Civil servants continue as centerpiece of next polls JAKARTA (JP): Needless to say, Golkar's never-say-die efforts to keep the civil servants corps under its full control during the deliberation of a new elections bill now underway mirrors its great dependence on the government workers.

Tiga Rupa expo promotes leading young artistsBy Amir Sidharta LEGIAN, Bali (JP): Unlike the typical "hotel art exhibition" you can see in Jakarta, often featuring idyllic images that can easily be appreciated by most hotel guests, the Tiga Rupa art exhibition at the Hotel Padma here features art...

Turtledove breeders singing a happy tuneBy Asip Agus Hasani YOGYAKARTA (JP): Turtle dove breeders in this ancient town whistle happy tunes now as the economic crisis has thrust other businesses into the jaws of bankruptcy.

Civil servants air their thoughts on politics JAKARTA (JP): The people's long-time demand for civil servants to keep their distance from political organizations gained a new momentum with the fall of the New Order in May last year.

Slamet Rahardjo still full of life at 50By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): For many people, turning 50 is like beginning a new chapter in life -- a time to reflect on the past and think of what still lies ahead.

U.S urges caution on RI WASHINGTON (AFP): Warning that political unrest could strike Indonesia this year, the U.S. State Department on Friday urged U.S. nationals to 'consider carefully' whether to travel there.

Titi DJ goes it alone in juggling family and musicBy Helly Minarti JAKARTA (JP): Her friends know her as the easygoing Titi DJ, chipper and taking life light. The public knows her as a singer, a popular emcee, talented actress and sometime comedian.But she identifies her first love as singing.

Civil servants seek neutrality Despite the House of Representatives' compromise, the prolonged polemic on where civil servants' political loyalty should go to will likely continue. The Jakarta Post's Aan Suryana, Edith Hartanto, Dwi Atmanta, Ridwan Max Sijabat, Riyadi, Yogita Tahil Ramani and...

TV todayTVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Sari Berita Sepekan 7:00 Morning Focus 7:15 Healthy and Fresh 7:00 Religious Teachings: Hikmah Pagi 7:30 Children's Program: Arena 123 8:00 Children's Program: Kumbang and Family 8:30 Children's Program: Nuansa Anak 9:30 Creative Program: Widya Wahana 10:00 Family's...

All we need is a good sense of humor JAKARTA (JP): "I have a great idea," shouted Biran, a friend who has diabetes. His has already lost one of his legs to the disease. "When I die I want to preserve my body and display it at the Senayan traffic circle, so that everybody that passes is reminded of...

Korpri independency vital for honest and fair electionsBy Edith Hartanto and Riyadi JAKARTA (JP): Feisal Tamin came under the spotlight recently when he made a threat to turn the five-million-strong Indonesian Civil Servant Corps (Korpri) he chairs into a political party.

SilkAir raises offer to families of crash victims SINGAPORE (Reuters): Singapore's SilkAir has nearly doubled its compensation offer for relatives of the 104 victims killed in the country's worst-ever air disaster after the original amount was criticized by bereaved family members.

Understanding the simple success of SupardiBy Bernardus Djonoputro JAKARTA (JP): In the post "Asian miracle" era we live in, there is a rather simple man whom the people around the tennis court where he works affectionately call "Unyil", from the popular puppet show that appeared on TVRI on Sundays...

Death toll increases to 52 in Maluku communal rioting JAKARTA (JP): Fears of renewed violence hang over the Maluku capital of Ambon as the estimated death toll from religious clashes there has risen to 52.

SpotlightPhoto E: ExhibitionCindelaras Panca ManunggalETHNIC FURNITURE: Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Marzuki Usman (third left) has a close look at ethnic furniture on exhibit in Yogyakarta. Marzuki opened the Ethnic Furniture, Gifts and Craft '99 held by PT Cindelaras Panca Manunggal at...

Spirituality gives meaning to Yanuar's worksBy Putu Wirata DENPASAR, Bali (JP): Following a series of successful exhibitions, artist Yanuar Ernawati is holding an exhibition at Chedi Gallery here.The 40-year-old painter from Padang, West Sumatra, is exhibiting 24 of her artworks at Chedi Gallery...

No to Islamic state Aged 63, I am a retired official of the Ministry of Finance. I have kept up with the historic journey of the Indonesian nation from the Dutch colonial era until now. I have experienced the ups and downs of the struggle waged by this nation.

Number of people traveling during Idul Fitri falls by 14% JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Communications Giri Suseno said on Saturday that the number of people traveling during this year's Idul Fitri holiday fell by 14 percent from 9.7 million last year to 8.4 million.