Ex-bank workers threaten to reveal misdeeds April 20 JAKARTA (JP): Laid-off bank workers have threatened to disclose on April 20 acts of graft and malfeasance allegedly committed by their former employers, central bank officials and other state officials unless their demands are met.

Should Joshua lecture on how to create harmony? JAKARTA (JP): Diobok-obok airnya, disemprot-semprot, ikan kecil mati semua (The water is stirred frenziedly, sprayed everywhere, and all the small fish die)." The impish child star cavorts and laughs innocently, unaware that the lyrics of his song perfectly reflect the current political situation in this country. All of six years, Joshua is already a phenomenon in the entertainment world.

Domestic insurers undergo facelift for wider coverage By Devi M. Asmarani JAKARTA (JP): It was arguably a good and bad year for Indonesia in 1998. Major changes in the political scene gave hope that the nation was heading toward increased democracy, triggered by the resignation of president Soeharto on May 21 after 32 years in power. But the year was also marred by a series of tragedies.

Project monitoring I am responding to Ms. Nila Ardhianie's article titled "WB project monitoring needs revision" published on April 8. I am responding in an official capacity as regional director of advocacy for the U.S. based Project Management Institute (PMI). PMI is a nonprofit global organization representing the profession of project managers. A chapter of PMI was established in Jakarta in 1996. Responding to Ms.

Salvation Army's development in C. Sulawesi By John Haba LEIDEN, The Netherlands (JP): The Salvation Army is an international religious and charitable movement organized and operated along military lines. As an evangelical organization, the Salvation Army has a recognized form of worship, a code of doctrine and discipline, a distinct legal existence and an impressive story. The Salvation Army originated in the Christian Mission, which began operating in the east of London in 1865.

Are all systems go for e-business? By Betti Alisjahbana JAKARTA (JP): Estimates say there are over 100 million Internet users around the world, and the number is growing exponentially. International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates 510 million people worldwide will be on-line by 2003. The phenomenon is felt around the world without exception.

'Api Cinta Antonio Blanco' despicts painter's life By Tam Notosusanto JAKARTA (JP): Don Antonio Blanco should be proud. Not only is he an artist in the league of Van Gogh, Dali and Picasso, but now -- like those legendary masters -- he has a film based on his life.

Cikini Galeria presents Jeihan painting exhibition A one-man exhibition by Jeihan is being held by the Cikini Galeria in cooperation with the Jakarta-Japan Club and the Japan Foundation. This is the first in a series of exhibitions which will have the specific purpose of exposing the artistic and cultural facets of Indonesia and Japan. The exhibition, Toward The New Millennium, is being held at Jakarta Hilton International on April 10 and April 11, 1999.

The enchantment of Indonesian batik circles Washington By Kunang Helmi Picard WASHINGTON DC (JP): A batik exhibition is being held at the prestigious Textile Museum in Washington DC to mark a year-long celebration marking 50 years of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Indonesia and the United States of America.

Mahathir to leave hospital KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is expected to leave hospital early next week after treatment for bronchitis, a hospital spokeswoman said on Saturday. "He is doing very well but he needs to rest for a few more days," said the spokeswoman for the National Heart Institute, where Mahathir was taken on April 2 with a lung infection. "He is likely to be discharged early next week," she said.

Spotlight Photo A: Awards JP/msa HOME RECOGNITION: Leading actress Christine Hakim and director Garin Nugroho with awards that are presented by Minister of Tourism, Art and Culture Marzuki Usman at the ministry's Sapta Pesona hall on Tuesday. The awards were given to them to recognize their international achievement, including their success in the Asian Film Festival with the film Daun Diatas Bantal (Leaf on A Pillow).

Chinese-Indonesian form organization JAKARTA (JP): A group of Chinese-Indonesians established a new organization on Saturday, stressing they did not want to participate solely in business. The chairman of the newly founded Chinese-Indonesian Association (INTI), Eddie Lembong, stressed that Indonesia was their first and last commitment, and that they would work closely with other Indonesians to develop "a new Indonesia".

TV today TVRI 6:00 a.m. Morning News 7:00 Cartoon 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Performance 10:00 Music 11:00 TV Drama 12:00 p.m. News 12:15 Comedy 12:30 Sports 1:00 Film 2:00 News 2:35 Children's Songs 3:05 Sports 4:00 Regional News 4:30 Religious Teachings 5:00 Documentary 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports Program 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:30 World News 8:50 Soccer: Newcastle vs Tottenham Hotspur (Live) 10:50 Music 11:50 Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Mary de Tray bids fond goodnye to RI By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): As an eight-year-old living in Minnesota, Mary de Tray was entranced when she read about komodo dragons; she could not believe a place with such creatures existed. "I always said that I have to in my lifetime see a komodo dragon." It was not until a few years after her marriage that she fulfilled her dream.

Gran Melia Jakarta KELTS, Irish Pub Experience the spirit of a Celtic land the moment you step into Kelts -- the first Irish pub in Jakarta. It is a Celtic Victorian styled Irish pub with a beautiful layout and setting. The atmosphere is cozy and natural with objects like megalithic stones, panoramic painting, Celtic carvings, even to the private corners. Enjoy Kelts Embassy Hour from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m.; Happy Hours from 5 p.m.

HIV campaign among women vital By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): All mothers would be devastated to hear their babies have tested positive for the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), especially if their children contracted the virus which leads to AIDS from them. Mother-to-child transmission of HIV is commonplace in developing countries, including Indonesia.

The place of women in Asian society Wives, Mistresses and Matriarchs; Louise Williams; Allen & Unwen 1998; v + 302pp JAKARTA (JP): The great economic miracle in Asia went bust. What has all this meant, especially to the women of the region? What do the famous, and the faceless, feel about themselves in these times of incredible economic and social transformation? Louise Williams focuses on some of these aspects in this interesting book.

Five shorts join film festival in Singapore By Gotot Prakosa JAKARTA (JP): Five shorts from young Indonesian directors will be screened at the Singapore International Film Festival (SIFF). These films are Novi by Asep Kusdinar, Jakarta 468 by Ari Ibnuhajar, Sebuah Lagu (A Song) by Eric Gunawan, Revolusi Harapan (The Revolution of Hope) by Nanang Istiabudi and Bawa Aku Terbang (Up Where You Fly) by Lono Abdul Hamid.

Amien becomes professor, plans to quit campus YOGYAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Mandate Party Amien Rais stated on Saturday he would resign from Gadjah Mada University where he teaches, just as he acquired the long coveted position of professor. However, he said he hoped to return to teaching after he retires from politics. A new rule on civil servants has led many to choose between their jobs and political parties.

Sundanese have a fondness for raw vegetables By HU Suriawiria BANDUNG (JP): The Sundanese are known for their fondness for lalab (raw vegetables) with lunch or dinner. Raw vegetables are consumed not only by local villagers, but also by those who have migrated to other places. Cep Didi, a senior officer at a foreign bank in Jakarta, often has lunch at exclusive restaurants. But once a week he eats at a Sundanese restaurant, either in Jakarta or outside the city like in Bogor, Cianjur or Bandung.

East Timorese youths look a homegrown heroes By Kafil Yamin DILI, East Timor (JP): Who is East Timor's coolest guy? Ask youths in Dili, and you get the same excited answer: "Xanana Gusmao." Ask who is Indonesia's coolest guy, and they respond: "Iwan Fals." Kay Rala Xanana, popularly known as Jose Alexandre "Xanana" Gusmao, is a hero not only for his staunch stand on East Timor's independence, but also his good looks.

Public has yet to place a premium on insurance JAKARTA (JP): The political climate is heating up as organizations ready themselves for the June 7 general election. As Indonesia nurses its remaining wounds from the devastating riots last May, people are worried similar unrest will erupt before, during or after the much-awaited election. Insurance companies apparently consider the public unease as an opportunity to rake in profits. Some have aggressively advertised their services.

Malay soccer team winner gets cow KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A Malaysian state has offered a 500 kilogram cow as grand prize in a local soccer tournament which kicks off in June, a report said on Saturday. But the animal lure does not end there. Organizers of the "Mat Jenin FC" soccer league in northern Kedah state have also hatched interesting rules and subsidiary prizes for 57 teams, The Star daily said.

Australian heads Indonesian Heritage Society JAKARTA (JP): Leading an organization of volunteers of 32 different nationalities in a foreign country is apparently not an easy job to do. But that will be Liz Oley's task for at least a year after she became chairwoman of the Indonesian Heritage Society on Thursday. She replaced Mary de Tray, wife of the World Bank's outgoing country director Dennis de Tray.

Insurance policies: All hype or a help? Closing in on the much-awaited, much-feared general election scheduled for June 7, rising demand for risk insurance is emerging in the middle class. The Sunday Post team Ahmad Junaidi, Budiman Moerdijat, Devi M. Asmarani, Ivy Susanti, Kosasih Deradjat, Stevie Emilia and photographer Arief Suhardiman examines what is fueling the trend and the pluses and minuses of being a policyholder.

Pondok Indah junk turned into money By Mehru Jaffer JAKARTA (JP): Driving out of the glittering Kristal Hotel in South Jakarta's Jl. Tarogong, it is difficult to imagine what lies across the busy road. As, beyond the gaily painted walls made from sheets of tin is the neighborhood's largest garbage dump. About 100 people live here in shelters made from pieces of plywood, cardboard and textile, dug out of the dung hill they call home, where tons of rubbish is dumped daily.

IBRA needs no help from Christie's By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): The audience that filled the salesroom was taken by surprise when eager and aggressive collectors bid up Affandi's Perahu Kusamba from a modest starting price of Rp 44 million to an astronomical Rp 158 million. This was only the first lot at the Indonesian Bank Restructuring Agency's (IBRA) art auction, held at the Menara Citibank building in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta, last weekend.

One killed in E. Timor DILI, East Timor (JP): One man was killed and another was injured in the latest violence in Gleno, Ermera regency. A military patrol killed local legislator Antonio Jose Calsina on Saturday when suspected members of the Falintil armed group attacked the home of a proindependence activist. At least one other man was injured, identified as Julio Fernandes. The incident followed the killing of villagers in Liquica on Tuesday.

Believers claim Sukarno is alive and well By Gin Kurniawan SURABAYA (JP): Deathly quiet Lengkong village sprung into a whirl of activity when word spread that Bung Karno, who died 29 years ago, would appear for a speech. Several thousand people from across East Java descended on the town in Mojokerto regency. They were mainly longtime admirers of Sukarno, affectionately known as Bung Karno, the charismatic orator who proclaimed the country's independence and became its first president.

Haj pilgrimage on Mt. Bawakaraeng By Hasanuddin Hamid UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi (JP): Some Muslims believe they do not have to go all the way to Mecca for the haj. They believe they can do it, instead, at the top of the Bawakaraeng mountain. When the day of wukuf (haj pilgrims gathering on the Arafah plain, Saudi Arabia) approaches, Bawakaraeng residents set up makeshift tents at the foot of the mountain for their own wukuf ritual.

ASEAN to tackle haze problem KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): ASEAN countries need to step up efforts to tackle air pollution, which is expected to recur during the dry season starting July, ministers said in remarks published Saturday. But they voiced concerns the political scenario in Indonesia, which faces general elections in June, as well as the regional economic crisis may hamper efforts, the New Straits Times reported.