Gus Dur wins support from South Korea SEOUL (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid won the support of his "mentor" South Korean President Kim Dae-jung in boosting bilateral economic ties and also came to a general agreement on reviving Indonesia's ailing Timor national car project. "We agreed to restart the national car project along with its promotion," Abdurrahman claimed after their 90-minute bilateral talks.

Woman dies in Pemalang flood PEMALANG, Central Java: A 70-year-old woman was killed and about 650 houses were damaged when landslides and floods hit Pemalang regency. In Pemalang Regent Munir, five districts -- Bantarbolang, Watukumpul, Belik, Bodeh and Comal -- were the worst hit. Siti Khotijah, the sole victim of the natural disaster, was swept in by the strong current in Bantarbolang. Landslides also hit Simpur and Badak villages in Belik regency.

APEC still relevant to pursue freedom after WTO failure JAKARTA (JP): The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) remains a relevant forum to pursue trade and investment liberalization in the region despite its declining prominence as a result of the Asian financial crisis, experts said on Thursday.

Next Pertamina chief told to adapt firm to the times JAKARTA (JP): Analysts said on Thursday transforming state oil and gas company Pertamina into a world-class organization should be the focus of the company's next president. A former adviser to the minister of mines and energy, Ramses O. Hutapea, said Pertamina's new leadership must transform the state company from the government's cash cow into a profit- oriented business entity.

PAN starts congress amid controversy YOGYAKARTA (JP): The National Mandate Party (PAN) began its first ever congress here Thursday evening under the shadow of controversy and threats of resignation from senior executives over possible changes to its founding political platforms.