Archive: 16 August 2000
54 articles found
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Fever a common illness in kids
Fever a common illness in kids By Donya Betancourt The Jakarta Post considers youngsters' health to be of the utmost importance. After all, the future rests with our children. Today, we start Kids' Health Corner, an interactive weekly column to which readers can e-mail questions, comments and concerns to features@thejakartapost.com or to the writer's e-mail address. This column starts with one of most common illnesses in children: fever.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
A guide to taking off those extra pounds for a better look
A guide to taking off those extra pounds for a better look By Claire E. Urwin This is the first of a four-article series on The Way to Lose Weight. Readers are encouraged to become involved by submitting any relevant questions, comments or ideas directly to the writer at clareu@attglobal.net, or by sending them to The Jakarta Post at features@thejakartapost.com. The paper will publish a selection of the correspondence with the writer's response when appropriate.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
KL condemns Albright for comments against Mahathir
KL condemns Albright for comments against Mahathir KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Malaysia's foreign minister has slammed U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright for her comments about the conviction of jailed politician Anwar Ibrahim and questioning Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's leadership, a news report said on Tuesday.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
City needs better fire engines
City needs better fire engines JAKARTA (JP): It's high time the capital had submersible pumps and long-range water hoses to deal with fire incidents, according to head of the City Fire Agency, Suharso, Speaking at a meeting with Governor Sutiyoso and a visiting delegation from the Nederlands Instituut Voor Brandweer en Rampenbestrijding (NIBRA), a fire institute under the supervision of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Netherlands government, Suharso said that such equipment was needed...
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Activists hail draft amendment on human rights
Activists hail draft amendment on human rights JAKARTA (JP): The People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) was hailed on Tuesday for proposing the inclusion of a human rights chapter into the 1945 Constitution, but at the same time it received a thumbs down for rejecting a retroactive clause, which, it is feared, could discourage investigations into past crimes against humanity.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Banned banners taken down
Banned banners taken down SURABAYA (JP): Dozens of the banners denouncing political figures and parties which have been erected since the start of the People's Consultative Assembly Annual Session are being taken down by police in a bid to cool the climate in the city. Police have been conducting a sweep of the banners since Monday. Just exactly who is responsible for the erection of the banners is unclear.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
RI lifters have bigger chance in 48kg class
RI lifters have bigger chance in 48kg class JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Olympic Games deputy chef de mission, Imron Z.S., and the Indonesian Weightlifting, Powerlifting and Bodybuilding Association's (PABBSI) weighlifting training director, Djoko Pramono, told reporters on Tuesday that Indonesia has a good chance to win a medal in the women's 48 kilograms division at the quadrennial event.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Cabinet power in 'group of four'
Cabinet power in 'group of four' JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said on Tuesday that the decision-making power in the upcoming Cabinet would reside in a "group of four" compromising of the President, Vice President and two coordinating ministers. "The delegation of works or tasks in implementing the technical daily jobs will be held by the vice president (Megawati Soekarnoputri)," Abdurrahman told a snap media conference at Bina Graha presidential office.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Muslim groups demand imposition of 'syariah'
Muslim groups demand imposition of 'syariah' JAKARTA (JP): Another huge rally marked the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) on Tuesday when over 1,000 Muslim protesters from various groups demanded the inclusion of syariah (Islamic law) into the amended Constitution.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Provinces told to be 'unaggressive' in collecting tax
Provinces told to be 'unaggressive' in collecting tax JAKARTA (JP): Director general of taxation Mahfud Sidik warned provincial and district administrations on Tuesday not to be over zealous in collecting tax revenue once the regional autonomy policy is implemented next year. Mahfud said an aggressive tax policy would only create too much burden to the people and deter both local and foreign investments.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
U.S. supports Papuan struggle: Beanal
U.S. supports Papuan struggle: Beanal JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya (JP): The United States government and Congress have expressed their support for the Irian Jaya people's struggle for independence, a Papuan leader said on Monday. Deputy chairman of the Papuan Council Presidium Thom Beanal told journalists on Monday that he and Willy Mandowen, another Papuan figure, had just returned from the United States.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Model of the year
Model of the year JAKARTA (JP): Many female staffers and stall attendants at the Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) will have a little personal memento from the event. In an almost organized fashion, they would persuade and then lineup notable Assembly members or figures to pose with them. The division of labor also looked well planned. Some would persuade the figures to take photos with them while others were already lining-up for the photo.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Garuda apologizes
Garuda apologizes Referring to the letter from Mrs. Vira V Soekardiman Ramadhan which appeared in The Jakarta Post on July 19, we would like to take this opportunity, again, to extend our deepest regret and sincerest apologies to Mrs. Vira V Soekardiman Ramadhan and her family for having experienced much inconvenience and great discomfort during one of their travels with Garuda Indonesia.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
'Nekara' business thriving in hi-tech era
'Nekara' business thriving in hi-tech era By Bambang Mujiono TEGAL, Central Java (JP): Despite the presence of electronic home appliances, the making of traditional cooking utensils from copper is still in full swing in Tegal, an industrial city in the northern coastal area of Central Java. The utensils being produced are copper nekara, (a large drum- shaped rice steamer) and a smaller version called moko, both believed to date back to prehistoric times.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
ASEAN's annual car sales increase by 66 percent
ASEAN's annual car sales increase by 66 percent SINGAPORE (AFP): ASEAN's big four automotive markets -- Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines and Thailand -- have recorded a 66 percent annual sales growth in the first six months of the year, according to an industry survey. Combined sales of 454,145 units were recorded from January to June, up from 272,847 in the same period last year, according to Singapore-based auto component maker Visteon.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Appeal to Soeharto
Appeal to Soeharto From Bisnis Indonesia This is my hope for you, Soeharto, as a fellow Muslim. May his children or those closest to him convey the following message to him. You must sincerely repent before Allah SWT. As the former number one person in Indonesia, do something which will remain in the annals of our history as a radical reform undertaken by a Muslim who really keeps himself subservient only to God. 1.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Most Asian currencies lower on yen, politics
Most Asian currencies lower on yen, politics HONG KONG (Dow Jones): Asian currency traders had one eye on a shaky Japanese yen and the other on the Indonesian rupiah and regional politics as most major currencies lost ground Tuesday, albeit in trading ranges. In Japan, the yen is falling victim to the view that last Friday's rate hike, and end to the Bank of Japan's zero-rate policy, was purely an effort at asserting its independence and wasn't economically sound. With that in mind, the U.S.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Man burned alive for chicken theft
Man burned alive for chicken theft CILACAP, East Java (JP): A 50-year-old Mluwung villager in Wanareja district, Cilacap regency, was burned to death in the wee hours of Tuesday after being accused of stealing a rooster from a local resident. The killing of Sumardi by people from the neighboring area of Padang Jaya village in Majenang district brings the death toll of street justice victims in Cilacap regency to 17 so far this year. According to Sr. Supt.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Soft oils erode palm oil's Asia market
Soft oils erode palm oil's Asia market SINGAPORE (Reuters): Growing soft oil imports from Brazil, Argentina and the United States are slowly but steadily eroding the share of palm oil in Asia's growing market for vegetable oils, traders and commodity analysts said on Tuesday. Imports of soft oils by Asia's three leading edible oil importers -- India, China and Pakistan -- are on the rise because the price differential between soft oils and palm oil has narrowed in recent years, they said.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Assembly to pass amended constitution
Assembly to pass amended constitution JAKARTA (JP): After days of fierce debate, the first Annual Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) looks set for a happy ending. All factions hinted on Tuesday their principle support for the work of the three commissions tasked with preparing draft decrees and amendments to the 1945 Constitution.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Rudolf Supratman, a forgotten composer
Rudolf Supratman, a forgotten composer Year after year, ever since the independence of the Republic of Indonesia was proclaimed urbi et orbi on Aug. 17, 1945, the Indonesia Raya, as the national anthem, has met and always meets its perpetual glory by being played and sung in state ceremonies or events at schools and public offices. This year the Indonesia Raya greets its 55th anniversary, along with the anniversary of the Republic.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Man arrested over alleged kidnapping
Man arrested over alleged kidnapping BANDUNG: Bandung Police have arrested a 57-year-old resident of Balikpapan in East Kalimantan for allegedly abducting a five- year-old boy for 25 days after the child's grandfather failed to pay him a Rp 20 million debt. The alleged abductor, Edy Suwardi, said he was upset with Warinayah's grandfather, who had yet to return money he loaned him three years ago. "I was very frustrated," Edy told reporters at Bandung Police Headquarters on Tuesday.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Govt urged not to force people to fly the flag
Govt urged not to force people to fly the flag JAKARTA (JP): Constitutional law experts called on the authorities to ease tension in regions experiencing civil unrest by not forcing people there to hoist national flags ahead of the country's 55th Independence Day anniversary on Thursday. Law professor Bagir Manan of Padjajaran University (Unpad) and Mohammad Mahfud M.D.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
How to detect cancer early
How to detect cancer early Dear Sirs, I welcome the new health column in The Jakarta Post which first appeared on Aug. 2, 2000. My late husband had colon cancer but received treatment too late. Therefore, I want to know more about cancer, particularly how to detect it early. I would like to ask several questions related to the topic in your first article (on Aug. 2): 1.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Indosat secures license from govt for DCS-1800
Indosat secures license from govt for DCS-1800 JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed international telephone operator PT Indosat announced on Tuesday that it had secured a provisional license, in principal, from the government to provide a mobile telephone service under the GSM compatible digital cordless system (DCS-1800). The state company said in a statement the provisional license was granted on Monday through an official letter from the minister of communications, dated Aug. 14.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Nonaccredited press given Olympic access
Nonaccredited press given Olympic access JAKARTA (JP): With a mounting ambition to become the best host for the Olympic Games ever in history, the New South Wales and federal governments are setting up a "non-accredited" media center to be called the Sydney Media Center at Darling Harbour near downtown Sydney.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Little white lies
Little white lies JAKARTA (JP): Sometimes not revealing the truth is considered better than the ugly truth. That was apparently the case when representatives of the Defenders of Islam Front (FPI) failed to meet with Amien Rais on Tuesday. "Just tell the boys that we have met Pak Amien and submitted our demands to him. It's important to calm them down," FPI executive Achmad Afroji told his colleague over his cell phone.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Stock quotations on JSX
Stock quotations on JSX Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Aug. 15, 2000: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 700 10 41,500 Adindo Foresta Indonesia 305 0 121,000 Alakasa Industrindo 700 0 0 Alfa Retailindo 895 -5 62,500 Alter Abadi 275 -5 82,000 Alumindo Light Metal 1,250 0 0 Aneka Kimia Raya 345 -15 50,000 Aneka Tambang (Persero) 1,210 0 785,000 Anwar Sierad 300 0 0 APAC Centertex Corp.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
MPR's decision to maintain Military/Police questioned
MPR's decision to maintain Military/Police questioned JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense Juwono Sudarsono questioned legislators' decision on Tuesday to allow the Indonesian Military (TNI)/Police faction to retain their seats in the People's Consultative Assembly and conceded that it may have been prompted out of fear. When asked on Tuesday if he believed the proposal was likely to have been prompted by a civilian fear of the military, Juwono replied: "yes".
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
MPR criticized for failing to realize expectations
MPR criticized for failing to realize expectations JAKARTA (JP): A coalition of 22 non-governmental organizations (Ornop and Aman) condemned on Tuesday the failure of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) to support a direct presidential election, and questioned the Assembly members' commitment to democratization. The coalition demanded a national referendum to gauge people's aspirations about a direct presidential election.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Three more arrested over Poso killings
Three more arrested over Poso killings POSO, Central Sulawesi (JP): Three more people have been arrested for their roles in the recent sectarian fighting in Poso, bringing the total suspects detained to six. Poso Police chief Supt. Djasman Baso Opu told The Jakarta Post here on Tuesday that Hery, 52, Alexius, 19, and Rahman, 46, were being interrogated.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
War lets Zimbabwe enjoy Congo's riches
War lets Zimbabwe enjoy Congo's riches By Isabelle Ligner HARARE (AFP): Zimbabwe says its 11,000 troops in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are there to protect the nation's sovereignty, but Harare's presence has also helped it exploit DRC's vast natural resources, experts said Saturday. John Makumbe, head of a Zimbabwean corruption watchdog group, said Harare is involved in "plundering" DRC's natural riches.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
On syariah
On syariah In your interview with the chairman of the Mujahidin Assembly, Irfan S. Awwas, which appeared in the Opinion page on Aug. 14, 2000, Irfan is quoted as saying, "Islam fully guarantees the freedom of all followers of other religions to practice what they believe in ... since secular people are always provoking us, there is always the fear among non-Muslims that they will be discriminated against if syariah is applied. In fact such a thing has never happened in the history of Islam.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
On freedom
On freedom When Indonesians raise the red-and-white flag to mark the country's national day on Thursday, the image that comes to mind for most people is that of the fateful August day when a young Sukarno proclaimed Indonesia's independence 55 years ago. Full independence was subsequently achieved in 1949, after four and a half years of bloody armed struggle by young republicans against the return of Dutch colonial rule, which had ended with the Japanese military invasion of 1942.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
I do it for the people: Outspoken legislator
I do it for the people: Outspoken legislator JAKARTA (JP): Legislator Alvin Lie of the Reform faction has emerged as one of the harshest critics of President Abdurrahman Wahid, but he says strong criticism only mirrors the depth of his love for his country and the President.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Conversion Rates
Conversion Rates Bank Indonesia's conversion rates on Aug. 15, 2000: Bank notes rates TT rates Buying Selling Buying Selling Rp Rp Rp Rp U.S.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Gus Dur regrets pro-government rally at MPR
Gus Dur regrets pro-government rally at MPR JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid expressed regret on Tuesday for the pro-government rally staged by his supporters in front of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) compound the day before. The President even blamed his younger brother, Hasyim Wahid, better known as Gus Im, for organizing the Monday's rally, saying that it would only "ruin" his position with the Assembly.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Robbers flee with cash, jewelry
Robbers flee with cash, jewelry MEDAN, North Sumatra: Unidentified armed men broke into a house of a resident of Jl. Ade Irma Suryani in Pematang Siantar regency on Tuesday morning and stole hundreds of millions of rupiah and jewelry after overwhelming the housemaid. The owner of the house, Surya Alatas, also known as Aliang, is an advisor to the local office of the Pemuda Pancasila youth organization.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Pertamina finds oil and gas
Pertamina finds oil and gas JAKARTA (JP): State oil and gas company Pertamina said on Tuesday it had found oil and gas reserves in its Rengan Condong area, some 45 kilometers west of the provincial capital of Jambi. The company said in a statement that the RCD-C oil well produced 77.4 barrels of oil per day (bopd), 16 barrels of condensate per day and 13.5 million cubic feet gas per day (mmcfd).
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Timah's sales surge due to hike in tin price
Timah's sales surge due to hike in tin price JAKARTA (JP): Publicly listed state-owned tin company PT Timah announced on Tuesday its net profit of Rp 250.1 billion (US$31.2 million) in the first half of this year, up 37.3 percent from Rp 182.1 billion in the same period last year. Timah said the sales volume suffered a decline during the first semester but higher realized prices for the company's tin metal enabled the company to push up the net profit.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Regional representative discussion gets support
Regional representative discussion gets support JAKARTA (JP): People's Consultative Assembly members on Tuesday expressed strong support for the inclusion of a regional representatives faction in the Assembly, but decided to defer its establishment till December. The delay was felt necessary to prepare for all possible consequences.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
The power game
The power game For many people at the grassroots level in Indonesia, Megawati Sukarnoputri has been the great hope for the country ever since she withstood the efforts of former president Suharto to depose her as leader of the Indonesian Democratic Party in 1996. It was her courage in the face of military thuggishness that won her massive support in the June parliamentary election, and brought her the consolation prize of the vice-presidency when Abdurrahman Wahid was elected last October.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Lee, Mahathir discuss new ties
Lee, Mahathir discuss new ties KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Singapore Senior Minister Lee Kuan Yew said on Tuesday that both his country and Malaysia were keen to iron out differences on outstanding problems. Lee, who is visiting Malaysia for the first time in a decade, said he had a positive two-hour meeting with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on Tuesday. Lee said it may take a few months to solve the problems and issues.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Perhutani upbeat to reach sale target
Perhutani upbeat to reach sale target JAKARTA (JP): State-owned forestry company Perum Perhutani announced on Tuesday sales revenues in the first six months of 2000 of Rp 850.78 billion ($100 million) -- 45 percent of the Rp 1.89 trillion it has targeted for the year. Perhutani president Abbas T.S. said in a media conference he was optimistic the full year target could be reached. "Sales from exports usually increase in November and December," Abbas said.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Where to go in Surabaya
Where to go in Surabaya Exhibition * Design Exhibition at CCCL - French Cultural Center, Jl. Darmokali 10 (Phone: 031 5678639), through Aug. 26. Performance * Concert: Surabaya Symphony Orchestra - Robin Clavreul (French Cellist), Jean-Paul Minelli Bella (French Arpeggina Player), Hansjorg Koch (German Pianist), at Hotel Majapahit, Mandarin Oriental, Jl. Tunjungan 65 (Phone: 031 545 4333), 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., Aug. 25. Music and Entertainment * Hotel Majapahit, Mandarin Oriental, Jl.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Shimon Peres visits Jakarta, Yasser Arafat to follow
Shimon Peres visits Jakarta, Yasser Arafat to follow JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid said on Tuesday that he had met with Israeli envoy Shimon Peres to assist with facilitating the collapsed Middle East peace talks and was expecting Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat later in the day. "Yesterday (Monday) I had breakfast with Shimon Peres from Israel.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Seeking new meaning of independence
Seeking new meaning of independence By Harkiman Racheman JAKARTA (JP): Every year the anniversary of Indonesia's independence has been commemorated in a most ritualistic manner. The monotony of celebrations, as evidenced by the virtual absence of creativity or novelty on a national scale, has made all rituals quite formal. Over the past five decades what can be best remembered on these anniversaries are instances of physical mass mobilization.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Taufik to face Sun Jun in KL's second round
Taufik to face Sun Jun in KL's second round JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian teenage idol Taufik Hidayat will face a tough challenge on the opening day of the five-star Proton-Eon Malaysian Open as he might face former world champion Sun Jun of China in the second round Wednesday. Currently world number three, Taufik -- who just retained his title in the US$150,000 Indonesian Open last month -- is likely to be able to overcome Anuphap Thiraratsakul of Thailand in the first round.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Athletes told to ignore politics at Olympics
Athletes told to ignore politics at Olympics JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Mahadi Sinambela urged national athletes to keep focusing on the Olympic Games training program and ignore the possibility of political problems at the Olympics in Sydney next month. "Don't worry about politics. There are no more anti-Indonesian groups in Australia," he said after attending an awards ceremony at the State Palace on Tuesday.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Defendant insists Tyasno's role
Defendant insists Tyasno's role JAKARTA (JP): A defendant in a Rp 19.2 billion counterfeit money case told a Tuesday hearing that he received an offer from the former chief of military intelligence, Tyasno Sudarto, now a four star general and Army Chief of Staff, to provide paper to produce counterfeit banknotes, but claimed he had never met the general before. The former soldier, Ismail Putra, told the Central Jakarta district court that he was offered a share from the production.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Bimantara to sell units
Bimantara to sell units JAKARTA (JP): The extraordinary shareholders meeting of PT Bimantara Citra has approved plans to sell stakes in food conglomerate PT Nestle Indonesia, shopping center PT Plaza Indonesia Realty and automotive manufacturer PT Bimantara Cakra Nusa to help ease its debt burden.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Most SMEs not reliant on bank loans: Survey
Most SMEs not reliant on bank loans: Survey JAKARTA (JP): Most small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) still rely on traditional sources to finance their activities, according to a survey conducted by Akatiga, a rural business surveying agency. Akatiga, which focuses its research activities on the development of SMEs, said most SME owners use their own money or that borrowed from relatives or friends to support their businesses.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Maluku people prepare Aug. 17 celebrations
Maluku people prepare Aug. 17 celebrations AMBON, Maluku (JP): Maluku geared up on Tuesday for Independence Day when around 1,000 Muslim and Christian students staged a dress rehearsal in Ambon of planned celebrations to mark the day. "We really hope this 'uneasy calm' improves and doesn't end up in unrest," civil emergency administrator Governor Saleh Latuconsina said after the rehearsal ended around at 11:30 a.m. local time.
Wed, 16 Aug 2000, 00:00 WIB
Zacky could become a suspect in July 1996 attack: Djasri
Zacky could become a suspect in July 1996 attack: Djasri BANDUNG (JP): The status of former Maj. Gen. Zacky Anwar Makarim, former chief of the Indonesian Armed Forces' (ABRI) Intelligence Body (BIA) at the time of the violent July 1996 attack on the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) headquarters in Central Jakarta could be shifted from a witness to a suspect, a senior military police officer said on Tuesday. "In the (current) initial inquiry, we questioned him as a witness.