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PP to sue weekly for naming it a debt collection agency

PP to sue weekly for naming it a debt collection agency JAKARTA (JP): Amid the mysterious killing of a prominent debt collector, a powerful youth organization is threatening to file a lawsuit against Sinar weekly magazine for allegedly identifying it as a debt collection agency. "We have already formed a team of lawyers in order to sue the magazine," said Yapto S. Suryosumarno, the chairman of Pemuda Pancasila (PP). Referring to Sinar's Aug.

U.S. embassy guard gets 7 years in drug case

U.S. embassy guard gets 7 years in drug case JAKARTA (JP): An American Air Force officer tried over a Jakarta drug case was sentenced to seven years in prison by a military tribunal in the U.S. territory of Guam. The verdict is four years more than the sentence meted out by a Jakarta district court to his Dutch accomplices. Steven J. Bryner, formerly a security guard at the U.S. embassy in Jakarta, was sentenced on Aug.

Elvis Presley sighted in Shangri La hotel!

Elvis Presley sighted in Shangri La hotel! JAKARTA (JP): Elvis Presley fans in the city will have an opportunity to see the king of rock'n'roll sing again next month by way of Max Pellicano, an impersonator of the late, great superstar . Presented by PT Landas Advantage in cooperation with Sarma foundation and Tanindra organization, Pellicano will present around 30 of Elvis' hits at Shangri La hotel in Central Jakarta on Sept. 20 and 21.

Karawang imports rice from Vietnam

Karawang imports rice from Vietnam Karawang, West Java: Karawang, one of Indonesia's main "rice bowl" areas, will be supplied with 13,000 tons of rice from Vietnam soon, according to local officials. Officials of the Karawang food logistics agency (Bulog) however stressed that the Vietnamese rice would be used chiefly to beef up the local rice stocks. It is not an indication that the area has suffered from shortages, they said as reported by the Antara news agency.

RI-Malaysian palmoil plant

RI-Malaysian palmoil plant JAKARTA (JP): A Malaysian firm will establish a US$750 million palm oil plant in West Kalimantan in cooperation with Indonesian businessman Indra Rukmana, a son-in-law of President Soeharto. An official of the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) said that the parties signed an agreement in Kuala Lumpur in April to set up the plant on a 200,000-hectare palmoil farm. BKPM has approved the project, which is 60 percent owned by Kretam Holdings Bhd.

Three-day dance concert planned

Three-day dance concert planned The Jakarta Students' Communication Forum (FKPJ) in cooperation with the Jakarta Dynamic Forum (FDJ) and the FKPJ Alumni Association (IKBA-FKPJ) will hold a three-day concert featuring a colossal dance at the Senayan Sport Hall early next month. The chairman of the organizing committee, Andi Wijaya, said yesterday that a total of 200 junior and senior high schools students will take part in the concert with the theme of a youth's life in big city.

Grand exhibition to display works of master painters

Grand exhibition to display works of master painters By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): "To the historians accustomed to studying the growth of scientific or philosophical knowledge, the history of art presents a painful and disquieting spectacle, for it seems normal to proceed not forward but backwards," writes Herbert Read in his book `A Concise History of Modern Painting.' The Indonesian art world is probably under similar circumstances.

Rice market operation in city to be continued amid objections

Rice market operation in city to be continued amid objections JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta chapter of the Logistics Agency will continue to deliver rice in city markets in an effort to prevent another price speculation as in July. The chief of the agencies local chapter, Arifin Hidayat, told newsmen on Tuesday that the operation will go on despite strong objections voiced by many sellers in some wholesale markets.

Beware of `goats' in the park

Beware of `goats' in the park The North Jakarta mayoralty will install a goat statue in all its parks to encourage the local people to take care of the gardens. North Jakarta Mayor Suprawito told newsmen that people who destroy gardens will be thought of as goats. He also criticized some private companies alongside Jl. Yos Sudarso, a major thoroughfare in the mayoralty, which ignored the administration's repeated request to preserve their gardens.

Buddhist council board seeks to consolidate position

Buddhist council board seeks to consolidate position JAKARTA (JP): The government-backed executive board of the Indonesian Buddhist Council (Walubi) yesterday sought to consolidate its position by calling for a meeting with representatives of religion's nine member denominations. However, of the 80 people invited to the meeting at the Ministry of Religious Affairs, only 32 turned up, and most gave a cool response to the board's appeal for support and cooperation.

NZ minister due here

NZ minister due here JAKARTA (JP): New Zealand Minister for Tourism John Banks is due to arrive here today for a one day visit to explore ways of increasing cooperation with Indonesia in the tourist sector. The New Zealand embassy announced here yesterday that the minister, who will be accompanied by the chief executive of the New Zealand Tourism Board, Ian Kean, will meet with Indonesian Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave.

Local TV networks told to reduce foreign programs

Local TV networks told to reduce foreign programs JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko yesterday urged all local television networks to cut down on the number of foreign programs and to promote local products. In a speech during a thanksgiving ceremony to mark the 32nd anniversary of the state-owned TVRI, Harmoko warned that the government would not hesitate to punish networks which failed to promote domestic programs.

Eco-labeling is voluntary, Minister Sarwono says

Eco-labeling is voluntary, Minister Sarwono says JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja yesterday assured entrepreneurs that the government would not compel them to label their products as environmentally friendly, stressing that the move was to be made on a voluntary basis. "The government will simply introduce eco-labeling. It does not intend to set up any regulations ... because if the industrial world cannot win the heart of its consumers, then it is their lost.

Veteran golfer shares lead

Veteran golfer shares lead JAKARTA (JP): Veteran player Hawani Tobing of the Jakarta Golf Club and Elizabeth Latief of the CGC shared the early lead of the Madam Tien Soeharto Cup women's amateur golf championship with 69 each after the first round yesterday.

Govt defends protection of PT Chandra Asri

Govt defends protection of PT Chandra Asri JAKARTA (JP): State Minister for Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo defended the government's plan to protect PT Chandra Asri, the country's first olefin plant, against imports yesterday. Sanyoto said that an infant industrial plant, such as that owned by Chandra Asri, still needs the government's protection to allow it recoup its huge investment.

Indonesia's Mia, Alan to miss Asian Games

Indonesia's Mia, Alan to miss Asian Games JAKARTA (JP): 1992 Olympic gold medalist Alan Budikusuma and Uber Cup heroine Mia Audina have revealed to the press that they will not be included in the country's badminton line-ups for the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima next October. Badminton Association of Indonesia (PBSI) itself is scheduled to announce the Asiad line-ups today. PBSI aims to win at least four gold medals in Hiroshima.

`One condition for dialog with Fretilin'

`One condition for dialog with Fretilin' DILI, East Timor (JP): East Timor governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares says he is willing to hold a dialog with leaders of the separatist movement Fretilin but on one condition. "They have to accept East Timor's integration with Indonesia first," Abilio told The Jakarta Post yesterday in his first comment on the peace gesture made by Fretilin last week.

Cadaver chaos rocks airport

Cadaver chaos rocks airport JAKARTA (JP): Havoc reigned at the Adisumarmo airport in Surakarta (Solo), Central Java, on Monday when security officers discovered two corpses inside a box intended as a cargo bound for Banjar Baru in South Kalimantan. The airport authorities had delayed sending the box, labeled as "material for medical practice" because it smelled "very strongly of coffee", according to the Kompas daily newspaper yesterday.

Police complete dossier on union leader

Police complete dossier on union leader JAKARTA (JP): The North Sumatra police have turned the dossier on union leader Muchtar Pakpahan over to the local prosecution office in connection with his alleged role in the workers' riots in Medan last April. National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. I Ketut Ratta told reporters yesterday that the police built their case against Muchtar based on Chapters 160 and 161 of the Criminal Code.

Independence veterans' meeting ends in turmoil

Independence veterans' meeting ends in turmoil JAKARTA (JP): The gathering of veterans of the independence struggle ended in turmoil on Tuesday night when several delegates denounced the line-up of the new executive board that includes children, grandchildren and even in-laws of veterans. Twenty-two of the delegates to the Congress of the Association of Pioneers of Independence announced their intention to form their own group in protest, the Antara news agency reported yesterday.

Medan to be square city

Medan to be square city MEDAN, North Sumatra: Development of this city will be focused more on the largely slum area in the north, Mayor H. Bahtiar Djafar said. Bahtiar said this will bring about a better balance to the city and practically turn Medan into a square city. The Medan Urban Development Project contains a number of proposals for the construction of infrastructure in the northern part of the city, he said as reported by Antara.

Truck slams into crowd

Truck slams into crowd SUKOHARDJO, Central Java: Five people were killed and eight others were seriously injured when a truck slammed into a crowd of people who were enjoying a music performance on a main road in Bentakan village on Wednesday. The truck was on its way from Kebumen to Surakarta when it crashed past the roadside markets and then into the throngs of people who were dancing in the street. The truck driver fled the scene, according to witnesses. (har/rms)

Russian, Iranian teams arrive here for Basketball c'ships

Russian, Iranian teams arrive here for Basketball c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Russia and Iran became the last teams to arrive for the fifth Independence Cup basketball championships yesterday and have less than 24 hours to recover before taking the court today. The teams looked exhausted upon arrival at Soekarno-Hatta airport, but their faces were wreathed in smiles. Both tournament favorites landed at about the same time.

Astra's profit rises sharply

Astra's profit rises sharply JAKARTA (JP): PT Astra International, Indonesia's largest producer of automobiles, yesterday reported a 79.12 percent increase in after-tax profits to Rp 114.43 billion (US$53 million) during the first semester of this year. Astra's Senior General Manager Aminuddin said here yesterday that revenues increased by 48.22 percent to Rp 4.12 trillion in the January-June period from the same period of last year.

Repair shop owners reprimanded

Repair shop owners reprimanded The City Land Transportation and Traffic Control Agency (DLLAJ) has reprimanded 80 owners of vehicle repair shops for parking their customer's vehicles on the roadside or sidewalk. "We will not allow the use of these areas for parking lots because it causes traffic jams, disturbs order and reduces pedestrians' comfort," Herman Tonglo Langi, a DLLAJ sub- divisional head in charge of traffic and public transport control, said.

Rail crash kills three

Rail crash kills three BANDUNG: Three people were killed when their transit van was smashed by a train in Jl. Arjuna near Ciroyom Market on Tuesday. The van's driver and another passenger were injured and immediately taken to the Hasan Sadikin hospital, witnesses said. The van apparently forced its way through although the rail gates were already down just as the train from Sarijadi to Ciroyom came by. The accident was inevitable.

Yogyakarta hosts Supercross race

Yogyakarta hosts Supercross race JAKARTA (JP): Yogyakarta will host the Bentoel International Supercross `94 featuring 56 international as well as around 16 domestic motor crossers at the Mandala Krida stadium on Sept.3 and 4 an official said. "The one-day event will feature junior 80cc, international 125cc, master 250cc and the 50cc numbers for the under ten-year old contenders," said Bob Nasution, executive chairman of the Indonesian Association of Motor Sports (IMI).

RI as Australia's spreengboard into Asia

RI as Australia's spreengboard into Asia By Jason Szep SYDNEY (Reuter): Putting aside historic fears of Indonesia's military and wrestling with its human rights record, Australia is fast strengthening ties with its northern neighbor in what experts see as at the heart of its drive into Asia. Australia and Indonesia began two days of ministerial talks yesterday aimed at defining the terms of their economic relationship for the next two years.

Exploring northern frontier style Indian food at Hazara

Exploring northern frontier style Indian food at Hazara JAKARTA (JP): Declaring that Hazara is a good restaurant is like stating that the comets crashing into Jupiter last month were a nice sight. The new Indian restaurant combines delicious food, superb service and a soothing atmosphere to give the diner what they deserve.

China wants to improve investment ties with RI

China wants to improve investment ties with RI JAKARTA (JP): China wants to improve cooperation with Indonesia in technology development through improved investment cooperation, a visiting Chinese official says.

UN prepares for abortion debate at Cairo meet

UN prepares for abortion debate at Cairo meet JAKARTA (JP): The topic of abortion is likely to be a contentious one at the international conference on population and development in Cairo next month, a UN representative said yesterday. Ali Ugur Tuncer, the resident director of the UN Population Fund, stressed however that the seminar will treat the question of abortion strictly as a health issue and not a family planning matter as many have suggested. "Abortion is not contraception.

Bawazier to crack down on tax evaders

Bawazier to crack down on tax evaders JAKARTA (JP): In an effort to crack down on groups abusing their tax-free status, Director General of Taxation Fuad Bawazier said yesterday that his office will begin taking a closer look at social foundations. He announced after an inauguration ceremony of the State School of Accountancy (STAN) in Tangerang, West Java, that several individuals have profited by hiding behind foundations to evade taxes.

Transportation fees hike

Transportation fees hike From Jayakarta A suggestion has come from the Organda transportation industry association to increase the fares of public transportation vehicles in Jakarta. This is bad news for users of the public transport system as the price hike will not be coupled with service improvements, and besides salaries are not increasing. A city bus is almost always overloaded with passengers and riding them is an unpleasant experience because of the traffic jams.

Police determined to quickly solve Sembiring murder

Police determined to quickly solve Sembiring murder JAKARTA (JP): Police have said they are optimistic that the kidnap-murder case of ex-con Johny Sembiring will be solved soon due to adequate evidence and the existence of a living witness. "This is not so difficult a case so, I think, we can quickly solve it," Brig. Gen. Rusdihardjo, investigative director of the National Police, told reporters yesterday.

Five day work week

Five day work week From Suara Karya I read a report in Suara Karya a few months ago that civil servants in this country would have to work only five days a week but their daily working hours would be increased. As a civil servant, I applaud the enforcement of the five day work week for civil servant. It makes me very happy and encourages me to improve my working performance and increase my sense of responsibility in doing all my jobs.

Parking fee in Bogor

Parking fee in Bogor From Media Indonesia As a motorist I park my car in Sartika Plaza, on Jalan Otto Iskandardinata, regularly with a Rp 300 parking fee which I pay when I leave. But lately the parking attendants have demanded Rp 500 irrespective of the length of parking time. When I questioned the increase of fees, the parking attendants said that the area has recently been turned into an official parking lot.

5-day school week to be phased in

5-day school week to be phased in JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro says schools will be encouraged to implement the short five-day working week in phases. Wardiman was quoted as saying by the Antara news agency as saying yesterday that he does not foresee any problem in implementing the shorter school week.

UI will get new professor

UI will get new professor E.K.M. Masinambow, 63, a prominent expert in ethnolinguistics at the School of Literature at the University of Indonesia (UI), will be inducted as professor at the new campus in Depok on Saturday. The university's public relations office said yesterday that during the ceremony Masinambow will present a scientific paper entitled Paradigms of Language and Socio-cultural Environment Studies.

Clinton to APEC summit

Clinton to APEC summit WASHINGTON (AFP): President Bill Clinton will combine a mini- Asian tour with his visit to Indonesia in November for the APEC summit, the White House said Monday. Clinton will visit the Philippines on November 13 at the invitation of President Fidel Ramos, before going on to Indonesia for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum summit November 14 and 15, White House spokeswoman Dee Dee Myers said.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

PPP candidates shy away from open debate

PPP candidates shy away from open debate JAKARTA (JP): A scheduled public debate among leading candidates for the upcoming chairmanship election in the United Development Party (PPP) was severely watered down yesterday when a number of the important figures failed to show up. Only two did come to the debate -- Sri Bintang Pamungkas and Mathori Abdul Djalil. The gathering was organized by a group of political journalists and held at the Press Council Building.

Conrad, JIHD sign hotel management deal

Conrad, JIHD sign hotel management deal JAKARTA (JP): PT Jakarta International Hotels & Development (JIHD) yesterday signed an agreement to assign the American Conrad Hotels to manage a five-star hotel, Conrad Jakarta, which will start operating by the end of 1997. The agreement was signed by JIHD's president, Jusuf L. Indradewa, and Conrad's president, Eric M.

Drought may slash rice output by 4%

Drought may slash rice output by 4% JAKARTA (JP): The current drought may slash four percent off this year's rice output from last year's production of 48.1 million tons, a senior agriculture official said yesterday. Director General of Food Crops and Horticulture at the Ministry of Agriculture Amrin Kahar told a press conference that the current drought has caused the failure of 111,000 hectares of rice fields, out of the total area of 441,000 hectares affected by the drought.

APEC's eminent figures due to meet Soeharto

APEC's eminent figures due to meet Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG), C. Fred Bergsten, will present the group's second report to President Soeharto, currently the chairman of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, here next week. The report, drafted during a policy session in Tokyo in July, contains a blueprint for the implementation of proposals introduced during last year's inaugural APEC Leaders Meeting on Blake Island, Seattle.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Prince Valiant 3:05 Gita Wicara 3:30 Science World 4:05 Comedy: Gara-Gara Si Miun 4:30 Documentary 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: South Sulawesi 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Langka Tapi Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Variety show: Asia Bagus 8:05 Spectrum 9:00 World News 9:30 TVRI anniversary celebration 10:35 Late News 10:45 Traditional culture: Wayang Kulit Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Amateur golfers battle for top honors at BSD

Amateur golfers battle for top honors at BSD JAKARTA (JP): A huge field of more than 300 golfers, men and women, will tee-off today for the prestigious national trophies - the Soeharto and Tien Soeharto Cups at the Bumi Serpong Damai Golf and Country Club.

Business group to hold census on street vendors

Business group to hold census on street vendors JAKARTA (JP): The Coordinating Agency for the Development of the Informal Sector/Small-scale Business Group (GUS) will conduct a census on sidewalk vendors in October in a bid to gradually rid all of Jakarta's main streets from the informal traders. "The census is scheduled to last two months," an executive of GUS, Agus Djazuli, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices rose on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday with most issues gaining ground in moderate trading. The broad-based Composite Index yesterday closed at 496.30, almost four points higher than Monday's 492.41. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index increased to 119.04 from 117.72.

Independence pioneers

Independence pioneers President Soeharto said that the sacrifice made by the nation in its struggle for independence was great. And we should be proud of the achievements made by our heroes. This was said before the congress of the Association of Indonesian Pioneers of Independence. On the occasion the president also emphasized that we should make continuous and tireless efforts to maintain the unity and integrity of the nation.

New corporate law needs conformity

New corporate law needs conformity JAKARTA (JP): An official warned yesterday that the draft on corporate law related to limited companies should be in conformity with the draft on the capital market law, which will be submitted to the House of Representatives (DPR) later this year. Bacelius Ruru, the chairman of the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam), told the House's special committee for the deliberation of corporate law that the two laws should accommodate one another.

APEC business meeting

APEC business meeting JAKARTA (JP): The first business meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which will be attended by more than 100 business leaders from 15 member countries opens today at the Le Meridien Hotel.

Another business bust

Another business bust Only about five months after 51-year-old Robby Tjahjadi succeeded in convincing Golkar members of the House of Representatives that he and his Kanindo business group did not have even a single cent in bad debts, his business empire is about to collapse under an estimated Rp 500 billion (US$230 million) in debts to two state banks alone.

Two more Bapindo directors arraigned over loan scam

Two more Bapindo directors arraigned over loan scam JAKARTA (JP): Two more former Bapindo directors were arraigned in court yesterday in connection with the massive loan scandal at the government-owned bank. Sjahrizal and Bambang Kuntjoro were formally charged with corruption during two separate hearings at the Central Jakarta District Court.

Chef Ken Hom in Grand Hyatt

Chef Ken Hom in Grand Hyatt American-born chef Ken Hom, who hosts "Ken Hom's Chinese Cookery" on the BBC, will present his culinary skill from Sept. 1 to 10 at Grand Hyatt hotel in Central Jakarta. Ken Hom who is also known as a food consultant, instructor, travel writer and entrepreneur will orchestrate his team to prepare an exciting mixture of eastern spices and western ingredients.

Turkish tourists jailed for theft

Turkish tourists jailed for theft SURABAYA: Two Turkish tourists were sentenced to 45 days imprisonment for stealing a total of Rp 2.14 million ($1,023) from local banks, money changers and a taxi driver. Cem Camci and Mochammad Callacas, both 29 years old, were found guilty by the local district court on Tuesday for stealing. The two arrived in a rented car from Jakarta in July on their way to Bali. They visited a number of banks and money changers during their brief stay.

Give female workers a break, say Kowani

Give female workers a break, say Kowani JAKARTA (JP): The Corps of Indonesian Women (Kowani) appealed to employers and educators yesterday to give women workers better opportunity to enhance their careers. Kowani chairperson Enny Busiri said in a workshop yesterday that women workers in Indonesia are still subject to discrimination in the workplace and even at schools.

Yayuk reaches career high world ranking

Yayuk reaches career high world ranking JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian number one women's tennis player Yayuk Basuki earned a morale booster for her U.S. Open campaign as she reached her career high world ranking, following her torrid showing at the just concluded Canadian Open. The latest world rankings issued by the Women Tennis Association (WTA) on Monday moved up the 23-year-old Yayuk to 28 from her previous number of 34.

Harmoko revamps Golkar wing at the House

Harmoko revamps Golkar wing at the House JAKARTA (JP): The unprecedented reshuffle in the House of Representatives (DPR) wing of Golkar, announced on Monday, reflects the ruling party's intention to stop dissension within its own ranks once and for all, political analysts said. Golkar chairman Harmoko revamped Golkar in a single stroke, removing members closely associated with his predecessor Wahono from key positions.

No flags in posh areas

No flags in posh areas From Neraca I would like to express my concern over the failure of many residents in the Menteng area, Central Jakarta, to hoist national flags during the celebration of the independence day, which runs counter to the Jakarta Governor's instruction. Along Jl. Sutan Sjahrir, for example, many families were not hoisting the red and white flags and no gate-ways were erected. I wondered why they did not pay heed to the governor's instruction?

HK tourist drowns in Bali

HK tourist drowns in Bali JAKARTA: A boat carrying 10 tourists from Hong Kong sank off the Gunung Payung coast near the resort island of Bali, killing one of the tourists, a local police official said Tuesday. Captain Nyoman Ade said by telephone from Bali that the boat, manned by a local crew of two, had been chartered by the tourists to cruise along the coast Monday when it sank, AFP reported.

Better coordination in supervision urged

Better coordination in supervision urged JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno called on cabinet ministers yesterday to improve coordination in pursuing the country's development programs. In his address at a cabinet meeting on development supervision, Try warned that the lack of coordination would harm the whole development effort. The coordination meeting on development supervision, held every six months, was attended by all ministers not on official trips.

RP `comfort women' welcome Murayama with protests

RP `comfort women' welcome Murayama with protests MANILA (Reuter): Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama arrived in the Philippines yesterday to be confronted by angry women demanding compensation for being used as sex slaves by Japanese soldiers in World War II. A small group of former "comfort women" marched under driving rain to near Murayama's hotel to demand US$200,000 each in compensation.

Two Irianese die of dengue

Two Irianese die of dengue JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Two persons have died since the outbreak of dengue fever in the city, Irian Jaya Health Office chief S.M. Siahaan said. Siahaan added that the 26 others affected by the disease have been saved, the Antara news agency reported. (emb)

City mulls over ban on 12-seat night minivans

City mulls over ban on 12-seat night minivans JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is considering banning the operation of the unauthorized 12-seat minivans at night and calling for the compliance of big public transport companies to fully utilize the 24-hour permits.

HK to host WB, IMF meet

HK to host WB, IMF meet HONG KONG (AFP): The Hong Kong government welcomed yesterday the decision by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) to hold their general meetings here after China takes over sovereignty in July 1997. Reacting to a decision by the World Bank and IMF boards of governors late Monday to hold their 1997 general meetings in Hong Kong from Sept.

Disguised TV crew

Disguised TV crew From Kompas In July there was a group of people in Salatiga who claimed to be the crew of a well known private television station in Jakarta. They said they wanted film some places they had visited in the city. By the way they were speaking and the logo on their T-shirts, they really looked like the station's TV crew. Those not skeptical of the way they presented themselves, were conned.

Apartment residents complain of bad water

Apartment residents complain of bad water JAKARTA (JP): Residents of Tanah Abang low-cost apartment complex are complaining about the poor quality of water distributed by the City Water Company (PDAM Jaya). "We cannot use the water for bathing or drinking directly out of the tap because it is muddy, stinking and contains live worms," Thamrin Oemar, the head of community unit within the apartment complex, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Australia calls for greater autonomy in E. Timor

Australia calls for greater autonomy in E. Timor CANBERRA (Agencies): Australia yesterday urged Indonesia to allow greater political autonomy and to withdraw many of its troops stationed in the province of East Timor. Foreign Minister Gareth Evans told the Australia-Indonesia Ministerial Forum here that the situation in East Timor was an area of disagreement which required frank bilateral exchanges.

What about Kanindo workers?

What about Kanindo workers? SEMARANG: Central Java legislators have expressed concern about the fate of some 11,000 employees of PT Kanindoteks, the giant weaving company which is reported to be in dire financial difficulty. "If the report is correct, then the first thing we have to do is to save the 11,000 workers," Tambah Soedjio, a member of the province's legislative assembly, told The Jakarta Post.

Two held for alleged role in factory theft

Two held for alleged role in factory theft JAKARTA (JP): Tambora, West Jakarta police have apprehended two members of a gang believed to have broken into a garment factory in the district two months ago. Lt. Col. Latief Rabar, a spokesman for City Police, said yesterday that the two, along with six other members of the gang, robbed Fa Standard T-shirt factory on Jl. Tiang Bendera in the wee hours of June 6 and made away with an estimated Rp 24 million.

OCBC raises rate

OCBC raises rate SINGAPORE (AFP): The Overseas-Chinese Banking Corporation (OCBC) Bank, one of Singapore's big four local banks, announced yesterday it is raising its prime lending rate by a quarter of a percent to 5.75 percent. OCBC was the third major local bank to hike its prime lending rate, following the United Overseas Bank (UOB) and Overseas Union Bank (OUB) which raised their rates last week. The new rate will be effective from Tuesday, the bank said.

Independence Day attraction

Independence Day attraction From Jayakarta The Independence Day of the Republic of Indonesia was celebrated in the most merriest manner in Jakarta. Almost every street and lane were decorated and festooned with red and white flags and colorful gate-ways were built in every main entrance to the various areas in the city. Different kinds of contests were held to add to the joys of the proclamation day anniversary.

Michael Franks to sing at Blue Note

Michael Franks to sing at Blue Note The American jazz singer Michael Franks will perform here from Aug. 29 to Sept. 3 to mark the opening of Blue Note Jazz Club and Restaurant. Franks, a suave, stylish vocalist, will give one concert every night starting at 8:30. The club is located on KH Mas Mansyur, Central Jakarta.

Megawati names E. Java board

Megawati names E. Java board JAKARTA: Megawati Soekarnoputri, the chairperson of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), announced the line up of the party's East Java regional board, to be led by Sucipto, on Monday. Megawati also ordered the Latief Pudjosakti, who has formed his own board in defiance of Megawati, to make way for the new board appointed by Central Executive Board in Jakarta, the Antara news agency said.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Siemens wins RI order

Siemens wins RI order MUNICH, Germany (AFP): German group Siemens has won an order worth almost 200 million marks for supplying seven generators for the Indonesian power-plant at Grati, in eastern Java, Siemens announced here yesterday. The generators will be manufactured at the Siemens-KWU factory in Muelheim. The group will also supply the transformers and high-voltage distribution unit (150 kV) for the Indonesian plant, as well as other electrical equipment.

INRO to continue rubber disposal in London, New York

INRO to continue rubber disposal in London, New York KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) yesterday agreed to continue selling stockpiled rubber in London and New York to calm rising prices, having exhausted regional stocks.

U.S. congress staffers here to improve ties

U.S. congress staffers here to improve ties JAKARTA (JP): A delegation of six key Congressional staffers are currently in Jakarta to study the economic and political relations between Jakarta and Washington, amid mounting U.S. criticism towards Indonesia's human rights record. Consisting of senior aides to members of the United States Senate and House of Representatives, the delegation, which arrived on Sunday, will embark on a week-long educational tour.

I was summoned

I was summoned Following the publication of my letter in the daily Sinar on Aug. 8, 1994 titled Convoy is for whom? I was summoned by the Directorate of Intelligence and Security of the West Kalimantan Police on Aug. 12, 1994 for investigation concerning the content of my letter. Considering that it is not common practice to issue such a summons and it could become a bad precedent, I made my point clear in a telephone conversation with Lt. Col.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Most share prices closed lower on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday, as investors began to take profits after booking significant gains last week. However, the broad-based Composite Index was able to maintain its upward trend to close slightly higher at 492.41, as compared to Friday's close of 492.2 which was affected by the increase in prices of several large issues. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index fell to 117.71 from 118.18.

In-town spa for women's hair, skin, body treatment opened

In-town spa for women's hair, skin, body treatment opened JAKARTA (JP): Buoyed by optimism over the increasing demand of Jakartans for body and skin treatment, as well as relaxation therapies among active women, a businessman has opened a first day-spa in the city. Thalia le spa, located on Jl. HOS Cokroaminoto, Menteng, Central Jakarta, is aimed at meeting the demand of active women who have limited time to home-treat their hair, skin and bodies.

Course on language use in billboards

Course on language use in billboards In a bid to familiarize a ruling on the use of proper Indonesian language in billboards and banners, the directorate of Socio-Political Affairs Office of the Jakarta administration will conduct a three-day training for the management of hotels, restaurants, department stores and notaries.

Independence pioneers are models: Soeharto

Independence pioneers are models: Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia needs to rekindle the spirit shown by its freedom fighters 50 years ago to overcome the challenges in development, President Soeharto said yesterday. "We need to strengthen our development spirit and multiply development activities," Soeharto said in addressing a gathering of the Association of Pioneers of Independence. "History has shown that we can overcome every challenge and put aside every barrier.

Ferries start trial operation to Seribu Islands

Ferries start trial operation to Seribu Islands JAKARTA (JP): Two luxurious ferries owned by a state-owned company under the Ministry of Transportation have begun plying the Ancol-Seribu Islands route. "The ferries have been operating since early this month," Imran M. Gilipanda, an official of the Jakarta Office of the transportation ministry, said yesterday.

SBSI

SBSI From Jayakarta That the Department of Manpower has not recognized the existence of the SBSI (Prosperous Labor Union of Indonesia) is obviously a denial to human rights and Article 28 of the 1945 Constitution. The reason that the existence of the organization does not conform with the stipulation in Law No. 21, 1954 concerning the Agreement on Labor is not correct. On the contrary, it is the Department of Manpower that is not consistent with the constitution.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:00 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Diletansia 3:30 TV Series: International Family Classic 4:30 Science Program: Blue Planet 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: Southeast Sulawesi 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings: Belief in God the Almighty 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Insight: P.L.T.N 8:05 Jazz: Celebrating TVRI 's anniversary 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Humpty Dumpty Man Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Military denies getting involved in Sembiring's killing

Military denies getting involved in Sembiring's killing JAKARTA (JP): The military flatly denied reports that their personnel were involved in the controversial kidnap and murder of prominent ex-con Johny Sembiring. Armed Forces (ABRI) Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung admitted that the military has stepped up its current anti-crime campaign, but bluntly denied reports that servicemen were behind Thursday's incident. "Don't trap me with your questions.

NGOs to sue government over reforestation fund

NGOs to sue government over reforestation fund JAKARTA (JP): Eleven non-governmental organizations announced yesterday their intention to sue the government for using its huge reforestation fund to support the development of the state- owned aircraft company IPTN. M.S.

Trial of former Bapindo president to go on

Trial of former Bapindo president to go on JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court yesterday ruled that the government prosecutors have a valid case against Subekti Ismaun, the former president of the government-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia, and ordered that the trial proceed. Presiding judge Soedjatman overruled all objections raised by the lawyers of Subekti. Subekti, 55, is being tried for corruption in connection with the Rp 1.3 trillion ($620 million) loan scandal at Bapindo.

Photographers' credit

Photographers' credit From Kompas Every time we celebrate the proclamation of Indonesian independence we forget a matter of great importance. What I would like to point out is the name of the photographer who took the pictures of the historical events during which the proclamation was read and the red and white national flag raised. It is really ironic that the name of the photographer of such monumental events has not been mentioned for so many years.

Funds on capital mart reach $5.7b

Funds on capital mart reach $5.7b JAKARTA (JP): The funds mobilized through the country's capital market is expected to nearly double to Rp 12 trillion (US$5.7 billion) this year from Rp 6.8 trillion in 1993, says the president of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX). Hasan Zein Mahmud said yesterday that in the first seven months of this year alone, the public funds raised through the capital market already exceeded Rp 8 trillion.

Drought brings people flock to the city

Drought brings people flock to the city JAKARTA (JP): Buoyed by optimism of finding better lives in the city, thousands of poor people from rural areas in Java which have been severely affected by this year's prolonged drought have moved to Jakarta, a city official has said. M. Sihombing, a division head at the City Social Affairs Office, said yesterday that on average there were 50 destitute migrants coming to the city every day over the last two months.

RI eyes four golds in Asiad badminton

RI eyes four golds in Asiad badminton JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia vows to regain its domination in the Asian Games after a 12-year lapse by bringing home four golds at the Games in Hiroshima this October.

Tin price at 7-month low

Tin price at 7-month low KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The price of tin plunged to a seven-month low yesterday on the Kuala Lumpur Tin Market on lack of buying support amid a sharp fall on the London Metal Exchange. It closed 26 sen lower at 12.99 ringgit (US$5.2) a kilogram (2.2 pounds), the first time it has slipped below the 13.00 ringgit level since dropping to 12.80 ringgit per kilogram on Jan. 14. Turnover fell to 52 tons from Friday's 73 tons.

UI will get a new psychologist

UI will get a new psychologist Semiati Ibnu Umar, 58, a senior lecturer at the School of Psychology at the University of Indonesia, will be inducted as a doctor on Wednesday. Semiati will defend her doctoral thesis at an induction ceremony at the university new campus in Depok, a suburb south of Jakarta. Her doctoral thesis is entitled Individual Variables Used in the Prediction of Transmigrants' Success, the public relations office of the university said yesterday.

Java needs more forests

Java needs more forests JAKARTA: Reforestation should be intensified in Java to ensure sound ecological equilibrium on the island, an official says. Public relations officer of the Ministry of Forestry Soeprayitno said that ideally, forests should cover 30 percent of the island. At present, forest covers 27.49 percent of Java. He said that despite the lack of forest areas, the water crisis in Java has not been as severe as expected, Antara reported. (par)

PPP veteran asks members to unite for party's future

PPP veteran asks members to unite for party's future JAKARTA (JP): A veteran leader of the United Development Party (PPP) made a passionate appeal to members, asking them to shed their factional identities at an important congress later this month so they could forge unity for the sake of the party's future. Idham Chalid, one of the party's founding fathers, said factionalism is part of the PPP's history but this should not obstruct the party's progress.

Wim Wenders featured in German film festival

Wim Wenders featured in German film festival By Jane Freebury JAKARTA (JP): This week at the Teater Tertutup of the Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) arts center a retrospective of a key name of contemporary German cinema, director Wim Wenders, is being featured. The six films being screened are more recent pieces from a filmmaking career which began in 1967 and has resulted in over 25 films.

Annemarie works to enhance batik

Annemarie works to enhance batik By Linda Owens JAKARTA (JP): Step inside Cemara 6 Gallery in Central Jakarta, and you'll swear you've walked right into a palace reception hall. The glow of bright, mosaic-like colors stud nearly every square inch of wall space while the German-born Annemarie Kipar's enthusiasm leaps out in sparks and flashes, exactly like her jeweled batik tapestries currently on display here. The best term to describe Annemarie is "renaissance woman".

Measures sought to revive debt-ridden PT Kanindo

Measures sought to revive debt-ridden PT Kanindo JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad acknowledged yesterday that PT Kanindo Success Textile, a textile manufacturer, is facing financial problems and that the government is seeking measures to save its operations.

Noted figures to attend Bali business meeting

Noted figures to attend Bali business meeting JAKARTA (JP): Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, the founder of USA Today, Allen Neuhart, and a member of the Japanese Keindanren business association, Kazuo Nukazawa, will be among the speakers at the Bali Business Conference (BBC) at Nusa Dua, Bali, next month. The conference director, Aldo Tobing, said over the weekend that the conference, to be held by Indonesia Junior Chamber (IJC) from Sept.

Respecting differences

Respecting differences President Soeharto reemphasized the importance of maintaining harmony within the society. In his speech on the occasion of the observance of the birthday of Prophet Muhammad, the president called on the nation's leaders, especially the religious leaders, to preserve harmony. It has been ordained that the Indonesian nation came into being in its plurality. Differences of religions, ethnics and languages are a social reality in which the Indonesian state exists.

Development of most tourist estates fails

Development of most tourist estates fails JAKARTA (JP): The government has failed to get private companies to invest in most of the areas earmarked for development as tourist estates due to inadequate support facilities.

Filipino `comfort women' angrily await Murayama

Filipino `comfort women' angrily await Murayama MANILA (Reuter): Dozens of Filipino former "comfort women", some in tears and screaming with anger, demanded US$200,000 each in compensation from Japan yesterday on the eve of a visit by Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama.

Monkeys, tobacco getting smoked out by bushfire

Monkeys, tobacco getting smoked out by bushfire JAKARTA (JP): The current forest fires on the slopes of Mt. Merbabu in Central Java have caused two casualties -- the fires have spread to a tobacco farm, and monkeys who inhabited the forest have been forced to migrate in droves. Meanwhile, preliminary investigations found that unextinguished campfires lit by careless hikers may have been the prime cause of the week-long fire which was extinguished on Saturday.

SE Asia needs better exploring methods

SE Asia needs better exploring methods KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Southeast Asia's oil fields are likely to continue flowing for another 30-to-40 years, but explorers would need better techniques to make new strikes when old wells dried up, experts and officials said yesterday. "There are lots of opportunities for oil and gas exploration in Southeast Asia. But it is going to take higher technology for us to reach the new fields," said Michael Johnson, technical vice-president of U.S. oil giant Exxon.

Indonesian firms join RP satellite project

Indonesian firms join RP satellite project MANILA (AFP): A consortium including Chinese and Indonesian partners said yesterday it planned to launch a Philippine satellite in 1996, two years ahead of the scheduled launch of another bird planned by a consortium of Filipino telecommunications firms. Jacinto Paras, director of the Philippine Communications Satellite Corp.

Taiwan and APEC

Taiwan and APEC This is a response to a report entitled President of Taiwan not to attend APEC that appeared on page one in The Jakarta Post of Aug. 22, 1994 issue. The report's fifth paragraph says,"Succumbing to Chinese pressure, (President) Lee Teng-hui absented himself from last year's inaugural APEC leaders meeting on Blake Island." It's not true at all. The truth is major players of APEC were and still are quite receptive to the PRC's pressure and threats.

Mount Batur still active

Mount Batur still active DENPASAR, Bali: Mount Batur is still active since it first emitted smoke two weeks ago, but officials say that everything is under control. Chief of the provincial Volcanology Section, Tulus, said the mountain is still expelling sulfur and flame, but the height had significantly reduced. He said a seismograph installed in the area recorded activities inside the crater, but no tremor is felt by the local people, Antara reported. (par)

Jakarta needs 100,000 drivers

Jakarta needs 100,000 drivers Jakarta needs 100,000 well-trained drivers to better serve the public, the Jakarta-chapter of the Land Transportation Owners' Organization (Organda) has announced. The organization's chairman, Aip Sjarifuddin, said over the weekend that lack of trained drivers is one of the main reasons for poor service on the public transit vehicles. "At the moment, a driver who is dismissed by one company due to a serious violation can easily get another job at other companies.

Low-class movie house on the brink of collapse

Low-class movie house on the brink of collapse JAKARTA (JP): Around 50 low-cost movie-houses in West Jakarta are on the brink of collapse because more and more people have shifted to television or laser discs for entertainment. "The programs on private television networks and the great selection of movies available on laser disc have put our business down," said Abadi Gunawan, one of the movie theater owners in the area told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Insurance firm opens hotel

Insurance firm opens hotel JAKARTA (JP): Asuransi Jiwa Bersama Bumiputra 1912, a mutual insurance company, will open a three-star hotel in Depok, West Java, next week. The company's president, Suratno Hadisuwito, said here yesterday that Hotel Bumi Wiyata will be operated by PT Sarana Horeca Tiara, a private hotel management company. The hotel, constructed with an investment of Rp 22 billion (US$10.34 million), will offer 78 rooms of standard, superior and suite types.

Thailand, RI set to meet for economic talks

Thailand, RI set to meet for economic talks BANGKOK (AFP): Senior Thai and Indonesian officials will address bilateral economic issues Friday, a month before they turn their attention to regional problems at an annual ASEAN conference, officials said yesterday. A primary concern at the two-day gathering, the second round of Indonesian-Thai economic talks since 1992, is likely to be Thailand's trade deficit which has kept pace with the countries' growing trade volume.

Darul Arqam

Darul Arqam From Sinar I would like to comment on the opinion of KH Hasan Basri (head of the Indonesian Ulema Council) as reported in several newspapers recently. The impression is that KH Hasan Basri has unilaterally punished Darul Arqam. How can the ulema give a fair judgment on Darul Arqam if it refuses to hold a dialog with its members? Actually, their mistake should be proven first in a fair manner. If they are proven to be erroneous, corrections could be made.

Russia to be lone star at Independence Cup

Russia to be lone star at Independence Cup JAKARTA (JP): Russia, fresh from its solid showing at the World Championships in Toronto, Canada, will be the lone star at the fifth Independence Cup basketball tourney to be held in the Senayan indoor stadium from Aug. 25-30. Ecky Tamlahittu, an official from the Indonesian Basketball Association (Perbasi) announced that Valery Borisov, Igor Tchrov and Sergei Shourev will lead the Russian cakewalk at the six-day event.

Better phones on trains

Better phones on trains JAKARTA: The state telecommunication firm PT Telkom is improving the telephone booths installed on trains serving Jakarta and Bandung, to give better service to the customers. During the improvement, however, the phone services have to be terminated temporarily, Telkom's spokesman D. Sinaga said. He said that there were six card telephones installed in the trains which are jointly managed by PT Telkom and the railway company Perumka. (par)

Feisal receives Brunei counterpart

Feisal receives Brunei counterpart JAKARTA: Brunei's Armed Forces Chief Maj. Gen. Pehin Datu Indera Setia Dato Seri Paduka Haji Sulaeman bin Haji Damit ended his Indonesian visit on Monday during which he met with Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung. Pehin, who started his visit on Sunday, met with Feisal to express his gratitude over the good relationships between the two countries. The visit was also Pehin's farewell to Feisal because he has been promoted to a new post in Brunei.

Malaysian firm takes control of listed North Borneo Timber

Malaysian firm takes control of listed North Borneo Timber KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A firm based in Malaysia's timber-rich Sabah state yesterday announced acquisition of a strategic 30.567 percent stake in North Borneo Timber Bhd., seen as a bid by the Sabah government to corporatize its timber operations. With the purchase, Aman Takzim Sdn. Bhd., wholly-owned by Sabah natives, has taken control of listed North Borneo from Bombay Burmah Trading Corporation Ltd.

Moslem group to issue edict on Arqam ban

Moslem group to issue edict on Arqam ban JAKARTA (JP): While the Attorney General's office is still considering a nationwide ban on the messianic Al Arqam movement, an influential Moslem organization says it is ready to issue an edict which can be used as grounds for the censure. Leaders of the Indonesian Council of Islamic Propagation (DDII) will shortly make public the religious edict (fatwa) that says that the teachings of the Al Arqam deviate from Islamic principles.

IDB offers aid to help increase trade relations

IDB offers aid to help increase trade relations JAKARTA (JP): The Islamic Development Bank (IDB) is offering financial aid for Indonesia's development projects and foreign trade to promote trade relations among Islamic states, Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad says.

World Moslem leaders to visit Indonesia

World Moslem leaders to visit Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): A group of prominent Moslem world leaders are scheduled to visit Indonesia and meet with President Soeharto and a number of Indonesia's Moslem figures this week. Sudanese Gen. Abd. Rahman Siwaru El Zahab, deputy chairman of the Islamic International Council for Da'wah (propagation) and Relief, or IICDR for short, and several other council members will arrive on Friday, and pay a courtesy call on President Soeharto the next day.

National film sluggish

National film sluggish From Sinar Pagi The sluggishness of the Indonesian film business is caused by the society's declining interest in seeing the films. The cinema goers have much stronger desires to see foreign films which are more appealing and are supported by luring posters. Appealing films do not mean that the films must present pornographic scenes. Such scenes will only give the impression that the producers have low taste.

Bank DKI will collect parking fees

Bank DKI will collect parking fees Bank DKI has been appointed the official bank to collect parking fees in line with 1994 Gubernatorial Decree No. 201, which is aimed at reducing leakage in parking revenue. Suharto, the bank's president, said recently that the city- owned bank is prepared to carry out the mission entrusted to it by the municipal administration, and has already formed a special task force and provided extra facilities to manage the parking funds.

Australians join RI navy

Australians join RI navy JAKARTA (JP): Two Australian navy officers, Maj. Gregory J. Paek and Capt. Richard, will join this year's Indonesian Navy service operation Surya Baskara Jaya in Irian Jaya, commander of the Sorong naval-base, Lt. Col. A.T. Aprianto, said last week. The participation of the two Australian medical doctors is part of the Indonesian-Australian naval cooperation, Aprianto was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Sudomo, Siska chose to end their four years' old marriage

Sudomo, Siska chose to end their four years' old marriage JAKARTA (JP): Retired admiral Sudomo, and his second wife Fransiska Diah Widowati, have failed to reconcile their differences, deciding to end their four years of marriage. Presiding Judge Soedjatman from the South Jakarta District Court said on Friday that lawyers for both Sudomo and Siska said that their clients stuck to their original plea for divorce and refused to reconciliate their differences.

Things you can do to bitmap images

Things you can do to bitmap images By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Today, bitmap image editing tools have become so advanced and so sophisticated and every day we see so many of their new and creative uses around. Programs such as Adobe PhotoShop, Aldus PhotoStyler and CorelPHOTO-PAINT! provide us with a raft of powerful tools and exotic filters that help us create different effects automatically.

Police told to question family of deadly Metromini bus driver

Police told to question family of deadly Metromini bus driver JAKARTA (JP): A noted criminologist has suggested that police question relatives and fellow drivers who allegedly helped protect Ramses Silitonga, the driver of a minibus which six months ago careened into Sunter River with its 33 passengers. Mulyana W.

Political party

Political party From Berita Buana The Republic of Indonesia is 49 years old and has achieved a lot in its course. The New Order government has achieved its goal and has a lot to offer society. One of the important achievements is in the political life of the nation. The government has succeeded in reducing the number of the political parties to only three. In this matter there is something I feel concerned about. I am particularly concerned about the other two political parties i.e.

ASEAN seeks extension of U.S. GSP

ASEAN seeks extension of U.S. GSP MANILA (AFP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has sought a further 10 years of preferential trading with the United States, saying lost revenues from lower tariffs would be offset by increased U.S. exports to the region, Philippine officials said. The Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) extended to developing countries such as those in ASEAN -- Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand -- expires on Sept.

Link between ASEAN and Australasia explored

Link between ASEAN and Australasia explored WELLINGTON (Reuter): ASEAN is likely to move towards closer relations with Australasia but the idea of integrating the two trade zones has yet to win full acceptance from all members, Thailand's deputy foreign minister said on Friday. Surin Pitsuwan said most of ASEAN's six members supported expanded ties with Australia and New Zealand and that formalizing links would be a question of tactics and timing.

Distorting Japan's behavior a political crime

Distorting Japan's behavior a political crime The Jakarta Post Asia Correspondent Harvey Stockwin explores why it is that Japanese cabinet ministers keep on resigning after they have distorted wartime history. HONG KONG (JP): Once again, another Japanese cabinet minister has been forced to resign because he has offended Asian opinion by misrepresenting Japan's behavior in the first half of the twentieth century. On Aug.

Action on massage parlors urged

Action on massage parlors urged A deputy chairman of the City Council, Ismunandar, has urged the city administration to close down massage parlors covertly operating as brothels. Ismunandar said late last week the parlors would tarnish Jakarta's image. Some massage parlors in North and Central Jakarta, for example, have reportedly hired prostitutes who charge between Rp 200,000 (US$92.5) and Rp 300,000 for a quick visit.

Banks may increase deposit rates to curb capital flight

Banks may increase deposit rates to curb capital flight JAKARTA (JP): Local banks are likely to raise their deposit rates to curb a possible capital flight resulting from the increase in the interest rate of the U.S. dollar, business analysts estimate. The analysts, however, predicted that the possible increase in the deposit rates would not fuel an increase in the lending rates.

OPEC to meet in Bali

OPEC to meet in Bali LONDON (Reuter): OPEC has agreed to hold its year- end ministerial talks beginning on Nov. 22 in Bali, Indonesia, OPEC sources said on Friday. Indonesia offered at the June meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to host the end-year session but it wasn't clear until this week whether all the logistics would be worked out in time, the sources said.

Healing hands

Healing hands About two months ago the ankle of my right foot gave me lot of trouble when I took a walk in the morning. It felt as if I had twisted my ankle, but I could not recall having stumbled on a stone or having had a nasty fall. As time went on, the pain got worse until finally I could not do my daily exercise. I wondered if this was an old man's disease. My wife's friend, Mrs. T.

6,000 firms offer apprenticeships to technical schools

6,000 firms offer apprenticeships to technical schools JAKARTA (JP): Some 6,000 small and medium companies have agreed to offer apprenticeships to students of vocational high schools to help bridge the gap between the education and working worlds. The pledge was made before Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro when he met with leaders of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) on Friday at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center.

Govt cuts annual logging rights by 40%

Govt cuts annual logging rights by 40% JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Forestry has reduced the annual logging rights of most forest concessionaires by 40 percent due to their failure to meet government regulations, and is warning that they may lose their licenses if they cannot improve performance.

Clinton to visit Philippines

Clinton to visit Philippines MANILA (Reuter): U.S. President Bill Clinton will visit the Philippines in November in the first trip by an American president to this country since U.S. forces pulled out in 1992, the presidential palace said yesterday. Officials said they were arranging for Clinton to go to the former U.S. Subic naval base in Olongapo city, 80 kilometers northwest of Manila, during his visit from Nov. 12 to 14. The Philippine government has turned Subic into a free port since U.S.

Dollar gives mixed performance against Asian currencies

Dollar gives mixed performance against Asian currencies HONG KONG (AFP): The U.S. dollar performed mixed against Asian currencies over the week. Several units registered slight gains following the U.S. Federal Reserve Board's decision to raise interest rates and Washington's release of trade data showing a widening deficit with Tokyo, dealers said. The Australian, New Zealand and Hong Kong dollars and the Indonesian rupiah were weaker, but losses were slight.

Mandarin language

Mandarin language From Media Indonesia Controversy about the Mandarin language has forced me to ponder: What actually is the significance of the language? It is true that some advertisements seek those who master this language, but as one of several foreign languages in the country it is not unusual that it occasionally becomes a debating topic. An example of this is a ban on karaoke festivals in Mandarin by the East Java authorities.

Bogor Museum needs serious attention

Bogor Museum needs serious attention By Lenah Susianty BOGOR, West Java (JP): All the rooms at the Bogor Zoological Museum are gloomy and stuffy. It is hot. There are no air- conditioners and the fans hanging from the ceiling don't work. A couple of backpackers are looking at a diorama of monkey's species and four children in elementary school uniforms are discussing a stuffed 2,280 kilogram rhinoceros placed inside a glass box in the mammals room.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Peter Pan & the Pirates 3:00 Riang Ria 3:30 TV Series: Unsolved Mysteries 4:30 Students' Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Family Welfare 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Hankamnas 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Lintas Ekonomi 8:05 Music: TVRI's anniversary celebration 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Angel Dusted Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Body of missing businessman found

Body of missing businessman found BANGKOK (Reuter): Rescuers yesterday retrieved the body of one of Thailand's wealthiest businessmen from his wrecked plane that crashed into a mountain three days ago, officials said. The body of Suvit Wanglee, and that of his co-pilot, was found trapped in the wreckage on Phyaphoh mountain about 16 kilometers, rescue officials said.

PDI party

PDI party Under the leadership of Megawati Soekarnoputri PDI (Indonesian Democratic Party) is experiencing friction again. In East Java two leaders have emerged. One is Latief Pudjosakti who was elected through a voting procedure by a formative team of eight members. The other is Soetjipto who was appointed by the Central Board of Executives in Jakarta. The election of Pudjosakti was a culmination of rows and conflicts existing between groups within the party.

Share prices discounted despite hike in interest rate

Share prices discounted despite hike in interest rate JAKARTA (JP): Share prices advanced further as investors continued their buying orders on most boards despite the increase in the U.S. interest rate. The increase in the U.S. dollar interest rate came as no surprise as the market maintained its comeback course, closing the week at 492.21, up 17.31 points from the previous week.

Outspoken Bintang is running for PPP chairmanship

Outspoken Bintang is running for PPP chairmanship JAKARTA (JP): Outspoken politician Sri Bintang Pamungkas entered the battle for the top spot of the Moslem-based United Development Party (PPP) yesterday, saying the current leadership is too passive to develop the potential of the organization.

Rescue from debt trap

Rescue from debt trap The ministerial meeting of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) on the debts of the least developed countries (LDC) in Jakarta last week might go down in the NAM history as a one-time affair or, at the most, could lead into long, complex negotiations between debtors and creditors. Yet, the Indonesian government should be commended for organizing the unilateral dialogs among the 31 NAM member countries.

Polyester producers to increase capacity

Polyester producers to increase capacity JAKARTA (JP): PT Indorama Synthetics has assigned five foreign companies to provide technical assistance and plant equipment for its expansion projects which will make it the largest polyester producer in Indonesia.

Manila releases Indonesian plane

Manila releases Indonesian plane MANILA (Reuter): Philippine aviation authorities yesterday released an Indonesian plane carrying 25,000 kilograms of explosives after briefly impounding it for landing in Manila without official clearance. The Boeing 707 plane of the Indonesian Merpati Airlines created a stir on Friday night when it arrived at the Manila airport without a permit from the Air Transportation Office (ATO), officials said.

Ten students freed as Supreme Court reviews their case

Ten students freed as Supreme Court reviews their case JAKARTA (JP): Ten students who were serving jail terms for defaming President Soeharto were released on Friday as the Supreme Court, almost unsolicited, decided to review their case. The students were given a frantic welcome by their colleagues and families as they walked out of the gates of the Salemba Detention Center, where they have been locked up since December.

Inten Suweno supports raid on prostitutes

Inten Suweno supports raid on prostitutes JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Social Services Inten Suweno has thrown her weight behind city police's ongoing anti-prostitution campaign. The minister was quoted by Antara late last week as saying that she supported the operations, but at the same time concerted efforts should be done to rehabilitate prostitutes so that they will not resume their profession when they return to the community.

Prominent ex-con Johny Sembiring kidnapped, killed

Prominent ex-con Johny Sembiring kidnapped, killed JAKARTA (JP): Johny Sembiring, one the most prominent figures of Indonesia's criminal underworld in the 1960s, was kidnapped and killed by a group of unidentified men. Sembiring, 62, ran a debt collection business. He was reportedly kidnapped from his BMW sedan by a group of men riding a Kijang van Thursday afternoon in Tanah Abang district, Central Jakarta.

Capitalistic concept blamed for debts, economic gaps

Capitalistic concept blamed for debts, economic gaps JAKARTA (JP): The capitalism-based concept of development has failed to free the Third World countries from the jaws of poverty and illiteracy, according to a Moslem scholar. A.M. Fatwa, member of the Petisi 50 group of government critics who spent several years behind bars for subversion, advised that Moslem countries start looking towards Islamic concept of development.

Joint operation set up to check trailer trucks

Joint operation set up to check trailer trucks JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta city police in cooperation with military and municipal authorities have started an operation aimed at inspecting trailer trucks for roadworthiness. The campaign, which was launched on Friday, is part of the on going effort to fully implement the controversial 1992 traffic law. City police chief Maj. Gen.

Ideology course in local dialects

Ideology course in local dialects AMBON, Maluku: The local office of BP7, the government agency which oversees the course on Pancasila ideology, is currently preparing its materials in three local dialects. Maluku BP7 Chief Nus Manuputty said his office has translated the materials of the P-4 course into the Alune dialect which is widely used in Serami Island, Galela in North Maluku and Kei in Southeast Maluku.

Journalists association suspends Medan tabloid editor

Journalists association suspends Medan tabloid editor JAKARTA (JP): The Honorary Council of the Indonesian Journalists' Association (PWI) has suspended the membership of Bintang-Sport-Film (BSF) weekly's chief editor for publishing reports on an alleged case of sexual harassment involving the governor of North Sumatra. Romuthu Setia Dharma was suspended for two years, beginning Aug.

Councilors say Jakarta city deserves award

Councilors say Jakarta city deserves award JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta deserves the Parasamya Purnakarya Nugaraha, the award bestowed to the province with outstanding achievement in development over the past five years, city councilors say. Jakarta received the prestigious award by a Presidential Decree issued on Aug.

Foreign ministry needs better human resources

Foreign ministry needs better human resources JAKARTA (JP): As the Ministry of Foreign Affairs celebrated the country's 49th anniversary last week, its members were urged to enhance the quality of human resources to face future challenges. "The foreign ministry continuously tries to improve the ability and proficiency of its employees through training, instructional courses and educational programs both at home and abroad," Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said Friday.

Pirates attack Japanese tugboat

Pirates attack Japanese tugboat MANILA (Reuter): Pirates armed with guns and knives attacked a Japanese tugboat anchored on Manila Bay, stabbed and wounded its Indonesian captain and fled with cash and valuables, the Philippines navy said yesterday. Eddie Yusod, master of the Honduran-registered Fukumaru No. 8, was wounded when he tried to fend off the bandits who stormed his vessel on Friday night, a navy spokesman said. The rest of the crew were unharmed. The pirates fled on a motorized boat.

Preserving the dignity of schools and teachers

Preserving the dignity of schools and teachers By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): Judging from the way he told me the story, my driver must be really upset. His second son was accepted at an elementary school where his elder son has been a pupil for two years. Now textbooks have to be purchased for this younger son. According to him, these books are exactly the same as the ones used by his elder son except for the cover.

Religious differences must not disturb unity: Soeharto

Religious differences must not disturb unity: Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has reminded Indonesians that conflicts among followers of the same religion can often be more serious than inter-religious disputes. Speaking at the commemoration of Prophet Muhammad's birthday at the State Palace Friday evening, the President said that he once again called on the nation to live in harmony.

Liem richest in S.E. Asia

Liem richest in S.E. Asia HONG KONG (AFP): Indonesia's business magnate Liem Sioe Liong, with an estimated US$3 billion in net assets, is the richest ethnic Chinese in southeast Asia, Hong Kong-based Asiaweek said. The Indonesian cement, food, banking and trading magnate Liem, 72, pipped 19 other billionaires, including three other Indonesians, six Thais, four Malaysians, three Filipinos and three Singaporeans, the weekly magazine said Friday.

A dialog with Darul Arqam

A dialog with Darul Arqam From Bisnis Indonesia It is really ironic that the Indonesian Ulema Council has refused to hold a dialog with the controversial Darul Arqam group while there are newspapers which are set up by non-Moslems that are urging a meeting between the council and the group. The refusal of council leader Hasan Basri -- not the refusal of the whole council -- to meet the group is very disappointing because it deprives Darul Arqam from defending itself.

President of Taiwan not to attend APEC

President of Taiwan not to attend APEC JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas on Friday dashed all speculation concerning Taiwanese President Lee Teng- hui's participation at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders meeting, by asserting that Taiwan will be represented only by a senior official.

KL soccer body seek corruptors

KL soccer body seek corruptors KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): The Malaysian Football Association, in a crackdown on widespread corruption, said all players and officials in its professional or premier leagues had to declare their assets, local press reports said yesterday. "When they declare their assets, we will be able to identify those who are living beyond their means," the New Sunday Times quoted the association's deputy president as saying.

Government to regulate laser disc circulation

Government to regulate laser disc circulation JAKARTA (JP): The government will issue a regulation on laser discs later this month to end the decade old controversy over the legality of their circulation in Indonesia. Along with the laser disc regulation, the Ministry of Information will issue two decrees on the renaming of the National Film Censorship Body and the establishment of the National Film Advisory Council, which will replace it.

Children burnt to death

Children burnt to death JAKARTA (JP): Ten people, including five young girls and a baby, burned to death after fire razed a shop on Friday night, a press report said. The shop owner, Ng Kie Ong, together with his wife, Li Lie, were in Pekanbaru, Riau, when the fire destroyed the building, the Kompas daily reported. An eyewitness said the neighbors could not immediately help rescue the occupants of the building because the doors were locked. Police have yet to determine the cause of the fire.

Warship serves Jepara-Karimunjawa

Warship serves Jepara-Karimunjawa SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): Holidaymakers to Karimunjawa Island will soon be able to add to their experience by riding a commercial warship. The curious news came last week as the Jepara regency government plans to operate a Landing Ship Tank (LST) to service the Jepara-Karimunjawa route after the regular ferry, KM Sejati Berkah was declared unseaworthy.

Indonesia to hold first tourism market

Indonesia to hold first tourism market JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will hold its own tourism mart next month, which will involve 155 foreign companies and more than 200 domestic firms, to promote its tourism industry, an executive says. The managing director of the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board (BPPI), Wuryastuti Sunario, told a press conference here on Friday that the Tourism Indonesia Mart `94, which lasts from Sept. 29 to Oct.

Punish sex workers

Punish sex workers From Neraca I fully support the police's measures to curb the sex business and gambling activities in large cities like Jakarta, Bandung and Semarang and also in Bali. Such businesses always have a negative impact which ultimately leads to crime. My notes show that during the last month the police have nabbed hundreds of high class comfort women who offer tariffs ranging from Rp 250,000 to Rp 500,000, or even millions of rupiah for a meeting.

Woman caterer wanted over food poisoning

Woman caterer wanted over food poisoning JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta police are still searching for a female caterer who provided meals believed to have caused an outbreak of food poisoning among workers of PT Charoen Pokphand Indonesia on Wednesday. "We are still looking for the woman," Lt. Col. Latief Rabar, a spokesman for City Police, announced yesterday. An employee of PT Charoen Pokphand identified the woman caterer as Bu (Mrs.) Enny, but he claimed to have no idea about her whereabouts.

121 city officials brought under heel

121 city officials brought under heel Governor Surjadi Soedirdja announced that he has dismissed 19 city officials and sternly punished 102 others for various violations. The governor made the announcement at a flag raising ceremony marking Independence Day at City Hall on Tuesday. Of the 102 officials, at least 76 had their regular salary raises postponed and 25 had their promotions delayed.

E. Timor history lesson on trial

E. Timor history lesson on trial DILI, East Timor: Primary and high schools in the province this year begin learning the history of East Timor as a supplement to Indonesian history. East Timor Education Chief Soekarman said that teaching East Timor history is still on trial and therefore the books are only issued to teachers as guidelines, Antara reported.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Nusa Dua Beach Hotel: Budaya Stage - Legong Buffet Dinner, Friday; Ramayana Buffet Dinner, Monday. Coffee Shop - Indonesian Night with Joged Dance, Saturday. Village Night with Frog Dance, Tuesday. Notte Italiana with Capo Dastro Quartet, Thursday. Poolside - BBQ Night with Hawaiian Band, Wednesday. * Sheraton Lagoon Nusa Dua Beach: Poolside Terrace - Janger Cultural Performance, Friday. Pasar Ikan Seafood Market, Saturday.

UNPAR choir at Erasmus Huis

UNPAR choir at Erasmus Huis The Bandung-based Parahyangan University (UNPAR) choir will present a special concert at the Erasmus Huis on Saturday and Sunday. The concert will feature a Capella classical music compositions written by Romantic composers such as Anton Bruckner, Camille Saint Saens, C. Stanford, Johanes Brahms and Maurice Ravel.

Kazakhstan's foreign minister begins two day visit

Kazakhstan's foreign minister begins two day visit JAKARTA (JP): Foreign Minister Kanat Saudabayev of Kazakhstan arrived at Halim Perdanakusuma airport last night to begin a two- day visit to Indonesia. Saudabayev is scheduled to meet with Minister of Trade Satrio Budiardjo Joedono and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas today.

Indonesia to upgrade Taiwan office

Indonesia to upgrade Taiwan office TAIPEI (Reuter): Indonesia, which has no diplomatic ties with Taiwan, is to upgrade its presence in Taipei because of rapidly growing business links, Indonesian Chamber of Commerce Chairman John Oetoro said. "Because economic relations have risen, I have proposed the promotion of this chamber of commerce to an Economic and Trade office, just as Taiwan has in Jakarta," Oetoro said in a telephone interview earlier this week.

The government gives hope to convicts serving life-terms

The government gives hope to convicts serving life-terms JAKARTA (JP): The government's move to give prisoners serving life sentences the chance to redeem themselves and regain their freedom is being hailed by a member of the National Commission on Human Rights.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices closed generally higher on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday, with most issues gaining ground in a light trading. The broad-based Composite Index closed 9.28 points higher at 492.87 yesterday, as compared to 483.59 on Tuesday. The bourse was closed on Wednesday, the 49th anniversary of the country's Independence Day. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index strengthened slightly to 118.15 from 116.06.

Sempati to use Garuda's service facilities

Sempati to use Garuda's service facilities JAKARTA (JP): The privately-owned Sempati Air will utilize the maintenance facilities of state-owned Garuda Indonesia under a memorandum of understanding signed by the two companies here yesterday. "Our maintenance facilities will provide various technical services for Sempati," the president of Garuda, Wage Mulyono, said after signing the agreement.

Mass fumigation for dengue planned

Mass fumigation for dengue planned The Central Jakarta Health Office will carry out a mass fumigation in six districts the mayoralty in November for free to prevent the spread of hemorrhagic dengue fever in line with the increasing number of victims in the past six months. At least 445 people, including five who were reported dead, have been infected by the disease in Central Jakarta. Most of the victims hail from Kramat, Cempaka Putih Barat, Cideng and Joharbaru sub-districts.

A Letter from Australia: `Bahasa' is popular in Australia

A Letter from Australia: `Bahasa' is popular in Australia "I write this column in a hope that we will increase our understanding of each other. It is essential for us, as neighbors, to be friends in the region. We will only develop this friendship through knowing more about each other," says Ros Kelly, a Member of Parliament who recently resigned as Minister for the Environment. Dear friends, I just returned from a two-week trip to the United States.

Bush to visit RI

Bush to visit RI JAKARTA (JP): Former United States President George Bush will visit Indonesia following the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum leaders meeting to address regional economic and political issues, says an executive of the U.S.-based Citibank. "We don't have the exact date yet but it will be after the APEC leadership meeting," Maarten J. Hulshoff, chief executive and general manager of Citibank's Jakarta branch, said yesterday.

Gas station owners not informed of relocation plan

Gas station owners not informed of relocation plan JAKARTA (JP): An executive of the gas station owners' association said that the union has not received official notice from the city administration about the planned relocation of gas stations which occupy areas formerly designated for use as parks. A.S.

HK firm gets stake in Bakrie & Brothers

HK firm gets stake in Bakrie & Brothers By Frits H. Pangemanan HONG KONG (JP): AIG Investment Corp. (Asia) Ltd., a Hong Kong financial company, signed an agreement here yesterday to purchase PT Bakrie & Brothers shares worth US$125 million to support the latter's expansion programs. The chairman of Bakrie & Brothers, Aburizal Bakrie, told reporters after signing the agreement with the president of AIG Investment, Cesar C.

China, Vietnam talks failed

China, Vietnam talks failed HANOI (Reuter): Vietnam said yesterday it had failed to reach agreement with China in talks this week on the disputed Spratly and Paracel Islands in the South China Sea but they agreed to keep talking. "These talks have brought about better understanding of each other's positions," Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Ho The Lan told a press briefing. "However, it is impossible to reach agreement on such complicated questions within one or two negotiations," she said.

Climbers saved from forest fire

Climbers saved from forest fire SALATIGA, Central Java: Search and Rescue (SAR) officers have saved nine hikers and their two guides who were trapped in a raging forest fire on the slopes of Mt. Merbabu. The fire has already razed some 200 hectares, including pine forest, despite efforts by the authorities and the local people to contain it. Witnesses said the strong wind made the job difficult. The nine climbers were students from Jakarta and Surakarta.

Final try out for sepak takraw

Final try out for sepak takraw JAKARTA (JP): The national sepak takraw team will leave for Thailand tomorrow for a series of friendly matches which serve as the final try out prior to the Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan in October. Coach Aris Medeng said yesterday that during the Aug. 20-29 overseas stint, his team of six is tipped to tackle the Thai national squad.

Matori makes scathing attack on PPP leader

Matori makes scathing attack on PPP leader JAKARTA (JP): United Development Party (PPP) Secretary General Matori Abdul Djalil -- with an eye on the party leadership -- made a scathing attack yesterday on incumbent chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum, saying that the party's poor showing in the last election was attributed to the leadership. Matori told a press conference that the party would continue to lose its supporters if it maintained its current strategy.

Indonesia will continue forestry ads overseas

Indonesia will continue forestry ads overseas JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Forestry Community (MPI) will continue advertising in other countries to inform people of Indonesia's sustainable forestry development, in spite of a recent suspension of television commercials in Britain.

1800 families relocated for container terminal plan

1800 families relocated for container terminal plan JAKARTA (JP): Nearly 1,800 families from the 9,037 in the North Koja subdistrict, North Jakarta have been relocated to pave the way for the construction of the new container terminal. S.J. Sagino, an official of the land clearance team for the mammoth cargo terminal project, told newsmen on Tuesday that his unit had already paid Rp 80 billion (US$36.84 million) to 1,886 families as compensation for their land.

Tansil to appeal against corruption indictment

Tansil to appeal against corruption indictment JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Eddy Tansil plans to appeal the 17- year prison term handed to him by a Jakarta court last week for swindling the government out of $448 million, his lawyers said yesterday. F.X.L. Soewadi of the Gani Djemat law firm which defended Tansil in Central Jakarta District Court, said yesterday that his client has agreed to file an appeal with the Jakarta High Court.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m Cartoon: I'm Telling 3:05 Science Film: Langka dan Unik 3:30 TV Series: Wars in Peace 4:00 Students' Quiz 4:30 Flora & Fauna 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Cultural Program 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Sebaiknya Anda Tahu 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dinamika 8:00 Special Program: Maulid Nabi Muhammad SAW 9:00 World News 9:30 Berpacu Dalam Melodi 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Adam Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Govt wants returning workers to use Damri bus

Govt wants returning workers to use Damri bus JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Manpower is urging Indonesian workers returning from work assignments abroad, especially women, to use a special bus fleet provided by the state transportation company PT Damri.

Indonesia likely to give Asian Games soccer a miss

Indonesia likely to give Asian Games soccer a miss JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia appears poised to bail out of the soccer competition of the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan this October. Executive chairman of the national sports governing body (KONI) Soeweno said yesterday that the All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) had already bowed out due to the strict standards applied by KONI. "Mr.

The Koreans have yet to reach settlement

The Koreans have yet to reach settlement The Jakarta Post Asia correspondent Harvey Stockwin analyses and comments on the initial agreement attained by North Korea and the United States after their third round of high-level talks in Geneva last week. HONG KONG (JP): In the end it was neither a joint communique nor a joint statement. It was not even, as some North Korean diplomats had earlier hinted, a joint declaration.

NU offers to bring Arqam into its fold in case of ban

NU offers to bring Arqam into its fold in case of ban JAKARTA (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Moslem organization, has offered to bring Al Arqam into its fold if the government bans the Malaysia-based Islamic movement. NU Chairman Abdurrahman Wahid made the offer on Wednesday night as a ban against Al Arqam becomes imminent.

Independence speech

Independence speech In his speech at the House of Representatives (DPR) to mark Independence Day, President Soeharto explicitly placed Indonesia in the global context. Some nations have been successful in raising the prosperity and the prestige of their people. Some are limping their way forward, still others fail. In fact, the key to success is the prevalence of the spirit of nationalism, unity and a sense of togetherness.

No Paper

No Paper In observance of Prophet Muhammad's birthday The Jakarta Post will not appear tomorrow. The Post will resume publication on Monday. -- Publisher

Jakarta's PPP chapter gives its support to Ismail Hasan

Jakarta's PPP chapter gives its support to Ismail Hasan JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta chapter of the United Development Party (PPP) yesterday announced its support for the candidacy of the party's incumbent chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum, for the upcoming election that will take place in Jakarta this month. Chairman of the chapter, H.M Djufrie Asmoredjo, said Jakarta and its five branches had agreed to throw their support behind Ismail Hasan's reelection at a PPP congress.

Kalijodoh brothels closed

Kalijodoh brothels closed The West Jakarta administration have closed 29 brothels at the Kalijodoh, unauthorized redlight district as part of the city administration sponsored campaign against prostitution. Karsidin, the head of the mayoralty public order office, said that the closure of the brothels was a follow-up of agreement between him and pimps, who promised to shut down those brothels before Aug. 17.

Ten pro-democracy students to be released

Ten pro-democracy students to be released JAKARTA (JP): Ten students jailed on charges of insulting President Soeharto will soon be released by order of the Supreme Court, their lawyers said yesterday. Student sources said their colleagues, nine in the Salemba penitentiary and one in Pondok Bambu womens penitentiary, would be freed this morning.

Convicts pass school exams

Convicts pass school exams MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Twenty-nine inmates of the Mataram Correctional Institution recently passed their examinations to obtain the equivalent of a primary school diploma. "These convicts were illiterate when they came here," I Wayan Puspa of the local justice office was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Confusing signals

Confusing signals Set against the spirit of deregulation which has long been the hallmark of the Indonesian government, the recent official comments on the protection of petrochemical plants are ringing out confusing signals. Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo has guaranteed tariff protection for the US$ 1.6 billion olefins industry of PT Chandra Asri.

Near-miss reported at KL airport

Near-miss reported at KL airport KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): An airline pilot suddenly aborted landing his Boeing 737 to avoid crashing into another passenger jet at Kuala Lumpur's international airport on Tuesday, aviation officials said yesterday. The near-miss, reported by the pilot, was due to a damaged multimillion dollar radar system, the officials said. Flights have been delayed since Sunday after fire damaged the 16.5 million ringgit (US$6.45 million) system at the airport on Saturday night.

Church Services

Church Services * Catholic Church, University of Atmajaya, Jl. Jend. Sudirman: Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m., 10:30 p.m. (with songs) and 5:30 p.m. * First Church of Christ, Scientist, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro 48, Menteng, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (in Indonesian) and 8 a.m. (in English). * All Saints' Anglican Church (opposite The Aryaduta Jakarta), Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim No. 5, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. ; at G.K.I. Pondok Indah at 6 p.m.

Aussie court upholds Timor Gap treaty

Aussie court upholds Timor Gap treaty CANBERRA (AFP): Australia's High Court yesterday endorsed the government's right to sign a treaty with Indonesia to exploit the rich undersea oil fields between the two countries. In a unanimous decision, the full bench of the High Court rejected submissions that Australia had no constitutional right to take part in the 1989 Timor Gap Treaty.

Angkot transport in Bandung

Angkot transport in Bandung From Pikiran Rakyat On the morning of Aug. 8, my 18-year daughter rode the popular Angkot public transport car from Karapitan to Merdeka road in Bandung. When she got out of the car, she had barely touched the ground when the Angkot sped away -- leaving her unconscious at the side of the road with wounds on her feet. Paying the Angkot is a dilemma in itself.

PSN may enter RP

PSN may enter RP MANILA (AFP): A subsidiary of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) is eying an alliance with Indonesian, Singaporean and U.S. firms for a US$900 million satellite-based mobile telephone system in Asia, an official said yesterday. Ramon Cojuangco, president of the cellular phone firm Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel), said "negotiations are still going on" and that details of the partnership still had to be finalized.

Alatas denies inviting Taiwan's president to APEC

Alatas denies inviting Taiwan's president to APEC JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas yesterday denied reports that Indonesia has invited Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting scheduled for November. "(The reports) are not at all based on facts," Alatas said in a statement here yesterday. He further added that Indonesia has not yet delivered any invitations to the meeting due to be held on Nov.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

AT&T awarded contracts

AT&T awarded contracts JAKARTA (JP): PT Telkom, the state-owned domestic telecommunication company, has awarded four contracts worth more than US$100 million to AT&T of the United States for the supply and installation of digital switching and transmission equipment, fiber optic cables and operational systems throughout Indonesia.

12 top crossers in Bandung race

12 top crossers in Bandung race JAKARTA (JP): The international motorcross championship series will resume on Aug. 27-28 in Bandung, West Java, where 12 world- beaters are pitted against local riders. Big names from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and several European countries have confirmed their entry at the Lucky Strike-sponsored race, the third leg of the series, at Gardenville Mountain Park View circuit in Lembang, 15 kilometers west to West Java capital.

Aussie, RI ministers to meet on economy

Aussie, RI ministers to meet on economy JAKARTA (JP): Four Indonesian and five Australian ministers will meet in Canberra next week to advance the bilateral economic agenda for the next two years, a spokesman for the Australian Ministry for Foreign Affairs said yesterday. The spokesman said in a statement made available here that the Indonesian delegation, who will attend the second Australia- Indonesia Ministerial Forum at the Hyatt Hotel on Aug.

Unqualified opinion for Pertamina from BPKP

Unqualified opinion for Pertamina from BPKP JAKARTA (JP): The Government Audit Agency (BPKP) yesterday awarded an 'unqualified' opinion on the 1992-93 financial statement of the state oil company Pertamina, making it the fifth such opinion in the last five years.

EasyCall

EasyCall In response to Mr. Ahmad Sidik's comments regarding his service from PT. Telematrixindo (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 10, 1994) we wish to comment as follows: First, we apologize to Mr. Sidik for any inconvenience which may have been caused. Further, we would point out that since its launch in October 1993 EasyCall has experienced rapid growth in its subscriber base due to its innovative and unique products and its continually expanding service throughout Indonesia.

Young Designers Contest 1994: In search of distinction

Young Designers Contest 1994: In search of distinction By Dini Djalal JAKARTA (JP): Fashion designers from Europe and North America are looking to "the Orient" for inspiration. In his spring and summer collections, Jean Paul-Gaultier dressed his models in nose-rings and bright saris as an homage to Indian and Masai culture. Vietnamese-style collarless jackets in earth colors or indigo, fastened by ornate silk buttons, are now a wardrobe staple.

Expo by 49 artists marks Independence anniversary

Expo by 49 artists marks Independence anniversary JAKARTA (JP): Highlighting the 49th anniversary of Indonesia's independence, Edwin's Gallery holds a ten-day exhibition to last until Sunday evening, presenting realistic, surrealistic, expressionistic and abstract works of 49 local painters. The exhibition, called Gema Empat Sembilan, which literally means "The Echo of Forty Nine", is designed to reflect the development of Indonesian painting since independence.

Organda insists on raising fares for public transit

Organda insists on raising fares for public transit JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Chapter of Public Transport Owners' Organization (Organda DKI) has insisted on its proposal for an increase in the fares of public transit vehicles despite the government's strong objection towards the proposal. "We will keep demanding for an increase," Aip Sjarifuddin, the Organda DKI's chairman, told The Jakarta Post yesterday after a hearing with the City Council's Commission D on development.

Fire destroys Lampung forest

Fire destroys Lampung forest BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Fire razed some 2,000 hectares of forest in the Mesuji district in North Lampung this week. A.S.M. Panjaitan, the Lampung Forestry Chief, said the fire has caused financial losses exceeding Rp 4 billion ($1.9 million). Some 200 forest rangers have been sent to the area to contain the fire, Panjaitan said. He said that the authorities had thought that the fire had been extinguished on Monday.

Returning workers told to be discreet with cash

Returning workers told to be discreet with cash JAKARTA (JP): City councilors are encouraging Indonesians returning from work assignments abroad to travel cash-light to better escape extortionists lurking around the Soekarno-Hatta airport.

Government may impose tax on CPO exports

Government may impose tax on CPO exports JAKARTA (JP): The government is mulling over the imposition of a progressive tax on exports of crude palm oil (CPO) to guarantee an adequate supply of the commodity on the domestic market. Ibrahim Hasan, the chairman of the National Logistics Agency (Bulog), the government-run semi-buffer stock agency, said here this week that the tax is now under consideration, with steps being taken to prepare for possible implementation.

Chinese in school curriculum

Chinese in school curriculum From Media Indonesia The recent government decision to allow tourist brochures with Chinese characters is too superficial. Looking at regional realities the government should also include Japanese characters in its decision judging from the economic potential of these two nations. I suggest the inclusion of the two languages in senior high school curriculum as an option on top of the compulsory English.

Senior journalist dies

Senior journalist dies JAKARTA: Djohan Akbar, a senior journalist for a number of press publications, died on Tuesday of pneumonia. Djohan was 74 years of age. He is survived by his wife, eight children and seven grandchildren. He was buried yesterday in Pasar Minggu. Djohan worked many years for the Antara news agency, at one time serving as its correspondent in Tokyo. He was also a correspondent for Times of London and a Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad.

Agreement on tiger breeding signed

Agreement on tiger breeding signed BOGOR (JP): The management of Taman Safari Indonesia, the company managing the Safari zoological park in Cisarua, Bogor, and PT Crown Pacific Jaya signed a memorandum of understanding for funding on Tuesday. The memo stipulates that the private sector firm, PT Crown Pacific Jaya, will donate US$ 45,000 to the zoological park to finance Sumatran tiger captive breeding programs.

Superbike riders arrive here

Superbike riders arrive here JAKARTA (JP): All but one of the overseas participants arrived here yesterday for Sunday's international superbike race at Sentul circuit in West Java. American world champion Scott Russell delayed his arrival until today while his closest rivals Carl Fogerty of England and Aaron Slight of New Zealand entered the race a day earlier than scheduled yesterday. At least 30 riders will be on hand for the event, the sixth stop of the world superbike championship series.

No permits for unscrupulous developers, Surjadi warns

No permits for unscrupulous developers, Surjadi warns JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has said that the city administration will not give new permits to property developers who refuse to construct social and public facilities. "Please don't expect us to grant permits for other projects before you have acknowledged your responsibility and have built social and public facilities," he said.

KL's TA stockbrokers expand into RI

KL's TA stockbrokers expand into RI KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian-based TA Securities yesterday said it was buying an 85 percent stake in an Indonesian stockbroking firm, Swadana Cipta Efekindo (SCE), to become the third brokerage to expand into Indonesia in the last three months. TA Securities, through its listed parent company, TA Enterprise Bhd., will pay Rp 442 million or about 574,000 ringgit (US$229,600), to vendors PT Pradja Farma Hoslab and Tjipto Pusposuharto for the stake in SCE.

Garuda still using baggage firm despite press barrage

Garuda still using baggage firm despite press barrage JAKARTA (JP): Garuda Airlines is unlikely to terminate its contract with the company entrusted with baggage handling at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport despite allegations employees have been rifling passenger's bags. The company, PT Jakadara, is the sole firm entrusted with moving baggage from planes' storage sections to the luggage retrieval belts at the airport.

Census of street traders planned

Census of street traders planned The city administration will soon hold a census of street traders in order to get accurate data on the number of people doing business in this informal sector.

Jakarta receives award for achievement in development

Jakarta receives award for achievement in development JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta has been named a recipient of the long awaited Parasamya Purnakarya Nugraha, a meritorious award given to provinces for the most outstanding achievement in development over the past five years. Jakarta has competed for the award along with Indonesia's 26 other provinces for 20 years.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The price surge continued on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) on Tuesday, with most shares booking significant gains in active trading. The broad-based Composite Index rose by 5.5 points to close at 483.59 on Tuesday, as compared to 478.03 on the previous day. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also recorded another increase to close at 116.06, as compared to 114.31. The exchange was closed yesterday, the 49th anniversary of the country's Independence Day.

SBSI chief formally charged with inciting Medan riots

SBSI chief formally charged with inciting Medan riots JAKARTA (JP): Muchtar Pakpahan, the chairman of the outlawed Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI), has been formally charged with inciting the riots in Medan last April. National Police Chief Spokesman Brig. Gen. IK Ratta said on Tuesday that Muchtar, who is in the custody of the Medan Police in North Sumatra, was formally informed of the charge on Monday.

Chrisye to perform at JHCC tomorrow

Chrisye to perform at JHCC tomorrow Melancholic singer Chrisye will perform a solo show at the Plenary Hall of the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center tomorrow. Sammy W., the marketing supervisor for the concert, said Tuesday it will be jointly sponsored by the private television broadcaster RCTI and the Bass Production House. The show is being held to mark the fifth anniversary of the television company. Tickets for the concert range from Rp 20,000 (US$ 9.2) to Rp 75,000 per person. (arf)

Soeharto warns of danger of anarchy

Soeharto warns of danger of anarchy JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto says Indonesia must move cautiously towards democracy given the nation's huge diversity and brief experience at nation building. "What we really need is a responsible openness," Soeharto said in his State of the Nation address on Tuesday. "Our nation is so diverse. The history of our development is still young.

Japanese firms win RI jobs

Japanese firms win RI jobs TOKYO (AFP): Three major Japanese trading firms have each won orders from the Indonesian government to build thermal power plants in Java by 1997 worth a total 180 billion yen (US$1.8 billion), company spokesmen said yesterday. Marubeni Corp. will build a 80 billion yen power station with a capacity of 1,100 megawatts in Muara Tawar, West Java, jointly with Asea Brown Boveri AG, a Swiss-Swedish venture and the largest heavy electrical machinery maker in Europe.

W. Jakarta plans laser disc inventory

W. Jakarta plans laser disc inventory The West Jakarta Office of the Ministry of Information will hold a mayoralty-wide inventory at shops selling and renting laser discs. Muhayat, the head of the West Jakarta information office, said yesterday the inventory is aimed at preventing the distribution of uncensored films. Muhayat said the 1992 information law stipulates that any film produced on laser discs is subject to censorship before it can be shown, rented or sold.

Merbabu forests razed by fire

Merbabu forests razed by fire SALATIGA, Central Java: Several hectares of forest on Mount Merbabu in Ampel and Getasan districts have been destroyed by fire. The authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. Forest rangers and locals worked hand in hand to put the fire out by cutting down trees. Strong winds, however, caused the fire to spread. The fire was extinguished completely after a three-hour struggle.

KL to auction sunken treasure

KL to auction sunken treasure KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia will auction in Amsterdam $20 million worth of treasure recovered from a British ship that sank in the Straits of Malacca in 1817, the Star newspaper said yesterday. The Star quoted sources as saying porcelain and artifacts from the merchant vessel Diana have already been shipped to Amsterdam. The decision to hold an auction in Amsterdam was made last week by a Finance Ministry committee.

Free buses attract people

Free buses attract people SURABAYA, East Java: Hundreds of people enjoyed free bus rides on Wednesday during the celebration of Indonesia's 49th Independence Day. Bus companies allowed passengers to travel free to mark the holiday. Antara reported that despite the boom of passengers, the buses plied their routes in good order. Most of the customers were students who were attending school ceremonies. Some 80,000 passengers reportedly showed up at the Surabaya bus terminal. (par)

CONDOLENCES

CONDOLENCES The management and staff of The Jakarta Post express their deepest condolences on the death of Mr. Djohan Akbar, former member of the editorial staff of the newspaper, in Jakarta on Aug. 16, 1994.

KL bans gays on TV programs

KL bans gays on TV programs KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has banned homosexuals and transvestites from appearing on the country's state-run television network, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), a top official said yesterday. "Any artiste who is proven to be a gay will come under the ban. We do not want to encourage any form of homosexuality in our society," Information Minister Mohamed Rahmat, was yesterday quoted as saying by local newspapers.

More low-cost apartments needed

More low-cost apartments needed JAKARTA (JP): A deputy governor wants PD Pembangunan Sarana Jaya, a city-owned construction company, to build more low-cost apartments to meet the escalating demand for housing among the low-income bracket. "The company should not only anticipate big opportunities in the property business but should build more low-cost apartments instead," said Tb. M. Rais, the deputy governor for economic and development affairs.

Proton to enter Europe

Proton to enter Europe KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian national car maker, Proton, said yesterday it was appointing distributors in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands in a bid to penetrate the European market. Britain is the sole Proton flag bearer in Europe at present, making up 85 percent of the car's overseas market share. Jamil Jan, the chairman of Proton -- or Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd.

Mahathir to discuss yen with Murayama

Mahathir to discuss yen with Murayama KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he would raise Malaysia's trade and investment problems with Japan during talks with his Japanese counterpart Tomiichi Murayama, scheduled to arrive here next week. "There are quite a lot of issues (to be raised)," Mahathir said Tuesday, adding that the soaring yen was hampering efforts to tackle Malaysia's trade imbalance with Japan.

Councilors want city parks to be rebuilt soon

Councilors want city parks to be rebuilt soon JAKARTA (JP): The City Council is urging the City Park Office to speed up the implementation of programs concerning areas formerly designated for green areas but which were used for the development of gas stations and other projects instead. The program calls for converting the areas into parks.

Police foil gambling

Police foil gambling PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Police have arrested four men suspected of organizing gambling activities at a three-star hotel. One of the detainees is a Malaysian citizen, according to Antara. Spokesman for the provincial police said the suspects were arrested on Monday along with a large amount of Indonesian and Malaysian currency. He said the cardsharks used small denomination bills when gambling in order to avoid detection.

Success and challenges

Success and challenges President Soeharto's annual State of the Nation Address to mark Independence Day, besides serving as contemplation of our statehood experience over the last year, also gives an accounting of the overall development in the 1993-1994 fiscal year that ended last March.

RI foreign policy enters a new phase

RI foreign policy enters a new phase JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday that the start of the Second Long Term Development Plan (PJPT II) marks a new era in the country's foreign policy.

Incentives planned for bank mergers

Incentives planned for bank mergers JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad announced Tuesday that the government will offer incentives to encourage small banks to merge among themselves or with larger ones. "The Ministry of Finance and Bank Indonesia (the central bank) are preparing the incentives," he told reporters after attending a plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR).

1,422 criminals regain their freedom this year

1,422 criminals regain their freedom this year JAKARTA (JP): The 49th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day yesterday saw 1,422 convicts walk to freedom. While for 15,379 others, the day brought them one step closer to a return to society. President Soeharto, as has been his tradition on Independence Day, granted remissions ranging from between one to six months to convicts who behaved themselves for the past year.

Indonesia's Yayuk moves to Canadian Open third round

Indonesia's Yayuk moves to Canadian Open third round MONTREAL (Agencies): Indonesia's Yayuk Basuki continued her successful preparation for the U.S. Open by beating 10th seed Magdalena Maleeva of Bulgaria 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 to reach the third round of the US$750,000 Canadian Open here on Tuesday.

Independence Day reflection

Independence Day reflection Every time we observe our Independence Day we have to thank God for we have succeeded in improving our economy so that the level of the people's prosperity is raised, the number of people living below the poverty line has decreased and infra-structures have been built which enables us to embark on to the next development.

Refugees to leave Galang Island by 1995: Official

Refugees to leave Galang Island by 1995: Official JAKARTA (JP): A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official says he is confident that Galang Island in the Riau archipelago will be free from Vietnamese and Cambodian boat people by 1995. Director of Security F. Rumayar said on Tuesday that the plan is proceeding smoothly with the repatriation process now moving ahead without serious obstacles. "The plan to vacate the island is going on and the number of boat people is dropping sharply," he said.

Small change withheld

Small change withheld From Merdeka Not giving small change has become a habitual practice among some cashiers of the state electricity company, PLN, especially the cashiers at the company's office in Depok. When they don't return larger amounts of money it becomes a problem. For example, a client gives Rp 9,000 to the cashier to pay the electricity bill of Rp 8,915 but the cashier does not return the remaining Rp 85. Isn't that a lot?

Investing on convicts pays

Investing on convicts pays JAKARTA (JP): People with money to spare might want to consider an offer from Central Java Governor Soewardi -- invest in a business run within the confines of prison facilities. Soewardi made the proposal after inspecting the quality of some of the handicrafts made by inmates of the Kedungpane Correctional Institution in Semarang.

Typhoon `Fred' threatens RP

Typhoon `Fred' threatens RP MANILA (AFP): Typhoon Fred, packing maximum winds of 120 kilometers (74 miles) an hour, was bearing down on the extreme northern Philippines yesterday, the weather bureau here said. Fred was moving west at 19 kilometers (12 miles) an hour and was plotted at about 1,340 kilometers (830 miles) east of the northern town of Aparri at 10:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) but it was not expected to affect the country over the next 24 hours, the bureau said.

Chinese cautious of Brazil's challenge

Chinese cautious of Brazil's challenge JAKARTA (JP): Chinese spikers rated Brazil their toughest competition in the first leg of the world women's volleyball grand prix championship which starts here tomorrow. With 11 world-class players in tow, the Chinese team arrived here on Tuesday for the four-team competition as the red-hot favorite.

Village funds misappropriated

Village funds misappropriated SEMARANG, Central Java: A local councilor said that the funds under a presidential aid program earmarked for poor villages have been misappropriated by officials. Deputy chief of Commission A at the Central Java legislative council Djihad Mahya said strong indications are that many officials had embezzled the money for their personal use. Djihad said that the central government doesn't supervise the use of such funds. (har)

Great tasks face the nation in the next 25 years

Great tasks face the nation in the next 25 years Following are excerpts from the provisional translation of President Soeharto's State Address delivered at the plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Aug. 16 on the occasion of Indonesia's 49th Independence Day on Aug. 17. JAKARTA: As a nation, half a century can no longer be regarded as young. But if we look around to the vast corners of the world, we see many nations are much older than ours.

National stability under threat: Wahono

National stability under threat: Wahono JAKARTA (JP): House Speaker Wahono warns that poor human resources, low productivity, unemployment and foreign interference may threaten the stability that Indonesia yearns to develop. Wahono said if not properly addressed, the problems would disrupt the government's efforts to equalize distribution of the development cake, maintain growth and promote stability.

Joop promises open tender for 2 million telephone lines

Joop promises open tender for 2 million telephone lines JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave vows that the tender for the installation of two million telephone lines in the coming five years will be open and transparent.

DPR wants govt to consult before imposing protection

DPR wants govt to consult before imposing protection JAKARTA (JP): Members of the House of Representatives (DPR) have urged the government to consult the legislative body before imposing any tariff protection policy for industrial ventures to avoid irregularities or collusion with businesses.

President Soeharto remarks on openness triggers debate

President Soeharto remarks on openness triggers debate JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto's reiteration on Tuesday of the need to maintain political stability sparked debate on whether the government intends to close the gates of political openness. Politicians, academics and lawyers expressed differing interpretations on the meaning of the statements in Soeharto's annual state-of-the-nation speech marking yesterday's 49th Independence Day.

DPR, economist urge review of policy on greater equity

DPR, economist urge review of policy on greater equity JAKARTA (JP): A noted economist and members of the House of Representatives (DPR) are urging the government to review its policy on redistribution of income and development of small businesses so that greater social and economic equity can be achieved. The remarks came in the wake of President Soeharto's State of the Nation speech at the DPR, on Tuesday, the eve of the country's 49th Independence Day.

Success in business

Success in business I believe if we are to succeed in life we must be endowed with a good measure of "good luck". Many rich and successful Indonesian business people, who are affluent even according to international standards, do not possess the two basic requirements for business, namely substantial working capital and thorough knowledge of their line of business.

New Italian diner at Mandarin

New Italian diner at Mandarin Pasta and pizzas are being served around the clock at the new Zigolini Italian Restaurant and Bar which replaces the Club Room at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Central Jakarta. The hotel's general manager, Duncan Palmer, said on Tuesday that patrons may miss the 15-year-old Club Room which was renovated to make way for the new restaurant, but expressed confidence that the public will find the new, informal atmosphere of Zigolini appealing.

Malaysia gropes soccer bribery

Malaysia gropes soccer bribery KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's police and anti-corruption agency will screen all local teams participating in the national premier league amid widespread allegations of match-fixing, officials said yesterday.

Free IDs for elderly people

Free IDs for elderly people South Jakarta Mayor H. Pardjoko handed out free citizenship documents to 50 elderly people in connection with Independence Day celebrations. The 50 elderly people, who live in Kebayoran Baru, received the IDs at a ceremony in the auditorium of the mayor's office on Tuesday. The head of the Mayoralty Population Office, Firdauz Asman, said that the elderly people were chosen from 10 subdistricts in Kebayoran Baru district.

KL lifts ban on currency swaps for foreigners

KL lifts ban on currency swaps for foreigners KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's central bank has announced an end to a six-month old ban on swap deals by banks with non- residents in another move to woo back foreign funds and prop up the local fledgling capital market. "Commercial banks in Malaysia are now allowed to undertake non-trade related swaps, including overnight swaps and outright forward transactions on the bid-side with foreigners," a brief central Bank Negara statement said Tuesday.

Police bust drug traffickers

Police bust drug traffickers PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Local police have foiled attempts by five different people to distribute marijuana in the area, seizing 40 kilograms of marijuana in all. Spokesman for the Southern Sumatra Police, Capt. Karno, told Antara that one suspect was apprehended on Aug. 1 on the Trans- Sumatra highway. The man who boarded the bus from Aceh was carrying 11 kilograms of marijuana. Another suspect was arrested the following day with 10 kilograms of marijuana.

Artists International back to aid Red Cross

Artists International back to aid Red Cross By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): They were back again, the Artists International, a group of opera singers that undertakes tours every year to Asian countries under the auspice of the Sime Darby Group, the main sponsor behind the 4-year old event. Other sponsors of Le Grand Opera this year were Malaysian Airline System and of course Sahid Jaya Hotel and Tower which by now can be referred to as the home of opera music in Jakarta.

Operation of night transportation okayed

Operation of night transportation okayed JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has given the green light to a municipal agency's plan to operate public transportation vehicles at night to support the city's service and trade sectors. The head of the City Traffic and Land Transportation Control Agency (DLLAJ), J.P. Sepang, announced Tuesday that the governor agreed with the agency's plan to operate night-time transit services.

1,500 shanties face demolition

1,500 shanties face demolition The West Jakarta mayoralty administration is threatening to demolish 1,500 shanties built without permits along the Cisadane riverbank. The head of the mayoralty Security and Public Order Office, H. Karsidin, said that he had given the owners until the end of October to tear down the shanties or face demolition.

Madura bridge needs approval

Madura bridge needs approval SEMARANG, Central Java: State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie said the construction of a 20-kilometer bridge between Java and Madura island would only proceed with the approval of the local people. "If the people support the project, the bridge will be constructed. On the other hand, the project will not go ahead if the people are against it," he told Moslem scholars and ulemas during a meeting at Diponegoro University.

Torn inner tube spread news of Indonesia's independence

Torn inner tube spread news of Indonesia's independence By Ati Nurbaiti JAKARTA (JP): A torn inner tube filled with handfuls of grass helped witnesses of the proclamation of independence spread the word as far as they could go - Central Java and back - with the only available car around. "Only few people owned bicycles, and only Sukarno and a few other Indonesians owned cars," recalled Surastri Karma Trimurti, now 82, who was then a 33-year-old reporter for the Djawa Shinbun Kai. Before the Aug.

China spikers to arrive today

China spikers to arrive today JAKARTA (JP): The Chinese women's volleyball team is scheduled to arrive at the Soekarno-Hatta airport today to take part in the US$1.5 million Ultra Jaya Cup World Volleyball Grand Prix at the Senayan sports complex on Aug. 19-21. Most of the Chinese players to enter the field in Senayan are those who donned their national colors at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona in which they came seventh.

Takdir's widow dead at 70

Takdir's widow dead at 70 JAKARTA (JP): Margret Axer, 70, the widow of Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana, died of stroke and heart failure complications yesterday, just one month after her husband's death. The German-born Margret, who was Sutan's third wife, died after undergoing treatment at the Harapan Kita hospital in West Jakarta for the past week. She had a stroke last November.

Agriculture census has no link to taxes

Agriculture census has no link to taxes JAKARTA (JP): The municipal Statistics Bureau is busy assuring the public that the data gathered during the upcoming agriculture census will not be linked to property taxes. The head of the bureau, Poniman Suhartono, said yesterday the census, to be held in October, will focus strictly on agricultural companies and other related issues, not taxes.

Moslem groups are united on Arqam ban

Moslem groups are united on Arqam ban JAKARTA (JP): All the major Moslem organizations in Indonesia are united in their wish to see the Malaysia-based Al Arqam movement banned from the country, Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher announced yesterday. "They all agreed to the ban. The Moslem community need not get confused over this matter," Tarmizi said following the presentation of meritorious service awards at the State Palace yesterday.

Vietnam, China start their border talks

Vietnam, China start their border talks HANOI (Reuter): Vietnamese and Chinese ministers held talks yesterday on border issues and problems in the South China Sea, where the two communist neighbors dispute territorial waters and oil-drilling rights. "To sit together and talk is better than to dispute," Vietnam's delegation leader, deputy foreign minister Vu Khoan, told reporters in the Vietnamese capital before starting the talks, scheduled to last four days.

Police protect deadly Metromini driver

Police protect deadly Metromini driver JAKARTA (JP): Police kept secret the whereabouts of Ramses Silitonga, driver of the minibus which careened into the Sunter river with 33 passengers, to prevent any reprisals from victims' families or that of Ramses' family members.

Bourne gives Subaru win at Malaysia rally

Bourne gives Subaru win at Malaysia rally KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): New Zealand's Possum Bourne took the Petronas Rally of Malaysia as his Subaru World Rally team prevailed in the third leg of the Asia Pacific championship series yesterday. Riding his Subaru Impreza, Bourne completed the 420-kilometer race with 34 special stages in a total time of four hours, 54 minutes and 12 seconds, with teammate Richard Burns finishing just 16 seconds behind.

Govt awards 24 contracts for mining projects

Govt awards 24 contracts for mining projects JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday awarded five working contracts for general mining to foreign joint ventures and 19 cooperation agreements on coal mining for domestic companies. The working contracts were signed here by Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana and executives of the joint ventures.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) continued their rally yesterday although some blue-chippers, such as Indocement Tungga Prakarsa and Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper, recorded sharp price drops. The broad-based Composite Index rose more than three points to close at 478.03 yesterday from 474.99 on Friday. The narrow-based GTDBS-50 Index also rose to 114.31 from 112.01.

Angry Pamulang residents burn crane

Angry Pamulang residents burn crane West Pamulang, Tangerang, residents set a crane owned by a housing developer on fire after a truck driver hit and killed a three-year-old boy on Saturday. "The people were apparently angry as they couldn't catch the truck driver and then burned the crane instead," a police officer said. Some area residents said the crane caught fire due to a short circuit, but Tres, an employee of the company constructing the housing project, said this was not likely.

Indonesians are proud of their nationality: Poll

Indonesians are proud of their nationality: Poll JAKARTA (JP): The majority of Indonesians are proud of their nationality, but think that the onslaught of Western information through mass media may erode their nationalism, a new poll says. Involving 1,000 people from three major cities, the poll by the Center for the Study of Development and Democracy (CESDA) revealed yesterday that a whopping 96 percent of its respondents said they are proud of being Indonesians.

Turtles abused at sanctuary

Turtles abused at sanctuary KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Workers entrusted with protecting rare giant leatherback turtles at a Malaysian government-run sanctuary have been abusing the creatures and eating their eggs, a local newspaper reported yesterday. Guards at the sanctuary in the northeastern Trengganu state were seen eating turtle eggs in front of tourists, defying a ban on the sale and consumption of such eggs, The Star said.

Fifteen-year-old student nabbed for killing taxi driver

Fifteen-year-old student nabbed for killing taxi driver JAKARTA (JP): After a year long search, police announced yesterday that they have captured a junior high school student who allegedly stole an Express taxi in East Jakarta and then killed the driver. The suspect, identified as Henri Roice Butar-Butar, 15, a second grader at the Slamet Riyadi junior high school, in Cijantung district, East Jakarta, was arrested on Aug. 2, in his parents' house in Cimanggis district, also in East Jakarta.

Yogie denies endorsing rival PDI regional head

Yogie denies endorsing rival PDI regional head JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. denied yesterday's press reports which suggested that the government has endorsed a rebel party member to lead the East Java chapter of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). Yogie said the government put it to the PDI's central board of executives to resolve the conflict surrounding the election of the new party chapter.

Freeport sells equity to subsidiaries

Freeport sells equity to subsidiaries JAKARTA (JP): PT Freeport Indonesia, a U.S.-Indonesian copper mining venture, has sold its equity in a four-star hotel and several multi-family residential properties in Irian Jaya to its subsidiaries, the company said here yesterday.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 9:30 a.m. Speech by President Soeharto (live) 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Diletansia 3:30 TV Series: International Family Classic 4:30 Science Program: Blue Planet 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country: East Nusa Tenggara 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings: Belief in God the Almighty 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Speech by President Soeharto (rerun) 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Kereta Api Terachir...

Integrity a national asset

Integrity a national asset The issues facing PDI (Indonesian Democratic Party) that are related to a series of regional conferences have caught our attention. Any friction prevailing in the body of the party will have a negative impact to the political development or could even disturb the national stability. It is our sincere hope that PDI will be able to consolidate so that it can serve the nation to the benefit of all.

Emha to read new social-critique poems

Emha to read new social-critique poems JAKARTA (JP): Controversial poet Emha Ainun Nadjib has been given the green light by the authorities to present some of his latest writing, all of which contains criticisms of the current social and political conditions, in Jakarta next week. Emha, whose past works have often been the subject of government bans, told reporters yesterday that his latest works will expose some of the hypocrisies found in Indonesia's present social and political setting.

Independence

Independence In observance of the 49th Anniversary of Indonesia's independence, which falls on August 17, The Jakarta Post will not appear tomorrow. The Post will resume publication on Thursday. -- Publisher

Six airport porters arrested for stealing luggage

Six airport porters arrested for stealing luggage JAKARTA (JP): Police have captured six porters and two fences specializing in baggage theft at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport over the past two weeks. All six porters worked for PT Jakadara, the sole firm entrusted with moving baggage from planes' storage sections to the luggage retrieval belts at the airport.

Six people rob house at noonday

Six people rob house at noonday Six people, including a woman, robbed a luxury house in Central Jakarta early yesterday afternoon after tying up the maid and gardener. The robbery reportedly took place around 12:15 p.m. on Jl. Cempaka Putih Timur, Central Jakarta. Police reports said six unidentified men, armed with machetes and sickles, took Dedi Kurnaldi, 26, the gardener, who was busy with his work, by surprise with their sudden entry through the open front gate.

Religious fanaticism

Religious fanaticism President Soeharto asked intellectual groups to give sincere attention to the national guidelines concerning the role of the religious communities in the nation's development when holding a seminar. According to the president, in Indonesia the religious harmony has been well achieved and now a nobler task is waiting to be addressed by all religious groups. People of different faiths are at the same time citizens of the republic.

People can't speak Bahasa

People can't speak Bahasa SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A total of 51,658 people or three percent of this province's population cannot speak the Indonesian language, according to an official. Chief of the provincial statistics office Nyoto Widodo said that the people are above five years of age and live in the interior. He said that of the 1.8 million people living in East Kalimantan, 1.7 million people above the age of five can communicate in the national language.

Looking in the mirror

Looking in the mirror Tomorrow is Indonesia's Independence Day. The time has come again for us to reflect and ponder on our journey as a nation. It is like standing in front of a mirror, looking back into our past, and asking ourselves: Are we on the right track and coming closer to our independence ideals, or have we strayed from our path and headed in an unwanted direction?

As Indonesia celebrates the 49th anniversary of its

As Indonesia celebrates the 49th anniversary of its independence on Aug. 17, many wonder what holds the 180 million inhabitants of this archipelago together, while other nations of similar diversity have split up. Historians and other observers interviewed by The Jakarta Post believe that the nation is tied together by hopes, legacies, myths and threats. Unity will likely prevail ...

Regent refuses to inaugurate new market

Regent refuses to inaugurate new market JAKARTA (JP): Bekasi Regent Mochammad Djamhari has turned down the request of a private developer to inaugurate the Pondok Gede market and bus station due to sloppy works. PT Surya Bintang Mitra (SBM), the market developer, reportedly has asked the regent to inaugurate the newly renovated marketplace, which was built along with the renovation of a bus station.

NAM calls for substantial debt reduction

NAM calls for substantial debt reduction JAKARTA (JP): The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) wound up a three- day meeting on external debt here yesterday by calling for substantial exemptions in the external debts of least-developed countries. The meeting's chairman, Saleh Afiff, told reporters that the substantial debt exemptions are the most appropriate approach for solving the debt crises of developing countries.

`TVRI' to air information on stock trading soon

`TVRI' to air information on stock trading soon JAKARTA (JP): The state-run television network TVRI will next week begin providing information on price quotations and trading events on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) through a teletext service called TVRITEXT under an agreement signed yesterday. The deal was signed here by JSX president Hasan Zein Machmud and Eddy Limantoro, the president of PT Pilar Kumalajaya, the company appointed to operate the service.

Mt. Batur quieter

Mt. Batur quieter DENPASAR, Bali: Volcanic activity on Mt. Batur slowed down yesterday after eight active days, Antara reported. Officials at the observation post in Kintamani said that minor eruptions occurred on Sunday, but could not be witnessed clearly due to thick fog. He said that emissions of dust did not disturb the activities of the people in areas such as Yeh Mempeh and Bubung Klambu.

Air India

Air India R. K. Shah, in his comments in The Jakarta Post, Aug. 12, 1994), highlights the shallow thinking of so many. I was briefly resident (2 1/2 years) in Bhutan and therefore forced by Indian Home Office rules to use Air India, Indian Airways and Air India pilots on Druk Air. Let me make it clear that it is normally the customer who selects the airline, not vice versa.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Minister Joedono to lead trade mission abroad

Minister Joedono to lead trade mission abroad JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Trade Satrio B. Joedono will lead trade missions to Australia later this month and to African countries next month to promote Indonesia's exports, an official said here yesterday. Chairman of the National Agency for Export Development (NAFED) Rudy Lengkong, in a ceremony for the introduction of an Indonesian Textile Directory, said that the minister will leave Jakarta for Australia on Aug. 24.

Cable operator optimistic about Indonesian market

Cable operator optimistic about Indonesian market JAKARTA (JP): Indovision, the first cable television operator to handle leading U.S. networks, is optimistic that it will be able to enlist 100,000 customers throughout the country within two years. The Jakarta-based Indovision's service, which started up two months ago, promises to bring "world class television programs" and "the information revolution" to its Indonesian viewers, its executives said in a press conference yesterday.

70 firms to take part in industrial exhibition

70 firms to take part in industrial exhibition JAKARTA (JP): Around 70 companies from eight countries, including the China National Machinery and Equipment I/E Corp. (CMEC), will take part in a four-day industrial exhibition which opens in Jakarta on Saturday. James Lee, the manager of the Hong Kong-based Business and Industrial Trade Fair Ltd. which will organize the exhibition, said the other participants are from Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Rumania, Singapore, Taiwan and Indonesia.

Tansil gets `only' 17 years in jail

Tansil gets `only' 17 years in jail JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Eddy Tansil, the man at the center of the Rp 1.3 trillion (US$620 million) loan scandal at the state-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo), was sentenced to 17 years in prison by a Jakarta court yesterday. The court also ordered Tansil, the 40-year-old owner of the Golden Key Group, to pay the government Rp 500 billion ($238 million) in restitution and fined him an additional Rp 30 million.

Economic gap

Economic gap I am very much interested in Minister of Research and Technology B. J. Habibie's comments (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 12, 1994) on the issue of economic gap related by Prof. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo recently. According to Habibie, nowadays Indonesia is much better than the United States of America. The criteria, which is used by Habibie, is the comparison between GNP per capita and poverty line which for Indonesia is 54.47 and for the U.S.is only 36.67.

Maintenance of pre-shipment inspection sought

Maintenance of pre-shipment inspection sought JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian importers see the present pre- shipment inspection procedure as the most effective and efficient system to secure smooth import flows, prevent administrative smuggling and safeguard government receipts from import duties.

N. Korea-U.S. accord signals changes in Asia

N. Korea-U.S. accord signals changes in Asia By Lee Su-wan SEOUL (Reuter): The nuclear safeguards agreement between the United States and North Korea holds out some hope of detente on the Korean peninsula after decades of hostility, analysts said on Sunday. They said Stalinist North Korea had scored a coup by winning U.S. agreement to work towards diplomatic recognition, starting with representatives in each other's capitals.

Nation gives top stars to its best sons

Nation gives top stars to its best sons JAKARTA (JP): Four retired Army generals, three senior oil executives, three scientists, two journalists, a literary critic, a diplomat and an ulema were awarded yesterday the Bintang Mahaputra, Indonesia's highest meritorious service award. All but one were present during the presentation ceremony led by President Soeharto at the State Palace, an event which is traditionally held before the nation marks its Independence Day every Aug. 17.

South Korean president offers nuclear technology to North Korea

South Korean president offers nuclear technology to North Korea SEOUL (AFP): President Kim Young-sam said yesterday South Korea was ready to help North Korea with sensitive nuclear power generation, saying the project could become the first joint venture of the new "Korean community." "The Korean people cannot live divided forever. We must pool all our national determination and energies," he said in a nationwide speech on the 49th anniversary of the end of Japanese colonial rule over Korea.

... if lessons learned: Observers

... if lessons learned: Observers By Ati Nurbaiti JAKARTA (JP): In exchange for considerable stability, other legacies have been viewed as threats to unity; mistakes rather than lessons - parliamentary democracy, for instance, is shunned for its too "liberal" nature. Cabinet after cabinet were overhauled, with no chance for any of them to implement programs soundly.

Districts need doctors

Districts need doctors PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: Two districts located along the Katingan river in Kotawaringin Timur regency are in dire need of doctors and medical service. Antara reported yesterday that residents of the Katingan Hulu and Marikit districts had to travel to other areas, cruising the river which is dotted with rapids in order to find doctors.

RI needs to protect coastal ecosystems from destruction

RI needs to protect coastal ecosystems from destruction JAKARTA (JP): Poor management and coordination between government agencies are the main reasons for the difficulties in determining who should be responsible for the problems occurring along the coastal regions. Participants in a one-day forum on how to prevent the destruction of coastal and marine ecosystems, yesterday, said that only through clear coordination could there be a stricter enforcement of the law.

Pollution

Pollution As an expatriate there are many new customs and ways one tries to get used to in another country. Indonesia is certainly no exception. There is one aspect of Indonesia that I simply cannot understand -- the pollution. It is rampant and everywhere. It is not caused only by industry but by each and every Indonesian from the peasants to the rich. Litter: Why do people throw their garbage out everywhere? Is it laziness or selfishness?

E. Java PDI has new chair

E. Java PDI has new chair JAKARTA: The central board of executives of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) chose Sucipto Saturday as the new chairman of the party's East Java chapter. The board's intervention was meant to end weeks of uncertainty surrounding the election of the new chapter chairman, which had been marred by open conflict between the rival camps. It dashed Latief Pudjosakti's hopes for re-election.

Setback in Thai deal hurts ties: Australia

Setback in Thai deal hurts ties: Australia CANBERRA (Reuter): Australia said yesterday its defense links with Thailand would be damaged if the Thai army stopped an Australian firm bidding for a major rifle contract because of criticism from human rights groups.

S. Korea-RI economic ties rapidly expanding

S. Korea-RI economic ties rapidly expanding JAKARTA (JP): The South Korean Ambassador here, Kyung Chul- kim, foresees a further deepening and broadening of bilateral economic cooperation with Indonesia due to the high degree of complementarity in the resource endowment of the two countries. "Korea is already Indonesia's fourth largest trading partner and sixth largest foreign investor," said Kim on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Korea today.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

RI set to assist in debt management

RI set to assist in debt management JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister of Economy and Finance Saleh Afiff said here yesterday that Indonesia is ready to provide technical assistance to help the least developed countries (LDCs) manage their debts.

Independence Day celebrations bring cheer to Jakartans

Independence Day celebrations bring cheer to Jakartans By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat JAKARTA (JP): In the increasingly tumultuous bustle of city life, the annual activities of the Aug. 17 Independence Day celebrations provide a welcomed respite for many Jakarta residents.

Cow crossing

Cow crossing From Media Indonesia On Saturday July 30 at around 11 a.m. we had a startling experience. Just when we were heading to the Balaraja off ramp, a cow suddenly crossed the toll road. Imagine the screeching from the cars traveling between 70 to 100 kilometer per hour. Luckily, there was no accident. I appeal to the Jasa Marga toll road authority to ensure that there are no gaps in the fences along this road and to erect fences on those sections of road which are fenceless. I. H.

In new move, NU seeks ban on Al Arqam

In new move, NU seeks ban on Al Arqam JAKARTA (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) withdrew its support for the controversial Al Arqam movement Saturday, joining hands with the Ulemas Council (MUI) in seeking the ban of the Malaysian- based movement. K.H. Ilyas Ruchyat, chairman of NU's advisory board, announced that it accepted the argument that Arqam posed a threat to the Moslem brotherhood in Indonesia. "We still appeal to the government not to outlaw Al Arqam on religious grounds," he said.

Dharma Wanita awards scholarships

Dharma Wanita awards scholarships The Dharma Wanita women's organization of the Ministry of Social Services has granted scholarships to 184 students from the less privileged groups of the society. The program is part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the organization, the members of which consist of wives of civil servants and female employees of government agencies. Mrs. Ign.

Soeharto wants comprehensive debt solution

Soeharto wants comprehensive debt solution JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto called over the weekend for a comprehensive and final solution for dealing with the crippling debt of developing countries.

Tips on how to change CorelDRAW!'s default font

Tips on how to change CorelDRAW!'s default font JAKARTA (JP): Each of us has a different preference as to the font and font size that we want to create our documents with. In most word processing programs, the default is Times or TimesNewRoman. These two fonts, however, are far too much in use that we usually choose different though similar ones, such as NewCenturySchlbk.

Helpful Garuda

Helpful Garuda I was traveling on a Garuda Airlines flight from Manado to Jakarta, which stops in Ujungpandang. Since I had been on a short business visit to Manado, I was carrying only hand baggage, which consisted of my briefcase and traveling bag. During the stop in Ujungpandang, passengers in transit to Jakarta are allowed to get off the aircraft while passengers from Ujungpandang get ready to board.

RI raises diplomatic ties with South Africa

RI raises diplomatic ties with South Africa JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has raised its diplomatic ties with South Africa to a full ambassadorial level although both counties have yet to appoint their respective official ambassadors. A joint communique on the issue was signed on Friday by the chief representatives of Indonesia and South Africa at the United Nations, Nugroho Wisnumurti and Vernon R.W. Steward respectively, the Antara news agency reported from New York.

Timor prisoners may get clemency

Timor prisoners may get clemency SEMARANG, Central Java: Four political prisoners from East Timor serving hefty jail terms in the Kedungpane prison here may receive clemency from the government. The clemency has been proposed by the correctional house in East Timor's capital of Dili from which the convicts were transferred. "If the clemency proposal is granted, their jail terms will be reduced one month each," Kedungpane prison warden Marsono was quoted as saying by Antara.

Weekly Stock Exchange Review

Weekly Stock Exchange Review JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on most counters advanced towards the middle and end of last week after dipping due to profit- taking on Monday. Despite heavy selling, two newcomers which were listed on Monday -- Bank Rama and Wicaksana -- performed better than expected. Both counters closed at a premium to their IPO (initial public offering) prices.

Human rights

Human rights Millions of Indonesians were killed during the Portuguese, British, Dutch and Japanese bloody 450-year occupation. Fortunately, Soekarno and his compatriot Hatta ended the era when he declared national independence in his home on Aug. 17, 1945. The occupation was the symbol of colonial barbarism where principles of human rights were ignored.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Students Quiz 3:05 Riang Ria 3:20 Soccer: Independence Cup Final (live from Surabaya) 5:30 Regional News 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings: Buddhism 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 TV Series: Van der Valk 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Woman of Valour Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Proton takes 74.5% of the local market

Proton takes 74.5% of the local market KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's national car Proton has raised its share of the domestic car market to 74.5 percent in the first six months of the year as an upbeat automobile industry saw overall sales rising 5.8 percent. Proton sold 44,949 cars to once again take command of the market, with Japanese make Honda coming second with 4,843 units or eight percent, tailed by Nissan with 2,360 units or 3.9 percent and Toyota's 2,242 units or 3.7 percent.

Lippobank's profit rises

Lippobank's profit rises JAKARTA (JP): PT Lippobank, an affiliate of the Lippo Group, has reported a 52.6 percent increase in after-tax profit to Rp 31.1 billion (US$14.32 million) during the first six months of this year over the same period of last year. The bank's president, Markus Parmadi, said in a statement here on Saturday that its before-tax profit posted a significant growth to Rp 47.9 billion from Rp 31.4 billion.

Ulemas asked to preach about family planning

Ulemas asked to preach about family planning JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono is encouraging religious leaders to help the government promote its "prosperous family movement" campaign. Haryono invited nearly 100 ulemas and chairmen of the 27 provincial offices of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) here Saturday to help fight poverty and build prosperous communities through their Friday sermons.

Damri operates 27 airport buses

Damri operates 27 airport buses The state-owned bus company (Damri) operates 27 new busses to cater to the public's escalating demand on economic transportation to and from the Soekarno-Hatta international airport. The company's president, Anas Mars, said over the weekend that the company spent a total of Rp 4.5 billion (US$2.08 million) for the procurement of the 35-seat new buses.

Biggest asset owners

Biggest asset owners Much has been said and discussed previously about the increasingly high concentration of asset ownership and market power in the hands of large business groups in Indonesia and the implications for economic efficiency and even political stability. But the debates have rarely attracted mass media headlines, nor have they elicited comments from influential analysts or opinion makers.

Religious fanaticism

Religious fanaticism President Soeharto asked intellectual groups to give sincere attention to the national guidelines concerning the role of the religious communities in the nation's development when holding a seminar. According to the president, in Indonesia the religious harmony has been well achieved and now a nobler task is waiting to be addressed by all religious groups. People of different faiths are at the same time citizens of the republic.

Surjadi receives best village heads

Surjadi receives best village heads Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has said the visiting best village heads from the country's 27 provinces should see Jakarta in a more balanced way, weighing the metropolis' negative and positive sides, and hence not readily condoning their residents moving to the city. People from other areas, Surjadi said, tend to think only from a favorable side that Jakarta is the best place for making money and looking for jobs.

Home-made guns confiscated

Home-made guns confiscated PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Police in Central Lampung have seized two home-made rifles and arrested the two people they believe are the owners. Spokesman for the southern Sumatra police command, Second Lt. Suyanto told Antara Saturday that the suspects were taken downtown on charges of possessing firearms without a license.

Water firms will issue bonds to finance projects

Water firms will issue bonds to finance projects JAKARTA (JP): Two state-owned water companies, one in Bogor, West Java, and the other in Surabaya, East Java, plan to offer bonds to the public next year to raise funds for water purification projects. "All the requirements for the bond issuance are now under preparation," Progo Nurdjaman, director for regional finance management of the Ministry of Home Affairs, told reporters after a seminar here on Saturday.

Women's emancipation in RI may be on the wrong track

Women's emancipation in RI may be on the wrong track JAKARTA (JP): Women's emancipation in Indonesia may be on the wrong track as it is giving greater emphasis to women's participation as workers rather than access to the decision- making process, according to an activist.

India wants closer ties with ASEAN

India wants closer ties with ASEAN SINGAPORE (AFP): India wants to become a full dialog partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the earliest opportunity, the Sunday Times newspaper said. Salman Khurshid, Minister of State for External Affairs, said India wanted closer ties after having friendly but low-level relations with ASEAN, which groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Rainbow Hills is developing US$150m resort

Rainbow Hills is developing US$150m resort BOGOR, West Java (JP): PT Rainbow Hills Development on Saturday started the construction of a five-star Sheraton hotel near its sport, leisure and residential resort currently being built at Citeureup, about 40 kilometers south of Jakarta.

Citibank targets India

Citibank targets India WASHINGTON (AFP): U.S.-owned Citibank has targeted India as a major credit market, stating in a report that by the year 2000, it will rank second to Southeast Asia in terms of cardholders. "After witnessing a period of exponential growth in the number of cards issued in Southeast Asian nations, card issuers see India as the next big market", the independent research group Center for Global Trade Development said in a report.

Haryanto reiterates no hike in fares of public transport

Haryanto reiterates no hike in fares of public transport JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto has reiterated that there will be no increase in the fares of public transit vehicles this year. Haryanto said late last week during a meeting with the elected best drivers of public transit vehicles, the best seamen and the best lighthouse keepers at his office that an increase in the fares of public transit vehicles, if applied now, will, at any rate, burden the public.

A Yankee on the run sent home

A Yankee on the run sent home JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian immigration authorities have deported an American citizen who has been on the United States wanted list for a major fraud case since March 1993. James William Miller, 54, was picked up from his hotel room at the Kumbokarno Hotel in Yogyakarta last Wednesday after the immigration authority in Jakarta received a tip of his presence.

Pomposity (1)

Pomposity (1) From Republika I was taken aback by K. H. Hasan Basri's statement concerning Darul Arqam (Republika, Aug. 10, 1994). K. H. Hasan Basri, who is Chairman of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI), said "... wearing turbans, they thought they were great ulemas. When holding a dialog, the participating parties should have the same level of knowledge. Or they would misuse the forum ...". This is certainly an insulting comment.

Metareum gets strong backing

Metareum gets strong backing BANDUNG, West Java: The West Java chapter of the Moslem- oriented United Development Party (PPP) affirmed yesterday they would rally behind Ismail Hasan Metareum's bid to seek re- election as party chairman. The chapter's resolution was taken in a meeting attended by chairmen of all 25 of PPP's regency branches from all over the province. Metareum obtain strong support from 21 branches but was rejected by rest.

Cambodia rejects China Town plan

Cambodia rejects China Town plan PHNOM PENH (Reuter): Cambodia's government has rejected a proposal to create a unique China Town, fearing massive immigration from Hong Kong, the Phnom Penh Post reported. The cabinet, at a meeting in July, finally shot down plans to set up a city of 200,000 Chinese immigrants on a 20-sq km (7.70 sq mile) plot of land just outside the capital, the fortnightly Post said in its latest edition.

SBSI chief detained for inciting violence

SBSI chief detained for inciting violence JAKARTA (JP): Police have detained Muchtar Pakpahan, the chairman of the outlawed Indonesian Prosperous Workers Union (SBSI), on charges of inciting violence, his colleagues said. Muchtar was picked up from his home on Jl. Kayu Putih Selatan VI in East Jakarta on Saturday morning by officers with a warrant issued by the police precinct in Medan, North Sumatra. National Police Chief Gen.

Kraton festival opens in Yogya amid great fanfare

Kraton festival opens in Yogya amid great fanfare JAKARTA (JP): A grand and colorful festival involving seven royal houses of Java was opened in Yogyakarta on Saturday. The cheery opening ceremony of the Kraton Festival took place on the city's northern square and attracted throngs of locals and foreign tourists.

Govt must boost political education

Govt must boost political education JAKARTA (JP): The government's current drive to promote human resource development should go beyond simply improving people's skills and cover also their political awareness, intellectuals say. Speakers at a seminar on human resource development spoke on Saturday of the urgent need for Indonesia to further encourage political participation in national development.

RI hopes to mine 5 badminton golds in Hiroshima

RI hopes to mine 5 badminton golds in Hiroshima JAKARTA (JP): Badminton competitions looks to be the Indonesian team's gold mine at the Hiroshima's Asian Games, with national top shuttlers favored to scoop five out of seven titles up for grabs, a sport expert says.

Govt to issue measures to narrow economic gap

Govt to issue measures to narrow economic gap BANDUNG (JP): The government promised on Saturday to introduce more measures to narrow gaps between the rich and the poor and to alleviate absolute poverty. State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita told reporters before addressing a meeting with students of the Bandung Institute of Technology that the measures will concern macro-economic, monetary, fiscal and investment affairs.

Hanoi studies RI anti-poverty fight

Hanoi studies RI anti-poverty fight JAKARTA (JP): Vietnam is studying Indonesia's way of fighting poverty to complement its own program to improve the life of more than 20 million people living below the poverty line in the country. Nguyen Thi Hang, Vietnam's Vice Minister of Labor, Handicap and Social Affairs, told reporters on Saturday that he was particularly impressed with Indonesia's newly launched presidential aid program called Inpres Desa Tertinggal (IDT).

India and Indonesia step up trade ties

India and Indonesia step up trade ties India and Indonesia hold the perfect foundation for amiable trade and investment ties. Cultural and trade relations harking back at least two thousand years have paved the way for increasing closeness in the two countries' relations. India and Indonesia possess enormous potential for growth and expansion of their economies due to their large populations and abundance of natural resources.

Police arrest 22 in raid on gambling related activities

Police arrest 22 in raid on gambling related activities JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested 22 people in two separate gambling raids over the weekend. Lt. Col. Latief Rabar, a spokesman for the City Police, said Saturday that officers arrested three men for gambling-related fraud at the Sano hotel in Pluit district, North Jakarta, at 11:30 p.m. on Friday and 19 gamblers in the Taman Dutamas housing complex, Jaya Kusuma subdistrict, West Jakarta on Thursday.

Indonesia reaps four titles at Indonesia Open badminton meet

Indonesia reaps four titles at Indonesia Open badminton meet By Hidayat Jati YOGYAKARTA (JP): Indonesia seized four titles at the 1994 RCTI Indonesian Open while the men's doubles All-Indonesian final achieved a milestone, delivering the tourney's best match here yesterday.

Civil war may tear E. Timor if troops withdrawn: Military

Civil war may tear E. Timor if troops withdrawn: Military DILI, East Timor (JP): The military gave a warning Saturday that East Timor would be riddled by a civil war if the government bowed to foreign pressure to withdraw its troops from the territory. "You may not believe it but the Vatican ambassador to Indonesia is the one who has warned of such a possibility," East Timor's Wiradharma military commandant Col. Johny J. Lumintang told a visiting German member of parliament.

Pomposity (2)

Pomposity (2) From Republika The issue of the Arqam movement which has been in the news for some time, has drawn a number of comments from the society. Obviously each comment is based on different argument. I am not particularly interested in the Arqam's teachings, but judging their way of life, I cannot help but to respect them. Therefore, I am particularly amazed by K.H. Hasan Basri's comments on the Arqam group.

British TV body suspends RI forestry commercials

British TV body suspends RI forestry commercials JAKARTA (JP): The Independent Television Commission (ITC) of Britain has suspended controversial commercials paid for by the Indonesian Forestry Community (MPI), following complaints from a number of viewers and environmental groups, an environmentalist said over the weekend.

Myanmar responds to Mons' report

Myanmar responds to Mons' report JAKARTA (JP): The thousands of Myanmar's ethnic Mons currently being accommodated at refugee camps along the Thai border cannot be classified as refugees but rather "economic migrants", Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia says. Ambassador U Nyi Nyi Than said that for years, ethnic Mons have been crossing over the Thai border to work and take advantage of the booming economy there.

Many Chinese remain alien

Many Chinese remain alien BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: As many as 1,177 people, or 38 percent of Chinese descendants in the province, have not applied for Indonesian citizenship, an official has said. Head of the socio-political affairs section of the provincial government, A. Azis S., said on Saturday that of the 3,102 people of Chinese descent across Lampung, only 1,925 had applied for citizenship.

PDI activists wants Alex

PDI activists wants Alex Leaders of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in South Jakarta have said they will support the re-election of Alex Atmasubrata, the current leader of the party's Jakarta chapter. Alex announced recently that he would run for re-election if the PDI members wanted him to do so. H.

Officer shoots the wrong man

Officer shoots the wrong man CILEGON, West Java: A sergeant chief is currently under investigation after he reportedly shot an innocent man during a raid on a house he thought was owned by motorcycle thief. He got the wrong house and shot the wrong man, the Banten Regency Police Chief Col. Susanto was quoted as confirming the report by Antara. The victim, Subalim, apparently tried to fight back when he saw a gun-wielding man break into his house.

Joko outlasts Alan as Indonesia Open turns up the heat

Joko outlasts Alan as Indonesia Open turns up the heat By Hidayat Jati YOGYAKARTA (JP): Top seed Joko Suprianto survived a battle of champions here yesterday as he edged out Olympic gold medalist and title holder Alan Budikusuma to earn a semifinal berth in the Indonesia Open badminton championships. The hard-earned 9-15, 15-4, 18-14 victory put another notch in world champion Joko's belt.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

PAL to reinstate sacked crew

PAL to reinstate sacked crew MANILA (AFP): Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) said yesterday it had reinstated 143 of 183 ground crew sacked after a wildcat strike in June, a move which sparked fresh labor unrest at the financially troubled carrier. But leaders of the PAL ground crew union rejected the latest move by the flag carrier's management, saying they would not return to work unless all 183 employees were reinstated.

Soeharto to open NAM's ministerial meeting on debt

Soeharto to open NAM's ministerial meeting on debt JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, the current chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), will officially open the group's first ministerial meeting on external debt here today to formulate ways of reducing the debt burdens facing its members. Coordinating Minister for Economy and Finance Saleh Afiff announced yesterday that the three-day meeting will seek solutions to the crippling debt problems encountered by developing nations.

Sudomo, Siska to carry on with divorce suit

Sudomo, Siska to carry on with divorce suit JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers for both retired admiral Sudomo, and his wife Fransiska Diah Widowati, said their clients had failed to reconcile their differences and will continue with divorce proceedings.

Flower, pet exhibition opens

Flower, pet exhibition opens JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja yesterday opened the 12th Flora and Fauna (Flona) Jakarta, an annual two-week exhibition of house plants and pet animals, at the Banteng Square, Central Jakarta. In his speech prior to opening the exhibition, Surjadi hoped that the exhibition would help promote environmental-based city development.

Plan for strict gun control gets a shot in the arm

Plan for strict gun control gets a shot in the arm By Lewa Pardomuan JAKARTA (JP): Leading lawyers and criminologists throw their weight behind the proposal by authorities to tighten the use of fire arms amidst signs of increasing abuses of their use, including in crimes. The lawyers said that the government must move fast to tighten the regulations before the situation gets out of control.

Firm plans dividends

Firm plans dividends JAKARTA (JP): PT Bhuwanatala Indah Permai, a property company, announced here yesterday it will distribute dividends of Rp 20 (0.92 U.S. cent) per share to shareholders from its 1993 after- tax profit of Rp 1.37 billion ($632,942).

Feminist seminar

Feminist seminar I was horrified, yes, horrified, to read that the U.S. in promoting its own national ideology of naive egalitarianism had organized a feminist seminar at the U.S. Embassy here in Jakarta (The Jakarta Post, July 28, 1994). The article Feminist movement can learn from U.S. rolled out a couple of hoary old chestnuts like this one for example: "The American women even participate in a traditionally male activity such as weight lifting." How rich!

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The buying sentiment on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) remained strong yesterday despite the drop in prices of number of popular issues in the morning session. The broad-based Composite Index rose by nearly 1.5 points to close the week at 474.99, seeing a total gain of 2.19 points during the week as compared to over 16 points on the previous week. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index gained lost ground to close at 112.01 yesterday against 112 on the previous day.

ABRI reshuffles chiefs of strategic commands

ABRI reshuffles chiefs of strategic commands JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) yesterday announced a major reshuffle in some of its main commands, including the Army Strategic Reserves (Kostrad), the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) and the military command in East Timor. Maj. Gen. Tarub, currently chief of the Trikora Command, has been reassigned as Kostrad commandant to replace the retiring Maj. Gen.

Singers to sing for National Day

Singers to sing for National Day The city administration will invite noted singers to take part in open air festivities to celebrate the National Day on the eve of the actual day. The 49th anniversary of the Indonesian National Day will fall on Aug. 17. The festivities will be held in the eastern parking lot of the Senayan square. According to Kenna Tarigan, chairman of the organizing committee, the fiesta will start at 7 p.m. and will last six hours.

Church Services

Church Services * Catholic Church, University of Atmajaya, Jl. Jend. Sudirman: Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m., 10:30 p.m. (with songs) and 5:30 p.m. * First Church of Christ, Scientist, Jl. Teuku Cik Ditiro 48, Menteng, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. (in Indonesian) and 8 a.m. (in English). * All Saints' Anglican Church (opposite The Aryaduta Jakarta), Jl. Arif Rahman Hakim No. 5, Central Jakarta: Services on Sunday at 7:30 a.m., 9:00 a.m. ; at G.K.I. Pondok Indah at 6 p.m.

NU opposes move to ban Al Arqam

NU opposes move to ban Al Arqam JAKARTA (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Moslem organization, appealed to the government yesterday not to outlaw the Malaysian-based Al Arqam movement, at least not on religious grounds. NU's position was publicly announced yesterday after the Fatwa Council, which issues the group's policy recommendations, deliberated. The council members met with representatives from the Al Arqam earlier in the morning.

Islamic groups demand Nasreen return for trial

Islamic groups demand Nasreen return for trial DHAKA (Reuter): Radical Moslem groups demanded yesterday that the Bangladesh government bring feminist writer Taslim Nasreen back from her Swedish sanctuary and vowed to continue their street protests calling for her death. "I ask the government to immediately bring her home and punish her for committing an unforgivable crime against Islam and its followers," said Moulana Matiur Rahman Nizami, deputy chief of the Jamaat-e-Islami party.

Faster train service

Faster train service SEMARANG: A new railway service will be launched next week that will slash travel time between Jakarta and Surabaya to nine hours with only one stop in Semarang. The service will begin on Aug. 17 to coincide with Independence Day, said Eddy Sasongko, head of the Central Java Operation of the state railway firm PJKA. (har)

RCTI's programing

RCTI's programing Everyone would readily agree that RCTI's programing these past five years has largely contributed to the enjoyment of local television viewers. RCTI has consistently increased the local content of its programs over the years, which is essential to reduce dependence on too many imports. These imports are predominantly from the U.S.A. and apparently not the best that are available in the market.

Soldier jailed for extortion

Soldier jailed for extortion SURABAYA: The local military tribunal has sentenced a member of the military police to two years imprisonment for extortion. The court found Maj. Kuswadiono, 47, guilty of abusing his position by extorting a fellow soldier and a number of businessmen accused of taking part in a lube oil scam, the Antara news agency reported.

Fugitive minibus driver captured at last

Fugitive minibus driver captured at last JAKARTA (JP): Ramses Silitonga, the driver of the Metromini bus which careened into a river here last March killing 33 passengers, has been captured. The police announced yesterday that the suspect was captured in North Sumatra on Thursday afternoon after six months on the run. Ramses, 33, fled responsibility after the packed minibus he drove recklessly careened into the muddy and heavily polluted Sunter river along Jl.

Fourth Bapindo director faces trial

Fourth Bapindo director faces trial JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court yesterday received the dossier of Bambang Kuntjoro, the fourth director of Bapindo, in connection with the Rp 1.3 trillion ($620 million) scandal at the government-owned bank. The court has not yet set the date of the hearing. The trial of another former Bapindo director Sjahrizal, whose dossier was turned over to the same court on Tuesday, will start on Aug.23.

Vicious crime

Vicious crime From time to time The Jakarta Post publishes a truly important photograph. About a month ago there was the picture of Yasser Arafat and a Jewish Rabbi bear hugging each other and grinning like a pair of long lost brothers (which of course they are). I've stuck this one up on my office wall as an image that cuts through all prejudice. Then, just the other day, Aug. 4 to be precise, there was the photo of "The Culprit".

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m Sports 3:30 TV Series: Sins 4:30 Pelangi Budaya 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music: Local Pop 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Lemhanas 8:05 TV Series: Midnight Callers 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film Program 2 4:30 p.m. Sports 5:30 City News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 English News Service 8:00 TV Series: Room for Two 8:30 Music TPI 5:30 a.m.

Noted ulemas have chosen their candidate for PPP

Noted ulemas have chosen their candidate for PPP JAKARTA (JP): Influential ulemas have chosen their candidate for the Moslem-oriented United Development Party (PPP) amid bitter factional rivalry for the organization's top spot. The 10 senior ulemas from Java and Sumatra who met in the West Java town of Garut on Wednesday declined to reveal their nominee. However, the Antara press agency quoted an insider as saying they have chosen Matori Abdul Djalil, the party's current secretary- general.

Indonesia expects more golds from the 12th Asian Games

Indonesia expects more golds from the 12th Asian Games JAKARTA (JP): Barring unforeseen injuries, Indonesian athletes will garner more golds than previously expected in the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima, an official of the national sports controlling body (KONI) says. Arnold Lisapaly, KONI training director, revealed his guarded optimism that, based on their latest performance, the national athletes will surpass the gold medal haul they brought home four years ago.

Govt petition for stay of execution on Kedungombo

Govt petition for stay of execution on Kedungombo JAKARTA (JP): Chief Justice Purwoto Gandasubrata said yesterday that the government has petitioned for a stay of implementation of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Kedungombo land dispute. Lawyers from the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), which has represented the Kedungombo villagers in the dispute with the government, yesterday met with Purwoto to seek clarification of press reports suggesting that a stay of execution had been granted.

ITTO aid for RI forests

ITTO aid for RI forests JAKARTA (JP): The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) yesterday agreed to provide Rp 2.5 billion (US$1.15 million) in grant to the Indonesian government to support the conservation of Bentuang Karimun forests in West Kalimantan. B.C.Y. Freezailah, the executive director of ITTO, signed the grant agreement with Director General of Forest Conservation Soedjadi Hartono in a ceremony here, which was attended by Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo.

SE Asian food market seen worth $60 billion by 2010

SE Asian food market seen worth $60 billion by 2010 CANBERRA (Reuter): Southeast Asia's food and agricultural product market has the potential to treble in size to US$60 billion annually by 2010, according to an Australian government report released yesterday. The value of the region's food market doubled in size in the 1980s to $19 billion in 1992, the report from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's East Asia Analytical Unit said.

Kasiyadi return to form with win

Kasiyadi return to form with win JAKARTA (JP): Kasiyadi, who has been plagued by inconsistency throughout his career, put together a third consecutive solid round to sew up the Jakarta Golf Circuit championship yesterday. Kasiyadi shot an even par-72 to close at 2-over 290 (76,69,73,72) to tame the unforgiving Halim II layout. Four strokes off the pace were Kasiyadi's elder brother, Buari, and cagey veteran Sumarno.

Mt. Batur coughs no more

Mt. Batur coughs no more KINTAMANI, Bali: Mt. Batur's activity slowed significantly on Friday to allay earlier concerns that a major eruption was imminent, according to the Antara news agency. The thick smoke, which earlier this week reached heights 300 meters above the crater, had receded to less than 100 meters by Friday. "It is quieter now," noted Gde Nurjaya, chief of the Kintamani district.

Inflation rate is accurate, chief statistician insists

Inflation rate is accurate, chief statistician insists JAKARTA (JP): The government's chief statistician said yesterday that the national inflation rate, which is released each month by the Central Statistics Bureau (BPS), is as accurate as possible. Chief of the BPS Sugito Suwito said the consumer price index is based on the price movements of a wide range of goods and services, with basic necessities such as food and housing carrying greater weight.

Atrocity victims await compensation

Atrocity victims await compensation TOKYO (Reuter): Survivors of Japanese World War II atrocities from 13 countries across the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Tokyo yesterday in a combined attempt to get compensation from the Japanese government. "This is a question of the honor of the Japanese people, and the honor of the Japanese government," said Tasrip Rahardjo, leader of a group of Indonesian former militiamen press-ganged into service in the Japanese army.

Dominance in economy

Dominance in economy Prof. Dr. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, a noted senior economist, spoke about the gap in the economy where economic tycoons get easy access to business opportunities and funds from banks. The government also gives protection to their business and industries. The professor is very unhappy because the government lacks sincerity in overcoming this gap.

Entrance exam seeks equality

Entrance exam seeks equality The results of nation wide entrance exams for state universities were announced recently. How good is today's entrance exam system? By Syamsir Alam JAKARTA (JP): For most Indonesians, going to university is a way to secure a job and status. Unsurprisingly, most parents constantly encourage their children to pursue a university education, often disregarding the youngsters' true potential and academic performance.

Kenny speaks for the sake of his fellow debt collectors

Kenny speaks for the sake of his fellow debt collectors By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): Kennedy, who is affectionately called Kenny, thought there was no use in disguising his profession to his former classmates at the UKI (Indonesian Christian University) at a reunion gathering last year in the West Java weekend resort of Puncak.

Chile's president to participate in the APEC summit

Chile's president to participate in the APEC summit JAKARTA (JP): Chilean President Eduardo Frei is expected to take part in the leadership meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum scheduled for November in Bogor, West Java, ambassador Fernando Cousino says. President Frei's attendance will mark the beginning of Chile's participation in the forum, the ambassador told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

British rugby club to test local rival

British rugby club to test local rival JAKARTA (JP): A touring British rugby union club, Broadstreet, will play a one off match against a local side from the International Sport Club of Indonesia (ISCI) this afternoon. Broadstreet Rugby Union Football Club is stopping in Jakarta on their way home from a series of matches in southern Australia. They will meet the ISCI team at 4:00 p.m. at the sport club in Ciputat, South Jakarta.

Thomas Cook acquisition

Thomas Cook acquisition JAKARTA (JP): The Thomas Cook Group Ltd., the leading travel and financial services group, has reached an agreement with Barclays Bank PLC to acquire its travelers cheque subsidiary, Interpayment Services Ltd. Thomas Cook announced in a release yesterday that the acquisition made it the world's largest supplier of MasterCard and Visa travelers cheques because Interpayment is the world's largest issuer of Visa travelers cheques with annual sales of US$7 billion.

PAM Jaya service to some areas stopped

PAM Jaya service to some areas stopped The City Water Company, PAM Jaya, announced yesterday that its service to some areas in the city, including Menteng, will be stopped on Saturday and Sunday due to a water main repair near the Pejompongan II water treatment plant in Central Jakarta.

Youth league wants KL links with Tel Aviv

Youth league wants KL links with Tel Aviv KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The powerful youth wing of Premier Mahathir Mohamad's United Malays National Organization (UMNO) yesterday urged Malaysia's government to consider establishing diplomatic ties with Israel. "History has shown that Moslems could live in peace with Jews from the time of Prophet Mohammed," UMNO youth chief Rahim Tamby Chik told the Bernama news agency.

W. Sumatra's Koto clan to have 1st supreme chief in 162 years

W. Sumatra's Koto clan to have 1st supreme chief in 162 years JAKARTA (JP): After waiting for 162 years, the Koto clan of Nagari Paninggahan village in Minangkabau, West Sumatra, will finally have a supreme chief. In a rare and grand ceremony to be held in Nagari Paninggahan, Solok regency, on Aug. 18, Muchtar Byna, 72, a businessman and former member of the House of Representatives, will be installed as Datuk Bagindo Majolelo. Earlier, on Aug.

Indonesia has AIDS challenges ahead

Indonesia has AIDS challenges ahead The 10th International Conference on AIDS, the first in Asia where the disease is spreading fastest, was closed Thursday leaving behind some unanswered questions. By Tony Kahane YOKOHAMA (JP): As the 11,000 delegates prepare to go home, the questions raised by Dr. Michael Merson remain: What should be the priorities of the global response to AIDS? Is enough being done now? And is enough being done in Indonesia to prevent the spread of HIV? As Dr.

Artist incorporates mixed media works in batik paintings

Artist incorporates mixed media works in batik paintings By Linda Owens YOGYAKARTA (JP): Hovering amidst the constellation of planets, a giant, winged woman cradles the earth in her embrace. This is just one example of the symbolically rich imagery in Linda Kaun's batik and mixed media works, on display at Baleanda Gallery & Restaurant in Yogyakarta through Sept. 3. Linda dedicates this show to two related themes she has explored over the past few years: Passages and Spirit Guardians.

Indonesia denies charges of slashing plywood prices

Indonesia denies charges of slashing plywood prices JAKARTA (JP): A war of words has erupted between the Indonesian and the Malaysian plywood exporters following sharp allegations that Indonesian producers had slashed prices to undercut their Malaysian counterparts in international markets. A.

Big local contractors told to look for jobs overseas

Big local contractors told to look for jobs overseas JAKARTA (JP): Big contractors in Indonesia should set their aims high, going after bigger projects or even looking for works overseas, instead of bidding for small projects in the country, an executive of a state-owned construction company says.

Pancasila course to be made more interesting

Pancasila course to be made more interesting JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to make the orientation course on Pancasila -- a compulsory for civil servants, politicians and professionals -- more interesting. Former vice president Sudharmono, who now heads the agency which oversees the course, said yesterday that he hoped to improve the quality of lectures to encourage people's participation in the implementation of the ideology.

Protection for new ventures defended

Protection for new ventures defended JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday defended its decision to offer selective protection against imports to new industrial ventures. "The basic protection policy stresses the importance of protecting the new industrial ventures," Coordinating Minister for Economy and Finance Saleh Afiff said here yesterday.

National park policy a conundrum

National park policy a conundrum By Silvia Werner JAKARTA (JP): Creating national parks will not solve the complex problem of conserving forest areas. Areas assigned to become national park land in Indonesia are usually already surrounded, although sparsely, by traditional farmers who are seen as a threat to the park's environment.

Strike leaders get fired

Strike leaders get fired SEMARANG: A local union leader said that many workers who went on strike have been fired by their employers once the disputes were over. "This is occurring at many companies in the province," said Tambah Soedjio, head of the local chapter of the All Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI).

Golf course project on Bira Island strongly condemned

Golf course project on Bira Island strongly condemned JAKARTA (JP): The development of a nine hole golf course on Bira Island, North Jakarta, has been strongly condemned by the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) for completely disregarding the perilous environmental consequences. According to a statement released here yesterday, Walhi claims that the golf course is highly destructive to the natural eco- system of the islands.

Suggestions

Suggestions I like Byron Black's "corner" and I imagine Indonesian English students find it useful. This is the only English newspaper that I know of, so I would think most foreigners read it. A similar "corner" to help us with the Indonesian language might be appropriate. With this opportunity I would like to say a word on pollution. I see people burning trash next to empty receptacles. Why? These fires are unsightly, smelly, unhealthy and dangerous around children.

Risjad Brasali to operate chemical plants

Risjad Brasali to operate chemical plants JAKARTA (JP): Risjad Brasali Industries (RBI), a group of chemical-based companies, will strengthen its industrial activities by operating four new chemical plants worth Rp 500 billion (US$230 million) and establishing a $76 million hydrogen peroxide plant within two years.

Duo-pianists Iravati, Aisha a repeat success

Duo-pianists Iravati, Aisha a repeat success By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): It was almost one year ago that enchanted classical music lovers time and again broke into animated applause after the completion of each rendition at the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta. They were applauding the composition and, even more, the artists Iravati and Aisha Sudiarso.

Remains of MIAs returned

Remains of MIAs returned AMBON, Maluku: The Indonesian Armed Forces on Friday handed over to representatives of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) nine coffins containing the remains of Australian air force officers who died in action during World War II. The nine were crew of the B-26 Catalina, whose wreckage was discovered near Buru island in December. The plane was believed to have been shot down by Japanese forces.

U.S. envoy in Irian

U.S. envoy in Irian JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: U.S. Ambassador Robert L. Barry on Thursday began a visit here during which he will meet with local government and military officials. His itinerary includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the MacArthur Monument in Sentani near here, and also visits to the Baliem Valley and Timika in the Fak Fak hinterland regency, the Antara news agency reported. (emb)

KL urges tappers to return to work as rubber bounces back

KL urges tappers to return to work as rubber bounces back KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): As rubber prices continue to surge, Malaysia urged smallholders yesterday to go back to tapping three years after they had been encouraged to quit the industry when prices plunged to five-year lows. Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik said the upsurge confirmed the resilience of natural rubber as a viable cash crop which could be tapped when prices were good or "kept untapped in the trees" when prices were poor.

Music royalty evaders get stern warning

Music royalty evaders get stern warning JAKARTA (JP): Police warned music royalty evaders to pay what they owe yesterday or face tough punishment. "Thus far, we prefer to resort to persuasive measures because we think stricter measures are not yet suitable. There are just too many people who remain poorly informed about the copyright law. We think what we are doing is enough for now. We will be assertive but not forceful for the time being," Lt. Col.

Hermawan shocks Indonesian Open with loss to rookie

Hermawan shocks Indonesian Open with loss to rookie By Hidayat Jati YOGYAKARTA (JP): Adrenalin finally started flowing at the RCTI Indonesia Open 1994 yesterday as giant-killer Hermawan Susanto was toppled by steel-nerved rookie Budi Santoso in a series of second-day upsets. Hermawan, a 27-year-old Thomas Cup veteran, went down hard to second-string, but agile, Budi. The 19-year-old member of the junior national squad beat out fifth seed Hermawan in a tight three setter 15-4, 18-14, 15-8.

Compaq unveils Intech' 94

Compaq unveils Intech' 94 JAKARTA (JP): Compaq Computer Asia/Pacific introduced here yesterday Intech'94, the Compaq International Technology Summit, in Singapore next month which will feature information technology leaders from around the world. Phey Teck Moh, Compaq's General Manager for Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines, said yesterday that Intech'94, which will be held at the World Trade Center on Sept.

Fire razes Pertamina building

Fire razes Pertamina building A blaze destroyed part of the third-story of Pertamina building on Jl. Kramat Raya, Central Jakarta, yesterday morning. The fire, which occurred around 7.50 a.m., was put out by firemen from the City Fire Office together with the state oil company Pertamina's firemen in less than an hour. No casualty was reported in the blaze, while the amount of financial losses had yet to be calculated.

Golkar gets the blame

Golkar gets the blame KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Local elementary school teachers have had their salaries deducted by another Rp 6,000 per month on top of other deductions, this time to pay their membership dues to Golkar, the ruling political organization.

Healed Alan vows to return to the big league and defend title

Healed Alan vows to return to the big league and defend title By Hidayat Jati YOGYAKARTA (JP): Alan Budikusuma, defending Indonesia Open badminton champion and gold medal winner in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, said that he has licked his wounds long enough and vowed to return to the top three. "1994 has not been exactly my best year, thanks to the my knee injury last year," he told the Jakarta Post while watching the many one sided matches at the Among Rogo stadium yesterday.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Executive property expo to be held here

Executive property expo to be held here JAKARTA (JP): Buoyed by optimism about local investment, four property companies and the Batam Development Authority will hold a property exhibition, called Executive 2000, from Aug. 20 to 28 in the atrium of Plaza Indonesia, Central Jakarta. Peter Chan, vice president of Bonauli Group, said the local property market still looks promising.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) rose in active trading yesterday with the broad-based Composite Index gaining almost two points to close at 473.52 from 471.69 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the narrow-based GTDBS-50 Index increased to 112.05 from 111.22. Total trading volume rose to 27.46 million shares worth Rp 175.56 billion (US$80.86 million) from 22.52 million shares valued at Rp 101.08 billion.

Soeharto accords role to religious intellectuals

Soeharto accords role to religious intellectuals JAKARTA (JP): Religious-based intellectual organizations, widely criticized recently for fostering sectarian politics in Indonesia, yesterday won the presidential seal of approval when they jointly organized a seminar on human resource development. President Soeharto told the seminar that religious intellectuals play a major role in national development, including promoting the country's religious life.

Rebel PDI activists told to set up own political party

Rebel PDI activists told to set up own political party JAKARTA (JP): A leading member of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) yesterday said that party members who are discontent with the leadership of Megawati Soekarnoputri should form their own party instead of trying to undermine the party.

U.S. investment in ASEAN

U.S. investment in ASEAN BANGKOK (AFP): U.S. investment in ASEAN countries has topped that of Japan, reaching US$40 billion and likely to pass $200 billion by the end of the decade, a U.S. business representative said yesterday. Robert Driscoll, president of the U.S.-ASEAN Council, which promotes private business ventures in Southeast Asia, said U.S. investment to the region grew by $3 billion in 1993 alone, according to the U.S. Chambers of Commerce. U.S.

Indonesia warned of widening economic gap

Indonesia warned of widening economic gap JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, whose gap between the poor and the rich has become notorious in the last two decades, received another warning yesterday following the remark of a senior economist, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, about the issue. "I immediately read this eye-catching statement," State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie said yesterday.

Foreign investments decline sharply

Foreign investments decline sharply JAKARTA (JP): Foreign investments approved by the government for the development of non-oil and non-financial businesses fell sharply in the period from June to July, dropping to US$139.56 million from $225.85 million in the May-June period. However, in a monthly report released yesterday, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) said that domestic investments surged to Rp 7.55 trillion ($3.48 billion) from Rp 3.05 trillion.

Lack of seats at railway stations

Lack of seats at railway stations From Neraca As a Jakarta residence, I used to travel by train to my work place and back every working day because it is the only fast and cheap means of public transportation in the city. I, and perhaps many other commuters who used to travel by train, are proud of the city's railway stations with their grand architectural style. Why can't our government afford to build railway stations like those in advanced countries.

Telephone

Telephone From Neraca Telkom has been very helpful in providing the public with telephones. I am very grateful for this. In Lenteng Agung district, southern Jakarta, in front of the campus of Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Komunikasi, there are three public telephone booths. Unfortunately they have not been working for weeks now although the Telkom workers who gather the coins from the phone boxes must know about this.

Bakrie sells 6.8m shares

Bakrie sells 6.8m shares JAKARTA (JP): Hanil Leasing Company Ltd. of South Korea has acquired 4.25 million shares of PT Bakrie Finance Corporation (BFC) and the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) another 2.55 million shares. A spokesman for Bakrie Finance said here yesterday that the transactions for the share acquisition were made last Friday at the Jakarta Stock Exchange under the coordination of PT Bakrie Nusantara Corporation.

Reforestation decentralized

Reforestation decentralized JAKARTA (JP): The government has decided to decentralize reforestation programs by giving local authorities a bigger role, Director General of Reforestation and Land Rehabilitation Sumahadi said yesterday. "We will establish offices in 195 regencies in 26 provinces and assign them to deal with reforestation and land conservation programs," Sumahadi said. Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Nusa Dua Beach Hotel: Budaya Stage - Legong Buffet Dinner, Friday; Ramayana Buffet Dinner, Monday. Coffee Shop - Indonesian Night with Joged Dance, Saturday. Village Night with Frog Dance, Tuesday. Notte Italiana with Capo Dastro Quartet, Thursday. Poolside - BBQ Night with Hawaiian Band, Wednesday. * Sheraton Lagoon Nusa Dua Beach: Poolside Terrace - Janger Cultural Performance, Friday. Pasar Ikan Seafood Market, Saturday.

The Piano: No porn film

The Piano: No porn film After reading the "Your Letters" column in The Jakarta Post (Aug.9, 1994) I was shocked to see my name below a letter that I had not written as printed. Not only had you modified the English in a rather awkward fashion but also cut out two of my main arguments about the film The Piano. The arguments were that The Piano is not a pornographic film and that censorship is superfluous when the laws of economics are applied.

Pondok Kelapa named best subdistrict

Pondok Kelapa named best subdistrict Pondok Kelapa subdistrict in East Jakarta has been named as the winner of the city village contest for the 1994 fiscal year and will receive First Lady Tien Soeharto's trophy, a cash prize of Rp 400,000 (US$184) and a village bank loan of Rp 5 million. The announcement was made by the Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs, Idroes, in his office on Wednesday.

North Korea honors Alatas with award

North Korea honors Alatas with award JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas yesterday received the Order of Friendship First Class award from North Korea for his efforts toward the reunification of the two Koreas. Former Indonesian ambassador to North Korea Muhamad Muharam Soemadipradja was awarded the Order of Friendship Second Class honor.

Govt to protect olefins from imports

Govt to protect olefins from imports JAKARTA (JP): Less than two months after ruling out tariff protection for new industrial ventures, the government announced yesterday that it plans to protect the olefins produced by PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Center in Serang, West Java, from import competition.

Intellectual seminar

Intellectual seminar With Independence Day around the corner, four Indonesian intellectual organizations are jointly holding a seminar on human resources in Jakarta. This seminar, which was officially opened by President Soeharto yesterday, is the first of its kind ever held. Obviously, we hail this seminar as an important effort to produce quality human resources, which will be much needed by the nation in the coming decades.

KONI receives donation of Rp 1.6 billion for Asiad

KONI receives donation of Rp 1.6 billion for Asiad JAKARTA (JP): After months of waiting the national squad for Asia's greatest sporting extravaganza has found a helping hand for its financial shortcomings, although some crucial problems have yet to be resolved. A group of five entrepreneurs, who requested anonymity, gave Rp 1.6 billion (more than US$738,300) in checks to the national sports governing body (KONI), cutting the deficit of its set budget for the Games to Rp 1.4 billion ($646.050).

Japanese MPs meet with Abilio

Japanese MPs meet with Abilio DILI, East Timor: A group of Japanese members of parliament, met with governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares and placed a wreath at the Santa Cruz cemetery on Thursday. The MPs asked Abilio how many people were killed and missing in the bloody incident which took place Nov. 12, 1991, in which troops opened fire on demonstrators at the Santa Cruz cemetery.

Kasiyadi in the lead at golf tourney

Kasiyadi in the lead at golf tourney JAKARTA (JP): Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. Kasiyadi, of Surabaya's Yani club, found this out yesterday when his poor 1-over 73 was enough to vault him into the lead of the Jakarta Circuit championship yesterday. Nevertheless, he appeared unhappy with his three-day total of 2-over 218 (76,69,73) at the difficult Halim II layout located near the air force base in East Jakarta.

Bonafide debt-collectors welcomed

Bonafide debt-collectors welcomed JAKARTA (JP): Maj. Gen. Hendropriyono, chief of the Jakarta branch of the Agency for the Coordination of Support for National Stability (Bakorstanasda Jaya), said yesterday that bonafide debt collectors doing business for banks are not designated as targets of the army-sponsored Operation Cleansing.

Solo to host next royal fest

Solo to host next royal fest SURAKARTA, Central Java: This city, more popularly known as Solo, has been selected to host the next festival of royalties in 1995, the Antara news agency said. Head of Surakarta's tourism office Soetrisno said the two royal palaces in Solo, Kasunanan and Mangkunegaran, are ready to play host to the festival while Mayor R. Hartomo has agreed to provide all the necessary facilities. This year's festival will kick off in nearby Yogyakarta on Saturday. (rid)

Actor Onky gave no detail about the land, notary says

Actor Onky gave no detail about the land, notary says JAKARTA (JP): A public notary testifying in a swindle case involving actor Onky Alexander, told the West Jakarta District Court that she was not informed by the defendant nor by the official at the City Land Agency about the real measurements of the land sold to the plaintiff.

Guidance for NGOs?

Guidance for NGOs? The authorities are reportedly drafting a decree on the guidance of this country's non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Farmers find ancient grave

Farmers find ancient grave MEDAN, North Sumatra: Farmers in Sorkam, Central Tapanuli regency, stumbled upon ancient graves and antique items that experts believe date back to as early as 1160. The farmers told Antara that the antiques, found in two graves they discovered when tilling their land, were a lamp, a sword, plates and coins with Malay-Arabic characters. Experts hope that more archaic items would be found in the area.

Big-size artists told to leave Ancol Art Market

Big-size artists told to leave Ancol Art Market JAKARTA (JP): City councilors and PT Pembangunan Jaya, which manages the Ancol Art Market, are urging crafters and painters who have blossomed into sizable businesses to move from the art market in order to create more space for their less-fortunate counterparts.

592 firms face law suit

592 firms face law suit SEMARANG, Central Java: The provincial government has threatened to sue 592 companies for not insuring their workers. "The firms will soon be brought to trial for violating the law requiring companies to enlist their employees in the workers insurance plan," Haris Albert, chairman of the Central Java branch of the state insurance company Astek, said. Each owner of the companies may be fined up to Rp 50 million ($22,000) or a maximum jail term of six months, he said.

New home for the JSX almost completed

New home for the JSX almost completed JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) plans to move its operations to its new building, which is now in the final stage of construction, in January next year.

Lampung asks for govt's nod to `export' elephants

Lampung asks for govt's nod to `export' elephants JAKARTA (JP): The southern Sumatra province of Lampung has asked the central government for permission to resettle some of its elephants elsewhere in Indonesia because of increasing attacks by the beasts on villages and towns, which often resulted in loss of life.

Murayama to visit Manila Aug. 23-24

Murayama to visit Manila Aug. 23-24 MANILA (AFP): Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama will visit the Philippines from Aug. 23-24 on the first leg of a four- nation Asian tour, an official source said yesterday. The source at the Philippine foreign office said Murayama would meet with Philippine President Fidel Ramos to discuss a wide range of issues, including official aid, regional problems and the plight of Filipino women forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops during World War II.

Life insurers report 33.5% growth in their revenues

Life insurers report 33.5% growth in their revenues JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Insurance Council (DAI) yesterday reported a 33.5 percent increase in revenues from the life insurance sector, rising to Rp 1.28 trillion (US$592.21 million) last year from Rp 963.15 billion in 1992. "Of last year's total revenues, Rp 1.04 trillion came from life insurance premiums," DAI's vice chairman for life insurance affairs, Sujono Soepeno, told reporters here yesterday.

Wimpy rules out powerful eruption

Wimpy rules out powerful eruption DENPASAR, Bali: A volcanologist has poured cold water on the suggestion that Mt. Batur in Bali will erupt violently soon, even though it has seen increased activity lately. "The probability that there will be a big and destructive eruption is small," Wimpy S. Tjetjep of the Directorate of Volcanology, said as quoted by the Antara news agency. "The pressure of sulfur gas thrown up by the volcano is relatively low," he said. Wimpy was sent to Bali to monitor Mt.

RI charged of undercutting

RI charged of undercutting KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian plywood exporters have charged that Indonesian counterparts were unilaterally slashing plywood prices to undercut them in the international markets.

Only 20% buildings have permits

Only 20% buildings have permits Only 200,000 of an estimated one million permanent buildings across the city have building permits, a city official has said.

`Tempo' employees and its shareholders may part ways

`Tempo' employees and its shareholders may part ways JAKARTA (JP): The employees and shareholders of the defunct Tempo news magazine may part ways with each planning to establish their own magazines. This became apparent after a shareholders' meeting on Wednesday during which the employee representatives demanded an explanation from the Jaya Raya Foundation, holder of 40 percent equity, about rumors that it had struck up a deal with other investors to form a new magazine.

KL palm oil stocks soar on rally and RI ban

KL palm oil stocks soar on rally and RI ban KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Listed plantation companies in Malaysia are experiencing a windfall in share prices due to a rally on the local bourse and Indonesia's plan to ban export of palm oil, analysts said yesterday. Plantation firms on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) dealing in palm oil have seen price hikes of up to 20 percent in the last two weeks amid the bourse's bullishness and Jakarta's proposal Tuesday to outlaw external sales of palm oil.

In search of a more humane political culture

In search of a more humane political culture By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): A high-ranking military officer, Gen. (ret.) Edi Sudradjat, made an upbeat remark recently. "The government apparatus, including ABRI, must be proactive if it does not want to be caught off guard by progress and changes," Edi, who is the minister of defense and security, said. The occasion was the opening of the annual Armed Forces' (ABRI) leadership meeting, held on July 18, 1994.

Bahana to build more venture capital firms

Bahana to build more venture capital firms JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned venture capital company PT Bahana Artha Ventura, which last month started operating a venture capital firm in Bandung, West Java, will establish three more similar businesses in East Java and West Sumatra this year.

Alcatel denies allegation of work safety violation

Alcatel denies allegation of work safety violation JAKARTA (JP): The Alcatel Cable company asserted its compliance with work safety standards and refuted any suggestion that the death of four workers in a telephone cable manhole in West Jakarta on Wednesday was caused by safety negligence. "The people working for our company observe safety rules and technical specifications," Alcatel Cable's resident manager R. Meljac said yesterday.

Venture capital, OTC could narrow gap

Venture capital, OTC could narrow gap JAKARTA (JP): Economists suggested here yesterday that the country further develop venture capital businesses and the Over- the-Counter (OTC) stock market in a bid to narrow the gap between large and small companies. They also called for the establishment of an independent body to help small- and medium-scale companies locate financial sources outside the banking system and the capital market.

Vicious life

Vicious life From Merdeka Who says the Indonesian community is polite, religious and has deep faith in God Almighty? Yes, many people do have a solid faith in their religious teachings, however, more people in the community have dirty minds. Gambling, prostitution, drinking, pornography and corruption are easy to find in a large city like Jakarta. These indecent practices have gone to the point of no return.

Rights body meets with journalists' alliance

Rights body meets with journalists' alliance JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights yesterday met with the representatives of the newly formed Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI). Commission Secretary General Lopa Baharuddin told the alliance leaders that they should approach the government for an endorsement. Lopa suggested that the organization also hold dialogs with various parties, including the Press Council.

Tangerang residents criticize police

Tangerang residents criticize police Five residents of Cipulir district, Tangerang, are criticizing city police over their slow response to an appeal to tackle a land dispute case involving the state-owned manufacturer of securities paper (Peruri). The five, identified as Mulud, Murtabah, Warnadi, Ijo, and Mrs.

Court denies stay of execution

Court denies stay of execution SEMARANG, Central Java: The Supreme Court denied that it had issued an order for a stay of implementation of its ruling on the Kedungombo land dispute. "If the (Supreme Court's) decision has been circulating, it must be a counterfeit," Chief of Semarang District Court Soeharso quoted Chief Justice Purwoto Gandasubrata as saying. Earlier press reports suggested that the Supreme Court had agreed to a government petition for a stay of execution.

Great Procession to highlight `Kraton' Festival

Great Procession to highlight `Kraton' Festival YOGYAKARTA (JP): A caravan of vintage carriages and men dressed as traditional Javanese soldiers will kick off the week long Kraton Festival billed as the largest ever held in this provincial town.

Seeded players triumph in a spiritless match

Seeded players triumph in a spiritless match By Hidayat Jati YOGYAKARTA (JP): Seeded national and foreign players predictably marched into the second round of the 1994 RCTI Indonesia Open after encountering mostly spunkless, mediocre play and walkovers yesterday in the malaise-ridden US$166,000 tournament.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist) Monday to Friday 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Boece (pianist) & Rima Monday to Thursday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m., Friday & Saturday 7 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio (chamber music) Sunday 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday to Saturday 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Yusuf (pianist), Sunday 7 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.

Maan takes over command

Maan takes over command JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's leading golfer Maan Naasim rode a fine 1-under 71 yesterday for a two-day total of 144 to shove unheralded Suwarno from atop the leader board of the Jakarta Circuit championship. Suwarno, who had led Maan by two strokes after the opening round at Halim II course, saw his luck run out as he carded a miserable 4-over 76 for a total of 147 (71,76). Yesterday's catastrophe left him tied for third with Daryono (72,75) and Budiono (75,72).

Malaysia's tin output declines by 47 percent

Malaysia's tin output declines by 47 percent KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's tin production fell 47 percent over the year in the five months to May while local demand for the metal rose four percent, the statistics department said yesterday. Cumulative production of tin-in-concentrates totaled 2,711 tons between January and May compared with 5,219 tons the previous corresponding period.

Timber baron Bob Hasan denies plywood boycott

Timber baron Bob Hasan denies plywood boycott JAKARTA (JP): Timber baron Mohammad (Bob) Hasan yesterday denied that South Korean and Japanese importers had boycotted Indonesian plywood and he blamed brokers for propagating misleading information. "It was reported that we have a trade war with Sarawak. That's not true. You see that we're together here," Hasan said while introducing 15 visiting delegates of the Sarawak Timber Association.

24 finalists named in youth research contest

24 finalists named in youth research contest JAKARTA (JP): Twenty-four students from 13 provinces have been selected for the final round of the Research Contest for Youths organized by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The finalists, 14 from senior and 10 from junior high schools, presented their work yesterday and today to a panel of 12 jurists chaired by Andi Hakim Nasution of the Bogor Agricultural Institute IPB.

Enforcement of Traffic Law

Enforcement of Traffic Law From Jayakarta Even though quite some time has past since the Traffic Law was first enforced, I do not see any significant change in the country's traffic conditions. Most motorists still blatantly show their lack of compliance to regulations even though under the new law, anyone who violating them is supposed to face severe punishment. The frequent violations committed by many drivers, especially public transit drivers, cause major problems for other motorists.

Dayak handicraft exhibition planned

Dayak handicraft exhibition planned A major exhibition featuring art of the Dayak tribe will be held at the Aryaduta Hotel Jakarta from Aug. 12 to 17. The event, which will take place on the hotel's second floor, is jointly organized by the East Kalimantan provincial administration, the management of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and the Aryaduta Hotel in celebration of the Indonesian Independence Day.

Ten opera artists to perform here

Ten opera artists to perform here JAKARTA (JP): Opera is getting increasingly multicultural, as Jakarta audiences and performers will see for themselves in a one-night performance of the best loved arias of several operas tonight. Ten artists, including American, Lebanese, Welsh, Ukraine, Philippine and Indonesian performers, will participate in the Sime Darby Le Grand Opera 1994. The event named after its main sponsor, a Malaysian multinational company.

Self-supporting in rice

Self-supporting in rice From Republika I am of the opinion that we should be self-supporting in rice and must preserve the rice fields. In fact, agricultural land must be increased because the need for rice is increasing as a result of an increase in population. But the reverse has happened.

Wealthy urged to help zoo

Wealthy urged to help zoo Governor Surjadi Soedirdja yesterday encouraged wealthy Jakartans to help the city administration fund Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta. "I think it is understandable that I urge Jakarta's wealthy people to participate in developing the zoo," the governor told reporters when he inaugurated a Rp 300 million (US$138,200) enclosure for riding tamed elephants which was donated by Mrs. P. Schmutzer Verteegh.

INRO manager faces tough balancing act

INRO manager faces tough balancing act KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): After having dealt with rubber for the last 26 years, James Hegarty is about to embark on a tough balancing mission to try keep 26 governments happy about the price of the highly volatile commodity. The 57-year-old American, whose career evolved around serving U.S.

On IDD

On IDD Thank you for printing my letter (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 1, 1994). Being impatient, I contacted 108 (directory information) to find out who in Telkom could be contacted to find a solution to my problem. I was advised to contact customer service, telephone No. 5200107 which I did promptly. Although my telephone line (5482996) "went through the 'death' and rebirth" cycle for three more days, it has been working properly since July 31. The customer service people called on Aug.

KONI gives nod to twelve more athletes in Asiad

KONI gives nod to twelve more athletes in Asiad JAKARTA (JP): The selection process for national athletes who will compete in October's Asian Games in Hiroshima continued yesterday with the national sports governing body (KONI) reserving 12 more places for athletes in three events.

Bekasi to hike water prices 30%

Bekasi to hike water prices 30% BEKASI (JP): The local water company, PDAM Bekasi, has announced it will increase the price of water at an average of 30 percent starting this month. The company's director, Dudung T. Rukandi, said yesterday that the price hike is unavoidable due to sharp increases in the company's operational costs. "The decision was approved by Bekasi Regent in November 1993 and subsequently by the (West Java) governor in January," Dudung said.

Rain-making operation shifts to Central Java

Rain-making operation shifts to Central Java JAKARTA (JP): Following the huge success in West Java, the government's cloud seeding operation has moved to Central Java, where the severe dry spell has affected thousands of hectares of rice fields. The Agency for the Research and Application of Technology, working with the Central Java Public Works Office, will be spraying salt in various places in the province during the next two weeks, the Ministry of Public Works said in a statement.

Murayama to APEC meeting

Murayama to APEC meeting TOKYO (AFP): Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama told an Indonesian minister here yesterday that he was ready to attend an informal summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, officials said. The informal meeting is scheduled for November in Indonesia. "I would like to attend it.

An ounce of prevention

An ounce of prevention One should not read too deeply into the note of caution about Indonesia's macro-economic stability and growth, which was written by Bank Indonesia's (central bank) Governor Soedradjad Djiwandono on Tuesday, or become apprehensive about the upcoming economic trends.

A passion for Bamboo rocks Balinese valley with music

A passion for Bamboo rocks Balinese valley with music By Amir Sidharta and Rayya Makarim UBUD, Bali (JP): As the large bamboo of the Jegog musical band from Negara hummed its low melodic tones, the solemn valley of Nyuh Kuning, south of Ubud, Bali, was gradually transformed into a festive musical haven. Soon, the music of the Gong Saron troupe from Singapadu could be heard from the bottom of the valley, while the Joged Gudegan performance began at the cabana on the higher main plateau.

Dharmindo to shift core business into trade, construction

Dharmindo to shift core business into trade, construction JAKARTA (JP): PT Dharmindo Adhiduta, a mining company affected by poor performance in 1993, will shift its core business into trade and construction and will consolidate three of its subsidiaries by next year.

Fish is not 2nd-class meal: City officer

Fish is not 2nd-class meal: City officer JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Social Welfare H. Museno said yesterday that many people in the city still consider fish a second-class meal. "However according to nutrition experts, a healthy person requires a daily intake of 15 grams of natural protein," Museno explained. He revealed that the recommended intake has not been met by many since people still believe that eating fish causes skin and worm diseases.