JP/5/MEDAN
Zheng He exhibit displayed in Medan
MEDAN, North Sumatra: A photographic essay retracing the journey of Chinese explorer Zheng He is on display in Medan. The exhibition, held by the National Geographic Magazine in cooperation with the Sumatera Heritage Society, is open for public viewing until Tuesday.
However, interest in the exhibition appears to be low. As of Saturday, only a few people had attended the exhibition held at the Balai Citra Tiara Convention Center here.
The photographs taken by Michael Yamashita, describe Zheng He's legacies in the various places he visited in the 15th century. Zheng He was a legendary admiral from China who traveled around the world seven times in the 15th century.
Through the journey, Zheng was assigned by a Chinese king to promote diplomacy and peace. -- JP
;JP;ASA; ANPAa..r.. Focus-Banjarmasin-Idul
JP/5/FOCUS
Shops bustling ahead of Idul Fitri
BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Clothing shops were bustling with activity on Saturday as the Idul Fitri holiday drew nearer.
In order to cope with the mounting demand, shop owners have hired extra shopkeepers.
Parking attendants around shopping malls and traditional markets have also been making extra money as more motorcycles and cars are parked in their parking lots.
Wearing new clothes during Idul Fitri had been a tradition for years for Muslims in the country, including in Banjarmasin. -- Antara
;JP;ASA; ANPAa..r.. Newmont-Manado-Ness
JP/5/FOCUS
Witnesses testify against Newmont
MANADO, North Sulawesi: The court trial on the alleged pollution of Buyat Bay here was resumed on Friday in Manado with a panel of judges listening to four witnesses' testimonies.
In the trial, the four witnesses testified they suffered from skin diseases when they lived near Buyat Bay. The witnesses now lived in Duminangga area, located far from the bay. The witnesses said PT Newmont Minahasa Raya had dumped tailings into the bay, leading to pollution.
The testimony incriminated defendant Richard Ness, an executive of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya held responsible for the alleged pollution of the Bay.
However, lawyers of PT Newmont Minahasa Raya, Palmer Situmorang and Luhut Pangaribuan, said the charges were baseless. They said none of the doctors questioned had linked the diseases with the tailings produced by PT Newmont Minahasa Raya.
The trial has been adjourned to November 18. -- JP
;JP;ASA; ANPAa..r.. Batang-sniper-Idul
JP/5/FOCUS
Batang Police step up security
BATANG, Central Java: The Batang Police will station marksmen in areas prone to robbery on the northern coastal highway of Java. The marksmen will be deployed a few days before the Idul Fitri holiday in early November, said Batang Police chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Muhari.
Besides placing the marksmen, the Batang police will also conduct regular patrols in order to ensure security ahead of the holiday.
Batang's main road is set to be packed with cars and motorcycles during Idul Fitri as it connects Jakarta with other main cities on Java island. During the Muslim holiday, migrants from cities on Java will return to their respective hometowns. -- Antara
;JP;ASA; ANPAa..r.. Focus-Aceh-Bosnia
JP/5/FOCUS
Bosnia to build power plant
BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The Bosnia Herzegovina government has expressed interest in investing in the construction of geothermal and coal-powered power plants in Aceh. The interest was conveyed by Bosnia Herzegovina Ambassador to Indonesia Madat Novit during his visit to Banda Aceh on Saturday. The ambassador said companies in his country were experienced in building power plants, councillor Basrun Yusuf said on Saturday.
Bosnia, like Aceh, has a population largely comprising Muslims. -- Antara