Argo Bromo From Kompas A theft has taken place on the newly-introduced super express train Argo Bromo. On May 23, my husband traveled from Surabaya to Jakarta on this train. He had a number of Rp 50,000 banknotes stowed in one of the pouches of his traveling bag. When he reached home, he tried to unzip the pouch (superglue was blocking the zipper).

Kenzo prints nature on variety of easy-to-wear clothes By Parvathi Nayar Narayan JAKARTA (JP): Amidst lush tropical foliage, to the beat of a foot-tapping French song from the soundtrack of French Kiss, a pert young thing in an even more pert, ultra-short silk dress beckons to three waiting hunks.

Tengku Razaleigh returns to the UMNO fold T.N. Harper ruminates on the implications for Malaysia's politics of the return of Tengku Razaleigh Hamzah to the UMNO fold. "This is real, not acting", a leading player assured reporters. In recent weeks, Malaysia witnessed some absorbing political theater. The scene was set with nominations for the triennial elections later this year of the ruling UMNO party. On May 11, an elaborately staged extravaganza marked the party's 50 years of struggle.

Parents' attitude causes stress among young children JAKARTA (JP): "What's your name?" "Annisa Maria Ulfa." "How old are you?" "Six." "What kindergarten are you from?" "Lestari." This question-and-answer session took place between a student and a teacher during an elementary school admission test at a private elementary school in East Jakarta. Annisa answered all questions calmly. She showed no signs of nerves. She was smiling, even when faced with a tough question.

Understanding womens's problems in depth Kajian Wanita Dalam Pembangunan (Studies on Women in Development) Edited by T.O. Ihromi Yayasan Obor Indonesia 549 pages Rp 19,500 JAKARTA (JP): There are not many books which address issues concerning women written by Indonesians. One of the latest, Kajian Wanita Dalam Pembangunan (Studies on Women in Development), is a collection of writings published by Yayasan Obor Indonesia. It is edited by T.O.

Surviving the watery graveyard of the Rotinese By Helen Tainsh ROTI, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): I watched the swirling gray green watery grave from the stern of our small fishing boat and wondered how long it would take to drown. I thought about my two daughters in Sydney and decided if I lived through this I should give up my adventurous life and go home to babysit the grandchildren.

Susi Susanti becomes world number one again JAKARTA (JP): Susi Susanti is back in her world number one spot after beating Ye Zhaoying of China, now ranked world number two, 4-11, 11-5, 11-5 in the Uber Cup final in Hong Kong last month. According to the latest world rankings issued by the International Badminton Federation on Friday, South Korea's Bang Soo-hyun is still ranked world number three.

A novel solution for aging skin JAKARTA (JP): A young and healthy look is the main standard of beauty. Many health and beauty products promote ways to maintain shape and look. One of the biggest concerns for many people, especially women, is wrinkled and sagging skin. This problem is caused by oxidation, dry air, and exposure to ultra-violet rays, which, unfortunately, no one can avoid.

Robber By Harris Effendi Tahar As soon as the monthly Aug. 17th ceremony was over, I rushed to the canteen behind the office. Apparently Hamsad had been waiting for me. He was not wearing the Korpri's batik uniform, a sign that he didn't attend the ceremony. "Sit here. I really need you," Hamsad said, shoving a chair toward me.

ASEM: A foundation for Asia-Europe ties Yeo Lay Hwee suggests an action agenda for the new Asia-Europe Foundation in promoting relations between the two regions. Europe and Asia's "rediscovery" of each other is driven by the necessity of economics. Asia's entry as a major economic player in the international market is a central reality that Europe cannot ignore.

English soccer loses its dazzle By Arif Suryobuwono JAKARTA (JP): Whatever predatory England has always been when playing on home soil, its chance of winning the European Soccer Championship final on June 30 seems as dim as the future of its scandal-happy monarchy. The most glorious moment English soccer ever enjoyed was when it won the eighth World Cup -- on home soil -- after beating Germany 4-2 in 1966. But that was 20 years ago, with no other great victories to follow.

How to cut down on your international phone bills By L.E. Nugroho BANDUNG (JP): All companies doing business in Indonesia come to the realization that international telephone calls cost bundles. Using foreign telephone companies and the Internet will cut the cost of communicating. At least until governments catch on. Because U.S.

Putting the younger generation at ease JAKARTA (JP): "I don't believe this!" roared my youngest son, darting into my study with the morning paper. He had been reading the news about Indonesian aircraft being traded for Thai glutinous rice. "This nation has spent heaps to develop a sophisticated aircraft just to trade it for some bags of cheap glutinous rice," he explained, as though I had never seen glutinous rice in my life.

Traditional kris plays crucial role in Balinese society By Garret Kam DENPASAR (JP): From ancient to contemporary times, the kris has played an important role in all aspects of Balinese society. More than just a weapon, these daggers have adapted to changing cultural, religious and political needs and situations. Daggers, whether forged by human hands, or of supernatural origin, are believed to be tangible manifestations and active personifications of cosmic forces.

Quiet birthday for Soeharto in Surakarta JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto marked his 75th birthday with his children, grandchildren and close relatives at his private residence in Surakarta, Central Java, yesterday. Although it was a very private affair, as in his previous birthdays, someone was greatly missed yesterday -- Mrs. Tien. It was his first birthday since he became widowed last April.

Guess What? A feeling of pride should accompany being chosen one of the country's top 10 role models. That means beating out a 180 million or so others. But the public relations manager of Bali's Nusa Dua Beach Hotel, Intan Petersen, simply cried the night she was crowned one of Indonesia's Ten Development Motivators on June 1. It isn't that she was not happy. On the contrary.

Cultural awareness plays role in business By G.B. Whitfield JAKARTA (JP): It is generally agreed that it takes more for a company to be successful overseas than a quality product and high manufacturing standards. There is a human factor that must be considered. Everyone is a product of his or her cultural environment and such "cultural baggage" is one thing that cannot be lost on an intercontinental flight. Culture influences our actions and effects the way that we look at things.

Megawati's supporters plan rally JAKARTA (JP): Supporters of Megawati Soekarnoputri plan to stage a rally of some 200,000 people in Jakarta this month to show their support to the embattled chief of the Indonesian Democratic Party, an aide said yesterday. Suparlan, a deputy in the PDI central executive board and a loyal Megawati supporter, said the rally will be held at the National Monument (Monas) Square in Central Jakarta.

Bali's Ubud gets its third fine art museum By Amir Sidharta UBUD, Bali (JP): Another museum of fine art opened here yesterday. After six years of preparations, the Agung Rai Museum of Art is now open to public. Prior to its opening, Bali had six museums. Of today's seven museums, four focus on Balinese paintings and three are situated around Ubud, the heart of the island's art. Will the opening of the Agung Rai Museum of Art mean competition for the existing museums? Apparently not.

Big hotels offer exclusivity through health clubs By Primastuti Handayani JAKARTA (JP): Relaxing while exercising is the thing for harassed Jakartans in the rat-race of modern civilization. The hotel industry has filled a need; many hotels have hi-tech fitness/health facilities. Many of them also welcome non-staying guests, businesspeople and executives, who can discuss business in the hotel afterwards. The Jakarta Post visited some health clubs in well-known hotels.

Educational experts disagree on school admission tests By Fitriyanti Djoni JAKARTA (JP): Private schools have become more selective, commonly applying tests, in accepting new pupils to fill their limited seats. "Indirectly, the entry tests reveal students' IQ levels, although the result is grouping students according to their IQ," said Arief Rachman, principal of the IKIP Lab School in East Jakarta.

Hygiene at food stalls questioned By T. Sima Gunawan ISTANBUL, Turkey (JP): They may be mouthwatering, but food sold by sidewalk vendors and the foodstuffs at marketplaces in big cities like Jakarta may not be hygienic and, therefore, hazardous to your health, United Nations health experts said. Food hygiene was extensively discussed at a session here on Friday, part of the ongoing UN Conference on Human Settlements (Habitat) II, which will end on June 14.

The demise of the informal sector in Southeast Asia By Hans-Dieter Evers The importance of the informal sector in Southeast Asian countries should not be overlooked. Hawkers along the sidewalks of busy avenues, shoeshine boys, garbage collectors and door-to-door saleswomen of traditional medicine have, for a long time, been part and parcel of urban life in most of Asia.

How to make confrontation a matter of cooperation By D. Chandramouli JAKARTA (JP): "An argument is an exchange of decibels and a contest is an exchange of stupidity." This is an oft-repeated phrase of my late father's about people who argue simply for the sake of argument. Some people do give the impression that they live to argue! It is futile to change the views of totally cynics. We should rather accept them as they are and get on with our own lives.

Crossword puzzle My holiday in "The land of the Gods" has been wonderful. During the past three weeks I have learned a great deal about Indonesia, its people and culture. I have also enjoyed reading your newspaper, which is informative and of a high standard. Your crossword puzzle is very good, today I finally cracked all the clues. I look forward to visiting Manado and Lombok next year. ROBERT HARRISON Hong Kong

National IQ levels drops as clever women spurn motherhood By L.E. Nugroho BANDUNG (JP): There are two population trends worth discussing. One is that of smarter children coming from better- educated families and the other is of women graduates remaining unmarried or having fewer children when they do marry. These two trends are the results of completely different developments. One can happen without the other.

Patients' pain disappears in renovated hydrotherapy pool By Deborah Cameron JAKARTA (JP): The hydrotherapy pool at Fatmawati Hospital in South Jakarta is a gleaming example of modern medical treatment methods. Patients who immerse themselves in its specially heated water say that they get immediate relief from pain and much more flexibility in injured and paralyzed limbs.

The thrill of driving in Jakarta ... By Myra Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): My friend Dolly, who came to live in Jakarta a few months ago, proudly showed me her new Indonesian driver's license. "I have driven only once, only making left turns, I haven't tried the right turns yet. But I am so happy, now I don't have to use a driver," she said excitedly.

Crossword puzzle I am happy to see you now publish a crossword puzzle which is not dull and boring. I enjoy your puzzle on movies and entertainment. It would be nice to see some prizes for readers. I would also like to see more travel features relating to overseas destinations rather than just within Indonesia. ANDI BUDIMAN South Jakarta

Tracing the roots of the capital's flooding problem By Bambang Budi Utomo JAKARTA (JP): A lot has changed since Jakarta was founded 469 years ago on June 22, 1527. Its population has grown rapidly. According to one of the earliest records available, Jakarta had a population of 27,068 in 1673. The number has swollen to nine million this year. Its economy is booming and signs of its development are everywhere. However, one problem has remained untouched by time, and is even said to be worsening.

Asrul Sani: A man of letters for all media By Jane Freebury JAKARTA (JP): Eminent Indonesian intellectual Asrul Sani is a poet, short story writer, theater educator, film and stage director, and film and television scriptwriter. He is a man of letters who works in the mass media. He was recently interviewed at home in East Jakarta and asked to reflect on his career in film and the state of the Indonesian film industry. Question: Originally, you studied veterinary science.