The headache of a wrong number JAKARTA (JP): Dialing a phone number in Jakarta often ends in frustration and can also end up in a conversation with someone you don't know. One morning a neighbor of mine had to rush to answer the phone at 5:30 a.m. when she was still in the bathroom. "Kok, gas nya nggak dikirim, sih kemarin? (Why didn't you send me the gas yesterday)," asked the caller in a shrill tone.

'Always Traveling' exhibit by Dutch architects By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): While composers and choreographers discussed the issue of multiculturalism at Art Summit 1995 between Sept. 27 and 28, an exhibition held at the Erasmus Huis in Jakarta quietly addressed the diversity of architecture in the Netherlands.

Earthquake kills over 70 in Jambi JAKARTA (JP): At least 70 people were killed following a powerful earthquake that struck Kerinci, a regency in the western part of Jambi province shortly after 1 a.m. yesterday. Earlier, there were conflicting reports about the number of casualties as Jambi officials, rescue workers and military personnel worked around the clock to unearth bodies from under rubble and to look for possible survivors.

Four arrested for roles in brutal Ciracas killing JAKARTA (JP): City Police have arrested a 47-year-old man along with his teenage son and two nephews for their alleged roles in the brutal killing of a housewife and her three children in Ciracas, East Jakarta. Police also confiscated a 75-centimeter-long blade, two 10- centimeter daggers and a small knife believed to have been used in the killings, head of the City Police Crime Investigation Directorate for General Affairs, Lt. Col.

China maintains supremacy in Asian shooting tourney JAKARTA (JP): Xiau Jun inspired China's golden triple as the defending champion team prepared a victory celebration at the eighth Asian Shooting Championships here yesterday. After the fifth day of competition, China looked unchallenged to extend its reign with a belting medal haul of 19 golds, 11 silvers and six bronzes. Xiau gave his team two of its three golds in the running target.

Spa article About a month after my article on Bali spas was printed in The Jakarta Post (Aug. 13, 1995), Nusa Dua Spa called me about a correction for the story. The traditional herb factory which cooperated with the spa is not Mustika Ratu, but Sari Ayu of Martha Tilaar. This is my own mistake, not theirs. I apologize for the error. I was told that the Post has not been informed about the error, which prompted me to write this letter so that the correction can be printed in the newspaper.

Olympic ambition a rocky road for Indonesian athlete By David Chung SABAE, Japan (Kyodo): In his native Indonesia, his Moslem countrymen bow down for prayer five times a day. But when Jonathan Sianturi takes to the floor at a gymnastics competition, he prays six times -- once for each apparatus. "Right before every event I make a prayer to God," he says, pointing to his chest.

Southeast Asia to close off nuclear option? Mazen Nagi examines Southeast Asia's moves towards the implementation of a nuclear weapons free zone. The first step to a Zone of Peace, Freedom and Neutrality (ZOPFAN) would be the declaration of a "Southeast Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone", one of the prime aspirations of ZOPFAN. Today, the political environment in the Asia Pacific is ripe for the implementation of a nuclear weapons free zone.

Frivolous fashions dominate Femina competition Text and photos by Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): "Fashion is either good taste, bad taste, or no taste," said Singaporean designer Thomas Wee at the 1995 Lomba Perancang Mode, or Fashion Designer Competition. Wee was talking about fashion in general, but he could have easily been describing the competition itself. Economic booms are often reflected in outlandish fashion.

Madurese carvings span five admirable centuries Text and photo by Putu Wirata MADURA, East Java (JP): Madura, a small island off East Java, now in the throes of development fever as support poles are driven into the ground for the Surabaya-Madura bridge, is gearing up for industrialization. This island is known for its bull races. Also, since bloody clashes in the past have taken place in every nook and cranny of the island, it is also named the "Sicily of Java".

Money means many things to collectors Katalog Uang Kertas Nusantara 1995 (Catalog of the Banknotes of the Indonesian Archipelago 1995) Compiled by Lo Khing Kiong, et al Published by Astra Mitreka, Surabaya 265 pages JAKARTA (JP): The launching of the new Rp 50,000 and Rp 20,000 banknotes on Aug. 28, 1995, may just be a normal event for laymen. But these banknotes, signed by Bank Indonesia Governor Soedradjat Djiwandono, are a welcome addition for collectors.

LBH faces litmus test of democracy By T. Sima Gunawan JAKARTA (JP): It is always easier to say something than to actually do it. The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), which continually underlines the need for democracy, is facing strong criticism for being "undemocratic". Earlier this week a group of youths staged a demonstration at the foundation's headquarters on Jl.

Guess What? Top model Vera Kinan is expecting a baby boy. Vera, who is now eight months into pregnancy, told The Jakarta Post at the grand opening of Anaturale gift shop in Kemang, South Jakarta last week, that she has prepared a room for the baby due late this month. A blue room? Yes, because she has had an ultrasonographic test which confirmed she's carrying a boy. Have you found a name for the baby? "No, I have yet to find one," Vera said. Are you still planning a comeback to the catwalk?

Rafflesia Arnoldi I looked in vain for a correction concerning the pictures accompanying the Oct. 3 environment feature. These pictures were of an Amorphophallus in Kebun Raya Bogor. I saw it some years ago. You can in fact see parts of the name on the labels in the second photo, and the second half of the name is easy to remember for anybody with a smattering of Greek, as it refers to the central protrusion.

Magic Johnson tour hits snag MANILA (Reuter): Earvin "Magic" Johnson's plans to play basketball in the Philippines hit a snag after immigration authorities said he must secure a permit before being allowed into Manila, officials said yesterday. Johnson, idolized by tens of thousands of fans of the most popular sport in the Philippines, was due to visit Manila for an exhibition series pitting his team against former teammate Kareem Abdul Jabbar.

TV today TVRI 7:00 a.m. Morning News 7:30 Healthy and Fit with Berty Tilarso 7:40 TV Series: Space Keteers 8:05 Children's Program 8:35 Children's Stories 9:00 People and Events 9:30 Comedy: Ria Jenaka 9:45 Music 10:45 Youth Program 11:15 Make-up 11:45 Sports: Dari Gelanggang Ke Gelanggang 12:45 p.m. Music 1:15 p.m.

Istiqlal festival reflects nation's adherence to religious values Text and photos by Mulkan Salmona JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is still in a festive mood. In August the nation held exuberant celebrations to mark its golden anniversary, which fell on Aug. 17. The echo of the celebrations was still vivid in the minds of the people when the second Istiqlal festival was launched on Sept. 23. Entering its third week tomorrow, the festival is more than just a display of Islamic arts and culture.

Free and active foreign policy With reference to your news item on page two of The Jakarta Post on Oct. 5, 1995, entitled, "free and active foreign policy no longer relevant", I would like to make the following comment: All academics aside, for a person who keenly observes the happenings of the world today, the term "free and active" means that the country is free to frame and pursue a foreign policy of its own choice while actively participating in international fora.

The magic power of precious stones By Roland M. Sutrisno JAKARTA (JP): From theologians to trash collectors share a belief in the magic power of certain precious stones. Indonesians wear various stones in their rings, bracelets, earrings, belts, brooches and tie clips. Some even adorn their glass' frames with precious stones. There is very little written reference to Indonesian precious stones, in either Indonesian or other languages.

Driving in Jakarta easy compared to outside city By June Frances JAKARTA (JP): This is Asia and early last year I was new to it. From a perch above the Selamat Datang statue in Central Jakarta, I watched the cars wind around and round, maybe eight deep where only four lanes were marked. The mesmerizing sight proved terrifying on the ground below. Just how to stop the momentum of this traffic flow and cross the road?

Scottish band's show comes up 'Wet Wet Wet' all over By Meydiatama Soerjadiningrat JAKARTA (JP): Wet Wet Wet was the band, wet was the weather but dry was the show. Though their musicianship was impressive and their songs pleasant, their show lacked much of the persona which has escalated the group to one of Britain's most popular bands.