Golkar still upbeat on chances JAKARTA (JP): A former Golkar patron joined on Wednesday the chorus of demands for the ruling party to leave the political stage, saying the act would be a political and moral lesson for the nation. But in its latest statement, Golkar, far from showing fear at the mounting backlash, remained upbeat about winning 40 percent of the vote in Monday's elections.

Poll watchdogs battle limited resources By Tjahjono Ep. YOGYAKARTA (JP): Indonesian people, still euphoric over last year's downfall of strongman Soeharto, are bracing for a supposedly democratic general election scheduled for Monday. The election is expected to result in a legitimate government which can accommodate the interests of numerous political groups. Many want to see a fundamental change in all aspects of life after 32 years of Soeharto's authoritarian rule.

No decision on TPI's notes NEW YORK (Dow Jones): Publicly-listed PT Tri Polyta Indonesia (TPI) will pursue restructuring of its US$185 million in secured, 11 3/8% notes due 2003. In a press release Tuesday, the company cited poor operating results, and said it will not make any decision on the notes' June 1, 1999, interest payment until it has consulted with a soon-to-be hired financial advisor. Tri Polyta said the advisor will also consult on the restructuring of the notes.

Political parties use traditional arts to draw votes By Rita A. Widiadana In the hope of free and fair polls in June, artists have drawn from the new and the old to challenge the mood of apathy reflected in past elections and to educate the electorate. This article offers a perspective on the use of traditional arts to convey political information.

Man arrested for phone battery scam JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested a man for allegedly producing and selling fake branded mobile phone batteries in Central Jakarta, an officer said on Wednesday. Chief of the Central Jakarta Police Lt. Col. Iman Harjatna identified the suspect as Oei Antony, 32, a resident of Jl. Kartini Raya. Antony was arrested last Thursday when police also confiscated hundreds of batteries bearing brandnames of Nokia, Motorola, Ericsson and Samsung.

Over 400 babies malnourished SURABAYA, East Java: As many as 400 children under five in this province have been found suffering from malnutrition and 173 others from marasmus, East Java deputy governor Imam Soepardi said here on Monday. Sixty-two of the children live in Sidoarjo district, 19 others in Surabaya, 18 in Ponorogo, 17 in Blitar and the rest are scattered through 33 subdistricts in the province, Soepardi said.

Money politics can demolish democracy By Aleksius Jemadu BANDUNG (JP): In this era of political reform most politicians are trying hard to convince people they are real reformists. But the difference between a reformist and an opportunist is obvious. The reformer has a genuine respect for the people and regards his profession as a noble service for the people's greatest benefit. An opportunist is basically a someone who seeks power. He or she likes self-aggrandizement.

Hong Kong bids to host 2006 Asiad HONG KONG (AFP): Hong Kong will launch a bid to host the 2006 Asian Games, Chinese official media reported here Tuesday. The head of the Hong Kong Sports Federation and Olympic Committee Timothy Fok Tsun-ting, said the former British colony would attempt to stage the games after South Korea hosts the event in 2002, the official Xinhua news agency said. "Our goal is to bid for the Asian Games," Fok was quoted by the news agency as saying.

KONI urges Bappenas to release Games funds JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) has appealed to the National Planning and Development Board (Bappenas) to immediately disburse Rp 5.5 billion (US$687,500) allocated from the state budget to finance training programs for the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games.

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on June 2, 1999: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 425 0 17,500 AHAP Insurance 425 0 0 Alakasa Industrindo 275 0 0 Alter Abadi 275 -25 120,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,000 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 325 -25 9,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,600 -50 4,253,500 Anwar Sierad 250 -25 284,000 APAC Centertex Corp.

Junior athletes shine in Taipei Open JAKARTA (JP): Young stars Irine Truitje Joseph and Nunung Jayadi broke personal bests in the women's 100-meter dash and men's pole vault during the two-day Taipei Open track and field event on May 29 and May 30. Irine, 18, and from Maluku, clocked 11.79 seconds, bettering her own junior national record of 11.90 set in Jakarta in 1997. Nunung from Jakarta improved his jump from 4.95 meters to 5.00m in the meet held in Kaohsiung.

Autralian firm to plug Indonesia's handicraft exports JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Export Supporting Board has signed an agreement with Australian joint venture PT Out of Asia to boost the country's handicraft exports. The board's executive director, Faridz Soewardi, said on Tuesday that under the agreement, his agency would finance the production of handicraft by small firms.

Constitution needs amending BOGOR, West Java: The Crescent Star Party (PBB) renewed its demand for amendments to the 1945 Constitution on Tuesday, saying it would help the nation emerge from the present adversities. A PBB campaigner, Anwar Sanusi, told a crowd of about 3,000 packing the Heulang soccer field here on Tuesday that without substantial changes, the constitution would benefit much from status quo forces. "Those who refuse to reform the constitution are the new status quo forces.