Is good education for the rich only? The number of private schools which are several times more expensive than public schools are on the rise. Even these days, in the midst of the country's gloom, private schools evidently remain popular. The Jakarta Post's Ida Indawati Khouw, Maria Endah Hulupi, and contributors I. Christianto and Prapti Widinugraheni look into the issue. This report has been prepared in conjunction with the National Education Day that falls on May 2.

Atu grabs Jakarta Open title JAKARTA (JP): National second-tier shuttler Atu Rosalina won the women's singles title in the Jakarta Open Satellite Championships at the Bung Karno Sports Complex on Saturday. Atu crushed Malaysian Ng Mee Fen's dream of taking home the title after winning convincingly 11-5, 11-1. Compatriots Ernita and Yunita also squashed Malaysian pair Amin Norhasikin and Wong Pei Tty 15-3, 15-17, 15-7 to grab the women's doubles title.

Seribu Islands for duty-free zone: Only a dream? By Grace Emilia JAKARTA (JP): Ardika, is a 55-feet boat for 16 people, often seen berthing at the pier of Marina Ancol Jakarta. It has two cabins, complete fishing equipment and is fully air-conditioned. In the good old times (before the monetary crisis), Ardika always lifted its anchor at least twice a week.

Gus Dur must stick to Constitution From Rakyat Merdeka The latest step by President Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid to defend his position was his recent statement made at Tegal, Central Java, saying that the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) can judge his accountability in 2004, i.e., only after his term of office is over.

South Africa boosting tourist sector The South African government invited 26 journalists over from Malaysia, the Philippines and Indonesia last month as part of its efforts to promote tourism and investment. The Jakarta Post's reporter Ivy Susanti filed her report. JOHANNESBURG (JP): When American Hasim Rahman surprisingly floored British Lennox Lewis last week, the globally televised heavyweight bout also promoted South Africa as a major holiday destination.

Still Playing JAKARTA (JP): If you are brave enough to venture out this Sunday to catch a movie at a local theater, The Jakarta Post's contributor Joko E.H. Anwar has some suggestions for you. Billy Elliot (Drama, 110 minutes). Starring Jamie Bell, Julie Walters, Gary Lewis, Jamie Draven. Directed by Stephen Daldry. An inspiring, touching, funny film about an 11-year-old son of a miner who wants to be a ballet dancer. A masterpiece.**** (Out of ****) Thirteen Days (Drama, 145 minutes).

TV today TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 8:00 Children's Program 9:00 Children's Film 9:30 Sports 11:00 Music 12:00 p.m. Traditional Comedy 1:30 Children's Program 3:00 News 3:30 Religious Teachings 4:00 Children's Program 5:00 News 5:30 Children's Film 6:00 Children's Songs 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Film 9:00 Music 10:00 Variety Show 11:00 Health Program 11:30 Documentary Program 2 5:30 p.m. Music 6:30 City News 7:00 News 7:30 News (in English) 8:00 Documentary TPI 5:30 a.m.

For art's sake: Detect original and fake works By Renate Kant SINGAPORE (JP): On Sunday, March 18, 2001, The Jakarta Post ran an entire section of articles about art forgery with such titles as Forged Art a Lucrative Business, Indonesia, the Land of Fine Art Forgery and Forgery, Crime Plaguing Art World. Excellent coverage on an important issue.

'RCTI' to meet 'Kompas' in delayed final JAKARTA (JP): RCTI claimed a place in the final to challenge Kompas in The Jakarta Post's 18th anniversary soccer tournament at the Bung Karno Sports Complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, on Saturday after defeating their contenders. RCTI showed off its skills by overwhelming GO sports tabloid 4-0 while Kompas was forced to a scoreless draw with the Hilton hotel team before winning 3-2 in a penalty shoot-out.

Weak rupiah may hamper Seville badminton team JAKARTA (JP): The weakening of the rupiah's exchange rate in the last few days could hamper the Badminton Association of Indonesia's (PBSI) plan to send a strong squad to the Sudirman Cup and the World Championships in Seville, Spain, next month. PBSI chairman Subagyo Hadisiswoyo told reporters on Friday that the association must raise funds to cover the deficit as it made its budgeting plan earlier this year based on a rate of Rp 8,000 per dollar.

Public theaters effectively 'killing' arts theaters By Yusuf Susilo JAKARTA (JP): Ever since the downfall of the New Order Government, public theaters have become more a fact of life. Street rallies at various strategic locations have become a common sight.

NU ready to hold mass prayer JAKARTA (JP): Preparations for the mass prayer in Bung Karno sports complex in Senayan, Central Jakarta, were almost complete on Saturday while green carpets had been rolled out to cover an area in the eastern parking lot that could hold 50,000 people. Nahdlatul Ulama, which is organizing the event, said that the number of participants would be 150,000, down from 400,000 as earlier predicted.

Home-made brownies for the family JAKARTA (JP): Those sweet and crunchy brownies are highly popular although they are a bit expensive and not all bakeries have them on their shelves. Here is a recipe from Doddy Pamudji, a writer of cake recipes. Brownies * 250 g margarine * 200 g cooking chocolate * 5 eggs * 250 g sugar * 175 g wheat flour * 200 g cashew nuts, cut into small pieces and roasted until dry * 1/2 tsp baking powder * 1/2 tsp vanilla * 1/3 tsp powder salt.

The wind to Benoa By I Wayan Juniarta BENOA, Bali (JP): For fifty-year-old Pierre Guillaume and his six sailing companions, the supposed-to-be tiring nine-day sea voyage from Singapore to Bali on a 20-meter long yatch was simply a fun cruise. Pierre, for example, looked astonishingly fresh and relaxed. He emptied his glass of chilled local beer in one gulp before making his comments. "Bali is very much like my hometown Saint Tropez, with beautiful landscape and stunning ocean.

Mount Merapi farmer lives organically with nature By Des Price MT. MERAPI, Central Java (JP): A windy, narrow road leads up to the hamlet of Muntilan, which is within a stone's throw from Mount Merapi's slopes, and is a peaceful rural setting where life for most of the locals goes on as though they were far removed from any dangers that nature may pose for human life.

Gus Dur seeks 'higher' guidance SURABAYA (JP): When faced with critical moments and times of adversity, Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid is renowned not only for his diplomatic skills, but also his habit of seeking "guidance" from the world beyond by visiting the graves of elders. Before defeating Megawati Soekarnoputri in the presidential election in October 1999, he visited the grave of Megawati's father, the country's first president Sukarno.

Estrada set for new prison as Arroyo warns his supporters MANILA (AFP): Jailed ex-Philippine president Joseph Estrada underwent a medical check-up Saturday ahead of his transfer to another prison as his successor warned supporters protesting his detention that armed forces would meet "any challenge". The 64-year-old former movie star was taken after breakfast from his cell in the Camp Crame police headquarters by helicopter to a military hospital enroute to his new prison.

Forget the land and live by the sea By I. Christianto JAKARTA (JP): Park your car in the front porch and your boat in the back yard. Are you out of your mind? No. Not if you are flushed with cash, as you can be one of the proud owners of a property in the waterfront area. There are indications that demand for waterfront properties are increasing, according to two major property developers who deal with marina projects in North Jakarta.

Toraja village named a world heritage site By Hasanuddin Hamid TANATORAJA, South Sulawesi (JP): Residents of the village of Toraja Ke'te Kesu in Sanggalangi district have never been happier. The traditional village has been nominated as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

Dayak Katingan community offer gesture of peace The Dayak Katingan community, the third largest Dayak sub- ethnic group, held a rare traditional rite last week. The three- day ceremony, from April 21 through April 23, was basically a celebration of their victory against the Madurese and to return the spirits of their ancestors possessing them and helping drive the Madurese people whom they see as enemies out of the Dayak ancestral land.

Issue memorandum, but no impeachment, says Cabinet JAKARTA (JP): The Cabinet on Saturday once again pleaded with the House of Representatives, warning them against going too far in its censure of President Abdurrahman Wahid. Speaking at a media briefing after a Cabinet meeting, Cabinet Secretary Marsilam Simanjuntak and Minister of Justice and Human Rights Burhanuddin Lopa said despite issuing a second memorandum the House should not push further its censure.

Germany, new hope for Indonesian university graduates By Sri Pudyastuti Baumeister BERLIN (JP): On a murky fall morning a professor strode into his colleague's study. "Is there a vacancy in your place. A graduate from Indonesia, formerly under my tutelage, has asked me to find him a job," he said, producing a piece of paper.

Indonesia must restore law and order: Koehler WASHINGTON (Reuters): International Monetary Fund chief Horst Koehler said on Friday re-establishing law and order in Indonesia was vital to trigger international financing support for the crisis-wracked country.

Ancient Mataram palace now part of a village KOTAGEDE, Yogyakarta (JP): A well-looked-after historical legacy is hard to find in Indonesia. If, as a tourist, you are thinking of visiting the nation's important historical sites which are not only in good repair but have also become part of the contemporary life around them, Kotagede is a must.

'Mooi Indie' works dominate local auction By Boudewijn Brands JAKARTA (JP): On Kartini day last Sunday, the joint auctioneers, Larasati-Glerum South East Asia, set records again in their second sale. The event attracted at least 500 people, of which 240 were active bidders. Of 208 lots, 170 were sold for a total amount of Rp 10.45 billion. This is an increase of 12 percent over the turnover received last year. The sale was conducted in rupiah.

TNI organized killings: Report SYDNEY, Australia (AFP): A secret report for the Jakarta government indicates the Indonesian military directed the militia violence against East Timor's independence vote in 1999, according to a Sydney newspaper Saturday. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that the 41-page report by the Commission of Investigation into Human Rights Violations puts the blame squarely on the shoulders of then Indonesian Army (TNI) Chief Gen. (ret) Wiranto.

Kumar, Ramkumar lead Palembang rally PALEMBANG, South Sumatra (JP): Indians Naren Kumar and Dorairaj Ramkumar of MRF team grabbed the current lead of the Asian Zone Championships at the 2001 Gudang Garam International Rally in Indralaya, South Sumatra, some 30 kilometers south of here on Saturday. Driving Honda Civic Estilo, Kumar and Ramkumar, who started fourth, took the 12.2-kilometer Special Stage (SS) 1 in 10 minutes and 21 seconds.

The capital braces for the masses JAKARTA (JP): Residents of the capital have begun taking precautionary measures bracing themselves for the masses expected on Sunday and Monday. The memory of the riots and looting of May 1998 still fresh in their minds, traders in the Glodok area in West Jakarta and Roxy Mas area in Central Jakarta and even shopping malls were hoping for the best but preparing for the worst.

Where to go in Jakarta: Exhibitions * Painting Membaca Frida Kahlo, by Agus Suwage, Astari Rasyid, Heri Dono, etc., Nadi Gallery, Jl. Kedoya Raya 53, West Jakarta (Phone: 5818129), April 29. * Painting Sunny Earth, Krijono, Galeri Linggar, Jl. Kemang Timur No. 36, South Jakarta (Phone: 71790008), 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., April 29. * Painting by Rusli, Galeri Lontar, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Phone: 8573388), until May 19. * Painting, by Cak Kandar, Galeri Cipta II, Taman Ismail Marzuki, Jl.

Healing past traumas Suryani's way By Rani Rachmani Moediarta JAKARTA (JP): Past traumas make us unhappy, prevent us from adapting to new situations and cause psychological or social disorders. Healing these traumas involves editing the memory through spiritual meditation, instead of just prescribing chemical medications, Ni Luh Ketut Suryani believes. As a physician and professor in psychiatry, she is authorized and capable of prescribing modern medicines for her patients.

What some parents say about expensive schools JAKARTA (JP): Below is what some parents have to say about expensive schools and why they send their children there. Leslie and James Sinay. We found a suitable secondary school for our only son Andaria, who is now in his final year at SDK Pantara, an elementary school for children with special needs located in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. Andaria has passed an entrance test at Tirta Martha secondary school in Pondok Indah, South Jakarta.