RI remains attractive to investors French people all over the world are celebrating Bastille Day today to commemorate the founding of the nation. The French Ambassador to Indonesia, Herve Ladsous, talks to The Jakarta Post contributor, I. Christianto, about his country's national day, its political and economic ties and friendship with Indonesia. The following is an excerpt of the interview. What makes this year's celebration of the French National Day distinct?

Committed for long-term deals Indonesia has, for a long time, been a major Asian trading partner for France. Despite the deep economic and monetary crisis of the late 1990s, French companies have confirmed their commitment to the Indonesian market. Around 120 French companies are present in Indonesia, including 80 joint ventures. It is estimated that French investment in Indonesia amounts to approximately US$4 billion and provides 30,000 direct and indirect jobs for Indonesians.

On the shelves Nagari Tawon Madu (Honey Bee Country); The political history of 18th century Blambangan; I Made Sudjana; Larasan-Sejarah Kuta Bali; First edition December 2001; 124 pp This year the Dutch are celebrating the 400th anniversary of the establishment of the Vereenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, the Dutch United East Indies Company, with year-long festivities.

Mike Tramp relieves White Lion's fame Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Mike Tramp of White Lion? Sigh. But what's the use of complaining? It is the downside of living in a poor, third-world country where we are unable to really choose the foreign artists that perform here. The choices have been very limited. Often, it is the two sides of the extreme, either boybands, or old-timers (Deep Purple was great, though. Rick Wakeman was not).

Legendary DJ de Melero spells out his success Joseph Mangga, Contributor, Denpasar, Bali I first met the lovely Mike and Sadja one evening in early 2000, on Jl. Gado Gado, at a shrine the Swedish couple had constructed especially for the worship of the one powerful "spirit" that they "Absolutely" trusted above all others. So after serving for over a decade on various cruise-ships around the world, the couple made one final landfall in Bali, and the 'A' Bar was thereby christened.

Poso back to normal after bomb blast Erick W., The Jakarta Post, Palu The situation in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, returned to normal on Saturday, one day after a bomb explosion that killed a woman in a bus, but police kept closed the road where the blast had occurred. The crowd, which had begun to gather at the bomb site on Friday night, had dispersed, Poso Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Unggung Cahyono said by telephone on Saturday.

Civil emergency rejected in Aceh Nani Farida and Tertiani ZB Simanjuntak, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh/Jakarta Aceh Governor Abdullah Puteh joined forces with the provincial legislative council, clerics and non-governmental organizations to oppose the imposition of a civil emergency in Aceh, saying that conflict resolution should be entrusted to the provincial administration.

West Java continues domination at national tae kwon do championship Musthofid, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta West Java, the 2001 overall champion, continued its domination at the 3rd LG Cup national tae kwon do championship, winning another three gold medals at the Bung Karno Indoor Tennis Court here on Saturday. The reigning contingent now leads the standings with seven golds followed by Jakarta with three, East Java and East Kalimantan, each with one.

Train derailment injures 36 INDONESIA: Thirty-six people aboard the Mutiara Timur train were injured when three of the rear cars jumped the tracks and rolled over while passing through Rejoso, Pasuruan in East Java province late on Saturday. No fatalities were reported. According to Sutoyo, a spokesman for state-owned railroad company PT KAI in Jember, six of the victims suffered severe injuries, and three of them were being treated at Sidoarjo Hospital.

Which mall is the best place to hang out? Monique Natalia, Contributor, Jakarta For young Jakartans, going to the mall has become an activity in itself. For some, it has even got to the point of being a sort of ritual that they must do every day. In this issue, The Jakarta Post asks six young mall-goers which malls they worship and why. Rani, 17, Bogor: I like to go either to Pondok Indah Mal or Plaza Senayan.

A way forward for the Chinese issue? Fabio Scarpello, Contributor, Jakarta Indonesia is an extremely diverse country, but in its heterogeneity has always presented significant degrees of tolerance for ethnic, racial and religious differences. The exception is the Chinese minority. Historically, the ethnic Chinese are the ones that have suffered the most from discrimination. The 1998 riots were the latest in a long series of attacks on the community.

Powell to visit Indonesia during Asia tour this month Agencies, Washington U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell will launch a grueling eight-nation tour of Asia this month, hoping to keep tensions between India and Pakistan under control and to bolster the Pacific front of the U.S.-led war on terrorism.

Dede stands up for minority causes Christina Schott, Contributor, Surabaya Many people call him the most famous homosexual in Indonesia. Others say he is one of the country's most intelligent people, while some just call him "a very good guy". But Dede Oetomo has been involved in so many different kinds of local, national and international activities, for such a long time, that it is impossible to reduce him to just one of these descriptions.

Stateless and discriminated against in their country Hendrawan is perhaps Indonesia's best-known sportsman. Olympic Badminton silver medalist in Sydney 2000 and World Champion in 2001 he has stood tall on the podium, and proudly listened "his" national anthem being played. Yet he only recently received his citizenship certificate (SBKRI) after direct intervention by President Megawati Soekarnoputri. But Hendrawan is lucky.

Malls offer everything for everyone Modernization has changed people's lifestyles in large cities all over the world, including Jakarta. When in the past people would spend their free time at parks or public places, nowadays people flock to the malls scattered around the city. Mallgoers have different reasons for visiting them. Mothers go shopping, fathers view an exhibition of the latest cell phones or cars while kids want to pass the time in the playing arena.

Army to keep network in regions: Ryamizard Jupriadi, The Jakarta Post, Makassar Army Chief of Staff Gen. Ryamizard Ryacudu has rejected increasing calls for the liquidation of the much-criticized regional military network, saying its presence was urgently needed as an early warning system for dealing with any internal or external threat.

Poso calm after bomb blast Erick W. The Jakarta Post Palu The situation in Poso regency, Central Sulawesi, returned to normal on Saturday, one day after a bomb explosion that killed a woman in a bus, but police kept closed the road where the blast had occurred. The crowd, which had begun to gather at the bomb site on Friday night, had dispersed, Poso Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Unggung Cahyono said by telephone on Saturday. He said locals in Poso had returned to their normal activities.

Will another mall fulfill our needs? Bambang Nurbianto and Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Everyone has their own reason to go to the mall. It could be for shopping, sightseeing or a social gathering. For Tria, 30, it tends to be the latter, plus catching up with what's hip today. "The primary objective is to buy my monthly groceries. I could buy the stuff at my neighborhood supermarket, but I don't. Why? Well, because I also want to know what's in. In terms of fashion ...

Classic Rocker Mike Tramp was surprised to find he still had fans in Jakarta, though most of those present for his performance at the Fashion Cafe remembered him only from his days fronting '80s long-hair rockers White Lion. But Tramp proved that this is one lion who can still roar. High Fashion Designer John Galliano amazed audiences with his fall/winter collection for the Christian Dior fashion house during the Paris Haute Couture fashion shows.

Gucci men's wear Ford brings elegant Thirties back Hera Diani The Jakarta Post Jakarta People call it the Elegant Thirties. It was a period of glamorous style, with formal wear for men and sleek bias cut gowns for women. The period of lavish musicals where Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers paired for the first time. The era of Clark Gable and Carey Grant.