Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 8 April 1995

46 articles found

Thai bank gets credit

Thai bank gets credit SINGAPORE (AFP): The Overseas Union Bank (OUB) and AFC Merchant Bank joined forces under an agreement signed here yesterday to raise funds for the Thai Laem Thong Bank's largest offshore syndicated credit facility. OUB, one of Singapore's largest banks, and AFC, owned by a group of ASEAN banks, will raise US$80 million from the international capital market for the facility, which would meet general funding requirements of the Thai bank.

Indonesia needs law that encourages people to read

Indonesia needs law that encourages people to read JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia needs a law on the production, taxation, distribution and sale of books that makes them affordable to most Indonesian citizens, according to a noted publisher. "It's high time that Indonesia had such a law," Doddy Yudhista said on Thursday while speaking on next month's state-sponsored Book Month.

Complaint against Kemayoran board

Complaint against Kemayoran board JAKARTA (JP): Residents of Kebon Kosong and Gunung Sahari subdistricts are refusing to give up their land to the Kemayoran Area Development Board saying that the compensation being offered is far below the going rate. Seven people, claiming to represent about 5,000 residents whose land is being acquired by the board, lodged a formal complaint with the City Council demanding better compensation.

Inflation rate to stay below 10 %: Mar'ie

Inflation rate to stay below 10 %: Mar'ie JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad expressed confidence yesterday that the inflation rate would not break the double digit level this year despite the recent rises in the prices of housing materials and foodstuffs. "I am optimistic this year's inflation rate will remain at one digit," he told reporters, dismissing fears over the possible increase in the inflation rate to above 10 percent.

Foreign teams join bridge meet

Foreign teams join bridge meet JAKARTA (JP): The foursome bridge championship in Semarang, Central Java, next week will pit local teams against 16 foreign teams. Committee chairman Perry P. Sardjono said on Thursday that he was expecting more European, Australian and Asian pairs to enter the event, sponsored by the leading clove cigarette company, Djarum.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

Kuwaiti premier to visit Thailand

Kuwaiti premier to visit Thailand BANGKOK (AFP): Kuwaiti Prime Minister Saad al-Abdallah al- Sabah will visit Thailand April 10-12 for talks with government officials and business leaders, the Thai government announced yesterday. It will be the first official visit to Thailand by the Kuwaiti head of government. Sheikh Saad, who is also crown prince, will be accompanied by senior government leaders, including Oil Minister Abdel Mohsen Al-Midaaj, and by prominent businessmen.

Oversupply to hit Malaysian steel industry: Analysts

Oversupply to hit Malaysian steel industry: Analysts KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's steel industry, which expanded aggressively in recent years, will be plagued by excess supply despite a string of infrastructure projects lined up in the country, investment bank Salomon Brothers said yesterday.

Businessman imprisoned for importing waste

Businessman imprisoned for importing waste JAKARTA (JP): The North Jakarta district court sentenced a businessman to 15 months in jail yesterday for illegally importing waste into Indonesia. The court also fined Herdy Wetan, Director of PT Duta Dynasty, Rp 5 million (US$2,300), or six months in jail in default, for smuggling 24.38 kilograms of plastic waste from Hong Kong. Herdy said he would appeal.

Permadi case ordinary crime: Golkar

Permadi case ordinary crime: Golkar JAKARTA (JP): Golkar's decision to disclose the allegedly blasphemous statements of soothsayer Permadi Satrio Wiwoho and file a lawsuit against him was not politically motivated, says a senior official of the ruling Golkar Party. "Permadi's case is an ordinary crime and has nothing to do with politics," said Agung Laksono, deputy chairman of Golkar's executive board.

'Environment court' could help protect nature

'Environment court' could help protect nature JAKARTA (JP): The establishment of a special court is helpful in coping with the increasing number of violations of environmental protection laws, a visiting Australian judge said yesterday. "The increasing number of industrious activities in developing countries brings forward problems, which require a special and sovereign institution to settle the environmental disputes," Justice Paul L.

Maggot trick prompts action

Maggot trick prompts action BEKASI (JP): Tired of complaining about the authorities' inaction? Send them parcels of maggots. It might just do the trick. At least, that's how the piles of trash, that have been growing for months, in the Kranji Baru market were eventually cleaned away on Tuesday, so local traders claim.

RI accused of dumping

RI accused of dumping BRUSSELS (Reuter): The European Commission said yesterday it was investigating charges that imports of floppy computer disks from Canada, Indonesia, Macao and Thailand were being dumped in the European Union's market. The probe followed a complaint last September by the Committee of European Diskette Manufacturers (DISKMA) that imports of the 3.5-inch disks had increased "significantly" at prices which were harming producers in the Union.

Takeover of faulty forestry firms likely

Takeover of faulty forestry firms likely JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo said that the government will consider a "third party" taking over two timber subsidiaries of the Dayak Besar Group, which have allegedly violated forestry regulations and run into heavy debt. The Media Indonesia daily reported yesterday that Djamaludin told two executives of PT Dayak Besar Vincent Timber Co.

Erasmus Huis celebrates 25th year in RI

Erasmus Huis celebrates 25th year in RI By Lenah Susianty JAKARTA (JP): If Desiderius Erasmus, the 13th century Dutch humanist philosopher, were alive today he would certainly smile to see that the Dutch cultural center bearing his name has survived for 25 years in Jakarta, 18,000 kilometers from his home country. Starting 25 years ago, as a place where Indonesians who spoke Dutch gathered and read Dutch newspapers, in a house at Jl.

Public warned on encephalitis

Public warned on encephalitis DENPASAR, Bali: A local health official have warned the public to situate pig pens at a safe distance away from their living quarters, in order to prevent the spread of "brain infections". Wayan Semendra said yesterday that pigs are the host for the virus that causes infection of the brain, known as Japanese Encephalitis, which is then passed along to humans through mosquito bites.

Mayor makes good on warning, revokes permit

Mayor makes good on warning, revokes permit JAKARTA (JP): East Jakarta Mayor Sudarsono said he would stop issuing new building permits and certificates for land appropriation to PT Quartalintas Sembada, the developer of the Concord 2000 luxury housing complex.

Dutchmen play in Marah Halim

Dutchmen play in Marah Halim JAKARTA (JP): Five Dutch professional players are more than fresh blood for local team Harimau Tapanuli as they gear up for the 19th Marah Halim Cup international soccer tournament in Medan, North Sumatra, next week. Harimau's boss, Johny Pardede, welcomed the footballers, who are on loan from a Dutch club, at Polonia airport yesterday.

Tourist dies of epileptic attack

Tourist dies of epileptic attack DENPASAR, Bali: A Taiwanese tourist, David Saiao, 40, had an epileptic fit while on a cruise in the Nusa Lembongan waters, and died soon after he was taken to hospital. Klungkung police chief Lt. Col. IGK Kesuma said on Thursday that Saiao had the attack just as he was about to get off the ship and on to the beach. His body was kept in the Denpasar Public Hospital's morgue for two days before being flown to Taiwan yesterday.

Bulog launches sugar market intervention

Bulog launches sugar market intervention JAKARTA (JP): The National Logistics Agency (Bulog) and the Association of Sugar and Wheat Distributors, in an effort to curb increases in the retail prices of white sugar, started releasing tons of the commodity into market places yesterday. Soeyoto, an Apegti executive, was quoted by Antara as saying that the association allocated yesterday about 10 tons of imported sugar for the market operation.

Chaos mars haj journey

Chaos mars haj journey JAKARTA (JP): Government officials assured concerned intending haj pilgrims yesterday that they would all be able to make the trip, despite the chaos surrounding some of the flights to Saudi Arabia. More than 1,000 people have been stranded for the past week as their departures have been delayed several times because they have not been issued with visas by the Saudi Arabian embassy in Jakarta.

ABRI to look into Irian Jaya killing claim

ABRI to look into Irian Jaya killing claim JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) said yesterday it would look into a claim by an Australian aid organization that ABRI personnel had killed and arrested indigenous Irianese protesting against the expansion of a mining project. The report was made by the Australian Council for Overseas Aid (ACFOA). ABRI chief spokesman Brig. Gen.

Councilors want a say in city parking management

Councilors want a say in city parking management JAKARTA (JP): The City Council has joined in the process of vetting private contractors that will have the right to manage Jakarta's lucrative parking facilities. Council chairman M.H. Ritonga said, however, that he would insist on looking at the proposals of more than one contractor before making his mind up about which of them would be proposed to the City Administration.

Translation of Britain

Translation of Britain Throughout my several years of residence in Indonesia, I feel I have tolerated the translation of "Britain" and "United Kingdom" into the Indonesian word Inggeris for just about long enough. The final straw came when a young woman recently asked me where she could find the Embassy of Scotland. Being English and, therefore, British, this question came as more than just a surprise to me.

Mar'ie calls for int'l Islamic banking system

Mar'ie calls for int'l Islamic banking system JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad called on interest-free Islamic banks yesterday to forge the way for the creation of an international Islamic banking system. Speaking at the opening of the ninth Expert-level Conference on Islamic Banking, the minister said that the creation of such an Islamic banking system is essential to enable them to help each other.

Pasar Rebo telephone repairs

Pasar Rebo telephone repairs JAKARTA (JP): The East Jakarta office of PT Telkom, the state- run telecommunications company, announced on Wednesday that telephone lines in several areas in the mayoralty will be affected by repair works on the telephone network in Pasar Rebo. In a written statement made available to The Jakarta Post, head of the office, I Nyoman Punia said the telephone lines to be affected are those beginning with 840 and 841.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. Cartoons 3:05 Sports: Dunhill League: "Pelita Jaya vs Persija" (live) 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Lemhanas 8:05 TV Drama: Hati Yang Mendua 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:25 Film: Rhoma Irama Berkelana (1) 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Myanmar rejects Thai grip over intrusion

Myanmar rejects Thai grip over intrusion BANGKOK (Reuter): Myanmar has rejected a recent Thai complaint over an alleged violent incursion into Thailand by Myanmarese army troops, Myanmar's state-run media reported. The rejection, in a protest letter this week, is the latest in a series of complaints and accusations exchanged between the two countries and comes on the eve of a trip to Yangon by Thai Foreign Minister Krasae Chanavongse.

RI moving in the right direction: Hills

RI moving in the right direction: Hills JAKARTA (JP): Two American business consultants are quite bullish about the future prospects of the business sector and general economic activities in Indonesia. Roderick M. Hills, Vice Chairman of the U.S.-ASEAN Council for Business and Technology Inc., said on Thursday evening that Indonesia is moving in the right direction.

Reflection of Moslem discontent?

Reflection of Moslem discontent? The assault which killed 45 people and devastated a town in the southern Philippines may well remain a bad dream if President Fidel Ramos fails to overcome Moslem rebels. Ramos quickly put the blame on the Abu Sayyaf guerrilla group calling the incident the worst in 20 years. Is the group really the one responsible for the assault? The Moslem rebels in the country are not united and they have broken up into small factions.

Chinese presence on reef concerns Ramos

Chinese presence on reef concerns Ramos MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos yesterday told China of his "extreme discomfort" over Beijing's occupation of a reef in the Spratly islands also claimed by Manila. Ramos made the comments when meeting the outgoing Chinese Ambassador to the Philippines, Huang Guifang, and asked the envoy to relay his concerns to China's leadership. "I hope you can transmit our sentiments to President Jiang Zemin and Prime Minister Li Peng," Ramos said.

Bad coordination clogs port

Bad coordination clogs port JAKARTA (JP): The poor coordination of container handling continues to cause congestion at Tanjung Priok port's container terminal. Harry Sutanto, a spokesman for the state-owned Tanjung Priok port management company, PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II, said yesterday that certain chains of coordination need to be followed by all exporters, shipping lines, transportation agents and the Tanjung Priok container terminal.

Stars War held at Senayan

Stars War held at Senayan JAKARTA (JP): The best soccer players from the West and East divisions of the Indonesian league will lock horns at the Senayan stadium on April 23 in an exhibition match. Jeannete of Citra Cipta, the company promoting the league, told reporters on Thursday that soccer fans would vote for their own teams' lineup for the match entitled "Stars War." "The match is aimed at improving the atmosphere of this new league which has been growing warmer," Jeanette said.

Golkar against price hike

Golkar against price hike JAKARTA (JP): The Golkar ruling party will ask the government to revise its recent decision to increase local reference prices of cement by about 40 percent, with an executive saying that it contradicts the government's own policies.

Al Azhar sets up elite boarding school

Al Azhar sets up elite boarding school By Stevie Emilia BEKASI, West Java (JP): Indonesians concerned about the education of their children now have another choice on which high school to send them away to, other than those abroad. After Taruna Nusantara in Magelang and Pelita Harapan in Tangerang, now there is Al Azhar Boarding School in Bekasi, in the huge and sprawling Lippo City complex.

RI to play Argentina in Federation Cup

RI to play Argentina in Federation Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian ace players Yayuk Basuki and Romana Tedjakusuma look destined to play both singles and doubles against a Gabriela Sabatini-led Argentinean team at the Federation Cup World Group qualifying round matches on April 22- 23. "Fielding them in both the singles and doubles seems to be the only option since Yayuk and Romana are the best players we have now," national women's team coach Suharyadi said yesterday.

Pacitan people to raise funds

Pacitan people to raise funds JAKARTA (JP): An organization of people hailing from Pacitan, East Java, are organizing fund raising program aimed at helping develop the least developed villages in Pacitan region. Soejono, the chairman of the organization, called the Pacitan Big Family, said on Thursday that the committee would ask all the Pacitan people living in Jakarta to contribute Rp 1,000 per month towards the program, Antara reported.

Insurers issue custom bonds

Insurers issue custom bonds JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad has appointed 15 loss insurance companies to issue customs bonds, a monetary instrument to guarantee the payment of import duties and taxes. The appointed insurers include Asuransi AIU Indonesia, Asuransi Jasarahardja Putera, Asuransi Astra Buana, Asuransi Binagriya Upakara and Berdiri Insurance Company, according to the minister's decree issued Thursday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on April 7, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,625 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,300 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 0 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,250 12,500 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,350 0 ANWAR SIERAD 1,300 0 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 1,875 -25 24,000 ARGO PANTES 2,650 0 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,250 0 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 800 0 ASTRA GRAPHIA 1,500 0...

Forest people resettled

Forest people resettled UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: A total of 350 families of forest inhabitants have been included in a transmigration program to Bulukatoang area, Maros regency. The first group of 150 families of traditional farmers, or 600 people, were seen off on Thursday by Governor ZB Palaguna and other officials. The remaining families will follow soon.

A day at the races

A day at the races JAKARTA (JP): The national equestrian sports association will hold the Kartini Cup and Supersemar Sprint horse racing championships at the Pulomas race track, East Jakarta, tomorrow. Fendy Karman of the association said the races would be the testing ground for a new generation of thoroughbred horses fathered by imported stallions given to the association by President Soeharto.

More authority urged for Jabotabek agency

More authority urged for Jabotabek agency JAKARTA (JP): Local politicians are calling on the government to give greater power to the agency which coordinates the development of Jakarta and its surrounding townships of Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi. Two members of the Jakarta Legislative Council said that without the additional power, the agency would be ineffective in coordinating the development between the capital city and the three neighboring cities.

U.S. optimistic on financial services accord

U.S. optimistic on financial services accord JAKARTA (JP): A senior United States Treasury official told a group of panelists here yesterday that he is confident a global financial service deal will be concluded by June 30 despite the recent Mexican crisis and the falling dollar.

RI, Kazakhstan agree on cooperation

RI, Kazakhstan agree on cooperation JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto signed a broad agreement yesterday on economic cooperation between Indonesia and Kazakhstan that will include Indonesia's buying cotton from the Central Asia state. The umbrella agreement for cooperation was signed in Almaty, capital of Kazakhstan, between Soeharto and his host President Nur Sultan Akbashevich Nazarbayev, at the end of their meeting.

Bogus excise tax seals seized

Bogus excise tax seals seized SEMARANG, Central Java: The provincial custom and excise officials have uncovered the counterfeiting of cigarette excise tax bands, worth Rp 4.3 billion (US$ 1,954,545), and arrested the suspects. Spokesman Daradjadi told The Jakarta Post yesterday that two of the four suspects, identified only by their initials of Hd, 32, and Amf, 35, are owners of a cigarette factory in Jepara. The two other suspects were identified as E, 32, and A, 40.

Govt warned of drawbacks of regional autonomy

Govt warned of drawbacks of regional autonomy JAKARTA (JP): Observers have lauded the government's decision to launch a trial-run of regional autonomy this month, but have warned of several possible drawbacks. Political scientist Amir Santoso of the University of Indonesia and legislator Darussamin told The Jakarta Post this week that they foresaw several obstacles to the plan to give 26 selected regencies greater say and responsibility.