being treated yesterday at Panti Wilasa Hospital for light injuries.

'Ojek' driver jailed

'Ojek' driver jailed JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court yesterday sentenced an ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver to four years in jail for sexually molesting his 14-year-old stepdaughter. Presiding judge Madnyono said 41-year-old Supardja had sex with the teenager, identified only as Wir, between Dec. 27 last year and May this year. "As a stepfather, the defendant should have protected Wir but he failed to do so," he said. The judge said Supardja, of Jl.

Reward for blood donors

Reward for blood donors JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will honor 149 blood donors and some others from around the country at the State Palace today. The chairwoman of the Indonesian Red Cross' city branch, Uga Wiranto, said yesterday that the people on the honor list had donated blood at least 75 times. "There are 149 donors from Jakarta. They include 146 men and three women," she said, adding many more had donated in other regions. Uga, the wife of Army Chief of Staff Gen.

IMF to boost capital

IMF to boost capital TOKYO (AFP): The major contributor nations to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have started to finalize plans to boost the fund's capital by 40 percent, a Japanese newspaper reported Tuesday. Quoting unidentified sources in Washington, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun said the final preparations begun on Monday would result in Japan becoming the second largest contributor to the IMF after the United States.

IMF slow in aiding ASEAN to deal with currency crisis

IMF slow in aiding ASEAN to deal with currency crisis JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto criticized the International Monetary Fund (IMF) yesterday for its slow action in assisting Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) members deal with the region's recent currency turmoil. The President expected the world body to deregulate its complicated procedures to accelerate its mission to help needy countries.

Filipino troops clash with rebels

Filipino troops clash with rebels ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (DPA): Army patrol troops clashed yesterday with members of the Philippines' largest remaining Moslem rebel group, killing two guerrillas a day after ground rules for a cease-fire in the southern region of Mindanao were approved. Army Capt.

ADB's loan for airports

ADB's loan for airports MANILA (AFP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Tuesday that it had approved a US$93 million loan to upgrade six airports in the southern Philippines. The loan will improve the airports of the municipalities of Puerto Princesa, Cotabato, Sanga-Sanga, Dipolog, Butuan and Pagadian with an emphasis on safety improvements, the ADB said in a statement from its headquarters in Manila.

Airport trolley

Airport trolley From Kompas I went to Terminal B at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport (for domestic flights) at 5:40 a.m. on Friday, June 20, to see off my mother who was to fly with one of the national airlines. Getting out of the car, I looked for a luggage trolley so I could take the luggage to a check-in gate a large box my mother could take on the flight with her. To my great astonishment, I could not find a free trolley.

City will build monument on Ade Irma's grave

City will build monument on Ade Irma's grave JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta administration backed down yesterday from its earlier plan to relocate the grave of Ade Irma Suryani, the daughter of Army Gen. (ret) Abdul Haris Nasution. It will now build a monument on her grave at Blok P Cemetery dedicated to the five-year-old girl who died on Oct. 1, 1965, during a botched communist-backed coup. Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said: "The administration decided not to move Ade Irma Suryani's grave.

Abilio to be sworn in

Abilio to be sworn in DILI, East Timor: Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. will install Abilio Jose Osorio Soares for a second term as governor of East Timor tomorrow. The chairman of the East Timor Legislative Council, Armindo Soares Mariano, said the ceremony would be held at a special council plenary session. Abilio, born in Laclubar, East Timor, on June 4, 1947, first became governor in September 1992, replacing Mario Viegas Carrascalao who also served two terms as governor.

Expert urges independent law agency

Expert urges independent law agency JAKARTA (JP): The Agency for National Legal Development (BPHN) should be separated from the Ministry of Justice so it can act as coordinator for the drafting of bills in Indonesia, an expert said. BPHN should play a greater role in the drafting of bills and act independently from the Ministry of Justice, lecturer Yusril Ihza Mahendra of the University of Indonesia said yesterday at a seminar on Effective and Efficient Government to Develop Regional Autonomy.

Aussie to help SE Asia

Aussie to help SE Asia SYDNEY (AFP): Australia has launched a major effort to reassure Southeast Asian nations that it is ready to increase financial support for embattled currencies, whose decline now threatens exports from here. Treasurer Peter Costello is on a visit to Malaysia, China and Hong Kong where he is reinforcing a message hammered home by Foreign Minister Alexander Downer in Perth on Monday -- that Canberra will consider aid to other Asia-Pacific nations if it is needed.

World copper demand to grow through 2000

World copper demand to grow through 2000 CHICAGO (Reuter): World refined copper consumption is expected to grow through 2000 based on continued industrial strength in the world's leading economies, independent base metals analyst Janice Jolly said.

Wildlife waste

Wildlife waste We often spend our holidays in Indonesia and we like your country very much. We are members of WWF and saw two things on a recent trip to Banda Neira island in Maluku province which were very awful. We saw that the people there hunt and eat the "cuscus" (phalanger), a very nice, rare and shy animal. Although these animals are under protection of the government, there was nobody ensuring this was enforced.

RI light crude exports may rise

RI light crude exports may rise SINGAPORE (Reuter): Expectations of a higher volume of light crude exports from Indonesia for October kept sentiment on the Asian light crudes bearish yesterday, traders said. But the heavier crudes remained supported on improved demand from China and Australia.

Regional shares flounder amid lack of incentives

Regional shares flounder amid lack of incentives HONG KONG (AFP): Regional shares markets floundered yesterday on a lack of fresh incentives and further falls in regional currencies. All markets, except Tokyo and Auckland, recorded losses, while financial markets in Seoul and Taipei were closed for holidays.

Maystadt here to boost Indonesian-Belgian ties

Maystadt here to boost Indonesian-Belgian ties JAKARTA (JP): Visiting Belgian Vice Prime Minister Philippe Maystadt met with President Soeharto yesterday in a bid to boost economic cooperation between the two countries. Maystadt, who is also minister of finance and foreign trade, disclosed that Belgian private companies were especially interested in the business of rail transportation and water purification.

BDNI gets long-term rating of BB-plus

BDNI gets long-term rating of BB-plus LONDON (Reuter): IBCA, Europe's international credit rating agency, yesterday assigned an Individual rating of C, a Long-term rating of BB+ and a Short-term rating of B to Bank Dagang Nasional Indonesia (BDNI).

Doohan set to defend his GP title in Sentul

Doohan set to defend his GP title in Sentul JAKARTA (JP): Despite his certainty of winning the World 500cc Grand Prix title, Australia's Michael Doohan will continue his bid to bag another race title when he competes in Sentul, Bogor on Sept. 28. After winning the GP race in England on Aug. 17, the dare- devil rider from Down Under made it again in Spain last week to re-affirm his supremacy in the world's GP 500cc race with a total of 320 points.

'Solopos' daily published

'Solopos' daily published SURAKARTA, Central Java: Residents of Central Java will be able to have more news variety starting Friday when the Solopos newspaper officially hits the stands. Chief editor Danie H Soe'oed said Minister of Information R. Hartono, Directorate General of Press and Graphics Subrata along with Central Java and Yogyakarta public figures would be present at the launching ceremony. The paper will be published daily except Sunday, Danie said.

Work starts on Koridor Satrio project

Work starts on Koridor Satrio project JAKARTA (JP): Construction of a massive Rp 10 trillion ($3.7 billion) project began yesterday to convert Jl. Prof. Satrio in Central Jakarta into a pedestrian-friendly street lined with hotels and shopping malls. "When we complete this project, Jakarta will have a sidewalk and shopping area like Orchard Road in Singapore," Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said when launching the Koridor Satrio project at the city hall.

Educators condemn harsh punishment for students

Educators condemn harsh punishment for students JAKARTA (JP): Physical punishment for students which borders on abuse must be prohibited as it is noneducational towards students, educators said yesterday. Principal of Lab School in Rawamangun, Arief Rachman, said that mere physical punishment would not make students more aware of their faults or even change their behavior toward a more positive attitude.

Two killed in furniture factory fire

Two killed in furniture factory fire JAKARTA (JP): Two workers were killed in an overnight fire which burned part of a furniture plant on Jl. Palapa, Cengkareng, West Jakarta, on Monday. Their bodies were found after the fire had been extinguished. They were difficult to identify. According to Januri, one of the victims' colleagues at the plant, PT Palapa Utama, the two employees were identified as Nurhikmah, 23, of Rawabuaya area and Parjiman, 27, of Jl. Dharma Wanita.

Resettlement target can't be achieved

Resettlement target can't be achieved YOGYAKARTA (JP): Only 76 percent of a total 650,000 families targeted can be transmigrated before the end of the sixth five- year development plan, Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo said here yesterday. He expects only 500,000 families will be transmigrated by the end of the development plan period in March. "The cause is mainly due to financial problems," the minister said without elaborating further.

The $35b retrenchment

The $35b retrenchment The government deserves high commendation for immediately delivering some of the drastic measures it promised early this month to cope with the currency turmoil and its far-reaching implications. Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad told the plenary session of the House of Representatives yesterday that Rp 3.27 trillion (US$1.1 billion) worth of development projects covered in the current 1997/1998 state budget had been postponed.

'Drunk-driving law not needed'

'Drunk-driving law not needed' JAKARTA (JP): Should Indonesia introduce a tougher clause against drunk-driving in its traffic law? A councilor, asked for his comment after the bus driver of the ill-fated Jaya Bakti Super intercity bus was found to be drunk when he crashed the bus on Sunday, doesn't think so.

Businesspeople hail massive spending cuts

Businesspeople hail massive spending cuts JAKARTA (JP): Businesspeople and analysts welcomed the massive spending cuts announced by Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad yesterday but said they are not enough to strengthen the fundamentals and competitiveness of the national economy. "I see the spending retrenchment as a very positive signal to the market and very conducive to maintaining stability of the rupiah at its new equilibrium rate," said chairman of the Gemala Group, Sofjan Wanandi.

Govt reschedules projects worth $35.6b

Govt reschedules projects worth $35.6b JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad announced yesterday the postponement or review of Rp 105 trillion (US$35.6 billion) worth of government and state-related projects as part of the drastic measures to cope with the currency crisis.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Paintings JP/afs ARTIST'S INSIGHT: Surabaya artist Makhfoed (right) explains to writer Umar Kayam about one of his paintings on display at the Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center in Central Jakarta. The exhibition, which Umar opened last week, ends today. Photo B: Run JP/bay FUN RUN: Participants of the Terry Fox Run '97 get ready at the start with Canadian Ambassador Gary J.

DBS Buana starts operation

DBS Buana starts operation JP/alx PT Bank DBS Buana, a joint venture between DBS Bank of Singapore and Bank Buana Indonesia, officially opened yesterday. DBS Bank, ranked among the top 100 banks in the world, is the largest bank in Singapore as well as Southeast Asia with funds of S$6.9 billion and assets of S$55.7 billion. Bank Buana Indonesia has 40 years of banking experience and a network of 120 offices throughout the country.

Which side does the government take?

Which side does the government take? Indonesian workers employed abroad have been ceaselessly victimized by irregularities in the mechanism of their dispatch. They have fallen victim to brokers, who actually constitute a link in the mafia-like chain of human trade, from the time of recruitment, down to employment and homecoming.

Driver of ill-fated bus is our employee: Operator

Driver of ill-fated bus is our employee: Operator JAKARTA (JP): A Semarang-based bus operator confirmed yesterday that the driver of the ill-fated Jaya Bakti Super bus was one of its employees. Thirty-five people were killed when the bus, which was on its way from Jakarta to the Central Java town of Purwodadi, collided with a dump truck on the Cakung-Cikunir toll road just outside Jakarta on Sunday night.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 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 Educational Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:10 TV Series: Road to Avonlea 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 TV Drama: Tunas-Tunas Bangsa 8:30 Jazz Music 9:00 World...

Capital shifting may not profit

Capital shifting may not profit JAKARTA (JP): Shifting corporate assets overseas causes more harm than good to the country's economy, an economist said. Faisal Basri, an economist at the University of Indonesia, said here yesterday that Indonesian companies which have so far operated overseas, had not yet brought much capital inflows to the country.

Levies on shallow wells

Levies on shallow wells From Kompas After the recent ID raid, regretted by many sides, the Jakarta Administration is now set to implement a controversial regulation to impose levies on shallow wells, which form the water source for a large percentage of the capital city's inhabitants. If revenues from this prove promising, the regulation will certainly be applied outside Jakarta. The reason given for the regulation is ground water conservation.

Rain may disrupt world rally c'ship

Rain may disrupt world rally c'ship MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Heavy rain may disrupt the Gudang Garam World Rally Championship due to start on Friday. Rain in Medan on Sunday and Monday caused slippery road conditions in the city. Some of the Special Stages along the 1,289km route from the capital to Lake Toba may become slippery and muddy if it rains. However, the muddy roads will not affect the drivers but will force them to perform their best.

Southeast Asian currencies take a dive

Southeast Asian currencies take a dive SINGAPORE (AFP): Southeast Asian currencies fell across-the- board yesterday amid market concern that Malaysia might renege on its promise to shelve mammoth projects and fears that a global financial rescue package for Thailand will fall apart, dealers said. Big dips in the Malaysian ringgit and Thai baht against the US dollar dampened sentiment and pulled down the other regional currencies as well, they said.

Ninth student dies in street brawls

Ninth student dies in street brawls JAKARTA (JP): The 1997 death toll from school street brawls rose to nine yesterday afternoon when another senior high school student was killed. Ade Rukmana, 17, a student of privately run STM Bahariwan technical school in North Jakarta, was attacked and fatally stabbed in the chest. His alleged attackers were a group of students from the state- owned SMA 15 senior high school in Pademangan, also in North Jakarta.

Ramayana raises capital

Ramayana raises capital JAKARTA (JP): The extraordinary shareholders meeting of the publicly listed department store chain PT Ramayana Lestari Sentosa agreed yesterday to issue a one-to-one bonus share. The company said yesterday it also agreed at a shareholders meeting to raise the company's authorized capital to Rp 1.4 trillion (US$466.6 million) from Rp 333 billion.