Tension darkens Timor before vote The day before Monday's historic ballot, East Timorese families were still burying their dead, killed in clashes on the streets of Dili. Although it is controversial, the ballot is supposed to be the first step on the road to peace for inhabitants here. The Jakarta Post reporters Dwi Atmanta, Boediman Moerdijat, Ridwan M.

Julia is not just a feminist and femme fatale By Stevie Emilia JAKARTA (JP): She is known as a woman activist and feminist. But Julia Indiati Suryakusuma is certainly more than just that. Considered herself as an "accidental activist" -- since she only involved in five or six street protests in her entire life -- Julia admits that she is a feminist.

Swimmers need sustainable training to regain supremacy By Ivy Susanti JAKARTA (JP): Until the early 1990s, Indonesian swimmers still reigned in the Southeast Asian region. The top ones also managed to perform in the Olympic Games, although they could not match world standards and never reached the finals. In recent years, Indonesia has witnessed the rise of swimmers from its less-populated neighbors. Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore raced with a narrow margin to win spots in the world rankings.

Guess What? When Richard Sam Bera decided to return to the swimming pool after two years absence, many people were surprised as the 27- year-old Indonesian wanted to compete in the 20th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Brunei Darussalam held early this month. But his comeback was not ordinary. He earned three gold medals with his favorite 50-meter freestyle, 100m freestyle and 4x100m freestyle. He even created a new SEA Games record in the 100m freestyle. What does he want to do next?

Itang shines in the rainy days of the crisis By Agni Amorita JAKARTA (JP): The expression "life begins at 40" suits fashion designer Itang Yunasz. While many of his colleagues are still feeling the pinch of the crisis, Itang has been able to weather the worst and his business is now growing. Born in Jakarta 41 years ago, Itang, whose family is originally from West Sumatra, is also enjoying success in his personal life.

Endro turns garbage into fashion objects By Singgir Kartana YOGYAKARTA (JP): Many people believe that creativity is key to building a business because of the need for innovation in answering needs of the market. In the hands of a creative person, a seeming piece of garbage can have a use and a simple object can be made attractive. Endro Suwarno, 35, a native of Yogyakarta, does not only spout the above principle, but also shows its truth.

Falintil, militia leaders attend disarmament meeting DILI, East Timor (JP): Racing against time to ensure security amid the tension leading up to Monday's self-determination vote, proindependence and prointegration militia agreed on Saturday to step up moves toward disarmament. Several areas were still tense following Thursday's violence with prointegration people blaming provocation by proindependence supporters.

Bored of malls? Take to the skies for remedy PUNCAK, West Java (JP): There I was close to the ramp. A couple of hundred meters below were cars winding their way along Puncak Pass. I was about to leap off the ramp, but there was only one problem. I am afraid of heights. "How did I end up here?" I asked as I cringed at the prospect of making a fool of myself in front of about 50 people gathered nearby. What drove me here, however, was nothing dramatic.

Conspiracies are all around us JAKARTA (JP): "There is a conspiracy of silence," thundered economist Sjahrir accusingly, commenting on the Bank Bali scandal. By the way, this infamous case is now referred to in the press as Baligate. If I were Balinese I would object to the use of the name of my beautiful island in connection with such a scandalous case. True, Bank Bali-gate is not as catchy sounding, so how about BB-gate?

Presenting a volumentric concept to manifest life By Chandra Johan JAKARTA (JP): One of the important questions in contemporary art is the problem of illusion, concrete space and representation. A sculptures' figure, for example, is an image and a representation in a dimension and concrete space. We can touch and feel each texture and dent in that sculpture. Our relation with that sculpture could last in the same time, place and space.

Taufik to meet Hariyanto in men's final JAKARTA (Agencies): Indonesian shuttler Taufik Hidayat had his sweet revenge against world No. 1 Peter Gade Christensen on Saturday, beating the Dane 14-17, 15-13, 15-10 in the semifinals of the US$150,000 Konica Cup Singapore Open. Eighth-seeded Taufik will challenge senior Hariyanto Arbi, seeded 15, in the all-Indonesian men's singles final on Sunday.

Up, up and away on a paragliding flight of fancy By Sadie Mah PUNCAK, West Java (JP): To soar like a bird, to have the world spread out below you as you glide weightlessly by. These flights of fancy are yours for the taking if you have a sense of adventure and are willing to brave the drive to Puncak. Good news also is that you do not have to pay the earth for this exhilarating experience.

Indonesians have their say on East Timor JAKARTA (JP): The time has come for the East Timorese to decide their own fate. Will they become an independent country or will they still be part of Indonesia, but have a greater autonomy? On Monday, the people will cast their ballot to express their decision. The Jakarta Post interviewed people about their opinions on the issue.

Thrills and chills galore at Indonesia Safari Park By Gin Kurniawan PASURUAN, East Java (JP): The tiger stood calmly in the way. It seemed to be angry. Once in a while it opened up its mouth wide, as if to exhibit its sharp fangs. It seemed as if it had deliberately blocked the passing car. At that time, the car was stalled and the passengers panicked because of the presence of the tiger, especially when it scratched the glass window with the sharp nails of its paws.

Industrialization threatens existence of traditional batik By Akmad Solikhan YOGYAKARTA (JP): Batik tulis (fine batik) is a noble artwork which needs to be preserved. Our ancestors used their skillful hands to express ideas through stone, wood and brass and created decorative ornaments. Their art later developed into the making of clothes known as batik tulis.

More flights to E. Timor JAKARTA (JP): The Air Force has increased its flights to East Timor in line with increasing demands for air transportation facilities on the eve of Monday's ballot. "Besides regular flights, the Air Force has implemented additional flights to transport military and civilian officials to the province," Commodore Bachrum, chief spokesman for the Air Force, told The Jakarta Post here on Saturday.

Counterfeit banknote Sometimes I long to see the sea and enjoy the sight of the waves rolling majestically toward the beach, leaving a trail of white salt behind. At night the sea apparently never sleeps and becomes more restless. Only on a moonlit night does it become calmer and murmurs. It stops rushing ashore.

We don't need empty promises: Aceh students JAKARTA (JP): Students and human rights activists in Banda Aceh told seven visiting ministers on Saturday the Acehnese wanted concrete evidence the government was serious in dealing with the province's problems, and not empty promises or charity.

Hariyanto to play for Singapore SINGAPORE (AFP): Two-time All-England badminton champion Hariyanto Arbi is considering playing for Singapore instead of Indonesia. The 27-year-old Hariyanto, who is playing at the Singapore Open at the moment, said he was likely to resign from the Indonesian team after next week's Indonesian Open. He will then evaluate his career options, with Singapore as one possible destination, the New Paper afternoon daily reported Saturday.

Shopping mall gets into the spirit of things By I. Christianto JAKARTA (JP): On the third floor of the Mangga Dua Mall, one of the crowded shopping centers in the capital, don't be surprised to find an area decorated "mystically" and suffused with the perfume of incense. It's the place where about a dozen fortune tellers and practitioners of various alternative treatments are available for the needy, interested or just plain curious.

From long resistance to ballot in East Timor JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas announced in January that the East Timorese would be given the option of remaining a part of Indonesia with wide-ranging autonomy or independence. President B.J. Habibie offered the second option in response to Australian Prime Minister John Howard's proposal of a referendum. The independence movement began when the "Flower Revolution" erupted in Portugal on April 25, 1974.

Woman survives unscathed to tell of amiable robbers JAKARTA (JP): Susan had heard many times about taxi robberies in Jakarta, but she never expected it would happen to her. Worse, she was kept in a motel by her robbers for more than six hours before being dropped off on the side of the road in the middle of the night. "I was really scared when I realized that they took me to the motel. I was afraid they would rape me," Susan told The Jakarta Post on Friday night. "Thank God they didn't touch me.

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