ASEM finance ministers' meeting gets underway Dadan Wijaksana, The Jakarta Post, Nusa Dua, Bali The fifth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) for finance ministers opened here on Saturday amid the current uncertainties and challenges facing the global economy.

Rika puts her stamp on evening wear Muara Bagdja, Contributor, Jakarta Rika Sulaiman knows that, like it or not, fashion designers cannot let their designs speak for themselves. Sooner or later, they have to grab the public's attention and put a face to their brand. After eight years of designing from her studio, Rika presented her debut collection at a five-star hotel in Central Jakarta last month.

Singapore roars back after silence of SARS Maria Endah Hulupi, The Jakarta Post, Singapore The masks are off in Singapore and the island-state is trying its best to get local residents and travelers back into its shops, restaurants and hotels after the damage done by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

Djenar keeps tales short but not so sweet Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Writer Djenar Maesa Ayu had taken up residence in the corner of QB bookstore, Central Jakarta, with the tool of her trade, an Apple iBook, beside her, in black tanktop and denim outfit, a pack of cigarettes and a glass of beer placed nearby, sending out a message of the cosmopolitan young woman about town.

JakArt founder David wants art to reach everyone Jock Paul, Contributor, Jakarta Mikhail David's training ground for the headaches and snafus that come with organizing a major art event was a small Greek-themed restaurant tucked away in a corner of the prerenovation Ratu Plaza in Central Jakarta. Soon after David opened The Stage in 1992, it became known as the place to be in Jakarta's art scene.

Where to go in Jakarta:Sunday, July 6, 2003 Exhibitions * Fine Arts Tubuh 4, Lontar Gallery, Jl. Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta (Tel. 8573388), 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., until July 25. * Fashion Jewellery and Accessories Drops Of Sunshine From Paris, at Fusions, Saberro House Jln Kemang Raya 10A (Tel. 7194403), South Jakarta, until July 10. * Painting by Irawan Karseno, Galeri Milenium, Diamond Plaza, Blok B-23, Jl. R.S. Fatmawati No. 15, South Jakarta (Tel. 7507828), 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., July 9-31.

Indonesia's insulation from HIV/AIDS wears thin Peter Janssen, Deutsche Presse-Agentur, Jakarta Cultural and religious norms may have spared Indonesia from an HIV/AIDS epidemic for the past two decades but, experts worry, those same factors could get in the way now that the deadly virus is finally taking off.

Cat fanciers show how the other half live Sri Ramadhani, Contributor, Jakarta Best dressed and best in show were among the categories when the Indonesian Cat Association (ICA) marked its official founding at Blok M mall in South Jakarta last month. There was also a talk show, a discussion on cat diseases, as well as a bazaar and drawing competition for kindergarten and elementary school students. The five-day festival succeeded in raising the number of ICA members to 70.

Lights of fancy Entering the imposing gate at the Suzhou Lantern Festival 2003 at the Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, is like stepping into a little corner of China. Situated in the Pasar Gambir section of the fairground, the festival features beautifully designed silk lanterns in all shapes and sizes, made by Chinese company Suzhou Gu Su Lanterns and Art Co. Ltd.

12 rebels killed in Aceh, 'RCTI' minivan found Aan Suryana, The Jakarta Post, Lhokseumauwe, Aceh At the start of the seventh week of the military offensive against the separatists in Aceh, troops killed 12 more rebels in a crackdown on the Free Aceh Movement's strongholds in the resource-rich province on Saturday.

Giving time-out for the body, mind and soul Debbie A. Lubis Contributor Jakarta A soothing scent from an aromatherapy oil, coupled with relaxing massage and soft music almost made Dea, 29, fall asleep during her two-hour spa treatment at Griya Natura, one of the mushrooming spa centers in Jakarta. For Dea, spa treatments have become a part of her routine and a necessary ritual to perform on the weekend to maintain her physical and mental health and to relieve her of stress.

Bali spas, a feast of rejuvenating treatments I Wayan Juniartha and Fitri Wulandari The Jakarta Post Denpasar, Bali Bali is undoubtedly a haven for spa-lovers. From luxurious spas in five-star hotels to small ones nestled among surf shops along the Kuta tourist strip, the "island of the gods" offers a feast of health and relaxation treatments.

Playboys, rock stars and pretty boys come out in Paris Dominique Ageorges, Agence France-Presse, Paris With skin-tight waistcoats and a color palette based on skin tone, Jean-Paul Gaultier unveiled a menswear collection for next summer that expertly complemented the launch of his men's cosmetics line. From Christian Dior, there was a warning to fashion-savvy men: get ready to strut your stuff next summer in a flashy way.

Singapore Flings * Great Singapore Sale 2003 -- Until July 13. * 10th Singapore International Piano Festival at Victoria Concert Hall from July 10 - July 13. * Ublues Fest 203 at Fort Canning Park from July 12 to July 13. * Zoukout Singapore Nokia Remix dance music festival at Marina Bay Waterfront from July 25 to July 26. * Ricky Martin Album Promotion Visit in August. * National Day Parade 2003 at National Stadium on Aug. 9.

TV Program: Sunday, July 6, 2003 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 6:00 a.m. News: Berita Pagi 7:00 English New Service 8:30 Beauty and Fresh 9:30 Children's Program: Bando 11:00 Variety Show: Maskum Show 12:00 p.m.

Lights of fancy Entering the imposing gate at the Suzhou Lantern Festival 2003 at the Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, is like stepping into a little corner of China. Situated in the Pasar Gambir section of the fairground, the festival features beautifully designed silk lanterns in all shapes and sizes, made by Chinese company Suzhou Gu Su Lanterns and Art Co. Ltd.

Sleepy island a home to boatbuilding tradition Pagerungan Kecil island is so far from mainland Java that it takes several tiring days and changes of transportation to get there. But this remote backwater is playing a crucial part of a landmark event in Indonesian maritime history. Resident As'ad Abdullah al-Madani was commissioned to reconstruct an ancient ship based on reliefs found at Borobudur temple for the Borobudur Ship Expedition.

Animal shelter provides love, affection and care for strays Maria Kegel, Contributor, Jakarta Every Sunday for the past 10 years or so, frantic barking could be heard from within Pondok Pengayom Satwa animal shelter, as the dogs that are not penned up rushed to the front door. They are there to greet "Jack", who comes bearing presents for all 130 of the dogs staying at the shelter.

Author Herlina brings taboo issue out of the closet in debut novel Jock Paul, Contributor, Jakarta A mere 21 years of age, bespectacled and wearing an Islamic headscarf, Herlina Tien Suhesti seems an unlikely figure to emerge as a champion of the gay community.

What are the qualities that make the ideal VJ? Leo S. Wahyudi, Contributor, Jakarta There is a lot of prestige about being a VJ. Hey, who wouldn't want all their relatives, friends and the people who gave them the brush off in high school to watch them on TV day in and day out. But not so fast: What if being a VJ meant being clumped in a group of people who were known for being pretty dudes who were duds when it came to knowledge about the music they were introducing?

Myanmar papers run photos of Suu Kyi MYANMAR: State-run newspapers in military-ruled Myanmar ran a photograph on Saturday of detained pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi shaking hands with the junta's leader, but also carried a commentary criticizing her. The newspapers, which have not run a photograph focusing on Suu Kyi since the mid-1990s, ran the picture on their front pages but gave no indication when the photograph was taken.

'MTV' VJs: Throw a bit of attitude our way, please Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta There once was multitalented Jamie, and cheeky, cool Sarah -- but the list stops right there. Ever since MTV Asia began broadcasting in 1995, there has been a revolving door of mostly forgettable pretty young things in a job that their peers dream of having. We can only come back to the two who left a lasting impression.

ASEM finance ministers' meeting gets underway Dadan Wijaksana The Jakarta Post Nusa Dua, Bali The fifth Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) for finance ministers opened here on Saturday amid the current uncertainties and challenges facing the global economy. Coordinating Minister for the Economy Dorodjatun Kuntjoro- Jakti stressed in his opening speech, the importance of the two- day meeting for the development of economic and financial corporation between the two continents to overcome those challenges.

To most Indonesians, the tiny islands of Sipadan and Ligitan were once just insignificant specks on the map. That was until the nationalistic stink kicked up by the tussle over ownership of the islands between Indonesia and Malaysia. The fight can be traced back to 1969 when the two countries, while holding negotiations on their continental shelf boundaries, agreed to enforce status quo status on the two islands.

City's attempts to deal with strays There are no numbers on how many stray animals are living on Jakarta's streets, but stray dogs are picked up to be observed for signs of rabies. Last year, 208 dogs were picked up off the streets from all five municipalities of Jakarta, said Dr. Naniek Susatijoharti, who is the section head for Research, Prevention and Eradication of Animal Diseases at the subagency for Animal Health and Veterinary Medicine under the Agency for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries.

Srihadi Soedarsono: Exploring the path of his artistic soul Carla Bianpoen, Contributor, Jakarta Artists often tend to be appreciated by their most recent works, and this is no different for Srihadi Soedarsono, who is mostly known by his abundant works on dance figures, the repetition of themes related to seascapes, horizon landscapes and multiple images of the Borobudur temple.

It takes a cut above in choosing the right gemstone Maria Endah Hulupi The Jakarta Post Jakarta We all know that diamonds are a girl's best friend, but what about all the other gemstones? There are many meanings contained in your choice of colored stones for jewelry, apart from the messages of status and money they give off to others. Precious and semiprecious gems also represent love, power, purity and wisdom.

U.S., RI jet fighters came too close for comfort The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Few people realize that Indonesia may have been just seconds away from a possible war with the United States when its warplanes came into close contact with U.S. jet fighters this week. The U.S.