Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 5 April 1994

44 articles found

Finance minister rules out devaluation measure

Finance minister rules out devaluation measure JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad gave assurances yesterday that the government will not devalue the rupiah or take other radical steps to offset the deficit caused by the fall in oil prices, which is likely to continue to be a problem this fiscal year. "There will be no drastic measure to stabilize the monetary system," the minister told newsmen following a meeting with President Soeharto at the Bina Graha.

Indonesia, Iran agree on labor ties

Indonesia, Iran agree on labor ties JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Iran have agreed to join forces in promoting the interests of developing countries in international labor forums including the International Labor Organization and the Asia-Pacific Labor Conference.. Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief and his Iranian counterpart Hosen Kamali discussed the issue during a meeting at his office yesterday.

JP/3/ROAD

JP/3/ROAD Road buildings not best solution to traffic woe JAKARTA (JP): The traffic problem in Jakarta faces a long and winding road, and now a leading non-governmental organization is criticizing the government's policies on the problem as counterproductive. An official of the Ministry of Public Works stressed yesterday that in a bid to solve the traffic problem, the government has aggressively added to the roads, with 50 interchanges now under construction.

PLN, university sign pact

PLN, university sign pact JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned electricity company PLN yesterday assigned Diponegoro University of Semarang in Central Java to help improve the capability of its human resources and coordinate research. PLN's president, Zuhal, who signed a five-year agreement with the university's rector, Prof. Moeljono S.

A

A JP/kod INVESTMENT MISSION: The visiting chairman of the Taiwan Economic Committee, Kang Ning-Hsiang (left), and the chief of the Promotion Bureau of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), Asril Noor, are all smiles after a discussion on government policies related to foreign investment activities in Indonesia. Kang, leading a group of 10 Taiwanese businessmen, met with officials of the board in Jakarta yesterday.

Photo

Photo JP/alx DUTCH GUESTS: Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers (second from left), accompanied by his wife Mrs. Hoogeweegen Lubbers (far left), shakes hands with Vice President Try Sutrisno at the Merdeka Palace while Mrs. Tuty Try Sutrisno looks on. Lubbers arrived here yesterday for a four-day state visit as the guest of President Soeharto.

Taiwan, RI advised to initiate joint projects

Taiwan, RI advised to initiate joint projects JAKARTA (JP): A delegation of government officials from Taiwan has suggested that Indonesia's and Taiwan's state companies initiate joint projects to take advantage of that nation's capital and technology.

Tangerang minibus drivers foul up traffic with strike

Tangerang minibus drivers foul up traffic with strike TANGERANG (JP): Hundreds of public transit drivers parked their minibuses in the middle of Jl. Kelapa Dua Raya, Karawaci, causing an eight-hour traffic jam and stranding passengers.

Banking scandal taints Golkar

Banking scandal taints Golkar JAKARTA (JP): The Rp 1.3 trillion ($620 million) scandal surrounding the government-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) has tainted the public image of Golkar, the ruling political organization, its chairman Harmoko concedes. Golkar is insisting that the case be solved thoroughly and that everyone involved be punished according to the law, Harmoko said as reported by the Antara news agency yesterday.

Management turmoil leads to mass exodus at `Sinar'

Management turmoil leads to mass exodus at `Sinar' JAKARTA (JP): Management discord at the six-month-old Sinar weekly centering around former youth minister Abdul Gafur, has led to a walkout of over 20 of its editorial and marketing staff. In a meeting with the media on Saturday, the departing employees registered their discontent with the current state of affairs and explained hat they strongly objected to the uncompromising position taken by the current management.

Amateur soccer tourney promises action

Amateur soccer tourney promises action JAKARTA (JP): The intercity amateur soccer championship finals will swing into full action at the 100,000-seat Senayan stadium on Friday, with red hot favorite Bandung Persib and defending champion PSM of Ujungpandang out to clear their first hurdles.

Court verdict on tax evasion sends ripples to Jakarta

Court verdict on tax evasion sends ripples to Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Another verdict clearing a businessman of tax evasion charges in Surabaya, East Java, last weekend has drawn central government fire, with officials promising a stiff battle all the way to the Supreme Court. The Attorney General's office announced yesterday that it will bypass the higher court in the cases of three businessmen found not-guilty of tax evasion and go straight to the Supreme Court.

Rights commission condemns treatment of Marsinah suspects

Rights commission condemns treatment of Marsinah suspects JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights says it has found evidence of rights violations against the people being tried for the murder of labor activist Marsinah, including indications of torture. The commission, in one of its most critical statements, urged the authorities yesterday to look into their charges and punish the responsible parties.

Across the Archipelago

Across the Archipelago Yamdena `ideal' for transmigrants AMBON, Maluku: Southeast Maluku Regent Husein Rahayaan says that Yamdena island is well suited for resettlement under the government's transmigration program. "The island is still barely populated but it has abundant natural resources waiting to be tapped," Husein was quoted by the Antara news agency.

Over 100 public bus drivers pass safe driving course

Over 100 public bus drivers pass safe driving course JAKARTA (JP): A total of 103 bus drivers, with black marks on their records for traffic violations, have passed a city police vehicle safety course. City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto expressed surprise yesterday over the drivers sterling performance on a test which is much more complicated than the one given to new applicants.

Money market information center introduced

Money market information center introduced JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia is introducing a new money market information center providing financial data to all commercial banks and money brokers in the country through a computerized system. "The center, which is integrated into the computers of its subscribers, is designed to give 24-hour on-line services," the chief of the central bank's money market division, Dahlan Sutalaksana, said here yesterday.

No more Dutch aid, minister says on eve of talks

No more Dutch aid, minister says on eve of talks JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will not review its 1992 decision to cease acceptance of Dutch aid, a senior government official said yesterday on the eve of talks between President Soeharto and Dutch Prime Minister Ruud Lubbers. "This is the policy of our government ... The decision is final," Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said in response to questions on whether the arrival of Lubbers signaled a reversal of government policy.

Where to go in Jakarta, April 4

Where to go in Jakarta, April 4 Music o The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 00:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Abebe, Skah to arrive here today

Abebe, Skah to arrive here today JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Addis Abebe of Kenya and Olympic gold medalist Khalid Skah of Morroco are slated to arrive here this evening for the Bob Hasan 10-kilometer road race here on Sunday. Other well known participants of the US$250,000 annual event, American Shannon Butler and compatriot Ann Marie Letko, will land at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport this morning.

Highrise building owners say ground water use necessary

Highrise building owners say ground water use necessary JAKARTA (JP): In response to the city administration's appeal to Jakartans to reduce dependence on ground water, owners of high rise buildings say use of ground water is still necessary although the piped water supply remains adequate.

Management turmoil leads to mass exodus at `Sinar'

Management turmoil leads to mass exodus at `Sinar' JAKARTA (JP): Management discord at the six-month-old Sinar weekly centering around former youth minister Abdul Gafur, has led to a walkout of over 20 of its editorial and marketing staff. In a meeting with the media on Saturday, the departing employees registered their discontent with the current state of affairs and explained hat they strongly objected to the uncompromising position taken by the current management.

Environmental group not impressed by new Basel convention

Environmental group not impressed by new Basel convention JAKARTA (JP): A new convention on international trade in hazardous waste, ratified in Basel, Switzerland last week has closed many of the previous loopholes, but the Indonesian Center for Environmental Law says it is still wary about its enforcement.

Govt accepting last minute haj bookings

Govt accepting last minute haj bookings JAKARTA (JP): The government is still accepting reservations for people intending to join this year's haj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia, a spokesman for the Ministry of Religious Affairs said yesterday. Registration officially closed last January, but some spaces are still available due to last minute cancellations and also because the government has expanded capacity to 160,000 pilgrims this year, instead of 155,000 as originally planned.

Tax consultants deny involvement in tax scam

Tax consultants deny involvement in tax scam JAKARTA (JP): The association of tax consultants yesterday denied that its members had helped taxpayers manipulate tax refunds.

Fiscal autonomy for regions

Fiscal autonomy for regions President Soeharto's written address for the presentation of budgetary authorization documents on development projects for implementation in fiscal 1994-1995 to the 27 provincial governors on Thursday touched upon one of the major issues of development within the next 25 years -- decentralization of administrative responsibility to provincial and district administrations.

U.S. wildlife group says Sumatran rhinos endangered

U.S. wildlife group says Sumatran rhinos endangered WASHINGTON (UPI): An environmental protection group said last month the Asian demand for rhino horn has made Sumatran rhinos the most endangered among the species, but another conservation group called for more research.

Govt closes down 'batik' factories in Setia Budi district

Govt closes down 'batik' factories in Setia Budi district JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta mayoralty closed down several batik factories in Setia Budi district yesterday, enforcing a new law that bans the factories from the area on the grounds that they are causing a pollution problem.

Kim Il-sung solicits Indonesian support

Kim Il-sung solicits Indonesian support JAKARTA (JP): North Korean President Kim Il-sung yesterday sought the support of Indonesia and the 110-nation Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in the rising feud between Pyongyang on one side and the United States and South Korea on the other. The request was made in a letter presented by his special envoy Kim Chang-gyu to President Soeharto, who is also the NAM chairman, at Bina Graha presidential office.

Jaya Real Property to issue 35 million new shares

Jaya Real Property to issue 35 million new shares JAKARTA (JP): PT Jaya Real Property (JRP), a subsidiary of PT Pembangunan Jaya, a major property developer, will issue 35 million new shares in May to finance land acquisition and the development of three satellite city projects.

Banking scandal taints Golkar

Banking scandal taints Golkar JAKARTA (JP): The Rp 1.3 trillion ($620 million) scandal surrounding the government-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) has tainted the public image of Golkar, the ruling political organization, its chairman Harmoko concedes. Golkar is insisting that the case be solved thoroughly and that everyone involved be punished according to the law, Harmoko said as reported by the Antara news agency yesterday.

Share prices fall on JSX

Share prices fall on JSX JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) mostly closed lower in heavy trading yesterday after a two-day holiday last Thursday and Friday and the weekend. The broad-based Composite Index lost 6.46 points to close at 485.9 yesterday from 492.37 last Wednesday, when the index gained 5.15 points. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index weakened to close at 115.72, 1.54 points lower from 117.26 last Wednesday, in which it gained 1.58 points.

1. Taiwan --- 48 Metro Medium, 3 lines, 3 cols, l/c

1. Taiwan --- 48 Metro Medium, 3 lines, 3 cols, l/c Taiwan, Indonesia advised to start joint projects 2. Currency --- 28 Helvetica Bold Condensed, 1 line, 4 cols, l/c Beijing tightens money grip with new market 3. Tax --- 30 Century Bold, 1 line, 5 cols, l/c Consultants deny involvement in refund scam 4. Gatt --- 36 Century Bold, 1 line, 5 cols, l/c Biggest trade pact set for signing 5. Economy --- 36 Helvetica Bold Condensed, 3 lines, 2 cols, l/c Many Americans believe economy is improving 6.

Putting it briefly

Putting it briefly Yayuk to set a hat-trick JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top tennis player Yayuk Basuki is eying a hat-trick at the April US$100,000 Indonesia Open women's tennis championships. Yayuk, currently world number 31, is likely to lead the seeds at the third edition of the tennis tournament. Her stiffest challenge is likely to come in the form of Wang Shi-ting of Chinese Taipei.

ASEAN At A Glance

ASEAN At A Glance Ramos orders hunt for killers MANILA (Reuter): President Fidel Ramos yesterday ordered a hunt for the killers of former communist leader Leopoldo Mabilangan amid fears the murder might discourage rebels from accepting government offers of amnesty. Two witnesses to the Easter Sunday killing told police the assassins were members of the communist New People's Army (NPA).

Banking scandal taints Golkar

Banking scandal taints Golkar JAKARTA (JP): The Rp 1.3 trillion ($620 million) scandal surrounding the government-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) has tainted the public image of Golkar, the ruling political organization, its chairman Harmoko concedes. Golkar is insisting that the case be solved thoroughly and that everyone involved be punished according to the law, Harmoko said as reported by the Antara news agency yesterday.

Management turmoil leads to mass exodus at `Sinar'

Management turmoil leads to mass exodus at `Sinar' JAKARTA (JP): Management discord at the six-month-old Sinar weekly centering around former youth minister Abdul Gafur, has led to a walkout of over 20 of its editorial and marketing staff. In a meeting with the media on Saturday, the departing employees registered their discontent with the current state of affairs and explained hat they strongly objected to the uncompromising position taken by the current management.

Tax officials to improve proficiency

Tax officials to improve proficiency JAKARTA (JP): The Directorate General of Tax, in cooperation with the vaunted Internal Revenue Service (IRS) of the United States, yesterday started training 35 of its officials to investigate financial frauds. Director General of Taxes Fuad Bawazier said at the opening of the two-week training course here that the course is aimed at improving tax investigators' skills in probing financial manipulations.

Distinguished science club fails to impress public

Distinguished science club fails to impress public JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI), a board of the nation's most distinguished scientists, has accomplished little after more than two years in existence, one of its leaders says. Sabana Kartasasmita, the outgoing secretary general, on Saturday blamed the poor record of the academy on a lack of member participation.

Management turmoil leads to mass exodus at `Sinar'

Management turmoil leads to mass exodus at `Sinar' JAKARTA (JP): Management discord at the six-month-old Sinar weekly centering around former youth minister Abdul Gafur, has led to a walkout of over 20 of its editorial and marketing staff. In a meeting with the media on Saturday, the departing employees registered their discontent with the current state of affairs and explained hat they strongly objected to the uncompromising position taken by the current management.

Your Letter

Your Letter Male chauvinism? With reference to the article Foreign authors want banning of books stopped (The Jakarta Post, April 2, 1994), firstly, I would like to congratulate The Jakarta Post for giving such an excellent coverage of the visit of PEN American Center's delegation throughout the week. How I wish that other Jakarta papers might have shown the same interest. Secondly, I would like to know why your article made no mention of women writers? In the original press release, Ms.

More rooms

More rooms for the poor City councilors from commission E on health affairs hope that the Haji Hospital, built by the government to take care of pilgrims in Pondok Gede, Bekasi, will look after the poor. "The Haji Hospital should allocate no less than 40 percent of its rooms to the poor," said the chairman of the commission, Soegiyo, on his official visit to the hospital yesterday. Soegiyo said the Haji hospital should keep up with other religious hospitals, such as St.

Management turmoil leads to mass exodus at `Sinar'

Management turmoil leads to mass exodus at `Sinar' JAKARTA (JP): Management discord at the six-month-old Sinar weekly centering around former youth minister Abdul Gafur, has led to a walkout of over 20 of its editorial and marketing staff. In a meeting with the media on Saturday, the departing employees registered their discontent with the current state of affairs and explained hat they strongly objected to the uncompromising position taken by the current management.

Distinguished science club fails to impress public

Distinguished science club fails to impress public JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Academy of Sciences (AIPI), a board of the nation's most distinguished scientists, has accomplished little after more than two years in existence, one of its leaders says. Sabana Kartasasmita, the outgoing secretary general, on Saturday blamed the poor record of the academy on a lack of member participation.

Historical landmark

Historical landmark April 1, 1994, has a special meaning. The date marks the first day of the Sixth Five Year Development Plan, and also the first day of the Second Long-Term Development Plan for the next 25 years. What has the 1945 generation bequeathed to the succeeding generation? Metaphorically speaking, the '45 Generation inherited an Indonesian house from its predecessor, the shell of a building that had yet to be improved, strengthened and enriched.