Supermarket chains build more stores The expansion of supermarket chains has also contributed to an increase in construction activities in the country. Makro Indonesia, a subsidiary of Dutch-based SVH Holdings, which at present operates 14 stores, plans to open three more 10,000-square-meter (sq m) supermarket outlets in the country this year as part of its expansion plan.

14 companies to stand trial TANGERANG: The head of the Tangerang Manpower Agency, Apon Suryana, said on Saturday that 14 companies would soon stand trial for violating Law No. 13/2003 on manpower. "The companies have allegedly ignored the basic rights of workers, such as by not paying social security insurance or overtime as well as by failing to provide severance pay in massive dismissals," he explained.

Poor patients still have to pay: UPC Eva C. Komandjaja The Jakarta Post Jakarta Despite the nationwide policy of providing free medical treatment to poor dengue fever patients, some hospitals continue to charge poor patients, according to an investigation by the Urban Poor Consortium (UPC).

Signs of life seen in infrastructure sectors Sudibyo M. Wiradji, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta For major construction companies involved in the construction of property and infrastructure, business has almost returned to normal after being hard hit by the country's economic crisis five years ago.

;JP; ANPAc..r.. Water-conservation-works Saving the future through water conservation Debbie A. Lubis Contributor Jakarta Many of us have perhaps never pondered on how a drop of water can influence our life. With the ever-growing population today, water consumption has increased dramatically. It is estimated that an individual requires more than 100 liters of water every day. Water is essential to life, not only for drinking or cooking but also for bathing and even washing cars.

Cricket fans invade Pakistan to cheer Team India Agence France-Presse Lahore, Pakistan Sourav Ganguly's Indians will find full-throated support from the stands when they attempt to salvage the one-day series against Pakistan in a do-or-die clash here on Sunday. Some 4,500 Indian fans, who have traveled by road, rail and air, will be at hand to witness the last two day-night games at the Gaddafi stadium here over the next four days.

;JP; ANPAc..r.. Water-day-problem checked by Rich Ignoring water concerns will lead to disaster Sudibyo M. Wiradji The Jakarta Post Jakarta The selection of "Water and Disaster" as the theme for the commemoration of this year's World Water Day again reminds us of the importance of protecting existing water resources. If they are not protected, the coming generations will face disasters that might be worse than we could imagine.

FOR MARKETING PERSPECTIVE --- March 23 ;JP; ANPAf..r.. Celluar-branding-strategy Staying at the top is a serious lifetime task Burhanuddin Abe Contributor Jakarta In the past few years numerous technological advancements have occurred in the telecommunications industry, including, of course, the gadgets themselves. This year newer equipment, both in terms of hardware and software, will flood the market. One long-awaited type of cellular phone is called the Third Generation (3G).

Schumacher flies to pole in Malaysia Agence France-Presse Sepang, Malaysia World champion Michael Schumacher scorched to the 57th pole position of his career here on Saturday with a dominant qualifying performance for Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix. Six-time title winner Schumacher, who won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix two weeks ago, produced the perfect lap time around the Sepang circuit to finish more than half-a-second ahead of Mark Webber.

Schumacher flies to pole in Malaysia Agence France-Presse Sepang, Malaysia World champion Michael Schumacher scorched to the 57th pole position of his career here on Saturday with a dominant qualifying performance for Sunday's Malaysian Grand Prix. Six-time title winner Schumacher, who won the season-opening Australian Grand Prix two weeks ago, produced the perfect lap time around the Sepang circuit to finish more than half-a-second ahead of Mark Webber.

Local contractors upbeat on 2004 outlook Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta Indonesian population growth of 1.4 percent to 1.9 percent per annum constitutes a source of optimism for the country's construction sector, which has started showing signs of recovery during the past two years.

Muara Angke forest needs slight touch to revival Damar Harsanto The Jakarta Post Jakarta The protected mangrove forest in Muara Angke, North Jakarta, has long served as a haven for different animals and as a research center for university students. Soon, it will also be the first eco-tourism site in the city.

;JP: ANPAf..r.. Cellular-technology-trend More sophisticated than what operators offer Rudijanto Contributor Jakarta Gone are the days when cell phones or mobile phones simply transmitted voice messages from one user to another. The current rapid development in cellular technology has transformed cell phones to multipurpose devices that combine voice, text messages (SMS), still pictures, games and even moving pictures, which are referred to as streaming video.

'Social contracts might make politicians think' The non-governmental organization Jakarta Residents Forum (Fakta) recently asked several councillors to sign a social contract that would bind them to live up to their election promise to work for the interests of the public. Such contracts are just one of several initiatives to try and force our representatives to honor their campaign promises. The Jakarta Post talked to some residents about the issue.

Cricket fans invade Pakistan to cheer Team India Agence France-Presse Lahore, Pakistan Sourav Ganguly's Indians will find full-throated support from the stands when they attempt to salvage the one-day series against Pakistan in a do-or-die clash here on Sunday. Some 4,500 Indian fans, who have traveled by road, rail and air, will be at hand to witness the last two day-night games at the Gaddafi stadium here over the next four days.