Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Archive: 31 March 1998

61 articles found

Another 'ojek' driver killed

Another 'ojek' driver killed JAKARTA (JP): An ojek (motorcycle taxi) driver was found dead in Sepatan village, Bekasi, yesterday. He is believed to have been robbed by his fare. An officer from the Bekasi police precinct, who asked not to be named, said the passenger killed his victim, identified as Tarsum, 45, before escaping on his motorcycle. "Tarsum suffered severe wounds to his head and body," he said. The victim was married with two small children.

Govt has lied too much, experts say

Govt has lied too much, experts say DEPOK, West Java (JP): Local and international market confidence in Indonesia crumbled because the government lied too much, experts concluded yesterday. Social psychologists Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono and Acuk Parsudi described, in a paper presented to a symposium at the University of Indonesia, how the government was no longer trusted because it had gone back on its own word too often. "In short, the government has lied too often," the experts said.

Four sought for robbing

Four sought for robbing JAKARTA (JP): Police are searching for four men who allegedly robbed Rp 9.6 million from an employee of Aneka magazine in front of his office in Central Jakarta yesterday. City Police spokesman Lt. Col. E. Aritonang said the alleged robbers used a sickle against the victim and that one possessed a gun. "They did not use the gun but wounded the victim, Gunadi, with the sickle when the latter tried to fight back," he said.

Four drown at Parangtritis Beach

Four drown at Parangtritis Beach YOGYAKARTA: The infamous strong currents of Parangtritis Beach swept away four young men Sunday evening. The body of Sugeng, 27, and Wahidi, 30, were found yesterday morning at Parang Endog Beach, about three kilometers from Parangtritis. Two other victims -- Warno, 35 and Larno, 25 -- are still missing. Sugiyo, head of the local search and rescue team, said currents swept five men away from the beach.

Health conscious refuse to go without food supplements

Health conscious refuse to go without food supplements JAKARTA (JP): Inka Aditya, an assistant manager at a private bank in Kota, West Jakarta, found recently that she had a tendency to feel exhausted or even nod off while at work. She saw a doctor, who advised her to take food supplements. Inka, 30, is now one of the many people who include food supplements among their basic needs. She spends Rp 150,000 on them every month.

Welcomes turn sour for Southeast Asian illegal immigrants

Welcomes turn sour for Southeast Asian illegal immigrants By Beth Duff-brown SUNGAI BEREMBANG, Malaysia (AP): By day, Salleh Abidin is a mild-mannered rice farmer, tending the lush paddies that cushion the limestone cliffs along the Thai border. By night, Salleh joins other village vigilantes to prowl the mangrove swamps along the shoreline of the Straits of Malacca, truncheons gripped, shotguns cocked.

Stronger monetary measures urged to curb inflation

Stronger monetary measures urged to curb inflation JAKARTA (JP): The government should pursue stronger monetary and fiscal measures to control inflation and create more employment to prevent possible social chaos, University of Indonesia economists said yesterday. Anton H. Gunawan and Sri Mulyani Indrawati said the government should simultaneously solve offshore debt problems, restore the health of the banking sector and reduce various distortions in the production sector to shore up the rupiah.

Telkom raises call rates

Telkom raises call rates JAKARTA (JP): State telecommunications company PT Telkom is to raise telephone rates for local and long-distance domestic calls from tomorrow. Company vice president D. Amarudien said yesterday in Bandung that local call rates would be raised by 16 percent to Rp 145 (1.6 U.S. cents) per pulse and long-distance domestic call rates by 15.48 percent to Rp 112 per pulse. One pulse is either 1.5, two or three minutes, depending on the distance and time period.

Man dies in blazing jeep

Man dies in blazing jeep BOGOR (JP): An apparently drunk motorist was burned to death and his companion badly injured when their jeep caught fire following a collision with a truck early yesterday, witnesses said. The accident took place at about 2:30 a.m. in front of Flamboyan discotheque. Syamsuddin, 30, was killed in the accident. His injured friend was identified as Dedy Sofian, 29. Eyewitnesses reported that the victims' speeding Suzuki Katana jeep struck a truck cruising in front of them.

Bad service

Bad service A German tourist, accompanied by a local tour guide, went to a Bank Danamon ATM only to find it empty of cash. It took two bank employees 20 minutes to fill the machine, after which withdrawal of money was refused as though the customer had no money in his account. The customer needed rupiah to pay for his ticket on the Argo Bromo, but the bank refused to exchange his European currency. As a result he missed the train.

Junction yellow box system introduced to ease traffic

Junction yellow box system introduced to ease traffic JAKARTA (JP): Police reintroduced yesterday yellow boxes at intersections in a bid to reduce the heavy traffic jams in some areas. City Police chief Maj. Gen. Hamami Nata said drivers will be given two months to become accustomed to the boxes; anyone caught violating the system during this period will not be sanctioned. "We are allowing a one-month period for people to get used to this system.

Soccer referee burns FIFA certificates to protest ban

Soccer referee burns FIFA certificates to protest ban JAKARTA (JP): A soccer referee set fire yesterday to his certificate issued by the world soccer body FIFA at the All- Indonesian Soccer Federation's office in an emotional protest against a 10-year suspension imposed on him for collusive practices. Sasmuryadi, 40, said the move marked his farewell to a sport he had been involved with for much of his life. The Air Force chief sergeant started to officiate national-level matches two years ago.

Forest fires continue in East Kalimantan

Forest fires continue in East Kalimantan JAKARTA (JP): Fires continued to raze East Kalimantan forests and envelope large parts of Kutai National Park and Great Soeharto Hill Forest Park yesterday. A Kutai regency official, Soebianto, said in Tenggarong yesterday that hot spots were still being detected across several timber and forest estates and Kutai National Park.

Cut in drug prices unlikely but supply guaranteed

Cut in drug prices unlikely but supply guaranteed JAKARTA (JP): The economic crisis, said Naswan, a 52-year-old worker with serious heart problems, has had a "good effect" on him. "Now, I'm paying serious attention to my diet," said Naswan. He used to ignore his doctor's advice to control his diet and reduce work hours. "I obey him not only because of the high medical costs but also out of fear that my drugs will no longer be available in the drugstores," Naswan said.

EU to get tough with Indonesia at ASEM

EU to get tough with Indonesia at ASEM BRUSSELS (AFP): The European Union will use this week's Asia- Europe Meeting (ASEM) in London to step up the pressure on Indonesia to accept the International Monetary Fund's (IMF) terms for releasing new funds from its US$43 billion bailout package.

Workers and their wages

Workers and their wages From Media Indonesia Generally, civil servants receive small salaries and are compelled to look for other sources of income. Those with moral courage and other capabilities can take on side jobs. They become teachers, consultants and traders, some drive an ojek (motorcycle taxi). Civil servants whose moral values are weak and who have the opportunity because of their job as serving the public, in a project or a logistics division, may earn a large extra income.

Summarecon claims US$9m losses from dispute

Summarecon claims US$9m losses from dispute JAKARTA (JP): PT Summarecon Agung chairman Soetjipto Nagaria said yesterday that his questioning by police was not related to the illegal demolition of a building project in the Tanjung Duren area, West Jakarta, or corruption and embezzlement of funds as reported by the mass media last week. "I have instead lost US$9 million in equity capital put in PT Swaraeka Prasetia, the owner of the building project, on Feb.

Es Teler 77 to open overseas outlets

Es Teler 77 to open overseas outlets JAKARTA (JP): Es Teler 77 Juara Indonesia, a restaurant chain selling traditional Indonesian food, will soon open its first overseas outlets in Singapore and Brunei Darussalam, the company said yesterday. Company president Sukyatno Nugroho said that the company was in the process of obtaining permits from the Singaporean and Brunei Darussalam authorities to set up branches in both cities.

Hardijanti receives Rp 3b donation from Jayanti Group

Hardijanti receives Rp 3b donation from Jayanti Group JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Social Services Siti Hardijanti Rukmana received yesterday a donation of Rp 3 billion (US$352,940) from the Jayanti Group of companies. F.X. Soedjasmin, director of the timber giant, told the minister the donation for the poor was collected from its 50,000 employees.

Aceh unemployment figures up 61%

Aceh unemployment figures up 61% BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Unemployment numbers here increased 61 percent over last year. The head of the provincial labor office, Prie Soekarno, attributed the large increase to the country's economic doldrums. He said the number of unemployed people increased from 108,830 at the end of 1996 to 175,226 at the end of last year. Aceh has a population of about 3.9 million.

Ananda 7th in F3 race

Ananda 7th in F3 race JAKARTA (JP): A poor start forced Indonesian teenage driver Ananda Mikola to settle for seventh place in the Formula Three auto racing championship opener at the Vallelunga circuit in Italy on Sunday. Starting from eighth grid, Ananda slipped to 13th place and was left trailing at the rear of the pack for almost half of the race after his car's launch control ceased working.

Indonesia sends four boxers to King's Cup

Indonesia sends four boxers to King's Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will send four boxers to the 22nd King's Cup in Bangkok today with no pressure of bringing home medals. Coordinator of the national boxing training center Jetty R. Pattiasina said the tournament would serve as one of a series of international tests for Indonesian boxers, who are being groomed for the Asian Games in December, also in Bangkok.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on March 30, 1998: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ----------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 650 -50 12,500 AHAP Insurance 500 0 0 Alter Abadi 650 0 1,000 Alumindo Light Metal 475 75 1,472,000 Alumindo Perkasa 375 -25 25,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 625 25 72,000 Aneka Tambang 1,575 0 1,978,000 Anwar Sierad 325 -25 499,500 Apac Centertex Corp.

Nuclear supervisory agency to be set up

Nuclear supervisory agency to be set up JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will set up an independent nuclear energy supervisory agency, according to State Minister of Research and Technology Rahardi Ramelan. "God willing... the Nuclear Energy Supervisory Agency will be set up next week," Rahardi told journalists after meeting with Soeharto at the latter's private residence on Jl. Cendana, Central Jakarta.

Conversion Rates

Conversion Rates JAKARTA (JP): Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's (Bank Exim) indicative conversion rates on March 30, 1998: Buying Selling Rp Rp U.S.

Japan gives more aid

Japan gives more aid JAKARTA (JP): The Japanese government will provide an additional emergency assistance grant amounting to 3 billion (about US$23 million). The Japanese Embassy announced yesterday that the Japanese government had decided to provide the assistance on March 27 following the first emergency assistance grant of about 1.02 billion on March 6.

Illegal levies

Illegal levies Every day, we hear that illegal levies are hurting the economy as well as the people. Manufacturers have said that they cannot afford to raise their employees' salaries because 30 percent of their production costs are due to illegal levies. Some time ago, the chairman of the Indonesian Transportation Society stated that if illegal levies paid by bus companies were scrapped, bus fares would not need to be increased.

Rates for Tax Payment

Rates for Tax Payment JAKARTA (JP): The new official conversion rates as the basis for payment of import duty, value-added tax on goods and services, sales tax on luxury goods, export tax and income tax, valid from March 30 to April 5: U.S.

Minister pledges to abide by IMF-backed reform program

Minister pledges to abide by IMF-backed reform program JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry and Trade Mohamad (Bob) Hasan promised yesterday that he would abide by the terms of the IMF-backed reform program which diminishes the power of the highly controversial Association of Indonesian Wood Panel Producers (Apkindo) which he used to head.

Modernland Realty may sell projects

Modernland Realty may sell projects JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed Modernland Realty of the Modern Group is considering selling some of its property projects to foreign investors to pay its offshore debts, a company executive said yesterday. Commissioner A.F. Hasan said that some foreign investors from Singapore and Japan had expressed interest in buying some of the projects, especially those located in the greater Jakarta area.

Jababeka-Bahana deal

Jababeka-Bahana deal JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed industrial estate developer PT Kawasan Industri Jababeka has appointed PT Bahana Pembinaan Usaha Indonesia as financial advisor to help to cope with the current monetary crisis, the company said yesterday. "I believe the crisis will end. Jababeka is taking active measures to maintain its financial performance and continue making advances," company president Ismail Sofyan said in a statement.

Crisis delays RI's oil import payments

Crisis delays RI's oil import payments SINGAPORE (Reuters): Indonesia is one of the largest crude oil exporter in Asia, but its financial crisis and a shortage of foreign reserves has affected its ability to pay for crude and oil products imports, traders said yesterday. They said the Indonesian state oil company, Pertamina, has been delaying its payments for fuel imports for the past few months because of Jakarta's financial crunch. "Pertamina has been extending payment for 90 to 120 days.

Govt to sell more of its shares in six listed firms

Govt to sell more of its shares in six listed firms JAKARTA (JP): The government will sell more of its shares in six publicly listed firms to foreign investors to raise badly needed funds to finance the government's inflated spending. Minister of Finance Fuad Bawazier said after meeting President Soeharto yesterday that several investors, especially large fund managers from Europe and the United States, had expressed strong interest in buying the shares.

No hike in minimum wage: Theo

No hike in minimum wage: Theo JAKARTA (JP): The government decided yesterday not to raise monthly minimum wages throughout the country despite last minute pleas for a 20-percent increase from labor leaders. Minister of Manpower Theo L. Sambuaga announced the decision yesterday after he chaired a meeting of representatives of the All-Indonesia Workers Union (SPSI), the Indonesian Employers Association (Apindo) and the Manpower Ministry.

Asian currencies lower in quiet trade

Asian currencies lower in quiet trade SINGAPORE (Reuters): Asian currencies closed a quiet day's trade yesterday drifting lower as the end of the fiscal year for many companies approached, while most traders awaited fresh developments from Indonesia's talks with the International Monetary Fund.

More migrants arrive in Medan from Malaysia

More migrants arrive in Medan from Malaysia MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Nearly 1,000 illegal migrants arrived here yesterday after being deported from Malaysia Sunday. The 972 arrived in Medan yesterday morning aboard a special six-car train from the port city of Tanjungbalai, 130 kms southeast of Medan, where they had arrived from the Malaysian port of Port Klang.

Sticker system will not involve private sector

Sticker system will not involve private sector JAKARTA (JP): The sticker system proposed to replace the three-in-one traffic regulation will not involve the private sector, Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs Abdul Kahfi said yesterday. "The city administration will handle the management, control and operation of the system," he said. Preparations for implementing the new system have cost between Rp 6 billion and Rp 7 billion, he said.

Stock prices at JSX end lower in moderate trading

Stock prices at JSX end lower in moderate trading JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) closed marginally lower yesterday in moderate trading as investors took profits on the gains they made last week, stockbrokers said. They said that the trading outlook on the local exchange was bleak for the whole day because most investors remained cautious while waiting for the conclusion of talks between the government and the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Another regional headache

Another regional headache Now that our economic crisis has started to spill over into neighboring countries, the government is facing another problem with not only a regional but also a global impact. Fourteen immigrants from Aceh, in northern Sumatra, forced their way into the compound of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) office in Kuala Lumpur yesterday asking for protection.

Romo gets seven years in jail

Romo gets seven years in jail JAKARTA (JP): Arief Kusno Saputo, alias Romo and also known as "Bung Karno", was sentenced to seven years in jail yesterday by a court in Malang, East Java, after having been found guilty of attempting to seed hate and undermine the government. The decision handed down by the panel of judges headed by Sartono is lighter than the 10-year sentence demanded by the prosecution. Arief was found guilty of violating articles 154 and 156 of the Criminal Code.

Stable rupiah needed for recovery

Stable rupiah needed for recovery The rupiah remains very weak, even after the central bank significantly increased its promissory note rates last week. Economist Kwik Kian Gie discusses the necessity to stabilize the country's foreign exchange system. JAKARTA (JP): The press has devoted pages to efforts to overcome the economic crisis but no substantial breakthrough has been made yet.

Soeharto willing to hold dialog with students

Soeharto willing to hold dialog with students JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has expressed a willingness to hold a dialog with students who have been protesting rising prices and demanding reforms. State Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Agung Laksono said yesterday the President would gladly talk to the students, especially if they could provide him with concrete proposals on how to boost development. "He (Soeharto) said in principle that it's OK.

Ranariddh returns to Cambodia, vows to work for unity

Ranariddh returns to Cambodia, vows to work for unity PHNOM PENH (AFP): Prince Norodom Ranariddh returned to a rapturous welcome amidst tight security in Phnom Penh yesterday after nearly nine months in exile since being deposed as co- premier. The prince appeared to hold out an olive branch to his bitter rival Hun Sen, the second prime minister, who ousted him in fierce fighting last July. "I am available to see him anytime," the prince told reporters, referring to Hun Sen.

ABRI has better understanding on rights: Amaral

ABRI has better understanding on rights: Amaral JAKARTA (JP): Human rights campaigner Clementino Dos Reis Amaral has praised the Armed Forces' (ABRI) improved awareness of human rights, citing how the military had sought discussions to settle disputes involving its officials. "The Armed Forces headquarters has requested a bi-monthly meeting with the National Commission on Human Rights to discuss human rights violation issues," Amaral said yesterday as quoted by Antara.

Government launches new credit scheme

Government launches new credit scheme JAKARTA (JP): The government launched a new credit scheme yesterday called Business Partnership Promotion Credit (KPKU) to help develop small businesses. Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare and Poverty Eradication/Chairman of the National Family Planning Board Haryono Suyono said credit would be provided to help small businesses run by members of the government-sponsored prosperous family program (Prokesra).

Where to go in Bandung:

Where to go in Bandung: Exhibitions * Traditional Antique and Unigue Goods Exhibition by Emfam Collections at the Lobby Preanger Aerowisata Bandung Hotel, Jl. Asia Afrika No. 81 (Tel. 022 431631), March 31. * Art Exhibition: Room and Street by Hanura Hosea, at Galeripadi Jl. Ir. H. Juanda 329 Bandung (Tel. 022 2500578), Tuesday to Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., April 5 through May 3. Artist Talk and Discussion, 2 p.m., April 6.

PPD drivers protest poor treatment

PPD drivers protest poor treatment JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of drivers from the state-owned bus company PPD staged a peaceful protest in front of the PPD head office in Halim, East Jakarta, yesterday, to demand better treatment from the company management. The drivers, who called themselves the PPD Drivers Solidarity, also demanded the resignation of the board of directors and the heads of the company's nine bus pools.

Hong Kong outdoes Jakarta with its art facilities

Hong Kong outdoes Jakarta with its art facilities By Helly Minarti HONG KONG (JP): Two of Asia's bustling capitalist hubs, Hong Kong and Jakarta much something in common. Driving from Kai Tak or Soekarno-Hatta airports to the city's downtown areas, one sees similar signs of regional metropolitan life; from towering skyscrapers, long toll roads, and glittering malls to bleak slums and densely populated residential areas.

Bundesbank to assist RI in bank reforms

Bundesbank to assist RI in bank reforms JAKARTA (JP): Deutsche Bundesbank, Germany's central bank, is offering its expertise to help Indonesia with the difficult task of consolidating the country's ailing banking industry, said a senior official of the bank. Stefan Schoenberg, a director at Deutsche Bundesbank, said here yesterday that Germany was looking for possibilities to assist Bank Indonesia in the areas of bank supervision and monetary policy.

Irianese rush to river for gold

Irianese rush to river for gold JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Hundreds of residents here have trooped off to the Agas River in search of gold, after reports filed in last week that a large gold deposit was discovered in the river. The commander of the South Jayapura Military Command, Capt. Ketut Sudana, said he observed increased activity at the Agas River near Gurabesi village, South Jayapura subdistrict, over the weekend.

Shamans fight Amazon blaze

Shamans fight Amazon blaze BRASILIA (Reuters): Two shamans were called in Sunday to help fight the fires that have raged through the Amazon rain forest for two months and shown up Brazil's lack of readiness to combat such disasters by conventional means. "They are going to hold a ceremony inside the Yanomami reservation," said Marcos Ferreira, an official at the government's Indian Foundation (Funai).

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:00 p.m. News: Berita 14 2:45 TV Series: The Big Valley 3:10 Teen Program: Remaja Indonesia 3:35 Music: Lagu Pop Daerah 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Health Program: Koreksi Miopia dan Katarak 5:00 English Lessons 5:25 Variety Show 5:30 Documentary 6:00 News: Lintasan Berita 6:05 Science Film: Agriculture 6:15 Village Program 6:30 TVRI News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:35 Talk Show: Wawasan 8:00 News: Lintasan Berita 8:05 TV Drama: Mutiaraku 9:00 World News 9:30 Sports: Arena dan...

Krakatau Steel suspends $600m hot coil project

Krakatau Steel suspends $600m hot coil project JAKARTA (JP): State-owned PT Krakatau Steel has suspended the construction of its US$600 million hot-rolled coil plant due to the country's worst economic crisis, a company executive said here yesterday. Krakatau Steel president Soetoro Mangoensoewargo said the suspension of the hot-rolled coil project had been approved by the minister of finance.

Manila launches manhunt for man stalking Ramos

Manila launches manhunt for man stalking Ramos MANILA (AFP): Philippine security forces have launched a manhunt for a suspected hired assassin who has been stalking President Fidel Ramos, police said yesterday. The suspect "has been stalking the president during his provincial visits," and his motive could be "political," Chief Superintendent Avelino Razon of the Manila police said.

Trying to avoid border troubles

Trying to avoid border troubles Thailand continues to shelter tens of thousands of Cambodians. But this drain on our money and human resources may be the least of the problem on the Khmer border. A confusing and menacing situation threatens to draw Thailand in. Prince Norodom Ranariddh returns to Cambodia today (Monday) to establish his presence for the July elections. Hun Sen supporters have raised tensions by holding demonstrations against him.

National Games OC installed

National Games OC installed JAKARTA (JP): National Sports Council chairman Wismoyo Arismunandar installed yesterday the 15th National Games (PON) organizing committee (OC) in Surabaya, East Java. East Java Governor Basofi Sudirman was sworn in as the committee's chairman, with Deputy Governor Imam Soepardi named as the committee's executive chairman.

Court inconsistent in pre-trial proceedings

Court inconsistent in pre-trial proceedings JAKARTA (JP): Pre-trial proceedings in a case brought against the city police chief by detained supporters of Megawati Soekarnoputri took another twist yesterday when judges decided to hear the plaintiffs case in their absence. Last week, South Jakarta District Court refused to hear the case under similar circumstances. Police did not release the detainees to attend the scheduled hearing.

Kupang exports cement

Kupang exports cement JAKARTA (JP): PT Semen Kupang, a state-owned cement plant based in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara, will expand its overseas markets into Central Asian countries, the company's executive said. Company president Satar Taba said in Kupang yesterday the company, which at present exports its products only to Australia, had received orders for 100,000 tons of cement from Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Myanmar.

Food shortages drive orangutans to the brink

Food shortages drive orangutans to the brink By Iskandar Zulkarnaen SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan (Antara): The food crisis as a result of the long drought is now affecting not only the people, but also animals. Some 2,000 orangutans in East Kalimantan are suffering because forest trees are failing to bear fruit, the orangutans' primary food source. Worse, parts of the area have been totally devastated by forest fires.

Green warning gleaned from the depths of RI lakes

Green warning gleaned from the depths of RI lakes By Pasi Lehmusluoto MEDAN (JP): If you paid attention in geography class, you might remember the highest mountain in the world and the longest river. But if you were asked to name the biggest crater lake would you know the answer? It is Lake Toba, in North Sumatra. Lake Toba is about 1,130 square kilometers and has a volume of 240 cubic km. Indonesia is home to not one but two great crater lakes.

UK gives vehicles to rescue office

UK gives vehicles to rescue office SURABAYA, East Java: The British government has donated two vehicles to support the operations of Surabaya's search and rescue office. According to Antara, the vehicles -- a truck and a jeep -- are equipped with communications equipment and various tools, such as iron saws. The head of the search and rescue office, Col. Yayun Riyanto, said yesterday 30 Indonesian personnel would be given a two-week training course on how to operate the vehicles.