Mochtar and political irrationality Kurniawan Hari, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Political scientist Mochtar Pabottingi may not have had too many phenomenal achievements in the course of his career, but his consistency in life is exceptional -- one that the nation can be inspired by. Since he was a university student in the 1960s, he had been a staunch critic of the government. And it is his consistency that gives him extra strength to be a government critic still.

This society's etiquette criminals are legion After spending two years in the United States, I have come to realize that Jakarta suffers from an intriguing societal depravity, one that pertains to basic etiquette. About two days after I arrived back in Jakarta for a summer break, I went to Plaza Senayan to hang out with my long-time-no- see friends. As I knew it would be crowded in the front of the mall, I parked my car near the elevator at the rear side of the mall.

Transsexual calls for acceptance Tatik Chusniyati, Contributor, Malang Jangan Lihat Kelaminku! Suara Hati Seorang Waria (Don't look at my genitals! Conscience of a transsexual) Merlyn Sopjan Galang Press, April 2005 205 pp The general public is still uncomfortable with the presence of transsexuals, who are often stereotyped as useless, a social outcast who exists merely to satiate sexual desire. Because of this marginalization, transsexuals tend to establish their own communities.

'Teen lit' takes the nation by storm Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Literature for people in their teens or "teen lit" has become a hit around the world. In this country, more than one hundred new authors have made a name for themselves through the style, raking in huge profits for publishers. This cover story shows why teen- lit appeals to its market. The two girls' conversation was grating on the nerves of the other bus passengers.

Handycam prices increasing affordable Doharto J. Simatupang, Contributor, Jakarta Over the past two years, the prices of handycams have fluctuated greatly. Many buyers have experienced "buyer's remorse" for having bought a handycam too early. Two months after the purchase, for example, the price of the handycam may well have dropped significantly. As the prices of handycams continue to slide, more and more people can afford to buy them.

Bark painting passed on through the ages Papua not only has immense natural resources, but also diverse forms of art such as sculptures, traditional dances, carvings and paintings. Papuan art has won appreciation from locals and foreigners alike. Among the tribes well-known for their artwork are those living around Lake Sentani, west of the provincial capital of Jayapura. The tribesmen are particularly famed for their bark paintings, a talent passed down through generations.

JP/1/Blurb SBY's fashion Since taking up the presidency, Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has undergone many changes, including pushing his safari suits to the back of the closet and stepping out in western-style suits and batik shirts.

Djenar confronts societal taboos, critics in first novel 'Nayla' A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Nayla Djenar Maesa Ayu Gramedia Pustaka Utama, May 2005 180 pp in Bahasa Indonesia Djenar Maesa Ayu's first novel is a testament to her unchanging courage in defending women's sexuality and rejecting taboos. Through Nayla, she also rejects the criticism of certain reviewers that her writing is "titillating".

Son of Susilo celebrates in style Muninggar Sri Saraswati, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Lamps made the Bogor Palace look dazzling on Saturday evening as it welcomed thousands of guests for the wedding reception of the first son of President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, First Lt. Agus Harimurti Yudhoyono, and model Annisa Pohan. The reception was held in the large rear garden of the Palace.

Imported books widely available in town T. Sima Gunawan, Contributor, Jakarta Every day new shops open in Jakarta selling all kinds of goods, from shoes and clothes to televisions and cell phones. And also books. Well, there are not many bookstores compared to, say, clothes stores or jewelry stores, but at least there are a few offering a great variety of good books.

Afternoon Tea at JW Marriott After days of hard work, executives in Jakarta can revive their energy by sipping organic and flavored tea served in a classic English manner at the JW Lounge-Lobby. Tea is not only known from its specific aroma and taste, but it is also good for health. For tea fanatics, JW Lounge offers various kinds of tea including Sonnentor, Austria's biggest tea producer as well as sweets from Pastry Chef Muttaqien. Every tea served for customers has its own advantage.

Multibillion profits reaped from teen novel business Rendi A. Witular The Jakarta Post/Jakarta Most teenagers who read local teen novels, also called "teen lit", may not know that behind the story they are reading extends a new industry that reaps billions and billions of rupiah in profits annually, as well as new young millionaires.

The President's new clothes: 'SBY' redefines his image Agni Amorita, Contributor, Jakarta What is the most significant metamorphosis that Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono has undergone since taking up the presidency? He changed his wardrobe. Go to any search engine on the Internet to look for his pictures and the stark contrast between the image of President Susilo and minister Susilo will fast become apparent.

Over 100 missing as overloaded boat capsizes off Papua Nethy Dharma Somba, The Jakarta Post, Jayapura Search and rescue teams were still looking on Saturday for over a 100 people reportedly still missing after the KM Digoel ferry boat capsized in the rough waters off Merauke, Papua province on Thursday evening.

A. Testoni offers new collection Italian leather products are recognized around the world for their quality and have a place in the heart of their buyers, including in Indonesia. Quality and prestige are often linked to their products. A. Testoni is among the Italian leather products which are popular among both men and women here. The brand, which has been in the market for 15 years, introduced its new collection of shoes, bags and belts here recently.

Students learn to care for environment The environment is an important part of the curriculum at Texmaco DPS International School (TDIS) in Karawang, West Java, which has an Environment Club manned by students. The club undertakes environmental awareness related activities throughout the year. This set of articles reflect the work conducted by members of the club.

High expectations overwhelm 'Gie' Hera Diani, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Gie; Drama, 2 hours 27 minutes. Starring Nicholas Saputra, Jonathan Mulia, Sita Nursanti, Indra Birowo. Directed and written by Riri Riza; A Miles Films production (Bahasa Indonesia). **1/2 (out of ****). Opening on July 14. Gie was one of the most anticipated movies of the past year for a few reasons, but mainly because the majority of local productions have ranged from plain bad to abysmal, with very few exceptions.

'Sinetron' mogul's biography a tale of an industry Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta Panggung Hidup Raam Punjabi (Raam Punjabi: A life's stage) Alberthiene Endah Grasindo 287 pp "It was just 15 minutes after the film had started. Suddenly, the movie theater became very bright. The lights were turned on. It seems the police were conducting a raid.

New young writers popular, but still have homework to do Eva C. Komandjaja, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta The rising numbers of young writers smitten by teen lit fever is encouraging say education experts and literary critics, but these writers need to further develop their talents in order to become mature writers. Arief Rahman, an education expert, told The Jakarta Post that he thought it excellent that teenagers nowadays were able to write books and publish and sell them in bookstores.

SBY postpones overseas visit to address fuel shortage Novan Iman Santosa, The Jakarta Post, Bangkok The worsening fuel shortage at home has forced President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono to postpone his visit, scheduled from July 13 to July 20, to China, Brunei Darussalam and Thailand. "We received the information on the trip being postponed from Jakarta on Friday afternoon," deputy chief de mission Sunten Z. Manurung at the Indonesian Embassy in Bangkok told The Jakarta Post on Saturday.

On the Record Artist : Navicula Album : Alkemis (Sony BMG) Four years after the tragic death from a drug overdose of grunge outfit Alice In Chains (AIC) lead singer Layne Staley in 2001, a local rock outfit from Bali is still confidently rehashing his band's sound.

Modern bookstores offer more than good titles Rudijanto, Contributor, Jakarta "No reading, please" or "No browsing, please". Those warnings in typical bookstores have disappeared in some modern bookstores, replaced with a cozy atmosphere, soft chairs and ear-pleasing music. Has this strategy boosted growth?

Gus Dur's health improving Agencies, Jakarta The condition of former president Abdurrahman "Gus Dur" Wahid improved on Saturday as he was being treated at Gatot Subroto Hospital after nearly fainting a day earlier due to exhaustion. The chief of presidential doctors and the Hospital director, Mardjo Subiandono said that Gus Dur's blood pressure and blood- sugar level, which rose on Friday, were under control. "He is already making jokes, as usual," he said.

TV Program: Sunday, July 10, 2005 .TB.30" .90" TVRI 5:00 a.m. Religious Teachings 6:00 News: Berita Pagi 7:00 Cartoon: Tabaluga 7:30 Hero Classic 8:30 TV Drama 9:00 Music 10:00 Sports: Antar Gelanggang 11:30 English for Fun 12:30 p.m.

Handycams part of our Lives Doharto J. Simatupang, Contributor, Jakarta "Dad, take a good shot of me!" That was part of a dialog between a child and his father at a birds' park in Ubud, Bali. When the writer visited Bali last June, he noticed most tourists -- domestic and foreign -- were carrying a handycam or digital camera. Handycam have become a trend among the middle-class because it is increasingly affordable.

Multibillion profits reaped from teen novel business Rendi A. Witular, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta Most teenagers who read local teen novels, also called "teen lit", may not know that behind the story they are reading extends a new industry that reaps billions and billions of rupiah in profits annually, as well as new young millionaires.

Children's art exhibition Various art works by children will be displayed during an exhibition at Galeri Cipta III from July 14 through July 21 to commemorate National Children's Day, which falls on July 23. Among the pieces to be put on display are paintings, carvings and earthenware. They are all creations by Indonesian children and children of other nationalities. A seminar on how to improve a child's confidence through art will also be held during the exhibition.

On the Record Artist : Sujiwo Tejo Album : Syair Dunia Maya (Eksotika Karmawibhangga Indonesia) Sujiwo Tejo was a consummate puppeteer (dalang) of the Javanese traditional shadow play (wayang) before joining Kompas daily as an art critic and taking the plunge into the world of performing arts. It is, therefore, hardly a surprise to learn that the one-time film star uses Javanese -- in its refined form -- as a way to convey his aesthetic expression.