Thought of radiotherapy depresses cancer patients Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta "I was scared and shocked when my doctor told me I had cancer. Then he mentioned radiotherapy to treat the disease. It was really depressing," said Narto, who has nasopharynx cancer. Many cancer patients react the same way to radiotherapy, especially since there is so little information about it readily available.

Indonesia hosts world forwarders' congress The Indonesian Forwarders Association (INFA) will host the 41st annual congress of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders, which will be held in Nusa Dua, Bali, from Sept. 29 to Oct. 3.

Police release GAM leaders as Tokyo meeting starts Agencies, Jakarta As the meeting commenced in the Japanese capital of Tokyo to help salvage the shaky peace in Aceh, police released on Saturday night the five negotiators of the Free Aceh Movement (GAM). Police authorities in Banda Aceh, however, were quick to brush aside suggestions that the release was due to threats by GAM leaders to boycott the Tokyo meeting that started on Saturday evening.

PIB opposes war in Aceh, urges talks The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The New Indonesia Party (PIB) broke rank from mainstream political parties when they criticized the government's plan to launch a military crackdown against separatist rebels in Aceh.

RI issues last warning despite Tokyo talks Agencies, Tokyo/Jakarta Last-ditch peace talks with the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) got underway in Tokyo on Saturday as Jakarta issued its final warning for the rebels to renounce their independence aspirations and accept the special autonomy status.

I have to feel good when singing: Brightman Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta A woman lies writhing on the floor in a provocative outfit as vibrant music with strong influences from the Middle East plays in the background. Is it Madonna? Or Britney Spears? Or any of the other female singers who compete with each other by baring their midriff?

Political parties instrumental for democracy: Ichlasul Political observer Ichlasul Amal of Gadjah Mada University (UGM) was one of the country's prominent figures during the reform movement in 1998 while he was still rector of the oldest university in the country. Ichlasul believes that Indonesia has all the requirements to survive the so-called transitional period and realize the reform agenda. He shares his views on the reform issue with The Jakarta Post's Sri Wahyuni.

Packaged durian allows aficionados to bring it home Many durian aficionados have difficulty bringing home durian on airplanes or with courier service companies due to its pungent odor. Now, they can carry or order durian in plastic boxes from durian vendors like Rizal. A small package (sized 17 x 15 centimeters) is offered at Rp 50,000 while a big one (sized 20 x 25 centimeters) is Rp 75,000. The packages are brought or sent to Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta and even Singapore.

checked by Rich FOR ADVERTORIAL The Jakarta Post Advertorial May 18, 2003 UPS promotion 'Synchronizing World of Commerce' boost business A new way of commerce United Parcel Service (UPS) now provides Indonesian businesses with a breakthrough in the field of supply chain solutions through its vision of 'Synchronizing the World of Commerce'- shifting away from the traditional way of doing commerce to more advanced solutions based on e-commerce.

Bambang Susanto Priyohadi, is a secretary of the Yogyakarta provincial administration. For one thing, since the reform movement began, we have all witnessed a big change in people's willingness to voice their opinions, although I have also noticed that many go too far. Some often articulate their wishes without a clear framework.

On the Shelves Bagaimana Perkawinan Bertahan dari Perselingkuhan (How a marriage survive from infidelity); By Charlotte Latvala, et. al.; Pinkbooks, March 2003; 103pp Many surveys have been conducted in the past few years on Indonesians' lifestyles and one of the results is quite shocking. Many admit that they have cheated on their spouses, with most blaming a lack of communication as the main cause. And the number has been increasing.

The Only Synagogue in Indonesia Wahyuni Kamah Contributor Surabaya The white Dutch-style building's architecture is simple and classical. Except for the mezuzah at its entrance and two Star of David carvings on the teakwood door, nobody would know that it is a synagogue. In fact, it is the only synagogue in the country. Located on Jl. Kayun 6, Surabaya, it covers a 2,000-square- meter lot and is located near the Kali Mas river.

Investment rises despite low demand Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The fall in overall business as a result of the downturn in the global economy has also affected courier and cargo businesses in Indonesia. But the lower demand does not mean the companies have to reduce their activities. Most of the big players have invested more money in the business either by establishing new branches or putting in place new technology.

Aceh: The people in waiting A massive military operation is looming in Aceh after the collapse of a truce between the government and Free Aceh Movement (GAM) separatists. The government has adopted a zero-tolerance approach towards the rebels in a bid to force the separatists to give up their armed fight for their dream of seceding from the Unitary Republic of Indonesia. As always it is the people who will suffer and who will pay the price of the broken peace deal.

Poor sanitation forces Aceh refugees to return home Nani Farida, The Jakarta Post, Banda Aceh Poor sanitation and health services have forced thousands of Acehnese refugees to return home, in spite of uncertain security conditions. As many as 3,000 Acehnese who took refuge in Bireun regency had to return to Pedanda and Jeumpa villages on Saturday despite the threat of an impending military operation in the province.

Pekanbaru's durian draws tourists Haidir Anwar Tanjung, The Jakarta Post, Pekanbaru, Riau For some people, durian is an absolute favorite, but many people hate it due to its overpowering aroma. But in Pekanbaru, the capital of Riau, durian is an attraction for both local or foreign tourists, mostly Singaporeans. Durian lovers only need to walk along the sidewalks of Jl. Sudirman in Tangkerang area, where dozens of stalls offer the fruit.

Keeping commerce in motion The courier and air cargo industry, with their massive networks around the world, has substantially affected global and domestic economies. The services provided by air express and air cargo companies have become an important engine of economic growth for most countries. With their express services, the companies have managed to constantly keep the global and inter-island trade in motion.

Remembrance May: Not to be forgotten The 1998 May riots was not the blackest period in Indonesia's long road to become the nation it is today, but the destruction, killings, violence, rape and general mayhem of the time scarred the hearts of all Indonesians. The riots called to mind a similar chapter in Indonesia's history when, 38 years ago, seven Indonesian Military generals were kidnapped and killed.

UGM students try `lesung' in percussion show Leo Wahyudi S, Contributor, Jakarta Most young people, particularly those living in big cities, have never seen a lesung (wooden mortar for pounding rice). But in the hands of 10 students of the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University, the device, mostly used by farmers, is transformed into an experimental musical instrument.

People express dissapointment, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Five years have passed since the reform movement was first demanded by students from various universities in the capital and other major cities in the country. Many things have happened after the demand - including the riots that erupted in Jakarta and other cities and the downfall of former president Soeharto. People have made sacrifices.

Guitarist Mus Mujiono enjoys life by controlling his glucose level Diagnosed with diabetes in 1985 when he was about to have kidney surgery, jazz guitarist Mus Mujiono still enjoys his life today. He can even continue his music career. In fact, diabetes is not a new issue in his family. His father, elder sister and brother (singer Mus Mulyadi) also have the same disease.

Glucose-level test helps diabetics to live without limits Emmy Fitri, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Suffering from diabetes does not have to mean the end of the world. These days, diabetics can live without having any limits, just like other healthy people. They only need to exercise self- discipline and regularly check their glucose levels. In the past, doctors were quick to prescribe a strict and conservative diet for diabetics.

Five years may have passed, but the memory of the May riots remains fresh in many people's minds. Priest Ignatius Sandyawan Sumardi, the leader of the Team of Volunteers for Humanity and the recipient of the prestigious Yap Thiam Hien human rights award, reveals what needs to be done to stop the downward spiral of violence.

Reconciliation needed to curb new clashes Five years ago, the bloody May riots erupted nationwide and claimed almost 1,200 fatalities following the shootings of four Trisakti University students at their campus in West Jakarta. The incident triggered the public's anger and led to the downfall of the 32-year-long authoritarian regime of then President Soeharto.