Streets need ridding of hoodlumsBy K. Basrie JAKARTA (JP): Thursday's clash between two gangs in the crowded Central Jakarta Tanah Abang market area is being seen as further evidence that a mafia-style underworld is emerging in the country.

Ramadhan time for JakartaSundayMaghrib 6.17 p.m.MondayImsak 4:16 a.m.Subuh 4.26 a.m.

Guess What? Rizal Mantovani Music video director Rizal Mantovani, 29, has entered the wide-screen film business.His premier film entitled Kuldesak, from the French "cul-de- sac" or dead end, is expected to appear in theaters soon.

'Fatahillah' expected to prop up RI film industryBy Marselli Sumarno JAKARTA (JP): The accelerated production of a film on the life of Fatahillah, the heroic Islamic figure who recaptured Jakarta from the Portuguese in the 16th century, is approaching its final stages.

Acep makes key chains for a livingText and photos by P.J. Leo JAKARTA (JP): What is there to buy at the entrance of recreational sites such as Taman Mini Indonesia Indah, Monas Square, the Cibubur Camp Site and the Bogor Botanical Garden? Souvenirs made of simple materials but meaningful,...

Shuttlers to get contract money before Idul Fitri JAKARTA (JP): The Badminton Association of Indonesia's chairman, Soerjadi, promised players that the organization will endeavor to pay all the outstanding contract money before Idul Fitri.

Getting spiritual lift from 'umrah'By Santi W.E. Soekanto & Wisnu Pramudya The Jakarta Post editorial staff members Santi W.E. Soekanto and Mulkan Salmona recently performed umrah pilgrimage to Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.

Ramos warns bankers MANILA (Reuter): Philippine president Fidel Ramos has warned bankers against the increasing loan applications of politicians starting this year as most of which would be used just for political campaigns.

Umrah pilgrimage: An exciting and special experienceText and photos by Mulkan Salmona JAKARTA (JP): Spending a holiday traveling to Saudi Arabia on umrah pilgrimage and touring Middle East countries afterwards has been an exciting, special experience.

Jakarta's boutiques sell second-hand designer goodsBy T. Sima Gunawan JAKARTA (JP): Used clothes are not only for the poor. Some wealthy people buy second-hand outfits and wear them with pride. The difference is that the clothes worn by the affluent might be more than just used clothes -- they are...

Guess What? Susi Susanti, Alan Budikusuma Indonesia' golden badminton couple, Susi Susanti and Alan Budikusuma, who were both awarded golden medals at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics Games, are getting married. They will exchange vows at the altar on Feb. 9 while the reception will take place on Feb.

A marriage of weddings and traffic jams JAKARTA (JP): Jakartans, instead of attempting to avoid traffic jams and standing in queues, have adapted themselves creatively in their social lives. An elite wedding in Jakarta, for example, is not just a chance to wish a young couple a happy life together,...

RP grenade blast kills one ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Reuter): One person was killed and 14 were wounded when two unidentified men lobbed a hand grenade into a business in the southern island of Sulu, a military spokesman said yesterday.

Snacks on the marketFrom NeracaSnacks attractively packaged in aluminum foil nowadays occupy much space on supermarket shelves. The snacks -- many registered with the Health Department -- show no expiry date and are sold in the price range of Rp 100 to Rp 500.

Shangri-La Hotel prepares 300 kilogram Ramadhan cakeBy Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): It is often said that you can't have your cake and eat it too, but for the fasting month, the Shangri-La Hotel means every word of the cliche.

Malaysia wins trophy in Dhaka DHAKA (AFP): Malaysia on Friday clinched the Bangabandhu Cup Silver Jubilee of Independence soccer tournament defeating Indonesia 2-1 in the final at Dhaka Stadium.Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed attended the match between Malaysia Red and Indonesia's PSM...

Jasa Marga needs improvingFrom Bisnis IndonesiaDespite its nearly completed widening, the Jakarta-Bekasi toll road has not improved its service to road users significantly.The problem is that PT Jasa Marga, the agency managing toll roads which cooperates with private companies, is apparently unable...