Asian currencies mostly down late TOKYO (Dow Jones): Asian currencies were mostly lower against the dollar late Monday as most felt a mild drag from a slightly weaker yen. The currencies that bucked the trend were the Thai baht, which rose slightly on the new central bank governor's hints of higher interest rates, and the rupiah, which firmed as trading volumes thinned due to an Indonesian holiday. Late Monday, the dollar was trading at Rp 11,361, down from Rp 11,450 late Friday.

An environmentally friendly 'city' on the edge of Jakarta TANGERANG (JP): Both state and private sector property developers should learn from how PT Bumi Serpong Damai (BSD) translated into reality its commitment to building a vast but environmentally friendly real estate development. Although it was awarded Rumah Asri (Lovely Home) awards by the government in 1997 and 2000, the company keeps on finding new ways of developing a quality environment at its 6,000-hectare BSD site here in Tangerang.

Schoolgirl gives birth SEMARANG, Central Java: A 17-year-old student of a state-run high school in Banyumanik, Semarang, gave birth while sitting her final examination, Antara reported on Sunday. The student, identified only as SL, reportedly delivered the birth inside the school's restroom and then put the baby in her schoolbag. The bag was then placed among those of other students when she entered the classroom for the examination.

Retailers seek permission to sell banned groceries JAKARTA (JP): Retailers said they would comply with the Food and Drug Control Agency's (BPOM) order to remove 356 allegedly illegally imported food products from store shelves, but in turn demanded that the government speed up its licensing procedure for the products.

Plant street vendors escape raids By Hera Diani JAKARTA (JP): There is a type of street vendor that does not have to worry too much about getting raided by City Public Order officers. These vendors are sidewalk plant businesses. Why? Perhaps because they help green the city. If you happen to be looking for plants, whether they be decorative plants, fruit trees, or even rare plant species, sidewalk plant sellers in the city can provide them all. Along Jl.

Dabbaransi wins IBF presidency SEVILLE, Spain (Agencies): Thailand's Korn Dabbaransi was elected on Sunday as the new president of the International Badminton Federation (IBF) 24 hours after the federation's official nominee, the Sultan of Brunei, pulled out of the race. Dabbaransi, a former deputy prime minister of Thailand, beat the remaining candidate, Indonesia's Justian Suhandinata, by 180 votes to 29 at the federation's annual general meeting.

Currency analyst sees rupiah constrained by political moves JAKARTA (JP): President Abdurrahman Wahid's move last week to fire a number of Cabinet members will likely reverse the rupiah's upward movement against the U.S. dollar, currency analysts say. Currency analyst Martin Pangabean said Abdurrahman's recent reshuffling of his Cabinet had caused worries that he would go ahead with his plan to declare a state of emergency.

Makassar immigration sends 45 Iraqi refugees to Bogor MAKASSAR, South Sulawesi (JP): As many as 45 Iraqis, from a total of 143 foreign refugees being held at the Makassar Immigration Office since May 16 for illegal entry into the country, were on Saturday shipped to Bogor, assisted by the International Organization for Migration (IOM). Makassar Immigration Office head Doddy M said that the 45 Iraqis, including four women and ten children, would be transported by KM Ciremai at 3 p.m. local time.

Seville defeat 'won't harm shuttlers' showing' JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's 3-1 defeat by defending champion China in the Sudirman Cup mixed team event on Sunday will not affect shuttlers' performance in the World Championships at the San Pablo Stadium, Seville, Spain. Head coach Christian Hadinata said he hoped his shuttlers would take a valuable lesson from last week's event. "It (Sudirman Cup result) was the best we could achieve considering our preparation, which was barely enough.

4,504 officers sent to protect refugees KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): No less than 4,504 security personnel from the Indonesian Military (TNI) and police have been deployed to safeguard Wednesday's registration when East Timorese refugees will decide whether they wish to return to the territory or retain Indonesian citizenship. Two soldiers and two policemen will be stationed at each of the 507 registration points, East Nusa Tenggara Deputy Police chief Sr. Comr.