Kempinski Apartments give security, luxury With the glut of apartments hugging the city's main streets, prospective residents may feel that there is little to choose between the apartments on offer, particularly the ivory towers of luxury units. They make the erroneous assumption that all conform to the same high standards of building design, services and location.

Dickenson cooks up recipe for successful entertaining By Maria Kegel JAKARTA (JP): Canadian author Margaret H. Dickenson has lived in far-flung spots around the world but she felt right at home returning to Jakarta last week. For it was here in Jakarta in 1996 that she fulfilled people's requests to share her stylish secrets of world-class entertaining and it changed her life forever.

Mahaka SM follows Aspac in pursuit of final berth BANDUNG (JP): Mahaka Satria Muda (SM) joined the favorites, and champions, Aspac in pursuit of the final berths on Saturday, after defeating Citra Satria Pelita (CSP) 58-57 on the last day of the 1999 A Mild Kobatama National Basketball League's fourth series.

Baligate whistle-blower deals with the fallout JAKARTA (JP): Banking analyst Pradjoto must be the envy of people who fight a continuing battle against weight gain. He has shed eight kilograms in the past three months, but it was not on purpose. "I weighed 60 kilograms, but now it's 52 kilograms. My pants are too big," he said. It is not because he is counting calories or exercising more, but from the fallout of blowing the whistle on one of the biggest scandals in the country in recent years.

From students and people's movement From Rakyat Merdeka On behalf of the "student and people movement toward a New Indonesia", I hereby express my great thanks for the publication of our series of messages. The messages were born as a result of the students' struggle to enforce and safeguard the agenda of total reform, that has been treated like a game by government politicians and military leaders.

Patience required to make traditional Javanese weapon By Ahmad Solikhan YOGYAKARTA (JP): Three men stood around the furnace holding iron bars and chanting a mantra. Their hammers rang out as they came down on the glowing iron bars with a clanging sound. That was the scene in the house of Ki Empu Djeno Haroem Brodjo, 70, in Gatak village, Yogyakarta. The house has been turned into a blacksmith's workshop where krises, traditional Javanese weapons, are forged.

Social criticism's role in contemporary art By Chandra Johan JAKARTA (JP): The history of Indonesian art is also the history of Indonesian society. Since the birth of Indonesian modern art in the 1930s, social criticism and the problem of social struggle have become a part of the discourse that is conspicuous enough in the representation of the works of Indonesian modern artists.

Stunning Dieng plateau, tranquil atmosphere of heaven By R. Agus Bakti WONOSOBO, Central Java (JP): Dieng in Central Java is known for its plateau, the tourist attraction famed for its cool weather and magnificent views of mountains hugging its flanks. Stunning panoramas are not the only attractions. Temples, with cultural and historic legacies, are also found in the area.

Get what you paid for in your apartment There are rich pickings to be scooped up at present as apartment prices plummet. Expatriates and locals are turning to the comfort and convenience of apartment living, which offers the added selling point of security following the past year's numerous unrests. Yet the old adage of "buyer beware" is still good to keep in mind. Most apartment owners run above-board operations and fulfill their promises to tenants.

Professionals take a stand at the JSX By Ati Nurbaiti JAKARTA (JP): The crowd which arrived at the lobby of the Jakarta Stock Exchange last week did not look much different than the dealers inside in their blazers and ties. But they had clearly come with a different intention. They began to sing and gradually attracted more and more attention. These people were from a variety of groups including the Indonesian Professional Society (MPI) and the Professionals' Solidarity for Reform group (SPUR).

President visits his hometown JOMBANG, East Java (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said here on Saturday that Vice President Megawati Soekarnoputri would for the moment handle problems relating to Ambon, Irian Jaya and Riau. "She will deal with such difficult things," he said jokingly at an unofficial gathering at the Mamba'ul Ma'arif Islamic boarding school in Denanyar, Jombang. Ethnic and religious clashes have haunted Ambon since January this year.

Tenants say why they love apartment living Living in an apartment remains a strange concept to many Indonesians, who would rather have their feet securely on the ground in a home of their own. Some of their concerns include a lack of privacy and a fear of cramped space, especially because of extended families. But expatriates and Indonesians familiar with apartment life from living abroad are snapping up the many opportunities available on the market today.

Kuningan Apartments: Luxury and location combine Jakarta's traffic problems are notorious, often culminating in huge jams on the city's main arteries. Combine these with a "demonstration season", which is showing no signs of ending, and the journey to and from work can be a lengthy and frustrating experience. Those on the lookout for a apartment, therefore, would be wise to give considerable thought to the location of their prospective home.

Kanaya Tabitha climbs the stairs of fame By Agni Amorita JAKARTA (JP): Kanaya Tabitha only needs a year to be called one of the hottest designers in town. "I started this business in October 1998," she said. Aya, a graduate of the School of Mass Communication at Padjadjaran University in Bandung, formerly worked in a bank and has had a number of other jobs.

Shopping at 'Sogo Jongkok' gains popularity By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): It's a usual hectic day in Tanah Abang market in Central Jakarta. But on Sunday morning, a line of expensive cars and scores of fashionable customers bring a different atmosphere to the market. Amid the crowds, customers leisurely walk from one stall to another, observing the products for sale and bargaining for desired ones.

People's views, expectations of President Abdurrahman JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia entered a new stage in its history with the election of its fourth President: controversial Muslim scholar Abdurrahman Wahid. Better known as Gus Dur, he was installed on Wednesday after beating the people's favorite, Megawati Soekarnoputri, who was elected on Thursday as the country's new Vice President. The Jakarta Post talks to people from all walks of life to share their ideas and expectations of the new President.

Executive Menteng Apartments: Jakarta luxury living Minutes from the Central Business District but a world away from the hustle and bustle of the busy streets of Jakarta, the five-star Executive Menteng Apartments offer an oasis of luxury living for Jakarta's most discerning residents.

Xanana assures release of Indonesian Army captain DILI, East Timor (JP): East Timor independence leader Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao promised on Saturday to release an Indonesian Army captain, who has been held in captive since Sept. 7, soon. "CNRT (East Timor National Resistance Council) will free Captain I.G.K. Hartawan so that he could leave East Timor together with the remaining Indonesian forces," Xanana, who is the council's chairman, told a media briefing in Dili.

Thousands of students hold fresh protests in Makassar MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): Thousands of students from various universities here flocked to the streets again on Saturday and tore down the national flag at several strategic locations, including Hasanuddin International airport, Makassar Port and the Mandala Monument on Jl. Jend. Sudirman.

Is there any cure for a sick society? JAKARTA (JP): We Indonesians like to eat with our fingers. Eating with our fingers may seem a little bit barbaric to some who prefer to eat with a fork and spoon. My friend Hans even thinks that just eating with a fork and spoon is not enough, because for him, to eat in style means to eat with nothing less than silver forks and spoons.

Gallery teaches children about the beauty of art By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): There is always some hustle and bustle, but it is not a bazaar. It is not quite a restaurant, but people meet here and eat. No, it is not a school either, although much learning goes on here. The Mitra Hadiprana complex in Kemang, South Jakarta, can best be described as an edifice to art, erected by a family united in its passion for the past.

TV today TVRI 6:00 a.m. Morning News 7:00 Health and Fresh 8:00 Children's Program 9:30 Cooking Program 10:00 Music 11:00 TV Drama 12:15 p.m. Comedy 1:00 TV Series 2:30 Children's Song 3:00 Sports 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:00 Documentary 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music 9:00 World News 9:30 Music and Mode 10:30 TV Drama 11:35 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Borobudur tops list of places to spend New Year YOGYAKARTA (JP): Millennium Night Borobudur 2000 is probably only one of numerous year-end celebrations offered throughout the world. Yet it is this event that the future of Yogyakarta's tourism industry could depend on. The event is expected to help local tourism industrialists restore the province's image as a comfortable and safe tourist destination.

Spotlight Photo A: Sheraton Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta MILLENNIUM BARTENDER: Dressed in a millennium-style outfit, bartender Arief Budy H (right) of Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta shows off his bar tending skills while two dancers cheer him on. Arief was selected as the winner out of 25 participants in a bartending championship at Novotel Yogyakarta, held on Oct. 13, with his special Millennium Countdown cocktail.

Regional discontent threatens unity JIMBARAN, Bali (JP): Rising regional discontent and anti- military sentiments are two major issues that President Abdurrahman Wahid's new government must address to prevent the nation from disintegrating, military observers and experts said on Saturday. Dewi Fortuna Anwar, a researcher at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI), pointed out at how local administrations were allowed very few initiatives.

Architect turns to coconut wood for making furniture By Bambang Tiong YOGYAKARTA (JP): Creativity can lead to a potential gold mine. An architect from Bantul district, Yogyakarta has proved this to be true. In his hands, glugu (coconut wood), which is usually used as building material, has been turned into various attractive items with high marketability. Nurdi Antoro, who formerly designed and constructed buildings, now produces furniture and tableware made of this wood.

What is it about Jakarta's international airport? By Michael Upton JAKARTA (JP): Unlike some people, I quite enjoy traveling by air. I generally find the cabin crew helpful and friendly, I like the in-flight magazines, the uninterrupted supply of drinks and I quite like the food too, if I try not to expect anything better than your average Jakarta food court. And I like the films. I use the opportunity to watch the American movie industry in silent action, because I never use the headphones.

'Indigenous Chile' reveals a close link with Asia By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): Running along the southwest coast of South America to the tip of the continent facing Antarctica, Chile is a remote country for most Asians. But the general assumption of its remoteness would probably be inaccurate if one visits the National Museum in Jakarta to see a rare exhibition of Chilean archaeological and art collections. The Indigenous Chile exhibition, which started from Oct. 11 and runs until Oct.

Rest and Relax at Sheraton Bandung Hotel and Towers Escape to the tranquility of Bandung at the Sheraton Bandung Hotel & Towers. Laze around our lagoon swimming pool and pamper yourself at our Spa with our Rest & Relax Package priced at Rp 450,000 (subject to 21 percent government tax and service charge). This offer is available through Dec. 20, 1999, and is based on space availability.

Guess What? Film director Garin Nugroho appeared overjoyed when attending a conference on Oral Traditions and Regional Languages at Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center early this week. "I was very honored to learn that my film Daun di Atas Bantal (A Leaf on a Pillow) was included in 100 Asian film masterpieces," said Garin, who had just arrived from Seoul, South Korea, to attend the Asian Cinema Festival and the Celebration of 100 Years of Asian Films.

Rumors upset Roy Marten JAKARTA (JP): Rumors can really make one upset. That's what happened to popular television miniseries actor Roy Marten, who was rumored as having been arrested as a drug dealer. "I refuse to be accused as a drug dealer without evidence, but I know who is the real drug dealer among actors and actresses," the 47-year-old actor told Antara after a discussion on AIDS/HIV prevention in Tangerang, on Jakarta's outskirts.