The central axis The recent emergence of the "central axis" is in fact only a formality of an existing political reality in Indonesia. If somebody thinks that the axis can disrupt the closeness between Gus Dur and Megawati, another may think that it can rupture the proximity between Hamzah Haz and President Habibie. As an optimistic Muslim I can be proud that whoever will be president he/she is a Muslim, be they Gus Dur, Habibie, Hamzah Haz, Amien Rais or Megawati.

TV today TVRI 5:30 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Two Hours Only 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Music 9:30 TV Series: The Saint 10:30 Interval 2:00 p.m. News 2:30 Children's Program 3:00 Sports 4:00 Regional News 4:30 English Lessons 5:00 Cultural Program 5:30 TV Drama 6:00 Sports 6:30 News (in English) 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music 9:00 World News 9:35 Talk Show 10:30 Quiz 11:00 Film 12:30 a.m. Late News Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Singapore hires Danish coach SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore has roped in Danish coach Jan Poulsen to steer the island state into the 2010 World Cup soccer finals. Poulsen, who is currently coaching his side in its quest to qualify for the Sydney Olympics, will become director of Singapore's "Goal 2010" project on Oct. 1, the Straits Times newspaper reported Friday.

Krugman to speak at economics forum JAKARTA (JP): Distinguished world economist Paul Krugman, Hubert Neiss, the director of the International Monetary Fund for Asia and Pacific, and several other economists will speak at an economics forum to be held here on Aug. 25.