Activists oppose controls on NGOs By Prasetyohadi JAKARTA (JP): Several non-governmental organization (NGO) activists voiced their objections yesterday to a military proposal that foreign aid destined for NGOs, especially those with "problems", should be regulated.

West Sumatra's 'rumah gadang' a matrilineal symbol Text and photos by Nicky Walsh BUKITTINGGI, West Sumatra (JP): As the sun rises over the rice paddies and slopes of the volcanoes, the mist slowly lifts and strange crescent shapes with soaring peaks begin to fill the sky. The day takes over from the dawn and the magnificent houses appear beneath the gables of the roofs. The houses are a symbol of an ancient culture in this ancient land.

China's men lead in chess Olympiad YEREVAN (DPA): China defeated Cuba 2.5-1.5 to retain its lead at the top of the men's team tournament at the chess Olympiad in Yerevan, Armenia, moving on to 13 points. Favorites Russia is half a point behind on 12.5 after a 3-1 victory over Germany on Thursday evening.

Indonesia keeps Davis Cup hopes alive in Davis Cup play-off JAKARTA (Agencies): The solid partnership of Bonit Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo stormed to a convincing straight-sets win yesterday to keep Indonesian hopes alive in its Davis Cup Asia Oceania third-round play-off against Chinese Taipei. The visiting Indonesians opted to pick Bonit in place of Sebastian da Costa to team up with Sulistyo in yesterday's crucial match after going 2-0 down in the first day on Friday.

Preparations begin for next year's SE Asian Games JAKARTA (JP): As the 14th National Games (PON) came to an end on Friday, preparations for next year's 19th Southeast Asian Games began. Indonesia, smarting from its humiliation in Chiang Mai, Thailand, last year, has vowed to regain its overall title. The PON were expected to serve well as the gauge of the possibility of a better performance at the 1997 regional games.

Christie's asked to return RI paintings By K. Basrie JAKARTA (JP): Art curators and relatives of two Indonesian masters who fear paintings allegedly stolen from the National Museum include two that have just been withdrawn by Christie's from its October auction in Singapore, want further action taken immediately. They have called on the international auction house to hand over any paintings of dubious origin as it could be among the art stolen from the Indonesian government collection.

ABRI announces more leadership changes JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces announced two more personnel changes in its leadership structure yesterday, in the posts of assistant to the chief of sociopolitical affairs and the commandant of the Infantry Weapons Center. The current assistant to the chief of sociopolitical affairs, Maj. Gen. Suwarno Adiwijoyo, will be replaced by his deputy, Brig. Gen. Budi Harsono. The commandant of the Bandung-based Infantry Weapons Center, Maj. Gen.

Iran alerts its forces TEHRAN (AFP): Iranian President Ali Akbar Hashemi Rafsanjani called on his armed forces yesterday to prepare for possible "enemy" attacks on the anniversary of the start of the 1980-1988 war against neighboring Iraq. "Iran's enemies have entered the foray in economic and cultural areas and imposed an embargo on us to strike a blow," Rafsanjani said, referring to the U.S. economic sanctions imposed on Iran in June 1995 and tightened in August.

Testosterone-powered action fuels Bay's 'The Rock' By Parvathi Nayar Narayan JAKARTA (JP): The assorted mass of concrete and rock in San Francisco Bay still exerts a strange, compelling pull on people's imaginations. Once again Hollywood has cashed in on its enduring appeal though the result isn't really just another Alcatraz movie. The Rock has nothing to do with grisly tales of cruelty and injustice, but rather with modern warriors -- and weapons. The versatile Ed Harris plays General Hummel.

'Violet' set to hit Japan TOKYO (Reuter): Typhoon Violet, packing maximum winds of 144 kph (90 mph), was expected to hit central Japan today, the Meteorological Agency said yesterday. As of 4.30 p.m. (0730 GMT), Violet was located 1,150 km (719 miles) southwest of Tokyo, the agency said. Violet, the 17th typhoon to hit Japan this year, was moving northeast at a speed of 20 kph (12.5 mph), it said.

Spicy Padang food a finger-licking feast BUKITTINGGI, West Sumatra (JP): Minang men have spread local culinary delights in their practice of merantau, (to travel far and wide seeking one's fortune), thus introducing Padang food to the world. Rich in color and flavor, Padang food is a culinary experience second to none. The food steeped in curry and coconut milk based sauces, with chili, turmeric, green ginger and other ingredients, is generally hot and spicy.

Marzuki Darusman: If I ran the rights body ... By Lela E. Madjiah JAKARTA (JP): He strikes one as careful but assertive, calm but passionate, intelligent but innocent, and a very attentive listener. But Marzuki Darusman, 50, does not make a perfect host. He didn't offer me a drink during our two-and-a-half-hour conversation on Wednesday. This came as a surprise, the more so because he is from a family which attaches a lot of importance to hospitality.

East Java to honor record breakers JAKARTA (JP): All athletes that broke records in the just- concluded 14th National Games will receive cash bonuses donated by East Javanese businessmen. East Java Governor Basofi Soedirman told reporters on leaving Jakarta for his province's capital Surabaya yesterday that the bonuses will be presented in East Java's capital city as soon as he finishes compiling the names of the athletes.

Bandung wastes home advantage in Cup tie BANDUNG (JP): Mastrans Bandung Raya (MBR) wasted its home advantage when it scored a 1-1 draw in its Asia Winners Cup second leg match against Hong Kong Cup winner South China. Alexander Saununu put the Bandung side ahead in the 26th minute with a lethal finish for a brilliant cross from Adjat Sudradjat, who had earlier beaten off three South China defenders.

Ethnicity in the spotlight but designs fail to shine Text by Dini S. Djalal, photos by Arief Hidayat JAKARTA (JP): At the Nuansa Kuning (Yellow Ambience) fashion show held last week by the Indonesian Textile Association, women in Balinese traditional dress walked down the runway carrying offerings (sajen). Real-life Balinese rituals offer flowers, fruit and rice, but not this staged procession. Instead, balanced on top of the women's heads were stacks and stacks of plastic fruit.

Indonesians have innate sense of courtesy By John Phillips JAKARTA (JP): In this age of political, cultural and linguistic correctness, it is becoming increasingly difficult to figure out what people mean when they say something because they are always saying one thing when they mean another, as I pointed out with the term teman. Indonesians are among the most skillful at doing this because of their highly developed, innate sense of politeness.