Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 2 May 1998

50 articles found

East Timor issue

East Timor issue The article by Dino Patti Djalal, UN statement good deal for RI, April 25, touched on some problems for Indonesian foreign policy with regard to East Timor without addressing the fundamental obstacles which currently prevent a lasting solution to the dispute. One problem is that talks to determine the international status of East Timor involve only the Indonesian and Portuguese governments without the participation of representatives of the various Timorese factions.

Obuchi to meet Asian leaders

Obuchi to meet Asian leaders BANGKOK (AP): Japanese Foreign Minister Keizo Obuchi headed to Thailand yesterday, the first stop on a tour that will also take him to Malaysia and Singapore for talks with regional leaders on ways to ease Asia's economic crisis. Obuchi will make a "major policy speech" in Singapore about Japan's role, Ken Shimanouchi, the Foreign Ministry's deputy press secretary, told reporters in Bangkok.

Reform in a constitutional way

Reform in a constitutional way From Merdeka Certain sides say that reform should be constitutional, meaning that reform must be in line with the 1945 Constitution. Some of its articles read as follows: Article 33, paragraph 1: the economy is organized as a joint effort based on the family principle. Explanation: priority is given to the people's welfare, not the individual's. Yet our economy is replete with conglomerates which make people's lives miserable.

Company donates blood, milk

Company donates blood, milk JAKARTA (JP): One hundred employees and executives of electronics company PT Prima Global Elux donated blood Thursday for people suffering from dengue fever. The donation was witnessed by Melanie Wikanta, an Indonesian Red Cross executive, and Fredrik Ramen, the president of Electrolux Asean. "We hope other companies will follow in our footsteps," Ramen said.

Confiscated boats for migrants

Confiscated boats for migrants SEMARANG, Central Java: The government has agreed to give foreign fishing boats apprehended for violating Indonesian territorial waters to fishermen set for transmigration. "The President has given the green light to the idea, and now his decree on the matter is awaited," Minister of Transmigration and Resettlement of Forest Nomads AM Hendro Priyono said after a meeting here Thursday.

Waitress' death was accident: Kopassus

Waitress' death was accident: Kopassus JAKARTA (JP): The severe chest wound that led to the death of a woman in the Army's special force (Kopassus) headquarters Wednesday was caused by an accident, doctors and officers said yesterday. They said they had to call a media briefing to give an official explanation because some newspapers reported the case as if the woman had been shot dead at the headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta.

1,500 workers go on strike

1,500 workers go on strike TANGERANG (JP): About 1,500 workers of PT Starnesia Garment on the Jatiuwung industrial estate went on strike yesterday, protesting deductions from their salaries and demanding the establishment of a labor union branch and a pay rise. The protesters unfurled banners questioning the legal basis for the deduction between Rp 11,000 (US$1.35) and Rp 30,000 from their monthly salaries.

Power, ful prices to go up on same day

Power, ful prices to go up on same day JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy Kuntoro Mangkusubroto said yesterday the government would raise fuel and electricity prices concurrently. But he refused to reveal when the price increase would be announced. "Under the preliminary plan, the government will increase fuel and electricity prices simultaneously, but I don't know when (the announcement will be made)," he said.

Farm unites students, soldiers

Farm unites students, soldiers JAKARTA (JP): Soldiers and dozens of students from 25 universities in Greater Jakarta have joined forces to cultivate unused land in Bekasi. The land, acquired mostly by property developers, is being cultivated for people who lost their jobs during the economic crisis. Quick-yielding crops, such as vegetables, peanuts and maize are being grown. "The students were interested in the project after they saw the results," spokesman for Jakarta Military Command Lt. Col.

Veterans backbone of RI's badminton team

Veterans backbone of RI's badminton team JAKARTA (JP): There were no surprises yesterday when Indonesia named veterans to spearhead its teams for the Thomas Cup and Uber Cup finals from May 15 to May 24 in Hong Kong.

No more obligations on clove purchases: Official

No more obligations on clove purchases: Official JAKARTA (JP): Cigarettemakers are no longer required to buy cloves from PT Kembang Cengkeh Nasional (KCN) in order to be able to purchase excise stamps from the customs and excise office, a key government official said yesterday.

ABRI to investigate abductions

ABRI to investigate abductions This nation's honor and dignity was dealt a heavy blow by the recent spate of disappearances and the international community has been quick to accuse Indonesian authorities of having no regard for their country's own citizens. This most unfair accusation must be endured because of the actions of the abductors, who our law enforcement agencies have so far been unable to trace.

Pasar Jaya in deep water over parking rate hike

Pasar Jaya in deep water over parking rate hike JAKARTA (JP): The municipality is investigating PD Pasar Jaya, the city-owned market management company, for raising parking fees without the governor's approval, a senior official said. Chief of the city's inspectorate office Bambang Sungkono said that he established a special team yesterday and the investigation was underway.

Pastrana beats Roga for title

Pastrana beats Roga for title FORT LAUDERDALE, Florida (AP): Colombia's Mauricio Pastrana successfully defended his International Boxing Federation junior flyweight title with a fourth-round knockout of Indonesia's Anis Roga Thursday night. Pastrana wasn't threatened in his first defense of the 108- pound (49-kilogram) title he won last December. He used punishing head and body combinations to wear down Roga until the fight ended at 1:20 of the fourth.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on May 1, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 600 0 0 AHAP Insurance 500 0 0 Alter Abadi 975 -25 970,500 Alumindo Light Metal 375 0 36,500 Alumindo Perkasa 300 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 450 -50 30,500 Aneka Tambang 1,550 0 2,154,500 Anwar Sierad 225 -25 10,000 Apac Centertex Corp.

Bali governor off to Washington

Bali governor off to Washington DENPASAR, Bali: Bali Governor Ida Bagus Oka has been invited by the World Bank to attend a discussion on urban development in Washington from May 18 to May 21. "This is a good opportunity for us to participate in an international event especially since Bali has been considered successful in carrying out the World Bank-funded Bali Urban Infrastructure Project," the governor was quoted by Antara as saying yesterday.

Political reforms only 'after 2003'

Political reforms only 'after 2003' JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that he was all for political and economic reforms but indicated that such reforms should only be implemented after 2003. Soeharto said he was not adverse to the calls for reform in political system, however, he was obliged to carry out the presidential mandate from the People's Consultative Assembly to faithfully execute the State Policy Guidelines (GBHN) which runs until 2003.

RI's crude prices rise

RI's crude prices rise TOKYO (Dow Jones): Unofficial prices for Indonesian crude grades have climbed, putting April prices above March levels, according to industry calculations released yesterday. For most grades, price rises ranged from $0.97 to $1.72 a barrel. Indonesia's state-owned oil company, Pertamina, has yet to approve the calculations as official Indonesian Crude Price figures.

Russian lady dies after fall from 2nd floor of her house

Russian lady dies after fall from 2nd floor of her house JAKARTA (JP): A Russian woman died after falling from a second floor window at her residence on Jl. Rasuna Said, Kav. 10, No. 2, South Jakarta, on Thursday night, police said. The victim, identified as Irina Guskova, 42, was believed to have been trying to climb down the side of her house using a blanket for support when she fell to her death, Capt. Prasto, chief of Setiabudi police sub-precinct, said yesterday.

Humpuss starts exploration

Humpuss starts exploration JAKARTA (JP): PT Humpuss Patragas, a technical assistance contractor of state oil and gas firm PT Pertamina, will soon start oil exploration in Bojonegoro and Tuban, East Java. The company said it was in the process of appropriating the land for exploration fields in the Bojonegoro oil mining areas of Ngasem and Padangan.

Fuad says banking reform implemented rapidly

Fuad says banking reform implemented rapidly GENEVA (Dow Jones): Indonesian Minister of Finance Fuad Bawazier yesterday rejected a recent assessment by rating group Standard & Poor's that the Indonesian government isn't pushing ahead fast enough with its banking sector reforms. "That is their judgment," he said. "I believe we are moving rapidly and this time the reforms are touching almost all sectors" of the banking system.

Indonesian Navy to bring home illegal migrants

Indonesian Navy to bring home illegal migrants JAKARTA (JP): An Indonesian Navy transportation ship will depart Malaysia on Tuesday to bring home 1,759 illegal migrants. The Tanjung Oisina will depart from Pasir Gudang harbor in Johor Baru, Malaysia, and is scheduled to arrive at Tanjung Perak harbor in Surabaya, East Java, on May 10. The ship will sail on to West Nusa Tenggara and dock at Lembar harbor three days later.

Indonesian debt team to meet creditors in Tokyo

Indonesian debt team to meet creditors in Tokyo JAKARTA (JP): The government-appointed private offshore debt team and international creditor banks will meet in Tokyo on May 7-10 to discuss a broad agreement to restructure the country's huge private debt. Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita said yesterday he would attend the debt restructuring meeting during his visit to Japan next week.

Local academics oppose Soewardi's reelection

Local academics oppose Soewardi's reelection SEMARANG (JP): A group of local academics has rejected outright the proposal to reelect Central Java Governor Soewardi, who was busy yesterday refuting allegations that he set up a team and furnished it with Rp 18 billion (US$2.25 million) to ensure his reelection.

Amien Rais 'forced' to talk on East Timor

Amien Rais 'forced' to talk on East Timor WASHINGTON, D.C. (Antara): Moslem scholar Amien Rais has expressed disappointment that the Human Rights Caucus "forced" him to talk on the issue of East Timor before a formal forum without sufficient preparation. "I am disappointed they did not inform me earlier (that they wanted me) to talk on the issue of East Timor," said Amien, chairman of Indonesia's second largest Moslem organization, Muhammadiyah, after attending the Caucus meeting here Thursday.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Exhibition: Works of Indonesian Painters Association at Devi Collection Interior House, Jl. Kemang Timur No. 46A (Phone: 7991636), South Jakarta, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., until May 15. * Painting Exhibition: Works of Charlotte Salomon, at Goethe Institute Jakarta, Jl. Matraman Raya 23, East Jakarta (Phone: 8509132), 8 p.m. to 4 p.m., until May 20. * Photo Exhibition: Potret by Benno Harun and Artli Ali at Plaza Indonesia Atrium, Jl. M.H. Thamrin kav.

Teamwork vital to prevent fires

Teamwork vital to prevent fires SINGAPORE (DPA): Southeast Asian non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are set to gather in Singapore next month to discuss battling the region's forest fires and the resulting haze that periodically blankets the region, a news report said yesterday. The Singapore Environment Council is hosting the closed-door conference in a bid to unite industry groups and NGOs, and stimulate them to take coordinated action to prevent the fires.

Marine research starts next month

Marine research starts next month AMBON, Maluku: The local research and development center of the National Institute of Sciences here is planning to conduct its first research study on marine biodiversity found in the small islands located in the eastern part of the country. "On board KM Baruna Jaya, the research study aims to determine the potential of the area's marine life, including its fish, coral reefs and seaweeds," senior researcher Lucky Wenno said as quoted by Antara here Thursday.

Lectures on Islam in English

Lectures on Islam in English JAKARTA (JP): Moslem organization New Moslems is hosting two public lectures in English this month aimed at both Moslems and non-Moslems. The Relevance of the Koran to Modern Science will be delivered next Sunday while The Koranic view of Embryology and Cloning is scheduled for May 17. The lectures will take place at the Ministry of Health's Training Center on Jl. Hang Jebat, Kebayoran Baru at 2:30 p.m. The speaker is Taufiq M.

Share prices plunge on political fears

Share prices plunge on political fears JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange plunged 2.5 percent yesterday as President Soeharto issued a strong warning to campus protesters.

Students extend demand on total govt reforms

Students extend demand on total govt reforms JAKARTA (JP): Protesting students and security personnel held their ground yesterday, as though waiting for the other to blink, in more of the student demonstrations for reform that began two months ago and have yet to show signs of abating.

Composers show their concern in concerts

Composers show their concern in concerts JAKARTA (JP): Since Thursday, several top local composers have shown their concern over the country's woes in performances at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta in Central Jakarta. The show, concluding tomorrow night, is part of more than 100 cultural events for Ruwatan Bumi (Earth Purification), held in observance of April 22's Earth Day. Participants represent a mix of ages and music genres.

Telkom warns of illegal levies

Telkom warns of illegal levies JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta branch of state telecommunications company PT Telkom has admitted some employees have illegally charged between Rp 50,000 (US$6) and Rp 100,000 for installing a telephone line. The official fee for the installation of a telephone line is Rp 250,000. Branch deputy head Prawoto urged customers to refuse to pay the levy because it was not the company's policy to charge additional fees.

Nokia opens two centers

Nokia opens two centers JAKARTA (JP): Nokia Mobile Phones Indonesia, a subsidiary of the Finnish mobile phone producer Nokia, has opened two sales and service centers in Surabaya, East Java and Kuta, Bali. The so-called Nokia Professional Center was opened in Kuta yesterday, while the center in Surabaya was opened Wednesday, the company said in a statement. The center in Surabaya was run by PT Trikomsel, while the one in Kuta by PT Bimasakti Usindo Persada.

Alleged thief shot dead in Ciputat for resisting arrest

Alleged thief shot dead in Ciputat for resisting arrest JAKARTA (JP): Police have shot dead an alleged thief believed to be a member of the city's most notorious vehicle-stealing gang in Pondok Ranji railway station in Ciputat, South Jakarta. The shooting takes the death toll of people killed by the City Police this year to 24. City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the man, identified as Tandi alias Charles alias Joni, 26, was shot twice in the chest for resisting arrest.

IPTN to replace all foreign engineers soon

IPTN to replace all foreign engineers soon BANDUNG, West Java (JP): State aircraft manufacturer IPTN will replace all of its foreign engineers in the next three months in an effort to cut company spending and boost its efficiency. IPTN president Hari Laksono said local engineers would replace their foreign counterparts.

BAJ expects higher profit

BAJ expects higher profit JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed integrated tapioca producer PT Budi Acid Jaya (BAJ) is expecting a 30 percent increase in its gross profit this year, the company said yesterday. BAJ's corporate secretary, Mawarti, said the projected profit increase was partly due to the high increase of its profit margins. She said the gross profit margin rose 40 percent in the first three months of this year and that the upward trend would likely continue in the coming months.

Abductions hard to understand

Abductions hard to understand From Pikiran Rakyat Judging from the media reports on missing people, I cannot make head or tail how this thing could happen. It is as if we were in an uncivilized country.

Crisis takes its toll on two popular magazines

Crisis takes its toll on two popular magazines JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta-Jakarta and Tiara, two popular magazines managed by the giant Kompas-Gramedia publishing group, began scaling back their office activities yesterday due to the impact of the economic crisis. Widi Krastawan, the group's magazine division deputy director, said yesterday the management had decided to close the offices of the two magazines for the first 15 days of each month for efficiency.

Implication of monetary crisis

Implication of monetary crisis From Merdeka The drawn out monetary crisis has grown into a national multicrisis. Almost everyday I read the opinions and analyses of so-called experts in economic, legal and political fields. Actually, the statements made by the experts, some widely known, others relatively unknown, benefit the public in general because the knowledge displayed is interesting and constitutes a kind of free course in various disciplines. Why do I say "interesting"?

Constitution needs changes, experts claim

Constitution needs changes, experts claim JAKARTA (JP): Legal experts called yesterday for revisions in the 1945 Constitution to plug loopholes allowing for abuse of power. Prof. Harun Alrasid said its shortcomings including contents open to various interpretations, which could be used by the government as the means to justify its policies.

Pius may report rights abuse to UN: Marzuki

Pius may report rights abuse to UN: Marzuki JAKARTA (JP): Political activist Pius Lustrilanang may report his abduction and the abuse he received at the hands of his abductors to the United Nations (UN) Commission on Human Rights, which may prompt the body to issue a resolution against Indonesia, according to human rights campaigners.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on May 1, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

C. Java governor takes salary cut

C. Java governor takes salary cut SEMARANG, Central Java: From yesterday Central Java's governor, mayors, regents and their assistants began receiving lower basic salaries to support the government's poverty alleviation program. "Beginning this month, my basic salary of Rp 1.1 million (US$137.50) will be cut," Central Java Governor Soewardi said yesterday. The salary cut only applies to the governor, mayors, regents and their assistants because they have fairly large allowances.

Haj pilgrims death toll reaches 719

Haj pilgrims death toll reaches 719 JAKARTA (JP): The number of Indonesian haj pilgrims who died in the Holy Land this year has reached 719, including a woman only recently known to have been killed in the mass stampede in Mina, near Mecca.

Scholars to discuss national pride, identity

Scholars to discuss national pride, identity SURABAYA (JP): Hundreds of scholars will discuss at a seminar today how education should be developed so that it can rebuild "national identity and dignity". The seminar, to be held at the University of Indonesia in Depok, West Java, is to submit its recommendations to the government, either directly or through the House of Representatives. It also commemorates National Education Day which falls today.

IMF set to restart loan payments to RI

IMF set to restart loan payments to RI WASHINGTON (Reuters): The International Monetary Fund is set to approve a US$1 billion loan payment to Indonesia next Monday, and to disburse a further $2 billion in June and July, a senior IMF official said yesterday.

Herry to fight it out for keep perfect record

Herry to fight it out for keep perfect record JAKARTA (JP): Herry Makawimbang vowed yesterday to maintain his winning streak when he fights Salim Ayuba in a 10-round junior featherweight bout in Tangerang, West Java, today. Although it will be Herry's fourth professional bout, his convincing record in amateur competition bodes well for him to take the Golden Belt award.

Toyo to expand RI factory

Toyo to expand RI factory TOKYO (Nikkei): Toyo Communication Equipment Co. plans to invest about 550 yen million to expand its Indonesian factory for the production of low-cost, sealed-glass liquid crystal oscillators, The Nikkei Industrial Daily reported in its Friday edition. The company plans to expand the total floor space of the facility from 2,000 to 3,000 square meters, and will increase its staff by 50, to a total of 350.

80% of CPO products to be sold locally

80% of CPO products to be sold locally JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's palm oil producers have agreed to sell 80 percent of crude palm oil products on the domestic market, despite the government's recent decision to remove an export ban on the commodity. Chairman of the Association of Edible Oils industries (AIMMI) Navis Daulay said yesterday the consensus had been reached to ensure a sufficient supply was available in Indonesia.