Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Search Archive

Search Tips

You can use boolean operators in your search:

  • pugilist AND basketball - Both words must appear
  • jakarta OR surabaya - Either word can appear
  • jakarta NOT politics - Must have jakarta but not politics
  • +jakarta -politics - Must have jakarta, must not have politics
  • "exact phrase" - Search for exact phrase
  • basket* - Wildcard (matches basketball, basket, etc.)

Found 364,347 articles

New officials installed

New officials installed JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta Mayor H. Pardjoko has installed Deddy Tisna Mihardja as the new head of the mayoralty's city planning and restoration office. Deddy Tisna replaces Niazie Gani, who has been transferred to Central Java as the head of the province's street illumination office. Mihardja was a former officer of the city planning and restoration office of the Jakarta administration, Antara reported.

Student regiment real cause of incident: Witness

Student regiment real cause of incident: Witness JAKARTA (JP): A witness in the trial of six students of the National University told judge Moegihardjo of South Jakarta District Court that the incident on Oct. 18, 1994, for which they are being tried, was the result of a spate of harsh actions on the part of members of the university's student regiment.

Not manager

Not manager I would like to call your attention to the much appreciated article on Clipper's American Seafood Restaurant published in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 15, 1995, page six, entitled Abundant seafood, too little wine at Clipper's. In the article I was called Manager whereas I am actually the Assistant Manager working under Manager Kelley L. Skinner. I appreciate the Post for publishing this correction. ALEXANDRA SCHERER Clipper's Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Friday Maghrib 06.19 p.m. Saturday Imsak 04.31 a.m. Subuh 04.41 a.m.

Policy revision urged in Myanmar

Policy revision urged in Myanmar By Yindee Lertcharoenchok BANGKOK: Outgoing Foreign Minister Thaksin Shinawatra made a rather late remark recently when he stated that ASEAN and Thailand may have to review their "constructive engagement policy" towards Myanmar if the Myanmarese offensive against armed ethnic guerrillas does not cease.

Cirebon-Indramayu road dangerous

Cirebon-Indramayu road dangerous CIREBON, West Java: The 50 kilometer section of highway between Cirebon and Indramayu is in bad condition and will be prone to traffic congestion during the forthcoming Idul Fitri holidays, police warned yesterday. Cirebon police chief Col. Sawal Hariadi said that during two weeks before and two nights after the Idul Fitri public holidays, which fall on March 3-4, the section will be closed to vehicles from Central Java.

Govt to probe dismissal of 1,100 workers

Govt to probe dismissal of 1,100 workers JAKARTA (JP): The government promised yesterday to investigate reports that over 1,100 workers of 14 companies in Jakarta and Bandung have been fired for demanding better pay. Director General for Industrial Relations and Labor Standards Suwarto told representatives of the dismissed workers that the government would mediate in the dispute in order to achieve a timely resolution. The workers came to the manpower ministry office in two groups.

City Council expects higher city revenues

City Council expects higher city revenues JAKARTA (JP): The City Council said that the city administration could collect more revenue if it increased tax- collection and improved efficiency in city-owned companies. Council members from the United Development Party (PPP), the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) and the ruling Golkar group made the statement in a plenary session on Wednesday in which they discussed a city budget proposal for the 1995/1996 fiscal year .

Suspected murderer of woman arrested

Suspected murderer of woman arrested JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta police detectives arrested yesterday the main suspect in the murder of a 59-year-old woman in the Johar Baru subdistrict. Police also confiscated gold and diamond jewelry worth approximately Rp 10 million (US$4,520) and several other items, including handbags and pocket cameras, the suspect allegedly stolen after committing the crime. Chief of the Central Jakarta police precinct Lt. Col.

Kukdong wins RI order

Kukdong wins RI order SEOUL (AFP): South Korea's Kukdong Construction Co. has signed a US$56-million contract with Indonesian highway corporation PT Jasa Marga to build an elevated expressway in Jakarta, a company spokesman said yesterday. Construction of the new highway would help alleviate Jakarta's clogged traffic, the spokesman said, He said further construction orders were anticipated as the Indonesian government planned to build a subway and elevated electric train network in Jakarta.

Killer gets 10 years in jail

Killer gets 10 years in jail JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta District Court, led by Judge Yudo Sumarto, has sentenced Fansuri, alias Kecil, 19, to 10 years imprisonment for murder. The crime happened in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, in January last year. Fansuri was hurt by Nurhayati, who had rejected his love because he was too young. After seeing her with another man, Fansuri waited for the right moment to attack. He stabbed her in the abdomen and chest with a knife.

Asian financial news

Asian financial news SINGAPORE (AFP): Agence France-Presse has signed a joint venture agreement with three major media groups to launch a specialized economic and financial news service in Asia, AFP chairman and chief executive Lionel Fleury announced yesterday. Shareholders with AFP in the new company, AFX-ASIA, are Britain's Financial Times group, the Japanese group Nikkei, owner of the Nihon Keizai daily, and the Australian Associated Press (AAP) news agency.

Mahathir mounts attack on opposition

Mahathir mounts attack on opposition KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has intensified attacks on an opposition Islamic party, highlighting a sex scandal involving one of its leaders to back charges the group was falsely pious. As major political parties geared up for widely-expected snap elections, Mahathir called the scandal "a very big issue" which he said proved accusations that Parti Islam SeMalaya (PAS) did not live up to its Islamic image.

Philippines rattles saber against China

Philippines rattles saber against China By Malcolm Davidson MANILA (Reuter): China's occupation of a reef in the Spratlys claimed by the Philippines and Wednesday's saber rattling by Manila have raised the temperature in the South China Sea but are unlikely to lead to conflict, analysts say.

RI grooms six pairs for world bridge tournament

RI grooms six pairs for world bridge tournament JAKARTA (JP): Fired up by a series of victories in the Far East Bridge Federation Championship, Indonesia has set its sights on winning a world title in the near future, says Indonesian Contract Bridge Association (Gabsi) chairman Wiranto. Indonesia, which was powerful in the Far East region for a decade during the 1970s and 1980s, has now set itself the target of winning a world title: either the Bermuda Bowl or the World Junior championship.

Australian FM to visit Thailand

Australian FM to visit Thailand BANGKOK (Reuter): Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans will visit Thailand briefly next week and the situation in Myanmar is expected to dominate talks with Thai government officials, an embassy spokesman said yesterday. "While here, he will take the opportunity to meet the acting foreign minister and discuss matters of mutual interest," an Australian embassy spokesman said.

World rice supply is expected to tighten

World rice supply is expected to tighten MANILA (AFP): Global rice supply is expected to tighten amid a population boom and declining arable land, and Asia's low-income countries will come under severe pressure, economists warned yesterday.

Trigger-happy policeman shoots student to death

Trigger-happy policeman shoots student to death JAKARTA (JP): City Military Police have arrested a senior officer alleged to have fatally shot a 19-year-old high school student. "We're still interrogating the officer," head of the Jakarta Military Police, Lt. Col. Anwaruddin, said yesterday. The officer, identified only as Second Lieutenant Is, is said to have fatally shot Erwin Zulharman Arief, a third-year student of a vocational school in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta, at around 1 p.m.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 16, 1995 Trading Shares Close Change Volume -------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,400 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 0 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,400 -25 52,500 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,300 100 4,000 ANWAR SIERAD 1,725 75 80,500 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 2,000 -25 716,000 ARGO PANTES 2,725 0 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,700 14,000 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY...

Street blockade protested

Street blockade protested JAKARTA (JP): Several residents of the Ketapang Indah residential complex in the Lebak Bulus subdistrict, South Jakarta, have filed a complaint with the Municipal National Stability Coordination Agency about a street being blocked in the area. They demanded the street be reopened. The street blocking was conducted by several men, under the order of Achmad Ma'ruf, by placing a concrete slab on the street.

RP fighters sent to Spratlys

RP fighters sent to Spratlys MANILA (Reuter): The Philippines has sent a fleet of five aging fighter planes to keep watch over a reef in the disputed Spratly islands occupied by China, the air force said yesterday. Air force spokesman Col. Felipe Gaerlan said two Huey helicopters and four Italian-made S-211 jet trainers had also been deployed in the area after President Fidel Ramos ordered a strengthening of Philippine forces there. "Our entire force of F-5s have been sent there, five of them.

Obituary

Obituary Maj. Gen. (ret.) Djoko Moeljono, a Roman Catholic figure and member of the National Commission on Human Rights, passed away at his residence in Jakarta yesterday. He was 71 years old. After retiring from the army, Moeljono served as director general of Catholic Affairs at the Ministry of Religious Affairs between 1974 and 1986. He was called out of retirement in 1993 to serve the public once again, this time as a member of the human rights commission.

Four children die of dengue

Four children die of dengue SEMARANG, Central Java: Dengue fever has hit Tegal and Wonogiri, killing at least four children and hospitalizing dozens of others over the past week, an official said yesterday. The administrations of the two regencies have sent medical personnel and supplies to the stricken areas to help curb the disease, spokesman for the provincial health office Susilo Resmi said. "The officials will also collect data on the actual number of victims," he told journalists.

Congested toll road

Congested toll road From Bisnis Indonesia The toll road between Bekasi and Cawang, Jakarta, has been increasingly congested during the past two years. A long queue occurs at the Bekasi toll gate every morning. Like thousands of workers living in Bekasi, I am upset by this situation because we cannot reach the office on time. To improve the situation I call on PT Jasa Marga and the related authorities to ban all sorts of trucks from entering the toll road in the morning from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Survivors mark recapture of rock

Survivors mark recapture of rock CORREGIDOR, Philippines (AFP): American and Filipino veterans and one of their surviving Japanese World War II enemies returned to this ancient fortress yesterday to mark the 50th anniversary of one of the bloodiest scenes of combat in the Pacific theater. The old soldiers were joined on the island which guards the entrance to Manila Bay by Philippine President Fidel Ramos -- a former general who as a young officer fought for the south in the Korean War -- and U.

Pension funds get more protection

Pension funds get more protection JAKARTA (JP): Ministry of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad issued three new regulations on the activity of pension funds yesterday to give stronger protection to pension fund members. One of the rulings is to annul the investment restriction on listed shares and commercial paper in land and property and the second is to require the pension funds to submit their audited annual reports to the finance minister no later than six months from the end of every book year.

Bus fare increase allowed for Idul Fitri

Bus fare increase allowed for Idul Fitri JAKARTA (JP): The government has allowed bus operators to raise their fares by up to 25 percent during the two weeks of Idul Fitri holiday rush, it was announced yesterday. However, the government will punish bus operators who raise their fares more than the permitted ceiling, Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto told reporters after meeting with President Soeharto.

Rights body begins E. Timor visit

Rights body begins E. Timor visit DILI, East Timor (JP): The National Commission for Human Rights arrived yesterday to investigate the recent killings in Liquisa of six people the military believes were rebels. The five-member team lead by Commission chief Ali Said met with Liquisa regent Leonetu Martin and Roman Catholic priest Rafael Dos Santos. The investigation team is scheduled to visit the Fatufo village today where the incident happened.

'Indosiar' shows same boring stuff

'Indosiar' shows same boring stuff From Bisnis Indonesia The newly established Indosiar fails to accommodate the prevailing social-cultural conditions in the country. It was hoped that this television station would be able to present something refreshing that the other private stations lacked, but in reality its programs are just as boring as the others'. The gravest mistake Indosiar made was the airing on Feb. 13, 1995 of the film Sixteen Candles, a piece that showed violence and pornography.

'Ministers too busy for sports groups'

'Ministers too busy for sports groups' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman reiterated yesterday his idea not to let sports organizations give cabinet ministers top jobs any longer. "Those who lead sports organizations should have 100 percent, or at least 80 percent of their time devoted to the development of their respective sports organizations," Hayono told reporters during a fast break at his residence yesterday.

Persebaya Surabaya holds spectator record

Persebaya Surabaya holds spectator record JAKARTA (JP): Persebaya Surabaya has accumulated a record of 155,000 spectators during its six national soccer league matches at home since the league kicked off on Nov. 27 last year.

Count forestry funds in state budget: DPR

Count forestry funds in state budget: DPR JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives urged yesterday that reforestation funds be counted in the state budget as government revenues, to ensure the accountability of the funds. Johny Alwi Banyo of the House's Budgetary Commission said the government has actually agreed to gradually include the funds into the state budget.

Limited crude oil supply affects refinery projects

Limited crude oil supply affects refinery projects JAKARTA (JP): A limited supply of crude oil and the lack of financing resources have slowed down the construction of oil refinery projects in the private sector, an executive of the state-owned oil company Pertamina says. "Of the investors for seven refinery projects approved by the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) last year, none has been ready to start construction," Pertamina's director for processing, G.J.

Take care of your pets

Take care of your pets I was pleased to read the article in The Jakarta Post titled Bali to control dog and cat population. Why not Jakarta? I live in Kelapa Gading and I am saddened to see the number of roaming, and seemingly homeless, animals, especially cats. Most of these poor creatures, usually searching for food in trash bins, are in terrible condition -- flea bitten, scarred and filthy.

New logistics chief

New logistics chief State Minister of Food Ibrahim Hasan's relinquishing of his concurrent post as chief of the National Logistics Agency (Bulog) yesterday seemed rather unusual. After all, we have long been accustomed to the normal bureaucratic scheme of things whereby the official postings for key officials are based more on a fixed tenure -- normally five years, but extendable -- rather than on performance.

Logistics agency gets new boss

Logistics agency gets new boss JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian government separated the function of the National Logistics Agency (Bulog) from the office of the state minister of food yesterday amid growing concern over the steep rise food prices, in particular the price of rice. The separation was effected when Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono promoted Beddu Amang from deputy chief to new chief of Bulog, replacing State Minister for Food Ibrahim Hasan, who had held the post since March, 1993.

Subway project approved

Subway project approved JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto instructed Transportation Minister Haryanto Dhanutirto yesterday to go ahead with the building of a subway and an elevated railway to help ease the increasingly chaotic traffic in the capital. The President's instruction ended a lengthy controversy on whether there should be an underground or elevated system in the Mass Rapid Transit development in Jakarta, which has a population of about nine million.

Indosat expands and improves competitiveness

Indosat expands and improves competitiveness JAKARTA (JP): PT Indosat, the state-owned international telecommunications operator, is expanding its operations into three telecommunication-related businesses while improving its competitiveness domestically and globally, its president says.

Stop exploiting North Bandung

Stop exploiting North Bandung From Sinar Pagi The whole exploitation of the North Bandung area, West Java, should be put to an end, mainly because it will result in the degradation of ecology to a wider area which, in turn, will be hazardous to the ecosystem in Bandung and its surrounding areas. What is needed now is the political action of the West Java Governor to maintain ecological balance.

U.S. seeks RI support on nuclear treaty

U.S. seeks RI support on nuclear treaty JAKARTA (JP): U. S. President Bill Clinton sent a special envoy to Indonesia this week to muster support for an indefinite extension of the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), a move Jakarta is reluctant to accept. "I think it was a good exchange of views and they understand our position better, we understand their's better," Thomas Graham, the envoy, said of his talks here yesterday.

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.

Resurgent Edhi wins 10th round

Resurgent Edhi wins 10th round JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Grand Master Edhi Handoko regained some pride on Tuesday night with a victory over Bangladesh's Master International Zillur in the 10th round of a chess tournament in Dhaka. The win put Edhi back in fifth place with 5.5 points, along with home favorite MI Reefat bin Sattar. Edhi slid to the eighth place after a defeat to Reefat on Monday.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Thursday Maghrib 06.19 p.m. Friday Imsak 04.30 a.m. Subuh 04.40 a.m.

Vandalism causes state bus firm Rp 810m in losses

Vandalism causes state bus firm Rp 810m in losses JAKARTA (JP): A senior official of the state bus company PPD yesterday disclosed that vandalism resulted in Rp 810 million (US$368,181) of material and operational losses last year. "This is a serious problem -- last year alone 1,025 of the company's buses were damaged. Not only has it caused material losses, it has also disturbed our public services," said company President Brig. Gen.

Indonesia builds five new sugar mills: Official

Indonesia builds five new sugar mills: Official JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is constructing seven sugar mills, most owned by the Salim Group, with a combined processing capacity of around 62,000 tons of cane per day and total investments of Rp 1.65 trillion (US$746.9 million), an official says. "Five of the mills will be new and the remainder are expansions of existing plants. All of the mills will be located outside Java," Director General of Estates of the Ministry of Agriculture, M.

Military beefs up street patrol in E. Timor capital

Military beefs up street patrol in E. Timor capital DILI, East Timor (JP): The military has strengthened its presence in the streets of Dili in order to end once and for all the terror practiced by an unknown gang. Residents reported that patrolling troops had been seen on many street corners of the East Timor capital on Tuesday night and yesterday. The additional troops deployed on the streets appeared to have been effective, they said.

Tough challenges ahead

Tough challenges ahead The Army leadership change from Gen. Wismoyo Arismunandar to Gen. R. Hartono on Monday vividly reflects the transition period that the nation is entering. This is the beginning of the second 25-year development period and also a time of leadership changes. The nation is being transformed into an industrial country thanks to its continued economic growth in the first 25 years of development. Today, a more critical citizenry has been created.

Wahono may not resist Golkar pressure

Wahono may not resist Golkar pressure JAKARTA (JP): A scholar predicted yesterday that the speaker of the House of Representatives, Wahono, would not dare reject the ruling Golkar party's decision to withdraw its outspoken member from the legislative body. Dr. Soehardjo, from the Semarang-based Diponegoro University, said that Wahono would not risk hurting his relationship with Golkar by rejecting its highly controversial proposal to fire Bambang Warih Koesoemo.

Primary schools given curriculum control

Primary schools given curriculum control JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to give regional administrations greater autonomy over the management of primary schools in their areas but, at the same time, the teachers at this level will remain under the direction of the central government.

The go-east policy

The go-east policy Since January 1990 President Soeharto has repeatedly stressed the need to help the eastern region of the country to catch up with the other more developed islands. The President's statements have prompted a host of seminars urging investors to go east and the central government to give special assistance to the widely scattered chain of islands east of Bali.

Environmental analysis on golf course turned down

Environmental analysis on golf course turned down JAKARTA (JP): The City Administration's Commission on environmental impact has turned down an Environmental Impact Analysis (Amdal) on the development of a nine hole golf course on Bira Island, North Jakarta. Ali Azhar, an executive of the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi), told The Jakarta Post yesterday that the study was rejected because it failed to meet requirements set by the commission.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 15, 1995 Trading Shares Close Change Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,400 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 8,000 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,425 25 60,000 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,200 90,500 ANWAR SIERAD 1,650 70,000 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 2,025 25 421,500 ARGO PANTES 2,725 0 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,700 0 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 1,325 0...

Apkindo faulted for export drop

Apkindo faulted for export drop JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Trade Satrio B. Joedono blamed the 'sole marketing' system of the Association of Indonesian Wood Panel Producers (Apkindo) yesterday for the drop in the country's plywood exports. "I think Apkindo's sole marketing system should be revised," Joedono told the House of Representatives.

Edi warns of exploitation of the poor

Edi warns of exploitation of the poor JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat warned yesterday that the disparity between the rich and poor poses one of the biggest threats to national security. Although poverty is a major problem for the nation, poor people are not the source of the threat, the retired Army general told a hearing with the House of Representatives' Commission I, which oversees security affairs.

Indonesia to host three Asian golf tournaments

Indonesia to host three Asian golf tournaments JAKARTA (JP): The participation of world rated golfers in the 1995 Sampoerna Indonesia Open is expected to boost local pro players in their efforts to develop their skill in the game, a top official of the Indonesia Golf Association (PGI) said.

RI rules out joint ASEAN peace force

RI rules out joint ASEAN peace force JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia rejected yesterday a proposal by its neighbors, in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), to establish a joint peacekeeping force which would be available for any mission under the United Nations banner. Minister of Defense and Security Gen. (ret.) Edi Sudradjat said, given the different military doctrines used in ASEAN countries, such a force would be ineffective in carrying out a peacekeeping mission.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Wide World Of Kids 3:05 Children's Program 3:30 TV Series: Dibawah Kilatan Pedang 4:30 Sports 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Celah-Celah Ramadhan 6:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Nuzulul Qur'an Ceremony (live) 8:05 TV Drama: Harapan Nan Sirna 9:00 World News 9:25 Koran Recital 9:40 People & Event 10:45 Late News 10:55 Film: Beyatz Gece Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Warehouse relocation slower than expected

Warehouse relocation slower than expected JAKARTA (JP): Head of City Economic Bureau Albert Napitulu expressed concern over the failure of businesses to relocate their warehouses from the Kota area in West Jakarta. "The number of warehouses which have been relocated since 1985 is only 46 out of about 120 located in the area," Albert said.

Bus ticket

Bus ticket From Bisnis Indonesia To avoid a long queue I tried to book a ticket for use after the 25th of Feb. But I was surprised to be told that they refuse to sell tickets which are valid for departure after that date. They failed, however, to give clear reason for the refusal. I thought that by buying the ticket earlier they would be spared of a busy time when thousands of people want to go to their hometown for the Idul Fitri holiday. Or is there any specific consideration?

Residents reject Pelni's land compensation

Residents reject Pelni's land compensation JAKARTA (JP): Twenty-nine families living in a housing complex on Jl. Pembangunan, Central Jakarta, have rejected a compensation offer from the state-owned shipping company PT Pelayaran Nasional Indonesia (Pelni), which wants to expel them from their homes. The residents claim that the money offered by Pelni is too little to adequately compensate them for the loss of their houses, which are built on land which is owned by the shipping company.

RI exhibitions abroad

RI exhibitions abroad JAKARTA (JP): PT Humpuss Madya Pratama, a subsidiary of the Humpuss Group, will hold two exhibitions in Singapore and Beijing later this year to promote the country's export products. Madya's president, Srisetiowati Seiful, said here yesterday that the exhibitions, called "Indonesia in Progress '95", will be held in Singapore on Aug. 2-6 and in Beijing on Oct. 5-9.

APEC ministers to discuss exchange rates

APEC ministers to discuss exchange rates FUKUOKA, Japan (AFP): Finance ministers from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum will discuss exchange-rate fluctuations at a meeting in Indonesia in April, senior APEC officials said yesterday. In a summary of their three-day meeting here, the officials said they "looked forward" to a report on the outcome of the Bali meeting from the group's newly-formed economic committee chaired by Canada.

Govt will set up new health body

Govt will set up new health body JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to establish a new agency to deal with increasing public complaints concerning drug and food qualities, a senior official of the Ministry of Health announced yesterday. The new agency is designed chiefly to protect consumers, Director General for Food and Drug Supervision Wisnu Katim said, adding that the agency will be willing to work together with consumer agencies.

Construction of plants regulated

Construction of plants regulated JAKARTA (JP): The government announced a ban yesterday on the construction of plants outside of industrial estates located in the Tangerang area of West Java for environmental reasons. "Industrial plants have been crowded in Tangerang and construction of new factories outside industrial estates will damage the environment," Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo told journalists after meeting with President Soeharto at Bina Graha here yesterday.

At last, police detectives complete Oki's dossiers

At last, police detectives complete Oki's dossiers JAKARTA (JP): After lengthy investigations, city police detectives have finally completed dossiers on the alleged role of Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, in the killing of two Indonesians and an Indian in Los Angeles. Capt. Amhar, one of the interrogating officers, told reporters yesterday that the dossiers will be submitted to the prosecutor's office as soon as the venue for the trial, Los Angeles or Jakarta, is decided.

Preparatory APEC meeting closes in Japan

Preparatory APEC meeting closes in Japan FUKUOKA, Japan (AFP): The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum wound up three days of talks here yesterday as the United States called for more work on a new Japanese development aid initiative. But the group's preparations for this year's summit of APEC leaders in Osaka in November were extended to a previously unscheduled fourth day of talks to discuss specific trade and investment issues.

Why pick and choose?

Why pick and choose? Taxi number 2492. That's a President taxi. Number 2492. It wasn't really surprising that he didn't want to take me where I wanted to go. What did surprise me was that it happened at Pondok Indah Mall. If Pondok Indah Mall allows taxis to pick people up from the front of their center I think they should make it clear to taxi companies and the drivers that that is what they are there for. To pick people up. Whoever they are and wherever they want to go. Not pick and choose.

U.S. cities considered for IPTN's plants

U.S. cities considered for IPTN's plants JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is considering Mobile in Alabama or Macon in Georgia as the site for the new PT Industri Pesawat Terbang Nusantara (IPTN) assembly plant in the United States, State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie said here yesterday.

RI boat crew sent home

RI boat crew sent home WELLINGTON (AFP): Twenty Indonesian crew members who walked off two South Korean squid boats in Wellington complaining of inhumane treatment are being sent home, the ship's agent said yesterday. Michael Park, local agent for the Korean Kyung Shin Fishing Company, said the Kum Yang 101 and 102 had left port without their Indonesian crew members. They had enough Korean crew to go to sea and replacement crew would be coming later.

Yongki's execution countdown begins

Yongki's execution countdown begins SURAKARTA, Central Java: The provincial police command has a 11-member firing squad ready to execute Kartacahyadi, alias Yongki, who was sentenced to death for robbing and killing a family of three in 1990. Central Java Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hariman said Yongki was likely to be executed in Surakarta. Hariman said that the place and time of execution would be determined by the Surakarta district court, Antara reported.

Fewer cases clogging judicial system: Soerjono

Fewer cases clogging judicial system: Soerjono JAKARTA (JP): Chief Justice Soerjono said yesterday that the backlog of appeals on his desk has significantly been reduced in size over the past couple of years. "The Supreme Court has settled more than 5,000 appeals over the past two years," Soerjono said here after meeting with senior leaders of the House of Representatives (DPR).

Extra flights for Idul Fitri holiday

Extra flights for Idul Fitri holiday JAKARTA (JP): State carriers Garuda Indonesia and Merpati Nusantara Airlines announced yesterday that they will operate extra flights to cope with the travel boom expected during the upcoming Idul Fitri holiday. While Merpati Nusantara is cashing in on the surge in domestic travelers who are flying to their home towns, Garuda will cater largely to those taking holiday overseas. Garuda is making 48 additional flights with 19,196 seats between Feb.

Robbery attempt foiled

Robbery attempt foiled JAKARTA (JP): Five hooded men broke into the house of Maman, a resident of the Cijeruk district, Bogor, yesterday while he and members of his family were preparing to have the 'saur' (pre-dawn) meal for their fast. The uninvited guests threatened Maman at knife point, demanding that he hand over his belongings, including a certain amount of cash. But Maman put up brave resistance in the heavily one sided fight, Antara reported.

APEC reviews role of secretariat ahead of annual meeting in Osaka

APEC reviews role of secretariat ahead of annual meeting in Osaka By Peter Starr FUKUOKA, Japan (AFP): A key issue facing the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum as the group approaches its seventh annual meeting in Osaka this year, is what to do with its modest secretariat in Singapore.

Students order Afghan government to pull back

Students order Afghan government to pull back KABUL (Reuter): An Islamic student militia that has swept to the gates of Kabul told the Afghan government to pull its troops back to their old front lines around the city by yesterday evening. "If they do not, our shura (council) will decide what to do," a commander of the Taleban militia named Mamour Jah told reporters at Charasyab, which the militia captured from main opposition leader Gulbuddin Hekmatyar early on Tuesday.

Asia through Asian eyes

Asia through Asian eyes Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew presented an interesting set of figures in his speech at the Tanjong Pagar GRC Lunar New Year dinner last week. Western influence in Singapore stands at 60 percent today, he said, with core Asian values exerting an influence of 40 percent. Asia's economic transformation will settle the question of whether Asian or Western values are better. Mr.

Landslides affect more villages

Landslides affect more villages PEMALANG, Central Java: Landslides, like the one which recently killed nine people and seriously injured three at the foot of Mount Kupit, are occurring in several other areas in the regency as well. A major landslide occurred in Cikadu subdistrict last weekend, destroying several houses and forcing 190 people to leave their endangered homes.

Quake damages houses in Maluku

Quake damages houses in Maluku JAKARTA: The earthquake and aftershocks which have rocked Obi Island since Monday have damaged houses and other buildings in several villages in Ternate regency, an official said yesterday. A staff member of the local meteorology and geophysics office in Ternate, Haryo Paudji, told The Jakarta Post by telephone that there were no casualties because most villagers were out of their houses when the quake struck.

Moslems to donate Rp 2,500 or more

Moslems to donate Rp 2,500 or more JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta chapter of the council for the collection of zakat fitrah (tithe in rice or money paid on last day of fasting month) announced that the minimum zakat fitrah to be paid in 1995 by every Moslem is Rp 2,500 (US$1.13) or 2.5 kilograms of rice. Moslems are required to give zakat fitrah to the poor at the end of the Ramadhan month every year. Head of the Council, H.M.

Islam bars selling of kidneys: Scholar

Islam bars selling of kidneys: Scholar JAKARTA (JP): Islam prohibits the buying and selling of kidneys and other bodily organs, a Moslem scholar says. Abdullah Syah, a professor of Islamic syariah (law) at the State Institute for Islamic Studies (IAIN) in Medan, North Sumatra, condemned the practice of people writing to newspapers and other publications, offering their organs for a certain sum of money.

Is 'China threat' still haunting Asia?

Is 'China threat' still haunting Asia? By Rizal Sukma JAKARTA (JP): Recently, Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad declared that his country no longer sees China as a political or military threat. Instead, he regarded China as an economic opportunity. According to Mahathir, China should be seen as a partner in the pursuit of regional peace and prosperity. He also said that nobody nowadays would be interested in entertaining the view that China was bent on exporting its communist ideology.

Local drug defendant gets life sentence

Local drug defendant gets life sentence JAKARTA (JP): A 45-year-old Indonesian man was yesterday sentenced to life imprisonment by the Central Jakarta District Court after he was convicted of helping two foreigners to smuggle 29 kilograms of heroin. "The court has found defendant Fredy A Thing guilty of helping two foreigners smuggle the drugs and carry them to Hotel Indonesia, Central Jakarta, on May 11.

Railway goes all out for Idul Fitri exodus

Railway goes all out for Idul Fitri exodus JAKARTA (JP): Perumka, the state railway company, yesterday announced that it will extend itself as far as possible to accommodate the surge in travelers expected during the coming Idul Fitri holiday. Perumka President Soemino Eko Saputro told the House of Representatives that his company was adding 98,000 seats to its services between Feb. 18 and March 15.

New regulations issued to speed up exports

New regulations issued to speed up exports JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad has raised the maximum value of goods or parcels that can be exported without using the Export Notification Form from Rp 1 million to Rp 10 million (US$4,500). The new measure, designed to facilitate exports, notably those of small firms, is stipulated in one of three decrees issued by the minister on Monday.

RI will host NAM ministerial meeting in April

RI will host NAM ministerial meeting in April JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will host a ministerial-level meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in Bandung, West Java, this April, a government official said yesterday. The meeting is to be held in conjunction with the 40th anniversary celebrations of the historic Asia-Africa conference.

Decision on Bambang postponed

Decision on Bambang postponed JAKARTA (JP): House Speaker Wahono, defying speculation that he would buckle under Golkar pressure, decided yesterday to postpone a decision on expelling legislator Bambang Warih Koesoemo until next week. After leading a three-hour meeting between the leaders of the House of Representatives (DPR), Wahono decided he and his deputies needed more time and "input" before making a decision.

Easing of rules on used ships sought

Easing of rules on used ships sought JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Importers Association asked the government yesterday to ease restrictions on imported used vessels and reduce tax burdens on local shippers to strengthen the country's shipping services.

Revenues from oil expected to go up this fiscal year

Revenues from oil expected to go up this fiscal year JAKARTA (JP): The government's revenues from oil and gas sectors this fiscal year are expected to exceed the targeted Rp 9.5 trillion (US$4.3 billion) because the country's oil prices during the first 10 months of the year were higher than expected.

Mind the traffic lights

Mind the traffic lights From Neraca I would like to warn fellow motorists to abide by the traffic regulations even in the absence of police surveillance. I stress this matter because I often see road users, particularly motor-cyclists, going through the red light of traffic lights. What amazes me is that the police take no action against the violators simply because they are military men or they belong to the diplomatic corps. What makes them immune to the traffic regulations?

A preference for Moslems in military leadership?

A preference for Moslems in military leadership? Rumors have been making their rounds that the military leadership these days is being consciously geared for filling with those of Moslem background. Noted political scientist Amir Santoso argues that these rumors are totally baseless. JAKARTA (JP): The appointment of Lt. Gen. Hartono as Army chief this week has raised questions as to why the President and the Armed Forces (ABRI) commander have chosen him?

New Sports Council chief to unveil assistants soon

New Sports Council chief to unveil assistants soon JAKARTA (JP): The newly elected president of the National Sports Council Wismoyo Arismunandar will announce his leadership board lineup by Feb. 22, before fully taking office. Nazaruddin Majid, Wismoyo's closest assistant during his tenure as chairman of the Indonesian Judo Association (PJSI), told reporters yesterday that Wismoyo looked certain to give Hendropriyono and Rudolf Warouw top jobs at KONI. "The lineup will be completed on Feb.

Witnesses vague on burner of post

Witnesses vague on burner of post JAKARTA (JP): Three witnesses in the trial of six students of the National University testified yesterday at the South Jakarta District Court, saying that they did not see who burned the regiment headquarters on Oct. 18. The three witnesses are Bambang Permadi, the National University's Deputy Rector, Furqan Buchari, the university's Students Affairs Department Chief, and Tubagus Yanuar Sumawinata, the head of the university's Household Affairs.

Tanamur to have new exterior

Tanamur to have new exterior JAKARTA (JP): Tanamur, the oldest discotheque in town, will have a new look by the end of this month. "The renovation of the exterior is aimed at maintaining our customers," said the owner of the disco, Ahmad Fahmy, on Monday. The interior of the discotheque, which he called "chaos style", will be reflected in the new exterior. The plan was designed by his American friend, Tom Elliot. "It's not a post-modern style or whatever.

Yogyakarta to host world race

Yogyakarta to host world race JAKARTA (JP): For the first time ever Indonesia will host one of the 12 series of the World Motocross Championships on July 30 at the Pugeran circuit in Yogyakarta. The organizer, Nadjib M. Saleh, said on Monday in Yogyakarta, that the event, the 11th leg of the season, will feature two divisions, the 250cc special engine categories for both junior and senior classes.

'Indonesians may visit Jerusalem'

'Indonesians may visit Jerusalem' JAKARTA (JP): The government has declared that it will not prevent citizens from making religious pilgrimages to holy sites in Jerusalem. Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher made the statement on Monday during his meeting with members of the House of Representatives Commission IX, which oversees education and religious affairs.

Dangerous parking

Dangerous parking I would like to inform foreigners, especially those who do not have a driver, not to park at a free supermarket in the Kemang, in the evenings. For the second time this year, Feb. 11, my Kijang car was interfered with, so that the engine stopped suddenly, approximately 400 meters after leaving the supermarket parking area. The first time it happened, Jan. 3, was also in the evening.

United States neutral in Philippines-China row

United States neutral in Philippines-China row WASHINGTON (Reuter): The United States, which has its own disputes with China, on Monday refused to take sides in the Philippines dispute with Beijing over the Spratly Islands. "Our position on this is that we don't take a position on the merit of competing claims in the South China Sea," State Department spokeswoman Christine Shelly told reporters.

New firm to manage property fund

New firm to manage property fund SINGAPORE (AFP): Property consultants Jones Lang Wootton (JLW) and the Prudential Insurance Co. of America said yesterday they had set up a joint company to manage a US$300 million fund for investment in Southeast Asia's booming property sector. GRA (Singapore) Private Ltd. will manage the Bermuda- registered Southeast Asia Property Co.

Firecrackers (1)

Firecrackers (1) The letter from Mrs. Yattie in the Feb. 14, 1995 issue of your newspaper concerning the lighting of firecrackers during the Ramadhan month is finding my full sympathy. It is really very difficult to understand that there are no restrictions against the use of firecrackers in Indonesia although Ramadhan, as far as I see it, is considered to be a time of thoughtfulness and peace.

'Piracy incidents declined in 1994'

'Piracy incidents declined in 1994' KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Incidents of piracy worldwide declined in 1994 but increased dramatically in Indonesian waters, the Regional Piracy Center said yesterday. In its annual Piracy Report, the center said there were 90 incidents of piracy across the world in 1994 against 103 in 1993 and 115 in 1992. But piracy in Southeast Asia shot up after being on the wane in recent years, with 33 incidents reported in 1994 against 15 the year before.

Better relations between Moslems and govt forecast

Better relations between Moslems and govt forecast YOGYAKARTA (JP): The appointment of Gen. R. Hartono as Army chief of staff will further bolster the government's relations with Moslem groups in the country, a political analyst says. Riswandha Imawan of the Gadjah Mada University said the appointment not only benefits the Armed Forces (ABRI) which also needs to maintain cordial relations with Moslem groups.

RI, RP, Thai firms will set up satellite operator

RI, RP, Thai firms will set up satellite operator JAKARTA (JP): Three telecommunications companies from Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines agreed yesterday to establish a mobile satellite telecommunication operator. The agreement was signed by three top executives of the participating parties -- Adi Rahman Adiwoso from Pasific Satelit Nusantara of Indonesia, Cesar G. Reyes from Philippines Long Distance Telephone Co.

The problem of a 'clean environment'

The problem of a 'clean environment' By Onghokham JAKARTA (JP): Recently it happened again: people being accused of being tainted with leftism due to contamination through relatives or even friends connected with what used to be called the "old left", or communists or with the coup d'etat of Sept. 30, 1965. This is not the first time that "cleanliness" of any kind of relationship with "leftists" or "rightists", such as the Darul Islam rebellion, has been called for by the authorities.

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.

Govt to keep grip on Kanindotex

Govt to keep grip on Kanindotex JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad said yesterday that the government will maintain management control of the troubled textile mill PT Kanindotex through the Federation of Indonesian Batik Cooperatives. "The government will maintain the management contract (of Kanindotex) with the federation which has been running the firm since last September," he said as quoted by Antara.

Tough traffic law largely ignored

Tough traffic law largely ignored JAKARTA (JP): The 1992 Traffic Law with its tough penalties has not had the desired effect in instilling discipline among motorists, Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto says.

U.S. government wants Oki to be trial in LA

U.S. government wants Oki to be trial in LA JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday that the United States government has asked Jakarta for the expulsion, not extradition, of Harnoko Dewantono, the main suspect of a triple murder in Los Angeles.

Seeking help

Seeking help From Berita Buana I am a young woman, 21 years old. Following a family row, I was thrown out of home after I graduated from SMEA (Senior Economic School) in 1992. To earn a living I became a live-in housemaid. Later I accepted a job I was offered outside Jakarta. I was disappointed in my new job when only after one week of working my new boss accused me of stealing Rp 10,000. My boss threatened to take me to the police if I did not confess to the crime.

Ibrahim may quit Bulog chief post by this weekend

Ibrahim may quit Bulog chief post by this weekend JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Food Ibrahim Hasan yesterday refused to comment on the likelihood that he will no longer chair the National Logistic Agency (Bulog) by the end of this week. "Don't ask me such questions. I know nothing about that," he replied to questions raised by journalists after a meeting with President Soeharto at the Merdeka Palace.

Firecrackers (2)

Firecrackers (2) From Neraca During Operation Walet, the Jakarta Metropolitan Police confiscated thousands of firecrackers from vendors in Jatinegara and Tebet. We would like to congratulate the police on their effort to deal with firecrackers, especially during the Ramadhan month. Firecrackers are dangerous not only to the users but also to the sellers for the fires they can cause.

Review of Pantai Kapuk urged

Review of Pantai Kapuk urged JAKARTA (JP): A legislator has urged the government to review the environmental impact analysis on the construction of a luxury housing complex at Pantai Indah Kapuk, a coastal area in West Jakarta. "Even by casual observations it is obvious that the analysis on the luxury housing complex has not been properly carried out," Ismunandar, deputy chairman of City Council told Antara on Monday.

Vandalism and human rights

Vandalism and human rights Vandals recently attacked the Legal Aid Foundation (LBH) and covered their office walls with obscene graffiti. Police have yet to find the culprits responsible for the criminal acts, which included the pouring of a chemical liquid on two cars belonging to the foundation. Recently, a number of lawyers from the foundation experienced similar incidents.

13 fall victim in 'ninja' scare

13 fall victim in 'ninja' scare DILI, East Timor: Local Police Chief Col. Andreas Sugianto said yesterday 13 people have fallen victim in the "ninja" scare that has gripped the town over the past week. He declined to specify how many of the victims were killed or injured but he said that four of them were members of the Armed Forces (ABRI).

Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 14, 1995

Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 14, 1995 Trading Shares Close Change Volume ------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,400 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 9,000 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,400 -25 158,000 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,200 -200 58,000 ANWAR SIERAD 1,650 7,500 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 2,000 292,000 ARGO PANTES 2,725 -25 13,000 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,700 0 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 1,325 0 ASTRA...

500 km of flood dikes need repair

500 km of flood dikes need repair SEMARANG, Central Java: A total of 500 kilometers of flood dikes throughout the province are in poor condition, triggering fear of a reoccurrence of the widespread flooding of 1993. "Most flood dikes are in a deplorable condition due to the lack of maintenance funds," said Wisnu Suharto, section chief of the provincial public works office in charge of rivers and swamps.

Mexican film week at TIM

Mexican film week at TIM JAKARTA (JP): Mexican film week is now underway at Taman Ismail Marzuki and will run at the Teater Tertutup until this Sunday, Feb. 19. The film festival, which has been organized by the Jakarta Kine Klub, is comprised mainly of films from the l980s, including Hard Days, Mariana, Mariana, Hope, Romelia's Story and Empire of the Fortune. Most of the films were produced by Imcine, a company widely- known in Mexico for its active promotion of the country's film industry.

Sipadan and Ligitan long listed on RI map

Sipadan and Ligitan long listed on RI map JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs strengthened yesterday its claim on Sipadan and Ligitan, two small islands off East Kalimantan currently being disputed by Indonesia and Malaysia. "Our maps have always incorporated the two islands, but they (Malaysia) only started to put Sipadan and Ligitan on their maps in 1969," Director General of Political Affairs Izhar Ibrahim told a hearing with the House of Representatives.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Wednesday Maghrib 06.19 p.m. Thursday Imsak 04.30 a.m. Subuh 04.40 a.m.

Mt. Slamet activity is dying down

Mt. Slamet activity is dying down PURWOKERTO, Central Java: The volcanic activity of Mount Slamet, 3,428 meters above sea level, is subsiding after two weeks of frequent tremors and intense smoke. "Although the activity is dying down, residents near the mountain should stay alert for possible eruption," said Soekedi, a Pemalang regency official in charge of monitoring volcanic activity.

Dropping of charges against Kim defended

Dropping of charges against Kim defended JAKARTA (JP): The government is defending its policy of dropping criminal charges against textile tycoon Kim Johanes Mulia, but insists on pressing administrative charges. Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes A. Soetomo said yesterday that Kim was responsible only for falsifying export documents and could be faced only with administrative fines.

Water management in Batam

Water management in Batam JAKARTA (JP): The Batam Industrial Development Authority (BIDA) has approved Biwater, a private firm of Britain, to manage the island's water supply, an official says. "Biwater will manage the water supply under a Build, Operate and Transfer arrangement beginning in April," Soeryohadi Djatmiko, a BIDA executive, was quoted by Antara as saying in Batam yesterday. He also said that negotiations concerning prices and the time frame of the operation are still underway.

Workers complain over Idul Fitri allowance

Workers complain over Idul Fitri allowance JAKARTA (JP): Twenty workers of PT Inasa Wahana Lestari, a steel construction company in Kalideres, West Jakarta, filed a complaint with the City Council yesterday over an unsettled collective labor agreement. Yesterday, Dole, the spokesman for the workers, told the council's Commission E in charge of welfare, that the management refused to sign the agreement because it included a clause about the provision of allowances.

Govt to investigate Slipi land dispute

Govt to investigate Slipi land dispute JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Government Affairs Idroes said the city administration will investigate a case over disputed compensation money for a plot of land in Slipi, West Jakarta. "Related agencies such as the city secretary and Jakarta office of the National Land Bureau, will meet to discuss which party is entitled to the compensation," Idroes told reporters on Monday.

Challenges to the Police

Challenges to the Police From Gatra The statement of the Chief of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police concerning road accidents is saddening. According to the Chief, about 10,000 accidents on toll roads have been recorded to date, not mentioning the "near miss accidents." In fact the Police have taken necessary preventive measures such as intensifying the disciplinary measures in Traffic Control Zones, which should later include all roads and toll roads.

Obi island jolted by series of quakes

Obi island jolted by series of quakes JAKARTA (JP): Obi island in North Maluku was jolted by dozens of aftershocks yesterday following the massive tremor that shook the island on Monday, officials in Ambon, capital of Maluku province, said yesterday. Poor communications links with the island are hindering reports on casualties and damage. Officials in Ambon said they were still waiting for further news from Obi, which could take a day or two.

Bosnian and Croatian firms seek partners

Bosnian and Croatian firms seek partners JAKARTA (JP): A delegation of six business executives from Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, here for a seven-day visit, are looking for partners to establish joint ventures in various sectors in Indonesia and their war-torn countries. "We are ready to make joint ventures in various industries," the leader of the delegation, Ibrahim Dedic, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Bimantara eyes Garuda's A300-B4 aircraft

Bimantara eyes Garuda's A300-B4 aircraft JAKARTA (JP): The Bimantara Group, one of the country's leading conglomerates, has proposed buying nine idle Airbus A300- B4 aircraft from Garuda Indonesia and leasing them back to the national airlines. Director General of Air Transportation Zainuddin Sikado told reporters here yesterday that one of Bimantara's subsidiaries had set up a consortium with other private firms to buy the aging jets.

Priok port ready for Idul Fitri

Priok port ready for Idul Fitri JAKARTA (JP): Tanjung Priok harbor chief Harmoni said yesterday all is ready to handle the "explosion" in the number of passengers leaving Jakarta through the port for the Idul Fitri holidays. Harmoni predicted that the number of people traveling by sea this year would increase around 15 percent compared with last year's Idul Fitri celebration.

Police seek killer of Johar Baru woman

Police seek killer of Johar Baru woman JAKARTA (JP): City police are looking for a suspect in the killing of a 59-year-old woman at her residence in the Civil Air Services housing complex in Johar Baru, Central Jakarta. The fugitive, whose identity is being withheld by the police, is believed to have used a knife to slit the throats of Sri Rikayati Sakam and her 21-year-old step daughter, Ila, during the early hours yesterday. Mrs.

Three-year campaign to rid RI of polio

Three-year campaign to rid RI of polio JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to launch a massive nationwide immunization program to eradicate polio by the year 2000. Minister of Health Sujudi, who announced the ambitious plan at the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday, said the immunization program will be launched in mid-September and repeated at the same time in 1996 and 1997.

Trade relations hampered by a lack of information

Trade relations hampered by a lack of information JAKARTA (JP): ASEAN Secretary-General Ajit Singh, in a joint commission meeting with India yesterday, cited a lack of information as the main impediment to better bilateral trade relations.

Vietnam to buy S. Korean boats

Vietnam to buy S. Korean boats SEOUL (AFP): Vietnam is seeking to buy patrol boats from South Korea, raising hope for the first arms purchase between the two countries since they normalized ties in 1992, a defense ministry spokesman said yesterday. Vietnam wants to import three to five patrol boats worth US$7.5 million each from South Korea through the trading arm of the Hyundai Group, the spokesman said.

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.

Legal Aid Foundation delays graffiti removal

Legal Aid Foundation delays graffiti removal JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Legal Aid Foundation refrained yesterday from removing the obscene graffiti that was scrawled on the exterior of their office building, saying that police would still need the graffiti as material evidence.

4,000 vendors to be removed

4,000 vendors to be removed JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will relocate approximately 4,000 sidewalk vendors to a number of markets, an official said yesterday. Aris Djazuli, head of the Informal Sector Development Agency, told Antara that the vendors have to be relocated because their operation on green belts, park areas, pavements and empty plots of land owned by the city administration, and around traffic lights and bridges is considered to affect the beauty of the city.

Last student convicted in insult case freed

Last student convicted in insult case freed JAKARTA (JP): The last of 21 students convicted of defaming President Soeharto during a demonstration at the House of Representatives in December 1993, was released yesterday after serving his fourteen month jail sentence. Adi Kurniawan, from Darul Ulum University in Jombang, East Java, walked out of the Salemba Detention Center in Central Jakarta at 9:30 a.m.

Landslide victims presumed dead

Landslide victims presumed dead PEMALANG, Central Java: The search for seven people buried in last week's landslide was halted yesterday after four days of futile toil and no hope of survivors. The landslide, from Mount Kupit, caused by heavy rain on Feb. 7 killed two people, buried seven and critically injured three. A less extensive landslide on Saturday caused no injuries but triggered fears of another disaster.

Lawyer, client murdered

Lawyer, client murdered MEDAN, North Sumatra: A lawyer and his client were murdered last week in connection with a land dispute in the Samosir subdistrict, police said yesterday. Spokesman for the North Sumatra police command Lt. Col. Leo Sukardi told The Jakarta Post that the authorities yesterday arrested seven people allegedly involved in the murder of lawyer Manumpak Gultom and his client Badiaman Simbolon.

Vietnam wants time before joining AFTA

Vietnam wants time before joining AFTA SINGAPORE (AFP): Vietnamese Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cam said yesterday that Hanoi should be given a few years to merge into a regional free trade plan after joining the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in July this year. "I have no idea how long it will take. Perhaps three or four years. ASEAN member countries also have the same feeling," Cam said at the end of a four-day official visit here.

Telecommunications in eastern regions

Telecommunications in eastern regions JAKARTA (JP): The development of telecommunication and tourist facilities in eastern provinces will be accelerated in cooperation with foreign parties, Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave said.

Four arrested for murder in Bongkaran

Four arrested for murder in Bongkaran JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested four of the five men suspected of brutally killing a prostitute's client in the low- class Bongkaran red-light district in Central Jakarta. "The suspects were arrested in different places over the weekend while the remaining one is believed to have left the city for his hometown in South Sulawesi," First Sergeant Soetrisno, head of the crime investigation unit of the Tanah Abang police subprecinct, told reporters yesterday.

Edhi holds Russian in Dhaka tourney

Edhi holds Russian in Dhaka tourney JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's number two Grand Master Edhi Handoko squandered a winning chance only to draw with Russia's GM Krasenkov in an international chess tournament in Dhaka on Sunday. The tie put Edhi in the fifth place with 4.5 points, three points away from pacesetter GM Mark Hebden of England. Krasenkov stayed safely at third.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Tuesday Maghrib 06.19 p.m. Wednesday Imsak 04.30 a.m. Subuh 04.40 a.m.

Research on Walter Spies

Research on Walter Spies I have been doing research on Walter Spies, a painter of German nationality, to make a documentary film on this cultural man. When he arrived Indonesia in 1923, Walter Spies lived in Bandung and Yogyakarta, before he lived permanently in Campuhan, Ubud, Bali. In Bandung he worked as a pianist in a silent movie theater. At the end of 1923 he moved to Yogyakarta, and early the following year he became a musician in the Yogyakarta Sultanate.

KL worried over isles in RI's map

KL worried over isles in RI's map KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia was investigating reports that Indonesia had included two islands claimed by both countries in its latest national map, local reports said yesterday. "As far as we are concerned, the two islands belong to us," Foreign Minister Abdullah Badawi was quoted as saying yesterday of the Sipadan and Ligitan islands, jointly claimed by Malaysia and Indonesia.

People start thronging city pawn shops

People start thronging city pawn shops JAKARTA (JP): Many people start thronging pawn shops to mortgage their belongings ranging from house utensils and jewelry to luxury cars in a bid to get cash easily and quickly during the Ramadhan month. Soeparto, spokesman of the state-owned Perum Pegadaian which oversees pawn shops, told reporters yesterday that this is common during Ramadhan, when people pawn their belongings for cash.

President wants more exports of textiles

President wants more exports of textiles JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto asked yesterday that the Indonesian Textile Association make concerted efforts to increase exports of textiles and textile products, which last year dropped 8.1 percent to US$5.6 billion over the previous year. "President Soeharto instructed us to find ways to improve our exports," the association's new chairman, Bambamg Yoga Soegomo, told journalists after meeting with Soeharto.

Pay rise threatens shoe factories

Pay rise threatens shoe factories SERANG, West Java: Shoe makers received the government's policy to raise workers' minimum wages with fears that it will lead many small and medium scale companies to bankruptcy. Deputy chairman of the Indonesian Shoe Producers Association Anton J. Supit said yesterday that when the policy goes into effect in April, scores of shoe factories in industrial centers in the province may sound the death knell. "They are financially weak," he said, Antara reported.

Fighting soccer hooliganism

Fighting soccer hooliganism We do not doubt that the State Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, Hayono Isman, meant well when he urged that soccer hooligans be punished with severe penalties -- even by using the anti-subversion law if necessary. And given the growing brutality of those hooligans, perhaps there are quite a number of us who might tend to agree with the minister. The phenomenon of soccer hooliganism is of course not new.

Goverment urged to drop taxes on CPO, oleins

Goverment urged to drop taxes on CPO, oleins JAKARTA (JP): The Federation of Edible Oil and Fats Associations yesterday called on the government to drop export taxes on crude palm oil (CPO) and oleins -- CPO products for cooking oil production -- to regain Indonesia's stake in overseas markets.

Three elephants die in action

Three elephants die in action BUKIT KEMUNING, Lampung: Three elephants that security authorities used to destroy illegal coffee plantations have died in action, a press reports said yesterday. It is unclear why the trained animals died but the operation's leader, Subari Effendi, said that the elephants might have been ill before they were brought in to uproot coffee trees planted by semi-nomadic farmers on reserved forests.

Sidewalk vendors in Binjai

Sidewalk vendors in Binjai From Merdeka At a discussion to commemorate 75 years of TB Simatupang in Jakarta on Jan. 31, 1995, many participants deplored the involvement of the Armed Forces in raids to clear out sidewalk vendors to the benefit of entrepreneurs or certain officials. This mostly happens in Jakarta. In Binjai, North Sumatra, the police and Armed Forces raided sidewalk vendors' stalls, destroying equipment like tables, carts etc. in Pajak Tavip complex (Jan.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 13, 1995 Trading Shares Close Change Volume --------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,400 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 2,000 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,425 277,500 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,400 -100 20,000 ANWAR SIERAD 1,650 -50 108,000 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 2,000 -25 355,500 ARGO PANTES 2,750 -50 24,000 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,700 0 ASTER DHARMA...

APEC begins first talks for Osaka summit

APEC begins first talks for Osaka summit FUKUOKA, Japan (AFP): Senior officials of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum kicked off a three-day meeting here yesterday, the first talks since leaders of the 18-member group agreed to work towards the goal of free trade and investment in the region by 2020.

Manila licenses 10 banks

Manila licenses 10 banks MANILA (Reuter): For the first time in nearly 50 years, Manila has granted full banking licenses to foreign institutions -- and more may be on the way, Philippines Central Bank Governor Gabriel Singson said yesterday. Singson told a news conference Manila would likely decide within the next six months whether the banking sector would be further opened to foreign competition.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Dilentasia 3:30 TV Drama: Di bawah Kilatan Pedang 4:30 Youth Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Wawasan 8:05 Music: Dangdut 9:00 World News 9:25 Koran Recital 9:40 Music Program 10:45 Late News 10:55 Film: The Crackers Factory Program 2 4:30 p.m.

New policy to boost 'the east'

New policy to boost 'the east' JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is considering the introduction of new tax incentives to companies planning to invest in eastern provinces of Indonesia, a minister said yesterday. "The President is considering new incentives, but he said they must not contradict existing regulations," State Minister of Research and Technology B.J.

Dili residents live in fear of `ninja' attacks

Dili residents live in fear of `ninja' attacks DILI, East Timor (JP): Residents are hiding in their homes under a self-imposed curfew as reports about mysterious gangs in "ninja" hoods terrorizing the capital spread like wildfire. Taxis and other means of public transportation, which are usually available until 11 p.m., stop operating as early as four o'clock in the afternoon, causing workers to have to walk home. Most of them walk in groups for fear of being attacked by the "ninjas".

Textile factories told to move to cheaper areas

Textile factories told to move to cheaper areas JAKARTA (JP): Can't pay your workers the minimum wage? Then relocate your plant to areas where the official minimum wages are relatively lower. That's the message given yesterday by Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief to 70 textile and garment manufacturers in West Java who raised objections to the increases in the minimum wages in their area from Rp 3,800 to Rp 4,600 a day effective April 1.

Bambang's fate to be decided today

Bambang's fate to be decided today JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of the House of Representatives (DPR) are expected to make a decision today on Golkar's proposal to expel its outspoken House member Bambang Warih Koesoemo. The dominant political grouping, however, is certain that House Speaker Wahono will make a ruling in Golkar's favor.

Martial arts for Irian journalists

Martial arts for Irian journalists JAKARTA (JP): Journalists working in Irian Jaya have been advised to take lessons in martial arts to protect themselves against beatings from officials, one of the occupational hazards increasingly encountered in their line of work nowadays. The Irian Jaya chapter of the Association of Indonesian Journalists said that, this year, there have already been two incidents of officials beating journalists because they did not like what they read in the newspapers.

Mayor wages war on brothels

Mayor wages war on brothels JAKARTA (JP): West Jakarta Mayor H. Sutardjianto is waging war on brothels operating in his mayoralty. "I'm firmly determined to wipe out prostitution places located in my area," the mayor said as quoted by Antara yesterday. He asked pimps and prostitutes operating in the Kalijodo red light district, one of the biggest and most notorious flesh markets in the capital, to immediately abandon their professions and seek other jobs which are lawful and allowed by religion.

Dropping of charges against Kim questioned

Dropping of charges against Kim questioned JAKARTA (JP): Law practitioners questioned the government's decision to drop criminal charges against textile businessman Kim Johannes Mulia, saying that he needs to do more than just repay his debts and pay "administrative" penalties. "Repaying the state's money does not eliminate one's crimes," Harkristuti Harkrisnowo of the University of Indonesia's School of Law told Antara.

Flood fighters face difficult challenges

Flood fighters face difficult challenges JAKARTA (JP): The municipal agencies responsible for flood prevention face three tremendous problems which must be solved or ever larger portions of the capital will continue to vanish under water every rainy season. The first problem is domestic and industrial waste. Many of the city's residents are still having problems properly disposing of household waste, Antara news agency reported. All 13 rivers in Jakarta are clogged with garbage.

Man denies forcing wife to become a prostitute

Man denies forcing wife to become a prostitute JAKARTA (JP): A man alleged to have sold his wife into prostitution denied the charges in court yesterday in a last ditch attempt at his defense. Yudhi Haryadi Sutikno told Judge Doris A.A. Taulo of the South Jakarta District Court yesterday that the prosecutor's accusations are based on faulty evidence.

Traffic jams

Traffic jams From Bisnis Indonesia Traffic congestion is a daily scene in the capital city. Even the toll roads are not spared the daily traffic jams. Actually there are many ways to overcome traffic jams. The Jakarta Metropolitan Administration has in fact made every effort to solve the problem, albeit unsuccessfully. For example, the three-in-one system for the restricted area does not really serve its purpose as many children offer themselves as passengers to make up the number.

Manila to seek UN help on Spratlys

Manila to seek UN help on Spratlys MANILA (Reuter): The Philippines said yesterday it was considering elevating the issue of China's occupation of a coral reef in the disputed Spratly islands to the United Nations Security Council and the World Court. Foreign Secretary Roberto Romulo refused to give details of "the military aspects" of the country's strategy but made it clear the Philippines had no wish for a military confrontation with China.

Army's strength still below ideal, Gen. Feisal says

Army's strength still below ideal, Gen. Feisal says JAKARTA (JP): The strength of the Indonesian Army is still below an ideal level, given its immense task to defend the nation and maintain security and order in the huge archipelago, Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung said yesterday.

PLN under fire for cooperation

PLN under fire for cooperation JAKARTA (JP): The state electricity company PT PLN was under fire yesterday over its dealing with private investors involving power generation, which has caused high prices of electricity for subscribers and PLN.

Man imprisoned for vandalism

Man imprisoned for vandalism DILI, East Timor: The district court yesterday sentenced a man to 17 months in jail for burning houses and pelting stones at a fire brigade in the wake of ethnic rioting in November. Judge Barita Sinaga said Agustino Belo was found guilty of inciting rioting on Nov. 12 last year, in which 38 houses near the Becora market were reduced to ashes, causing a lost of about Rp 50 million ($22,000). Earlier, prosecutors sought two years in jail for Agustino.

Wahono will not rush Bambang's dismissal

Wahono will not rush Bambang's dismissal JAKARTA (JP): Speaker of the House of Representatives Wahono says he refuses to be rushed into making a decision about the fate of legislator Bambang Warih Koesoemo, whom the ruling political group, Golkar, wants removed. "We're not talking about slaughtering a chicken here," Wahono said on Saturday when reporters asked him about his delay in responding to Golkar's request that Bambang be dismissed.

PPP chapter leadership taken over

PPP chapter leadership taken over JAKARTA (JP): The outgoing leadership of the Jakarta chapter of the United Development Party (PPP) has announced that it will continue to lead the party chapter until the Central Board decides on a new executive for the region. The announcement, which is signed by the chapter chairman, H. M. Djoefri, was made available to the press over the weekend.

Criticism of the press

Criticism of the press During the National Press Day 1995 celebrations in Manado, North Sulawesi, on Thursday, President Soeharto criticized the domestic press. He said our press coverage is not quite in line with national priorities and often approaches or even oversteps the boundaries, which could invite discord. This was the first time that the President openly criticized the national press and we are obligated to accept this.

State forestry companies earn Rp 158b in profits

State forestry companies earn Rp 158b in profits JAKARTA (JP): Six state-owned forestry companies gained Rp 158 billion (US$71.8 million) in unaudited after-tax profits last year, an 8.2 percent increase over the previous year. Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo told journalists after reporting to President Soeharto here on Saturday that the six forestry companies also contributed Rp 169 billion to the government's coffers in the form of taxes.

Water leakage

Water leakage Water leakage is the most serious problem faced by all water companies in Indonesia. Since the capacity of production is limited and to set up a new installation inflicts high cost, leakage needs to be prevented and reduced to the lowest level. And to overcome the problem, PDAM (the state-owned local water company) in Ciamis, West Java, has implemented two methods of dealing with the problem. 1.

Malaysia to banish 20 players in graft fight

Malaysia to banish 20 players in graft fight KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia will arrest and banish 20 players and two coaches in the latest move against soccer corruption, according to reports yesterday. And officials are still deciding whether to carry out a threat to exclude Singapore from Malaysian league matches for the new season starting in April.

Crucial Indian state election comes to an end

Crucial Indian state election comes to an end BOMBAY (AFP): More than 15 million people voted yesterday in the western Indian state of Maharashtra in the final phase of state polls seen as crucial for Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao and his economic reforms. About 60 percent of the 26 million voters turned out amid tight security in the 10-hour polling to pick 139 members to the 288-seat legislature, election commission officials said. The polling was peaceful.

Another AIDS sufferer in Jakarta

Another AIDS sufferer in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Another Jakartan has been diagnosed as suffering from the Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), the director general of the Communicable Disease Control and Environmental Health department of the Health Ministry, Hadi Abednego said. The patient is one of two people infected with AIDS diagnosed recently by officials of the directorate general, Hadi said, adding that the other patient is living in Irian Jaya.

Persebaya rescinds

Persebaya rescinds its withdrawal JAKARTA (JP): Only one day after Surabaya's Persebaya announced its withdrawal from the Indonesian soccer league on Thursday night, the East Javanese team had to eat its words. Persebaya chairman Sunarto Sumoprawiro, who is also Surabaya Mayor, was forced to change his decision following pressure from superior authorities. "I think I must follow orders from my superiors." Sunarto was quoted on Saturday by the Surabaya-based Surya daily as saying.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Monday Maghrib 06.19 p.m. Tuesday Imsak 04.29 a.m. Subuh 04.39 a.m.

Students must be careful in choosing school abroad

Students must be careful in choosing school abroad JAKARTA (JP): At least a year of extensive and intensive preparation and personal research is absolutely necessary before prospective students leave Indonesia to study abroad, educational advisers say.

Marriage between PC and Telephon: Unity in similarity

Marriage between PC and Telephon: Unity in similarity By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): The recent hike in the cost of making a telephone call in this country is has created a lot of public outcry. Its impact on us, computer users, is far from negligible. Certainly many of us are having a second thought of joining the Internet now, especially those, like myself, who have to pay for their own monthly telephone bills.

Levels of vacant office space to rise to 11%

Levels of vacant office space to rise to 11% JAKARTA (JP): A property market study predicts a brighter future for retail property despite the fact vacancy levels of office space in the capital are likely to rise to 11 percent by the end of this year from 7.51 percent last year.

Bill on companies passed

Bill on companies passed The bill on limited-liability companies was first drafted in 1974. In the meantime it was revised several times to accommodate rapid changes in the business world before being submitted to the House of Representatives last September and finally being approved last week. The new law will replace the Company Law of 1939 which was enacted by the then Dutch colonial rulers.

ABRI reshuffle may change political equation

ABRI reshuffle may change political equation By Imanuddin JAKARTA (JP): The recent reshuffle of the Armed Forces' (ABRI's) top leadership could significantly alter Indonesian politics generally and relations between the military and Moslems in particular, according to two leading political commentators.

One more 'ninja' captured

One more 'ninja' captured DILI, East Timor: Town residents have caught and beaten up another hooded man suspected to be a member of gangs that have been attacking and terrorizing pro-independence activists. The 'ninja', as townspeople have dubbed members of the gang, was captured shortly before midnight in the Vila Verde area where he was sneaking into a house. The ninja, wearing black, identified himself as Mantias, 24, a trader at the local market.

Third execution of 1995 is imminent

Third execution of 1995 is imminent JAKARTA (JP): A convicted murderer on death row in Surakarta (Solo), Central Java, may soon be executed following President Suharto's rejection of his appeal for clemency, according to the Antara news agency. Kartacahyadi, alias Yongki, 35 years old, who was convicted for a triple murder, has exhausted all avenues for reprieve and could be brought before the firing squad soon, officials in Solo told Antara. Indonesia has so far executed two men this year.

Indonesia needs detailed maps

Indonesia needs detailed maps JAKARTA (JP): Detailed maps are crucial to the preservation of Indonesia's national resources and territorial integrity, an official said on Saturday. The head of the National Survey and Mapping Coordinating Agency (Bakosurtanal), Paul Suharto, said on Saturday that complete and unabridged maps of the country are important in protecting Indonesia's borders against potential claims from abroad.

Smelly garbage

Smelly garbage From Jayakarta Like many other residents of Jakarta I commute by city bus from home to my work place everyday. I usually get on at the bus shelter in front of the BPS building on Jalan Otista Raya in eastern Jakarta. Even when it is not peak hours, this bus shelter is always crowded. Lately, however, bus passengers waiting in this bus shelter have been annoyed by the stinking smell of nearby garbage bins.

RP to honor Pope in gold coin

RP to honor Pope in gold coin MANILA (Reuter): President Fidel Ramos has approved the issue of a special 2,500-peso (US$100) gold coin to commemorate Pope John Paul's visit to Manila last month, the presidential palace said yesterday. The Pope's profile, his name and the dates of his visit from Jan. 12 to 16 are inscribed on the coin, which will be 91.6 percent gold and weigh 7.98 grams (0.28 ounces).

Wild bulls a menace in Jember

Wild bulls a menace in Jember JAKARTA (JP): Residents of Mumbulsari subdistrict and workers at the state-owned PTP XIII cocoa plantation have complained about rampaging wild bulls in their villages. The beasts come down from Mt. Mayang for water. Residents have been driving the bulls back to their habitat but they continually return for water, the Antara news agency reported yesterday.

Firm action planned against soil trucks drivers

Firm action planned against soil trucks drivers JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has ordered his subordinates to take firm action against drivers of trucks transporting soil for development projects. "We have to launch an integrated operation to stop trucks from making city streets dirty," he said. The governor said that many trucks, which transport soil from construction projects, have polluted city streets and made the streets dirty, especially during the rainy season.

Fate of taxi driver

Fate of taxi driver One day, when my wife and I went by taxi to the hospital, the taxi driver expressed his pent-up feelings about the recent strict traffic regulations, with the related severe penalties. In a voice which portrayed his frustration and dismay, he told me how hard it was to live in a metropolitan city like Jakarta.

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.

NU may support PDI in 1997 general election

NU may support PDI in 1997 general election JAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid strikes again. On Saturday he hinted that he may mobilize the 28 million-strong Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), which he chairs, in support of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in the 1997 general election. Gus Dur, as he is better-known, made the comments at a fast- breaking dinner hosted by besieged PDI boss, Megawati Sukarnoputri.

Bike riding

Bike riding From Pelita Reading the article in Pelita, Feb. 6, 1995 entitled Orang Belanda Bersepeda Karena Cinta Lingkungan Bersih (Dutchmen ride bikes because they love a clean environment) reminds me of my nine-year stay in Holland. Back then I was always riding my bike, to Leiden University or to the beaches. A bike ride is healthy exercise and keeps your body warm. And the Dutch government gives special consideration for cyclists and therefore special lanes are provided for them.

Jakarta asks LAPD for evidence in Oki's case

Jakarta asks LAPD for evidence in Oki's case JAKARTA (JP): City Police are urging the Los Angeles Police Department to relinquish vital material evidence relating to three murders in Los Angeles. "If they refuse to hand the evidence over, they can at least let us borrow it," City Police Chief Brig. Gen. Dibyo Widodo said on Saturday.

Al Jarreau to perform here

Al Jarreau to perform here JAKARTA (JP): Famous jazz singer Al Jarreau will perform here at the Senayan indoor tennis stadium at 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 21. Organized by Buena Productions, Al Jarreau's performance in Jakarta is part of his Asian tour. Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 45 years ago, Al Jarreau is known as a prolific songwriter and singer. He has produced 13 albums and won five Grammy awards.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Little Wizards 3:00 Children's Program 3:30 TV Series: Dibawah Kilatan Pedang 4:30 School Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Program 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Foreign Reports 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 TV Series: Santa Barbara 9:00 World News 9:25 Koran Recital 9:40 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Orphan Train Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Manggarai residents want to move into apartments

Manggarai residents want to move into apartments JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has warmly welcomed the intention of Manggarai subdistrict residents, South Jakarta, to live in low-cost apartments, currently being aggressively promoted by the municipality.

Bali farmers loss land

Bali farmers loss land JAKARTA (JP): An average of 1,000 hectares of farmlands in Bali are transferred for the use of other functions annually, Bali's provincial legislative council says. Ida Bagus Sudiksa of the Golkar faction in the council said that the expansion of towns in the province and the construction of new housing and tourism projects are the main users of the farmlands, Antara reported on Saturday.

Ten more tax rulings announced

Ten more tax rulings announced JAKARTA (JP): The government announced on Saturday another 10 regulations that will support the implementation of the newly- amended tax laws. The regulations cover the tax treatment of venture capital, the abolition of value-added tax on the sale of low-cost houses and the deductible reserves in banks and insurance companies.

Floods hit northern Java

Floods hit northern Java BREBES, Central Java: A major flood hit a vast area of the northern coast yesterday after flood dikes collapsed on Saturday, disrupting traffic on busy highways. Water levels on highways connecting Tegal, Cirebon, Pekalongan and Brebes were as high as 60 centimeters yesterday. Military authorities in Banyumas regency mobilized troops to help residents rebuild the dikes. They also provided medicines for the victims.

Modern Islamic center in Jakarta

Modern Islamic center in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta will soon have a modern Islamic center, which will be built in Duri Kepa subdistrict, Kebon Jeruk, West Jakarta. Su'ud Usman Karamah Badjeber, chairman of the committee in charge of construction of the project, told Antara that the center is designed to anticipate the development of Moslem preaching by the year 2000.

Modernization or westernization

Modernization or westernization From Prospek I often burst into laughter when I watch the way Indonesian actors act on television, who tend to be so westernized. For example, they like say "ahm" while they are thinking of something, "yap" instead of the Indonesian ya. "Knock", when knocking at the door, instead of tok, tok. "Beep" for the sound of car's horn, instead of the Indonesian tet, tet. In the future, it will be difficult to distinguish Indonesians from Americans.

Manila says China has cut back force in Spratlys

Manila says China has cut back force in Spratlys MANILA (Reuter): China has withdrawn seven of the nine ships it deployed around a coral reef claimed by the Philippines in the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea, military officials said yesterday. But the situation remained a cause for concern because the two Chinese vessels still in the area of Mischief Reef are both warships, said the officials who asked not to be named.

Five killed in motorcycle crash

Five killed in motorcycle crash CEBU, Philippines (AFP): Three men and two women, riding aboard a specially-modified motorcycle, were killed when they crashed into a bus in the southern province of Agusan, a police report issued here yesterday said. The motorcycle, which had an extended seat to accommodate more passengers, swerved to avoid a pothole and stayed into the wrong lane where it collided with the bus on Saturday, the report said.

Investors ruin land

Investors ruin land From Republika We highly appreciate the government's achievement in developing this country. Our village in Bandulu, Anyer, Serang in West Java not withstanding. Ours is a beautiful village with cool air. This has been a site most coveted by investors and many of them have built villas and hotels. This investment has contributed to the betterment of the life of the villagers. However, lately, the development has gone to such a level that it has started to ruin the people.

Police barracks razed by fire

Police barracks razed by fire JAKARTA (JP): Fire destroyed two police barracks located on Jl. Daan Mogot, Pesing, West Jakarta, over the weekend but no casualties were reported. Wiyono Wiryo, an official of the West Jakarta Fire Office said that the fire caused an estimated financial loss of about Rp 135 million (US$61,335). Operational Chief of the office Ishak Yakub said that the fire started at 1:30 p.m. on Friday and was extinguished by 3:00 p.m. by 12 fire engines.

Bulog urged to streamline its operations

Bulog urged to streamline its operations By Hidayat Jati JAKARTA (JP): Amid a current crisis concerning the nation's rice supply, leading analysts are calling for redefinition of the role of the National Logistics Agency (Bulog) to anticipate trade liberalization and to increase efficiency.

Greater Jakarta needs more traffic signs and lights

Greater Jakarta needs more traffic signs and lights JAKARTA (JP): The Greater Jakarta area badly needs additional traffic signs, along with traffic lights and bus stops along major roads. The shortage of traffic signs along major streets prevents police from enforcing the law as fully as possible, City Police spokesman Lt. Col. Bambang Haryoko told reporters Saturday.

Many C. Java judges corrupt

Many C. Java judges corrupt SEMARANG, Central Java: A legislator said on Saturday that many judges in the province are corrupt, in complete contrast to Justice Minister Oetojo Oesman's recent claim. Djuhad Masdja, deputy chairman of the provincial legislative council's Commission A, which is responsible for legal matters, said he had ample evidence to support his statement. "Minister Oetojo Oesman's claim that there are no delinquent judges in Central Java is just not true," he told journalists.

Elephant victims' houses rebuilt

Elephant victims' houses rebuilt BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Dozens of houses in the Mesuji subdistrict, destroyed by wild elephants over the last couple of months, have been rebuilt, the Antara news agency reported. Herds of elephants, each group consisting of as many as 39 animals, trampled and practically flattened some 80 houses belonging to transmigrants who tried to drive them off by burning torches and beating wooden drums.

Sustained rally pushes shares up

Sustained rally pushes shares up JAKARTA (JP): Sustained rally from the preceding week lifted share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) higher last week. Last Tuesday saw the index reaching the week's high of 457.33, up by 2.8% from the week's opening. The upward momentum was however cut short by heavy profit taking by local investors. The JSX composite index closed last week at 453.31, up 7.93 points (1.78 percent) from the previous week's close of 445.38.

Western values influence teens

Western values influence teens They wear branded clothes and shoes, eat at fast food restaurants, hang out at shopping malls, listen to rap and rock, speak in slang and are very pompous. They are what Jakartans call the ABG, an abbreviation for anak baru gede -- urban pre-teens. Their lifestyle is an indication of the country's growing wealth and reflect the strong influence of foreign cultures, American in particular.

Music, language and fashion shape Jakartan pre-teen lifestyle

Music, language and fashion shape Jakartan pre-teen lifestyle By Rita A. Widiadana "Nyokap, bokap cabut, kita nyepik ke Pim, asyik lhaa yaow !" JAKARTA (JP): What speech! These strange words will surely raise the eyebrows of many a parent. This is a modest example of an exchange between a group of pre-adolescent boys and girls gathering (nyepik) at Pondok Indah Mall (PIM) while their mothers (nyokap) and fathers (bokap) are out (cabut).

TV today

TV today TVRI 7:00 a.m. Morning News 7:30 Healthy and Fresh 7:40 TV Series: Vicky The Viking 8:10 Culture Program 8:40 TV Series: Voltron 9:00 People and Events 9:30 Comedy: Ria Jenaka 9:45 Music 10:45 Youth Program 11:15 Beauty 11:45 Sports: Dari Gelanggang Ke Gelanggang 12:45 p.m.

Moersia Zaafril-Ilyas, a woman with vision

Moersia Zaafril-Ilyas, a woman with vision By Carla Bianpoen MALANG, East Java (JP): "I do not believe in material development alone," says Moersia Zaafril Ilyas. Her sparsely furnished sitting room in a garage, where market vendors, becak (pedicab) drivers, youths and colleagues have come to discuss problems and plans for decades, reflects the sober lifestyle of a woman who believes in life's essential values.

Six die of electrocution

Six die of electrocution JAKARTA (JP): Six people from two neighboring families died of electrocution on Thursday in a accident in Tulungagung, East Java, the Antara news agency reported yesterday. When one of the men was electrocuted while working on the house, the other household members tried to pull him away and were, in turn, electrocuted. Everyone, including a five year old girl, died, Tulungagung Police Chief Lt. Col. Suko Nugroho said.

Rap generation has much to learn from folk hero Semar

Rap generation has much to learn from folk hero Semar By M.M.S. Marthawienata JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto suggested recently that dalang (puppet masters) should create themes surrounding Semar, a reincarnated god and servant at the royal palace that didn't exist in the original Ramayana or the Mahabarata epics from India. Two questions come to mind: Who is this figure called Semar? And when did he make his debut in the Indonesian inventory of puppet stories?

Guess What? Tunky Ariwibowo

Guess What? Tunky Ariwibowo "It's easy to build our own car," Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo said to a bunch of journalists while briefing them on Indonesia's automotive industry earlier this week. The problem, Tunky said, lies in whether Indonesians will buy the product. The minister managed to spare some time to explain the Indonesian automotive industry, which has been incessantly criticized for enjoying too much protection from the government.

Guess What? Goenawan Mohamad

Guess What? Goenawan Mohamad The Jakarta State Administrative Court came alive on Thursday when Goenawan Mohamad, the former Chief Editor of the banned Tempo newsweekly, was called as a witness in the case of former Tempo employees against the Minister of Information Harmoko for revoking the magazine's publishing license. The packed courtroom was astonished by his clear and firm answers to questions posed by the judges, the employees' lawyers and Harmoko's lawyers.

Belgian uses local materials to present universal ideas

Belgian uses local materials to present universal ideas Text and photos by R. Fadjri YOGYAKARTA (JP): A journey often yields new ideas. Apart from enriching our visual experience, our encounter with objects we have never seen before may also lead to a spiritual experience. A journey may also introduce us to things that are similar to our past experiences, although they may take completely different forms or shapes. For an artist, a journey is more than just a physical pleasure.

New hotels continue to spring up in Yogyakarta

New hotels continue to spring up in Yogyakarta By R. Fadjri YOGYAKARTA (JP): Despite a limping hotel industry, new star-rated hotels continue to spring up in Yogyakarta. The city's 13 star-rated hotels are struggling to survive with only 48 percent capacity. This has been the situation for the last three years, but investors have not been discouraged from constructing new hotels.

Parents-teenagers relationship have changed

Parents-teenagers relationship have changed JAKARTA (JP): The relationship between parents and teenagers has changed. A few decades ago, teenagers would do whatever their parents told them to do. A parent's words and wishes were considered final, few kids bothered to rebel. Although today's teenagers still respect their parents, they have more freedom to express themselves and make their own decisions.

Guess What? Btari Karlinda

Guess What? Btari Karlinda Many people, women in particular, are quite happy if told they are slim, but not Btari Karlinda (Linda), a movie star turned public relations officer at the Hilton. "Being slim doesn't annoy me, but questions about my weight stress me out," Linda said, admitting that in the last few years she has lost weight. She said that she now weighs 45 kg and is 163 cm tall. Ideally, she should be about 50 kilograms to 55 kilograms Linda said.

The figure of Semar is local creation

The figure of Semar is local creation By M.M.S. Marthawienata JAKARTA (JP): In 1970, former Singapore ambassador to Indonesia, Lee Khoon Choy, wrote in his book entitled Indonesia between Myth and Reality that Semar was a Javanese creation and was much more interesting than any other character in the Ramayana and Mahabarata epics.

My friend, the Professor has little capability

My friend, the Professor has little capability By E. Sadtono SURABAYA, East Java (JP): It comes as no surprise that there is a glut of professors in Indonesia. There are three kinds of professor here: the real professor, the marginal professor and the fake professor. The real professor obtains their professorship through toil, sweat, blood and tears.

Mother of Vice President Try Sutrisno's dies at 82

Mother of Vice President Try Sutrisno's dies at 82 JAKARTA (JP): Mardiyah Soebandi, the mother of Vice President Try Sutrisno, died here yesterday at the age of 82. Mrs. Soebandi, who for the last several years had been living with Try's family in Jakarta, died at the Gatot Subroto Army Hospital. The official announcement from the State Secretariat did not specify her illness. She is survived by four children, 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Teaching children to swim takes patience, knowledge

Teaching children to swim takes patience, knowledge By L. Moroney JAKARTA (JP): The prospect of teaching their child to swim is often approached by parents with trepidation. "I can't possibly do that," they grumble, remembering their parent's tales of: "My dad just threw me in the river and there's nothing wrong with me." However, as their child gets older and still can't swim, desperation sets in and the river begins to look enticing.

Throwing together independence parties

Throwing together independence parties JAKARTA (JP): If you remember, one subject in my scrawlings last Sunday was dirty flags, the numerous rags -- national and foreign -- you see flapping from many a pole throughout the city. Would a rap on the knuckles of the owners help improve the situation?

Gen. Hartono installed as new Army chief of staff

Gen. Hartono installed as new Army chief of staff JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, as the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, yesterday installed Gen. R. Hartono as the new Army chief of staff to replace Gen. Wismoyo Arismunandar. It was a simple and short ceremony that could easily defy the significance of the change in the Army's top leadership. Hartono took the oath in front of Soeharto and then signed a paper accepting the new task.

Oasis restaurant caters to presidents and kings

Oasis restaurant caters to presidents and kings By Lenah Susianty JAKARTA (JP): You're in the gent's when U.S. President Bill Clinton enters, slaps you on the back and says "Hi!" It's not a scene from a new Hollywood blockbuster. It happened last November at the Oasis restaurant in Central Jakarta when Clinton was here for the APEC leaders meetings. The Clintons refused to dine in one of the Raja, the king rooms on the second floor, they wanted to mingle with the other guests.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Sunday Maghrib 06.19 p.m. Monday Imsak 04.29 a.m. Subuh 04.39 a.m.

Guess What? Astari Rasjid

Guess What? Astari Rasjid The day-long fast passes by rapidly for artist Astari Rasjid as she hops around town checking on various preparations for the non-aligned nations exhibit in April. The day starts with hovering around the Fine Arts Gallery in Gambir, Central Jakarta, accompanying officials in charge of palace protocol. One step wrong in the arrangements and Mrs. Rasjid, the head of the organizing committee, will naturally take all the blame.

Tennis blends profits and sport commitment

Tennis blends profits and sport commitment JAKARTA (JP): There are tennis courts scattered across Jakarta, offering various facilities to benefit people who like hitting a furry ball across a net. Playing time is arranged as easily as a quick meal at a warung (food stall). Weather is a minor hurdle. A lack of skill is easily compensated for with an expensive and "forgiving" racket which allows the player to blast deadly shots.

Soldiers said out of line in East Timor killing

Soldiers said out of line in East Timor killing JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono yesterday said that some members of the Armed Forces (ABRI) violated procedures in last month's killing of six people in East Timor. Moerdiono said Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung reported the incident 10 days ago to President Soeharto. The President then called for an immediate inquiry and for the soldiers responsible to be punished.

Sunday Post columns

Sunday Post columns We are regular subscribers to The Jakarta Post. I especially enjoy the Sunday edition because of the many general interest stories, especially those dealing with Indonesian life and culture. The English/Bahasa crossword puzzle is great because I'm learning Indonesian, so it is a challenge and fun. I would like to suggest the following additions to your Sunday paper. One would be a column on Indonesian food and cooking, possibly with some recipes.

11 killed in road crash

11 killed in road crash JAKARTA (JP): At least 11 people were killed when a speeding bus crashed head-on into a truck along the notorious Prapat to Balige highway in North Sumatra on Friday, Antara reported yesterday. Dozens of passengers were taken to a hospital in Pematang Siantar, according to the report. Police said they are still investigating the cause of the crash between the bus from Tarutung and the truck that had a Jakarta plate number. (29)

Teenagers lured by ads in magazines

Teenagers lured by ads in magazines JAKARTA (JP): Love your children. For some of Jakarta's parents, the slogan means hand your kid money or a credit card. Nunui, in her second year at SMP Sumbangsih junior high school, says that her parents give her Rp 15,000 (US$6.81) a week. Agung, a high school student, gets Rp 30,000 per week. Mei, another high school student, whose father has a chain of restaurants, was given a supplementary credit card when she was 15.

Garin is swimming against the current

Garin is swimming against the current By Marseli Sumarno JAKARTA (JP): It's fortunate we still have Garin Nugroho. In the past few years, with the Indonesian film industry in a doldrums, the name Garin Nugroho has continued to ascend. Last year, film reporting in the Indonesian media was dominated by discussions about Garin's second work, Surat untuk Bidadari (Letter to an Angel).

Forest destruction

Forest destruction Three years ago I attended a worldwide energy conference in Kuala Lumpur. The featured speaker at the final banquet was a high level government minister. His speech became very animated as he attacked the irresponsible press who had been reporting that Malaysia's forests were being destroyed by timber companies. He assured that the charges were totally false and that the government was vigilant and effectively protecting the environment.

New chairman vows to revive LIPI

New chairman vows to revive LIPI By Wisnu Pramudya BANDUNG (JP): Soefjan Tsauri, the new chairman of the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), moves into his new office with the classic problem of low pay for his research staff. So what else is new? One might ask. Nothing, but the problem is now so pressing that something has got to be done soon. Something will be done, assured Soefjan. He's got a strong reason to be concerned.

JSX to establish information centers

JSX to establish information centers JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) will establish information centers in the country's major cities as part of its campaign to promote capital market activities. Hasan Zein Mahmud, the JSX president, said yesterday that the campaign is a crucial step in improving the knowledge of the public about the capital market.

Road projects in Jakarta

Road projects in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar said yesterday that his office has been working on six major road improvement projects in the Greater Jakarta area. They include the Jakarta-Serpong toll road, the Marunda arterial road, the Tarum Barat ring road, Jl. Ngurah Rai-Kranji, the Pondok Ungu-Bekasi-Cikarang roadway and a road linking Cibubur, Cileungsi, Jonggol and Selajambe.

Newly passed law on limited liability companies hailed

Newly passed law on limited liability companies hailed JAKARTA (JP): A noted corporate lawyer praised the new law on limited liability firms, which was approved by the House of Representatives (DPR) on Thursday. "This is a good move. Not only is the new law more comprehensive than previous regulations, it also provides more of a legal framework and more certainty," lawyer Todung Mulya Lubis told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Newmont to produce gold

Newmont to produce gold JAKARTA (JP): PT Newmont Minahasa Raya announced yesterday that it is constructing the largest gold mine in North Sulawesi with a total investment of US$131 million. The company's president, John Dow, said his company will begin its commercial production early next year with initial production of 140,000 ounces of gold per year. The mine is expected to have a lifespan of 13 years.

Public Works minister says all is well in Jatigede dam project

Public Works minister says all is well in Jatigede dam project JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar gave his assurances yesterday that the construction of a multipurpose dam in Jatigede, West Java, will proceed smoothly. Radinal told reporters that the thousands of villagers displaced by the project would be well compensated and that he did not expect any of the same trouble that beset the construction of the Kedung Ombo dam in Central Java in the 1980s.

Floods cause Rp 683m in loss

Floods cause Rp 683m in loss SEMARANG, Central Java: Floods, which have struck 16 regencies in Central Java over the past week, have caused material losses of Rp 683.3 million (US$309,208.14), an official said yesterday. Dwi Hastuti, spokeswoman for the Central Java administration, said the floods have caused extensive damage to food crops and public facilities in at least 16 regencies.

17 locations for phone payments

17 locations for phone payments JAKARTA (JP): Chief of the East Jakarta Telecommunication Office, I Nyoman Punia announced yesterday that the office has appointed 17 post offices in Jakarta as locations for its customers to pay their telephone bills. Punia said the appointment of the 17 post offices is aimed at replacing three bank counters, which are the Jatinegara and Rawamangun branches of Bank Nasional Indonesia (BNI) and the Rawamangun branch of Lippo Bank.

Extra buses allowed for Idul Fitri holiday

Extra buses allowed for Idul Fitri holiday JAKARTA (JP): The directorate general of land transportation has agreed to allow bus transportation companies to operate extra buses during the upcoming Idul Fitri celebration. According to Director General Soejono, the additional buses are allowed to pick up passengers at certain places without having to go to the terminals.

Ramos Horta is losing is propaganda war: Alatas

Ramos Horta is losing is propaganda war: Alatas JAKARTA (JP): Exiled Fretilin separatist leader Jose Ramos Horta is fast losing his platform for criticizing Indonesia's integration of East Timor as more Timorese abroad are beginning to challenge his allegations, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas claimed yesterday. Alatas said that although Ramos Horta, "with the help of certain NGOs", is still active in various places, there were now an increasing number of voices opposing him.

On mobile phones

On mobile phones I would like to comment on Mrs. or Mr. Roestenburg's letter Lunch with a mobile phone dated Feb. 10, 1995, in The Jakarta Post. The use of mobile phones in public places such as restaurants is getting more and more common. However, users have to be directed into three categories: 1. business people, who have to be reached at any place and time during the day; 2. yuppies (young urban professionals) using a mobile phone as their first carrier indication in the public; 3.

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.

RI paper firm gets $50m loan

RI paper firm gets $50m loan JAKARTA (JP): The Hong Kong-based Citicorp International Ltd. announced yesterday that a syndication of banks have approved a US$50 million loan for a paper board manufacturing firm, PT Fajar Surya Wisesa, to finance its expansion project. A Citicorp director, Clarence T'ao, said in a statement made available here yesterday that Citicorp acted as the main arranger of the loan facility and Citibank NA's Jakarta office acted as its security agent.

Students told to come up with concept of freedom

Students told to come up with concept of freedom BOGOR, West Java (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja challenged the Indonesian Christian Student Movement yesterday to redefine its identity in anticipation of social and political changes. "You will be the country's leaders soon. What concept of freedom do you intend to live with?" asked the former student activist to the members assembled to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Indonesian Christian Student Movement (GMKI).

Occupation of reef won't lead to conflict: Philippines

Occupation of reef won't lead to conflict: Philippines MANILA (Reuter): The Philippines said yesterday that China's occupation of a reef in parts of the South China Sea claimed by Manila would not lead to conflict. "Aggression is not an option and I believe that at this point there is some agreement between us and the People's Republic of China," Foreign Secretary Roberto Romulo said.

Gen. Feisal swears in deputies

Gen. Feisal swears in deputies JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces Chief, Gen. Feisal Tanjung, swore in his two new deputies yesterday. Maj. Gen. Soeyono will oversee the military's security and defense functions, while Maj. Gen. Moch. Ma'ruf will supervise its socio-political role. Feisal installed Maj. Gen. Soeyono as chief of general affairs to replace Lt. Gen. H.B.L. Mantiri, while Maj. Gen. Moch. Ma'ruf takes the post of chief of socio-political affairs replacing Gen. R.

APEC to set up group for settling disputes

APEC to set up group for settling disputes TOKYO (AFP): The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) agreed yesterday to set up a working group to develop procedures for settling regional trade disputes, Japanese news agencies reported. The reports said the agreement was reached at a meeting of the group's trade and investment committee in the southern city of Fukuoka.

Man jailed for reckless driving

Man jailed for reckless driving JAKARTA (JP): The North Jakarta District Court has sentenced Sumarno, known as Imin, the driver of a public transit vehicle, to two-and-a-half years imprisonment for hitting, and killing, a pedestrian. Presiding Judge IGA Retisny said in the verdict on Thursday that the traffic accident took place on Jl. Raya Tugu, Cilincing, North Jakarta, on Sept. 3, last year.

Indonesia opens trade office in Moscow

Indonesia opens trade office in Moscow JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has opened a trade office in Russia with the aim of promoting trade relations between the two countries, an official said yesterday. "The office, called Indonesia House, provides information and consulting services for Indonesian companies interested in doing businesses in Russia and the Commonwealth of Independent States," the head of the National Agency for Export Development, Rudy Lengkong, told reporters.

Young reporters lack national pride: Harmoko

Young reporters lack national pride: Harmoko By Santi WE Soekanto MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko lashed out at the new breed of journalists for their lack of nationalism and for engaging in smear campaigns. Harmoko delivered the blow on Thursday evening here in front of hundreds of journalists of all ages, who were attending the presentation of awards to long-serving journalists in conjunction with National Press Day.

A good choice

A good choice The appointment of the new Army Chief of Staff is drawing greater attention than similar appointments before, not only because Lt. Gen. Hartono is the first officer from the socio- political branch to become Army Chief of Staff, but also because many people had speculated that Gen. Wismoyo's career would not end at that position, but that he could for example have become the Armed Forces Chief Commander.

Jakarta to have enough meat

Jakarta to have enough meat JAKARTA (JP): Director General of Animal Husbandry Soehadji said yesterday that supplies of meat in Jakarta were sufficient for the Ramadhan fasting month and for Idul Fitri festivities but that he could not predict what would happen to its price. Soehadji was quoted by Antara yesterday as saying that for 40 days prior to the Idul Fitri festival and for five days after it the demand for the meat would increase from 4,320 tons to 5,724 tons.

ASEAN official to visit India

ASEAN official to visit India JAKARTA (JP): The Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), Ajit Singh, is heading of 40- member delegation to India for a meeting of the ASEAN-India Joint Sectoral Cooperation Committee The Committee meeting will convene Monday for five days in New Delhi and Goa. This is the second such dialog since the India and ASEAN began their sectoral dialog relations in 1993.

Eight still missing in landslide

Eight still missing in landslide PEMALANG, Central Java: Search and rescue workers will use dogs to help locate eight villagers buried under a land slide that killed one person and injured three others in the town of Bulakan on Tuesday, an official said yesterday. "So far, search and rescue workers, armed with hoes, have failed to find the victims," Moelyono, head of the Pemalang Search and Rescue Team, was quoted by Antara.

Japan's gratitude

Japan's gratitude The big earthquake that severely jolted the southern part of Hyogo Prefecture in the early morning of Jan. 17, 1995 wrecked havoc far beyond our imagination. Heartwarming expressions of sympathy and condolences and assistance came from all over the world, especially from the Indonesian government and people.

Traditional marts more competitive

Traditional marts more competitive JAKARTA (JP): The West Jakarta branch of P.D. Pasar Jaya, the city markets authority, is planning to make traditional markets in its area more competitive this year. PD Pasar Jaya official M. Saleh Tuasikal was quoted by Antara on Thursday as saying that West Jakarta's traditional markets had advantages which could not be matched by supermarkets or luxurious shopping malls.

Muhamadiyah focuses on programs

Muhamadiyah focuses on programs YOGYAKARTA: Muhamadiyah, a Moslem social and educational organization, will focus on its working programs at its upcoming congress, rather than on the election of the new leadership. Muhamadiyah's deputy chairman, Ahmad Syafii Maarif, said yesterday he was optimistic that Muhamadiyah's congress in Banda Aceh in July would not get bogged down in debates over the organization's leadership.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m Sports 3:30 TV Series: Dibawah Kilatan Pedang 4:30 Culture Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Circus Lights 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 9:25 Koran Recital 9:40 Music 10:45 Late News 10:55 Film: Dosa Siapa Program 2 4:30 p.m.

PPP faces dissension in Jakarta chapter

PPP faces dissension in Jakarta chapter JAKARTA (JP): The central executive board of the United Development Party (PPP) is facing an unexpected dissension from its Jakarta chapter over the election of the chapter's chairman. An attempt by the PPP central executive board to intervene and appoint its own candidate for the vacant post in the Jakarta chapter was quickly rejected by many of the chapter leaders.

Dili residents catch two 'ninjas'

Dili residents catch two 'ninjas' DILI, East Timor: Town residents have caught two hooded men believed to be members of a "ninja" group that roam the streets at night terrorizing pro-independence activists. Eyewitnesses said one of the hooded men, identifying himself as Da Costa, 22, was caught on Wednesday, and Dominggus, 24, on Thursday night. Both were beaten by a mob before being turned in to the authorities.

Dengue epidemic worsens in Kupang

Dengue epidemic worsens in Kupang KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Hospitals are struggling to cope with the increasing number of people being admitted with dengue fever as the epidemic worsens, an official said yesterday. Chief of the provincial health office Eddy Lamannepa said the number of people infected with the disease in the Kupang regency has risen from 10 people late last month to 163 yesterday.

Police seize fire crackers

Police seize fire crackers SEMARANG, Central Java: Police have confiscated thousands of fire crackers and arrested dozens of people selling and distributing them over the past few days. Central Java police spokesman Lt. Col. Bardja said that those arrested for producing, distributing and selling of the fire crackers were released after they had been interrogated.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 10, 1995 Trading Shares Close Change Volume ---------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,400 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 3,000 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,425 75 101,000 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,500 0 ANWAR SIERAD 1,700 -25 73,500 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 3,000 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 2,025 278,500 ARGO PANTES 2,800 0 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,700 -225 2,500 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY...

Govt urged to stop sending maids abroad

Govt urged to stop sending maids abroad JAKARTA (JP): Legislators urged the government yesterday to stop exporting maids to Saudi Arabia and elsewhere, a practice which has led to widespread physical and sexual abuse. In a hearing with Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief, members of the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission VI on labor affairs said the women have no legal protection and that maid exports have tainted Indonesia's image.

Better facilities may cause people to sell their land

Better facilities may cause people to sell their land JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirja has urged residents of the city's least-developed neighborhoods not to sell their land and move when the city administration has finished developing their areas. "The value of land increases as soon as the administration has built various facilities such as roads and water ducts. And the increase in land prices tempts people to sell their property," Surjadi said yesterday.

Local retailers say keep ban

Local retailers say keep ban JAKARTA (JP): The newly established Association of Indonesian Retailers appealed yesterday to the government that it maintain the restriction on foreign investment in domestic retail businesses. The association's chairman, E. Dachlan, said yesterday that the country's retail industry should be closed to foreign investments to protect local companies.

City plans for Idul Fitri transport

City plans for Idul Fitri transport JAKARTA (JP): Head of the transportation ministry's Jakarta office A. Karim T said his office has drawn up plans to anticipate the exodus of travelers who want to celebrate Idul Fitri in their hometowns. Karim told reporters in a fast breaking get-together at the transportation office building on Thursday that demands for public transportation on the days leading up to the Moslem holidays have shown an increase of 10 percent compared with "normal days.".

Legal aid office attacked by graffiti vandals

Legal aid office attacked by graffiti vandals JAKARTA (JP): The Director of the Jakarta branch of the Legal Aid Foundation Luhut Pangaribuan expressed concern yesterday at the obscene pictures and writing scrawled on two outside walls of the foundation's building at Jl. Diponegoro 74, Central Jakarta. "The graffiti and the words here are not a form of vandalism done for fun by street kids. This was deliberate and clearly planned," Luhut said.

Vietnam to set up its first stock market

Vietnam to set up its first stock market HANOI (Reuter): Communist Vietnam will soon launch a capital markets authority, set up a pilot stock market and issue bonds abroad as it strives to attract foreign capital, State Bank governor Cao Si Kiem said yesterday. But he admitted it had a way to go before it caught up with its future partners in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

Setting an example

Setting an example The coming month of August is likely to remain in the memory of the fishermen and their families who live in Muara Angke on the Bay of Jakarta. In that month 80 low-cost apartments, built especially for fishermen, are expected to be completed thanks to a Rp 1 billion (US$452,693) donation from the Gotong Royong Fund Foundation, chaired by First Lady Tien Soeharto. According to Jakarta's Deputy Governor for People's Welfare, R.S.

Top athletes help fund raising

Top athletes help fund raising JAKARTA (JP): The pictures of top national athletes will be stamped on the cans of a renowned soft drink as part of a sports fund-raising program. World badminton queen Susi Susanti, Indonesia's fastest man Mardi Lestari, the 1986 Olympic silver medalist archer Nurfitriyana Lantang, leading boxer Albert Papilaya and young international footballer Kurniawan Dwi Yulianto have been selected to represent their respective sports.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Saturday Maghrib 06.20 p.m. Sunday Imsak 04.29 a.m. Subuh 04.39 a.m.

Oki investigation close to an end

Oki investigation close to an end JAKARTA (JP): Police revealed yesterday that their investigation of the Los Angeles triple murder is almost complete and that Oki has confessed. Deputy to National Police Chief for Operational Affairs Maj. Gen. Koesparmono Irsan told reporters that the prime suspect, Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, has admitted killing all the three victims.

Malaysia and Thailand to begin oil drilling

Malaysia and Thailand to begin oil drilling KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia and Thailand will in May begin joint petroleum drilling activities in an area in the Gulf of Thailand claimed by both countries, officials said yesterday. Six exploratory wells, with investments of at least US$42 million, will be drilled this year, after more than 18 years of suspension of drilling activity in the overlapping boundaries, a Malaysia-Thailand Joint Authority (MTJA) statement said.

PSSI said too slow in handling hooliganism

PSSI said too slow in handling hooliganism JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) was too slow in reacting to the recent hooliganism in Yogyakarta, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman said yesterday. "Since there was no immediate reaction from PSSI, I had to raise the matter myself," Hayono said, referring to his threat to disband the two-month-old Indonesian league. The threat has drawn protests from PSSI and the league's administrators.

Administration probes land status

Administration probes land status JAKARTA (JP): Bogor administration is checking into the status of a plot of land in the Cipambuan village, Citeureup district, bulldozed by developer PT M.P. to make way for the building of a real estate and golf course. "The investigation is being conducted to make sure whether or not some of the land belongs to area residents," Denny M. Moehry, the spokesman for the administration said, told Antara yesterday.

Resident complains about compensation

Resident complains about compensation JAKARTA (JP): Agus Yanuar Ayub, a resident of Slipi subdistrict in West Jakarta, filed a complaint with the City Council over unpaid compensation for his land. Agus told the City Council's Commission A, which is in charge of government affairs, security and public order, that a developer, PT Centralindo Panca Sakti, appropriated his land without paying compensation to him as the owner.

New cellular phone system for Jakarta

New cellular phone system for Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): PT Komselindo, a newly-established company in the cellular communications business, is currently exploring the possibility of introducing a new digital cellular system in Greater Jakarta, an executive of the firm said.

Mobile telephone business still open

Mobile telephone business still open JAKARTA (JP): Opportunities in the country's lucrative telecommunications industry are still wide open as the government will soon set up technical guidelines on cheaper mobile telephone businesses. Director General of Post and Telecommunications Djakaria Purawidjaja told reporters during a gathering for fast-breaking on Thursday that the government is currently preparing guidelines on the business of CT2, the second generation of the mobile telephone system.

City fights against scalpers

City fights against scalpers JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military District Commander Maj. Gen. Wiranto has declared war on ticket scalpers operating at bus and railway stations ahead of the Idul Fitri festivities. The fight against scalpers is to give security to Jakartans intending to travel by bus or train to their hometowns, Wiranto said at a fast breaking gathering in Serpong, Tangerang, on Thursday evening.

Sam Ratulangi, RI's first futurologist, says expert

Sam Ratulangi, RI's first futurologist, says expert By Santi WE Soekanto MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Long before John Naisbitt and Patricia Aburdene became famous for their sharply-defined predictions about future social, political and economic developments, Indonesia already had Dr. Sam Ratulangi. "Sam Ratulangi should be declared Indonesia's first 'futurologist'," said Dr. Andi Hakim Nasoetion yesterday. Nasoetion is a prominent statistician at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Friday Maghrib 06.20 p.m. Saturday Imsak 04.28 a.m. Subuh 04.38 a.m.

ASEAN plans tourism body to boost links

ASEAN plans tourism body to boost links KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): The six member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plan to set up a new tourism body to link public and private efforts to boost growth, a senior official said yesterday.

'Press Council not consulted over 'Tempo' ban'

'Press Council not consulted over 'Tempo' ban' JAKARTA (JP): Senior journalist Goenawan Mohamad, who is mounting a court challenge to the government's 1994 decision to close his Tempo news magazine, says the Press Council was not consulted prior to the move. Goenawan told a hearing in the Jakarta State Administrative Court yesterday that at least three members of the council he had spoken to had said they had had no prior knowledge when the government revoked Tempo's publishing license.

Bishop Belo reports rights violations to President

Bishop Belo reports rights violations to President DILI, East Timor (JP): Bishop Carlos Filipe Ximenes Belo has reported to President Soeharto on what he sees as widespread violations of human rights in the territory. Belo said a spate of violence that led to human right abuses in the former Portuguese colony has been particularly worrying over the past three months.

Lunch with a mobile phone

Lunch with a mobile phone Have you ever had lunch with a mobile phone? Let me explain. My son and I recently stopped at a coffee shop on Jl. Wijaya I on our way home from school for something to eat. Seated a few tables from us were four very well dressed young people. During the course of our snack, one lady received at least 10 phone calls.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Nusa Dua Beach Hotel: Budaya Stage - Legong Buffet Dinner, Friday; Ramayana Buffet Dinner, Monday. Coffee Shop - Indonesian Night with Joged Dance, Saturday. Village Night with Frog Dance, Tuesday. Notte Italiana with Capo Dastro Quartet, Thursday. Poolside - BBQ Night with Hawaiian Band, Wednesday. * Sheraton Lagoon Nusa Dua Beach: Poolside Terrace - Janger Cultural Performance, Friday. Pasar Ikan Seafood Market, Saturday.

Investigate Arbamass company

Investigate Arbamass company From Bisnis Indonesia I read a report in a newspaper saying that PT Arbamass, owned by Arie Sigit Soeharto and Emir Baramuli, has obtained permission from Warsito Rasman, director general for Development of Regional Autonomy, to monopolize the sale of alcoholic drinks in Indonesia as of Feb. 19, 1994. According to Emir Baramuli, the sale of alcoholic drinks is controlled by attaching a sticker on the bottle. The sticker costs Rp 600 to Rp 700 and PT.

NCO featuring a top-notch pianist

NCO featuring a top-notch pianist By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): Keep an eye on Stephen K. Tamadji. If his performance last Tuesday with the Nusantara Chamber Orchestra is any indication, this young pianist will reach considerable heights. Prokofiev's piano concertos, though a standard by now, belong to the most difficult in piano literature, the more so because of the precision work required between piano and orchestra, precision work in which split seconds make all the difference.

Piruz away to defend title

Piruz away to defend title JAKARTA (JP): East Kalimantan boxer Piruz Boy will defend his IBF Intercontinental junior bantamweight title against Thai challenger, Ratanachai Voraphin, in a bout slated for Feb. 24 in Bangkok, Thailand. A win in the scheduled 12-round bout will pave the way for Piruz to the long-awaited title fight in the IBF world boxing version. IBF Intercontinental is IBF's subordinate division which groups boxers outside the top ten.

Japan urges caution on trade liberalization

Japan urges caution on trade liberalization TOKYO (AFP): Japan's largest business group opposes rapid liberalization of trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region and is also cautious towards Malaysia's idea for an East Asian Economic Caucus (EAEC). In a report to be adopted Friday, the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren) said the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum should "deeply consider" the particular situation of each member country.

Pleas not to extradite Oki to U.S. bombard authorities

Pleas not to extradite Oki to U.S. bombard authorities JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers, relatives and police officers have asked the authorities not to extradite Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, to Los Angeles, as requested by the United States government. "We have no extradition treaty with the United States and our existing law clearly stipulates that he has to be tried here," Oki's lawyer Amir Syamsuddin told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Panama offers shipping registration privileges

Panama offers shipping registration privileges JAKARTA (JP): Panama, whose flag is flown on 100 Indonesian ships, is inviting more ship owners to take full advantage of the services provided by its "flag of convenience". "The Panamanian registry offers many facilities which might be of considerable interest to ship owners," Panama's Consulate- General Raul A. Eskildsen told The Jakarta Post at his office here yesterday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Feb. 9, 1995 Trading Shares Close Change Volume --------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,400 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 2,500 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 0 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,350 0 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,500 49,000 ANWAR SIERAD 1,725 -75 784,500 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 2,025 -100 324,000 ARGO PANTES 2,800 0 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,925 0 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 1,325 0 ASTRA...

BPS's business center

BPS's business center JAKARTA (JP): The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) will set up a Business Information Center later this year to support the activities of Indonesian companies, said the bureau's chief, Sugito. He said yesterday that the planned center will provide essential information and data on export opportunities, Indonesian imports, investment opportunities and demographic data about export-target countries.

Only 10 percent of judges accept bribes: Chief justice

Only 10 percent of judges accept bribes: Chief justice JAKARTA (JP): Chief Justice Soerjono denies the suggestion that most judges in the country are dishonest and is convinced that the majority of judges responsibly carry out their duties. Soerjono estimated that at most, 10 percent of some 3,000 judges indulged in such corrupt practices as accepting bribes. "I don't think the number exceeds 50 percent," he told reporters on Wednesday after installing two justices at the Tax Advisory Council.

Wonorejo dam to cost more than $50 million

Wonorejo dam to cost more than $50 million JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar yesterday broke the ground for the construction of the second phase of a Rp 114 billion (US$51.63 million) multi-purpose dam in Wonorejo of East Java, which will have a capacity of 122 million cubic meters.

Unocal discovers oil, gas

Unocal discovers oil, gas JAKARTA (JP): Unocal Indonesia Ltd., an affiliate of the Los- Angeles-based Unocal Corp., has discovered hydrocarbon reserves offshore East Kalimantan with a daily production capacity of 1,263 barrels of oil and 7.4 million cubic feet of natural gas. S.

Art show to embrace non-alignment concept

Art show to embrace non-alignment concept JAKARTA (JP): Can the concept of 'non-alignment', or neutrality in superpower conflicts, be applied to contemporary art? Yes, it can, according to the organizers of an upcoming exhibition of contemporary art of countries of the Southern hemisphere. About 200 works from 30 countries of the southern hemisphere will be exhibited at the two-month long "Unity in Diversity" exhibition which begins in April.

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.

Auditing bank auditors

Auditing bank auditors Bank Indonesia's recent regulations on procedures for financial reporting by commercial banks put both external and internal auditors under tougher supervision. The rulings require banks to hire only from among the independent public accountants (external auditors) who have been registered at the central bank. The regulations also empower the central bank to reject the external auditors hired by a bank.

Stolen kiss leads to hospitalization

Stolen kiss leads to hospitalization ORMOC CITY, Philippines (AFP): Stolen kisses may be dangerous to your health a 33-year-old Filipino man found out when he was nearly beaten to death, police said yesterday.

Crisis deepens in Israel-PLO summit

Crisis deepens in Israel-PLO summit EREZ, Gaza Strip (Reuter): Middle East peace talks slid deeper into crisis yesterday when Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO Chairman Yasser Arafat failed to break a deadlock over Israelis' security and the closure of Palestinian land. They agreed to meet again in a week. Rabin sought to play down the notion of a crisis in the talks on expanding a long-stalled Palestinian self-rule deal.

RI archers aim for Olympics

RI archers aim for Olympics JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian archers are seeking a return to the Olympic Games when they enter the 38th world archery championships here in August, the qualifying round for the 1996 Olympics. The Indonesian women's trio of Lilis Handayani, Nurfitriyana and Purnama Pandiangan, winners of a memorable silver medal in the 1986 Olympics in Seoul, have joined the national team made up of 20 male and female athletes for the Aug.

Plutonium shipment rebuked

Plutonium shipment rebuked JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Environmental Forum (WALHI) demanded yesterday the government close Indonesian territorial waters to this month's shipment of plutonium from France to Japan. WALHI said in a statement that the 14 tons of highly radioactive plutonium waste contained in 28 canisters will be carried to Japan by a British container.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Kubuto 3:05 Science Program 3:30 TV Series: Dibawah Kilatan Pedang 4:30 School Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Kiat Manajemen 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Karya Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dinamika 8:05 Music 9:00 World News 9:25 Koran Recital 9:40 Quiz: Siapa Dia 10:45 Late News 10:55 Film: My Kidnapper My Love Program 2 4:30 p.m.

House passes new law on companies, mergers

House passes new law on companies, mergers JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives yesterday passed a bill on limited liability companies which will provide a new legal basis for business entities in Indonesia. Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman said during the House's plenary session that the new legislation was expected to provide a better legal framework and greater certainty for business activities, thereby making the country a better place for investors.

Death of student regiment member still under investigation

Death of student regiment member still under investigation JAKARTA (JP): West Jakarta police are still looking for suspects in the case of a 19-year-old student regiment recruit, who died as a result of cruel treatment. The victim was a student of the privately-owned Tarumanegara University.

Time for press to be criticized: Senior Journalists

Time for press to be criticized: Senior Journalists By Santi WE Soekanto MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Senior journalists greeted with grace President Soeharto's criticism of the press in Indonesia and its occasional tendency to overstep its boundaries. The president said that such infractions could place the nation at risk and suggested that it was now the press' turn to be open to criticism.

Alleged Chinese presence on reef a thorn in Sino-ASEAN ties

Alleged Chinese presence on reef a thorn in Sino-ASEAN ties By Martin Abbugao MANILA (AFP): The alleged presence of Chinese troops on a reef claimed by Manila in the disputed Spratlys islands could have "very serious implications" for relations between Beijing and ASEAN nations, an analyst said Wednesday.

Traffic jams spreading unabated

Traffic jams spreading unabated JAKARTA (JP): The number of traffic jams in Jakarta has reached an alarming level and could eventually pose a tremendous threat to national development, City Council chairman M.H. Ritonga said yesterday. "If the ever-increasing number of vehicles in the city is not controlled, traffic congestion will become Jakarta's most serious problem," Ritonga was quoted by Antara as saying.

Elephants kill 17 people a year

Elephants kill 17 people a year BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Wild elephants on the rampage trample to death up to 17 people a year in this Sumatran province, says chief of the provincial forestry office A.S.M. Panjaitan. He said that each year in Lampung an estimated 1,000 wild elephants, which are protected by law, encroach on human settlements, destroying crops and killing people.

Merpati closing jet deal

Merpati closing jet deal JAKARTA (JP): Merpati Nusantara, a subsidiary of the national airline Garuda Indonesia, is finalizing negotiations for a contract to lease eight Fokker F-28 aircraft from a consortium which bought the jets from Garuda at US$2.7 million each. Merpati's spokesman, A.

Housewife sentenced for bitting off finger

Housewife sentenced for bitting off finger JAKARTA (JP): The North Jakarta District Court has sentenced Mrs. Wartini, 29, to three-and-a-half months imprisonment for biting off the finger of Mrs. Rusmiati, 34. Prosecutor HPW Soekewi told Antara on Wednesday that Mrs. Wartini and Mrs. Rusmiati are, respectively, the second and first wife of Herman Susilo. The prosecutor explained that Mrs. Rusmiati's finger was bitten off by Mrs.

20,000 radio transmitters illegal

20,000 radio transmitters illegal SURABAYA, East Java: About 20,000 radio transmitters operate without an official permit, and there are fears that the equipment may be used for subversive purposes if it goes unchecked. The East Java chapter of the Association of Indonesian Amateur Radio Stations (Orari) urged the authorities yesterday to crack down on the illegal radio transmitters.

Quake worries RI importers

Quake worries RI importers JAKARTA (JP): A number of Indonesian importers are anxious because the recent earthquake in Kobe of Japan have caused delays in the processing of inspection reports which are required for port clearance. "Yes, there has been some anxiety but it is nobody's fault and I expect everything will be resolved soon," Amiruddin Saud, chairman of the Indonesian Importers Association, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

New science and cultural center

New science and cultural center JAKARTA (JP): The municipal administration is considering an offer from Mitsui Corp. of Japan to build a new science and cultural center in the city. Head of city public relations office Soesila Darmoadji told reporters on Wednesday that at first the company had offered a donation to modernize the city's planetarium facilities at Ismail Marzuki cultural center but that the governor had refused it.

Labor exporters denounce tough new Saudi laws

Labor exporters denounce tough new Saudi laws JAKARTA (JP): Companies which have been sending Indonesian workers to Saudi Arabia denounced yesterday Riyadh's decisions to hike working visa fee by 2,000 percent and to require AIDS-free certificates from incoming workers.

Kanindotex is still battling

Kanindotex is still battling JAKARTA (JP): The debt repayment of the Central Java-based PT Kanindotex needs further rescheduling despite an improvement in its business performance over the past four months. Noorbasha Djunaid, who heads the debt-ridden company's new management team, said Kanindotex remains financially weak, even though the last four months had seen a substantial increase in sales.

Minimum wage and religious bonus

Minimum wage and religious bonus From Media Indonesia The decision of the Ministry of Manpower concerning the increase of the minimum wage level, to be put into force as of April 1, 1995 throughout Indonesia, surely delights the workers. And President Soeharto has instructed the Minister to monitor the implementation of the decision.

Traffic policeman questioned

Traffic policeman questioned JAKARTA (JP): City Military Police are investigating claims that a traffic police officer fatally shot a boy, Arianto Aritonang, City Police spokesman Lt. Col. Bambang Haryoko said. Bambang told reporters on Wednesday that if the City Military Police could prove that the officer, identified only as Sergeant W., had killed the boy (age withheld), police would not hesitate to punish him, Antara reported. The shooting occurred on Sunday night, Feb.

Underground media is acceptable, expert says

Underground media is acceptable, expert says JAKARTA (JP): The growing number of underground publications, dubbed "alternative media", is constitutional and acceptable as long as they use their freedom responsibly, a media observer said yesterday. Loebby Loqman, a lecturer of criminal law at the University of Indonesia, said that alternative media is in line with the spirit of Article 28 of the 1945 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of speech.

More witnesses give their accounts of bus tragedy

More witnesses give their accounts of bus tragedy JAKARTA (JP): Three more witnesses came forward yesterday and gave their testimonies at the North Jakarta District Court in the trial of Ramses Silitonga. The Metro Mini driver was at the wheel when his bus plunged into the Sunter river last March, killing 33 passengers. The first witness, 28-year-old Elin Sari Handayani, was one of the 13 survivors. Elin told judge Soemaryono that at 10:00 a.m.

Worker arrested for killing

Worker arrested for killing JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta police have arrested a former employee of a small printing company for allegedly killing a female worker at the company. "Based on our tentative investigation, the suspect, identified as Armin, 26, was arrested on Tuesday evening and he has already admitted killing the woman," Central Jakarta police chief, Lt. Col. Murawi Effendi, told reporters on Wednesday.

Queasy about television quiz shows

Queasy about television quiz shows By Prapti Widinugraheni JAKARTA (JP): Test your general knowledge, do better than your opponents and win Rp 1 million: that's a quiz. Pick a number -- just for fun -- and win a car: that's a guessing game, or a sweepstake in some cases. But spend your money on a lottery ticket, see how far your luck can go and get frustrated because you missed: now that's gambling.

Mind the hole

Mind the hole From Neraca In the middle of the road in front of the underpass that connects Jl. Sudirman and Jl. Sultan Agung there is a gaping hole which is dangerous to motorists. It would be better if the Jakarta public works service repairs the road now, rather than putting it off much longer till greater repair costs are required. BUDY SUSANTYO Jakarta

Daewoo plans UK listing

Daewoo plans UK listing SEOUL (AFP): South Korea's Daewoo Corp. plans to list its shares on the London Stock Exchange (LSE) at the end of March, a spokesman said yesterday. The spokesman said Daewoo already started consultations with LSE officials for the listing and received LSE's tentative go- ahead. "If the listing is officially approved, Daewoo will be the first Korean firm to offer shares in London," he said.

'Press must not abandon idealism'

'Press must not abandon idealism' By Santi WE Soekanto MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Indonesian journalists received a rap over their knuckles on National Press Day yesterday, when President Soeharto reprimanded them for letting commercial interests overrun idealism. In his address marking National Press Day, Soeharto deplored the members of the press who even sacrifice the nation's interests for the sake of business.

Tax incentive for banks

Tax incentive for banks JAKARTA (JP): Funds accumulated by banks and leasing companies for the provision of bad debts or unpaid claims are now tax deductible, the Ministry of Finance announced yesterday. According to the Finance Minister's Decree No: 80/KMK.04/1995 issued yesterday, the deductible contingency reserve is three percent of the productive assets for banks, while that for leasing firms is 2.5 percent of the average value of contracts.

Int'l basketball meet in Medan

Int'l basketball meet in Medan JAKARTA (JP): Japan, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Singapore, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam have confirmed their participation in the seventh "Angsapura Cup" International Basketball Tournament slated for March. 11-17 in Medan, North Sumatra. However, it seems that Asia's powerhouses China, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, and the Philippines will not be participating in the annual meet, Arjan Leo, the organizer, was quoted by Antara on Wednesday.

The Indonesian press dilemma

The Indonesian press dilemma The existence of a fair climate and a tolerant society does not necessarily assure that the press can grow strong. It is quite possible for a democratic country, whose constitution guarantees citizens their rights of opinion and expression, to have a press that is mute and frail. In any country which adopts the democratic system, access to information is every citizen's right.

Roxette enthralls Jakarta enthusiasts in one-night show

Roxette enthralls Jakarta enthusiasts in one-night show By Alice Akerman JAKARTA (JP): The night Roxette played in Jakarta an enthusiastic crowd had gathered anxiously at the doors of the Jakarta Convention Center. It is an impressive auditorium with a capacity to hold over five thousand people. The floor at the front of the stage was packed with patient fans content to stand for the entire performance.

Guilty teams banned from hosting match: PSSI official

Guilty teams banned from hosting match: PSSI official JAKARTA (JP): The All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) banned Persebaya Surabaya and PSIM Yogyakarta from hosting one match at home yesterday, following a riot which killed a supporter during their league match last month.

City administration proposes 5.8% rise in 1995-96 budget

City administration proposes 5.8% rise in 1995-96 budget JAKARTA (JP): The city administration proposed to the City Council a 5.8 percent increase in the city's budget for the 1995/1996 fiscal year to Rp 2.21 trillion (about US$1 billion). Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said in a plenary session yesterday that the city budget in the current 1994/95 fiscal year, which will end next month, amounts to Rp 2.09 trillion.

Italy provides $15m for hospital

Italy provides $15m for hospital MANADO, North Sulawesi: Italy has provided US$15 million in medical equipment for the Malalayang Hospital, which was dedicated by President Soeharto yesterday. The modern equipment was supplied by Cofegar Impresit of the FIAT group. It includes a CT scanner, cobalt therapy equipment, a hyperbaric chamber, a radiological simulator, haemodyalisis equipment and 18 operating theaters.

Producer price of sugar to rise

Producer price of sugar to rise JAKARTA (JP): The government is likely to raise the producer price of sugar in the near future, State Minister of Food Ibrahim Hasan said yesterday. "I expect the government will soon increase the producer price of the commodity because we haven't raised it since 1992," said Ibrahim, concurrently chairman of the National Logistic Agency, which has the monopoly right to trade the commodity.

A misleading statement

A misleading statement Once again Home Minister Moh. Yogie SM has suffered a "mishap". Although later corrected, his statement at the House of People's Representatives (DPR), that House members are representatives not of the people but of their respective political organizations, has been sharply criticized by house members and by political experts. We appreciate the Home Minister's attempts -- through his public relations officer -- to correct his statement.

Try enters debate, says members have dual responsibility

Try enters debate, says members have dual responsibility JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno yesterday stepped into the controversy about the role of the House of Representatives (DPR) stating that legislators represent both the people and the political organizations that appointed them. Try made the remarks when he met with leaders of the Association of Catholic Students (PMKRI) at the Merdeka Selatan palace yesterday.

Foreign investment drops, domestic rises

Foreign investment drops, domestic rises JAKARTA (JP): Foreign investment projects approved by the government during the one month period between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 dropped by 107 percent from the previous month-long period to US$916.4 million. Mochtar Ollong of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) announced yesterday that domestic investment, however, recorded a 29 percent increase to Rp 3.7 trillion ($1.7 billion), which was committed for 82 new and 24 expansion projects.

Chaotic terminal

Chaotic terminal From Berita Buana The bus terminal in Kampung Nelayu, Jatinegara, East Jakarta is large enough to allow the traffic around the terminal to move smoothly. But, the public vehicles inside the terminal are in chaotic order. Many vehicles coming from Cawang stop at the entrance to wait for passengers to get in. This will automatically hinder the vehicle behind them from entering the terminal. Therefore, something must be done to ensure smooth movement of the traffic in the terminal.

Governor tells agencies to hold market operation

Governor tells agencies to hold market operation JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has instructed city agencies to conduct a special operation to control prices of nine primary commodities in the city during the current fasting month of Ramadhan. Head of the city public relations office Soesila Darmoadji told reporters yesterday that the governor said in a staff meeting that the market operation should start as soon as possible.

Indonesia impartial on Iraq-Kuwait rift

Indonesia impartial on Iraq-Kuwait rift JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has affirmed its impartiality and willingness to listen to the positions of both Kuwait and Iraq in their on-going dispute, but has reiterated its desire to see a lessening of United Nations' sanctions against Baghdad.

Bali club scalps Argentineans

Bali club scalps Argentineans JAKARTA (JP): Gelora Dewata, the semi-professional club of Denpasar, Bali, notched its second international on Tuesday. In a friendly match, Gelora Dewata trounced Gimnasia Esgrima, visiting from Argentina, 4-0. It was the first defeat for the Argentinean amateur champions on their Asia-Pacific tour.

Growth in communication phenomenal

Growth in communication phenomenal By Ariel Heryanto SALATIGA, Central Java (JP): Recent developments in the infrastructure of mass communications in Indonesia, as elsewhere, have been phenomenal. What remains less than clear is their impact on people's daily lives. It is most likely that the impact is different from whatever is being dictated by sponsoring agencies.

S. Korea edges into semis of Indira Gandhi hockey

S. Korea edges into semis of Indira Gandhi hockey NEW DELHI (AFP): Asian champion South Korea stormed into the semi-finals of the Indira Gandhi field hockey tournament with a classy 3-1 win over Australia Tuesday, while Poland held South Africa to a shock 2-2 draw. The speedy Koreans, Asian Games gold medalists in Hiroshima, proved too strong for the second-string Aussies while recording their second successive win in Group B of the eight-nation competition.

Govt drops fraud charges against Kim

Govt drops fraud charges against Kim JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Singgih announced that the government has dropped the criminal charges against textile businessman Kim Johannes for lack of evidence to support the allegation that he defrauded the monetary authorities. Singgih disclosed the decision during a hearing with Commission III of the House of Representatives on Tuesday night.

Korea's capital outflow up

Korea's capital outflow up SEOUL (AFP): A drastic deregulation move helped South Korean firms boost direct overseas investment by 88.3 percent last year to a highest ever US$3.52 billion, officials said yesterday. Along with eased regulations on the transfer of capital for overseas investment, many South Korean firms have been lured by cheap labor, the Ministry of Finance and Economy said.

Rights group will probe Timor killings

Rights group will probe Timor killings JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights announced yesterday it will investigate last month's deaths of six East Timorese. Commission chairman Ali Said told a news conference yesterday that he will send a fact finding team to East Timor to look into allegations by a number of foreign media that the six were murdered by members of the Armed Forces. The three-person team will be led by Clementino Dos Reis Amaral, a native East Timorese.

Defiant developers to be blacklisted

Defiant developers to be blacklisted JAKARTA (JP): Bekasi Regent Moch. Djamhari has threatened to blacklist developers who sub-contract city-owned projects to other contractors. Djamhari was quoted by the regency spokesman Yaya as saying in Bekasi that transferring the projects to other developers causes difficulties in checking on construction. This practice has also led to the finishing touches of the buildings being of poor quality.

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.

Dispute over Sipadan and Ligitan

Dispute over Sipadan and Ligitan From Suara Karya Indonesia and Malaysia have been in dispute over the Sipadan and Ligitan islands which lie over the tip of Kalimantan near the Indonesian-Malaysian border. Negotiations between the two countries have reached a deadlock. The Malaysian Government is reported to have planned to take the case to the International Court in The Hague.

Djajanti's major timber firm assessed for IPO

Djajanti's major timber firm assessed for IPO JAKARTA (JP): Independent surveyors have concluded that wood inputs for PT Artika Optima Inti (AOI), a major plywood maker on Seram island of Maluku province, will continue to depend largely on the virgin forests in its concessions for the next 10-15 years. "But after that period the company will have to get its raw material from its logged-over concessions," said Agus Setyaso of PT Wahanabhakti Persadajaya in a hearing on Tuesday.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Thursday Maghrib 06.20 p.m. Friday Imsak 04.28 a.m. Subuh 04.38 a.m.

PLN to seek loans after delaying its bond issuance

PLN to seek loans after delaying its bond issuance JAKARTA (JP): The state electricity company PLN plans to seek Rp 500 billion (US$226.3 million) in loans from domestic banks after delaying its bond issuance for the second time this week. "If we fail to float our bonds again later this month, we will raise loans from domestic banks," the firm's president, Djiteng Marsudi, said in a hearing between Minister of Mines and Energy I.B.

Jakarta grooms 500 athletes

Jakarta grooms 500 athletes JAKARTA (JP): Host Jakarta is grooming more than 500 athletes in its strong bid to win the National Games for a record ninth time next year. Secretary General of Jakarta sports governing body, Eddy Widodo, told reporters on Tuesday that the capital city would need a whopping Rp 3 billion (US$1.3 million) to finance the training center for the defending champion team.

Pantai Kapuk fraud case

Pantai Kapuk fraud case JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Singgih has stated that his office is currently preparing a lawsuit against 11 people for their alleged involvement in the falsification of a reclamation survey in Pantai Kapuk, a coastal area in West Jakarta. Speaking at a hearing with members of the House of Representatives on Tuesday evening, Singgih said that the 11 suspects include geology experts and executives of a company which paid Rp 21 million (US$9,545) to hire the experts.

RI-Australia submarine link

RI-Australia submarine link PARIS (AFP): The Alcatel Submarine Networks subsidiary of French group Alcatel has just won a contract for supply and installation of an optical fiber under-water telecommunications system between Australia and Indonesia, Alcatel announced on Tuesday. The system, 2,800 kms long, will have a capacity of 5 gigabits per second and make it possible to carry 60,000 telephone conversations at the same time, as well as images and data.

Caltex allots U$33 million for environmental protection

Caltex allots U$33 million for environmental protection JAKARTA (JP): The country's largest oil producer PT Caltex Pacific Indonesia (CPI) has budgeted US$33 million this year for environmental protection, an increase of 37 percent over last year's spending. State-run oil enterprise Pertamina said in a statement here Tuesday that CPI last year spent $24 million for environmental programs, including the reforestation of over 675 hectares of land and the planting of more than 175,000 trees.

Demolition of illegal buildings

Demolition of illegal buildings JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday that the current operation to reduce the number of illegal buildings, street vendors and squatters in the capital should be continued despite an appeal from city councilors that the operation be suspended during the Moslem fasting month of Ramadhan.

China occupying Philippine reef in Spratlys: Ramos

China occupying Philippine reef in Spratlys: Ramos MANILA (AFP): President Fidel Ramos said yesterday that China has deployed warships and built structures on a coral reef claimed by the Philippines in the disputed Spratly islands. He said Manila would soon lodge a diplomatic protest with Beijing.

Indonesia-Netherlands relations revisited

Indonesia-Netherlands relations revisited A debate is now raging in the Netherlands over Queen Beatrix's planned visit to Indonesia in August this year. Noted political scientist Dewi Fortuna Anwar argues that the debate is a wholly internal Dutch matter and that Indonesians attitude towards the colonial period, 50 years after independence, is one of letting bygones be bygones. JAKARTA (JP): Relations between Indonesia and the Netherlands are again the subject of public discussion.

Widodo's style goes against the current trends

Widodo's style goes against the current trends By Carla Bianpoen JAKARTA (JP): If it is true that works of art are a reflection of living issues, values and conditions in society, then the paintings of a young painter from Central Java may indicate an emerging desire to retreat from the buzz of modern life. Entitled Getar dan Rasa Estetika Widodo, gesture and aesthetic feeling of Widodo, the solo exhibition is sponsored by the Merpati Gallery in Yogyakarta. The exhibit runs from Feb.

Subdistrict chief becomes cowboy

Subdistrict chief becomes cowboy PEKANBARU, Riau: Rengat subdistrict chief Purnomo was nicknamed "Cowboy" after helping the people herd 1,200 cows to grounds safe from flooding last week. The bovine exodus was sparked when floods devoured vast areas throughout Riau after several deceptively sunny days. Earlier last week, floods inundated hundreds of houses and forced thousands of people to seek refuge.

Thoughts on Press Day

Thoughts on Press Day As Indonesians commemorate their 49th National Press Day today, it cannot be denied that a good deal has changed since the 1920s, when the Indonesian nationalist movement was young. As many of us may be aware, our National Press Day, which falls on Feb. 9 each year, actually marks the birth of the Indonesian Journalist's Association on that date in 1946, just short of six months after the Indonesian Republic was born.

Dec. 19 not 18

Dec. 19 not 18 From Kompas In the frame work of the observance of the 50th anniversary of Indonesia's independence, the historical account as reported by Kompas on Feb. 2, 1995 concerning the book discussion held in the Australian Embassy in Jakarta recently, deserves our due attention. But, what is surprising is that the report is titled Eighteenth of December 1948. Why, Dec. 18, 1948 does not mean anything as far as the Indonesia's struggle for independence is concerned.

Oki's case (2)

Oki's case (2) From Republika It would be better to conduct Oki's trial in Indonesia. Indonesia is a lawful country and citizens enjoy the protection of the law. If the court proves Oki guilty, it would be appropriate to sentence him to life in jail on the grounds that it would have been premeditated murder and something to do with business and drugs. The lessons we can take from Oki's case is that parents should communicate with their children and teach them religious and human values.

Questions abound in Los Angeles murder case

Questions abound in Los Angeles murder case JAKARTA (JP): If Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, is the culprit on the Los Angeles triple murder, why didn't he move the three decomposed bodies from the storage locker? "Perhaps he had a plan but had no chance of carrying it out due to the problems he faced when he returned here," a reliable source told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Guards arrested for torture

Guards arrested for torture JAKARTA (JP): Police detectives in the Tanah Abang area have arrested two security guards (Satpam) for their alleged role in kidnapping a suspected thief which led to the latter's death at building site of the Sahid Palace Executive Apartments.

Chase lends RI firm

Chase lends RI firm HONG KONG (AFP): Chase Manhattan Asia Ltd. signed yesterday a US$110 million multi-tranche facility for Indonesian packaging manufacturer PT Argha Karya Prima Industry for the firm's expansion project. Chase Manhattan, the arranger of the loan facility, said in a statement that the amount was increased from $80 million to $100 million as a result of heavy oversubscription from 21 international and joint venture banks. ABN-AMRO Bank NV, American Express Bank Ltd.

Oki's case (1)

Oki's case (1) From Republika Oki should be meted with capital punishment if he is proved guilty of triple murder. Also it is natural for Oki's family to claim that Oki is not guilty. All parents do not wish to have bad children. But we should also respect the rights of Gina's and Suresh's families. It seems to me that Oki's trial would be fairer if it is conducted in Los Angeles, because it is quite probable that the crime is related to many other criminal cases.

SBSI condemns activist's arrest

SBSI condemns activist's arrest JAKARTA: The Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union, SBSI, condemned the arrest of one of its activists in the North Sumatra capital of Medan on Tuesday. In a statement signed by acting chairman Tohap Simanungkalit and secretary general Sunarti, SBSI said Soniman Lafau, 30, was arrested in the Medan Industrial Estate.

North Sulawesi spearheaded birth of Indonesian press

North Sulawesi spearheaded birth of Indonesian press By Rudy L. Badil MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): The length of the list of local newspapers, weeklies, magazines and bulletins that have appeared and still appear in North Sulawesi may surprise many: It contains at least 93 titles. As we commemorate our 11th National Press Day in Manado today, Feb.

Low-cost apartments for Muara Angke fishermen

Low-cost apartments for Muara Angke fishermen JAKARTA (JP): The Gotong Royong Fund Foundation, chaired by First Lady Tien Soeharto, will donate Rp 1 billion (US$434,971) for the construction of 80 low-cost apartments in Muara Angke fishing village, North Jakarta, Deputy Governor for People's Welfare R. S. Museno said.

Wife-murderer sentenced

Wife-murderer sentenced PAREPARE, South Sulawesi: The district court here sentenced Nurdin bin Lanco to five years in prison yesterday for killing his wife last year. Earlier prosecutors had sought seven years imprisonment for the 38-year-old man, Antara reported. Judge S. Sembiring said in the verdict that Nurdin chopped his wife, Saheri, to death with a sickle following a bitter argument in their house in Soreang subdistrict on Oct. 19 last year.

Govt to curb new foreign loans

Govt to curb new foreign loans JAKARTA (JP): The government will continue to curb new foreign borrowings to prevent the total foreign debts outstanding, as a percentage of the country's gross domestic product, from increasing beyond 52 percent at present, a minister says.

ABRI unveils leadership reshuffle

ABRI unveils leadership reshuffle JAKARTA (JP): Chief spokesman for the Armed Forces (ABRI) Brig. Gen. Syarwan Hamid confirmed yesterday a series of changes in the military's top leadership that have been the subject of speculation in recent weeks. President Soeharto, as ABRI supreme commander, has appointed R. Hartono as the new Army Chief of Staff and promoted him to the rank of four-star general, which went into effect on Feb. 1. He replaces Gen.

Myanmar and ASEAN

Myanmar and ASEAN We wish to give clarification on AFP's Mr. Lescot's report on Myanmar (The Jakarta Post, Feb. 7, 1995). From our freedom in 1948 to today, all Myanmar governments have consistently and sincerely pursued relations with other countries on the basis of the five principles of peaceful co- existence, and the principles of the UN Charter; the fundamentals of which are non-interference, sovereignty, mutual-benefit, Equality and mutual respect.

Land slide buries nine

Land slide buries nine PEMALANG, Central Java: A landslide triggered by heavy rains killed one person, buried nine others alive and seriously injured three here Tuesday, a press report said yesterday. The incident happened at 2.30 p.m. when the slopes of Mount Kupit crumbled, sending massive quantities of dirt and gravel spiraling down toward Karang hamlet in the pounding rain, Antara reported.

Minister puts foot down

Minister puts foot down BANDUNG, West Java: State Minister for Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja called on the public yesterday not to buy houses built in violation of government regulations. "It's high time that people take a stand ... and teach delinquent land developers who trample on government regulations," he said. Sarwono made the comment while addressing a workshop on environmental management, where the mayor of Bandung and other senior local officials were also present.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) on Feb. 8, 1995 Trading Shares Close Change Volume --------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,400 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 0 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,350 11,000 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,500 60,000 ANWAR SIERAD 1,800 89,500 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 2,125 -50 39,500 ARGO PANTES 2,800 50 40,000 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,925 0 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 1,325 0 ASTRA...

Inflation 1.16% in January

Inflation 1.16% in January JAKARTA (JP): Increases in the prices of food, clothing and housing resulted in an inflation rate of 1.16 percent in January, Minister of Information Harmoko announced yesterday.

Leading brewers reject move to control industry

Leading brewers reject move to control industry JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's leading brewers, including those which are publicly listed and partly foreign-owned, declared their opposition yesterday to a private firm's attempt to control the liquor industry through compulsory labeling.

Are student politics making a come back?

Are student politics making a come back? Despite its chaotic congress, the Moslem Students Association (HMI) managed to produce a far-reaching statement recently. Noted intellectual Aswab Mahasin takes a look at this incident.

Religion and quiz

Religion and quiz From Bisnis Indonesia During the month of Ramadhan, the Indonesia educational television station (TPI) and Indosiar are airing special programs to welcome the sacred month of Ramadhan. TPI broadcasts Mozaik Ramadhan, from 3.30 a.m. to 5.30 a.m. This program is very useful for Moslems who are having Sahur (the pre-dawn meal) and at the same time listening to religious dialogs. But the program is tarnished because the organizer introduces a quiz in it.

Islamic Bank profits up by nearly 70% : Report

Islamic Bank profits up by nearly 70% : Report JAKARTA (JP): Bank Muamalat Indonesia, Indonesia's first Islamic bank, reported a nearly 70 percent increase in its profits, to Rp 6.02 billion (US$2.8 million) last year from Rp 3.71 billion in 1993. The bank's president Zainulbahar Noor said yesterday that the substantial increase in the bank's profits was largely due to the sharp increase in its revenues from operations.

Illegal terminal

Illegal terminal From Jayakarta Bogor! Bekasi! Cikampek! Kota! Kalideres!...Anxious commuters listen to these words called out by a man advising to which destination the arriving bus is going. The bus has hardly stopped before commuters swarm at it, each trying to squeeze through the two doors to get on the bus already crowded with passengers. People like to wait for their buses at illegal terminals such as UKI, Cawang, CSW intersections, near the Cikampek Toll gate, etc.

Rape reported to police chief

Rape reported to police chief DILI, East Timor: A local legislator called on National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman Astrosemito yesterday to look into a report alleging that two policemen raped a local detainee in Baucau, about 180 kilometers east of here, last year. He said relatives of the victim have repeatedly approached him to ask Banurusman for a reply to their letter concerning the alleged rape involving a second lieutenant and a second sergeant.

Publishing firms run out of paper

Publishing firms run out of paper SEMARANG, Central Java: About 46 publishing houses may have to stop operations because they lack paper. The local office of the Association of Indonesian Publishing Houses has called on the provincial administration to intervene in the paper crisis. "Almost 75 percent of textbooks for elementary, junior and high schools in Indonesia are printed in the province," Agung Sasongko, chairman of the association's local office said yesterday.

Govt enlists Moslem leaders in anti-AIDS drive

Govt enlists Moslem leaders in anti-AIDS drive JAKARTA (JP): The government urged Moslem leaders yesterday to join its campaign to stem the spread of the Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) yesterday. Acknowledging the contribution of ulemas to the National Family Planning Campaign, senior government officials asked them once again to use their influence and power to prevent an AIDS catastrophe in the country.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Wednesday Maghrib 06.20 p.m. Thursday Imsak 04.28 a.m. Subuh 04.38 a.m.

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Cement Antara CEMENT GOES TO MALUKU: Head of Indonesian Cement Producers Association tycoon Sudwikatmono (second from left) is in Seram island, Maluku, for the establishment of the cement factory PT Maluku Dinamika. The US$800 million factory, owned by the Djajanti group, is expected to be ready to produce around four million tons of cement per year starting late 1997.

Indonesia names SEA Games spikers

Indonesia names SEA Games spikers JAKARTA (JP): Seasoned spikers Laudry Maspaitella and Pascal Wilmar will lead the national team to continue its supremacy at the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games volleyball competition in Chiang Mai, Thailand in December. Secretary general of the Indonesian Volleyball Association (PBVSI) M. Solli said yesterday the men's team of 12, SEA Games three-time gold medalist, will also include capped Chandra Halim and Imam Agus Faisal.

24 Japanese firms to buy Natuna LNG: Pertamina

24 Japanese firms to buy Natuna LNG: Pertamina JAKARTA (JP): At least 24 Japanese companies have shown an interest in buying the liquefied natural gas (LNG) that will be mined in Natuna, about 1,110 kilometers north of here, the president of the state oil company Pertamina says. "Their response to our LNG offering was excellent.

Large bakery store burnt

Large bakery store burnt JAKARTA (JP): A fire caused by a leaking diesel pipe in a kitchen destroyed part of the Delicious Bakery store in West Jakarta yesterday afternoon. The fire is believed to have started in the kitchen on the forth floor of the bakery at Jl. Hayam Wuruk No. 65. There were no reported fatalities but the fire caused a major traffic jam, forcing police to turn the flow of cars into alternative roads. Total losses for the bakery are estimated at Rp 100 million (US$47,000).

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) on Feb. 7, 1995 Trading Shares Close Change Volume --------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,400 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 0 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,350 25 273,000 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,500 200 10,000 ANWAR SIERAD 1,800 25 272,000 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 2,175 -25 188,500 ARGO PANTES 2,750 0 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,925 0 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 1,325 0 ASTRA...

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.

Govt will ban soccer league if necessary

Govt will ban soccer league if necessary JAKARTA (JP): The government will suspend the on-going national soccer league if spectator hooliganism continues, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman said yesterday. Speaking at the meeting with the All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI), Hayono said that the suspension would be taken to give both soccer administrators and fans time to regain the order.

Time to kick the habit

Time to kick the habit From Media Indonesia These days many people are becoming aware of the dangers of smoking. The problem is that it is not very easy to stop the habit. Some people wish to get rid of this bad habit but no effective way has yet been found. A noted ulema in Jember has been very successful in using the month of Ramadhan as an auspicious moment to stop smoking. According the ulema, to stop smoking is a matter of limiting the chances of doing so.

Hartono will likely replace Wismoyo

Hartono will likely replace Wismoyo JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung confirmed yesterday that Lt. Gen. R. Hartono is being prepared to become the Army chief of staff to replace Gen. Wismoyo Arismunandar, who is retiring this month. "Hartono indeed is the candidate," Feisal told reporters yesterday before attending a cabinet meeting at Bina Graha Presidential Office. "It's not in black and white yet," he said when asked about when the official announcement is expected.

Govt to sell 20% stake in IPTN

Govt to sell 20% stake in IPTN JAKARTA (JP): State Minister for Research and Technology B.J. Habibie unveiled here yesterday the government's plan to sell around 20 percent of its shares in the state-owned IPTN aircraft industry. Habibie, also the president of IPTN, said that the aircraft manufacturer's shares would be sold to foreign airplane manufacturers through a direct placement arrangement. "The shares will be directly sold to airplane makers overseas," he said of the divestment plan.

Six people killed as floods strike CJava district

Six people killed as floods strike CJava district CILACAP, Central Java (JP): Six people were drowned in the districts of Cilacap, Kebumen and Salatiga by floods that continue to affect many areas around the province. The waters from the Serayu and Citanduy rivers are overflowing in 14 subdistricts in Cilacap, four in Kebumen and have already inundated thousands of houses. Search and rescue workers said that they have so far found four bodies.

Street light beggars

Street light beggars From Neraca The fly-pass that connects downtown Kota and Jembatan Lima, North Jakarta, has been used for many years and by even more motorists. Every time I pass this road I get irritated at the Jembatan Lima intersection where two or three lame beggars are always sitting in the middle of the road with outstretched arms asking for money. They do not move even when the traffic light turns green.

Regulating opinions

Regulating opinions Expressing views will be made subject to regulations by the government. In a hearing with the House of Representatives' Commission II in Jakarta yesterday (Monday), Home Minister Mohamad Yogie S.M. said that before very long the government will issue a decree to regulate demonstrations. There are plans to name the regulation: Procedures for the Expression of Opinions in Accordance with Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution.

Aetna enters RI market

Aetna enters RI market JAKARTA (JP): Aetna Life Insurance Company, a major American insurance company, will soon enter the Indonesian insurance market through its joint venture with the Danamon Group. An executive of the Danamon Group confirmed the joint venture agreement yesterday, saying that the operation of the joint insurance firm has obtained an approval from the Minister of Finance. The joint venture, named PT Danamon Aetna Life Insurance Company, is equally owned by the U.S.

Europe may shift focus away from Japan: EU

Europe may shift focus away from Japan: EU TOKYO (Reuter): A senior European Union official warned on Tuesday that Europe might shift its business focus from Japan to other booming Asian economies as the trade balance with Japan remains badly skewed. Europe had a strong interest in the so-called "Asia boom" with much of its focus on China, members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Vietnam, EU Ambassador to Japan Jorn Keck said.

7,000 buses made available for Idul Fitri exodus

7,000 buses made available for Idul Fitri exodus JAKARTA (JP): The City Land Transportation Agency will deploy over 7,000 buses in a 16-day operation called Angkutan Lebaran 1995 in anticipation of the annual Idul Fitri exodus. J.P. Sepang, the head of the agency, told reporters yesterday that the operation, which will begin on Feb. 24 and last through March 11, is primarily aimed at providing public transportation for people who intend to celebrate Idul Fitri in their hometowns.

Harmoko avoids fatal attraction

Harmoko avoids fatal attraction JAKARTA (JP): Harmoko, who divides his time between his positions as minister of information and chairman of Golkar, has revealed the secret of his time management -- avoid the lure of women. "When you reach 50, you'll come across a `fatal roundabout' because of various temptations, particularly from women," Harmoko, who turned 56 yesterday, told reporters who went up to him to wish him happy birthday.

Policy against former communists questioned

Policy against former communists questioned JAKARTA (JP): An expert on the Pancasila ideology yesterday appealed to the government to rethink its policy of discriminating against former communists. Poedjo Moeljono said politically, the policy may be defensible but it is not necessarily so from a humanitarian point of view. "The government may view that this policy must be continued for security reasons.

Teachers earn Rp 500 a day

Teachers earn Rp 500 a day PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Most part-time teachers at primary schools in the Ogan Komering Ulu regency get only Rp 500 (US$ 0.23) a day, Hamdan, chief of the local education and culture office said. Hamdan said the wage is far from adequate in making ends meet and nobody knows when the teachers, and many of them who have worked for many years, will be admitted as regular civil servants.

Future bleak for teachers' course

Future bleak for teachers' course JAKARTA (JP): The future of a high-profile training program looks bleak as the government moved yesterday to limit the number of program graduates eligible for civil servant status. Director General for Elementary and Middle Education Zainal Arifin Achmady and Director General for Higher Education Bambang Soehendro said that the program, which is designed to upgrade the proficiency of elementary school teachers, has so far produced 7,000 graduates.

Tony Roma's new C. Jakarta outlet a real place

Tony Roma's new C. Jakarta outlet a real place JAKARTA (JP): Let's say you're dreaming of doing a Fred Flintstone and treating yourself to an extra wholesome juicy ribs bonanza and using your fingers to do justice to the meal, you should head towards Tony Roma's in Jalan Wahid Hashyim. This is where you can realize your dream and taste the meatiest, juiciest, tenderest, largest portion of ribs in Jakarta city.

Car makers should take aircraft cue

Car makers should take aircraft cue JAKARTA (JP): State Minister for Research and Technology B. J. Habibie said yesterday that the development of the automotive industry should follow the path of the aircraft industry. "Indonesia will be able to build its own automotive industry if its development follows the example of the aircraft industry," Habibie told journalists before attending a limited cabinet meeting on economy.

Charges against students upheld

Charges against students upheld JAKARTA (JP): Judge Moegihardjo of South Jakarta District Court has rejected the request of the defense lawyers of 12 National University students that he legally annul the prosecutor's indictment. The students are charged with assault and brawling. "The board of judges have assessed that the indictment made by prosecutor H.P. Silitonga has already fulfilled all requirements stipulated in the Criminal Procedure Code.

Collective labor agreement

Collective labor agreement JAKARTA (JP): The management of PT Sepatu Bata and its labor representatives signed yesterday a collective labor agreement aimed at improving its workers' welfare. Under the agreement, management raises the minimum wage from Rp 100,000 (US$45.45) to Rp 116,910 per month and raises the food allowance from Rp 1,000 to Rp 1,200 per day. J.A. McGoldrick, the company's president, said that his firm currently employs 2,900 workers.

RI's salt iodization program faces many problems

RI's salt iodization program faces many problems Text and photos by Prapti Widinugraeni SUMENEP, Madura (JP): "Iodized salt will be available for everyone in Indonesia by the end of the year". Although this ambitious target has, to some extent, been repeatedly declared by Minister of Health Sujudi, his announcement earlier this month was particularly interesting because he made it during a visit to Sumenep, one of the country's "salt reserves".

130 students netted

130 students netted JAKARTA (JP): About 130 students, mostly high school students, have been netted in a crime operation, code-named Operasi Wijayakusuma, an official said. The operation is especially to keep the crime rate down during the month of Ramadhan. Spokesman for Jakarta Military Command, Lt. Col. Didi Supandi, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that the students were detained for carrying knives, prescription drugs and pornographic items.

Revival of Sunday market south

Revival of Sunday market south JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said the informal sector should be nurtured to narrow the social gap exacerbated by the influx of poorly educated villagers into the rapidly developing capital. "Because they are poorly educated people, most of them end up becoming street vendors or scavengers," Surjadi said on Monday, shortly after opening a food bazaar.

Television quiz questioned

Television quiz questioned As I understand from the news item in The Jakarta Post of Feb. 6, 1995, the proliferation of quiz shows on television has prompted the Ministry of Social Affairs to question their legality, on the grounds that they fall under the category of "Lottery." I also understand that a number of legislators were of the opinion that some of the quiz shows amounted to gambling. It is only a question of how things are interpreted.

Malaysia seizes smuggled gold bars

Malaysia seizes smuggled gold bars KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian police have seized gold bars worth 2.4 million ringgit (US$960,000) bound for Thailand, the Bernama news agency reported yesterday. Police in the northern state of Kedah seized 120 kilograms of gold bars hidden in concealed compartments of a car on an expressway that crossed the state. Kedah police acting deputy commissioner Abas Johar said the north-bound car was stopped and searched Monday night after police received a tip-off.

Not yet certain Oki killed all three: Police

Not yet certain Oki killed all three: Police JAKARTA (JP): City police still cannot definitely name Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, as the killer of all three victims -- two Indonesians and a man of Indian origin -- in Los Angeles. "We're still matching our findings with the suspect's confession and available evidence, meaning that our investigation has yet to be finalized," the head of the Crime Investigation Department of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police, Col.

RI contributes to world summit fund

RI contributes to world summit fund JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is contributing US$50,000 to a special fund set up by the organizers of the upcoming World Summit for Social Development which will take place in Copenhagen in March. Indonesia's contribution was announced by its representative at the just concluded third and final preparatory committee meeting for the summit in the Danish capital last month, the United Nations Information Center said in a statement.

Hilton plans to focus on its three hotels

Hilton plans to focus on its three hotels JAKARTA (JP): While many new international hotel management firms have been expanding their chains in Indonesia, the Hilton Hotels Corporation of the United States appears reluctant to follow suit. Hilton began its hotel business in Indonesia in October 1976 by managing the Jakarta Hilton International, which is owned by PT Indobuilco.

Aceh sets soccer crowd record

Aceh sets soccer crowd record JAKARTA (JP): Undefeated Persiraja Banda Aceh set a new attendance record of 102,000 spectators during the first three months of the Indonesian soccer league in the Western Division, an official says. The league's match inspector, Djohar Arifin, said yesterday a crowds averaging 13,000 turned out in the capital city of the country's westernmost province to watch their favorites playing at the Lampineung stadium.

Discount rate raised

Discount rate raised Bank Indonesia's decision to raise its discount rate by 0.25 point last Friday following the 0.50 point rise in the U.S. Fed key interest rate is indeed essential to preventing another wave of currency speculation. Another aspect, however, is the fact that the measure will obviously hurt small and medium-scale banks which, unlike the big banks that have ample access to the inter-bank market, rely largely on the central bank's short-term funds.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Drama: Menghasut 3:05 Music 3:30 TV Series: Dibawah Kilatan Pedang 4:30 Documentary Film 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Langka Tapi Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music Contest: Asia Bagus 8:05 TV Drama 9:00 World News 9:25 Koran Recital 9:40 Culture Program 10:45 Late News 10:55 Film: Betrayal Program 2 4:30 p.m.

City has new sub contractors

City has new sub contractors JAKARTA (JP): City administration announced yesterday that 37,602 companies are qualified to be sub-contractors for city projects in 1995. Harun Al Rasyid, chief of the sub-contractors assessment committee said yesterday that companies which have applied to be the city's sub-contractors can see the announcement at the Jakarta office of the Chamber of Commerce.

Attack on lawyer probed

Attack on lawyer probed JAKARTA (JP): Police have started investigating an assault on Andi Hakim, lawyer of the second wife of the late Nyo Beng Seng, an entertainment businessman brutally murdered in April last year. "I have ordered city police to start investigations and to find the motive behind the attack, without waiting for a report from the victim," Deputy to National Police Chief Maj. Gen. Koesparmono Irsan said yesterday.

Citra Lamtorogung to build elevated railway project

Citra Lamtorogung to build elevated railway project JAKARTA (JP): PT Citra Lamtorogung Persada will continue with its project to build an elevated railway linking Cinere, South Jakarta, with downtown Kota, West Jakarta, despite the government's plan to construct a subway between Kota and Blok M, which is also in South Jakarta.

Tuberculosis on Seribu Islands

Tuberculosis on Seribu Islands JAKARTA (JP): A preliminary survey has revealed that many residents in the Seribu islands may suffer from tuberculosis due to poor sanitation and nutrition, both of which are exacerbated by smoking. Head of Karya Bhakti, a health foundation under the ruling party Golkar, Subagyo Partodiardjo told reporters yesterday that 75 of 100 Panggang island residents who were examined have the disease.

Govt to cut tariff rates on agricultural products

Govt to cut tariff rates on agricultural products JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, in complying with its free trade commitments, plans to simultaneously abolish non-tariff protections and cut tariff rates on over 1,000 agricultural products within eight years, a minister said.

Govt raises budget for Bulog amid drought

Govt raises budget for Bulog amid drought JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, hard hit after a long drought last year, has decided to increase the budget of the National Logistics Agency (Bulog) to secure grain, a minister says.

Legislators represent party: Yogie

Legislators represent party: Yogie JAKARTA (JP): Golkar's recent expulsion of Bambang Warih Koesoemo, a legislator in the dominant political group, has spawned a constitutional debate over who is actually represented by members of the House of Representatives (DPR) -- the people or their political organizations? The government's position on this was made clear by Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M.

Rights Commission's independence

Rights Commission's independence When it was launched in 1993, many people who wanted a speedy establishment of democracy tended to scoff at the National Commission on Human Rights. It was very much felt that the Commission was formed -- by the government, not by independent parties as is usually the case elsewhere -- above all to accommodate international pressures, coming from donor institutions in particular. The public in general, however, seems to be of a different opinion.

Occupation of school protested

Occupation of school protested JAKARTA (JP): The founder of Bahagia Islam Education Foundation, Dalari Umar, went to city council yesterday to complain that an official from the Central Jakarta development supervision office is illegally occupying the school complex. Dalari told city council's commission E, which oversees the affairs of people's welfare, that the illegal occupation was orchestrated by Sadan Kasadihardjo, who was fired by the foundation founders for being undisciplined.

Japan to help RI with industrial safety

Japan to help RI with industrial safety JAKARTA (JP): The Japan International Cooperation Agency agreed yesterday to provide Indonesia with technical assistance in creating safer working conditions for industrial workers. The agreement was signed by Director General for Industrial Relations and Labor Standards Suwarto and Shigeru Asuka of the Japanese agency. Neither official could give the value of the grant. Asuka said a seven-person team from the agency had been in Indonesia since Jan.

Eastern provinces need more funds

Eastern provinces need more funds JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The government campaign to promote development in eastern provinces, notably Irian Jaya, is not supported by adequate funding, a local official complained yesterday. Development in Irian Jaya has not brought about the desired results because of the lack of funds, chief of the provincial public works office Soepardio said.

New land agency chief named

New land agency chief named BEKASI(JP): Sumaryanto has been installed as the new head of the Bekasi office of the National Land Agency, replacing Masri Asik. Sumaryanto's previous position was as chief of West Java's Land Rights Office. After the inauguration ceremony yesterday Masri told Suara Pembaruan daily that during his term he had uncovered 571 false land certificate cases. He said the scams surfaced when the land owners checked their land status with the National Land Agency.

Australia accuses Portugal of cooking up East Timor case

Australia accuses Portugal of cooking up East Timor case THE HAGUE (Reuter); Australia, replying to Portugal's challenge to its 1989 agreement with Indonesia on offshore oil exploration in Timor Gap, yesterday accused Lisbon of manufacturing the case. Australia's Solicitor General Gavan Griffith told the International Court of Justice in the Netherlands that Portugal had brought the case to win a platform for its dispute with Indonesia over East Timor.

RI calls for speedy end to U.S.-China rift

RI calls for speedy end to U.S.-China rift JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas called yesterday for speedy settlement of the trade dispute between the United States and China. The two countries, both members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, should resolve their trade dispute in an amicable way, he told newsmen after attending a ceremony for the inauguration of new ambassadors by President Soeharto at the State Palace yesterday.

HMI roles in society now questioned

HMI roles in society now questioned By Santi WE Soekanto JAKARTA (JP): Chaotic as it was, the recent congress of the Moslem Students Organization (HMI) eventually resolved conflicts among its members and elected its new leaders. The new chairman, Taufiq Hidayat, and his friends were also able to present programs which they believe will answer President Soeharto's call when he opened the congress: that HMI prepare itself to meet future challenges brought about by development and globalization.

25 jets planned for this year's haj pilgrimage

25 jets planned for this year's haj pilgrimage JAKARTA (JP): The country's flag carrier Garuda Indonesia will deploy 25 jets to transport some 240,000 Moslems going on pilgrimage to Mecca this year, Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto says. Haryanto told Commission V of the House of Representatives yesterday that the jets will comprise 15 Boeing B747s, six MD-11s and four DC-10s.

Fasting and health

Fasting and health Indonesian users of the English language should avoid using the English word "fasting" to translate the meaning of the Bahasa Indonesia word puasa. Going without food or drink for 12 hours, is a regular occurrence for many of the city's poor and for those who take a long night's rest. To shift the time of day one eats, from the daylight hours to the darkness, can hardly be referred to as a fast or fasting.

15 companies get permits to supply workers abroad

15 companies get permits to supply workers abroad JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief yesterday granted 15 more companies licenses to export workers, bringing the total of licensed firms to 29 since he compelled some 300 companies to re-register last year. Although the pressure was mounting on the government to license more given the potential foreign exchange earnings from sending workers abroad, Latief yesterday said that he would remain cautious in issuing licenses.

Floods threaten 22,600 hectares of paddy field

Floods threaten 22,600 hectares of paddy field JAKARTA (JP): Major floods are threatening over 22,600 hectares of food crops mainly in Java and Sumatra as heavy rains continue pounding the areas, a senior official said yesterday. Director General for Food and Horticulture Amrin Kahar said that 2,300 hectares of crops have been lost in West Java, West Sumatra, Aceh and Riau.

Wahono on a tightrope

Wahono on a tightrope Speaker of the House of Representatives Wahono is walking a tightrope. He is being challenged as to whether he is courageous enough to defend a legislator whom the ruling party Golkar wants to sack. As required by procedures, Golkar has officially proposed the withdrawal of Bambang Warih Koesoemo for misconduct and "lacking manners" in dealing with cabinet ministers. Bambang stands accused of offending the ministers of manpower, industry and finance.

PDI rebels refused

PDI rebels refused SEMARANG, Central Java: Chief of the Regional Military Command, Maj. Gen. Soeyono, refused to meet with members of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) yesterday. The PDI rebels who have broken away from the leadership of democratically-elected Megawati Soekarnoputri wanted to report to him on the formation of local rival executive boards. "I don't have any business with the party rebels," he told journalists.

Liga Dunhill

Liga Dunhill From Bisnis Indonesia I was surprised to read Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman's statement that it is quite probable the Liga Dunhill tournament will be stopped if it continues to claim victims in a match disturbance. As an official who holds the highest authority in sports matters in this country, the minister should support the Liga Dunhill competition because from this event we can net soccer players of international caliber.

Hayono discusses hooliganism

Hayono discusses hooliganism JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman will discuss the steps to be taken to control hooliganism in national soccer with the All Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) today. Hayono's assistant Imam Suyudi told reporters yesterday that the discussion, scheduled for today's fast breaking at the PSSI secretariat, would also involve the security forces. "We want to exchange ideas during the meeting," Imam said.

Ambon airport to be expanded

Ambon airport to be expanded AMBON, Maluku: The Pattimura Airport runway will be lengthened from 1,850 meters to 2,500 meters to accommodate wide-bodied aircraft like the Air Bus. Head of the provincial transportation office P.J. Usep Wijaya said yesterday the project will begin next year. The expanded runway is expected to be in operation in 1998. He told Antara that the project to be funded by the Asian Development Bank will be open for tender by international contractors.

Oki kills all three victims: LAPD detective

Oki kills all three victims: LAPD detective JAKARTA (JP): Based on the tentative investigation of the Los Angeles police department, Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, 30, is strongly believed to have killed all three victims, says visiting detective Ted Ball. "He killed all three," Ball told The Jakarta Post after holding a meeting with Oki's lawyer and several senior Jakarta police officers yesterday.

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.

East Timor needs greater autonomy

East Timor needs greater autonomy DILI, East Timor: Regencies in the province need greater autonomy to develop their initiatives and reduce dependence on the central bureaucracy, a regent said yesterday. Dili Regent Domingos M.D. Soares said he defined autonomy as greater authority to develop his region. He does not perceive of it as total independence as some have feared.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Dilentasia 3:30 TV Drama: Dibawah Kilatan Pedang 4:30 Youth Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Wawasan 8:05 Music: Dangdut 9:00 World News 9:25 Koran Recital 9:40 Film 10:45 Late News 10:55 Film: A Question Of Honor Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Student council no longer necessary, of official says

Student council no longer necessary, of official says JAKARTA (JP): A government official Yesterday rejected growing demands for the revival of the student council, remembered for its political activities, to replace the government-sponsored student senate. Spokesman for the ministry of education and culture Abdullah Irvan Masduki said that with the senate, students already have ample freedom to "express themselves" as they demand.

Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) on Feb. 6, 1995

Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) on Feb. 6, 1995 Trading Shares Close Change Volume --------------------------------------------------------- ADES ALFINDO 2,400 0 AHAP INSURANCE 3,350 0 ALUMINDO PERKASA 1,100 0 ANDAYANI MEGAH 2,325 -50 239,500 ANEKA KIMIA RAYA 5,300 40,500 ANWAR SIERAD 1,775 -25 41,500 AQUA GOLDEN MISSISSIPI 2,800 0 ARGHA KARYA PRIMA INDUSTRY 2,200 100 370,500 ARGO PANTES 2,750 150 12,000 ASIANA IMI INDUSTRIES 1,925 0 ASTER DHARMA INDUSTRY 1,325 0 ASTRA GRAPHIA...

City collects Rp 5.8 billion from shopping center owners

City collects Rp 5.8 billion from shopping center owners JAKARTA (JP): An official of the city economic affairs bureau said yesterday that the funds collected from shopping center owners throughout the city had reached about Rp 5.8 billion (US$2.63 million) since 1983. The official, who asked not to be named, said that the funds were collected under Gubernatorial Decree No.

Expert testimony delayed in bus trial

Expert testimony delayed in bus trial JAKARTA (JP): Judge Soemarjono of North Jakarta District Court refused yesterday to hear the testimony of an expert witness in the trial of the driver whose bus plunged into a river in March last year, upholding an objection taken by the defense.

Malaysian economy on the right track but with potholes

Malaysian economy on the right track but with potholes One of Southeast Asia's rising economic stars is encountering potholes on the road toward development. Johanna Son of Inter Press Service reports. KUALA LUMPUR (IPS): Malaysia's economy continues to speed along the development track, but warning lights are signaling problems that could choke its growth engine in the years ahead. Signs of the country's wealth are easy to spot.

U.S. request for Oki's extradition under review

U.S. request for Oki's extradition under review JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is studying a request by the United States government to extradite Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, who is wanted in connection with a triple murder in Los Angeles, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday.

Bali team beats Spugg

Bali team beats Spugg JAKARTA (JP): Bali's soccer team Gelora Dewata beat the champion of Germany's third division, Spugg SPVGG Eltville from Frankfurt, 1-0 in a friendly at the Ngurah Rai stadium, Denpasar, Bali, on Sunday. Dewata's only goal was scored at the 36th minute by striker Ida Bagus Mahayasa, who received the ball from teammate Nus Yadera.

Extra fuel for Idul Fitri

Extra fuel for Idul Fitri JAKARTA (JP): Pertamina, the state-owned oil company, will increase fuel supplies to the public during the Idul Fitri festivities. Head of Pertamina's Jakarta and West Java Oil Depot Arya Imam Sanusi announced over the weekend that supplies will be increased by 10 percent for gasoline and four percent for diesel fuel.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Tuesday Maghrib 06.20 p.m. Wednesday Imsak 04.27 a.m. Subuh 04.37 a.m.

Infant mortality rate high in Bogor

Infant mortality rate high in Bogor JAKARTA (JP): Seventy of 1,000 babies die each year in Bogor, reported deputy regent Moh.Masduki to village and district heads of the Bogor municipality. The number is quite high compared with other municipalities, Masduki said during their meeting over the weekend. He blamed the problem on unevenly distributed health services, limited facilities, a lack of medical practitioners as well as the poor villagers' economic situation.

Japanese quake continues to haunt Asian firms

Japanese quake continues to haunt Asian firms SINGAPORE (AFP): Twenty days after a powerful earthquake struck western Japan, repercussions are still being felt by Southeast Asian manufacturers who say they are having trouble getting Japanese parts.

Villa Mas Garden residents protest

Villa Mas Garden residents protest JAKARTA (JP): Residents of the Villa Mas Garden housing complex in North Bekasi have lodged a written protest with PT JIT, the developer of the complex, over the poor condition of public facilities built by the company. The letter was signed by head of the neighborhood community (RW) Jeffry Munir and his secretary Budjang Anwar. Copies of the letter were sent to various institutions, including the Bekasi city administration, Suara Pembaruan daily reported.

Executive Secretary of ESCAP

Executive Secretary of ESCAP I refer to an article in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 3, 1995 entitled: Mooy to head UN Agency. It is stated in this article that Mr Adrianus Mooy is the second Indonesian to take up the post after A.A. Maramis. I would hereby like to inform you that the latter has been mistakenly stated and should correctly be Johan B.P. Maramis (not A.A. Maramis).

Chopper crash victim recovers

Chopper crash victim recovers MEDAN, North Sumatra: Sutarto, 53, the only survivor of a helicopter crash in Aceh, is recovering in an intensive care unit at St. Elizabeth hospital here. Antara reported yesterday that Sutarto, the mechanic who suffered serious injuries in Saturday's crash, is now able to talk. The Pelita Air Service NBO-105 helicopter with three people on board crashed and burned in Blang Dalam village, Pidie regency, Aceh.

Asian nations' air accord

Asian nations' air accord MANILA (Reuter): Members of the East Asian Growth Area (EAGA) are completing an air agreement to allow unhampered entry of flag carriers to key destinations in the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei, a Philippine aviation official said yesterday. Civil Aviation Board executive director Sylvestre Pascual said the board had approved a draft memorandum of understanding (MOU) allowing the foreign carriers unlimited access to four Philippine destinations.

Govt rules out policy changes on automotive sector

Govt rules out policy changes on automotive sector JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo ruled out any governmental policy changes in the near future on the automotive industry, saying that the 1993 deregulatory package on the industry is still attractive to private investors.

Hasjim, Wisber named ambassadors

Hasjim, Wisber named ambassadors JAKARTA (JP): Hasjim Djalal and Wisber Loeis, two senior Indonesian diplomats, were inducted as ambassadors by President Soeharto, along with 14 others at the State Palace yesterday. Hasjim, formerly the Indonesian ambassador to Germany, was named ambassador-at-large to specifically deal with the UN Convention on Law of the Sea.

Gunawan draws with Murshed

Gunawan draws with Murshed JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian FIDE Master Ruben Gunawan succeeded in forcing Bangladeshi Grand Master Niaz Murshed to accept a draw in the first round of the Grand Master International Tournament in Dacca on Saturday. The other Indonesian chess player at the tournament, Grand Master Edhi Handoko, won over India's International Master V. Koshy, at the Enerpac chess school, where Ruben works, Antara reported yesterday.

UMNO to test readiness for polls

UMNO to test readiness for polls KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has directed senior officials of his ruling United Malays National Organization (UMNO) to check the party's readiness for polls, widely expected to be called soon, news reports said yesterday. Mahathir said UMNO would have a second "dry run" soon to prepare the party for possible early polls, although the government's five-year term only expires in October.

Expired food still on sale

Expired food still on sale SEMARANG: Many shops in Central Java's capital city of 1,400,000 people still sell expired canned food and drinks. In a market observation conducted by Antara last week, the news agency over the weekend determined that many shops here are in violation of the laws governing sale date of canned goods. According to the news agency, the outdated goods include chocolate, cooking oil, canned sardines, instant noodles, canned vegetables and biscuits.

City urged to delay demolition

City urged to delay demolition JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of United Development Faction of the City Council H. Yusuf Hamdani has urged the municipality to postpone the demolition of illegal buildings during the current Moslem fasting month. "It is wiser if the government halts all operations that make the citizens feel restless during the fasting month," Hamdani told reporters. He added that the cleanup operations could be continued after the Idul Fitri festivity.

Government plans new land clearing method

Government plans new land clearing method JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to introduce a new land clearing method this year that does not involve burning the trees. Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo said that the method will be tried at 120 land clearing projects. "The method is more expensive and more time consuming," Siswono said during a review meeting on the new method at his office on Friday, Antara reported.

Emergency landing

Emergency landing SURABAYA, East Java (JP): A Tomahawk plane belonging to the Juanda Flying School made an emergency landing in a village near Sidoardjo, five minutes after taking off from the Juanda airport last week. The plane was on a training mission with two persons on board when it was forced to make the emergency landing due to engine trouble, a spokesman for the flying school, Soekirman, said. Pilot Heri Widianto and instructor Sony Harioko came out of the U.S.-built plane unhurt.

Ministers offended?

Ministers offended? Bambang Warih Koesoemo has been dismissed as a member of the House of Representatives purportedly because he sinned against cabinet ministers. The statements and remarks made by this representative of the people who hails from East Java were regarded by Golkar, the organization to which he belongs, as having offended the feelings of four cabinet ministers.

Thousands of kiosks in markets unoccupied

Thousands of kiosks in markets unoccupied JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of kiosks in the 60 city-owned markets and 103 traditional markets have been deserted by traders, with some being sealed by the market authority. Chief of the city-owned Jambul Cililitan Market, Betal Sihotang, said the condition of the market is far from what he had expected because approximately 60 of its 472 kiosks are being sealed by the market authority.

Apindo pledges compliance with new wage rules

Apindo pledges compliance with new wage rules JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Employers (Apindo) says none of its 9,000 members are against complying with the minimum wage hikes scheduled to take effect next April. "None of our members object to the government's decision to increase minimum wage levels simultaneously across the country. We will all comply with the deadline," APINDO Executive Director Hadi S. Topobroto said on Saturday.

Royal Dutch army

Royal Dutch army From Suara Karya Through this letter I would like to inform the ex-KNIL (Koningklijke Nederlansche Indiesche Leger -- Royal Dutch Indies Army) servicemen that the Dutch Government is considering giving a lump sum of about Rp 7 to 8 million to each ex-member, provided that authentic documents proving one was a KNIL member in 1940 are submitted. I got this information from Bapak Nusmese who lives in Cawang III, Jl. Dewi Sartika, Gg.

JSX index up 8.23 points after strong 'relief' rally

JSX index up 8.23 points after strong 'relief' rally JAKARTA (JP): Stock prices rebounded sharply across the board on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) last week as the market staged a "relief" rally following listless trading over the previous two weeks. The JSX Composite Index ended last week up by 8.23 points (1.88 percent) at 445.38. The market cleared two major obstacles -- the recent worries over devaluation of the Indonesian rupiah and the increase in U.S. and local interest rates.

Rp 28.9b for school renovation

Rp 28.9b for school renovation JAKARTA (JP): The Chief of the Municipal Education and Culture Office, Soeparmo, announced over the weekend that the city administration has increased its budget to renovate primary school buildings in Jakarta from Rp 5 billion (US$2.2 million) to Rp 28.9 billion this year. Soeparmo said at least 581 primary school buildings in Jakarta are in a very bad shape, with 60 of them near collapse.

Appeal to Silalahi

Appeal to Silalahi I read with great interest an article in The Jakarta Post on Feb. 2, 1995, page 2 entitled: Officials and their wealth kept in check. Although I read it with great interest, doubts are lingering in my mind whether this is 100 percent true. I never have had any doubt about the political intention of my government to keep everything in check. But surely the Minister will agree that the implementation is still very poor.

Six killed by diarrhea

Six killed by diarrhea KUPANG: Six people have died of diarrhea and another of dengue fever when disease hit this East Nusatenggara province early January. Unconfirmed reports from the East Sumba regency said that two out of the 22 people attacked by diarrhea have died. But head of the provincial health office Dr. Agus Y. Berek said as of this weekend he had not received any more news of the outbreak from the local health office.

Foundation promotes safe sex in flesh market

Foundation promotes safe sex in flesh market By Yoko N. Sari JAKARTA (JP): A poster saying "I know the right way, sweet and safe" with an illustration of two thumbs covered with condoms hangs in a room at the Kramat Tunggak red-light district center in North Jakarta. "It really touches my heart to see that the prostitutes hang that poster in their room. I have never thought that they would really want to do it," Adi Sasongko, director for health care of the Kusuma Buana Foundation said.

RI-Netherlands relations

RI-Netherlands relations In 1956, when writing in Jakarta as a Dutch journalist for HRC-Handelsblad, then Prime Minister Ali Sastroamidjojo spoke prophetic words to me: "Normal relations with Holland will only become possible after the colonial diehards pass away." Commenting on your editorial on soul searching in Holland, while on a visit here as a Dutch journalist forty years later, I'd like to make a few additional comments.

Ipunk lies about police summons: Maj. Gen. Dibyo

Ipunk lies about police summons: Maj. Gen. Dibyo JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Dibyo Widodo said on Saturday that Ruyalti, the ex-girlfriend of Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, the main suspect in the Los Angeles triple murder, has been questioned by police.

Roadworthiness violations rife

Roadworthiness violations rife JAKARTA (JP): City Traffic Control Dept. Chief Herman Tonglo said most traffic violations uncovered in the special operation zones involve motorists driving vehicles that are not roadworthy. Herman said the others were ticketed because of disciplinary factors. He cited public transit drivers failing to wear their uniforms, not closing the bus doors while in motion and not displaying their IDs while on duty.