YASCO organizing party for singles

JAKARTA (JP): If you are spouseless, older than 21 years old and have nothing to do this Saturday night, the Scorpio Foundation (YASCO) is organizing a party for singles at the Kartika Chandra Hotel.

All singles, including widows and widowers, will have a chance to meet the desire of their dreams at a party held to celebrate YASCO's 23rd anniversary.

According to YASCO chief executive H.M.S. Hasbie yesterday, many individuals, for different reasons, find problems finding their mate.

"Half of our members are women who are mostly in their 30s," Hasbie said. "They are actually mature, career-oriented and good- looking."

He said the agency had 13,153 active members, of which 8,579 were women, who mostly believed men could not be trusted and had experienced a failed relationship.

"According to culture, the ideal marriage age for women is under 30 years of age," he said. "However, nowadays women are very active in their career and just don't have time for such intimacy."

Most of their male counterparts were older than 35 and found marriage frightening and intimidating. Men younger than 35 mostly desired intelligent, sweet and active women. Men who were older than 50, looked for feminine, nurturing and patient young women, Hasbie said.

He said most of YASCO's members needed to improve their confidence and communication skills in relationships.

Psychologist Sarlito Wirawan Sarwono from the University of Indonesia's School of Psychology, is scheduled to address the party. He will give some advice on intimate communication and how to maintain a relationship.

According to Sarlito, YASCO members and other aspiring singles had difficulty developing deep mutual relationships with dates.

Hasbie said YASCO's matchmaking has been successful with about 3,200 people, and some were widows and widowers. Last year, 65 male members and 119 female members were married.

Only about five couples filed for divorce and all of them were previously widows or widowers.

Those interested in joining the party must register with YASCO at 385-7005. People could also set their TVRI teletext channel to pages 585, 586 and 587, he said.

The registration fee is Rp 50,000 and the party will be held until dawn. (10)