Tutors assigned to fight illiteracy

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