Activists oppose controls on NGOsBy Prasetyohadi JAKARTA (JP): Several non-governmental organization (NGO) activists voiced their objections yesterday to a military proposal that foreign aid destined for NGOs, especially those with "problems", should be regulated.

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West Sumatra's 'rumah gadang' a matrilineal symbolText and photos by Nicky Walsh BUKITTINGGI, West Sumatra (JP): As the sun rises over the rice paddies and slopes of the volcanoes, the mist slowly lifts and strange crescent shapes with soaring peaks begin to fill the sky.

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Americans learn from others by helping themBy Hillary Rodham Clinton It comes in a foil packet no larger than the palm of one's hand. But the simple mixture of salt and sugar has saved the lives of millions of children around the world.

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Indonesia keeps Davis Cup hopes alive in Davis Cup play-off JAKARTA (Agencies): The solid partnership of Bonit Wiryawan and Sulistyo Wibowo stormed to a convincing straight-sets win yesterday to keep Indonesian hopes alive in its Davis Cup Asia Oceania third-round play-off against Chinese Taipei.

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Preparations begin for next year's SE Asian Games JAKARTA (JP): As the 14th National Games (PON) came to an end on Friday, preparations for next year's 19th Southeast Asian Games began.

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Christie's asked to return RI paintingsBy K. Basrie JAKARTA (JP): Art curators and relatives of two Indonesian masters who fear paintings allegedly stolen from the National Museum include two that have just been withdrawn by Christie's from its October auction in Singapore, want further action ...

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Stockholm clinic specializes in treating sexually abused boys The child, the conditions of its existence, and society's treatment of the child are dependent upon what the child means to us. When children are regarded as refuse, they are abused. -- Karl Eric Knuttson, Prof.

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'Is it possible to be born again?': A child prostituteBy Lela E. Madjiah Sexual exploitation of children, both commercial and otherwise, has been going on since the dawn of time. In recent years, however, there has been growing concern about the commercial aspect of the abuse.

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ABRI announces more leadership changes JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces announced two more personnel changes in its leadership structure yesterday, in the posts of assistant to the chief of sociopolitical affairs and the commandant of the Infantry Weapons Center.

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Is tourism a cause of child prostitution? STOCKHOLM (JP): Since 1960, world-wide travel has increased more than sevenfold -- about half the travelers are seeking recreation. The number of international tourist arrivals across the world in 1995 was estimated at 567 million.

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Mysore point As a Mysorean, I was delighted to read Graham Simmon's account on City of Ancient Palaces, Mysore, has too much to offer in The Jakarta Post of Aug. 18, 1996.However, it is a pity Simmons showed an overall view of Mysore City from atop Chamundi Hill.

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My two ears are enough...By Yanusa Nugroho Have you ever heard a gold fish cry? Don't laugh. This is an important question. For me, a fish crying is a common thing, like a child crying or a girl missing her boyfriend so much she cries herself to sleep, alone in her bedroom.

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Testosterone-powered action fuels Bay's 'The Rock'By Parvathi Nayar Narayan JAKARTA (JP): The assorted mass of concrete and rock in San Francisco Bay still exerts a strange, compelling pull on people's imaginations.

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TV todayTVRI 6:00 a.m. Religious Teachings: Hikmah Pagi 6:25 Morning Focus 6:45 Healthy and Fit 7:00 News 7:30 TV Series: Grandizer 8:00 Fashion 9:00 English News Service 9:30 People and Events 10:00 Music: Album Minggu Ini 11:00 Children's Stories 11:30 Comedy: Ria Jenaka 11:45 ...

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Spicy Padang food a finger-licking feast BUKITTINGGI, West Sumatra (JP): Minang men have spread local culinary delights in their practice of merantau, (to travel far and wide seeking one's fortune), thus introducing Padang food to the world.

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Neruda portrayed through images and wordsBy Parvathi Nayar Narayan JAKARTA (JP): Luis Poirot's photographic exhibition, Portraying the Absence, is a sensitive memorial that celebrates Neruda and his poetry.Pablo Neruda is the pen name of Neftali Ricardo Reyes Basoalto, born in Chile in 1904.

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Marzuki Darusman: If I ran the rights body ...By Lela E. Madjiah JAKARTA (JP): He strikes one as careful but assertive, calm but passionate, intelligent but innocent, and a very attentive listener. But Marzuki Darusman, 50, does not make a perfect host.

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East Java to honor record breakers JAKARTA (JP): All athletes that broke records in the just- concluded 14th National Games will receive cash bonuses donated by East Javanese businessmen.

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Bandung wastes home advantage in Cup tie BANDUNG (JP): Mastrans Bandung Raya (MBR) wasted its home advantage when it scored a 1-1 draw in its Asia Winners Cup second leg match against Hong Kong Cup winner South China.

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Ethnicity in the spotlight but designs fail to shineText by Dini S. Djalal, photos by Arief Hidayat JAKARTA (JP): At the Nuansa Kuning (Yellow Ambience) fashion show held last week by the Indonesian Textile Association, women in Balinese traditional dress walked down the runway carrying offerings ...

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Anecdotal evidence I'm an avid reader of Byron Black's The Listening Post. English grammar is indeed tough for non-native speakers. But if the language is taught in an easy and humorous manner, with a few anecdotes thrown in here and there, it helps.

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Indonesians have innate sense of courtesyBy John Phillips JAKARTA (JP): In this age of political, cultural and linguistic correctness, it is becoming increasingly difficult to figure out what people mean when they say something because they are always saying one thing when they mean another, as I ...

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