Researchers vow to work for the poor JAKARTA (JP): A group of international agricultural scientists, acknowledging the difficulty of maintaining the current levels of food crop yields, has agreed to prioritize its research programs on ensuring food security for the poor.

VW Caravelle to be assembled locally By Russell Williamson Volkswagen is set to relaunch itself in the Indonesian market when the Caravelle goes on sale early next year. Together with its local joint venture partner, Indomobil's subsidiary PT Garuda Mataram, Volkswagen will begin selling the seven-seat people-mover from January 1, 1997. The vehicle will be built in Indomobil's new manufacturing plant at Bukit Indal, which is expected to begin production in October.

Indonesia's car sales back on track after steep fall By Russell Williamson Indonesia's vehicle sales are returning to normal after falling dramatically following the announcement in February of PT Timor Putra's plans to build a cheap national car. Timor Putra was granted exclusive tax concessions to enable the company, headed by President Soeharto's youngest son Hutomo Mandala Putra, to build an affordable family sedan and stimulate Indonesia's automotive manufacturing industry.

Harmoko insists Golkar will not abuse power JAKARTA (JP): Golkar's chairman promised yesterday that the group will not abuse its power if it won another controlling majority in the House of Representatives in the next general election. "Golkar will never use its power arbitrarily. Golkar will use its power to promote the welfare, honor and integrity of all Indonesians," Golkar chairman Harmoko said at the end of a national conference.