Rubber commodity exchanges urged JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, the world's second largest rubber producer, should open rubber commodity exchanges in several cities to protect its large number of small producers, said the Indonesian Rubber Association. The association's chairman O.K. Cornel said the association had asked the former ministry of trade to allow a commodity exchange in Medan, North Sumatra; where most of Indonesia's rubber comes from.

Quelling speculation The news from Bad Oeynhausen, Germany -- concerning President Soeharto's condition as conveyed by Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie and Dr. Reiner Koerfer -- brought relief to all Indonesians as it turned out President Soeharto was healthier than many people thought.

Local champion Utut suffers second defeat JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's number one chess player, grandmaster Utut Adianto, plummeted to his second shock defeat in the BNI international tournament yesterday. It was compatriot Danny Yuswanto who blew away Utut's bid for his first title of the year. Playing with the advantageous white pieces, Danny employed constant attacks to tear down Utut's Caro- Kann defense in 39 moves.

KL cocoa traders and grinders to work out price pact KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian cocoa traders and grinders are to hold talks before the end of August on a price pact that could favor both sides and ensure enough cocoa beans for local use, a senior industry official said yesterday.

'Let Adi prove his mettle': Lawyer JAKARTA (JP): Justice Adi Andojo Soetjipto, who raised clamor over alleged collusion and corruption at the Supreme Court, should be given a chance to prove his mettle, a prominent lawyer has suggested. Justice Adi should replace Chief Justice Soerjono, who is nearing pension-age, on the condition that he rid the Court of collusion within a year, said Luhut M.P. Pangaribuan. "If he fails, then he should resign altogether," Luhut said yesterday.