International exhibition on press to open soon

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)