Archive: 12 August 1998
54 articles found
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on Aug. 11, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tracing the roots of human rights violations
Tracing the roots of human rights violations Merana di Tengah Kelimpahan (Sufferings amidst Affluence); By Dianto Bachriadi; Institute for Advocacy and Community Studies (ELSAM), Jakarta, 1998; xxiv + 268 pp YOGYAKARTA (JP): Large-scale mining firms have often been in the spotlight for alleged human rights violations, regardless of whether these violations are committed by the firms concerned or other parties in the country where mining activities are carried out.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
KL, Laos to use own monies
KL, Laos to use own monies KUALA LUMPUR (AP): Malaysia and Laos agreed yesterday to trade in their own currencies to reduce dependence on the U.S. dollar. "Malaysia informed Laos of the use of regional currencies as a new mechanism in trade, and it agreed to this," Foreign Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi told reporters while briefing them on talks between Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and the visiting Laotian premier, Sisavath Keobounphanh.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Malaysia plans to revive INRAPS
Malaysia plans to revive INRAPS KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia, en route to quitting the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO), plans to revive an old rubber agreement as an alternative to the global rubber pact. Local newspaper said yesterday Malaysia will propose the revival of the International Natural Rubber Agreement on Price Stabilization (INRAPS) at a meeting of the Association of Natural Rubber Producing Countries (ANRPC) later this month.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt neglecting sports development: Council
Govt neglecting sports development: Council JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar grumbled yesterday about the government's lack of attention to sports development. Wismoyo said the government's negligence was clearly shown in the amount of money it had donated to the council for various sports events in the past four years. "There have been inadequate contributions from the government to our programs since the 18th Southeast Asian Games in 1995," he said.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Residents put on alert
Residents put on alert MANADO, North Sulawesi: Residents near Mount Lokon were put on alert yesterday when observation posts recorded increased activity in the 1,689-meter-high volcano. The head of the Tomohon disaster center, J.N. Tampi, said here yesterday the observation post at Kakaskasen village had recorded heightened activity in the volcano's cone. The volcano last erupted in 1991, resulting in the evacuation of 11,000 people. A Swiss tourist was killed during the eruption.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Students exempted from tuition fees
Students exempted from tuition fees PALU, Central Sulawesi: The state-run Tadulako University has exempted students from paying tuition fees if they have completed their courses and all that remained of their obligations was to defend their graduate dissertation. Rector Mohammad Rasyid said yesterday he hoped the new policy would help to reduce the students' financial burden.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
BI's net international reserve declines on debt payments
BI's net international reserve declines on debt payments JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia's net international reserve as of Aug. 7 declined by US$116.2 million to $14.08 billion from the previous week's level primarily due to repayments of the country's official foreign debt, the central bank reported yesterday. It announced, however, that the reserve level was still above the minimum level allowed by the IMF.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Timber firms urged to fall in line on ecolabeling issue
Timber firms urged to fall in line on ecolabeling issue JAKARTA (JP): The country's timber companies have no choice but to gain ecolabeling certification to survive amid the growing environmental fastidiousness of the global market, analysts said here yesterday.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Ansett adds Bali flight
Ansett adds Bali flight SYDNEY (Dow Jones): Ansett Australia Holdings Ltd., an Australian international airline company, yesterday said it has added an extra flight per week to its Australia-Indonesia routing schedule. Air New Zealand and Rupert Murdoch's News Corp. have equal stakes in the company. The new flight will run from Darwin to Bali starting Oct. 1 and supplement two existing Australia-Bali flights.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Truth and reconciliation
Truth and reconciliation It is now clear that so many injustices were committed during the 32 years of the New Order regime. Many of these atrocities only started to come to light after the resignation of president Soeharto on May 21, as people broke free from their old fears of speaking out about their sufferings and started demanding some kind of restitution.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
TV today
TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:30 Music 2:35 Children's Film: Silverhawks 3:05 Film: Daktari 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Teen Program: Remaja Indonesia 5:00 Science and Technology 5:30 Education Quiz: Cepat Tepat 6:05 Documentary: Rona Nusantara 6:15 Sports 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 TV Drama: 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 Economic News: Lintas Ekonomi 8:30 News: Laporan Peristiwa 9:00 World News 9:35 Traditional Drama: Legenda 10:30 Late News 10:40 TV Series:...
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Freeport halts production
Freeport halts production JAKARTA (JP): PT Freeport Indonesia, a unit of Freeport McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc., has halted production at its giant Grasberg copper and gold mine in Irian Jaya due to a strike at the site, Antara reported yesterday. The news agency said around 5,000 workers in Timika, Irian Jaya, had gone on strike demanding higher wages.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Gold rush in C. Java village
Gold rush in C. Java village PURWOKERTO, Central Java: About 400 Gumelar villagers in the Banyumas regency have abandoned their farms in order to become gold miners in the Cihonje pine forest. They said that if they were lucky they could find about 10 grams of gold a day after digging several deep wells. They could sell it for Rp 77,000 (US$5.85) per gram to local traders.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Populist policies' will continue, says Ginandjar
'Populist policies' will continue, says Ginandjar JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Economy, Finance and Industry Ginandjar Kartasasmita said yesterday the government would proceed with its populist economic policy stand to empower the weak. Ginandjar contended the policy was deliberately pursued to assist small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and cooperatives get a bigger piece of the business pie. The government will not provide further facilities and protection to conglomerates, he added.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Magazine angers religious group
Magazine angers religious group JAKARTA (JP): Thirty people from a group called Asosiasi Pembela Islam (Defenders of Islam Association) have strongly urged police to investigate Jakarta Jakarta weekly magazine's motives for printing a recent article on the May riots. In a meeting with city police chief Maj. Gen.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indofood introduces cheap instant noodles
Indofood introduces cheap instant noodles JAKARTA (JP): Giant food producer PT Indofood Sukses Makmur yesterday officially introduced a new, low-priced instant noodle product, Mi Peduli (care noodle), aimed at helping the poor. Eva Riyanti Hutapea, the company's chief executive officer, said at the launching ceremony in Lemah Abang, Bekasi, that the product would retail for Rp 300 (two U.S. cents) per pack.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Foreign reinsurers firms reluctant to pay riot claims
Foreign reinsurers firms reluctant to pay riot claims JAKARTA (JP): Several foreign reinsurers are reportedly balking at honoring policy contracts with local insurance firms, now snowed under by a mountain of claims from victims of the May riots.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
A high-level dispute over money
A high-level dispute over money The controversy over the Yayasan Dana Kesejahteraan Abadi (Everlasting Prosperity Fund Foundation), or Dakab, is showing no signs of abating and may even intensify. Acting on directives issued by the party's recent extraordinary national congress, the Golkar central executive board is insisting on getting back the money, which now totals some Rp 836 billion (US$64 million).
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
'Mixed' electoral system an option
'Mixed' electoral system an option By Ben Reilly JAKARTA (JP): One of the most significant consequences of former president Soeharto's departure from office is the unprecedented opportunity for reform of Indonesia's political institutions. President B.J. Habibie's administration has placed a priority on political reform.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Indigenous and ethnic Chinese gap
Indigenous and ethnic Chinese gap After the publication of Masli Arman's article Ethnic Chinese at fault for riots July 30, a deluge of responses have appeared. Many were strongly peppered with emotionally charged blasphemy. In light of this, I have been prompted to voice my opinion in order to attenuate the polemics on ethnic Chinese. I do not write for the defense of Mr. Arman and I do not go against the writers of letters to the editor.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Djadja vows to secure capital ahead of Aug. 17 celebrations
Djadja vows to secure capital ahead of Aug. 17 celebrations JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Djadja Suparman has pledged to deploy thousands of military personnel to help secure the capital ahead of Monday's celebration of the 53rd anniversary of Indonesian independence. He made the pledge in a meeting with representatives of non- governmental organizations (NGOs) on Monday night amid rumors of renewed mass rioting. "All personnel stationed in Jakarta will be involved.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Traders want PLN to stop blackout
Traders want PLN to stop blackout TANGERANG (JP): More than 1,500 traders at Cikokol market have strongly protested the disconnecting of electricity at their kiosks by state-owned electricity company PT PLN. The vendors, who mostly sell daily needs, threatened Monday to protest the one-sided decision at the local PLN office if their kiosks remained without power.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Combat troops pulled out from Timika
Combat troops pulled out from Timika JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces has withdrawn 270 combat troops from the Irian Jaya regency of Timika where one person was killed and five others went missing during recent pro-independence demonstrations.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Trisakti trial to end today
Trisakti trial to end today JAKARTA (JP): The long journey of the Trisakti incident's military tribunal might at last end today because the presiding judge is scheduled to read the final verdict on the two police officers brought to trial after the May 12 incident. Today's 16th session, to be led by presiding judge Col. Sudji Suradi, will determine the fate of First Lt. Agus Tri Heryanto and Second Lt. Pariyo, both from the city police Mobile Brigade. Prosecutor Col.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Exploiting the female body
Exploiting the female body Masculine trend magazine MATRA No. 144/July 1998 presents on its front cover a biased picture of a half-naked woman amid a number of headlines: (1) Victims of May 1998 rapes, (2) Assets of Soeharto Foundations worth US$40 billion, (3) Opinion of the Indonesian Armed Forces in the Reform Era and Sex in Times of Monetary Crisis and (4) Interview with Emil Slim: Discard the Democracy of Fear. The choice of picture must have been deliberate.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sutiyoso warns against illegal land confiscation
Sutiyoso warns against illegal land confiscation JAKARTA (JP): Governor Sutiyoso warned Jakartans yesterday not to be provoked into pillaging other people's or government property by using poverty and starvation as their justification. "No matter what the reason, actions which include seizing other people's or government land cannot be tolerated. It's a bad habit and against our religious beliefs, so stop doing it," he said.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
ABRI awaits govt ruling on Megawati
ABRI awaits govt ruling on Megawati JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) is backing off from the Indonesian Democratic Party's (PDI) leadership row, pledging to support whatever stance the government takes on the dispute. ABRI, which in the past had failed to refrain from jumping into the fray, now refuses to indicate who they recognize as the party's legitimate leader. Armed Forces Chief of Sociopolitical Affairs Lt. Gen.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Man caught with stash of psychotropic drugs
Man caught with stash of psychotropic drugs JAKARTA (JP): Soekarno-Hatta International Airport customs and excise officers have arrested a 43-year-old man for allegedly trying to smuggle 106,650 psychotropic pills into the country from Singapore, an official said yesterday. The airport's customs and excise chief, Tonny Soenanto, told The Jakarta Post that Iswardas Bhagwandas Bachari, a Indonesian of Indian descent, was arrested at 8:35 a.m.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Pos Indonesia to raise rates for special express postage
Pos Indonesia to raise rates for special express postage BANDUNG (JP): The state postal company PT Pos Indonesia will increase the rates for special express postage by between 8 and 50 percent depending on parcel weight. The company's public relations manager Hakim Roesamsi said here on Monday the increase would apply to products of all weights except those between 250 and 5,000 grams, the rates for which would be cut by 5 percent instead.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Spain could become a model for Indonesia
Spain could become a model for Indonesia By Percival Manglano JAKARTA (JP): As Indonesian politics lurch into uncharted territory, it may seem advisable for parallels to be sought that may shed light on things to come. Looking around for countries with historical circumstances parallel to those of Indonesia now, one obvious example comes to mind: Thailand. Just like Indonesia's, Thailand's military has traditionally played a central role in its politics.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Govt to free 100 more political prisoners
Govt to free 100 more political prisoners YOGYAKARTA (JP): The government will release up to 100 political prisoners to coincide with the commemoration of Independence Day on Aug. 17. "The number will be around 75 to 100, but the final number is still being processed. This we will do in the framework of the anniversary of the Indonesian republic," Minister of Justice Muladi said yesterday. Indonesia celebrates the 53rd anniversary of its declaration of independence on Monday.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
PRD responds coolly to lifting of ban on the party
PRD responds coolly to lifting of ban on the party JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of the Democratic People's Party (PRD) were unmoved yesterday by a court ruling ordering the government to lift a ban on the party, dismissing it as another populist ploy by President B.J. Habibie's government.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Tennis manager brands games selection unfair
Tennis manager brands games selection unfair JAKARTA (JP): National tennis team manager Benny Mailili griped yesterday over double standards applied by the National Sports Council in selecting athletes for the upcoming Asian Games. Benny said the council would only foot the bill for strong medal prospects for the Games, but would allow other athletes to go to Bangkok if their respective sports organizations had enough funds to cover their expenses.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Team set up for safety net scheme
Team set up for safety net scheme JAKARTA (JP): The government appointed a private organization led by former finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad to distribute aid to millions of needy Indonesians under its social safety net program yesterday. Mar'ie, known during his days in the cabinet as "Mr. Clean", promised the work of the Indonesian Committee for Humanitarian Programs (KKI) would be transparent and clean. The organization will handle donations to alleviate poverty in the country.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Nominee withdraws from BPK shortlist
Nominee withdraws from BPK shortlist JAKARTA (JP): The saga of rivalries and discontent in the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) continued yesterday as Rivai Siata withdrew his name for consideration for the agency's deputy chairman. "I thank the House members from all four factions for giving me their trust and honor, but I apologize for this (my withdrawal)," Rivai told journalists here yesterday after informing the House of Representatives of his decision.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Table 'mixed' electoral system in the Asia-Pacific region
Table 'mixed' electoral system in the Asia-Pacific region No. of district No. of list seats Total no of seats seats (percent) (percent) Indonesia 420 (76%) 75 (14%) 550 Japan 300 (60%) 200 (40%) 500 South Korea 237 (79%) 62 (21%) 299 Philippines 200 (80%) 50 (20%) 250 Thailand 400 (80%) 100 (20%) 500 Taiwan 125 (78%) 36 (22%) 161
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Two illegal Puncak brothels demolished
Two illegal Puncak brothels demolished BOGOR (JP): Bogor regency officials demolished two illegal brothels in the Puncak area yesterday. Fauzi Si'in, the leader of a 100-strong team of public order officials that carried out the demolitions, said the regency tore down the businesses in response to pressure from local Moslem preachers.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rights body 'must come to Aceh with forensic experts'
Rights body 'must come to Aceh with forensic experts' JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces will allow the National Commission on Human Rights' fact-finding team to exhume human bodies allegedly buried in two mass graves in Aceh only if the commission is accompanied by forensic experts, according to a military spokesman. "The rights body's team must be accompanied by forensic experts who are able to examine human skulls in the two mass graves which have been used since the Dutch colonial era," Col.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Paris Club expects RI to suspend its debt repayments
Paris Club expects RI to suspend its debt repayments PARIS (Agencies): A Paris Club official said yesterday that Indonesia was expected to suspend some debt repayments in August ahead of a September agreement on the treatment of its debt.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
In Central Java, forests are looted too
In Central Java, forests are looted too By Haryoso SEMARANG (JP): Teakwood plantations in Rembang and Blora have been looking more like markets over the past few weeks. Men, women and children are flocking there and trucks are seen coming and going. The people are illegally logging the state forests of teakwood in broad daylight.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Kontras doubts ABRI resolve in probe
Kontras doubts ABRI resolve in probe JAKARTA (JP): The coordinator of a leading non-governmental organization investigating the torture and abductions of political activists doubts the Armed Forces (ABRI) will truly lift the shroud covering the disappearances.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Stock Exchnage
Stock Exchnage Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 11, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 325 0 0 AHAP Insurance 400 0 0 Alter Abadi 375 -25 501,500 Alumindo Light Metal 350 -25 8,000 Alumindo Perkasa 225 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 200 25 32,500 Aneka Tambang 2,075 -125 8,502,000 Anwar Sierad 100 0 0 Apac Centertex Corp.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Crisis: Govt must show concern
Crisis: Govt must show concern From Ummat With each passing day, Indonesians are feeling an increasingly stronger pinch given by the economic crisis. Prices of daily needs are skyrocketing. Starvation is happening in many places. In Lampung, some residents died, poisoned by the tiwul (snack made from dried cassava) that they were eating in place of rice. We, the little people, are in a panicky condition and live in the shadow of fear. Will we have the same tragic fate?
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Other general linked to activist abductions
Other general linked to activist abductions JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Wiranto confirmed yesterday that then Army Special Force (Kopassus) chief Lt. Gen. Prabowo Subianto received instructions from a superior to launch security measures aimed at safeguarding the presidential election last March.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah floatation 'worsens the crisis'
Rupiah floatation 'worsens the crisis' JAKARTA (JP): Former Bank Indonesia (BI) governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono admitted yesterday that the central bank's decision to free float the rupiah last August led to a deeper economic crisis than the authorities predicted. He explained that the rupiah's flotation and the monetary tightening that followed failed to curb the fall in the rupiah, and instead caused the banking sector to start suffering and some banks even experienced runs by depositors.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Australia to bid in new Indonesia wheat tender
Australia to bid in new Indonesia wheat tender SYDNEY (Reuters): AWB Ltd., the re-named Australian Wheat Board, will bid in Indonesia's foreshadowed tender for 700,000 tons of wheat in September, a spokesman said yesterday. AWB regularly participated in Indonesian tenders and the expected September purchase was not likely to be any different, he said. Beddu Amang, the chairman of Indonesia's state commodity agency Bulog, said in Bangkok on Aug.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Jakarta: Wednesday, August 12, 1998
Where to go in Jakarta: Wednesday, August 12, 1998 Exhibitions * Photo Exhibition: A Part of Indonesian Historical Journey, at Galeri TC, Jl. Kemang Raya No. 24A, South Jakarta (Phone: 7194278), Sunday, at 10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday to Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday to Saturday 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m., until Aug. 24. * Painting Exhibition: Laga Lukis dan Amal Patra 13 1998, at Jl. Ampera Raya 25, South Jakarta (Phone: 78832989), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., until Sept. 5.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
SE Asian currencies remain flat due to spiraling yen
SE Asian currencies remain flat due to spiraling yen SINGAPORE (Dow Jones): The breathtaking plunge of the Japanese yen to new eight-year lows dragged Southeast Asian currencies into a vicious downward spiral during Asian trading yesterday. As stock markets throughout the region plummeted, the U.S. currency spurted up through resistance at 147.00 yen to hit a peak during Asian hours of 147.61 yen, its highest level since Aug. 20, 1990. In response, market participants bid up the U.S.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Rupiah fails to rally, stocks plunge further
Rupiah fails to rally, stocks plunge further JAKARTA (JP): The rupiah remained weak yesterday as the yen's slide against the U.S. dollar continued to cast a gloomy shadow over regional currencies. Fears of a possible riot ahead of Indonesian Independence Day on Aug. 17 also encouraged people to hold onto their greenbacks, dealers said. The rupiah closed at 13,050/13,100 against the American dollar yesterday, slightly lower than its close at 12,950 the previous day.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
New Mr. and Miss Jakarta crowned
New Mr. and Miss Jakarta crowned JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Tourist Office crowned Leonard Abdul AD and Dessy Syarif as the new Abang and None (Mr. and Miss) Jakarta at City Hall on Monday night, a tourist official said. The two were selected from 649 contestants, the office's head, Wicaksono, was quoted by Antara as saying.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Detained Indonesians 'treated well in Yangon'
Detained Indonesians 'treated well in Yangon' JAKARTA (JP): Three Indonesian activists detained since Sunday in Myanmar for allegedly distributing pro-democracy leaflets are being treated well, Indonesian Ambassador Poerwanto Lenggono said in Yangon yesterday. "They are staying in the local police's guest house, not in jail ... they are treated well," Poerwanto told The Jakarta Post by phone from the Myanmar capital. He also said embassy staff had met with the activists -- R.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Sugar mart up on RI hedging
Sugar mart up on RI hedging LONDON (Reuters): White sugar futures firmed on trade hedging ahead of a rescheduled Indonesian tender, traders said. "The market's up on Indonesia pre-hedging," said a futures trade manager, noting that CSCE raws firmer close on Monday was also encouraging. At 1130 GMT, front October was at the morning's high of $253.30 a ton, up 70 cents from Monday's close. Other positions were 60 cents to 30 cents firmer in total volume of 931 lots, of which 439 in October.
Wed, 12 Aug 1998, 00:00 WIB
Singapore's economy slows sharply in second quarter
Singapore's economy slows sharply in second quarter SINGAPORE (DPA): Singapore's economy slowed sharply in the second quarter of this year as Asia's economic crisis continued to bite, and the outlook remains bearish, the government announced yesterday. Gross domestic product (GDP) growth dropped to 1.6 percent in the second quarter, down from 6.1 percent a quarter earlier, the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MTI) said.