'Homo holosen' skeletons found

BANDUNG, West Java: An archeological team recently discovered what are thought to be the skeletons of four Homo holosen who lived in the area of Pawon cave in Bandung regency about 10,000 B.C.

The chairman of the Bandung Archeological Team, Luthfi Yondri, said on Friday the conclusion was made that the skeletons were Homo holosen based on some unique features of the skulls.

"Our preliminary investigation suggested that they might be from the first generation of Homo holosen," Luthfi said.

The four skeletons were found inside the Pawon cave during a excavation that began 10 days ago, he said.

Luthfi said the team would search for additional skeletal remains in the area of the cave. -- Antara

;JP;ASA; ANPAa..r.. Across-Archipelago Education office wants schools to close JP/5/ACROSS

Education office wants schools to close

KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The Kendari Municipality Education Office called on local school principals on Friday to shut down their schools for the entire month of Ramadhan.

"This recommendation was made because experience shows that learning activities at schools are not effective during the holy month of Ramadhan," said Akib Thalha, the head of the education office.

During Ramadhan, most Muslims fast from dawn until dusk. They also wake up early to have sahur, the predawn meal.

Thalha said the recommendation of the education office was not binding, and schools were free to decide whether to shut down for Ramadhan or continue with lessons as usual. -- Antara

;JP;ASA; ANPAa..r.. Across-schools-archipelago Schools get Rp 15.69b for renovation JP/5/ACROSS

Schools get Rp 15.69b for renovation

SEMARANG, Central Java: The provincial administration will disburse Rp 15.69 billion (US$1.96 million) to renovate hundreds of school buildings in the province.

The money will come from the annual budgets of both the state and the province, Anwar Cholil, the administration spokesman, said on Friday.

Of the Rp 15.69 billion, Rp 5.6 billion will be used to renovate 198 elementary schools in the province, he said.

Another Rp 7.69 billion will be allocated to renovate 203 junior high schools, while the remaining Rp 2.4 billion will be used to renovate 50 high schools, he said.

The schools due for renovation are either overdue for repairs or were damaged in natural disasters, he said. -- JP