Analysts urge police to improve their imageBy Ahmad Junaidi JAKARTA (JP): Many people think the police force could improve its image if it is separated from the Armed Forces, as many analysts have urged.

Ex-chief backs police autonomyBy Edith Hartanto JAKARTA (JP): In its 52nd year, the National Police have been through many vicissitudes in their attempts to "protect and serve the public".Since the enactment of Police Law No.

Islamic tourism in Thailand BANGKOK (AP): Thailand has asked Malaysia and Indonesia to help develop Islamic tourism facilities to attract visitors from the Middle East.Malaysia and Indonesia are both predominantly Islamic countries and Indonesia has the world's largest Moslem population.

Low paid police officers face a though challengeBy Sylvia Gratia M. Nirang JAKARTA (JP): The police have long been a target of public criticism. People frown upon the police when they are too slow in handling cases, or too harsh in dealing with suspects.

No paper: The Jakarta Post will not appear tomorrow in observance of the anniversary of the birth of Prophet Muhammad. The Post will resume publication on Tuesday. -- Editor

The other side of the World Cup JAKARTA (JP): Go go go, Alez alez alez. Like fingernails on a blackboard, those lyrics stop me in my tracks every time.The soccer epidemic is, thankfully, almost over. All we have to get through is the semifinals, third-place playoffs and the finals.

TV programsTodayTVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Sari Berita Sepekan 6:30 Morning Focus 6:45 Healthy and Fresh 7:00 Religious Teachings: Hikmah Pagi 7:30 Children's Program: Arena Kami 8:00 Children's Program: Kumbang and Family 8:30 Children's Program: Nuansa Anak 9:00 Documentary Film: Lembah Bada 9:30...

Injured student in critical condition JAKARTA (JP): Steven Suripatty, the university student who was shoot by soldiers on Friday during a clash with demonstrators in Jayapura, Irian Jaya, remained in a coma yesterday as community leaders strongly condemned the irresponsible actions of the military...

Priest turns his pen to politics Politik Hati Nurani (Politics of Conscience); By Y.B. Mangunwijaya; Grafiasri Mukti, Jakarta 1997; xii + 119 pp; Rp 8,000 YOGYAKARTA (JP): Many have branded politics as contemptible.

Civilian police force not a new concept in IndonesiaBy Dwi Atmanta JAKARTA (JP): History repeats itself. This saying fits the National Police since demands for it to separate from the Armed Forces first resurfaced in late May and early June.

SpotlightPhoto A: QueenJP/afsQUEEN'S BIRTHDAY: British Ambassador Robin Christopher (left) greets Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas (right) during celebrations for Queen Elizabeth's official birthday at his residence on Jl. Teuku Umar in South Jakarta.

Habibie opens Jakarta Fair in very modest way JAKARTA (JP): President B.J. Habibie opened yesterday the 31st Jakarta Fair at the Jakarta Fairgrounds in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, in a very modest way.Unlike previous cheerful fair opening ceremonies, which have always been marked by numerous long...

No need for another riotFrom RepublikaHaving observed the country's present economic and political turmoil, we, in the spirit of reform, would like to call on the transitional government under B.J. Habibie to reform the laws on politics and organize a general election as soon as possible and...

Marketing art and culture to help end crisisBy Franki Raden JAKARTA (JP): At the time when the gamelan, as an Indonesian product of art and culture, is becoming part of the global music culture and the export of gamelan instruments is a source of foreign exchange that brings in billions of rupiah,...

Can police stand on their own? When the National Police celebrated its 52nd anniversary on Wednesday, calls for its separation from the rest of the Armed Forces were gaining a new momentum. The Jakarta Post's Ahmad Junaidi, Arief Suhardiman, Edith Hartanto, Dwi Atmanta, Sylvia Gratia M.