Thoughts at a Lounge Bar By Valentinus Irawan This is my third glass of tequila. The first irritated my throat, but this one is helping me forget the daily nag of the monetary crisis. I have never faced such a nuisance in all the time since I was appointed bank director. "Don't you think you have drunk too much,Pak?" The question came from my new secretary, sitting beside me. She is fresh from secretarial school. Here am I, a workaholic, enjoying myself. I need the refreshment.

Feasting and forgiveness highlights of Idul Fitri Text and photos by Oka Budi Yogaswara JAKARTA (JP): "Lebaran is coming, Lebaran is coming" goes the excited refrain from a popular song on TV. Lebaran -- Indonesian for the Idul Fitri holiday -- falls on this Friday and Saturday, and the Moslem community is busy preparing for the festivities to conclude the Ramadhan fasting month.

Ardy Wiranata resigns from badminton center JAKARTA (JP): Ardy Bernardus Wiranata, who joined Indonesia's Thomas Cup squad five times, has finally resigned from the Badminton Training Center in Cipayung, East Jakarta. Ardy sent his letter of resignation to the Badminton Association of Indonesia chairman, Subagyo Hadisiswoyo, and the association's athletes development deputy, Mangombar Ferdinand Siregar, on Friday.

TV today TVRI 6:00 a.m. TVRI News 6:25 Morning News 6:45 Religious Teachings: Hikmah Pagi 7:15 Healthy and Fit 7:30 Children's Program: Arena Kami 8:00 Brudy and Family 8:30 Cartoon Film 9:00 People and Event 9:30 Documentary: Pemungutan Lebah Hutan 10:00 TVRI News 10:30 Music: Album Minggu 11:30 Teenager's Program: Temu Remaja 12:15 p.m.

'We won't let Indonesia fall' TOKYO (AFP): Japan's vice finance minister Eisuke Sakakibara has said Japan will build a united front with Singapore and the United States to save Indonesia from ruin, a daily reported yesterday. "We will never let Indonesia break down at any cost," Sakakibara, dubbed "Mr. Yen" for his strong influence on foreign exchange markets, said in an interview with the Tokyo Shimbun.

Remodeling RI museums for consumer tastes By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): Despite the economic crisis, the country is still in a consumerist age. In less than 10 years, dozens of shopping malls have sprouted up here and in other urban centers. Increasing per capita income has created an atmosphere conducive for the general public, especially those living in urban areas, to spend their money more liberally.

Aidan Quinn on target as lead in 'The Assignment' By Nicolas Colombant JAKARTA (JP): Even though Carlos, alias "the Jackal", now stands trial in France for the murder of two French agents and an informer, we will never know the true measures taken by the intelligence community to capture him. Carlos -- who has been blamed for the deaths of at least 83 people -- was on the run for more than 20 years, spilling blood in the name of the extremists who hired him.

Ramadhan time for Jakarta Sunday Maghrib 6:19 p.m. Monday Imsak 4:23 a.m. Subuh 4:33 a.m.

E. Java Taman Safari aims to solve population problem By Sirikit Syah SURABAYA (JP): Four years ago, Taman Safari Indonesia realized it had a growing problem on its hands at its wildlife park in Cisarua, West Java. Successful breeding programs had increased the animal population, with the undesirable result that the park was becoming overcrowded. A search began for the ideal location to establish a second park.

Yayuk downs van Roost, now faces Hingis MELBOURNE, Australia (Reuters): Belgium's Dominique van Roost became the sixth women's seed to fall at the Australian Open when she was beaten 6-4, 6-4 by Indonesia's Yayuk Basuki yesterday. The biggest upset of the day came on the men's side however when world number two Pat Rafter, the local favorite yielded in four sets to unseeded Spaniard Alberto Berasategui, 6-7 7-6 6-2 7-6 in a little under three hours.

Downer to visit Jakarta CANBERRA (Reuters): Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer visits Jakarta this weekend, with diplomats monitoring any potential threat for Australians in Indonesia in the wake of its economic crisis, a government spokeswoman said yesterday.

Celebrating Idul Fitri with concern JAKARTA (JP): The post-fasting holiday of Idul Fitri is a time for celebration and gathering with relatives for Moslems. But has the acute monetary crisis, the worst in decades, dampened the festive spirit of the faithful? The Jakarta Post reporters look at the blessings to be had amid the hardship.

America the greatest on earth? Just ask an American for the answer JAKARTA (JP): As a enthusiastic visitor to the U.S., I am always fascinated by the Yankee penchant and continuing love affair with the superlative. The media was totally dominated by drugs and Dick Daviloff during my too-short visit. All too short, but oh-so eventful. A sunny summer, the radio said, turned to fall at 3:59 a.m. on Monday, Sept. 22.

Deserted markets greet Chinese New Year JAKARTA (JP): The Year of the Tiger is just a few days away, and the city's Chinatown of Kota is festooned with red and gold, traditional colors of the Chinese New Year. Behind all the gaudy decorations, business is gray. "The market is weak, and the number of buyers has decreased drastically by up to 50 percent," said Elly, a store owner in Kota, the city's Chinatown.

Ice skating glides into Jakarta's teen mall culture By Monika Winarto JAKARTA (JP): For urban teenagers like Patricia, ice skating has become a pastime similar to going to the movies or shopping. And it is now recognized as a teenage trend and part of the mall culture. "I like going to the mall to ice skate for recreation," 16- year-old Patricia said. For Jakartans, ice skating and the mall are inseparable.

Guruh at ease with that imposing family name By Bruce Emond JAKARTA (JP): Fate dealt Guruh Soekarnoputra that double-edged sword of a resoundingly famous family name. The youngest son of the nation's first president says he no longer feels he has to live up to his lofty lineage. By his own account, he had a charmed childhood with his four siblings in the State Palace. Adult success followed as a choreographer, songwriter and, most recently, entertainment promotions manager.

Artistic gold expo to be held JAKARTA (JP): The Italian Trade commission invites interested Indonesian gold jewelry designers, painters, sculptors and architects to take part in the second Oro d'Autore artistic gold exhibition of 1998. This exhibition with the theme "A jewel for the third millennium" will be held at the Convention & Exhibition Center of Hongkong from Sept. 23 to 27 during the International Jewelry and Watch fair.

Stanley recommends US$10b bailout for Indonesia SINGAPORE (Reuters): U.S. investment bank Morgan Stanley has recommended Indonesia issue US$10 billion of long-term bonds to ease short-term corporate offshore debt burdens, the Business Times newspaper reported on Saturday. It said several international banks have submitted rescue plans to Jakarta in recent weeks but that Morgan Stanley's was being considered more seriously because of its institutional placing power.

Ananda hoping to reach F-3 Italian series top five JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's rising star Ananda Mikola expressed optimism on Friday of reaching the world top five in his second year at the Italian Formula-3 series. "I was in the top 10 last year and considering my knowledge of the circuit and my rivals, I'm sure I can get into the top five this year," said Ananda, who is the son of former national leading racer Tinton Soeprapto.

Buying what we don't need in sales JAKARTA (JP): Sales, sales, sales! Signs, each bigger than the other, smile at me whenever I go shopping. It is difficult to resist the seduction, but usually I try to be strong. "Buy things only when you need them," I say to myself. After a few days, I regret that I held out and I start to waver. But when I finally have made the decision to buy, the sales are over or the items have been snapped up by other people.

Currency crisis might hit players MELBOURNE, Australia (AP): Indonesian tennis star Yayuk Basuki fears the Southeast Asian currency crisis might halt advances made by players from the region. Yayuk joined Thailand's Tamarine Tanasugarn in the fourth round of the Australian Open yesterday with a 6-4, 6-4 win over number 14 seed Dominique van Roost of Belgium.