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. Nirang, Kornelius Purba and Kosasih Daradjat report on the long-standing debate.

Marketing art and culture to help end crisis By 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, here gamelan makers are becoming increasingly rare. There was certainly something odd in the culture of politics run by Soeharto during his regime.

No need for another riot From Republika Having 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 immediately undertake a national economic rescue program, particularly with respect to food supplies at prices affordable by the majority of the people.

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 speeches with a robust projection of the country's economic growth, the President did not make any speech at all.

Spotlight Photo A: Queen JP/afs QUEEN'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. Although the queen was born on April 21, 1926, it has long been customary to celebrate the sovereign's birthday publicly on a summer's day. It was celebrated here on Thursday.

Civilian police force not a new concept in Indonesia By 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. During its 52 years of existence, the police have had the swing of the pendulum decide their fate. Like or not, these organizational changes have prevented it from becoming a solid and professional force.

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. Ethics, they say, are in short supply, if not entirely absent from the dirty dealings in the halls of power. Others counter that ethical choices depend on the scruples of the politicians. As in every dimension of life, in politics the involvement of one's conscience is vital.

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 personnel responsible. Dr J. Oyong, head of the general hospital in Jayapura, said the law student remained in a critical condition after undergoing an operation.

TV programs Today TVRI 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 Creative Program: Widya Wahana 10:00 Talk Show: Etika 10:30 Music 11:15 Traditional Comedy: Ria Jenaka 11:30 Talk Show: Bincang-Bincang 12:05 p.m.

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. Like a fever that peaks before the infection is fought, so we have get through this week.

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

Low paid police officers face a though challenge By 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. Some have become cynical about the police and consider them "insignificant in the Armed Forces family". They say the police do not count compared to the military. Maj. Gen.

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. Thailand's population is 90 percent Buddhist, although the country's four southernmost provinces have Moslem majorities. All three countries are tolerant of other religions.

Ex-chief backs police autonomy By 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. 13/1961 which stipulates the police's integration into the Armed Forces (ABRI), many things have changed.

Analysts urge police to improve their image By 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. But the Jakartans interviewed by The Jakarta Post recently said it would be a long and difficult task for the police to wipe out its bad public image. Some were even concerned that more police autonomy would make the force uncontrollable.