Row over Ramos drowns Xmas cheer in Manila By Ruben Alabastro MANILA (Reuter): Christmas cheer in Asia's only largely Roman Catholic nation is being pushed to the sidelines by a row over whether to extend the term of President Fidel Ramos, barred by the constitution from seeking re-election. The issue has deeply divided a country still smarting from the 20-year-long, iron-fisted rule of the late president Ferdinand Marcos, who was ousted in a "people power revolt" in 1986.

Sibling jailed for fraud JAKARTA (JP): The West Jakarta District Court jailed a businessman for one-and-a-half-years and his sister for six months yesterday after they were found guilty of fraud. The court found Hendrik Tatang, 35, and Vivi Sumawati Tatang, 33, guilty of defrauding six businessmen of Rp 1,117,775,000 (US$465,739) in March and April.

Internet helps journalists JAKARTA: In this competitive information age, the Internet has become one of the most complete sources for journalists, authors of a book on the Internet said yesterday. "Journalists could gather information from the other side of the world more quickly, efficiently, and completely by working with Internet," said Elliot King, a co-author of The On-Line Journalist, as quoted by Antara.

Arianespace opens office in Singapore SINGAPORE (AFP): European space transport giant Arianespace opened a Southeast Asian representative office here Tuesday to tap the explosive growth in the region's satellite communication needs. "The decision to open an ASEAN Arianspace office was taken because we consider that space-based telecommunications are a vital element for the continued growth of the region," said chairman and chief executive Charles Bigot.

Scholars urge biosafety precautions JAKARTA (JP): Scholars questioned yesterday whether Indonesia was ready to face the repercussions of an oncoming era of genetic engineering, distant though the prospect may seem. "We cannot exclude ourselves from it, but we can prepare for the unknown by taking precautionary action," said Hari Hartiko from the office of the State Minister of Environment.

Bantul regent's involvement in mystical deal confirmed JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Home Affairs yesterday slammed a Central Java regent for allegedly promising a local soothsayer Rp 1 billion (US$420,700) if he helped him get re-elected for a second term. Secretary-general of the ministry Suryatna Subrata said Bantul Regent Sri Roso Sudarmo had made a mistake giving the promise, but said the ministry would not punish him because the "illegal" transaction had not yet been conducted.

House members question Sudjana's appointments JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana, who has been cleared by the President from the controversy over why he ordered a transfer of coal funds, was subject yesterday to another wave of tough questions from House members.

Minister defends RI's participation in info-tech deal JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry and Trade Tunky Ariwibowo defended yesterday Indonesia's participation in a pact to liberalize trade on information technology products as the right move to protect its interests. Tunky argued that Indonesia's acceptance of the Information Technology Agreement (ITA) was part of its efforts to develop the country's information technology (IT) industry through an efficiency drive, not protection.

Govt to act on money laundering JAKARTA (JP): The government wants to draft rules to stop money laundering, Bank Indonesia (the central bank) director Heru Soepraptomo said yesterday. "Money laundering has been haunting our banking system," Heru told a seminar at the Jakarta Fairground. He acknowledged the central bank had no clear-cut rules to stop it. "Related institutions must think of how to deter money laundering," Heru said.

Small industries in the regions As the capital city of Indonesia, Jakarta is thought to be a place which promises a better livelihood for a newcomer. Many fortune seekers are dreaming of going to Jakarta, although they lack the skills that may be required for doing certain jobs. Those who fail to find jobs are often lured into committing crimes to survive. To check urbanization, development should not be concentrated in the capital, but should be spread over the provinces.

Bogor residents protest over low compensation BOGOR, West Java (JP): Over 100 families from the Cibentang village in Bogor, 30 km south of Jakarta, protested Monday the low compensation they would get for their properties which they have to give up to make way for an electrical installation project. A spokesman for the families, Uwan Sutiawan, said the villagers were not satisfied with the compensation they got from state electricity company PT PLN.

Polgar, Utut draw first blind chess game JAKARTA (JP): Hungarian Grandmaster Judith Polgar and Indonesia's GM Utut Adianto's first blind chess match ended in a draw yesterday. With the draw, Polgar leads Utut 3-2. They will play blind chess again today in the last of the six games of their duel. Polgar, here since Dec. 12, earlier played four 25-minute rapid games against Utut. The four matches resulted in one draw, two wins for Polgar and one for Utut.