Tue, 30 Sep 2003

Tutors assigned to fight illiteracy

JAKARTA: The government will assign 1,400 tutors in 700 locations across the country in 2004 to fight illiteracy and help make the 9-year mandatory education program a success.

"Tutors will receive an allowance of Rp 500,000 and operational costs of Rp 100,000 monthly," Directorate General of Youth and Out of School Education of the Ministry of National Education Fasli Jalal said on Monday.

Tutors assigned in remote areas will receive Rp 1 million (US$117.64) monthly, with minimum operational payments of Rp 250,000, he said.

Priority will be given to eastern Indonesia, such as Papua and Maluku, with as a special target people 15 to 44 years old.

At least 37.4 million Indonesians are illiterate, comprising children aged 10 or below (18.7 million), people aged 10 to 44 (5.9 million), and those aged 45 or above (12.8 million). --Antara JP;KHS; ANPAa..r.. Scene-Golkar-convention Golkar may extend convention JP/4/scen30

Golkar may extend convention

JAKARTA: Golkar is planning to call a leaders meeting from Oct. 17 through Oct. 19 to discuss the possibility of delaying the announcement of its presidential candidate.

According to the existing schedule, Golkar is expected to announce its sole presidential candidate on February 13, 2004.

However, there are strong demands from several regional chapters to extend the convention until the result of the legislative elections is announced. The legislative election is scheduled for April 5.

Golkar leader Agun Gunandjar Sudarsa said on Monday the extension would help keep the party united.

According to him, announcing Golkar's presidential candidate before the legislative election could damage party unity ahead of both legislative and presidential elections.

Candidates who failed to become Golkar's presidential aspirant could possibly change their mind and accept a nomination from other parties.

Agun said such a situation would damage party unity. The convention is being participated in by 19 figures, including Golkar chairman Akbar Tandjung. -- JP

;JP;IWA; ANPAa..r.. Scene-election-media-KPU KPU launches media center JP/4/scen

KPU launches media center

JAKARTA: The General Elections Commission (KPU) officially launched on Monday its media center to help inform the public about preparations for the 2004 general elections.

KPU said the media center aimed to provide easy and fast access, and convenience for people who wanted to get information about next year's elections.

Activities at the KPU media center will include media relations, call center services (on phone number 3190 9999) and news updates.

A number of computers with Internet connection, mini-library, TV monitors, fax machines, translators and telephones will be available free of charge at the media center for journalists covering KPU's work.

Indonesia is scheduled to hold the legislative election in April 2004 and two-stage presidential elections in July and September 2004. ---JP