Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 14 November 1996

55 articles found

Rights commission says beware of malicious issues

Rights commission says beware of malicious issues JAKARTA (JP): The National Human Rights Commission has warned that distorted issues were being circulated by irresponsible people to incite confusion and discord in the community. Commission Secretary, Baharudin Lopa, said in Dili, East Timor, that he noticed a recent tendency in members of the community to exaggerate and circulate contentious topics.

Economist laments govt's lack of economic vision

Economist laments govt's lack of economic vision JAKARTA (JP): The government does not have a comprehensive or coordinated plan to achieve its long-term development targets, economist Mari Pangestu said yesterday. Mari, from the Centre for Strategic and International Studies, suggested the government should consider whether its previous targets had been achieved. "It's like making a budget, someone must do some checking...

RI develops new mapping machine

RI develops new mapping machine JAKARTA (JP): The Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology (BPPT) and PT Remedial Piranti Jaya trading company have developed a sophisticated mapping machine called Geolink. "We'll soon start promoting the new mapping equipment to the Indonesian public," BPPT project manager Iwan Gunawan said Tuesday. He said the mapping machine used global positioning system and geographical information system technology, developed by GeoResearch Inc.

Duta Anggada secures loans

Duta Anggada secures loans JAKARTA (JP): A syndicate of 14 foreign and local banks agreed yesterday to provide Rp 80 billion (US$33.9 million) in revolving loans to property developer Duta Anggada Realty. The publicly-listed company announced yesterday the three-year syndicated loans, arranged by Bank Tiara Asia and American Express Bank Ltd, would be used to repay its short-term debts. The revolving loans' interest rate was set at 3 percent above the Jakarta Inter Bank Offered Rate (JIBOR).

Ten struck by lightning

Ten struck by lightning KUPANG: At least ten people were struck by lightning in the Bismarak village, 15 kilometers east of Kupang on Tuesday around 4 p.m. Six people have recovered after being hospitalized at the Kupang hospital while four are still being treated. A victim said yesterday it was drizzling when thunder followed by lightning struck. "It felt like an electric shock, I felt numb for several minutes. It was like a dream," he said. (yac/14)

City govt blamed for slow housing projects

City govt blamed for slow housing projects JAKARTA (JP): City councilors blamed the city administration yesterday for not quickly taking steps to force developers to build low-cost housing. Lukman Mokoginta, chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) faction in the local assembly said the slow progress of low-cost apartment projects was because of a poor response to a 1990 Governor's decree. Under decree No.

Land for investors

Land for investors In Indonesia, with a land area of almost two million square kilometers, land is supposed to be one of the cheapest factors of production. In reality, though, land transactions have been so complex and risky that investors often consider land acquisition one of the biggest difficulties they usually face in establishing businesses.

U.S. grants quota leeway for Indonesian textiles

U.S. grants quota leeway for Indonesian textiles JAKARTA (JP): The United States has agreed to give more leeway for Indonesia's exports of textiles and textile related products to that country. Director general for International Trade from the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Anang Fuad Rivai, told journalists the United States' decision was reached in a three-day bilateral consultation early this month.

Tight control urged on imported food

Tight control urged on imported food JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumers Agency (YLKI) called on the government yesterday to closely supervise imported foods to ensure Indonesia does not become a dump for expired food products. Agency chairperson Tini Hadad warned that some western food producers have targeted developing countries for dumping expired products.

Nine more mutual funds to hit the market

Nine more mutual funds to hit the market JAKARTA (JP): The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) confirmed yesterday that by Nov. 12 it had approved the establishment of 13 mutual funds with promoters' funds reaching Rp 1.16 trillion (around US$491 million). "There are nine other mutual funds now being prepared," Bapepam's chairman I Putu Gede Ary Suta said yesterday at the launch of Asia Securities' open-ended mutual fund, Asia Tetap Berbunga.

Serve alcoholic drinks to foreigners only

Serve alcoholic drinks to foreigners only Protests against the imposition of a new tax on alcoholic drinks have been going on for weeks, forcing the government to review the regulation. The chairman of Indonesian Council of Ulemas, Hasan Basri, believes that alcoholic beverages should only be served to foreigners. Question: What is your opinion about the regulation, now that several provinces have implemented it recently?

Govt calls for restraint over Belo's remarks

Govt calls for restraint over Belo's remarks JAKARTA (JP): Government and community leaders called on all parties for restraint yesterday, amidst concerns that the protests and counter-protests over East Timor Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo's remarks could lead to violence. House Speaker Wahono said everyone should retrain themselves. He called on community leaders and the press not to fan the flames of the matter further and to allow the situation to cool down. "We have to control ourselves.

Merauke highly vulnerable to AIDS, physician says

Merauke highly vulnerable to AIDS, physician says JAKARTA (JP): Merauke, a bustling port and fishing town in southeast Irian Jaya, is highly vulnerable to the spread of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), because of the huge presence of Thai fishermen, a physician said yesterday.

Ecstasy dilemma

Ecstasy dilemma From Suara Karya We should regard the widespread use of drugs such as Ecstasy as a national danger rather than an international threat. Youngsters are the biggest consumers of drugs. We should also appreciate the efforts of the law enforcers who repeatedly foiled the distribution of Ecstasy among teenagers in quite effective ways. However, law enforcement actions come in sporadic bursts, effective for only brief periods.

Prostitutes found HIV positive

Prostitutes found HIV positive UJUNGPANDANG: Four Ujungpandang women, all prostitutes, have been diagnosed as having the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Three are in a rehabilitation center while the fourth has fled. The four had undergone the Elisa blood test. The last test to detect whether a person has the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), is pending. Abd.

Malaysian brokers to trade futures and derivatives

Malaysian brokers to trade futures and derivatives KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's Securities Commission said yesterday it would soon allow stock-dealers to trade in futures and derivatives on the country's two financial futures exchanges as well. Liberalizing dealers will allow them to perform the role and function of futures brokers, commission chairman Mohd. Munir Majid said.

Bhutto appeals over dismissal

Bhutto appeals over dismissal ISLAMABAD (AFP): Deposed Pakistani premier Benazir Bhutto lodged an appeal yesterday at the Supreme Court against the dissolution of the national assembly and her government. The 42-page appeal contends that the Nov. 5 proclamation by President Farooq Ahmed Leghari was illegal and unconsitutional. Bhutto pleaded that new elections called for Feb. 3 would be "contrary to the constitution" because they were the result of an "illegal" presidential order.

Police face lawsuit

Police face lawsuit YOGYAKARTA: The local police chief, already flooded with criticism for the way he handled the murder of a local journalist, is now facing a lawsuit from a witness in the same case. The lawsuit comes from Dwi Sumaji, the man who police arrested on suspicion of killing Bernas daily journalist Fuad Muhammad Syafrudin. "We will sue the police chief even matter if Dwi Sumadji is released or otherwise," said the lawyer, Triyandi Mulkan.

Honda's plant in Vietnam

Honda's plant in Vietnam TOKYO (UPI): Asian Honda Motor Co. Ltd. announced yesterday it has signed a joint venture agreement for the manufacture and sale of motorcycle parts in Vietnam. The new joint venture, which will employ about 200 people, is expected to produce motorcycle mufflers, shift pedals, rims and brake pedals, Yo Harada, a spokesman for Honda Motor Co. in Tokyo, said. Asia Honda Motor Co. and partners Goshi Giken Co. Ltd., Thang Long Auto Parts Co. and Honda Trading Corp.

50 nabbed in student brawls

50 nabbed in student brawls JAKARTA (JP): Police netted 50 students involved in a brawl which smashed a bank's windows on Jl. MH. Thamrin, in Central Jakarta yesterday Menteng Police Chief Capt. Chaerul said about 70 students from a senior high school on Jl. Budi Utomo, in Central Jakarta threw stones at students from a South Jakarta senior high school smashing the Bank Surya building's windows. "We seized two knives, dozens of steel belts, and logs," Chaerul said.

RP fears backlash over arrest of communist chief

RP fears backlash over arrest of communist chief MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos expressed concern yesterday that the arrest of the alleged leader of communist death squads could spark a security backlash ahead of a regional summit here. Ramos denied the arrest of Felimon Lagman was linked to the Asia Pacific Economic Co-operation (APEC) summit, to be held from Nov. 20 to 25, which is the subject of a high security alert.

ASEAN executives told to restructure businesses

ASEAN executives told to restructure businesses JAKARTA (JP): Southeast Asian businesspeople must develop strategies to restructure and rationalize their businesses with regional trade barriers falling by 2003, the ASEAN Secretary- General, Ajit Singh, said yesterday. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is pursuing many initiates to make businesses in the region more competitive, he told a Mercantile Club luncheon.

Justice confirms Imelda's jail term

Justice confirms Imelda's jail term MANILA (AFP): A Philippine court yesterday confirmed a 24-year jail sentence for former first lady Imelda Marcos, widow of former dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who was convicted of corruption in 1993. However Justice Francisco Garchitorena, the member of the anti-graft court that confirmed its decision, said Marcos could not be arrested since she could still file an appeal with the Supreme Court.

'RI economy to grow at 7.6% in 1997'

'RI economy to grow at 7.6% in 1997' JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's economy is expected to improve next year, growing at 7.6 percent, despite the forthcoming general election, Mari E. Pangestu, an economist at the Center of Strategic and International Studies, said yesterday. Mari projected that next year's growth will be between this year's, which is estimated at 7.5 percent, and last year's growth, which was 8.1 percent.

Cipinang Jail guard jailed for eight months

Cipinang Jail guard jailed for eight months JAKARTA (JP): A Cipinang penitentiary guard will have to serve behind bars after the East Jakarta District Court yesterday convicted him of letting notorious businessman Eddy Tansil escaped in May. Maryono, 47, was in charge of security in the particular block where Tansil was kept on the night of the escape.

RI's publishing sector attracts few

RI's publishing sector attracts few By Hermawan Sulistyo PHOENIX, Arizona, United States (JP): Chief executive officers or presidents of major publishing houses here are not underpaid, compared to other business sectors. Data shows that in 1995, those who head major publishing companies could reach an average top salary of US$330,000 (Publishers Weekly, August 1996).

Asahimas' profits fall

Asahimas' profits fall JAKARTA (JP): PT Asahimas Flat Glass' net profit fell 23.7 percent in the first nine months of this year to Rp 42.9 billion (US$18.20 million) from Rp 53.06 billion for the same period last year. The company announced Monday that net sales had fallen 12.5 percent to Rp 264.7 billion ($112 million) for the January to September period from Rp 297.7 billion for the same period last year. The public company makes fabricated, high-quality and specialty glass for exports.

One year demanded for Ecstasy dealer

One year demanded for Ecstasy dealer TANGERANG, West Java (JP): The prosecution has demanded one year in jail and a Rp 3 million fine for woman being tried at the Tangerang District Court for trafficking 9000 Ecstasy pills. Prosecutor Sarwono said the defendant, EW, 41, was guilty of trying to distribute the pills. Sarwono said EW bought the pills from a man named SL in The Hague, the Netherlands. She was arrested at Soekarno-Hatta International Airport in March.

Executives in Asia support Nobel award

Executives in Asia support Nobel award JAKARTA (JP): A majority of Asian executives polled recently said the Nobel committee was justified in awarding this year's peace prize to East Timor Bishop Carlos Felipe Ximenes Belo and separatist leader Jose Ramos Horta. In the latest Asian executives poll conducted by Far Eastern Economic Review and Asia Business News, 75.3 percent of respondents believed the award was deserved.

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Music and Entertainment * Chedi Hotel: Jl. Rancabentang 56-58: Job (Piano), Monday to Wednesday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Irven (Guitar), Monday to Wednesday, 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Mixed voices Accapela singer and Andi (Pianist), Thursday and Saturday, 8:30 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.; Andi (Piano), Friday and Sunday, 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.; Imelda (Piano), Friday, 8:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Juli (Piano), 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. * International Imperium Hotel: Jl. Dr. Rum No.

East Timor

East Timor I salute Mr. M. Khaliq Qureshi for his letter in The Jakarta Post (Oct. 30, 1996) which presented a fine summary of the East Timor issue. The Portuguese should solely shoulder the blame for the East Timor tragedy, not only for the fighting amongst East Timorese, but also for the backwardness of East Timor. Portugal did nothing for the development of this island and its people. When Indonesia stepped in to crush the communist- leaning Fretilin, Ramos Horta ran away.

Vendors to report to rights body over friend's death

Vendors to report to rights body over friend's death JAKARTA (JP): A group of roadside vendors have threatened to report to the National Commission on Human Rights after one of their friends was allegedly killed in a raid by city public order officials. Wanto, a vendor who usually operates on Jl. Latuharhari, Menteng, said he and several other vendors would seek help from the rights body over the death of a friend, Sutarjono, 28, whose body was found in a Central Jakarta canal yesterday.

Pikko to go public

Pikko to go public JAKARTA (JP): Bank Pikko will issue 28 million new shares to the public next month which will be traded on the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges in January. Bank Pikko president Daroel Oeloem Aboe Bakar said yesterday, the new shares, each with a nominal value of Rp 500 (21 U.S. cents), would have a price-earnings ratio of seven to 10, based on a 1997 earnings projection. The new shares will account for around 22 percent of the company's 128 million shares.

RI furniture industry predicted to take off

RI furniture industry predicted to take off JAKARTA (JP): Executives here believe Indonesia will become a regional furniture center provided the domestic industry starts using sophisticated technology, instead of traditional machines.

Adi Andojo still has job, Chief Justice says

Adi Andojo still has job, Chief Justice says JAKARTA (JP): Justice Adi Andojo Soetjipto still has his job as a deputy of the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Sarwata said yesterday. "He is still one of the Court's deputies. Of course he will be involved in the consolidation effort," Sarwata said after a farewell ceremony for his predecessor Soerjono, at the Supreme Court.

Megawati offered peace deal

Megawati offered peace deal JAKARTA: The government has offered the ousted chairwoman of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), Megawati Soekarnoputri, an out-of-court settlement in her lawsuit against the authorities' rejection of her prospective legislators' list. Representatives of Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie SM and the National Election Committee asked Megawati's lawyers in court yesterday to agree to one of the judges' proposal to solve the dispute amicably.

PT General Motors puts RI production plans on hold

PT General Motors puts RI production plans on hold JAKARTA (JP): PT General Motors Buana Indonesia (GMBI) has put production of its Opel Vectra sedans on hold because of uncertainty over the national car program, a company executive said yesterday. GMBI president William S. Botwick said the company would begin producing the Vectra "once the uncertainty is eliminated or clarified".

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 13, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,050 0 10,000 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 850 25 101,500 Andayani Megah 1,025 0 131,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,150 -25 20,500 Anwar Sierad 2,550 -25 1,945,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,850 25 181,000 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,400 150 64,000 Argo Pantes 1,750 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,300 -25...

Toll accidents

Toll accidents The heading of the first story in yesterday's Focus on Jakarta should have read 14 killed in toll accidents, instead of 144 killed... We regret the error. -- Editor

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * Hotel Dai-ichi, Jl. Senen Raya 135, Central Jakarta. - Morgan's 1072 Classic Disco, Asian Force Band, Tuesday and Thursday, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., Saturday: 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.; Acid Speed Band, Firday, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Platinum Band, Wednesday, 9 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. * Hotel Aryaduta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Los Morenitos Vocal Group, Monday, Thursday, Sunday, 7:15 p.m.

Myanmar's industrial estate

Myanmar's industrial estate BANGKOK (AFP): Myanmar has approved Italian-Thai Development as its lead advisor in developing an industrial estate at the port of Tavoy in southern Myanmar, the company president said yesterday. "We recently signed a memorandum of understanding to develop a deep-sea port facility in Tavoy and the Burmese government has also given approval for Italian-Thai to be a core advisor to develop its industrial estate at Tavoy," said Premchai Karnnasuta.

'RI' education system creates a stupid nation'

'RI' education system creates a stupid nation' By Lela E. Madjiah JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has a lot to be proud of. Though still classified as a developing country, it planted one foot in an area once dominated by advanced countries when its first wholly domestically produced airplane, the N-250, made its maiden flight on Aug. 10, 1995. It is now preparing the next generation of planes with more sophisticated technology.

Democrats leading Thai elections: Poll

Democrats leading Thai elections: Poll BANGKOK (AFP): The Democrat Party of former premier Chuan Leekpai is likely to win the greatest number of seats in Thailand's general elections on Nov. 17, according to a poll released yesterday. A national poll carried out by The Nation newspaper showed Chuan's Democrats running 10 seats ahead of the New Aspiration Party (NAP) of Chaowalit Yongchaiyudh, defense minister and deputy premier in the outgoing government.

Governor knows nothing about Jonggol project

Governor knows nothing about Jonggol project JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday he had not been contacted by a group of developers who proposed relocating the city's administration center to Jonggol, on Jakarta's outskirts. "I have not heard any details of the project except from what I've read in the newspaper," he said after a city administration social function.

Historical buildings in Jakarta

Historical buildings in Jakarta From Merdeka I most welcome the Jakarta administration's special attention to the preservation of old and historical buildings in the capital city. For the past few years, Jakartans have been extremely saddened to see old buildings inexorably replaced by shopping centers, office towers and malls. In downtown Jakarta too, nearly all historic buildings have been bulldozed. Only a few have been spared to be preserved as part of the city's historical heritage.

New recruits unlikely for Asia Nations Cup

New recruits unlikely for Asia Nations Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian national soccer team coach Danurwindo yesterday dismissed speculation that he would add more strikers to his Asia Nations Cup squad following two straight losses in their international friendlies in Genoa, Italy, last week. Pressure has been mounting here that Danurwindo should call up Pelita Jaya's Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto and Mastrans Bandung Raya's Peri Sandria to give extra firepower to his team's front line .

Hello, how is life up there?

Hello, how is life up there? JAKARTA (JP): A 67-year-old man has spent seven years living in a tree in Warambe village, Southeast Sulawesi, in self-imposed exile for reasons he has never explained. La Nene, a grandfather of more than 12, built a nest in the branches of a 20-meter tall cashew tree. He made his "bed" out of bamboo splits and his roof out of a mat.

Insurance for former athletes

Insurance for former athletes From Media Indonesia I was an athlete for the high jump and the long jump in the 1970s until 1988, and I often saw or heard of athletes having accidents in the field and outside sporting venues. The attention given to athletes, officials and others connected with sports by sports organizations in the form of insurance is truly impressive. I have heard that claims are settled within 48 hours.

Two thirds of SEA Games bodies yet to start training

Two thirds of SEA Games bodies yet to start training JAKARTA (JP): Only eleven of Indonesia's 34 SEA Games-bound sports organizations started their centralized training programs by Nov. 2, even though the country's SEA Games preparatory committee repeatedly asked them to start the programs by then. Committee chairman Maj. Gen.

PT Telkom

PT Telkom From Republika On Nov. 2, I made a long distance call at a telephone booth between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m.. Of the 10 people waiting, only two got through to the receivers. In the meantime, it was 6 a.m. when the full rate applied. Since PT Telkom shortened the number of hours at reduced rate, from 9 p.m.-6 a.m. to 11 p.m.-6 a.m., people flock to telephone booths before 6 a.m.. However, most are disappointed because of an unsuccessful connection.

Asian airports pushed to upgrade facilities

Asian airports pushed to upgrade facilities HONG KONG (AFP): The Indian air disaster has highlighted the pressure on Asian airports to upgrade facilities to meet a boom which is crowding the region's skies, experts said yesterday. The mid-air collision between a Saudi and Kazakh jet on Tuesday killed 350 people and sent a shudder through the burgeoning airline industry.

Awards for hotels in Bali

Awards for hotels in Bali JAKARTA (JP): The United States' Travel & Leisure publication has named Four Seasons Resort Bali and Amandari Bali as two of the best 100 hotels in the world. In the October issue, Four Seasons Resort Bali won 15th slot in the 100 Best Hotels category and fourth rank in the Best Asian Hotels and Resort listing. Amandari Bali won 36th rank and seventh rank respectively. The 147-villa Four Seasons Resort Bali is located in Jimbaran, Bali.

Black boxes probed for key to crash

Black boxes probed for key to crash NEW DELHI (Agencies): Indian investigators yesterday prepared to decipher crucial information from two aircraft black boxes believed to hold the key to the worst mid-air collision in aviation history. Civil Aviation Minister C.M. Ibrahim revealed both digital flight data recorders, called black boxes, were recovered from the wreckage of a Saudia Boeing 747 and a Kazhak aircraft which collided near New Delhi late on Tuesday, killing around 350 people.

NGOs to ask APEC to consider people

NGOs to ask APEC to consider people JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian non-governmental organizations are set to press their demands for leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) to pay better attention to the impact of global free trade. A delegation of representatives of Indonesian NGOs will attend the APEC meeting in Manila later this month.

PT PLN awards 19 power projects to private firms

PT PLN awards 19 power projects to private firms JAKARTA (JP): State electricity company PT PLN has signed 19 power purchase agreements with private companies, which together will generate 6,545 Megawatts (MW). "We have awarded 19 power projects to private companies under build-operate-transfer or build-operate-own schemes," PLN's president Djiteng Marsoedi said yesterday after signing the 19th power purchase contract with a new private generator PT Dayalistrik Pratama.