International exhibition on press to open soon

JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Press and Graphics Association will open the annual International Exhibition and Seminars on Printing and Paper at the Kemayoran Fair Ground next week.

Association chairman Budi Santoso said yesterday that the exhibition intends to disseminate and expand the public's knowledge and the press' professionalism.

"Past exhibitions received good participation and interested both suppliers and the print media, which is now facing tough competition from electronic media," Budi added.

Around 36 companies will display their latest products and technologies that support the press industry, such as printers and sophisticated computer software.

Minister of Information Harmoko is scheduled to open the exhibition.

"I cannot predict what else will appear because companies keep secrets," said Benhard Sudarma, the exhibition coordinator. "I suspect that digital printing methods will be displayed."

Benhard was referring to the latest technology in printing that allows a layout completed on a computer to be printed immediately because of direct links to printing devises.

"Unfortunately, as newer technologies appear less and less people will be needed to produce newspapers," Benhard said.

Budi also announced that the Jakarta-based Kompas and Semarang-based Suara Merdeka dailies will sign a memorandum of agreement on long-distance printing cooperation on Aug. 8.

"The cooperation hopes to efficiently safe time in order to compete with electronic media," Budi said. (14)