Cafes promise unforgettable night Sudibyo M. Wiradji, Contributor, Jakarta While most Jakartans will usually stay at home watching television during New Year's Eve, clubbers and party goers will be treated to a variety of live extravaganzas at cafes, restaurants, hotels and public parks to count down the remaining hours of 2002. For clubbers and party goers, cafes and restaurants might be the preferred place to welcome in the New Year.

Paint ceramics to your heart's content: As you wish Susanna Tjokro, Contributor, Jakarta Being creative is often the best way to banish boredom. To tap into your creative energy, step into the As You Wish ceramic- painting studio for a fun way to spend an afternoon. You can feel free to come up with some personalized creations for loved ones this gift-giving season with the nice collection of gifts to choose from or you could design your own dinner set.

Wristwatches make timely gifts Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta One's choice on wristwatch has always been based on a very personal taste. A gift of a watch is always poignant as well as a discerning decision. Like women, who have a great love of jewelry, men consider wristwatch collection far from just a functional chronometer. In fact, a watch has gone perpetually along with the fashion mode.

Dwarf inspires Koch in banned novel Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta With obvious amazement on his face, author Christopher John Koch, better known as CJ Koch, looked outside the window from the 21st floor of the Hotel Mandarin in Central Jakarta. "Wow, everything has changed. Look at those tall buildings," said the Australian author recently, looking at the cityscape spread before his eyes.

TV Program: Sunday, December 22, 2002 TVRI 6:00 a.m. News 7:30 Sports 8:00 Documentary 8:30 Children's Program 9:00 Film 10:30 Children's Program 11:00 Maskum Show 12:30 p.m. Traditional Comedy 3:00 Documentary 3:30 Religious Teachings 5:00 Sports 6:00 News 7:00 TV Drama 7:30 Variety Show 9:00 News 9:30 Comedy 11:00 Theater TPI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News 7:00 Cartoon 9:00 Entertainment News 10:00 Variety Show 11:00 TV Drama 12:30 p.m.

Siti Nurhaliza mature and accomplished at 23 Hera Diani The Jakarta Post Jakarta The last time Malaysian singer Siti Nurhaliza, 23, came to town was in June to promote her traditional Malay album Sanggar Mustika (House of Precious Stones). Now she is back in town, invited by Trans TV station to perform at its recent first anniversary celebration. The Jakarta Post interviewed her on the sidelines of the press conference to promote her new single Camar Yang Pulang (The Returning Seagull).

Policeman killed in Aceh BANDA ACEH, Aceh: One policeman belonging to the elite Mobile Brigade (Brimob) was shot dead by an unidentified armed group at Meunasah Krueng, Bireuen regency, Aceh on Saturday, putting the fragile peace agreement between the government and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) in jeopardy. Spokesman for the Security Restoration Operation Comr.

Moving towards the Free Trade Zone era in Batam Legal certainty for investors An industrial zone with international scope such as Batam absolutely requires sufficient area for further expansion in the future. The Batam Authority has anticipated this requirement by launching various efforts, such as diversifying land use and appropriating land allocation. All these efforts are related to legal certainty pertaining to investments in Batam.

Candles transform girl into a millionaire Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta When Eva watched the Discovery Channel in November last year she was fascinated by a report on a candle factory somewhere in Europe. Fifteen-year-old Eva Buida was inspired and wanted to do the same. Her interest has borne fruit, as she is now able to earn at least Rp 10 million (US$1,136.4) a month and expects to earn even more in the upcoming Christmas holidays and before Valentine's Day in February.

On the Shelves Perubahan Sosial dan Pendidikan - Pengantar Pedagogik Transformatif Untuk Indonesia (Social Changes and Education - Introduction to a Transformative Pedagogy for Indonesia); By H. A. R. Tilaar; Grasindo, Jakarta, 2002, in cooperation with the Center for Education and Community Development Studies; xlvii + 554 pages This is a comprehensive book about a type of pedagogy that is based on the reality of life in Indonesia.

Indonesia's prospect of advancing to semis slight Agencies, Jakarta Indonesia's prospects of advancing to the semifinals of the Tiger Cup are at stake following its disappointing performance in its Group A match against Vietnam on Saturday. Playing before its own fans, Indonesia had to be content with a 2-2 draw in the biennial Southeast Asian soccer tournament, Antara reported. The result puts Vietnam at the top of the Group with seven points after three matches.

Edhi Sunarso: From a child guerrilla to a sculptor Singgir Kartana, Contributor, Yogyakarta For Edhi Sunarso, being either a guerrilla or a sculptor needs a strong spirit. The spirit of nationalism that was forged when he was a guerrilla and the spirit of an artist jointly make him a leading creator of monuments and statues that Indonesia take pride in. Born in Salatiga, Central Java, on July 2, 1933, Sunarso has an impressive reputation as a sculptor.

Pointers on throwing parties with flair Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Throwing parties for families or business partners now can be done at your own residence as long as you know the tricks. A successful party will boost the image of the host and at the same time strengthen your relationships.

Easy, comfortable ride in Busan Heavy traffic and expensive fares no longer trouble the residents of Busan, South Korea. Their dreams of a comfortable and cheap rapid transportation system was fulfilled in 1995 with the development of the Busan Subway, which extends to all corners of the city. With fares of a mere 600 to 700 Korean won (about Rp 4,200 to Rp 4,900), half a million commuters enjoy the ride during work days.

Where to go in Jakarta: Sunday, December 22, 2002 Exhibitions * Jukung-Boats from the Barito Basin, Maritime Museum, Jl. Pasar Ikan No. 1, North Jakarta (Tel. 6693406, 6602476), Tuesday to Sunday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., until Dec. 23. * Mask by Gallis and Rakidi, The British Council, S. Widjojo Center 1st floor, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav. 71, South Jakarta (Tel. 2524115), until Dec. 31. * Photo Nyanyian Periferal by Oscar Motuloh, CCF - French Cultural Center, Jl. Wijaya 48, South Jakarta (Tel.

Busan lures visitors with beaches, seafood and nature The Korean Peninsula is known as "the land of the morning calm" due to its beautiful hills that directly overlook the open sea. South Korea's biggest port city, Busan, is one of the cities that is being developed as a major business and industrial center while at the same time preserving nature. Busan just finished hosting the 14th Asian Games in October, the second major sporting event after the Olympics.

FBI called to join probe into deadly Papua ambush Agence France-Presse, Jakarta U.S. President George W. Bush has called for a Bali-style joint investigation into an August ambush that killed two Americans and an Indonesian in Papua province, an Australian newspaper reported Saturday. The Age, of Melbourne, said Bush made the proposal during a message to Indonesian President Megawati Sukarnoputri over the past two weeks.

Batam Center Grand Mosque: A Rp 15 billion mosque with gorgeous architecture to create a dynamic religious atmosphere. Novotel Batam: One of Batam's star-rated international-standard hotels that is a favorite among expatriates. Global Indo-Asia school: An international school for children of expatriates residing in Batam.

Animation Super Pitch opens door for new animators When one thinks about Asian animation, Japanese creations quickly come to mind. It is inarguable that until now Japanese animators have done a spectacular job that is still difficult to match. However, other Asian countries, although still in their early stages, seem to have caught up with the field, with the emergence of young and promising animators.

(Caption for Spotlight column. Approved by client: Metro Department Store) WISHES COME TRUE AT METRO DEPARTMENT STORE: To celebrate Idul Fitri and Christmas, METRO Department Store is giving its customers the opportunity to win various prizes through its "Wishes Come True" lucky draw, which they write their desired presents on the "Wishing Ketupat" for Idul Fitri and the "Wishing Leaf" for Christmas. The first lucky draw was held on Nov.29,2002 (photo above).

Towards the enforcement of Free Trade Zone in Batam Batam, a comfortable place for investment and settlement Batam is known not only as an industrial estate but also as an attractive tourist resort. The region can also attract investors with its qualified human resources. For these reasons and more it is the correct place for the enforcement of the pending Free Trade Zone Law. Batam boasts modern and international-standard facilities, such as hotels and apartments.

Jakarta's streets no fun for pedestrians Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Strolling the sidewalks of Indonesia's capital Jakarta is a pedestrian's nightmare compared to the sidewalks of other Southeast Asian capitals like Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. On most of Jakarta's streets, the sidewalks have been taken over by street vendors, forcing pedestrians to walk out on the road regardless of the heavy traffic.

Siti Nurhaliza mature and accomplished at 23 Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The last time Malaysian singer Siti Nurhaliza, 23, came to town was in June to promote her traditional Malay album Sanggar Mustika (House of Precious Stones). Now she is back in town, invited by Trans TV station to perform at its recent first anniversary celebration. The Jakarta Post interviewed her on the sidelines of the press conference to promote her new single Camar Yang Pulang (The Returning Seagull).

Batamindo Industrial Park: One of the huge industrial zones in Batam. Trans-Barelang bridge: A panoramic view of one of the six high- tech bridges that connect Batam and the surrounding islands.

Samuel revels in eclectic designs for men Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Highlighting a mixed-cultural theme, noted designer Samuel Wattimena brought together contemporary ethnic details, cuts and prints from different countries for his 2003 eclectic androgynous collection.

Love of design brings luck for young Bandung student Kunang Helmi-Picard, Contributor, Paris The 20th Concours International des Jeunes Createurs de Mode (Young Designers Fashion Contest) apparently brought great luck to 21-year-old Anissa Kunthi Kusumawardhani. The student of the school of sociology at a university in Bandung -- who took a course at a school of design in her hometown -- won the jackpot by taking the Grand Prize in Fashion Accessory at the contest, which took place on Dec.

Facial spa sea products soothe aging damaged skin Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Stress, pollution, poor diet and overexposure to the sun all contribute to damaging the delicate skin on your face, which can later lead to premature aging. Many people, particularly women, have sought various ways to overcome their skin care problems. Many have turned to nature, especially the sea, to provide them with the various ingredients for maintaining health and beauty.

Bomb replays convincing Blontank Poer, The Jakarta Post, Surakarta, Central Java With reconstructions carried out in two separate locations in Sukoharjo, Central Java, on Saturday, the police investigating the Oct. 12 Bali blasts are convinced that the suspects held two meetings in July and August to plan the attacks. Imam Samudra, Mukhlas and Amrozi reconstructed how they, with other suspects Dulmatin, Idris, Abdul Ghoni, Ali Imron and Zulkarnain, held a meeting to plan the attack.

Abidin Kusno sees further than architectural works Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Jakarta has more than just historical monuments to reflect its culture. Young author Abidin Kusno has been helping Jakartans gain a better insight of the capital by publishing information about urban spaces like public areas, housing complexes and even densely-populated kampongs (villages).

Author CJ Koch returns to Jakarta, the setting of his award- winning novel The Year of Living Dangerously, after 34 years. He speaks on the dwarf who inspired him and also the state of Indonesia back then. Page 3 Historical city Guangzhou, one of China's economic centers, has turned itself into a modern city. However, the city still maintains its historical attractions, which apparently draw many tourists. Page 15

Security situation prevents refugees from returning home Apriadi Gunawan, The Jakarta Post, Tanjung Putus, North Sumatra Suheri, 27, breathed a sigh of relief when the government and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) signed a landmark peace agreement last Dec. 9, thinking that peace would soon return to conflict-torn Aceh and that he, his wife, and three children could go back to their home in East Aceh.

Three hold clubhouse lead in Okinawa Open Agence France-Presse, Okinawa, Japan American Ted Purdy and Japan's Tateo Ozaki and Hiroyuki Fujita took the clubhouse lead on Saturday after two rounds of the rain- interrupted Okinawa Open. First-round leader Purdy fired a two-under-par 70 at Southern Links Golf Club and was joined at the top of the leaderboard by Ozaki, who shot an impressive 64, and Fujita who came in with a 68.

Major celebrations may jeopardize diet programs Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Three major holidays -- starting from Idul Fitri, Christmas to New Year -- not only foster togetherness with families and friends but also present the opportunity to indulge in good food. Each of the three events has its own special dishes but they all are high in calories.