Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 27 November 1996

43 articles found

Huge boxing arena built in Bekasi for Jakarta athletes

Huge boxing arena built in Bekasi for Jakarta athletes BEKASI, West Java (JP): A new indoor boxing arena has been built in Bekasi, West Java, and is set to become the center of boxing excellence in greater Jakarta. Manager of the arena Tourino Tidar said yesterday that he plans to stage bouts twice a week in order to realize his dreams of producing the country's boxing cream. Erected on a 5,000-square-meter plot, the boxing arena, called Atres, can accommodate 1,500 people.

Government outlines rules for satellite telecom firms

Government outlines rules for satellite telecom firms JAKARTA (JP): Satellite-based telecoms service operators planning to enter the Indonesian market must work with state- owned telecommunications operators under a joint-operation, joint-venture or management agreement, says a senior official. Director General of Post and Telecommunications Djakaria Purawidjaja said yesterday a subsidiary of state-owned companies may also enter the market under a similar cooperation arrangement.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Fun House 3:05 Travel: Tanah Airku 3:30 TV Series: Just the Ten of Us 4:05 TV Drama: Diantara Kita 4:30 Documentary Film: 4:55 Filler 5:00 Evening News 5:25 Travel: My Country 5:30 Indonesian Lesson 6:05 Nusantara My Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 TV Series: Jump Over The Moon Folktales 7:00 Evening News 7:25 Filler 7:30 Economic Bourse: Mitra Kita 8:05 News: Spektrum 9:00 World News 9:30 Talk Show: Gelar Wicara 10:30 Late News 10:40 Film: Program 2...

Drivers lack safety awareness

Drivers lack safety awareness JAKARTA (JP): Lack of safety awareness is the main cause of road accidents, a study has found. Speeding caused most accidents on toll roads, particularly the Jakarta-Cikampek turnpike, Ministry of Public Works researchers said yesterday. On non-toll roads, lack of discipline was the largest cause of accidents which mostly killed motorcyclists and pedestrians, members of the Ministry's Institute of Road Engineering said.

Mochtar says court ruling on unionist illegal

Mochtar says court ruling on unionist illegal JAKARTA (JP): Mochtar Kusumaatmadja, a former cabinet minister and respected legal expert, deeply regrets the Supreme Court's recent decision to send a labor activist back to prison after it exonerated him last year.

Govt told to get behind geothermal energy plants

Govt told to get behind geothermal energy plants JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's geothermal energy industry needs a boost from government incentives in order to help the nation meet its energy goals, an industry leader said.

Decree 'saves' public from liquor

Decree 'saves' public from liquor PADANG, West Sumatra: Governor Hasan Basri Durin assured local Moslems that his decree on liquor is aimed at "saving" them from the danger of alcohol. The decree regulates the production, distribution and consumption of liquor. "Now alcoholic drinks can be sold only in certain places for certain people to buy," he said. Basri said he is aware many people believe his action further institutionalizes liquor sales, despite Moslems' strong objection to it.

Camco-Omya gets loan

Camco-Omya gets loan JAKARTA (JP): Calcium carbonate producer PT Camco-Omya signed a US$20 million syndicated loan agreement yesterday in Singapore to finance its expansion program. The loan arranger and underwriter Deutsche Morgan Grenfell (Singapore) Ltd said the loan facility would be used to finance the construction of Camco-Omya's fifth manufacturing plant, due for completion in September 1997, and raise the company's output in general.

ICMI to hold halal food training

ICMI to hold halal food training JAKARTA: A local branch of the Association of Indonesian Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) will hold halal food preparation training for chefs and restaurant managers next week, the organizer said yesterday. A number of ambassadors to the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), including those from Malaysia, Egypt, Iran and Saudi Arabia, are expected to attend the event, said H. Agus Soetomo. Agus said the day-long training, on Dec.

The face of justice

The face of justice Chief Justice Sarwata could not have started his term in the Supreme Court at a worse moment. He assumed his job this month when the integrity and independence of the Supreme Court have been questioned. Its image has already taken a severe beating, especially these past few months, over allegations of a corruption scandal. But barely a month into his job, Sarwata must now deal with another issue that has raised new questions about the honor of the country's highest court.

Government says it understands Belo's remarks

Government says it understands Belo's remarks JAKARTA (JP): The government "can understand" Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo's critical remarks about the Armed Forces but advises him to be careful in making statements next time. The government's message was conveyed by Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman yesterday after a monthly meeting with officials under his coordination.

REI members build 289,000 cheap houses

REI members build 289,000 cheap houses JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Developers Association (REI) said yesterday its members had built 289,000 low-cost houses in the past three years, exceeding the government's target of 200,000 houses for the current five-year development plan. Association chairman Edwin Kawilarang said the government set a target of 500,000 low-cost houses with an average cost of Rp 5 million (US$2,120) per unit, in the sixth five-year development plan which ends in 1999.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Appointment GRI NEW CHAIRMAN: Sunyoto Tanudjaya (left), president of Great River International, was recently appointed president of the International Apparel Federation in London for l996-l997. He replaces Hasan Arat (right). Photo B: Artist Four Seasons BALINESE ARTIST: Bali Governor Ida Bagus Oka (left) poses with Balinese artist Ida Bagus Nyoman Rai (second left) during the opening of the artist's exhibition at the Four Seasons Hotel in Jimbaran, Bali.

UN warns Vietnam over economic reforms

UN warns Vietnam over economic reforms HANOI (DPA): The United Nations warned Vietnam yesterday that unless it intensified its on-going reform process economic growth will slow down, unraveling the government's goal of catching up with other countries in the economically robust region. The economic reform process launched in 1986 known as "doi moi" has resulted in "major improvements in the lives of the Vietnamese people," said Roy Morey, the United Nation's senior resident representative.

Pindo Deli to issue Rp 200 billion bonds

Pindo Deli to issue Rp 200 billion bonds JAKARTA (JP): PT Pindo Deli Pulp & Paper Mills, a subsidiary of the Sinar Mas Group, announced yesterday it would issue bonds worth Rp 200 billion (US$84.75 million) in January. Wijaksana Abadiman, the director of PT Bahana Securities, the lead underwriter, said the bonds would mature in 2002.

Govt's foreign debts fall to $57.22 billion

Govt's foreign debts fall to $57.22 billion JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad revealed yesterday the government's foreign debt had fallen to US$57.22 billion at the end of September from $59.59 billion at the end of last year. Mar'ie reported to the House of Representatives' Budgetary Commission that the foreign debt reduction was caused mainly by the Japanese yen's depreciation against the U.S. dollar and by early repayments of high-interest debt.

S'pore Telecom unveils sweeping tariff cuts

S'pore Telecom unveils sweeping tariff cuts SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore Telecommunications Ltd. yesterday announced sweeping tariff cuts in international direct-dial (IDD) calls to sharpen the city-state's edge as a regional business hub. The tariff cuts would cause Singapore Telecom to give up S$108 million (US$77.14 million) in revenue over the next 12 months.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Nov. 26, 1996: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,050 0 1,000 AHAP Insurance 2,675 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 775 -25 4,000 Andayani Megah 1,000 -25 63,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 1,350 -50 1,595,500 Anwar Sierad 2,350 -50 35,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 3,475 -125 172,500 Argha Karya Prima Industry 3,550 0 0 Argo Pantes 1,750 0 0 Asahimas Flat 1,575 -25 18,995,500...

TV news encourage drug abuse: PWI

TV news encourage drug abuse: PWI JAKARTA (JP): The media, especially television stations, tended to exploit sex, crime and violence in their news reports to the point of encouraging people to commit crimes, an Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI) executive said yesterday. PWI secretary general Parni Hadi told a meeting of ASEAN drug experts and journalists that such sensational forms of news must be stopped.

Bogor launches regreening program

Bogor launches regreening program BOGOR, West Java (JP): Hundreds of high school students and civil servants planted 250 trees in 17 schoolyards yesterday to launch the city's regreening campaign. Bogor Mayor Eddy Gunardi initiated yesterday's campaign by planting trees at the SMUN VII compound with other top city officials, including KORPRI (Civil Servants Corps) chairman Iswara Natanegara and Golkar's Bogor branch chairman Eman Akman. The campaign's start also marked KORPRI's 25th anniversary.

Other Senen blocks used to house fire victims

Other Senen blocks used to house fire victims JAKARTA (JP): Several locations within other blocks of the Senen shopping center area have been designed for makeshift kiosks for traders whose shops were burned in last weekend's fire, Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi said yesterday.

RI to rain young boxers for 2000 Olympic Games

RI to rain young boxers for 2000 Olympic Games JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Amateur Boxing Association is looking ahead to the 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney by drawing up a long-term national training program for school students. The association's secretary-general, Didit Sudijoto, said yesterday that the program, jointly organized with the Ministry of Education and Culture, will, from next January, start selecting talented boxers aged 16 or 17.

L.A. officer gives grisly evidence in Oki case

L.A. officer gives grisly evidence in Oki case JAKARTA (JP): A United States' police detective testifying in the trial of an Indonesian charged over a Los Angeles triple murder said yesterday he believed the suspect was guilty. Ted Ball, 46, a Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) detective, said the bodies, found in a warehouse, had been treated "very badly" by suspect Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki.

Criminal code

Criminal code From Media Indonesia We are witnessing an increasing number of robberies of bank clients, murders of taxi drivers and eviction of powerless people from their homes, not to mention the torture of suspects during investigations. In fact the Criminal Administration Code clearly stipulates procedure in all areas from the investigation process to the prosecution.

Free trade pledge ignites fears in Asia-Pacific

Free trade pledge ignites fears in Asia-Pacific By Nathaniel Harrison MANILA (AFP): Asia-Pacific leaders pledged Monday to move from talk to action on free trade but their initiative has sparked fears in the region that vulnerable communities and economies will pay a heavy price. The 18-member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, at the end of a summit in the Philippines, endorsed a plan to reduce tariffs and other obstacles to the free flow of capital and investment.

A broader Asian agenda

A broader Asian agenda During the Cold War, Washington saw its role in Asia as clearly defined -- containing the spread of Soviet-backed Communism. The region today defies easy classification. While East Asia is the world's fastest-growing region economically, it is also an arena where four of the world's most powerful countries -- Japan, China, Russia and the United States -- are awkwardly working out new relationships with each other.

Preserving values in changing Asia

Preserving values in changing Asia By Arief Budiman SALATGIA, Central Java (JP): Last month, I attended a human rights workshop in Seoul organized by the New York-based Carnegie Council on Ethics and International Affairs. Scholars and NGO activists from different Asian countries were invited to participate in this workshop.

Indonesia suffers $200m BoP deficit in fiscal first half

Indonesia suffers $200m BoP deficit in fiscal first half JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia suffered a deficit of more than US$200 million in its balance of payments (BoP) in the first six months of the 1996/1997 fiscal year, beginning April. Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad reported to the House of Representatives' Budgetary Commission yesterday that Indonesia recorded a $4.52 billion current account deficit for the April- September period.

Ex-political prisoner to continue study

Ex-political prisoner to continue study By Gedsiri Suhartono JAKARTA (JP): One of the most annoying experiences Danang Kukuh Wardoyo had during his 20-month term as one of Indonesia's youngest political prisoners was having to do English homework. "It really got annoying at times.

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, Friday, 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.

Expert testifies on overpass fall

Expert testifies on overpass fall JAKARTA (JP): A Ministry of Public Works expert witness told the West Jakarta District Court yesterday the fatal collapse of a West Jakarta overpass was caused by the premature removal of the bridge's bracings.

Jail officials may face lawsuit for teenage inmate's death

Jail officials may face lawsuit for teenage inmate's death JAKARTA (JP): The lawyer of a teenage inmate who died in hospital on Monday will sue Pondok Bambu penitentiary if there are indications the prison's poor facilities led to his death. "We are intending to file a lawsuit against the prison's management, but at the moment we are still studying the case," lawyer Dewi Yuliani said at St. Carolus Hospital yesterday.

Region needs $674b for power utilities: UN expert

Region needs $674b for power utilities: UN expert SINGAPORE (AFP): Asia-Pacific developing economies require massive investments of up to US$674 billion in power utilities to meet soaring demand for electricity, a UN energy expert said here yesterday. China, India and South Korea account for nearly 50 percent of the total investment required, said Pranesh Chandra Saha of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), based in Thailand.

House questions big fuel subsidies in budget review

House questions big fuel subsidies in budget review JAKARTA (JP): High international oil prices forced the government to spend Rp 358.54 billion (US$151.5 million) subsidizing domestic fuel in the first six months of the 1996/1997 fiscal year. At a hearing with Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad yesterday, the House of Representatives' Budgetary Commission questioned why the subsidy was not budgeted for earlier.

U.S. charged with leaving toxic waste

U.S. charged with leaving toxic waste MANILA (AFP): About 40 activists staged a protest in front of the U.S. embassy yesterday to demand that the United States clean up toxic waste allegedly left at former U.S. bases in the Philippines. The left-wing protesters gave a statement to the embassy, saying the United States should close all its military bases overseas and that it should pay for cleaning up all contamination left behind.

Japan overshadowed by China, U.S. at APEC

Japan overshadowed by China, U.S. at APEC By Eugene Moosa MANILA (Reuter): Japan took a backseat to China and the United States at an annual Asia-Pacific summit and gave itself only a passing grade for its own performance. Japan had three aims at this year's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) gathering -- pushing the role of the private sector, coordinating export credit agencies to boost infrastructure and drafting rules to protect foreign investment.

Koreans dominate field for Omega Tour event

Koreans dominate field for Omega Tour event JAKARTA (JP): Twenty South Koreans dominate the field of 138 leading golfers from 20 countries due to tee off today in the Tugu Pratama PGA Championship at the par-72 Bumi Serpong Damai course. Eighteen Indonesian golfers are participating to test their skills in the battle for the US$250,000 cash prizes on offer in the competition run in cooperation with the Asian PGA Omega Tour.

Jakarta awaits report on EU aid to East Timor

Jakarta awaits report on EU aid to East Timor JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia welcomes and awaits further reports on the European Union plan to send development aid directly to East Timor, Antara quoted an official saying yesterday. Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Ghaffar Fadhyl said that, in principle, Indonesia welcomes all aid aimed at improving the welfare of East Timorese, but wants to be consulted beforehand.

Robbers run away with Rp 247 million

Robbers run away with Rp 247 million BANDUNG (JP): Two robbers escaped with Rp 247 million (US$105,000) in a daring daylight robbery here yesterday. The victims were three Bank of Tokyo employees who had just withdrawn cash from Bank Indonesia, a few kilometers from the crime scene. Eye witnesses said a robber, coming from nowhere, tried to snatch the bag from one of the bank employees, Herman, as he climbed out of a white Toyota Corona sedan at the Bank of Tokyo basement parking lot.

Indonesia predicts flood of foreign doctors

Indonesia predicts flood of foreign doctors JAKARTA (JP): When Indonesia enters the ASEAN Free Trade Area in five years, foreign doctors will stream into Indonesia, bringing with them their materialistic way of life. The early warning was made yesterday by Azrul Azwar, head of the Indonesian Medical Association, while addressing hundreds of medical experts at his organization's national congress.

Arebi to go Internet

Arebi to go Internet JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Real Estate Brokers (Arebi) plans to launch a property marketing media using Internet technology, called multi-listing service Arebi-net (MLS Arebi-net). Arebi chairwoman Cynthia G. Sonneville said her association would launch MLS Arebi-net next Monday, in conjunction with its fourth anniversary.

Telkom explains

Telkom explains First, we would like to thank Sri Nawangsih of Poris Indah Blok E, Jl. Cendana II No. 105 in Tangerang for her information published on Nov. 10, 1996. After a checkup, we located the problem in the multiplexer connection of your telephone, some five kilometers from the Cipondoh automatic station. We have duly replaced the telephone cable with a better one. We apologize for the inconvenience. KISKENDA SURIAHARDJA Telkom, West Jakarta

Govt avows Soerjadi as PDI chief

Govt avows Soerjadi as PDI chief JAKARTA (JP): The government reaffirmed yesterday its recognition of controversial Soerjadi as the legitimate chairman of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. rejected suggestions that the minority party call another extraordinary meeting to elect a new, more acceptable leader. "We have never imagined issuing permit for an extraordinary congress," Yogie told reporters.