Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 3 October 1998

56 articles found

Kontras meets UN Commission on Human Rights

Kontras meets UN Commission on Human Rights JAKARTA (JP): The Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (Kontras) met with the United Nations (UN) Commission on Human Rights in the Swiss city of Geneva on Thursday to report on a series of human rights violations that have occurred here, including the abduction of political activists.

Chinese contribution

Chinese contribution This letter is in response to Mr. Sumarsono Sastrowardoyo's letter on Sept. 23 entitled "Shane". Pak Sumarsono, several months ago a friend of mine showed me a very interesting old book entitled "Boekoe Resmi Peringatan 6 Boelan Republik Indonesia" (Official publication marking six months since the founding of the Republic of Indonesia).

Trusted certification from TUV Rheinland

Trusted certification from TUV Rheinland Despite the crisis, there are still companies successful in supplying Indonesia and those gaining remarkable earnings by convincing even the most selective markets in Europe, the U.S. and Asia. Market requirements these days are high, including fulfillment of specified quality requirements, on-time delivery and competitive prices.

Fish traders complain of high cost of ice

Fish traders complain of high cost of ice JAKARTA (JP): Fish traders of the Muara Angke port in North Jakarta are complaining about the sharp increase in the price of ice from only Rp 3,500 (US$0.31) per block to Rp 6,000 at present. "Ice blocks are badly needed, so as to maintain the freshness of our fish," Kurniadi, 35, one of the fish traders in the area, told Antara. He said that the sharp increase in the cost of ice had forced the traders to spend more.

Disabled workers insist on living at a workshop

Disabled workers insist on living at a workshop JAKARTA (JP): Eighty-two married disabled workers and 233 of their relatives are breaking regulations and insisting on living in a squalid and overcrowded dormitory at the Swa Prasidya Purna industrial workshop for the handicapped on Jl. Cempaka Putih Raya, Central Jakarta. "We have no other place to live.

Tons of rice left untouched

Tons of rice left untouched KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Despite food shortages 10,000 metric tons of Japanese rice aid to Indonesia has been lying in warehouses for months awaiting a decision from Jakarta on a selling price, Antara said on Friday. "We are still awaiting instructions from the National Logistics Agency (Bulog)," Antara quoted Lambanbatu, an official of the local Bulog branch office, as saying in the town of Kupang.

Remarkable turnout for TECHNOGERMA JAKARTA '99

Remarkable turnout for TECHNOGERMA JAKARTA '99 The German-Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's Thomas Brandt admits he was pleasantly surprised by the overwhelming show of support for TECHNOGERMA JAKARTA '99.

Studying in Germany is a good alternative

Studying in Germany is a good alternative Germany, which in the past was host to many students from Indonesia, has witnessed a steady dwindling of these once impressive numbers during the past two decades. Why?

71 high-ranking officers awarded promotion

71 high-ranking officers awarded promotion JAKARTA (JP): Seventy-one high-ranking officers from the Armed Force's four service branches were promoted on Friday. Dressed in their respective unit uniforms, the military officers reported their new ranks to Minister of Defense and Security/Armed Forces Commander Gen. Wiranto at Merdeka Barat Headquarters in Central Jakarta.

Freedom of expresion bill submitted

Freedom of expresion bill submitted JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives agreed on Friday to deliberate a controversial bill regulating freedom of expression, after rejecting earlier this week an emergency government regulation in lieu of a law. Deputy House Speaker Hari Sabarno told a plenary session after receiving the bill from the government -- represented by Minister of Justice Muladi -- that House Commission I for political affairs was assigned to deliberate the bill.

Police question Bambang over cam allegations

Police question Bambang over cam allegations JAKARTA (JP): Police questioned former president Soeharto's second son Bambang Trihatmodjo as a suspect on Friday over allegations of a scam at his liquidated Bank Andromeda. Bambang, owner of the widely diversified Bimantara Group, kept his mouth closed as he made his way through the sea of reporters waiting outside the National Police headquarters. But Antara quoted him as saying that he was questioned as a witness. Bambang's two lawyers, O.C.

Art Summit schedule of events

Art Summit schedule of events Oct. 2-3: Music, Humoristique, Musicatreize (France), Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM), Jl. Cikini Raya 73, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3154087). Oct. 3-4: Music, Theo Loevendie (Netherlands), Gedung Kesenian Jakarta (GKJ), Jl. Pos No. 2, Central Jakarta (Phone: 3441892). Oct. 6-7: Dance, Kembang Sampah (Garbage Flowers), Miroto (Indonesia), GKJ. Oct. 7-8: Music, No World Improvisations, Jin Hi Kim (USA), TIM. Oct.

ASEAN must focus on human security to maintain relevance

ASEAN must focus on human security to maintain relevance JAKARTA (JP): Focusing on achieving freedom from fear, freedom from want and other issues of human security would maintain the relevance of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) for future generations, speakers at a seminar in Jakarta said on Friday.

KfW -- A long-standing partner of Indonesia

KfW -- A long-standing partner of Indonesia By Dr. Gert Vogt Kreditanstalt fuer Wiederaufbau (KfW) was founded by law in 1948 as a corporation under public law domiciled in Frankfurt am Main. Its functions are those of a promotional bank for the domestic economy and a development bank for developing countries. KfW is owned by the Federal Republic of Germany and its Federal States. With a balance sheet total of about DM 290 billion, it counts among Germany's large banks.

Angry mobs attacks reform-minded tycoon's house

Angry mobs attacks reform-minded tycoon's house JAKARTA (JP): Oil tycoon Arifin Panigoro was shocked and surprised when a group of 100 angry people attacked his residence in South Jakarta on Friday. The mob, claiming to be members of the People Saver Front, pelted stones at the businessman's luxury property on Jl. Jenggala, leaving windows of the house and Arifin's two cars, including a Mercedes-Benz sedan, smashed.

Int'l auditors hired to track graft in forestry associations

Int'l auditors hired to track graft in forestry associations JAKARTA (JP): International auditors Price Waterhouse and Arthur Andersen have been hired to examine several forestry associations to track possible misuse of funds by their former chairman, Mohamad "Bob" Hasan.

Mulyohardjoko, Mar'ie to head Bank Mandiri

Mulyohardjoko, Mar'ie to head Bank Mandiri JAKARTA (JP): The government officially established PT Bank Mandiri on Friday to take over the shareholdings of Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia (Exim), Bank Dagang Negara (BDN), Bank Bumi Daya (BBD) and Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo), four of the seven state banks. State Minister of the Empowerment of State Enterprises Tanri Abeng named Mulyohardjoko as the bank's president and former finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad as chief commissioner.

Kramat Tunggak to close by Dec. 31

Kramat Tunggak to close by Dec. 31 JAKARTA (JP): The city's long debate over when to close the Kramat Tunggak red-light district in North Jakarta came to an end on Friday when Governor Sutiyoso announced he would shut it down before New Year's Eve. "The decision to close (the country's oldest official prostitution complex) is because its existence is no longer appropriate with the surrounding environment and the city's development," the governor stated in Decree No. 6485 dated Sept. 15.

Firm offers fresh food delivery service

Firm offers fresh food delivery service JAKARTA (JP): A new retail delivery service firm, PT FresMart Metro Retail, offers fresh food to customers who don't have time to go shopping themselves, its executive said on Thursday. The company's president Sahat Parulian Siregar said the business operations of the firm would be officially launched some time next week. According to Sahat, FresMart was inspired by a similar business run by American Frozen Foods in the U.S.

Pertamina-Caltex joint operation gets govt support

Pertamina-Caltex joint operation gets govt support JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto has endorsed a joint operation by state oil and gas company Pertamina and PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia in exploiting the Coastal Plains Pekanbaru (CPP) block after 2001.

NGOs help govt oversee social safety net program

NGOs help govt oversee social safety net program JAKARTA (JP): Universities and non-governmental organizations have been involved in the monitoring of the country's multi- billion dollar social safety net program to ensure aid reaches targeted population groups, a senior official has said.

TECHNOGERMA JAKARTA '99 shows German faith in RI

TECHNOGERMA JAKARTA '99 shows German faith in RI In 1979, the German business community held a trade fair in Indonesia, called INDOGERMA. Since then, many forms of collaboration have emerged between Indonesian companies and industrial associations and their German counterparts, encouraging the growth of trade relations between the two countries.

Scholar ask political parties to etablish their policies

Scholar ask political parties to etablish their policies JAKARTA (JP): Political parties must establish their visions and policies for the future instead of thinking about the past, noted political scholar Muhammad AS Hikam said on Friday. "Most parties are still... talking about history rather than the future," he said when addressing a dialog on critics of political parties. He emphasized the need for more concrete programs to accommodate people's aspirations and needs.

Quality TV drama takes realistic look at AIDS

Quality TV drama takes realistic look at AIDS JAKARTA (JP): AIDS cannot be transmitted by touching or kissing. Local dramas do not necessarily mean cheesy soap operas that are made for ratings alone. Both concepts were worked on for half a year by six directors and a group of doctors specializing in sexually-transmitted diseases. The result is Kupu Kupu Ungu (Purple Butterflies), starring Nurul Arifin and Gito Gilas, scheduled to be aired every Tuesday at 9:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 6.

Death toll rises to 93 in attacks on sorcerers

Death toll rises to 93 in attacks on sorcerers SURABAYA (JP): The death toll has risen to 93 in attacks by mysterious groups of masked murderers on people suspected of practicing "black magic" in East Java over the past two months, police said on Friday. "The number of victims may well increase since many people are now reluctant to report (the attacks) for fear that they could be the next victims," Besuki Police chief Col. Budi Utomo told reporters.

Investigation into Soeharto's wealth

Investigation into Soeharto's wealth The investigation into the Soeharto family's billions is rapidly assuming the proportions of a farce. The President, a known crony of former president Soeharto, appoints the Attorney General, likewise a "Soeharto man." The icing on the cake is applied when Soeharto himself, having had time to make all the necessary cover-up arrangements, graciously gives permission for the team to investigate his (and his family's ?) bank accounts, both here and (NB) abroad.

Minister shocked by shabby sports offices

Minister shocked by shabby sports offices JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Sports and Youth Affairs Agung Laksono made his maiden visit to the office complex housing the nation's sports associations in Senayan on Friday, but his first hand view of national sports development ended in disappointment. "I'm sorry about the poor condition of these offices.

Live TV shows

Live TV shows The following are sports competitions to be broadcast live this weekend on local TVs (all times in West Indonesia Time): Saturday English soccer league: Coventry v Aston Villa, SCTV at 9 p.m. Sunday Motorcyling: Australian Grand Prix, ANteve at 12 noon. Italian soccer league: Fiorentina v Udinese, RCTI at 9 p.m. English soccer league: Liverpool v Chelsea, Indosiar at 10 p.m.

HR managers play big role successful business

HR managers play big role successful business By Greg Doyle JAKARTA (JP): In an article in the Sept. 25 edition of The Jakarta Post, Budi Hanoto argued that effective human resource (HR) management links business strategy and HR processes. This idea, common currency in most management courses, is finding wide application in the leading firms of the world.

Germany a long-standing partner of Indonesia

Germany a long-standing partner of Indonesia German Ambassador to Indonesia Heinrich Seemann enjoys citing the perhaps surprisingly long relationship enjoyed by his nation and Indonesia, including a sojourn spent by famed 19th century painter Raden Saleh in Dresden. In a recent interview conducted before the German election, the ambassador expressed confidence the relationship would continue to thrive in Indonesia's time of need.

Clash at Manggarai

Clash at Manggarai Although Jakartans are certainly no strangers to civil unrest, the brawl that pitted two neighborhoods in the Manggarai area of South Jakarta against each other last weekend has drawn our attention once again to the growing social problems our overcrowded metropolis is facing. This latest violence left two people dead and scores of others wounded. At least eight houses were burned or damaged.

DPR starts debate on political bills

DPR starts debate on political bills JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives began on Friday the reading of three political bills -- much-awaited because they will govern how next year's first post-Soeharto general election will be conducted. Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid introduced the bills in a plenary session led by Deputy House Speaker Hari Sabarno of the Armed Forces faction.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Creative Expression of a Conservation Message, WWF Indonesia and Sally Linder, at Cemara 6 Galerry and Cafe, Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto No.9-11, Central Jakarta (Phone: 324505), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oct. 3. * Painting Exhibition: Bias-Bias Akuarel, at the Hilton Executive Club, Jl. Gatot Subroto, South Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until Oct. 9. * Painting Exhibition: Ungkapan Dunia-Dalam, by Nasirun and Pupuk DP., at Galeri Santi, Jl. Benda No.

Allianz spreads its wings across Asia

Allianz spreads its wings across Asia The insurance industry, like other financial sectors, is facing challenging times. Allianz has made a commitment to Asia. This year, it launched a joint venture in the Philippines, assumed a 25 percent stake in Brunei's largest insurer NIC and injected fresh capital into its Indonesian life joint-venture. There is also the recent appointment of Michael Diekmann, currently CEO of Allianz in Asia-Pacific, to the Board of Allianz AG.

Daimler-Benz upbeat on RI future

Daimler-Benz upbeat on RI future In line with its ongoing strategy of globalization, Daimler- Benz is increasing its focus on the most important markets around the world. The Asia-Pacific region is being given top priority. Today, the Asia-Pacific region already provides some Daimler- Benz business units with more than 50 percent of their trade volume. The group currently achieves some 8 percent of its turnover in Asia.

GTZ contributes to RI development

GTZ contributes to RI development The Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ) GmbH is Germany's public cooperation for development. It operates within the scope of the German Federal Government Development Policy: foreign policy, economic policy and development policy complement one another with a view to building global partnership in cooperation with the countries of the South.

Change or peril for financial bodies

Change or peril for financial bodies By C.B. Clagluena JAKARTA (JP): Back to 1944, the Bretton Woods agreement? No more free capital market? Practically dismantling the "ancient" Bretton Woods agreement in the early 1970s, has set the (capital) world free to trade on a virtually unlimited scale; goods, assets, currencies...

Legislators submit antimonopoly bill, start deliberation

Legislators submit antimonopoly bill, start deliberation JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) began on Friday the deliberation of the long-awaited antimonopoly bill, introduced to ensure fair competition in the country's business activities. The draft law, which is called the Prohibition of Monopoly Practices Bill and consists of 11 chapters and 53 verses, was submitted by a group of 38 legislators from the House's four factions.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bali's conversion rates on Oct. 2, 1998: TT rates Bank notes rates ------------------------------------------ Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.

Southeast Asian currencies end mostly flat against U.S. dollar

Southeast Asian currencies end mostly flat against U.S. dollar SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): Southeast Asian currencies ended a mixed trading session on Friday mostly flat to a fraction lower against the U.S. dollar. While the Singapore dollar, the baht and the Philippine peso all eased a touch from levels seen toward the close of Asian trading hours Thursday, the rupiah finished marginally stronger. In North Asia, although the won ended down as market participants bought U.S.

Nepotism again?

Nepotism again? Tucked away on page 8 of the Sept. 29 edition of The Jakarta Post, was a report that President Habibie's son Ilham was chosen to lead an Indonesian trade delegation to Taiwan. What are the young Mr. Ilham's special qualifications for this senior position? Or is this deja-vu?

City installs office chiefs

City installs office chiefs JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso has installed Sjahrin Lumbantoruan as the new head of the City Population Office. Sjahrin, who replaced Soemarto, was among the nine newly installed city office heads and three senior officials of the city administration.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:35 Children's Film: Thunder Cats 3:05 Flora: Jasa Pohon Kelapa 3:30 Science Film: Invention 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Sports 5:30 TV Series: Big Brother Jake 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 My Country: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports News 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Saturday Night Music 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Saturday Night Music (contd.) 8:30 Entertainment News: Jendela Dunia 9:00 World News 9:35 Quiz: Siapa Dia 10:30 Late News...

Moslem workers union reappears

Moslem workers union reappears JAKARTA (JP): The newly reformed Federation of Indonesian Moslem Labor Unions (Sarbumusi) has called for the dissolution of the Corps of Civil Servants (Korpri) and the association of civil servants' wives (Dharma Wanita) to allow its members to join unions of their own choice. The federation's deputy chairman, Abdy S.

Major student brawl erupts in Tangerang

Major student brawl erupts in Tangerang TANGERANG (JP): Hundreds of senior technical high school students were involved in a brawl in Cikokol on Wednesday evening, causing windows of a public bus and several other vehicles to be damaged. Those involved in the brawl were students from technical high school STM Yuppentek 1 and STM PGRI in Tangerang against those from STM 16 in Kalideres, West Jakarta.

Govt refuse to recognize Mgawati's PDI faction

Govt refuse to recognize Mgawati's PDI faction JAKARTA (JP): Even as Megawati Soekarnoputri intensifies preparations for her congress, the government has made clear that it is still refusing to recognize her faction of the splintered Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). Minister of Home Affairs Syarwan Hamid said here on Friday that Megawati's faction was not yet a party.

PLN 'may-opt' for force majeure: Adhi

PLN 'may-opt' for force majeure: Adhi JAKARTA (JP): State electricity company PT PLN plans to declare force majeure in its contracts with independent power producers (IPP) due to financial difficulties, its president said on Friday. "We are preparing to issue force majeure notices to them," Adhi Satriya said on the sidelines of the signing ceremony of a power billing agreement between PLN and PT Sarana Yukti Bandana.

Minister sticks to penalty decision imposed on Timor

Minister sticks to penalty decision imposed on Timor JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Trade and Industry Rahardi Ramelan on Friday stood by his decision to impose a harsh penalty on controversial carmaker PT Timor Putra Nasional despite the company's efforts to fight back. Rahardi said on Friday that Timor, controlled by former president Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo Mandala Putra, had clearly violated the 1996 ministerial decree which required the company to meet local content targets.

Stocks fall almost 4 percent, rupiah stable in thin trade

Stocks fall almost 4 percent, rupiah stable in thin trade JAKARTA (JP): Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) fell almost 4 percent on Friday due to massive selling pressure on some blue chip stocks. But the rupiah remained stable against the U.S. dollar, closing at 10,750 after falling to an intraday low of 11,050 as some investors squared their positions ahead of the weekend, currency dealers said.

Monargo gives scholarship

Monargo gives scholarship JAKARTA (JP): Herbicide producer PT Monagro Kimia has agreed to provide US$5,000 in scholarships for students of the Bogor Institute of Agriculture (IPB). Company president Hans Bijlmer said on Thursday that the scholarship program would be given to IPB students to help them continue their studies amid the current crisis.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Oct. 2, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 325 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 200 0 46,000 Alumindo Light Metal 250 -75 52,500 Alumindo Perkasa 225 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 150 25 500 Aneka Tambang 1,200 0 11,915,000 Anwar Sierad 75 -25 5,000 Apac Centertex Corp.

RI avoids S. Korea in taekwondo pinweight

RI avoids S. Korea in taekwondo pinweight JAKARTA (JP): Two Indonesian taekwondo athletes are to move up a division in the 13th Asian Games to avoid a clash with the sport's powerhouse South Korea. The secretary-general of the Indonesian Taekwondo Association, Ahmad Zarkasih Hamid, said on Friday that the decision had been taken as a result of fears that a clash with the South Koreans would cost Indonesia its chance of winning medals in the discipline.

Illegal fees at vehicle testing station denied

Illegal fees at vehicle testing station denied JAKARTA (JP): A senior city official has denied allegations that city vehicle roadworthiness test station employees have been involved in the collection of illegal levies. The head of the City Land Transportation Agency, J.P. Sepang, said on Friday drivers might have paid scalpers loitering around the station to help them find a shortcut to get the service. Sometimes some of the drivers function as scalpers themselves, he said without elaborating.

WB, IMF urged to focus on good governance

WB, IMF urged to focus on good governance JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Bambang Subianto urged the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund in Washington on Thursday to shift their work focus to developing "good governance" in government and social institutions in the wake of the latest economic developments.

Habibie given 40 days to end crisis

Habibie given 40 days to end crisis BANDUNG (JP): President B.J. Habibie has only 40 more days left to bring an end to the economic crisis, according to a gathering of civilians and retired military officials. "It has been our pledge to topple Habibie if the deadline passes. We will face all the risks together," Koen Soekarno, the chairman of the group calling itself the Coordination of Reform Potential in Java, said on Friday. Those in attendance included National Front chairman Lt. Gen.

Military status lifted from Irian

Military status lifted from Irian JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto decided on Thursday to lift the status of military operation zone (DOM) from the country's easternmost province, a senior military officer said on Friday. Trikora Regional Military Commander Amir Sembiring said ABRI would no longer focus on fighting separatists in Irian Jaya but help people in the interior improve their living conditions.