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Angke river banks to be cleared

Angke river banks to be cleared JAKARTA (JP): West Jakarta Mayor Sutardjianto has ordered all illegal buildings along the Angke river banks in Kedoya Utara subdistrict demolished. Muhayat, a spokesman for the mayoralty, said on Wednesday that the demolition order was issued after the State Administrative Court dismissed a lawsuit filed to prevent the clearance by local residents. "The area will be turned into a green belt area," Muhayat was quoted by Antara as saying.

Hendro: Continue war against racketeers!

Hendro: Continue war against racketeers! JAKARTA (JP): Outgoing City Military Commander Maj. Gen. AM Hendropriyono wants his successor to continue the fight against racketeers in and around Jakarta. "Racketeers, particularly those who extort money from lower class people and small-scale traders, should be wiped out from this city," the two-star general told reporters yesterday.

Police keeps Aditjondro case

Police keeps Aditjondro case YOGYAKARTA: Police said they will continue questioning George Junus Aditjondro, a lecturer of the Christian University of Satyawacana in Salatiga, Central Java, on defamation charges. "We will continue to process the case until we submit the file to the prosecution office," the Yogyakarta police chief, Lt. Col. Zairin Bustami, said yesterday.

Two people killed in every high-rise construction

Two people killed in every high-rise construction JAKARTA (JP): The construction of high-rise buildings in Jakarta takes its toll, with at least two lives claimed at each construction, an official in charge of health problems and work safety of PT Waskita Karya said. The figure could be higher because what was revealed by the official, Zainal Bhakti, is only the number of victims working on projects built by the company.

Joop urges for cheaper cellular phones

Joop urges for cheaper cellular phones JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave ordered domestic telecommunications operators to lower the prices of cellular phones. "The prices of cellular phones here are still high in this era of competition.

TV Today: Friday, December. 09, 1994

TV Today: Friday, December. 09, 1994 TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m TV Series: Kubuto 3:05 Langka & Unik 3:30 Science Program 4:00 School Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:30 Science Film 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Kiat Manajemen 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Karya Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dinamika 8:05 Nusantara Star 9:00 World News 9:30 Quiz: Siapa Dia 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Private Investigation Program 2 4:30 p.m.

More judo events likely next year

More judo events likely next year JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Judo Association (PJSI) plans to stage more competitions to scout new talent starting next year. Arie J. Kumaat, chairman of PJSI's supervisory board, told a news conference yesterday that the judo body will no longer select athletes for centralized training through the annual national championships. "Our performance at international levels remains below our expectations.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices closed mostly lower on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday, with the broad-based JSX Composite Index falling to 461.2 from 462.33 on Wednesday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also closed lower at 107.74 from 108.19. A broker at JSX said that PT Keramika Indonesia Assosiasi and PT Centris Multi Persada Pratama listed respectively 85 million and 54 million of their shares yesterday.

Japan ratifies GATT bills as other Asian nations clash over textiles

Japan ratifies GATT bills as other Asian nations clash over textiles TOKYO (AFP): Japan's parliament ratified the Uruguay Round trade accord yesterday as other Asian nations, including India and China, clashed with the West over dismantling trade barriers on textiles and clothing.

Jusuf Wanandi named to new Asia forum board

Jusuf Wanandi named to new Asia forum board JAKARTA (JP): The Forum of Democratic Leaders in the Asia Pacific (FDP-AP) has named Jusuf Wanandi of the Centre for the Study of International Sciences (CSIS) to its board of directors and executive committee. The forum was set up in Seoul last week with a purpose designed to promote democracy in the region. It came at the initiative of former Korean president and opposition leader Kim Dae-jung and former Philippine president Corazon Aquino.

Susi already on path to semi-finals

Susi already on path to semi-finals BANGKOK (Reuter): World number one Susi Susanti of Indonesia moved within a match of a semifinal berth in the US$300,000 World Grand Prix badminton finals after a convincing 11-4, 11-3 victory in her first match yesterday. Susi, the dominant force in women's badminton for several years, overwhelmed Thai wild card entrant Pornsawan Plangvech.

BI clarifies report on bad loan increase

BI clarifies report on bad loan increase JAKARTA (JP) Bank Indonesia (BI) denied yesterday that bad loans, up from 3.53 percent of outstanding credit as of March to 3.88 percent as of September, were all at state banks. "The bad loans reported by Bank Indonesia Governor J.

Indonesia ready to join UNSC, envoy states

Indonesia ready to join UNSC, envoy states JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is gearing itself up to face the task of dealing with a host of formidable international issues when it assumes a non-permanent seat at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) next year. Indonesia's permanent representative to the UN, Nugroho Wisnumurti, yesterday suggested that the country's tenure in the Security Council will not be an easy one due to the outstanding international problems still plaguing the world.

East Cengkareng residents refuse to accept compensation money

East Cengkareng residents refuse to accept compensation money JAKARTA (JP): Representatives of East Cengkareng subdistrict residents complained to the City Council yesterday that the amount of compensation offered by the city for the appropriation of their land is unfair. Bachtiar Ritonga, the spokesperson for the residents, told reporters that the amounts offered by the city administration range from Rp 1,385 to Rp 25,000 per square meter.

Private firms must report foreign debts

Private firms must report foreign debts JAKARTA (JP): The government will introduce a new ruling to force private sector companies to report their offshore borrowing to the central bank as most of them have been reluctant to make reports due to the absence of penalty, a senior official says.

Indonesia has 100,000 HIV positive in 1995, official says

Indonesia has 100,000 HIV positive in 1995, official says JAKARTA (JP): The real number of people who have the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in Indonesia could reach as high as 100,000 next year, rising to 510,000 in 2000 and 1.15 million by 2005, according to a Health Ministry official.

Manado to get new clinic

Manado to get new clinic MANADO; The government will build a new clinic to treat needy Moslems who are on the way, or have just return from their haj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia. In a ceremony yesterday, the director of Haj Affairs of the Ministry of Religious Affairs H. Amidan, representing his minister, laid a corner stone for the Rp 262-million clinic.

Citibank's infrastructure fund

Citibank's infrastructure fund SINGAPORE (AFP): Citibank NA announced yesterday the launch of a new fund it said would allow subscribers to invest in Asia's booming infrastructure industry. "Between US$1 trillion and $2 trillion will be spent on developing infrastructure in Asia over the next six years or so. We see this as an opportunity for investors," David Tucker, Citibank marketing director for Asia-Pacific, said.

Private television

Private television From Pos Kota Residents of Pemalang, Central Java, are unable to receive private television stations like RCTI, SCTV and AN-Teve. We are very disappointed about this matter. The well-off people can afford parabola antennae. But it is too much for us. We are beginning to feel fed up with TVRI broadcasts from Yogyakarta, which often broadcast programs of village affairs, regional news, and other subjects that have local values.

Foreign tourists book out Batam

Foreign tourists book out Batam BATAM, Riau: Foreign holidaymakers have reserved between 40 to 80 percent of hotel rooms on Batam island for the Christmas and New Year holidays, hotel managers said yesterday. The holidaymakers are mainly from Singapore, which is only 20 kilometers from the fast developing island. Others are from Malaysia and Taiwan. Director of Puri Garden Hotel, Robin Hartono, told Antara that up 80 percent of the hotel's rooms had been reserved as of yesterday.

Scalpers at bus station

Scalpers at bus station From Neraca On Sunday evening, Nov. 4, 1994 we went to Kuningan, West Java, for a holiday. When we attempted to buy bus tickets at Pulogadung Station at the designated ticket booth, we were told the tickets were sold out. Later we were surprised to learn that scalpers dominate the station. They sell tickets with a 35 to 50 percent markup. The asking price was Rp 6000, up from Rp 4500 for Jakarta-Cirebon, West Java.

Crimes on Jl. Sutoyo

Crimes on Jl. Sutoyo From Neraca Much has been written in the media about the crimes taking place along Jl. Letjen Sutoyo, particularly in front of Indonesia Christian University (UKI). The crimes involve hold-ups and purse snatchings to murder and rape. On top of all this, the traffic is always chaotic. This is partly caused by the people who prefer to cross the road directly instead of using the overpass. Under such circumstances, it is not surprising that many accidents happen in that area.

NU after the congress

NU after the congress The long awaited question was answered early on Monday morning when the Organization Committee (of Nahdlatul Ulama) passed the decision allowing a general chairman to be elected for more than two consecutive terms. KH Abdurrahman Wahid, a grandson of NU's founder KH Hasyim Asyhari, was elected general chairman for the third time after a heated voting process. The outcome of the election reflects the existence of a new dynamism within the NU.

Manpower suppliers ask help from banks

Manpower suppliers ask help from banks JAKARTA (JP): A group of manpower supplier companies are turning to banks to help them out of their current financial predicaments. Executives of KINAS, the association of companies supplying Indonesian workers to Singapore and Malaysia, discussed with officials of Bank Bumi Daya and BNI Bank the prospect of providing advances to prospective workers.

Paris-Jakarta cooperation

Paris-Jakarta cooperation JAKARTA (JP): The capital cities of Paris and Jakarta have decided to strengthen their friendship and forge cooperation in various fields of city management, the French embassy said yesterday. A letter of intent regarding the proposed cooperation will be signed by Vice-Admiral Michel Debray, assistant to the Mayor of Paris Jacques Chirac, and Deputy Governor of Jakarta Tb Rais.

Japan urged to join EAEC

Japan urged to join EAEC TOKYO (AFP): Japan's most influential business group is considering plans to urge the government to endorse a Malaysian plan for an East Asian Economic Caucus (EAEC), news reports said yesterday. The reports said the Japan Federation of Economic Organizations (Keidanren) wanted to clarify its position before sending trade missions to the six members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and Vietnam next year.

Rubber prices increase

Rubber prices increase SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's rubber futures prices ended firmer yesterday on huge turnover in line with the steadier Japanese markets, dealers said. "Kobe and Tokyo were up about five yen towards the end of trading, which managed to influence our prices to rise as well," said a dealer. Dealers said European buyers were short-covering on all three grades of rubber for most of the day while Indonesian players were concentrating mainly on TSR 20.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

Govt denies new talks over Koja

Govt denies new talks over Koja JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Transportation yesterday denied reports that it has reopened negotiations on the amount of land compensation owed to residents of the Koja Utara subdistrict in North Jakarta. A release made available to The Jakarta Post said that SM Hasan Saman, a representative of the Koja Utara residents, had misinterpreted the results of a meeting on Oct.

Volcano victims lose livelihood

Volcano victims lose livelihood YOGYAKARTA (JP): Thousands of people evacuated following the eruption of Mount Merapi on Nov. 22 have lost their livelihoods because the government has declared their villages "no access- zones". Many of the 5,500 people from the 11 worst-stricken hamlets will be relocated and will have to find new jobs.

Yogie announces anti-poverty program plan on target

Yogie announces anti-poverty program plan on target JAKARTA (JP): The government's anti-poverty program launched last April has achieved its intended target despite some aberrations, Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. says. Yogie briefed President Soeharto yesterday about the implementation of the presidential aid program for backward villages, known by the Indonesian term Inpres Desa Tertinggal.

Alleged document forger acquitted

Alleged document forger acquitted BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The district court in Tanjungkarang yesterday cleared a consultant from all charges of falsifying an environmental impact study for a marble factory. Judges said yesterday that Suharyono from the CV Suay Umpu Consultant was not guilty of falsifying the document for PT Pola Marmer Kencana.

RP sets 24-day cease-fire

RP sets 24-day cease-fire MANILA (Reuter): Philippine President Fidel Ramos said yesterday he had approved a unilateral 24-day cease-fire against communist rebels to mark the Christmas season. Ramos told a news conference the ceasefire would start on Dec. 16, the start of a series of Roman Catholic dawn masses in Asia's only mainly Christian country. The government has been holding peace talks with the rebels since Ramos took office in 1992.

Tangerang plans more low-cost houses

Tangerang plans more low-cost houses TANGERANG (JP): A total of 5,000 low-cost houses will be built in stages at Cempaka and Bojongloa villages in the Tangerang district of Cisoka.

Poor coordination blamed for PLN cable dispute

Poor coordination blamed for PLN cable dispute TANGERANG (JP): A member of the National Commission on Human Rights said the placement of high voltage cables over the Ciledug Indah housing complex was due to a lack of coordination. Area residents recently raised an outcry over the presence of the cables they said were causing health problems.

Balai Pustaka needs changes

Balai Pustaka needs changes JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday asked Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro to reorganize the state-owned Balai Pustaka publishing company to improve its efficiency. "It is very sad to see how things are going at the company," said Abdul Choliq Murod of House Commission IX which oversees educational affairs.

Malaysian aid

Malaysian aid Referring to the report on the relief for victims of Mount Merapi (The Jakarta Post, Dec. 3, 1994, page 2) we would like to correct the date concerning the presentation of the aid from the Malaysian government. The donation of US$ 200,000 was presented by Malaysian Information Minister Mohamed Rahmat on Dec. 3, 1994, not on Dec.2 as reported, to the Republic of Indonesia through Information Minister Harmoko. SYED MOHAMMED SYED BAHARUM Information Counselor Malaysian Embassy Jakarta

One year jail term demanded for alleged pimp

One year jail term demanded for alleged pimp JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutor Rotua Marpaung urged the South Jakarta District Court yesterday to sentence Hartono Setyawan, the alleged owner of a high-class brothel, to one year imprisonment for pandering. "I request that the presiding judge of the South Jakarta District Court sentence Hartono Setyawan to 12 months imprisonment for running a prostitution business," the prosecutor said.

Police warn of birth of organized crime

Police warn of birth of organized crime JAKARTA (JP): Deputy to National Police Chief for Operational Affairs Maj. Gen. Koesparmono Irsan revealed here yesterday that the growing number of criminal groups in the city could lead to the eventual birth of powerful organized crime groups.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices continued to weaken on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday with most issues loosing ground in heavy trading. The broad-based JSX Composite Index lost more than four points to close at 462.33 yesterday, as compared to 466.39 on Tuesday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index weakened as well to close at 108.19 from 108.78.

Taiwan wants to host 1999 APEC meeting, officials say

Taiwan wants to host 1999 APEC meeting, officials say TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan wants to host the 1999 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, officials said yesterday. "The foreign ministry here will ask relevant authorities to discuss how to strive for the sponsorship of the 1999 APEC meeting," Vincent Siew, chairman of the Council for Economic Planning and Development, told members of parliament.

Campus bickering worries top brass

Campus bickering worries top brass SALATIGA, Central Java: Chief of the Diponegoro Military Command Maj. Gen. Soeyono, who oversees security in the province, is worried about the dragging conflict in the Satya Wacana Christian University. "All the opposing camps should seek ways to end the bickering so that it will not hurt the interests of the students," he said. He said that the military had no intention of interfering in the conflict at the present.

RP eases shipping regulations

RP eases shipping regulations MANILA (AFP): President Fidel Ramos yesterday announced measures to further deregulate the Philippines' maritime industries, including ending exclusive port-handling contracts and loosening controls on passenger fares. Ramos said existing exclusive port service contracts would no longer be renewed and that non-exclusive contracts would be awarded through bidding instead.

RP sentences Japanese to death

RP sentences Japanese to death BACOLOD, Philippines (Reuter): A court yesterday sentenced a Japanese to death on drug trafficking charges, the first foreigner to be condemned to death since the Philippines revived capital punishment. Hedishi Suzuki, 38, of Nagoya, was convicted of transporting 1.5 kilograms of dried marijuana leaves in a box of pastries he was carrying as he tried to leave the airport in the central city of Bacolod in April.

Japan welcome Rubin as U.S. Treasury chief

Japan welcome Rubin as U.S. Treasury chief TOKYO (Reuter): U.S. economic policy towards Japan is unlikely to shift dramatically after Lloyd Bentsen's resignation as Treasury Secretary, but the hard-headed business sense of his successor, Robert Rubin, will be welcome here, economists and financial experts said yesterday. "Mr. Rubin has already been in the core of decision-making in the Clinton administration, so that we can expect continuity," said Makoto Utsumi, a former vice-finance minister.

Olefin maker asks for 40% in tariff protection

Olefin maker asks for 40% in tariff protection JAKARTA (JP): PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Center, the company constructing the country's first olefin project, said yesterday that it needs government protection in the form of a 40-percent duty on similar imported products. "The imposition of an import duty of 35 percent to 40 percent for seven to eight years will be fine.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Wide World Of Kids 3:05 Gelar Tari 3:30 TV Series: Emergency Call 4:30 Women Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Koran Recital 6:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Documentary 8:05 TV Drama: Harapan Nan Sirna 9:00 World News 9:30 People and Event 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Kill Me Again Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Rights commission wants Marsinah case reopened

Rights commission wants Marsinah case reopened JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights urged the police yesterday to reopen the file on the murder of labor activist Marsinah following the high court decision to acquit a man earlier thought to have masterminded the killing. The commission's Secretary-General, Baharuddin Lopa, said the police should reopen the Marsinah case file in order to find the murderer.

Team to probe bribe problem in judicial system

Team to probe bribe problem in judicial system JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Court and the Ministry of Justice will form a special team to investigate allegations that many judges have tainted the judiciary system by accepting bribes. Chief Justice Soerjono said yesterday the team will make an inquiry into allegations made by former deputy chief justice Zaenal Asikin Kusumah-Atmadja, who said that many judges took bribes.

Privatizing Garuda airline

Privatizing Garuda airline The government has finally flashed the green light for the privatization of the national flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia, within an overall restructuring of its capital and management.

Extra efforts needed to ensure human rights

Extra efforts needed to ensure human rights JAKARTA (JP): Prominent activists said yesterday that proper observance of human rights in Indonesia is a long way off and that "extra-efforts" will be necessary to reach the goal. Activists Soetandyo Wignjosoebroto, Todung Mulya Lubis and Hilman Farid Setiadi agreed in a seminar that 50-year old Indonesia was too young to have its own model of human rights.

Bad loans increase at state banks

Bad loans increase at state banks JAKARTA (JP): Bad loans in the country's seven state-owned banks persisted throughout the first nine months of this year, despite the central bank's supposed commitment to dealing with debt problems. Bank Indonesia (central bank) Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono said here yesterday that the overdue loans in state banks rose to 3.88 percent of their outstanding credits as of September from 3.53 percent as of March and 3.34 percent as of last December.

Illegal 'becak' swarm Bandung

Illegal 'becak' swarm Bandung BANDUNG, West Java: According to a local official, an estimated 6,000 of 15,000 becak (pedicabs) roaming the city streets are operating illegally. The 6,000 becak are not covered by official documents, as required by local government regulations, chief of the city revenue office Tjumarna Saputra said yesterday.

Chaotic traffic in Kampung Melayu

Chaotic traffic in Kampung Melayu JAKARTA (JP): Traffic around the Kampung Melayu bus terminal in East Jakarta is becoming more chaotic due to the way busses stop indiscriminately. Their unpredictability is hindering traffic flow in the area, the Antara news agency reported on Tuesday, and endangers passengers, most of whom are forced to get off along the busy roads outside the terminal. Many bus drivers do not pay much attention to passenger safety as their buses are packed far beyond capacity.

Audit agencies coordinate jobs to avoid overlapping

Audit agencies coordinate jobs to avoid overlapping JAKARTA (JP): The Government Audit Agency (BPKP), an internal government auditing body, will submit its auditing results to the Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) beginning next year to avoid an overlapping of jobs, an official says. "BPK will not audit the spending of government institutions if we consider BPKP's auditing adequate," BPK Chairman J.B. Sumarlin told reporters after meeting with President Soeharto at the Merdeka Palace yesterday.

Bandung Raya whips Persija 4-0 in league championship

Bandung Raya whips Persija 4-0 in league championship JAKARTA (JP): High-flying Pery Sandria struck the first hat- trick of the season as his Bandung Raya side overpowered host Persija Jakarta 4-0 in their Indonesian league match yesterday. Pery, who was signed by the Bandung, West Java semi- professional squad from Assyabaab Surabaya this season, inspired his team with skillful ball possession to jeopardize Persija's shaky defense as soon as referee Ronni blew the opening whistle.

Cohabitation is a vice in Lampung

Cohabitation is a vice in Lampung JAKARTA (JP): The city of Bandar Lampung in the southern tip of Sumatra has stretched its new anti-vice bylaw to include cohabitation. Mayor Nurdin Muhayat was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying that the practice of couples living together outside of wedlock is "another form of prostitution". He emphasized that the city will not tolerate kumpul kebo, the Indonesian derogatory term for cohabitation, which literally means "buffalo life style".

Doctor fees to be regulated

Doctor fees to be regulated JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) yesterday promised that it will regulate fees its members charge to members of the public within three years. IDI Chairman Azrul Azwar said after meeting with Vice President Try Sutrisno yesterday that some members of the profession had opposed the attempt to regulate the fees because it would give the impression that the medical practice is a business concern and not a social concern as it should be.

Cement plants expanded

Cement plants expanded JAKARTA (JP): Two private cement companies will conduct expansion projects with total investments of US$459 million, in a bid to raise their combined production capacity by 3.8 million tons per annum.

Harmoko abset at court

Harmoko abset at court JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko and his lawyers failed to turn up at the Central Jakarta District Court yesterday where a hearing over the lawsuit filed against him by 39 employees of Tempo was to be heard. Presiding Judge Leo Hutagalung, at the request of a representative of the minister, agreed to adjourn the hearing for 10 days to allow Harmoko and his lawyers prepare his defense.

Pre-shipment inspection system will stay

Pre-shipment inspection system will stay JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad said here yesterday that the government will maintain its pre-shipment inspection procedure to secure smooth import flows. Mar'ie hastily added, however, that the pre-shipment inspection of imports, introduced in 1985, has nothing to do with the performance of the Customs and Excise Duty Directorate General.

Three more concerts for Herve Trio

Three more concerts for Herve Trio By Paul W. Blair JAKARTA (JP): Most of the overseas musicians who took part in Jak Jazz '94 have already flown out of town. The majority were heading for places far different, both culturally and climatically, than Jakarta. Herve and his comperes, on the other hand, are still in the country for three more concerts this week. They were in Yogyakarta on Tuesday evening, will be in Surabaya this evening and in Balikpapan on Saturday night.

Hero encyclopedia

Hero encyclopedia From Kompas I was interested in the Hero (Supermarket) promotion drive, which offered the customer an encyclopedia for only Rp 500 after making a minimum purchase of Rp 20,000. At the end of September 1994 I was shopping at Hero, Tomang, West Jakarta. My total purchase showed over Rp 20,000 and I asked for the promised encyclopedia as I paid the bill at the cashier.

Indonesia beats Tunisia in Moscow Chess Olympiad

Indonesia beats Tunisia in Moscow Chess Olympiad JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian men's chess team on Tuesday thrashed Tunisia 3-1 in the sixth round of the 31st Chess Olympiad in Moscow. But the win failed to inspire the Indonesian women's team which bowed 1.5-2.5 to the strong Latvian team, the Indonesian Chess Association announced yesterday. "The men's team should have been able to win 4-0," said Djamil Djamal, the association's secretary general.

Bajaj, bemo to be phased out

Bajaj, bemo to be phased out JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will slowly phase out all three-wheel public vehicles in Jakarta because they are no longer classified as viable means for city transportation. Head of the City Traffic and Land Transportation Agency JP Sepang told reporters at City Hall yesterday that the bajaj and bemo are not appropriate for transporting passengers around the city.

Boss tried for not insuring workers

Boss tried for not insuring workers SEMARANG, Central Java: The director of PT Sari Busana Indah Tekstil is standing trial for failing to insure his textile workers as required by law. Prosecutor Bambang Supriyadi said in a court session yesterday that the 53 year-old director, whose identity is not being revealed, failed to abide by the law although he was aware that insuring workers was mandatory.

169 aliens deported

169 aliens deported PEKANBARU, Riau: The local government has deported 169 foreigners for violating immigration laws, an official said yesterday. Chief of the local office of the ministry of justice Zaiman Nurmatias said that the aliens' offenses ranged from overstay and criminal actions to serious illness. Malaysians top the list with 97 violators, followed by Filipinos 7 and Finish 4, he said.

Problems abound as Jakarta goes through globalization process

Problems abound as Jakarta goes through globalization process By Dewi Anggraeni MELBOURNE, Australia (JP): Global economic growth, as we learned in November's "Cities and the new Global Economy" conference here, has given birth to new global cities. And one of these is Jakarta.

Investment in Cambodia

Investment in Cambodia PHNOM PENH (Reuter): The Cambodian government is on the verge of approving foreign investment projects worth about US$20 million, the spokesman for the Cambodian Development Council (CDC) said yesterday. CDC press office chief Dale Lawrence said the government was expected to approve the investment deals soon but gave no further details on the projects.

Four armed robbers arrested

Four armed robbers arrested JAKARTA (JP): West Jakarta's Taman Sari police, with the support of members of the On-the-Alert City Police Squad, have arrested four armed thieves caught red-handed robbing a Metromini bus. The four are identified as Japir Nainggolan, 30, Lasmi Sianturi, 18, Martin Nainggolan, 27, and Belzatar, 20, First Lieutenant Yanto of the Taman Sari police sub-precinct said on Monday.

Guinness offers scholarships

Guinness offers scholarships JAKARTA (JP): Guinness Brewing Worldwide and the United Kingdom's Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) are offering to sponsor Indonesians to pursue a full-time Master's degree scholarship at the University of Leeds in Britain.

AFC against FIFA spots

AFC against FIFA spots KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The 40th anniversary of the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) next week is likely to be overshadowed as the AFC plans to confront FIFA over Asian committee appointments in the world football body. "The (AFC) executive committee will be discussing the unsatisfactory appointments and debating what steps to take next to seek an explanation and to rectify the situation," AFC general-secretary Peter Velappan said yesterday.

Indonesian shuttlers set to sweep finals

Indonesian shuttlers set to sweep finals BANGKOK (Reuter): Indonesian players look certain to dominate the US$300,000 World Grand Prix Badminton finals starting today, with Ardy Wiranata heading the men's singles and Susi Susanti the women's. Besides Ardy, a key member of Indonesia's winning 1994 Thomas Cup side, no less than six Indonesian men have qualified for the finals, the tournament with the biggest cash shareout in the history of badminton.

Indonesians dazzled by anything Western

Indonesians dazzled by anything Western JAKARTA (JP): Indonesians are too easily "dazzled" by anything Western, from food, lifestyles to economic and democratic systems, as if they are all worth copying, a noted scholar says. Economist Sri Edi Swasono, who is also the chairman of the Indonesian Cooperative Council, said this trend could eventually wipe out national identity and culture, the Antara news agency reported yesterday.

New subscription rate

New subscription rate Due to increases in the price of newsprint and in production costs, The Jakarta Post has increased its monthly subscription rate to Rp 18,000 as of January 2, 1995. The new unregistered mailing rate has gone up from Rp 48,000 to Rp 54,000 for a three-month subscription. The new rates are applicable throughout Indonesia.

Use drums to alert people of flood

Use drums to alert people of flood JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta Mayor H. Abdul Kahfi has ordered the chief of Petamburan subdistrict, an area in the mayoralty which is prone to seasonal floods, to promote the use of barrels to alert the residents of floods. The mayor said if Petamburan subdistrict residents see floods approaching they should strike the barrels repeatedly to let their neighbors prepare for evacuation.

Deafening noise

Deafening noise From Pos Kota About eleven months ago I built a house in Sindangsana Village, Neglasari, Tangerang, West Java. Next to my house there is an uninhabited piece of land of about 2,300 square meters. Five months ago, a motor workshop was built on the land. We have experienced deafening noise ever since. The noises of electric drills, grindstone machines, diesel engines and iron plate hammering activities are too much for us to put up with.

Rights body defends power project victims

Rights body defends power project victims JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights is urging the state-owned electricity company PLN to provide compensation for East Java residents forced to leave their homes to make way for a high voltage cable project. Eleven people representing 80 families from the Singosari village in Gresik referred their plight to the commission on Monday to press their demand for reasonable compensation for their homes.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) continued declining across the board yesterday after steadily falling since the weekend. The broad-based JSX Composite Index, which has declined over the last few weeks, dropped by another 4.19 points to close at 466.39 yesterday from 470.58 on Monday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also continued weakening to 108.78 from 109.61.

Police aid for Merapi victims

Police aid for Merapi victims JAKARTA (JP): The City Police Force is sending rice, blankets, cloth, instant noodles and salted fish to help villagers near Mt. Merapi in Central Java to be able to celebrate Christmas Day. The aid arranged by the City Police Committee for Christmas Celebration was transported by two police trucks. The aid consisted of two tons of rice, 850 blankets, 960 pieces of cloth, 980 boxes of instant noodles and 200 kilograms of salted fish. City Police Chief Maj. Gen.

Daily basic wage level up by 10%

Daily basic wage level up by 10% JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief said yesterday that the government will increase the regional daily minimum wage level nationwide by ten percent as of April next year. "We will increase the regional daily minimum wage level nationwide from 97 percent to 107 percent of the workers' minimum physical needs," Latief said in a hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR).

Piracy on Asian waters a menace

Piracy on Asian waters a menace SINGAPORE (AFP): Shipping experts yesterday warned against any let up in the fight against piracy in Asian waters as a cargo vessel came under attack in the seas off Indonesia. Six marauders armed with long knives overwhelmed the crew of the vessel before fleeing in a small craft with US$12,000 in cash and jewelry, the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) said.

Boss tried for not insuring workers

Boss tried for not insuring workers SEMARANG, Central Java: The director of PT Sari Busana Indah Tekstil is standing trial for failing to insure his textile workers as required by law. Prosecutor Bambang Supriyadi said in a court session yesterday that the 53 year-old director, whose identity is not being revealed, failed to abide by the law although he was aware that insuring workers was mandatory.

Pernas-Taisei win core airport deal

Pernas-Taisei win core airport deal KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): A consortium led by Malaysia's Pernas Precision Engineering and Construction (Perspec) Sdn. Bhd. and Japan's Taisei Corporation has clinched a core contract for Malaysia's new international airport, officials said yesterday. Kuala Lumpur International Airport Bhd.

Thai minister quits in land scandal

Thai minister quits in land scandal BANGKOK (AFP): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai suffered a setback yesterday, when Suthep Thueksuban, the deputy minister of agriculture, resigned rather than face a no-confidence motion next week over a land scandal. Suthep, a member of Chuan's Democrats, protested his innocence in the controversy, but said he had not been able to get a fair hearing on the issue. The Democrats head the country's five-party coalition government.

Solving traffic problem

Solving traffic problem I entirely agree with John Kerr (Driving in the rain, The Jakarta Post, Nov. 4, 1994). There has, indeed, been a plethora of words written about Jakarta's famous -- or should I say, infamous -- macet (traffic jams). I must admit to having written quite a few myself by way of contributions to "Your Letters" column.

RI out to retain silat throne

RI out to retain silat throne JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is out to retain the overall championship title at the World Pencak Silat Championships in Hatyai, Thailand next week. The Indonesian Pencak Silat Association has sorted out 30 athletes who performed commendably during the National Games last year and the National Student Games this year, for the Dec. 13-18 event.

River pollution affects fish ponds in Ciganjur

River pollution affects fish ponds in Ciganjur JAKARTA (JP): The quality and quantity of water flowing into the Ciganjur Fish Hatchery complex in South Jakarta continues to deteriorate due to environmental damage in Depok and South Jakarta. Twenty-nine fish raisers who have been living at the complex for years expressed their deep concern about the survival of the hatchery pond as they talked to several city councilors visiting the area on Monday.

ADB loan for RI project

ADB loan for RI project MANILA (Reuter): The Asian Development Bank said yesterday it has approved a US$27.7 million loan to strengthen the development and management of Indonesia's water resources. "The main objective of the project is to enhance...economic management and use of water resources," the Manila-based Bank said in a statement. "Existing policies and water management capacities are inadequate to ensure sustainable, economic allocation and use of water," it added.

Health officers sent to needy village

Health officers sent to needy village TANGERANG (JP): The city administration of Tangerang plans to deploy 36 health officers in the city's least developed villages, an official said yesterday. Tangerang Mayor Djakaria Machmud said that the presence of the officers is expected to help local residents deal with their health problems. "In preparation for the deployment, the 36 officers took part in a two-day training course ended yesterday," Machmud said.

Lending to property sector to be curbed

Lending to property sector to be curbed JAKARTA (JP): Finance Minister Mar'ie Muhammad said yesterday that the government would take new fiscal measures to curb the unusually steep increase in bank lending to property businesses. Mar'ie told a hearing with the House Budgetary Commission that the government would not regulate credit allocations to cope with what he saw as the unusually high expansion of bank credits to the property sector.

New market in Depok

New market in Depok JAKARTA (JP): The construction of a new market in Depok, 30 kilometers from here, is aimed primarily at accommodating small- scale traders and sidewalk vendors trading in the ever growing township, prominent businessman Probosutedjo said. "The market was built to relocate vendors trading in a makeshift market to a permanent one which is clean and orderly and equipped with adequate facilities," Probosutedjo said at the marketplace on Monday evening.

46 injured in bus accident

46 injured in bus accident SERANG, West Java: Forty six people were injured, several seriously, when a packed bus slipped into a ditch during a heavy rain here yesterday. Liberty was on its way from the North Sumatra capital of Medan to the Central Java city of Solo (Surakarta) when the road accident happened at 10.30 a.m. Eyewitnesses said the bus driver lost control of the bus due to the slippery road. Among the victims were a three-month-old boy, who got a cut on his head,Antara reported.

Garuda to sell shares to foreign investors

Garuda to sell shares to foreign investors JAKARTA (JP): The government will sell a stake of the national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia to foreign investors through direct placement before offering part of its shares on the capital market, Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad says.

RP to fly home illegal workers

RP to fly home illegal workers MANILA (Reuter): Philippine Foreign Secretary Roberto Romulo ordered diplomats in Saudi Arabia to charter an aircraft to repatriate illegal Filipino workers before they are jailed in a crackdown on visa violations. "It will be more difficult to get Filipino illegals out of jail once Saudi authorities start rounding them up," Romulo said. The kingdom has given illegal foreign workers, most of them Asians, until Dec. 18 to leave or face fines.

Borobudur Hotel plans $63m renovation

Borobudur Hotel plans $63m renovation JAKARTA (JP): PT Jakarta International Hotels & Development (JIHD) will allocate US$63 million for the renovation of its five-star Hotel Borobudur Inter-Continental to anticipate fiercer competition among luxury hotels in the city. JIHD's president, Jusuf L. Indradewa, said in a public presentation here yesterday that about 75 percent of the hotel's 866 rooms will be closed during the two-year refurbishment process beginning next July.

Foreigners need legal certainty for investment

Foreigners need legal certainty for investment JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia needs to improve its legal infrastructure to assure more legal certainty for foreign investors operating in the country and for overseas firms doing business with domestic partners, lawyers say. In a meeting with World Bank representatives yesterday, Todung Mulya Lubis of the Jakarta Lawyers Club said legal corruption is the biggest problem facing by Indonesia.

Accor to service local apartments

Accor to service local apartments JAKARTA (JP): PT Ometraco Realty, a private property firm, yesterday assigned Accor Asia Pacific, an Australian affiliate of France's Accor SA, to manage its apartments now being built in West Jakarta with an investment of Rp 125 billion (US$57 million).

Alleged document forger acquitted

Alleged document forger acquitted BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The district court in Tanjungkarang yesterday cleared a consultant from all charges of falsifying an environmental impact study for a marble factory. Judges said yesterday that Suharyono from the CV Suay Umpu Consultant was not guilty of falsifying the document for PT Pola Marmer Kencana.

Surono is ready for another term at KONI

Surono is ready for another term at KONI JAKARTA (JP): Surono, the incumbent president of the National Sports Governing Body (KONI), said yesterday he was ready to hold his position should he be elected again in the body's seventh congress slated for Jan. 16.

Culture and protection of human rights

Culture and protection of human rights By Frans H. Winarta JAKARTA (JP): As we approach the 48th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights on Dec. 10, it is perfectly natural that we spend some time contemplating the significance and implications of this event. The birth of the declaration marked a time during which all of the nations of the world were still haunted by the trauma of World War II.

Merapi victims need resettlement

Merapi victims need resettlement YOGYAKARTA (JP): Local government officials are still undecided as to where the displaced 3,000 victims of the Merapi eruption will be resettled. The 3,000 villagers lost their homes in the Nov. 22 Merapi eruption and now live in makeshift tents in evacuation centers thrown up by the Sleman regency government. The government has permanently closed the worst-hit hamlet of Turgo and declared several others "no-entry" until the volcano returns to normal.

Arief Budiman's dismissal (1)

Arief Budiman's dismissal (1) I was disturbed to read the letter from Dr. David T. Hill, Murdock University (The Jakarta Post Nov. 21, 1994) insinuating that Arief Budiman's intellectual freedom and right to voice his opinion had been threatened by Satya Wacana Christian University. Surely Dr. Hill and his 42 friends are not serious. Dr. Budiman's dismissal was a disciplinary action taken after he had conducted a smear campaign against the university's Board of Regents.

Peeping Tom or rebel soldier?

Peeping Tom or rebel soldier? DILI, East Timor: Military men are trying to prove that the man captured while watching them bathe in a river was a member of the Fretilin rebel group. Chief of the Wira Dharma military command, who oversees security in this former Portuguese colony, said yesterday that Alex Soares, 36, was arrested last week in Lautem. He said Alex was secretly watching troops soap up in the river when he was arrested.

Nahdlatul Ulama: A bulwark of Indonesian democracy?

Nahdlatul Ulama: A bulwark of Indonesian democracy? The Nahdlatul Ulama, the nation's largest Moslem organization, has just ended its 29th national congress. Political observer Mochtar Buchori sees the re-election of the incumbent chairman as a sign that a new generation of Indonesian Moslems has been born.

House commission fights for larger defense budget

House commission fights for larger defense budget JAKARTA (JP): House of Representatives' Commission I for politics and security urged the government yesterday to hike its military spending in order to bolster the nation's defense capability. During a hearing with Minister of Defense and Security Gen. (ret.) Edi Sudradjat, the Commission I members expressed concern about the government's low level of defense spending, which averages only Rp 3.6 trillion ($1.7 billion) a year.

Merill Lynch upbeat on Asia

Merill Lynch upbeat on Asia KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Asian stock markets are likely to perform better in 1995, international brokerage Merrill Lynch predicted yesterday, saying that after China and India, Indonesia could emerge as the next favorite. Uncertainty in global and other Asian markets could also benefit Singapore, which is likely to gain from broad-based earnings growth in banking, ship-repair, airlines, hotels, office property and retail next year, it said.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

Social constraints push RI gays into closet

Social constraints push RI gays into closet By T. Sima Gunawan SURABAYA (JP): Didi, a junior high student, wondered why his heart pounded wildly every time he saw his good-looking male teacher or older schoolmates. "I had a girlfriend then, but my feelings towards boys were stronger," he confessed. He ended the relationship when he realized that he was interested in people of the same sex last year. "I was shopping when a man approached me. We talked ...

NU told to improve relations with govt, other groups

NU told to improve relations with govt, other groups JAKARTA (JP): The newly re-elected chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Abdurrahman Wahid, has found himself bombarded with pleas to tone down his aberrancy and build better relations with the government and other organizations.

ADB approves $1.1-million grant to rice research

ADB approves $1.1-million grant to rice research MANILA (AFP): Research into boosting rice yields in low- producing lowlands of South and Southeast Asia was given a US$1- million boost yesterday by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The bank has approved a $1.1 million technical assistance grant to consolidate research work in Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand. Philippine-based International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) would be the executing agency.

Beyond rights: Human Security

Beyond rights: Human Security By Juwono Sudarsono JAKARTA (JP): This coming Dec. 10 countless seminars, panel discussions and symposia will be held by UN associations, non- governmental organizations, research centers and other concerned civic groups to review the state of human rights in many countries and across various cultures.

Authorities plan to crack down on motorcycle taxi

Authorities plan to crack down on motorcycle taxi JAKARTA (JP): An official of the Ministry of Transportation urged the city administration yesterday to launch a large-scale operation against motorcycle riders offering a ride -- ojek -- for a fee. As reported by the Antara news agency, A.

More underpasses and overpasses to be built

More underpasses and overpasses to be built JAKARTA (JP): The city administration plans to build a total of 25 underpasses and overpasses around Jakarta before the year 2005, in an effort to reduce the city's chronic traffic problems. Head of the city public works office Soeharto told reporters yesterday that nine have already been built, nine are under construction and there are plans to build seven others.

Campus bickering worries top brass

Campus bickering worries top brass SALATIGA, Central Java: Chief of the Diponegoro Military Command Maj. Gen. Soeyono, who oversees security in the province, is worried about the dragging conflict in the Satya Wacana Christian University. "All the opposing camps should seek ways to end the bickering so that it will not hurt the interests of the students," he said. He said that the military had no intention of interfering in the conflict at the present.

Building falls, 3 students crushed

Building falls, 3 students crushed PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Education officials expressed their concern yesterday over the collapse of a building that killed three elementary school students last week. Chief of the provincial office of education and culture Zaini Anwar asked the school's headmaster to provide compensation to the students' families and investigate the incident.

House urges police to be proactive on environment

House urges police to be proactive on environment JAKARTA (JP): A commission in the House of Representatives has urged the national police to take a more active role in the campaign to preserve the environment. The House's Commission X, which deals with environmental issues, said the national police should allocate a greater budget and more personnel to deal with increasing violations of environmental laws and regulations. At a hearing with National Police Chief Gen.

Nickel price soars

Nickel price soars LONDON (Reuter): The world price of nickel soared yesterday in a panic about supply from Russia after reports of explosions and power shortages at a huge smelter in Siberia. At US$9,575 a ton on the London Metal Exchange the metal was up more than 25 percent in a week and a blistering seven percent in just a few hours of yesterday's trading.

Hartono's men still await trial

Hartono's men still await trial JAKARTA (JP): The trial of three assistants of the alleged high-class brothel owner, Hartono Setyawan, was postponed by the judge yesterday because prosecutors were not prepared for sentencing. Presiding judge Stephanus Sutrisno decided to give prosecutor Eko Siwi Irianti and prosecutor Esther Datu Rante until Thursday to prepare. Esther Datu Rante is the prosecutor for Hamzah, the locale's receptionist, and Ari Dewanto, who worked as a driver for Hartono.

Bali mounts anti-rabies drive

Bali mounts anti-rabies drive DENPASAR, Bali: The provincial administration has banned dogs, monkeys, cats and other pets from other provinces in a bid to prevent rabies. The head of the provincial veterinary service, I Wayan Masudana, told Antara yesterday that his office, in cooperation with other government agencies, had mounted an anti-rabies campaign, centering on marketplaces where people sell and exchange pets.

Nuclear project

Nuclear project Correction: The heading in the story about the nuclear plant on this page yesterday should have read Jepara nuclear project starts in 1998: Governor and not in 1988 as written. We regret the error. -- Editor

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

Kendo public show here

Kendo public show here JAKARTA (JP): Japanese kendo athletes will stage a public demonstration on Dec. 11 at the Jakarta Japanese School in Cilandak, South Jakarta, and in Senayan's badminton Hall A on Dec. 13. The Japanese public showing of martial arts will be continued on Dec. 17 at the Sasagawa hall of the Padjadjaran stadium in Bandung, West Java, the Japanese Cultural Foundation, the showing's organizer, announced here yesterday.

Indonesia draws with England

Indonesia draws with England JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian mens chess team yesterday managed to draw 2-2 with the English team in the fourth round of the 31th Chess Olympiad in Moscow. This was exactly the result anticipated by the Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) to face the strong English team, which is seeded fourth. "We have instructed our players to try scoring a victory only if the likelihood is really great," said Djamil Djamal, Percasi's secretary general in Moscow.

Village head election rans smoothly

Village head election rans smoothly TANGERANG (JP): The election process in the Rancakalapa subdistrict head in Cikupa district ran smoothly even though it was previously marked by the threats of three candidates to boycott the election. H. Gunawan was finally reelected on Saturday as the new head of the subdistrict for another 8-year term with 1,619 votes out of a total 2,000.

New subscription rate

New subscription rate Due to increases in the price of newsprint and in production costs, The Jakarta Post has to increase its monthly subscription rate to Rp 18,000 as of January 2, 1995. The new unregistered mailing rate is Rp 48,000 for a three- month subscription. The new rates are applicable throughout Indonesia.

Govt urged to review policy on electricity towers

Govt urged to review policy on electricity towers JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) urged the government yesterday to review its policy on the construction of 500,000 volt electricity towers and to take into account the health of people living in the area.

Citra Garden housing complex

Citra Garden housing complex From Kompas Citra Garden housing complex keeps expanding and developing, from Citra 1 up to Citra 5. It has adopted a very attractive slogan Convenient and ever growing complex. But as the developer is now focusing on the project "The City of Arts Citra Grand City" the convenient aspects of Citra 1 have been neglected. Many street lamps are not working and many manhole covers are gone. Also the area's security needs immediate attention.

South Korean navy on goodwill tour

South Korean navy on goodwill tour JAKARTA (JP): A training unit of the South Korean Navy is scheduled to arrive at the Tanjung Priok Port, North Jakarta, on Thursday as part of a training tour of the Naval Academy's midshipmen, according to the South Korean embassy yesterday. The unit, commanded by Rear Admiral Sang Ki-han, consists of two frigates and one logistic support ship, with a total crew of 600 officers including midshipmen, said Bong Hyup-chung, information attache of the embassy.

Police declare war on pornography

Police declare war on pornography JAKARTA (JP): City police have declared war against pornographic material and sex aids sold at clandestine shops. They urge the public to assist by giving information on the whereabouts of shops selling such items. "We all know those things benefit only greedy traders without a thought of the impact on the public, particularly teenagers," head of the Operational Affairs Unit of the On-the-Alert City Police Squad Capt. Syaiful Bd. told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Australia deports 13 Indonesians

Australia deports 13 Indonesians KUPANG, East Nusa Tanggara: Thirteen Indonesian fishermen that Australia deported last week landed here on Saturday, a local official said yesterday. The fishermen from East Nusa Tenggara and Maluku had been arrested by Australian authorities in Darwin on charges of territorial infringement. Lambertus Labi Dorok of the local office of social service told Antara that 330 Indonesian fishermen had been deported from Australia for similar charges as of October.

Ajit Sing in Cambodia

Ajit Sing in Cambodia JAKARTA (JP): The Secretary General of Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN), Ajit Singh, is due to meet with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen in Phnom Penh on Thursday. During his four-day visit which begins tomorrow, Ajit Singh is also scheduled to meet with Foreign Minister Ung Huot.

Workers killed by lightning

Workers killed by lightning BANDAR LAMPUNG: Five workers were killed and eight others injured when lightning struck a hut in a sugar cane plantation in Seputih Regency, Central Lampung, last week. All of the victims were women who ranged between 33 and 37 years of age, Antara reported. Eyewitnesses said that 24 workers were resting in the hut after lunch.

Police come close to Levina's murder

Police come close to Levina's murder JAKARTA (JP): After eight months of intense investigations police yesterday claimed they have found a person believed to have played a role in the murder of a six-year-old girl found dead near her bicycle in Ancol Dreamland, North Jakarta, last March. "We are currently focusing on this person as our main suspect (in relation to the murder of the girl)," head of the City Police Crime Investigation Directorate Col. Nurfaizi told reporters yesterday.

Ramos to determine premier airport

Ramos to determine premier airport MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos is expected to make a policy statement this week on the country's new international airport, Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA) chairman Victor Lim said yesterday. The possibility that Clark International Airport will become the country's premier airport remains alive until Ramos makes his stand, Lim said.

Sunday morning jazz show delights young fans

Sunday morning jazz show delights young fans JAKARTA (JP): There was something refreshingly new during Jak- Jazz '94: A program offered up fresh on Sunday morning for the jazz lovers that just could not stay out late. Anyone one could guess from its name that "Sunday Student Jazz" the event was meant for young jazz players. But that was not the only "student" aspect of it.

Poisonous centipede

Poisonous centipede From Kompas I live in a well-known housing complex in North Jakarta. I have been told that this area used to be rice fields, fishponds or moors. What is clear is that before the houses were built, the land was filled in with any material available. Our problem now is that there are poisonous centipedes coming up through the drain in our bathroom. Every day I have to kill no less than ten of these insects.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Diletansia 3:30 Film 4:30 Science Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Wawasan 8:05 TV Drama: Surya Kanta Kala 9:00 World News 9:30 National Film 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Hostage Dallas Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Armed Forces to take part in fight against illiteracy

Armed Forces to take part in fight against illiteracy JAKARTA (JP): The government has enlisted the Armed Forces (ABRI) in its campaign to wipe out illiteracy in the country. But make no mistake. The military will not use force to compel people to study. Rather, the anti-illiteracy campaign will be incorporated with ABRI's highly successful civic programs known as ABRI Masuk Desa (ABRI enters villages), or AMD for short. ABRI Chief Gen.

Gus Dur's re-election

Gus Dur's re-election As predicted, Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur, was re-elected as Nahdlatul Ulama's (NU's) executive chairman for a third consecutive term during the organization's 29th congress which ended yesterday. But he did not win the chairmanship as easily as many had predicted. He narrowly beat his toughest opponent, Abu Hasan, who is virtually unknown outside NU circles, by a slim margin of only 32 votes.

Soeharto urges world cooperation on health

Soeharto urges world cooperation on health JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday called for international cooperation in combating the spread of contagious diseases, including AIDS. "With the emergence of diseases which were previously unheard of, such as HIV/AIDS, there is no alternative way other than mobilizing cordial international partnerships," Soeharto said in his keynote address to the seventh international congress of the World Federation of Public Health Associations.

Water quality poor in Bekasi

Water quality poor in Bekasi JAKARTA (JP): Residents of Bumi Bekasi Baru housing complex in Bekasi, West Java, are complaining about the poor quality and limited availability of water ever since the distribution has been managed by the Bekasi chapter of the water company (PDAM). They said the water is not only inadequate but also smelly and milky in color. The poor service has forced many residents to buy drinking water daily at a cost of Rp 600 (US$0.27) per 20 liters.

NU congress re-elects Gus Dur as its chairman

NU congress re-elects Gus Dur as its chairman By Santi WE Soekanto and Petty Prihartini TASIKMALAYA, West Java (JP): Incumbent Abdurrahman Wahid beat his competitor, Abu Hasan, by a slim margin in the highly- charged, nearly chaotic, election of the chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). Abdurrahman, also known as Gus Dur, snatched 174 votes while Abu Hasan, an NU businessman, received 142 votes for the post of chairman of the Tanfidzyah (executive board).

Indonesia seeks pride in `takraw'

Indonesia seeks pride in `takraw' JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, represented by the Central Sulawesi athletes who wore the national colors in Hiroshima's Asian Games in October, set a modest target of finishing fourth in the first World Sepaktakraw Championship in Kuala Lumpur from Dec. 13 to Dec. 18.

360 families to be resettled

360 families to be resettled JEMBER, East Java: About 360 families are awaiting resettlement in Sulawesi under the state-sponsored transmigration program. They will be dispatched in January or February when the government has completed land clearance and housing construction in Sulawesi, a spokesman for the Jember office of transmigration office, Trisunu Prahoro, said yesterday. He said the farmers would be employed at plantation projects in Central Sulawesi, Antara reported. (pan)

Private sector debt up

Private sector debt up JAKARTA (JP): The outstanding foreign debt of the private sector surged by US$6.8 billion within three months, while the government's outstanding borrowing fell by almost $3 billion.

PDI'boycot threat brushed aside

PDI'boycot threat brushed aside JAKARTA (JP): Governor of the National Defense Institute (Lemhanas) Lt. Gen. Moetojib has brushed aside a threat by the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) to boycott the 1997 election in protest against the government's meddling in its internal problems. "I would say that the threat was a mere emotional statement," Moetojib said when addressing a workshop of the Moslem educational organization, Muhammadiyah, in the East Java town of Malang yesterday.

Pertamina to sign seven new contracts

Pertamina to sign seven new contracts JAKARTA (JP): The state oil company Pertamina will sign four technical assistance contracts and three production-sharing deals later this month for oil and gas exploration and production, a company executive says.

SilkAir serves S'pore-Solo

SilkAir serves S'pore-Solo YOGYAKARTA (JP): SilkAir, one of two Singaporean airlines, has started service linking the island republic and Solo in Central Java with Boeing 737 aircraft. "The new service is meant to introduce the Singaporean market to new destinations and this year we consider Solo as a new destination for scheduled service," the carrier's commercial manager, Balbir Singh, told reporters here over the weekend.

Office buildings to give spaces for sidewalk vendors

Office buildings to give spaces for sidewalk vendors JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja is urging the management of all office premises located along the city's main roads to provide spaces for sidewalk vendors. It is hoped the move will deter them from trading in prohibited areas.

ASEAN readies gas plan

ASEAN readies gas plan MANILA (AFP): A regional plan to develop and use natural gas is being readied for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Philippine Energy Department says. The 12-month study, funded by the European Commission, will forecast potential natural gas supply and demand and analyze pricing policies and other technical issues. ASEAN groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand and the Philippines.

Balai Pustaka ridden with Rp 6b in debts

Balai Pustaka ridden with Rp 6b in debts JAKARTA (JP): State-owned Balai Pustaka, the nation's leading publishing house in the 1950s and 1960s, is now Rp 6 billion ($2.75 million) in debt with millions of unsold books. Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro yesterday confirmed that the 77-year old publishing agency has been in deep financial trouble for some time and badly needs restructuring.

Try closes NU congress with call for prowness

Try closes NU congress with call for prowness By Santi WE Soekanto and Petty Prihartini TASIKMALAYA, West Java (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno closed the 29th congress of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) yesterday, calling on the largest Moslem organization to continue moving forward.

Aceh workers off to Malaysia

Aceh workers off to Malaysia BANDA ACEH: More than 215 female job seekers will be sent to Malaysia this week for employment at an electronics factory in the neighboring country. It is part of Aceh's commitment to sending 3,000 workers to Malaysia, chief of the provincial office of manpower Abdullah Syukur Hutasuhut said yesterday. He said so far the province had exported about 1,000 of those.

Telkom employees awarded by U.S.

Telkom employees awarded by U.S. JAKARTA (JP): The White House, the U.S. presidential residence, has given awards to six employees of the Jakarta chapter of the state-owned telecommunication company PT Telkom for their outstanding work in serving the White House delegation during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting in Jakarta last month.

Lawyer named winner of rights award

Lawyer named winner of rights award JAKARTA (JP): A Surabaya-based lawyer known for his handling of numerous controversial cases pitting him against the government was named this year's recipient of the Yap Thiam Hien human rights award. The Foundation of the Center for the Study of Human Rights (Yapusham) announced yesterday that this year's award goes to Trimoelya D. Soerjadi.

Surakarta needs Rp 178 billion

Surakarta needs Rp 178 billion SURAKARTA, Central Java: The municipal administration needs Rp 178 billion (US$86 million) to develop the city as the province's "international gate". Mayor Hartomo said recently that the government would need five years to develop the ancient city into one which has adequate facilities to function as an international transit point.

Cement hike hits small contractors

Cement hike hits small contractors JAKARTA (JP): Recent hikes in cement prices, excessive supervision and out-of-date cost estimates for state-funded projects have brought great losses to small-scale construction contractors.

Consultant urges simplification of trade documents

Consultant urges simplification of trade documents JAKARTA (JP): Export-import procedures are inefficient, lengthy, bureaucratic and involve at least 22 documents to export or import a single item, a consultant says. R.N. Shivpuri, chairman of the Technical Advisory Group on Trade Facilitation at the Ministry of Trade, said here yesterday that Indonesia should simplify the procedures so that the flow of international trading will be smoother.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) drifted lower with most issues loosing ground in heavy trading yesterday. The JSX Composite Index closed lower to end at 470.52 yesterday, as compared to 471.05 on Friday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also closed lower at 109.61 from 109.95 previously.

Guthrie to venture in RI

Guthrie to venture in RI KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's Kumpulan Guthrie Bhd. is to seal a deal soon to develop an oil palm estate in Indonesia, officials said yesterday. The conglomerate plans to invest some 250 million ringgit (US$100 million) over the next 10 years to develop 70,000 hectares (175,000 acres) of oil palms in North Sumatra jointly with two Indonesian partners, they said.

Jakarta to hold cycling race

Jakarta to hold cycling race JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Sport Cycling Association (ISSI) will celebrate the year end with a cycling track race at the Rawamangun velodrome on Sunday. Committee spokesman Susanto Wijaya said yesterday the competition was aimed at reintroducing the race, which has long been absent from the country. Sunday's race will be the first of five scheduled legs throughout Java.

Merpati Nusantara Airlines to buy and lease more jets

Merpati Nusantara Airlines to buy and lease more jets JAKARTA (JP): As part of its modernization plan, Merpati Nusantara Airlines, a subsidiary of national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, will buy and lease a number of new and aging jets, including Fokker-100 and Boeing 737-200 aircraft. "We focus more on operating F-100 and B-737 jets," Merpati's director of operation, Amin Kahar, told reporters after witnessing the arrival of a new F-100 aircraft for Merpati at the Soekarno-Hatta airport.

More roads built in E. Timor

More roads built in E. Timor DILI, East Timor: The ministry of public works has built 1,035 kilometers of roads in the 13 regencies across the youngest province over the past five years, an official said yesterday. The roads are only 35 percent of the total 3,452 kilometers to be built by 1999, chief of the local public works office Soemarjono said. "Most of the road projects are in the southern part of East Timor and meant to improve land transportation with East Nusa Tenggara," he told Antara.

Repatriation of boat people to be delayed

Repatriation of boat people to be delayed JAKARTA (JP): The development of Galang Island as part of the Barelang (Batam, Rempang and Galang islands) bonded zone area is likely to encounter a further set back due to the delayed repatriation of several thousand boat people originally slated for mid-1995. "We would like to complete it as soon as possible, but it will be impossible to do it by the end of this year," Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday.

Railway fare to increase?

Railway fare to increase? From Neraca A rumor has spread recently that the price of railway tickets in the Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi area would increase. The increase in the economy class fare between Jakarta and Bogor is especially high, while the Executive train fare was only increased by 14 percent. I hope the Railway Company will clarify the matter. SYAIFUDDIN ZUHRI Bogor, West Java

`Sanca' snake produces 124 eggs

`Sanca' snake produces 124 eggs JAKARTA (JP): A 20-year old `Sanca' snake (python reticulatus) at the Ragunan Zoo laid 124 eggs, weighing 200 grams each, over the weekend. The number is a bit unusual because similar snakes usually produce no more than 100 eggs, Edy, a zoo attendant said. "According to the Animal Life Encyclopedia, the number of eggs produced by this species reaches between eight and 100 in one laying period," he said.

Two detained for inciting riot

Two detained for inciting riot BANDUNG, West Java: The police are still holding two persons suspected of inciting last week's riot between several thousand roadside vendors and pedicab drivers and security forces. The suspects, identified only as Sh, 19, and Bah, 22, were two of the 11 initially arrested on suspicion of masterminding the riot in which many shops and vehicles were vandalized. The other nine detained have since been released.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

Soeharto wellcomes results of EU-ASEAN conference

Soeharto wellcomes results of EU-ASEAN conference JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto Saturday praised the results of a recent conference between members of the European Union and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which broke from traditional discussions concerning human rights. "The results of the meeting reflect a step forward in the cooperation between the two organizations," Soeharto said after receiving the letter of credentials from German ambassador Heinrich Seemann.

Sidekick for Windows: The return of an old friend

Sidekick for Windows: The return of an old friend By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Here's the old friend that I told you about some time ago. Its name is Sidekick for Windows. Its first incarnation, Sidekick, was one of the first programs responsible for getting me so greatly enchanted by computers back in 1987. Sidekick was a Terminate and Stay Resident -- or TSR -- program that I could leave sleeping behind other programs, such as WP 5.0.

Ministers to meet on growth triangle

Ministers to meet on growth triangle KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Ministers from Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand are to meet later this month to plot strategies for stepping up growth in a triangle encompassing border regions of their countries, officials said yesterday. The Dec.

Testing mineral water

Testing mineral water From Neraca Mineral water in plastic bottles bearing various trade marks (Aqua, Mountoya, Sosro, Bonanza, Oasis etc.) is now sold in the market. I have tested some of them by using an electric conductor. My tests showed that the mineral waters did not conduct electric any current. This means that the water did not contain minerals. Or if it did at all, the mineral content was too little.

Merril Lynch faster growth for Indonesia

Merril Lynch faster growth for Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's economic growth, spurred by a stronger domestic demand and greater inflow of investments, will continue to accelerate next year, Merrill Lynch said. "The economy and its prospects of robust growth over the next 12 to 18 months are seen as one of the most positive features of Indonesia at this juncture," Merrill Lynch, a U.S.

Appeal in Marsinah case possible: Chief Justice

Appeal in Marsinah case possible: Chief Justice JAKARTA (JP): Chief Justice Soerjono says prosecutors may go to the Supreme Court if they wish to appeal the recent release of the main suspect in the highly controversial murder of labor activist Marsinah. The East Java high court last month cleared Judi Susanto of all charges and released him from prison, saying that he did not mastermind Marsinah's murder last year as the Surabaya district court had charged.

Serpong-Jakarta railway study

Serpong-Jakarta railway study TANGERANG (JP): The developer of the new satellite city, Bumi Serpong Damai, is studying the possibility of reopening the defunct Jakarta-Serpong railway route in cooperation with the state-owned railway company Perumka. Johannes Tulung, the developer's public relations manager, was quoted by the Republika daily as saying that the reopening of the railway route will provide alternative cheap mass transportation.

UK firm wins Vietnam order

UK firm wins Vietnam order HANOI (Reuter): John Laing International of Britain said on Saturday it had won a US$32 million contract to build an office tower in Ho Chi Minh City. It said in a statement it had been awarded the main superstructure contract for a 25-story tower, the first phase of the Saigon Center, a retail, office, hotel and residential development that will eventually have five high-rise buildings.

Sarwono replace Cosmas as Pelti's chairman

Sarwono replace Cosmas as Pelti's chairman JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja was unanimously elected as president of the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) for the 1994-1998 period over Cosmas Batubara on Saturday. On Saturday's closing day of Pelti's national congress in Grand Bali Beach, Sanur, Bali, participants had only Sarwono's name on their ballots.

Spanish king to visit Manila

Spanish king to visit Manila MANILA (Reuter): King Juan Carlos and Queen Sofia of Spain are to visit the former Spanish colony of the Philippines next year as a "gesture of reconciliation and goodwill," President Fidel Ramos said yesterday. Ramos said in a statement the visit and Spain's participation in the 1998 centenary marking the end of Spanish rule was significant. No date was given for the visit.

PDI sacks defiant officials

PDI sacks defiant officials JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) leadership has sacked a member of its executive board and a controversial activist in East Java for insubordination. The secretary general of the crisis-ridden party, Alex Litaay, announced here over the weekend that it had relieved Gerry Mbatemoy, a member of the executive board, of his post and dismissed Latief Pudjosakti, the self-styled chairman of the East Java chapter of the party, from PDI membership.

Vietnam's minister arrives in Manila

Vietnam's minister arrives in Manila MANILA (Reuter): Vietnamese Defense Minister Doan Khue arrived in Manila yesterday for a five-day visit expected to focus on the disputed Spratlys islands. Vietnam and the Philippines are among six nations that have staked a claim to all or part of the potentially rich string of Spratly islands and reefs in the South China Sea. The others are China, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei. Khue is due to meet Philippine Defense Secretary Renato De Villa today.

Teachers complain

Teachers complain From Neraca Through this letter we would like to complain about the lack of attention we receive from our professional organization, the All Indonesia Teachers Association (PGRI). The fact is that we are members of PGRI and at the same time members of the Civil Servants Corps (KORPRI). We pay monthly dues to both of the organizations. The dues are deducted directly from our salaries.

Copper, nickel at new highs

Copper, nickel at new highs LONDON (AFP): Copper and nickel held center stage last week, rising to new highs on the London Metal Exchange (LME) on, respectively, continued stock downdraws and problems at Russian group Norilsk, which produces 15 percent of the world's nickel. Dealers believe production has slumped by some 30 percent at Norilsk, which has been hit by two major power problems this month. They believe production will not now recover until spring.

Provisional ID card issued

Provisional ID card issued JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta mayoralty issued over 28,200 temporary identity cards for seasonal workers as of last month. Head of the mayoralty's population office Nurzul Noor said that most of the temporary cards were issued in Tanah Abang and Sawah Besar districts. The issuance of so many temporary cards in the two districts, the city's major business centers, was caused by the fact a large number of seasonal workers make their living in the areas, he said.

Indonesia needs law on medical malpractice

Indonesia needs law on medical malpractice JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman and prominent physician Kartono Mohamad stood firmly behind their campaign on Saturday to seek a new law to help cope with the growing problem of medical malpractice. In the seminar Kartono and Oetojo shared the opinion that such a law would help minimize cases of malpractice which are currently difficult to resolve due to the absence of legal precedent.

NU striving to modernize organization

NU striving to modernize organization TASIKMALAYA, West Java (JP): Thousands of Moslem leaders in Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) are trying to bring the organization up to date by holding discussions on contemporary issues. In the fourth day of its 29th congress here yesterday, participating ulemas debated such matters as the relationship between religion and the state, environmental degradation and Islam's stance on scientific advancement.

The Bandung riot

The Bandung riot Why did the Bandung riot happen, if the motive was merely an ordinary accident? As was reported, hundreds of pedicab drivers and street vendors went on a rampage this week. The trigger was the rumor that Ading Subama, 61, a becak (pedicab) driver, died after he was run over by a truck used by officers in charge of maintaining order in the city's streets during a series of raids. That was the rumor circulating.

Report bad service or bribe

Report bad service or bribe JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja once again reminded the public over the weekend to report poor services or solicitation of bribes by municipal administration civil servants. Speaking at a meeting with the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Young Businessmen's Association, the governor reiterated the importance of better services, including those for businessmen.

NU poised for new leadership

NU poised for new leadership TASIKMALAYA, West Java (JP): Battling slander and rumors of external pressure, Abdurrahman Wahid looked set yesterday for re- election to the helm of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU). The controversial leader of the country's largest Moslem organization entered the race for chairmanship of NU executive board (Tanfidzyah) last night pocketing majority support. Senior ulemas K.H. Sahal Mahfudz and K.H.

Sin urges Ramos to remember Marcos

Sin urges Ramos to remember Marcos MANILA (Reuter): The Philippines' most influential churchman said on yesterday that President Fidel Ramos should learn from history and what happened to Ferdinand Marcos if he wanted to succeed as president. Cardinal Jaime Sin, the country's leading Roman Catholic prelate, said he and Ramos remained close friends despite his outspoken criticisms of the government but the president should listen to the people instead of the flatterers around him.

Jakarta stocks seen drifting down

Jakarta stocks seen drifting down JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian stock market took another plunge on last Friday's news of higher-than-expected U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 3.9 percent. This signals a further increase in U.S. short term interest rates by the first quarter of 1995, which should put further upward pressure on local deposit interest rates.

ICI plans plant in Indonesia

ICI plans plant in Indonesia LONDON (AFP): Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI) has announced that it would invest 16 million pounds (US$25 million) in building a paint factory in Indonesia, at the Cikarang industrial center 60 kilometers east of Jakarta. The project, still subject to approval by the Indonesian authorities, will be carried out in the form of a joint venture with Indonesian conglomerate PT Dwi Satrya Utama.

Assessing timber firms

Assessing timber firms Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo has finally ended what securities analysts saw as his tug of war with timber companies intending to go public. He announced last week that wood-based companies which want to make an initial public offering (IPO) of shares are no longer required to obtain a letter of recommendation from his office.

Tip on upgrading to Ami Pro 3.1

Tip on upgrading to Ami Pro 3.1 JAKARTA (JP): When I installed SmartSuite 3.0, my Ami Pro was also upgraded to Version 3.1. However, right after the upgrade I started having problems editing the files that I had previously created in Version 3.01. Each time I tried to activate Thesaurus, Ami Pro returned a message that it couldn't find the necessary files. So, thinking that the installation procedure was not perfectly carried out, I reinstalled the entire suite. I still got the same message.

Nuclear plant to start in 1998

Nuclear plant to start in 1998 PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): The government will start construction of a 7,000 Mega Watt nuclear-powered generator on a 500-hectare plot at Balong village in the Jepara regency in 1998, Central Java Governor Suwardi said on Saturday. He told The Jakarta Post that the Rp 52 trillion (US$23.7 billion) generator is expected to meet the increasing demands for electricity in Central Java. The electricity generator will be activated by 12 nuclear reactors.

Lawyers group plans campaign in poor areas

Lawyers group plans campaign in poor areas JAKARTA (JP): The new chairman of the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Lawyers Association, Thomas Tampubolon, said on Saturday that during his term the association will make some presentations to socialize basic legal matters for the people in the city's 11 underdeveloped subdistricts. "These presentations are our homage to the city's less fortunate residents, who are still unaware of their legal rights," said Tampubolon.

Pelita Jaya losses 0-1 to PSDS

Pelita Jaya losses 0-1 to PSDS JAKARTA (JP): Little known PSDS Deli Serdang sprang a surprise on the modified national soccer league yesterday when the North Sumatra side scored a 1-0 victory over semi-professional champion Pelita Jaya in Deli Serdang yesterday. Playing before top officials of the All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI), PSDS entertained its 10,000 fans who packed the local Lubuk Pakam stadium with well-knit teamwork to tame the skilled visitors.

ABRI's handling of Timor riot soluted

ABRI's handling of Timor riot soluted JAKARTA (JP): Two special envoys from the United Nations secretary general have hailed the military's success in ending the recent riot in East Timor. Frances Vendrell and Tamarat Samuel told the local military commander in a meeting in Dili over the weekend of their deep appreciation to the Armed Forces (ABRI) for the way they solved the riot without a single casualty.

Koja resident reopen talks on compensation

Koja resident reopen talks on compensation JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned port company PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II (Pelindo II) and the Ministry of Transportation have reopened negotiations on the amount of compensation for residents of Koja Utara subdistrict in North Jakarta.

Cocoa output in Ivory Coast, RI trappers off

Cocoa output in Ivory Coast, RI trappers off ABIDJAN (Reuter): Cocoa output in Ivory Coast, the world's top producer, could fall as it runs out of the tropical rain forest which farmers have traditionally cleared to provide land for new holdings, according to a crop researcher.

Indofood's sales rises 21%

Indofood's sales rises 21% JAKARTA (JP): Indofood Sukses Makmur, a noodle producer listed on the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges, reported an increase of 21 percent in its net sales to Rp 976.9 billion (US$454.37 million) in the first nine months of this year.

Document for Chinese descend

Document for Chinese descend From Kompas As a person of Chinese descend I was completely startled by the Jakarta Metropolitan Administration's (DKI) policy concerning documentation needed for citizens of Chinese descend. To move from Central Jakarta to North Jakarta, for example, I have to change our K-I paper (document required for Jakarta residents of Chinese descend) besides the other papers necessary for relocation to a new area.

Families generally reject AIDS-infected member

Families generally reject AIDS-infected member JAKARTA (JP): AIDS patients need proper care and support from their families to lighten their burden, says Dr. Arman Adikusomo, a psychiatrist who treats the AIDS-infected. Dr. Adikusumo, from the AIDS Study Group at the University of Indonesia's Medical School, told a symposium Saturday that not all people would accept a member of their family who had AIDS, especially if the patient was homosexual.

Merapi victims undergo surgery

Merapi victims undergo surgery YOGYAKARTA: Surgeons performed plastic surgery on nine victims of the Merapi eruption Saturday and will operate on another four today. Coordinator of the medical teams assisting Merapi victims Bayu Nugroho said results of the procedures could be seen two weeks from now. Meanwhile, Director General of Geology and Mineral Resources Adjat Sudradjat said that the volcano remained active and that minor tremors were still being felt nearby.

RP seeking development-friendly democracy

RP seeking development-friendly democracy The Philippines may have finally found that freedom is not a deterrent to development. Johanna Son of Inter Press Service reports. MANILA (IPS): For a long time, the Philippines has stood apart from its authoritarian neighbors, diagnosed as a country where rowdy democracy sapped economic health.

Scrambling broadcast

Scrambling broadcast From Forum Keadilan As a layman I was unsurprised when I learned about the government's plan to scramble the broadcast of private television stations. The only thing I remember about the news was that one had to buy special equipment costing Rp 1.5 million and pay a monthly-subscription fee of Rp 82,000 to be able to received unscrambled private television stations via satellite. I have some questions about this plan. What is the motive?

Police pledge to continue war against alcohol

Police pledge to continue war against alcohol JAKARTA (JP): City Police have vowed to continue battling the illegal sale of alcoholic beverages at shops and stalls in and around the city. "We will never stop such crackdowns in order to curb excessive use of liquor by young people and reduce the number of alcohol- related crimes," head of the Operational Affairs unit of the On- the-Alert City Police Squad Capt. Syaiful Bd. told reporters here yesterday.

Plywood workers go on strike

Plywood workers go on strike JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Around 1,400 workers of a plywood company in Fakfak went on strike on Wednesday demanding that the management pay them at least equal the minimum wage set by the local government. The mostly female workers of PT Prabu Alaska also demanded that management enlist them in the state-run workers social security scheme. The workers complained that the company only pays their salaries every four months instead of each month.

PLN urged to act on complaint

PLN urged to act on complaint TANGERANG (JP): Members of the National Commission on Human Rights have asked the state-owned electricity company (PLN) to temporarily turn off the 500,000-volt electric current flowing through cables suspended over the Ciledug Indah housing estate in the Tangerang area, Greater Jakarta.

Telkom to hold telephone card exhibition

Telkom to hold telephone card exhibition JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned telecommunications company PT Telkom and PTT Telecom Netherlands will hold a one-month international telephone card exhibition called Indo-Phonecards '94. Erik Meyer, public relations manager of PTT Telecom Netherlands, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that Indo- Phonecards, the first exhibition of telephone cards ever in Indonesia, will be held from Dec. 9 to Jan. 8, 1995.

Chemical container blast, driver killed

Chemical container blast, driver killed JAKARTA (JP): The driver of a truck died early Thursday morning when the container load of polystyrene styropor petrochemical mounted on his truck exploded in the Tangung Priok cargo terminal. Antara reported yesterday that the 20-foot container had just been unloaded from a vessel arriving from Pusan in South Korea and was put in the holding area of the port at Block X/4 Slot No.16. At 2 a.m.

Gen. Feisal tells NU to manage conflicts

Gen. Feisal tells NU to manage conflicts By Santi WE Soekanto and Petty Prihartini TASIKMALAYA, West Java (JP): Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung told Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) yesterday that among its roles in society, one is to manage conflicts from within and also in society. Addressing the largest Moslem organization's congress yesterday, Feisal asked NU members to sharpen their ability to discern conflicting interests and to avoid those harmful to the organization.

Sjarifudin pledges to improve agribusiness

Sjarifudin pledges to improve agribusiness JAKARTA (JP): The government is promoting the development of the country's agribusiness by asking banks to improve financial supports and by establishing a board for agricultural standards, Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsjah said here yesterday.

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.

High crime rate linked to TV violence: Singgih

High crime rate linked to TV violence: Singgih JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Singgih has appealed to television stations to tone down the amount of violence in their programs because they could encourage criminal activities. Singgih told a seminar of criminologists in Semarang on Thursday violence on television has some links with crime and violence in society, the Antara news agency reported.

Samsung's auto business

Samsung's auto business SEOUL (AFP): The government is close to giving the go-ahead to South Korea's leading Samsung Business Group to open an automobile business, officials said yesterday. "Samsung's application will be given a positive consideration," Vice Trade Minister Park Woon-Seo told a press conference. Park's comment came one day after President Kim Young-sam told a business gathering that his administration would encourage a level playing field within the country.

Canberra aid targets E. Indonesia

Canberra aid targets E. Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Australian Minister for Administrative Services Frank Walker yesterday affirmed his country's intention of helping development in Indonesia's eastern region. "Australia thinks (the region) is important because it is closest to Australia... It is also where development is most needed and where some of the country's poorest people live," he said during a press conference.

Comic books find market in Indonesia

Comic books find market in Indonesia By Achmad Nurhoeri JAKARTA (JP): Comics have become an increasingly profitable industry in Indonesia with investments getting bigger and bigger whenever a new series hits the market. Unfortunately, most of the comic books in circulation are foreign comics that have been translated into Bahasa Indonesia. This is hurting the traditional Indonesian comic-business. A comic book can be a child's best friend. It lets the reader travel to places never dreamed of.

Driving in the rain

Driving in the rain "I'm driving in the rain, just driving in the rain, what a horrible feeling, it's jam-time again." These aren't exactly the words used by Gene Kelly in that epic song sung years ago, but they did reflect the traffic chaos which ensued on Tuesday Nov. 29 after 4 p.m. in Jakarta. So many words have been written about macet (traffic jam) in The Jakarta Post in the past but nothing changes really.

Gus Dur faces stiff contest in NU election

Gus Dur faces stiff contest in NU election By Santi WE Soekanto and Petty Prihartini TASIKMALAYA, West Java (JP): Re-election of the charismatic leader of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Abdurrahman Wahid, is by no means certain, despite strong support showed by organization's branch offices. As the congress of the largest Moslem organization entered its second day, speculations as to who will win the executive board's chairmanship grew.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) sharply declined across the board yesterday in lethargic trading. The broad-based Composite Index maintained its downward turn, losing another 11.07 points to close at 471.05 as compared to 482.12 on Thursday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also declined by over three points to 109.05 from 113.14. A securities analyst said that the sharp decline was in line with the downward trend on major world markets.

Police put end to unauthorized meet

Police put end to unauthorized meet YOGYAKARTA: The police closed a political meeting here Thursday when the committee failed to show them the necessary permit. The meeting was held by the Yogyakarta chapter of the Association of Democratic People (PRD), which advocates a more open democratic system in the country. A lecturer of the local Gadjah Mada University and a researcher were among the speakers in the meeting. The police arrived when lecturer Arif A.

Bogor garden striving to blosom

Bogor garden striving to blosom JAKARTA (JP): The management of the Bogor Botanical Garden announced that it is determined to continue programs for preserving its collection of rare plants and also developing tourism. Chief of science department of the garden Sukendar said yesterday they have collected over 4,000 rare plants from all over Indonesia as well as from a number of other countries.

Health sector under APEC free trade

Health sector under APEC free trade By Sujudi JAKARTA (JP): As Pacific Rim countries are preparing themselves for more liberated trade, a number of questions related to health affairs arise: What can Indonesia reap from this free market region; what can health development do to enhance our export competitiveness and what are the implications of APEC on our health development?

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

Hot lava destroys pine trees

Hot lava destroys pine trees SEMARANG: Hot lava from last week's eruption of Mount Merapi has burned down thousands of pine trees in an area controlled by a state-owned forestry company in Magelang Regency, Central Java. The spokesman for PT Perhutani's estate company, Toto JS Bedjoe, said yesterday that the burned pine trees, which covered an area of 114 hecatares, were between one and two years old. Ninety percent of the 42,500-hectare forest area were planted with pine trees, Antara reported.

Coup and Sukarno

Coup and Sukarno From Forum Keadilan Forum Keadilan No 14/III/1994 published the controversial essays about The White Book and Manai Sophiaan's book, which argue whether or not Bung Karno was involved in the G-30-S/PKI abortive coup attempt. Vice President Try Sutrisno believes that "It is time we made peace with history. The challenges of the future are much more important." He hints that we shouldn't get weighed down on the differences, but should solidify our unity.

Reporters told to write carefully

Reporters told to write carefully JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto has reminded local reporters to be discreet when writing articles on the murder of Nyo Beng Seng. "There have been too many cases in which our investigation was totally interfered with due to `over-loaded' stories run by the press," he told crime reporters on Thursday. He denied reports that his office requested the immigration office ban Beng Seng's second wife from traveling abroad.

Best songs by the blind

Best songs by the blind JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Blind People has picked out 12 best songs from a national song writing competition for the blind. The songs were selected from 202 songs which were submitted by a total of 99 blind composers from 13 provinces.

Vietnam's defense chief to visit RP

Vietnam's defense chief to visit RP MANILA (AFP): Vietnamese Defense Minister Gen. Doan Khue and his seven-member party are to arrive here tomorrow for talks on joint military cooperation, including seaborne rescues in the disputed Spratly islands, Filipino officials said yesterday. A Defense Department statement here said the six-day visit will mark the highest-level military meeting to date between Vietnamese officials and their Philippine counterparts.

Goenawan goes on with court battle

Goenawan goes on with court battle JAKARTA (JP): Senior journalist Goenawan Mohamad yesterday pressed on with his lawsuit against Minister of Information Harmoko over the banning of the Tempo magazine, stressing that the action had not only denied him freedom of expression guaranteed by the constitution, but also a considerable income. Goenawan's lawyers sought to shoot down every argument presented by Harmoko at the Jakarta Administrative Court to have the lawsuit dropped.

NU's contribution

NU's contribution Why is it that a national conference of a social-political or social-religious organization such as the Muhammadiyah or Nahdatul Ulama (NU) always attracts so much public attention? Each time such questions arise we are inclined to retort that perhaps it is because those organizations have been with us for a long time.

Relief aid for victims of Merapi keeps coming

Relief aid for victims of Merapi keeps coming YOGYAKARTA (JP): Relief aid for the victims of the recent eruption of Mt. Merapi kept flowing in from various parties yesterday. Visiting Malaysian Minister of Information, Mohammed Rahmat, presented a donation check worth US$200,000 yesterday to the regent of Sleman, whose area is hardest hit by the disaster.

Environmental damage slows economic growth

Environmental damage slows economic growth By T. Sima Gunawan JAKARTA (JP): Has Indonesia truly enjoyed over six percent economic growth over the last five years? Environmentalists are now questioning the validity of the figure and argue that the growth rate should be discounted in view of the depletion of the nation's environment, including the non-renewable natural resources.

Water stoppage in the city

Water stoppage in the city JAKARTA (JP): The city-owned water company PAM Jaya announced it will temporarily stop its water distribution in certain areas in South Jakarta for one day, starting from 8 p.m. today, due to an installation project in Manggarai. The affected areas include Manggarai, Jl. Slamet Riyadi, Pasar Rumput, Jl. Minangkabau and Jl. Kampung Melayu Kecil. (yns)

Merpati disaster won't affect flight

Merpati disaster won't affect flight SEMARANG: The slide of a Merpati aircraft into a ditch after landing at the Semarang airport will not affect any flight to and from here, an official said yesterday. Head of the provincial transportation office Gatot Soedjantoko told reporters yesterday that no plane landings will be disturbed by the incident because it occurred about 120 meters from the landing strip.

Growing roots

Growing roots With an estimated 5,000 fans attending despite rain on Thursday evening, one could say that the fourth international Jakarta jazz festival, Jak Jazz 1994, has started off on a note of optimism. After all it may be noted that it was not so long ago that the musical genre that is known as jazz had about as many fans among Indonesians as western classical music -- that is to say, very few. But of course, things have changed over the past few years.

New telephone service announced

New telephone service announced JAKARTA (JP): In an effort to better serve the public, the Fourth Telecommunications Division of the Telephone Service Office has provided the "Local Information 108" telephone service with new equipment. The equipment, which will make it easier for people using the Local Information 108 service, went into operation on Thursday, Djaman Sinaga, spokesman for the office, announced yesterday.

E. Timor expels two more foreign journalists

E. Timor expels two more foreign journalists DILI, East Timor (JP): East Timor authorities yesterday deported two foreigners who they believed were involved in journalistic activity while visiting on an inappropriate visa. Major. Laeden Simbolon, the spokesman for the East Timor military, identified the two as 42-year old Irene Velak, a Dutch citizen, and 49-year old Rose Marie L from Australia. AFP however identified them as 35-year old Irene Slegt and 39- year old Jill Rose Marie Jolliffe.

U.S. and RI sign $3.46b power deal

U.S. and RI sign $3.46b power deal JAKARTA (JP): Four American-Indonesian joint ventures yesterday won contracts to explore and develop geothermal fields in West and Central Java and to establish power plants with a total capacity of up to 1,420 megawatts (MW). "The agreements allow the contractors to operate for 42 years, including a production period of 30 years," Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana said at the ceremony for the signing of the contracts, which was attended by U.S.

Bandung water contaminated

Bandung water contaminated BOGOR, West Java: Bandung faces not only depletion of its ground water, but contamination as well, an expert at the Bogor Institute of Agriculture, warned. Komarsa G., a staff lecturer at the institute, said a recent study showed the alarming degradation of the quantity and quality of the water supply in Bandung, Antara reported. Given the trend, Komarsa fears there will soon be a critical shortage of clean water in the West Java capital.

Live broadcast on New Year's Eve

Live broadcast on New Year's Eve JAKARTA (JP): The privately-owned RCTI television station and the Taman Impian Jaya Ancol (TIJA) dreamland plan to broadcast a series of entertainment events live from the dreamland site in Ancol, North Jakarta, on New Year's Eve. The program, to be broadcast from 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 31 to 3 a.m. on Jan. 1, will include the traditional story of Rama and Shinta.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m TV Series: The Return Of Sherlock Holmes 3:05 Comedy 3:30 Sports: Dunhill League 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Program 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music: Jazz 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dianrana 8:05 TV Drama: Hati Yang Mendua 9:00 World News 9:30 Rona Nusantara 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film Progra 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: Swans Crossing 8:30 Music TPI 5:30 a.m.

Percussion orchestra spices up jazz festival

Percussion orchestra spices up jazz festival JAKARTA (JP): Jazz gourmets had a chance to taste an exotic blending of the rhythm of traditional percussion instruments and saxophone on the second night of the ongoing Jakarta jazz festival 'A Mild Jak Jazz' at Senayan in South Jakarta. The Percussion Orchestra, with Reto Weber and Bruno of Switzerland, M.

Thieves target village chiefs

Thieves target village chiefs SERANG, West Java: A village chief from a nearby district had his bag containing Rp 27.5 million (US$13,000) stolen from his car, while he was buying gas here. The police said yesterday that the chief of Citeureup village came to town to collect money from Bank Central Asia on Wednesday. A day earlier the chief of the nearby Priayi village also had money, which he left in a parked car, stolen.

Shoemaker plans acquisition

Shoemaker plans acquisition JAKARTA (JP): PT Indosepamas Anggun, an export-oriented shoe manufacturer, will take over a majority stake in five companies owned by its own business group. Rachman Untung of the company's Investor Relation Department said here yesterday the internal acquisition worth over Rp 373.60 billion (US$173.76 million) is part of Indosepamas' expansion and diversification strategy.

PDI conflict continues

PDI conflict continues SURABAYA: Chairman of the East Java chapter of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) Soetjipto said it was up to the party's central board to decide whether or not the party will hold an extra-ordinary regional congress to settle the conflict within the chapter.

Jak Jazz: A series of pleasant surprises

Jak Jazz: A series of pleasant surprises By Paul W. Blair JAKARTA (JP): There were numerous surprises on the opening evening of the fourth Jakarta International Jazz Festival at Plaza Timur in Senayan on Tuesday evening. That's very much in the tradition of an elaborate now-annual event being pulled together again this week by an energetic team of local volunteers who were nailing down last-minute details even as the first band were beginning to perform.

New check dam to be built in Bintaro area

New check dam to be built in Bintaro area JAKARTA (JP): In a bid to protect the Civil Servants Cooperative Organization (IKPN) housing complex in Bintaro, South Jakarta, from seasonal floods, the city administration plans to build a new dam. Yesterday Jayakarta daily reported the plan was announced when the city flood prevention team visited the location on Thursday.

Peace, development need to be empowerment: Suu Kyi

Peace, development need to be empowerment: Suu Kyi Extracts from an address by the Nobel Peace Laureate and detained opposition leader of Myanmar, Aung San Suu Kyi, presented on her behalf by Corazon Aquino, former President Philippines, to a meeting of Unesco's World Commission on Culture and Development in Manila last week. Suu Kyi has been an honorary member of the commission since it was founded in 1992, although held incommunicado under house arrest since July 1989 family.

Bandung town center sobers up after riot

Bandung town center sobers up after riot JAKARTA (JP): The Alun-alun district of Bandung slowly returned to normal yesterday, a day after rioting by thousands of sidewalk traders, pedicab drivers and security officers. A number of shops in alun-alun, the town center and site of the riots, were reopened yesterday but many still had their shutters down. There were also fewer shoppers than on normal days, according to Bandung residents contacted by phone yesterday.

Bimantara vs Djarum at badminton final

Bimantara vs Djarum at badminton final JAKARTA (JP): The top two seeded clubs, Bimantara Tangkas and Djarum Kudus, won their semi-final matches to set up a showdown at the national badminton championships final in Denpasar, Bali, today. Bimantara was left trailing before winning the deciding mixed doubles match, just edging out a Susi Susanti-led Jaya Raya 3-2 in a hard-fought semifinal played at Yuwana Mandala sports hall on Thursday.

Philippine, RI firms sign deals

Philippine, RI firms sign deals MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Indonesian and Philippine companies have signed six memorandums of understanding (MOU) to cooperate in the development of telecommunications, tourism and fishery in the East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA). The agreements were signed here this week at the end of the ministerial meeting between members of the EAGA, which also includes Brunei and Malaysia.

NU congress

NU congress From Republika The high cost of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) congress (billions of rupiah) has allowed Cipasung residents to rent their houses out at hundreds of thousands or millions off rupiah for the ten day event. They welcomed the congress in Cipasung as a blessing. As a resident of Tasikmalaya, I am proud that Cipasung was chosen as the site for the big event and I hope that the conference will be a success and produces a result. IIP DZULKIFLI YAHYA Tasikmalaya, West Java

APEC Bogor declaration was 'Soeharto's vision'

APEC Bogor declaration was 'Soeharto's vision' JAKARTA (JP): The United States refuted suggestions of self interest in pushing for a trade liberalization deadline among the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) members, referring instead to President Soeharto as the author of the deed. "This was not an initiative of the United States. It was an initiative of President Soeharto," said U.S. Under Secretary of State for Economic, Business and Agricultural Affairs Joan E. Spero yesterday.

Famine looms in eight villages

Famine looms in eight villages MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Shortage of food is now haunting eight villagers in Sekotong district of West Lombok Regency following crop failures caused by the prolonged dry season. The food situation of 330 families in the eight villages has reached the "amber light" stage, and they will soon run out of food entirely, District Chief Rosihan Andji told the Antara news agency.

President's daughter chosen as RI Red Cross chief

President's daughter chosen as RI Red Cross chief JAKARTA (JP): Businesswoman Siti Hardiyanti Rukmana, the eldest daughter of President Soeharto, was elected chief of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) yesterday, replacing Ibnu Sutowo. Mbak Tutut, as she is better known here, was elected unanimously in a PMI national congress that ended yesterday.

S'pore regional strategy

S'pore regional strategy BANGKOK (Reuter): Thailand is a priority in Singapore's bid to go regional by expanding business abroad and investing overseas, Singapore Trade and Industry Minister Yeo Cheow Tong says. "Being part of ASEAN (the Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and traditional trading partners, Thailand is obviously a priority in our strategy to go regional," said Yeo, visiting Bangkok for the launch of the Thailand-Singapore Business Council.

Environmental conscience

Environmental conscience I am writing this letter to you because I am deeply troubled. As an American citizen who has lived and worked in Indonesia, I too, am concerned about preserving the beauty and overall majesty of your country of more than 13,640 islands. In America, manufacturers are expected to produce products that do not degrade or pollute the environment. It is a company awareness policy to do so because of public and bureaucratic pressures.

Haj registration in S. Jakarta

Haj registration in S. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The number of Jakartans registering at South Jakarta's haj affairs office for next year's pilgrimage to Mecca has so far reached 1,900. Zachrudin Zen, head of the haj affairs office, said on Wednesday that the registrants are expected to join pilgrimage ritual instruction in their respective district offices.

Tale of two discos

Tale of two discos CIREBON, West Java: The Cirebon Regency Office gave its blessing to the opening of the Papillon Discotheque and Billiard in Indramayu, 65 kilometers southwest of the city, just a week after a similar club was ransacked by a mob.

Tangerang warns extortionists

Tangerang warns extortionists TANGERANG (JP): The regent of Tangerang, H. Syaifulah Abdurrahman, told traders of the Ciputat market, South Jakarta, whose kiosks were destroyed by fire on Oct. 20, to report to the authorities any officials asking them for money for occupying the space of a temporary market built there. The regent said that the Tangerang administration has decided that the space in the temporary market is free of charge.

Housing loan disbursement unjust

Housing loan disbursement unjust JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Agrarian Affairs Soni Harsono said yesterday the fact that 70 percent of housing loans totaling Rp 28.2 trillion (US$12.8 billion) have gone for the purchase of upper class housing reflects injustice in the disbursement of credit.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

Universities sign pact to stop student brawls

Universities sign pact to stop student brawls JAKARTA (JP): Police and military officers witnessed the managements of two privately-owned universities sign a pact yesterday to put an end to brawls like that involving their students on Wednesday.

Satya Wacana rocked by more feuding

Satya Wacana rocked by more feuding SALATIGA, Central Java (JP): The Satya Wacana Christian University was rocked by more feuding after the foundation which owns the college appointed its new executive board on Wednesday. Senior staff lecturer Reverend Broto Semedi led the protest yesterday against the appointment of the board which he said was undemocratic and ignored the aspirations of the college's staff and students.

Merapi eruption

Merapi eruption From Kompas The Merapi eruption revealed that thousands of people live on dangerous slopes of the volcano, and many of them have become victims of the calamity. The eruption has destroyed assets, cattle and productive lands. This natural catastrophe should serve as a lesson to all of us. The government, nature lovers and national figures should be aware of the problem of population and the supporting capacity of nature.

Intense promotion

Intense promotion November is a special month for the promotion of tobacco in Indonesia even though Heroes' Day is commemorated on the tenth and the National Health Day is observed on Nov. 11. Sports people across the nation promoting the tobacco industry. Here are the facts: 1. Lucky Strike International Motorcross Championships 1994 on the Raffles Village circuit, Grand Final is held in Cibubur, Jakarta, Nov. 12-13. 2. Bentoel (kretek) Super Motorcross, Worldclass Action, Surabaya, Nov. 10-11.

NU wins praises for its brave decision

NU wins praises for its brave decision By Santi WE Soekanto and Petty Prihartini TASIKMALAYA, West Java (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama, the largest Moslem organization, began its 29th congress with declarations by its leaders which virtually put a plug on recent efforts to drag it back into politics. President Soeharto opened the five-day congress by stating his approval of the organization leaders' decision to reaffirm its 1984 vow to shun party politics.

Leaks in tests for subdistrict chiefs

Leaks in tests for subdistrict chiefs TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang administration is investigating alleged leaks in the screening tests for candidates for the 50 subdistrict chief seats. "We are conducting a thorough investigation, and we will impose stern penalties on anyone found guilty," Tangerang Regent Syaifullah Abdurachman said yesterday. He said the selection committee also discovered that a candidate had submitted a fake diploma.

RI economic prediction a serious matter

RI economic prediction a serious matter By Makmur Keliat NEW DELHI (JP): Beyond any doubt, prediction is of great importance to human beings, especially when it encourages people to keep with their ambitions. Henceforth there is nothing wrong with the recent prediction that Indonesia will become the world's fifth largest economy by 2020. It should be realized, however, that prediction does not assure accomplishment.

Airport toll road sinking faster

Airport toll road sinking faster JAKARTA (JP): The Sediatmo toll road, which heads out to the Soekarno-Hatta airport, has sunk 80 centimeters, more than the 25 cm anticipated, an official of the city administration says. Dargono Danuprawiro, head of the Jakarta public works office, said on Wednesday that the subsidence will possibly continue and worsen uncontrollably.

Manado to host Press Day activities

Manado to host Press Day activities MANADO, North Sulawesi: Governor C.J. Rantung has appointed the organizing committee for 1995 National Press Day celebrations in the city next February, Antara reported. The committee is headed by Sinjal, who is aided by Nico Pesik as secretary and Husein as treasurer and 17 other members, including journalists Bidden Kandores and Max Maramis. (emb)

Narcotics laws need review: Psychiatrist

Narcotics laws need review: Psychiatrist JAKARTA (JP): Dadang Hawari, a noted psychiatrist from the University of Indonesia, says that the existing narcotic laws badly need revising in order to reduce drug abuse in Indonesia. "It is high time for the government to revise the old laws issued in 1976 to enable it not only to adjust to present developments but also to anticipate future trends," he said. Dadang made the remarks on Wednesday in a one-day seminar on drug prevention among students.

Three injured in Merpati plane slide

Three injured in Merpati plane slide SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): Three people were badly injured when a Fokker-28 of Merpati Nusantara Airlines with 78 people aboard slid into a ditch after landing Wednesday night. The Jakarta-outbound plane was broken into three. A wing was crushed and landing gears came loose and scattered around the wreckage.

World rubber growers, users hold talks in KL

World rubber growers, users hold talks in KL KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): World rubber producers and consumers opened talks yesterday amid optimism that differences could be narrowed here before the conclusion of a new price pact at UN- brokered talks in Geneva in February.

Dunhill League competition

Dunhill League competition From Merdeka It is interesting to follow reports on the preparations of the football teams which are eager to participate in Dunhill League Tournament. But why is it called "Dunhill League" instead of "Indonesian League?" OK, that's none of my business. It is the business of the sponsor and the All Indonesia Football Association. Bravo Dunhill. And I thank the association for its readiness to open its door to foreign players.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m TV Series: Kubuto 3:05 Langka & Unik 3:30 Science Program 4:00 School Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:30 Science Film 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Harmony Kehidupan 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 You Should Know 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dinamika 8:05 Nusantara Star 9:00 World News 9:30 Quiz: Berpacu Dalam Melodi 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Indonesia hires foreign coach

Indonesia hires foreign coach JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, out to retain its reputation as the number one gymnastics nation in South East Asia, has hired two other foreign coaches to be in charge of its gymnasts, now training hard for the 14th SEA Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The coaches are Golitch Alexander from Russia and Takako Watanabe from Japan. Together with another Russian coach Kouznetsov Iouri, who has been in the country since July last year, they will be in charge of the gymnasts.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) closed lower in hectic trading yesterday after aggressive European institutional profit-taking amid active buying of blue-chip shares of Indosat, BDNI, Barito Pacific Timber and Astra Int'l. Indosat recorded the largest trading volume of 2.41 million shares, followed by BDNI with the trading of 1.07 million shares, Barito Pacific with 857,000 shares and Astra Int'l with 220,000 shares.

ABRI's stance

ABRI's stance A gratifying statement was made by the Chief Commander of the Armed Forces, Gen. Feisal Tanjung. Under the political system of Pancasila Democracy, the commander said, the Armed Forces (ABRI) should take the stance that all political players are friends. "In this context differences in political opinion and perception are possible so long as they fit within the framework of Pancasila and the 1945 Constitution," he said.

China in property fever

China in property fever BEIJING (Reuter): China's booming property market has offered a deal that city fathers in Hangzhou could not refuse -- the sale of City Hall itself. Following fierce bidding, land-use rights to the prime lakeside site were sold to Chinese and Indonesian developers for US$1,228 a square meter, the official Xinhua news agency said on Wednesday. The size of the site and value of the sale were not disclosed.

Three nabbed while drug trafficking

Three nabbed while drug trafficking PEKALONGAN, Central Java: Three persons the police have long suspected of drug trafficking were finally caught in the act on Wednesday. Pekalongan Police Chief Sofyan Nasution said that his men seized 110 grams of heroin powder from the three people caught peddling the contraband at a losmen (inn). He said the three men have long been known to deal drugs and that the police had been watching them.

Apartment sales boom

Apartment sales boom The Nov. 17 regulation issued by the public housing minister on the sales of apartments should be welcomed as an effort to protect the interests of consumers. We are not sure, though, whether the ruling, which we think should have been issued last year, will be effective enough to prevent a bust, as predicted by many analysts, in the apartment market boom.

Water and Air Police Squad marks 44th anniversary

Water and Air Police Squad marks 44th anniversary JAKARTA (JP): The National Water and Air Police Squad celebrated its 44th anniversary with a series of attractions, including a show-of-force parade and 'senam joget' (dancing exercise, above photo) at its base in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, yesterday. The morning activities were attended by a large number of senior police officers, including National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman, and ship crew members berthed near the base.

Witnesses give testimony defending accused Yorrys

Witnesses give testimony defending accused Yorrys JAKARTA (JP): The defense lawyer for Yorrys Raweyai, a prominent figure of Pemuda Pancasila being tried for organizing a gambling den, presented two witnesses yesterday at the West Jakarta District Court. The two witnesses were security guards working at the storehouse of Abidin, one of the other six defendants on trial, where the gambling activities allegedly took place. They are Kasan Sudia, 30, and Salim Ardim, 40.

RI investors encouraged to do mining in Australia

RI investors encouraged to do mining in Australia JAKARTA (JP): Australia is inviting Indonesian investors to do business in Australia's mining sector, while offering its technology to Indonesia's mining industry to help meet the rapidly increasing mining demands in the Asia-Pacific region. "Indonesia and Australia are both well endowed with rich natural and human resources.

Seeking Gus Dur's explanation

Seeking Gus Dur's explanation From Pelita I am not surprised by Bung Rahman Wahid's suggestion that the time has come for Indonesia to consider diplomatic relations with Israel. But his statement published in the Jerusalem Post on Nov. 4, 1994 needs explaining. He said: "We had to learn democracy from you, we had to learn humanitarian values from you." And he confirmed the validity of his statement in Republika, Nov. 27, 1994.

Boar hunting season opens

Boar hunting season opens BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Governor Adjis Achmad officially sounded the call to the hunt on Wednesday for dozens of marksmen from Jakarta, saying that the wild boars they are after are the cause of human poverty. "Boars can impoverish rural people because they devour entire village crops," Adjis Achmad said during a ceremony signaling the departure for the hunt of 178 sharpshooters in a convoy of 112 cars.

Railway system projects underway

Railway system projects underway JAKARTA (JP): The Director General of Land Transportation, Soejono, announced yesterday that only 35 percent of Greater Jakarta's railway system projects have been completed. "We hope in the year 2004 all of the projects will be completed. We predict that 325 economic class and air-conditioned trains will be serving 1.6 million people," he told the Antara news agency yesterday.

Aussie, British insurers enter RI

Aussie, British insurers enter RI JAKARTA (JP): Australian and British insurance companies have entered the Indonesian market by teaming up domestic partners to set up joint ventures. The QBE Insurance Group of Australia has teamed up with PT Pool Asuransi Indonesia to establish a joint venture here with a paid-up capital of Rp 15 billion (US$6.8 million).

IDI plans public complaints bureau

IDI plans public complaints bureau JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Medical Association (IDI) plans to set up a bureau in charge of handling public complaints about the behavior of certain physicians. IDI chairman Azrul Azwar said yesterday that people fed up with doctors' professional service could file their complaints with the bureau beginning in January.

Jak Jazz opens to drizzle, applause

Jak Jazz opens to drizzle, applause JAKARTA (JP): The fourth international Jakarta jazz festival was officially opened yesterday by Governor Surjadi Soedirdja with one of five stages still being completed amid drizzle which washed across the capital. Ireng Maulana, the executive director of the organizing committee said a 'pawang hujan', a person believed to have the power to stop rain, had been asked to intervene with the weather.

Assyabaab goes top after crushing PSM

Assyabaab goes top after crushing PSM JAKARTA (JP): Surabaya's Assyabaab chalked up its second consecutive win in the Indonesian Soccer League competition by trouncing Ujungpandang's PSM 2-0 on Wednesday. The win, which was picked up on its home soil at the Gelora November 10 Stadium, sent the Surabaya club to the top of the East Division standings with six points after two outings. On Sunday, the opening day of league competition, Assyabaab beat Yogyakarta's PSIM 3-1.

UI opens Non-Aligned Movement study center

UI opens Non-Aligned Movement study center By Achmad Nurhoeri JAKARTA (JP): The prestigious state University of Indonesia has established a center to study the development of the Non- Aligned Movement (NAM), of which Indonesia is now chairman. The Center of Analysis for NAM Studies hopes to produce studies that could be used by the 112-nation movement as the basis of its policy-making decisions.

Pusan to apply for 14th Asiad

Pusan to apply for 14th Asiad SEOUL (Reuter): South Korea plans to apply to host the 14th Asian Games in 2002 in Pusan, its second largest city, officials said yesterday. A Pusan city official said the city would submit the application to the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) in January. "Our city will be able to finish all preparations, including facilities, by 2000," said the official.

Plastic surgery on Merapi victims underway

Plastic surgery on Merapi victims underway YOGYAKARTA (JP): Doctors will begin performing plastic surgery today on victims of the Mount Merapi eruption. The victims have been receiving treatment for their serious burn injuries. As of yesterday, the death toll in the Nov. 22 eruption stands at 52 but is, sadly, expected to increase because many of the 29 victims hospitalized with burn injuries are in very critical condition.

Public participation in master plans invited

Public participation in master plans invited JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita said yesterday that the drafting of spatial master plans should involve the private sector, including individuals. "So far the public, both private firms and individuals, have not been involved in preparing the general spatial planning and urban development planning, as suggested by the Zoning Law No.

Talks with Suu Kyi hailed

Talks with Suu Kyi hailed BANGKOK (Reuter): Myanmarese Foreign Minister Ohn Gyaw said yesterday that recent meetings between his country's military rulers and detained opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi helped build mutual understanding and were likely to continue. Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai said Ohn Gyaw gave the assurances after he enquired after Suu Kyi in a one-hour meeting also attended by Thai Foreign Minister Thaksin Shinawatra.

Jeremy Monteiro builds his band and his empire

Jeremy Monteiro builds his band and his empire By Paul W. Blair JAKARTA (JP): How jazz groups come together is often a fascinating story. Consider, for instance, the chronicle of the Jeremy Monteiro ensemble. They are appearing for the next three evenings at the Jak Jazz festival that is underway on five outdoor stages at Plaza Timur in Senayan. Jeremy Monteiro is a Singaporean keyboard player who is definitely not content to sit passively at home waiting for the telephone to ring.

Paternalism, democracy don't go hand in hand

Paternalism, democracy don't go hand in hand By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): In a seminar I attended recently I was asked to comment upon a paper which, to me, is very difficult to digest. It discusses the problem of generating a socio-cultural system which is capable of moving our present political system into a more democratic stage.

95 firms violate manpower regulations

95 firms violate manpower regulations JAKARTA (JP): The government has prosecuted 12 companies this year and will send 83 others to court for alleged violations of manpower regulations, a Ministry of Manpower official said yesterday. The ministry chief spokesman Fachri Thaharuddin said to Antara that most are being prosecuted either for violating minimum wage regulations or for failure to provide mandatory social insurance, overtime payment, work leave and safe working environments.

Politics should not be an issue for NU: Yogie

Politics should not be an issue for NU: Yogie By Santi WE Soekanto and Petty Prihartini TASIKMALAYA, West Java (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Yogie S. Memet told members of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) yesterday that they are free to channel their political aspirations through any of the three political parties in Indonesia.

Many state schools require renovation

Many state schools require renovation JAKARTA (JP): City Council members are pressuring the municipal administration to make renovation or reconstruction of a number of dilapidated city-owned school buildings top priority. Atje Muljadi, chairman of the City Council's Commission D for development affairs, told reporters yesterday that the council will help speed up the renovation by processing documents for phasing out the city property.

Fire razes 15 houses

Fire razes 15 houses JAMBI, Jambi: Fire razed at least 15 houses in Rajawali subdistrict of the city on Wednesday night. No casualties occurred, Antara reported yesterday. The fire which began at one of the houses at around 7:30 p.m. was extinguished within two hours. Jambi Police Chief Col. Saiful Arsat, who was at the site to personally oversee the fire fighting effort, said the cause was not yet known. He said the fire spread quickly because the houses were largely made of wood planks. (emb)

Dony sweeps men's titles at Indonesia Masters

Dony sweeps men's titles at Indonesia Masters JAKARTA (JP): Donny Susetyo ended a long slump by sweeping two men's titles at the Indonesia Masters tennis championships yesterday. Donny powered his way to a 6-3, 7-6 (7-0) victory over national number three Eddy Kusdaryanto for the men's singles crown in yesterday's final played at Hilton tennis courts. The 21-year-old Davis Cupper completed his winning day when partnering with Teddy Tanjung earned him the doubles title.

Pakistan's gas depletes

Pakistan's gas depletes QUETTA, Pakistan (Reuter): Pakistan is seriously concerned about its fast-depleting natural gas reserves, which experts say could run out in 18 years' time. "Based on the 1992/93 gas production rate of about 1,600 million standard cubic feet per day (MMSCFD) and an annual production growth rate of 6.1 percent, Pakistan's gas reserves will last another 18 years," Ashfaq Safi Munshey of the state-run Sui Southern Gas Co Ltd told Reuters.

Flora and fauna stamps

Flora and fauna stamps From Kompas As an Indonesian bird watcher I congratulate the government for issuing the stamps of the Love of Flora and Fauna 1994 serial. The official issue was Nov. 5, 1994. The flora and fauna pictures on the stamps are of high quality. However, there is one disturbing mistake in giving the Latin name of the picture on one stamp, i.e. the stamp which has a picture of fauna from the Riau province. The Latin name for Serindit Melayu is written Loriculus possilus.

Quality conference

Quality conference JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for People's Welfare R.S. Museno opened a conference on The Improvement of the Quality of Companies Performance, held by the city manpower office at city hall on Tuesday. A total of 10 companies, including PT Dok & Perkapalan Koja Bahari, Wisata International Hotel and PT Centex, participated in the conference.

Storm ravages 500 houses

Storm ravages 500 houses SURABAYA, East Java: A total of 521 houses were seriously damaged and 18 others collapsed during a storm which raged through 12 villages in the Madiun regency Tuesday, a press report said yesterday. No casualties were reported except that one person was slightly injured, said a staff member of the local office of the Ministry of Social Affairs, Suroyo.

KONI asked for all-out preparations for SEA Games

KONI asked for all-out preparations for SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman ordered the National Sports Governing Body (KONI) yesterday to go all out in preparations for next year's Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

ADB loan for RI roads

ADB loan for RI roads MANILA (Agencies): The Asian Development Bank said yesterday it approved a US$180 million loan to improve roads in the eastern part of Indonesia. The money will help finance the government's public works program to improve national and provincial roads in 13 provinces, enabling them to catch up with faster-growing parts of the country, the Manila-based bank said in a statement. The loan, from the bank's ordinary capital resources, is repayable in 24 years.

Banking industry urged to reduce credit expansion

Banking industry urged to reduce credit expansion JAKARTA (JP): Governor of Bank Indonesia J. Soedradjad Djiwandono yesterday urged the banking industry to reduce loan approvals to avoid being trapped with huge non-performing loans. "To date, this year's credit expansion has come to a perilous level, although it is still lower than that of 1989 and 1990.

Gus Dur tipped to take to NU post again

Gus Dur tipped to take to NU post again JAKARTA (JP): The Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) opens its national congress in Tasikmalaya, West Java, today to decide on its leadership, which will play a crucial role in deciding where the country's largest Moslem organization stands politically. Ironically, in their drive to keep NU out of party politics, the majority of ulemas (scholars) taking part in the congress favor the reelection of the incumbent chairman Abdurrahman Wahid.

Cargo lanes crucial for EAGA success

Cargo lanes crucial for EAGA success By Hendarsyah Tarmizi MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Brunei and the Philippines have appealed to Indonesia to establish more shipping and air routes from Sulawesi and Kalimantan to neighboring countries to boost trade among members of the East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA).

RP awards power projects

RP awards power projects MANILA (AFP): Thirteen foreign companies have been contracted by the Philippine government to implement power interconnection projects costing more than US$318 million, the state-owned National Power Corp. (NPC) said here yesterday.

WB to inject $400m into state electricity

WB to inject $400m into state electricity JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank has pledged US$400 million in aid to the state electricity company PT PLN for the electrification of 7,000 villages in the country during the next two fiscal years. "The aid, arranged on behalf of the government, is scheduled to be signed by Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad and a World Bank executive in January next year," Minister of Mines and Energy I.B.

Passive smoking

Passive smoking From Bisnis Indonesia My partner works for PT UI, a company of multinational consumer goods. As a senior employee my partner has to attend several meetings daily, two to three hours per day. For the past three months my partner coughs a lot. The cigarette smoke inhaled during the routine meetings is strongly suspected to be cause of the cough. What a saddening thing! A non-smoker has to suffer the impact of somebody else's smoking. Yet the management has done nothing about it.

W. Jakarta needs garbage trucks

W. Jakarta needs garbage trucks JAKARTA (JP): The West Jakarta mayoralty badly needs new garbage trucks as its existing fleets are in bad condition. West Jakarta Mayor Sutardiyanto said the number of garbage trucks currently operated by the mayoralty's sanitation office was 123, 29 of which are out of order. Even though private service companies operate an additional 40 trucks, the fleets are not adequate for transporting the garbage from the mayoralty's 56 sub-districts. (hhr)

Tangerang needs pedestrian bridges

Tangerang needs pedestrian bridges TANGERANG (JP): Deputy chairman of the Tangerang township council said that, because of the hectic traffic, it is high time pedestrian bridges over main streets were built. "The city council will propose to Tangerang administration to build pedestrian bridges," Cecep Surapati told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Brutal attack on UKI campus

Brutal attack on UKI campus JAKARTA (JP): A group of students of the privately-owned Academy of Maritime Indonesia brutally attacked students and destroyed property of the University of Catholic Indonesia (UKI) yesterday. The afternoon attack at the UKI campus on Jl. Diponegoro in Central Jakarta has left at least three students wounded, 31 parked vehicles and the university's law school building damaged, and assets such as computer sets destroyed.

Chuan seeks motive behind massacre

Chuan seeks motive behind massacre BANGKOK (AFP): Thailand's Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai has ordered his government to find out why 17 Thai loggers were killed in Cambodia last week, and officials said the company that sent the workers across the border may face criminal charges. Chuan on Tuesday directed the Thai defense and foreign ministries to investigate the reason for the killings, which reportedly occurred Nov. 20 in northeast Cambodia's Preah Vihar province, a government spokesman said.

Wiranto to replace Hendro

Wiranto to replace Hendro JAKARTA (JP): After being assigned as the City Military commander for a year and seven months, Maj. Gen. Hendropriyono will be replaced by his Chief of Staff, Brig. Gen. Wiranto, says Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) spokesman Brig. Gen. Syarwan Hamid. The precise date for the inauguration ceremony has yet to be set. The Jakarta Military Office celebrates its anniversary on Dec. 24.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday continued seeing declines in the prices of shares, particularly blue-chip stocks Astra Int'l, Barito Pacific Timber, Indah Kiat Paper & Pulp and Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa. The broad-based Composite Index continued weakening to close at 482.63 yesterday from 485.41 on Tuesday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also eased to close at 113.01 against 144.32.

MNLF-govt talks end with optimism

MNLF-govt talks end with optimism ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): Three days of talks between ad hoc panels representing the government and the Moslem insurgent Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) ended with optimism yesterday in this southern city. However, it remained unclear how conflicting positions between the MNLF and the Philippine government regarding the creation of a Moslem autonomous region would be settled.

EAGA free trade gets big boost

EAGA free trade gets big boost By Hendarsyah Tarmizi MANADO, North Sulawesi (JP): Senior ministers of Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia and the Philippines agreed at a meeting here yesterday to speed up the creation of a free trade zone in the eastern part of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.

Oetojo blasts court for freeing alleged killer of Marsinah

Oetojo blasts court for freeing alleged killer of Marsinah JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman criticized the East Java high court's controversial decision to release businessman Judi Susanto, the main suspect in the murder case of labor activist Marsinah. "The East Java high court made a daring decision when it released Judi Susanto of all charges," Oetojo said in a hearing with Commission III of the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday.

Two ex-Bapindo bosses face 11, 9 years in jail

Two ex-Bapindo bosses face 11, 9 years in jail JAKARTA (JP): State prosecutors at the Central Jakarta district court sought a total of 20 years imprisonment for two former executives of Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) for their role in a huge loan scam. They demanded that Sjahrizal and Bambang Kuntjoro, former Bapindo directors, be sentenced to eleven and nine years imprisonment respectively.

The NU congress

The NU congress Today, the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is scheduled to start its congress in Tasikmalaya, West Java. Without a doubt, it is one of the year's most important political events and one of the most interesting to watch. What makes the event interesting is not only the fact that NU, with a following of an estimated 30 million, is the biggest non- governmental organization in this country.

GATT urges Indonesia to maintain reform

GATT urges Indonesia to maintain reform GENEVA (Reuter): The GATT world trade body yesterday urged Indonesia to maintain the pace of economic reform to improve efficiency and overcome its anti-export bias. In a review of Indonesia's trade policies since 1991, it also warned the proliferation of export controls -- especially on natural-resource-based products such as wood products -- runs counter to Jakarta's import liberalization efforts.

Vietnam to join ASEAN in July

Vietnam to join ASEAN in July HONG KONG (AFP): Vietnam will be officially admitted into the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) on July 22, 1995, a Hong Kong-based weekly magazine said yesterday. The induction will take place at the next meeting of ASEAN foreign ministers in Brunei, the Far Eastern Economic Review said in its latest edition. The magazine said the decision to admit the group's first communist member was made during a meeting in September of ASEAN's standing committee.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Wide World of Kids 3:05 Children's Program 3:30 TV Series: Emergency Call 4:30 Bina Pramuka 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Koran Recital 6:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama: Potret Kami 8:05 TV Drama: Harapan Nan Sirna 9:00 World News 9:30 People and Event 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Teenage players set up Masters final showdown

Teenage players set up Masters final showdown JAKARTA (JP): Teenage players highlighted the Indonesia Masters tennis championships yesterday as Enny Sulistyowati and Wukirasih Sawondari set up the women's singles final, a reminder of their clash in the Indonesia Junior Masters final last year. Enny, currently national number seven, maintained her winning track in yesterday's last round-robin match in Group B when old- crack Irawati Moerid gave up her match due to stomach problems.

Traffic laws to be strictly enforced

Traffic laws to be strictly enforced JAKARTA (JP): City police announced yesterday that they will strictly enforce traffic regulations on selected roads in and around the city beginning January. Traffic offenders ticketed in the selected areas are required to attend trials for their offenses. Traffic police will no longer have the right to set fine amounts based on the current scale as the fines will now be determined by judges.

Soeharto to visit South Sumatra this month

Soeharto to visit South Sumatra this month JAKARTA (JP): Women, archeology and fertilizer do not really have anything in common but they will when President Soeharto travels to South Sumatra's capital of Palembang on Dec. 22. On that day, the President will inaugurate National Women's Day, a park for the research of the ancient kingdom of Sriwijaya and a new production unit of PT PUSRI, the state-owned fertilizer firm.

Mt. Merapi calms as death toll reaches 50

Mt. Merapi calms as death toll reaches 50 YOGYAKARTA (JP): Mount Merapi grew calmer yesterday while 11 nearby hamlets remained closed indefinitely as the death toll of last week's eruption reached 50. The continued closure of the worst-stricken villages dashed several thousand evacuees' hopes of an early return home. They have spent days in makeshift tents thrown up by the Sleman regency government as shelter.

Ciledug residents outraged by high voltage cables

Ciledug residents outraged by high voltage cables JAKARTA (JP): Eighty people representing 120 residents from the Ciledug Indah housing estate in Tangerang went to the office of the National Commission on Human Rights yesterday morning to complain about the bad effects of high voltage electrical cables suspended over their housing complex. Charles Christofel, spokesman of the residents, told commission members Brig. Gen (Ret) Roekmini K.

SGS assigned to assess timber companies

SGS assigned to assess timber companies JAKARTA (JP): The government has assigned the Geneva-based Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) to assess the sustainability of the forest concessions of timber companies which intend to go public. Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo said yesterday that the results of SGS's assessment will be disclosed to the public and submitted to the Capital Market Supervisory Board (Bapepam) for further evaluation.

Insanity is grave issue

Insanity is grave issue From Sinar Pagi About two weeks ago a city newspaper published a report that there are 300 thousand insane persons in Surabaya, East Java. Only 1900 of them are treated in the psychiatric hospital. The rest only get on-going treatment. There may be millions of insane patients in Indonesia. It is unfortunate that we do not know what causes insanity. Judging from the large number of sufferers, this case can be regarded as a national affair.

Military information to be shared

Military information to be shared MANILA (AFP): The Philippines has expressed willingness to share non-classified military information with other nations in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Foreign Undersecretary Rodolfo Severino said here yesterday. Severino said such an exchange of 'white papers' was part of the confidence-building measures proposed at an informal ARF seminar in Canberra earlier this month. However he admitted "there are still countries which are nervous," about such exchanges.

Two students drowned at sea

Two students drowned at sea DENPASAR, Bali: Two junior high school students in the Karangasem regency in eastern Bali were presumed drowned after being engulfed by high waves while swimming at sea last week, an official said yesterday. "The bodies of I Nyoman Murta, 16, and I Nyoman Sudarma, 15, were not found after four days of searching," said Chief of the Karangasem police precinct, Lt. Col. Achmad Yahya.

Taiwan-China trade grows

Taiwan-China trade grows TAIPEI (AFP): Indirect trade between Taiwan and China in the first nine months of 1994 rose 15.7 percent from a year earlier to US$11.68 billion, the Board of Foreign Trade (BOFT) said yesterday. The BOFT under the economic ministry cited the figure from Hong Kong customs, saying the jump was a result of the government's continuing efforts to liberalize commerce across the Taiwan Strait to boost the island's economic activities.

Gold design winners awarded

Gold design winners awarded JAKARTA (JP): Lecturer of architecture Hendra Dharmawan Hutama was announced as the winner of the first gold contest at the Shangri-La Hotel on Wednesday. Hutama's design titled Dari Hati ke Hati (heart to heart) caught the attention of judges for its beauty and simplicity. "My concept of design should be easily interpreted by the manufacturer as well as consumers," Hutama explained.

SE Asia's future ties with West (2)

SE Asia's future ties with West (2) This is the second of two articles based on a paper presented by Indonesian Ambassador to the European Union, Adrianus Mooy at the Fuji-Wolfensohn European Advisory Board Meeting in London on Nov. 18. LONDON: Luckily all is not bad news when extrapolating the future from past experiences. There are also developments that have sown early seeds of hope and promise, though they will need careful nurturing and cultivation to bear fruit.

Red Cross warned of complacency

Red Cross warned of complacency JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto warned the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) yesterday against being complacent after achieving so much in its work in recent years. "We never know when a disaster will happen and how damaging it might be," Soeharto said during a meeting at the State Palace with 300 participants of the organization's current national congress. The Indonesian Red Cross must always be prepared to deal immediately any natural disaster happening, he said.

Small-scale developers invited

Small-scale developers invited JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is opening registration for small-scale developers intending to take part in tenders for the construction of the city's projects valued below Rp 200 million (US$90,900) each. Harun Al-Rasyid, head of the city administration's pre- qualification committee, said that registration forms can be obtained from the committee's office in City Hall, Jl. Merdeka Selatan 8-9 until Dec. 23.

Canal France International

Canal France International Mr. Webber from Jayapura, thank you for your letter to the Editor published in The Jakarta Post on November 21, 1994, about the "newly found satellite treasure," Canal France International (CFI). Be sure that you are not the only viewer of CFI to wish that the programs could be dubbed or subtitled in a language they could understand, which of course does not necessarily mean French or English, as international as those languages appear to be.

Violist Luluk Purwanto back in town for Jak Jazz '94

Violist Luluk Purwanto back in town for Jak Jazz '94 By Paul W. Blair JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta is much more than just another tour stop for violinist Luluk Purwanto. Although she is now the best-known Indonesian jazz musician abroad, her greatest pleasure is to come home to play for, and with, friends. Look for her at Jak Jazz '94, the four-day music festival that begins this evening at Plaza Timur in Senayan.

Residents complain over house damages

Residents complain over house damages JAKARTA (JP): Six residents of the Mangga Dua Selatan subdistrict, Central Jakarta, filed a complaint with the City Council yesterday over damages to their houses caused by a construction project. "We are complaining because negotiations with the owner and developer of the project ended in a deadlock and nothing is being done," Siswandi, a spokesman for the group, told the City Council's Commission D which is in charge of development affairs.

Industry told to spearhead green campaign

Industry told to spearhead green campaign JAKARTA (JP): Given the still low environmental consciousness among consumers in Indonesia, the industrial community in the country should spearhead the environmental campaign, an expert said yesterday. Nabiel Makarim, deputy for pollution control at the Environmental Impact Management Agency (Bapedal) said consumers in Indonesia are not yet willing to pay the higher price for environmentally-friendly products.

Teachers in remote village stretch the meaning of dedication

Teachers in remote village stretch the meaning of dedication By Prapti Widinugraheni JAKARTA (JP): From school books and electricity to motor boats and female teachers, desperate teachers living in isolated places can come up with the most unusual, but logical, requests -- especially when they have a chance to meet their "boss", Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro. "We have a serious lack of freshwater...

Teaching languages

Teaching languages From Kompas The government has sent a lot of civil servants to foreign countries to study. Many other candidates failed in the English test. Even those with university degrees often lose the chance of going abroad because of their poor English. English is the only second language taught in both junior and senior high schools.

City-owned firm builds modest apartments

City-owned firm builds modest apartments JAKARTA (JP): Another middle class apartment building for young married couples has been put on the market by PT Saranawisesa Properindo, a joint venture between Wijayawisesa Group and city-owned property company PD Sarana Jaya. Tebet Park Residence is located in Tebet in South Jakarta and consists of four towers, two of 26 floors and the others of 24 floors. Director of the company Randolph S.Y.

Garlic smugglers captured

Garlic smugglers captured SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Marine patrol in Tarakan captured a boat carrying nine tons of garlic thought to be smuggled from Malaysia to Indonesia last week, a military official said yesterday. Commanding officer First Lt. Merudandha said that the Sumber Jaya with six crew members on board was captured near the Ligitan island. The boat and the cargo were confiscated for further investigation, he said.

RI territory 4.9 million sq. km.

RI territory 4.9 million sq. km. JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has complete sovereignty over a total area of 4.9 million square kilometers and "economic rights" over an additional three million square kilometers, Indonesia's top marine law expert says. Mochtar Kusuma-Atmadja said during a hearing with Commission I of the House of Representatives yesterday that Indonesia's territorial sovereignty covers 1.9 million square kilometers of land and three million square kilometers of seas.

PPD to renovate 1,200 aged buses

PPD to renovate 1,200 aged buses JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned bus company PPD will refurbish 1,200 buses next year in cooperation with selected private companies to help improve services to the public. Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said in a hearing with Commission V of the House of Representative on Tuesday that PPD currently has about 1,600 damaged buses.

Fire razes in 5-story building

Fire razes in 5-story building PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Fire razed in a five-story building in Palembang Tuesday though no casualties have been reported. The fire was put out four hours after it broke out at 7:30 p.m. The building on Jl. Atmo was full of flammable materials like plastic, rubber and chemicals. Authorities estimated losses at "several hundred million rupiah," the Antara news agency reported yesterday.

Keep Monas area green

Keep Monas area green From Merdeka The Monas Park with the National Monument in the center means a lot to the capital city and the community. This park has attracted both domestic and foreign tourists. It is absolutely necessary for the government to manage and preserve the area professionally, so as to keep it attractive, green, pleasant and healthy. Every Sunday morning Jakarta's citizens crowd the park to do sport around the National Monument.

Sarwono ready to work with responsible NGOs

Sarwono ready to work with responsible NGOs By Prapti Widinugraheni BANDA, Maluku: State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja challenges non-governmental organizations to speak out on what they believe is true, but with accurate data. NGOs should improve proficiency in their fields or stop their activist activities, he said when opening a workshop on marine conservation here Tuesday.

$2b port projects proposed

$2b port projects proposed JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned port management firm PT Pelabuhan Indonesia II plans to propose a number of projects worth Rp 4.4 trillion (US$2.01 billion) and involving private companies to the Ministry of Transportation.

Nahdlatul Ulama untangles itself from politics

Nahdlatul Ulama untangles itself from politics By Mitsuo Nakamura CHIBA, Japan (JP): Originally, the Nahdlatul Ulama was non- political when it was established in 1926. The Khittah of 1926 (basic guidelines) defined the Nahdlatul Ulama as an Islamic religious organization devoted to religious education and the enhancement of the well-being of the Moslem community.

Compulsory education

Compulsory education From Kompas When President Soeharto declared that 1994 was the year of Compulsory Education, I believed that a wider opportunity for education would await our community. And as a consequence of the government's policy on education, the school fees would not be too burdensome. But in reality, this is not the case. I registered my child at the Senior High School in Kebon Singkong, Klender, East Jakarta.

Province needs bigger ships

Province needs bigger ships JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The province needs bigger ships to facilitate the movement of people and goods in the province, the head of the local transportation office said. Martono was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying that the existing fleets of "pioneering" ships are barely adequate to meet the local people's transportation needs.

Rubber producers extend expired price pact

Rubber producers extend expired price pact KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): World rubber producers have agreed to extend for a further year an expired price pact pending talks on a new UN-brokered accord, even as international stockpiles dry up, officials said yesterday. The extension was agreed informally after a special session of the International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) was convened here Monday to endorse a further sale of some 100,000 tons of INRO stockpiled rubber, officials said.

S'pore starts work on cable TV plan

S'pore starts work on cable TV plan SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore has begun building a US$500-million ($340-million) cable television network, with some 20,000 homes expected to be wired for 30 channels by the middle of next year, Singapore CableVision officials have said. "We are going at a very aggressive pace.

Navratilova to meet Yayuk in farewell match

Navratilova to meet Yayuk in farewell match JAKARTA (JP): Former world number one Martina Navratilova has decided to include Indonesia as one stop on her world farewell tour. The tour will take Navratilova to five continents and the honor, and match, here have been given to Yayuk Basuki. "It was Navratilova's choice to play Yayuk here," Eddy Katimansah, secretary general of the Indonesian Tennis Association (Pelti) said during a press conference yesterday. The exhibition match on Jan.

Soeharto due to dedicate power projects

Soeharto due to dedicate power projects JAKARTA (JP): Next month President Soeharto is expected to inaugurate power projects which have been established at total costs of approximately Rp 2 trillion (US$912.4 million), says the chief executive of the state electricity company PLN. "The inauguration ceremony will be held at the industrial complex of a geothermal plant on Mount Salak in West Java," Zuhal told reporters after meeting with Soeharto at the latter's residence yesterday.

Invisible thief

Invisible thief A colleague of mine, Mrs. L. has a unique story to tell. On Nov. 1, 1994, her husband put five banknotes of twenty thousand rupiah each in an envelope in his briefcase. It was closed with a code, the number of which is known to only himself and yet when he woke up in the morning the money was gone. Theft is out of the question, as his bedroom was closed and locked from the inside, so nobody could have entered the room unseen.

Harbor services

Harbor services As a student returning from my studies abroad I didn't pay much attention to the news concerning the rise in tariffs for harbor services -- until I had to get my personal belongings out of the Tanjung Priok port. Apart from the fact that most of the money will be needed to upkeep the infrastructure needed to get to the different offices and to offset any increase in the price of paper, I would like to propose a couple of areas where the money could also be spent.

Chinese CDs sales annoy Vietnam

Chinese CDs sales annoy Vietnam HANOI (AFP): Vietnamese officials are warning of new "cultural pollutants" sweeping the country, propagating reactionary and indecent thoughts among the young. But the source of this contamination is not the western countries that Hanoi's cultural commissars often blame for a variety of ills. Instead, its communist neighbor China, the world's largest producer of pirate compact and laser discs. In recent months, stalls selling CDs from artists as varied as U.S.

WB loan for Palestinians

WB loan for Palestinians PARIS (Reuter): The World Bank has agreed to extend a US$58 million credit to Palestinian authorities to support self-rule projects, an official at the multinational institution said yesterday. Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) officials, in Brussels for meetings with Israeli officials, the World Bank and wealthy donors, confirmed there had been an agreement.

Commercial oil production to start in Timor Gap

Commercial oil production to start in Timor Gap JAKARTA (JP): Commercial oil production will start early next year in the Timor Gap, an offshore area disputed by Indonesia and Australia, Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana says.

Freedom and fun, key to science: Gajdusek

Freedom and fun, key to science: Gajdusek JAKARTA (JP): A visiting Nobel laureate yesterday reminded researchers of the two essentials to boosting science -- freedom and fun. "A researcher would rather be given an empty warehouse, than a laboratory based on someone else's idea," American Daniel Carleton Gajdusek, 1976 Nobel prize winner in Physiology and Medicine, said in a speech before the National Research Council.

Malaysia's new force not threat to RI: Gen. Feisal

Malaysia's new force not threat to RI: Gen. Feisal JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia does not perceive the creation of Malaysia's Rapid Deployment Force as any sort of provocation or threat, a top military official says. "It's not provocation," the Commander of the Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) Feisal Tanjung, said here yesterday in response to questions from the press.

Food festival to upgrade service

Food festival to upgrade service By Lenah Susianty JAKARTA (JP): If you have never heard a waiter or waitress wish you Selamat makan (enjoy your meal) at a restaurant, try one of Jakarta's 39 restaurants participating in the Jakarta Food Festival. Launched with the motto "salute to restaurant service", the first food festival aims to improve services in restaurants, as Jakarta carves out a bigger segment of the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions market.

Eight clubs into Kobatama finals

Eight clubs into Kobatama finals JAKARTA (JP): Eight basketball clubs confirmed their entry into the fourth and final leg of this year's intercity professional basketball league Kobatama, which is again scheduled in Jakarta from Dec. 14-16. The eight clubs include defending champion Aspac of Jakarta, which took the lead after the league's third leg which ended in Bandung, West Java, on Sunday. Aspac, undefeated since the league's kick-off in Jakarta from Sept. 28 to Oct.

Judges inspect alleged high-class brothel

Judges inspect alleged high-class brothel JAKARTA (JP): Judge Stephanus Sutrisno of the South Jakarta District Court led a trial site inspection session to the alleged brothel at Jl. Prapanca 4, South Jakarta, yesterday. During the site inspection, Hartono Setyawan, the man who paid the rent on the house, answered the questions of the judges and the three prosecutors.

Electricity rates

Electricity rates From Sinar It is not the first time the state electricity company has raised electricity rates. The company has increased its rates repeatedly. It is normal practice for the increase to be determined without prior consultation with the House of Representatives (DPR). The government has good reasons for excluding DPR's involvement in determining rate increases. Soon after the announcement of the increase, people criticized the government's decision.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) continued weakening yesterday amid the fall of popular shares such as Ciputra Development, Dharmala Intiland, Indah Kiat Paper & Pulp, Indofood, Mulia Industrindo and United Tractor. The broad-based JSX Composite Index eased to close at 485.41 yesterday from 485.84 on Monday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also slightly declined to 144.67 from 114.84.

Govt to allow increase in international air links

Govt to allow increase in international air links JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon allow an increase in the number of international air links with several foreign countries to boost foreign arrivals, Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto says. He told Commission V of the House of Representatives here yesterday that his ministry is considering the establishment of a bilateral air relationship with, at least, 10 potential countries.

MOU signed for $204m project

MOU signed for $204m project JAKARTA (JP): The Boewana Waluya Foundation and the Euro Consortium of Property Business, Nedindo, have signed a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a US$204 million property project. H. Soeratno, head of the foundation, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that the project will consist of a general hospital, four condominium towers, apartments and a mall. The project will be built on a five-hectare plot of land near the Bina Waluya hospital on Jl. D.I.

Prepare to compete

Prepare to compete Among our non-oil and gas export commodities, textiles and textile products rank first, having reached a value of more than US$6 billion in 1993. The plans call for raising that figure to $12 billion to $13 billion a year during the sixth five-year development period.

Govt predicts 200,000 at haj registration

Govt predicts 200,000 at haj registration JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher predicted yesterday that the number of Indonesians who register for next year's haj pilgrimage to Mecca could exceed 180,000, perhaps even 200,000. Tarmizi warned that because of the logistical problems in arranging transport and accommodations for the pilgrims, the government may be forced to bump those who register late.

Gus Dur may retain top NU post: Moerdiono

Gus Dur may retain top NU post: Moerdiono JAKARTA (JP): Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said yesterday that Abdurrahman Wahid "still has the chance" to retain his post as chief of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Moslem organization. Moerdiono said Gus Dur, as Abdurrahman is better known, still had clout with the organization that claims to have more than 28 million members.

Police upbeat about Beng Seng murder

Police upbeat about Beng Seng murder JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto said here yesterday that it is only a matter of time before he and his men capture the mastermind behind the killing of entertainment businessman Nyo Beng Seng. "For us, the confession from two suspects arrested earlier is already enough and it is only a matter of time before we get the architect of the killing," Hindarto said.

Train, truck collide

Train, truck collide JAKARTA (JP): A cargo train and truck were involved in a collision in Sudimara, Tangerang yesterday, leaving one person severely injured. "The severely injured victim is the driver of the truck," an official of the state-railway company Perumka said. The unnamed official said the collision delayed other passenger trains between Sudimara and Pondok Ranji stations for two hours, Antara reported, causing many commuters to cancel their trips to their offices.

Suwandi earns second win

Suwandi earns second win JAKARTA (JP): Men's singles defending champion Suwandi rallied to a three-set 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory over veteran Dede Suhendar in the second day of the Indonesia Masters tennis championships yesterday. Suwandi enjoyed an easy challenge in the first set, but tallied a number of unforced errors to allow former national number one to take the second set.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Prince Valliant 3:05 Gita Wicara 3:30 Science Program 4:05 Comedy 4:30 Documentary Film 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:05 Karya & Upaya 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Langka Tapi Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music Contest: Asia Bagus 8:05 Humoria 9:00 World News 9:30 Music: Jazz 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Last Samurai Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Evacuees' return canceled as Merapi still active

Evacuees' return canceled as Merapi still active YOGYAKARTA (JP): Mount Merapi was still dangerously active yesterday, forcing the authorities to cancel plans of sending home about 5,500 villagers stranded at evacuation centers since the eruption last week. Search and rescue workers said the death toll reached 48 yesterday. Dozens of people were still missing, presumably buried alive in burning lava that streamed down the volcano's slopes.

Study to focus on night transportation

Study to focus on night transportation JAKARTA (JP): The City Traffic and Land Transportation Control Agency (DLLAJ), in cooperation with various transportation companies, will research night transportation in an effort to restructure nightly bussing operations. The chief of the Department of Public Transportation Operations, Juhdi, told reporters yesterday that research has been prompted due to the fact that night routes served by several firms at present are not profitable.

SE Asia's future ties with West (1)

SE Asia's future ties with West (1) This is the first of two articles based on a paper presented by Indonesian Ambassador, Adrianus Mooy, to the European Union, at the Fuji-Wolfensohn Europen Advisory Board Meeting in London on Nov. 18. LONDON: Notwithstanding the technological miracle and the onset of the post-Cold War order, the world is still not quite as neatly ordered and constant as the authors of the global village theory would have it.

Soeharto supports peace among East Timorese

Soeharto supports peace among East Timorese JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is fully supportive of the current reconciliation drive to end an 18-year enmity between the East Timorese who supported the integration with Indonesia and those who have opposed it. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas yesterday told reporters that Soeharto is prepared to meet with the camp, represented by Abilio Araujo, as part of the reconciliation move.

Dili spending more on tourism

Dili spending more on tourism DILI, East Timor: The East Timor provincial government has allocated a budget of Rp 16.3 billion ($7.7 million) this year for the development of the territory's tourism industry. Chief of the Tourism Office Thomas Corriera told Antara that part of the money will be taken out of the administration budget and the rest will be raised from other sectors.

NU brings harmony and unity

NU brings harmony and unity Nahdlatul Ulama, the nation's largest socio-religious Moslem organization, is holding its congress tomorrow in the West Java city of Tasikmalaya. Political scientist Mitsuo Nakamura argues that the congress will have ample national and international implications. CHIBA, Japan (JP): The coming congress of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) is likely to reconfirm the Khittah (basic guidelines) of 1926 and reelect Abdurrahman Wahid, also known as Gus Dur, for the leadership.

Free trade to have serious impacts: Soerjadi

Free trade to have serious impacts: Soerjadi JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's commitment to free trade in the Asia-Pacific region by 2020 came under harsh criticism yesterday as Deputy House Speaker Soerjadi warned of its serious possible consequences. He said the free trade envisioned by the 18 leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Bogor this month runs afoul of the Constitution and the spirit of Pancasila, the official state ideology.

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

Hutomo awarded Setir Emas

Hutomo awarded Setir Emas JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the Indonesian Motor Sports Body (IMI) Hutomo Mandala Putra received on Monday the Setir Emas award for his efforts in developing the sports in Indonesia. Hutomo deserved the 22 carat gold plated award for his efforts in promoting the sports in Indonesia and in winning the Federation of the International Motor (FIM) favor to lift its ban on IMI, an official of the award-giving ceremony at the Sahid Jaya hotel said.

Singapore to raise worker levies

Singapore to raise worker levies SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore announced new rules on the hiring of foreign workers yesterday, aimed at increasing the skills levels of foreign workers and at letting local businesses expand during any economic upturn. Levies on foreign maids and foreign workers in the manufacturing and the services sectors will rise from Singapore $300 (US$205) to S$330 ($226), a Labor Ministry statement said.

Merpati service

Merpati service From Kompas On Oct. 31, 1994 I tried to book a plane ticket from Yogyakarta to Jakarta. I was told that all flights were booked out. I half-heartedly went to the Merpati's counter. I found out that only the executive class seats for MZ371 at 5 p.m. were available, which were more expensive. I had no choice, I booked the executive class seat. During the flight I repeatedly looked at the cabin behind me, economy class. Many seats were vacant. My guess was about 50 percent.

Mar'ie tells banks to raise rates to stop capital flight

Mar'ie tells banks to raise rates to stop capital flight JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad said yesterday that following the recent increase in U.S. interest rates, domestic banks will have to raise their deposit rates in order to curb capital flight. "We have to raise our interest rates. Otherwise, capital will flow out of the country," Mar'ie said in a hearing with Commission VII of the House of Representatives here yesterday. The U.S.

Rare Javanese tiger sighted

Rare Javanese tiger sighted JEMBER, East Java: A group of fishermen may be among the few people to have spotted the Javanese tiger in the last 20 years. They reported being stalked and attacked by what they described as a tiger during a recent camping trip to Alas Purwo, Banyuwangi.

OIC to focus on Islam's image in West

OIC to focus on Islam's image in West JAKARTA (JP): The upcoming meetings of the Organization of Islamic Conferences (OIC) in Morocco next month will discuss ways of improving the image of Islam in the world, Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday. Alatas told reporters after meeting with President Soeharto at his residence that the head of state would not be able to attend the OIC summit, scheduled for Dec. 13-14, due to his heavy domestic agenda.

Manila records surplus

Manila records surplus MANILA (AFP): The Philippines had a public-sector surplus of five billion pesos (US$208 million) in the 10 months to October on the back of improved revenue collection and lower interest rates, the finance department said yesterday. It was the first time that Manila attained a surplus since 1985, when it began monitoring the fiscal position of the national government as well as state-run agencies, funds and corporations.

Health Minister opens funbike

Health Minister opens funbike JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health opened a funbike event attended by 2,500 participants from the Healthy Heart Club throughout the Greater Jakarta area on Sunday. The event, held by Meadow Lea with the aim of highlighting the 30th national health day on Nov. 12, started at the office of the Ministry of Health on Jl. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta. The participants rode along a specified route to Jl. Imam Bonjol, Jl. Teuku Umar, Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan, Jl.

Action plans made at Satya Wacana

Action plans made at Satya Wacana SALATIGA, Central Java: Hundreds of students and teachers of the Satya Wacana Christian University gathered to plan more actions yesterday to demonstrate their opposition to the dismissal of scholar Arief Budiman. The gathering took place in each of the eight schools of learning without the usual yelling and name calling. The learning and teaching activities also went on as usual because the meetings were called during breaks.

PLN criticized over pricing of private electricity

PLN criticized over pricing of private electricity JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday criticized the state electricity company PT PLN on having agreed to purchase electricity from private power generators at levels far higher than the average cost of its own generated electricity. "The absence of a pricing reference in negotiations with private power generators has apparently caused PLN to agree on purchasing their electricity at a very high cost," Tiop H.

Government awards 65 marine experts

Government awards 65 marine experts JAKARTA (JP): The government has given awards to members of the Indonesian delegation which took part in the campaign to win international recognition for the archipelagic state concept. The plaques were presented to 65 people including the chief delegate Prof. Dr. Mochtar Kusuma-Atmadja, who is also a former foreign minister.

Indosat announces higher profits

Indosat announces higher profits JAKARTA (JP): PT Indosat, the state-owned international telecommunications company, announced last night that its net income during the January-September period of this year increased by 9.5 percent to US$ 94.4 million. The company's president, Tjahjono Soerjodibroto, told a press conference that the company's operating income in the third quarter this year alone was $50.9 million, 11.2 percent higher than that in the same period of last year.

Convention must not limit chemical industry

Convention must not limit chemical industry JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas asserted here yesterday that the enforcement of the pending Chemical Weapons Convention must not be to the detriment of the growth of chemical industries in developing nations. Opening an Asia-Pacific region seminar on national implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention, Alatas noted a trend in certain countries to subjectively inhibit the flow of chemical trade.

Quality school?

Quality school? From Kompas Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie praised the quality of the Senior High School of Soposurung, North Sumatra, of which I am proud as a North Sumatran. But I was surprised to read a news item in a newspaper published in Medan, North Sumatra, that tens of students from this school often have to attend test guidance/preparation programs organized by a foundation outside the school. This has left me to doubt the school's real state of achievement. ASTO P.

School vs. apartment

School vs. apartment From Kompas That the elementary school No 9/10 at Kuningan, South Jakarta, has to be moved to make room for construction of an apartment complex by PT Catur Swasakti Utama (PT CSU) has caused us great concern. The Company may have followed the correct procedures, but what is clear is that the weak party is always in a poor bargaining position when faced with a powerful agent. What could elementary school children do in this situation?

Young players win opener at Masters

Young players win opener at Masters JAKARTA (JP): In the absence of national top players, young tennis prodigies blasted their way to their opening wins over their seniors at the Indonesia Masters championships yesterday. Women's singles top seed Irawati Moerid, national number four, became the biggest casualty at the opening day of the season- ending tournament played at Hilton tennis court when she went down 0-6, 6-7 (4-7) at the hand of Maria Veronica.

Generals want ABRI to retain political role

Generals want ABRI to retain political role JAKARTA (JP): Two retired army generals agree on the need for the Armed Forces (ABRI) to ease its grip on politics but stress that the military should be allowed to retain a political role.

RI's chess teams leave for Moscow today

RI's chess teams leave for Moscow today JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian chess teams, set to better the country's rank, depart for Moscow today to take part in the 31st Chess Olympics from Dec. 1 to Dec. 17. "We just want to improve our ranks," Djamil Djamal, the secretary of the Indonesian Chess Association (Percasi) said yesterday. Indonesia is scheduled to compete on the first day of the championship.

Airlines fail to pay airport fees on time

Airlines fail to pay airport fees on time JAKARTA (JP): Many air carriers have failed to pay airport service fees on time, causing a decrease in the rates of return on investment for two state firms assigned to manage airports. In a hearing with Commission V of the House of Representatives here yesterday, the presidents of the two companies -- PT Angkasa Pura I and PT Angkasa Pura II -- disclosed that some air carriers owe significant amounts of money to their firms.

Six more post offices in Bekasi

Six more post offices in Bekasi BEKASI (JP): The Bekasi Post and Telecommunications Office will soon open six more post offices in six villages in an effort to improve service to the public, especially for people living in rural areas. Bekasi regent Moch. Jamhari said that at the moment the Bekasi Post Office still has difficulty in delivering letters addressed to many places located deep in the villages.

Summarecon pays dividends

Summarecon pays dividends JAKARTA (JP): PT Summarecon Agung, a property company listed on the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges, announced here yesterday their plan to distribute interim dividends worth Rp 625 (around 30 U.S. cents) per share. The company said the dividends, which will be taken from the company's retained earnings in 1993, will be distributed in the form of cash and new shares.

All cemeteries to have multiple functions

All cemeteries to have multiple functions JAKARTA (JP): In the near future cemeteries in the capital will serve not only as burial sites, but will also function as scenic areas, greeneries as well as water catchment areas. "Our long term target is to use all city cemeteries not only as burial sites but also as city green areas and water catchments so that they can be useful for those still alive," Sjafril Zainuddin, the chief of the city cemetery office, said yesterday.

Jak Jazz 1994

Jak Jazz 1994 Being a jazz fan, I am pleased that there will be another Jak Jazz this year. I have been to two previous events and found them both to be enjoyable and entertaining. I would however like to make one comment about the last Jak Jazz that was held in 1993 at Senayan, the same venue as planned for the forthcoming event. The close proximity of the stages and the overlapping of the time schedules often resulted in the audience hearing music from two sources concurrently.

Woman arrested over drug

Woman arrested over drug JAKARTA (JP): Central Jakarta police detectives have arrested a 44-year old woman believed to have acted as a large-scale distributor of marijuana, delivered from Aceh on the northern tip of Sumatra. Head of the police precinct Lt. Col. Murawi Effendi told reporters yesterday that the suspect, identified as Roslina Situmorang, was arrested in a raid at her house on Jl. Kayumas III No. 9, Pulo Gadung, East Jakarta, at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, after two months of surveillance.

Boutros-Ghali to send envoy to East Timor

Boutros-Ghali to send envoy to East Timor JAKARTA (JP): United Nations Secretary General Boutros Boutros-Ghali is sending a special envoy to East Timor as a forerunner to the fourth round of talks in January between Indonesia and Portugal. Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas made the confirmation yesterday but emphasized that various envoys would be sent. "Ahead of the tripartite talks, the secretary general will send two envoys to Indonesia and also to Portugal," Alatas said.

Tangerang probes massage parlor

Tangerang probes massage parlor TANGERANG (JP): The Tangerang administration will summon the owner of Classic massage parlor, located on the fourth floor of the Model building on Jl. Merdeka, because it is strongly believed to have abused the operating permit issued for such a massage parlor.

RP volcano rains ash on villages

RP volcano rains ash on villages MANILA (Reuter): A Philippine volcano showered six villages with ash after an earthquake shook the mountain for 14 minutes but there were no casualties, scientists said yesterday. Mount Bulosan in Sorsogon province, 250 kilometers southeast of Manila, rumbled back to life on Monday night, forcing volcanologists to declare a radius of four kilometers from its crater off-limits to people.

Eco-labeling boosts, not hinders exports

Eco-labeling boosts, not hinders exports JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian exporters should not see eco- labeling requirements imposed by most developed countries as trade barriers but, instead, as a tool to persuade costumers in those countries to buy Indonesian products, an executive says.

Internal feud in PDI

Internal feud in PDI In the recent congresses of two organizations, the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) and the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce (Kadin), a new phenomenon called "arus bawah" (grassroots channel) emerged. Since then discussion of how the government has reacted to this phenomenon -- democratically or not -- has been topical. In any organization, there are always people who are not satisfied with the leadership.

Students protest over French headscarf policy

Students protest over French headscarf policy JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of university students staged a peaceful demonstration in front of the French Embassy yesterday morning to protest against the country's national ban on Moslem headscarves in school. The students, numbered around 25, came from various state- and privately-owned universities in Java, including the famous Bandung Institute of Technology, National Islamic Institute of Jakarta and the Teachers Institute in Bandung.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Shares prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), which went below its psychological level of 500 over the past few weeks, continued losing ground with its broad-based Composite Index dropping to 486.84 yesterday from 487.57 on Friday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also eased to close to 144.67 from 114.84. Petrosea recorded no transactions after an adjustment of the listing of its bonus shares at a total of nine million.

Television series aims to educate about AIDS

Television series aims to educate about AIDS JAKARTA (JP): Prominent Indonesian drama group Teater Koma, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, the Ford Foundation and Gapura Production, will screen a television miniseries about a woman infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), in recognition of international AIDS day which falls on Dec.1. The miniseries Suryakanta Kala, or Onah and her dreams, to be screened over three days by state-owned TVRI tonight and on Dec.

Campus jazz fest marks 17 years

Campus jazz fest marks 17 years JAKARTA (JP): Jazz Goes to Campus (JGTC), the University of Indonesia's annual jazz concert, celebrated its 17th anniversary by thrilling some music lovers and disappointing others last Saturday. For the second time in its history, the concert was held on the new vast campus of the University's School of Economics in Depok. The event used to be held in the university's amphitheater.

Sulawesi students get Hepatitis B

Sulawesi students get Hepatitis B UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: Over 100 senior high school students in the mayoralty have Hepatitis B. A recent health examination of 300 high school students in the city found out that 100 of them had Hepatitis B symptoms, the chief of the provincial health office, H. Jasmin, said yesterday. Health officials checking on local hospitals found another 51 students undergoing medical treatment for Hepatitis B, he said.

One week after erruption, Merapi still said dangerous

One week after erruption, Merapi still said dangerous YOGYAKARTA (JP): One week after the massive eruption that has killed 46 people to date, rescue workers in search of missing villagers on the slope of Mt. Merapi still have not been given the green light to enter areas declared as dangerous. Members of the Yogyakarta Search and Rescue (SAR) agency have been on stand-by at their various posts since Wednesday.

Pelita Jaya pulls out of badminton tournament

Pelita Jaya pulls out of badminton tournament JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Pelita Jaya has pulled out of the Fourth Ardath Cup national junior badminton championships, citing "unfair treatment" by the organizing committee. The last minute withdrawal of the leading Jakarta-based badminton club came as a great surprise when it was announced yesterday shortly after the opening ceremony of the annual event at the Yuwana Mandala sports hall in Denpasar, Bali.

Reports on East Timor not yet neutral

Reports on East Timor not yet neutral By Bilveer Singh SINGAPORE (JP): Even though the East Timor issue is closely connected to Portugal's domestic politics, the western media prefers to ignore it. Journalists seldom ask what really caused the problem. This has been seen repeatedly over the last 20 years, in particular whenever a flare-up breaks out in East Timor, be it on Nov. 12, 1991, or on Nov. 12, 1994, just before the APEC leaders conference.

Financing small business

Financing small business Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad received significant political support for his campaign to promote new sources of financing for small-scale firms in the provinces when President Soeharto bought 10 shares worth Rp 10 million (US$4,580) in a newly-established venture capital company in Yogyakarta on Saturday.

Surakarta needs Rp 178 billion

Surakarta needs Rp 178 billion SURAKARTA, Central Java: The municipal administration needs Rp 178 billion (US$86 million) to develop the city as the province's "international gate". Mayor Hartomo said recently that the government would need five years to develop the ancient city into one which has adequate facilities to function as an international transit point.

Air SAR exercise involves S'pore

Air SAR exercise involves S'pore JAKARTA: Six officers from Singapore's air force are taking part in the Indonesian Air Force Search and Rescue exercise from Nov. 28 through Dec. 1 in the West Java regency of Sukabumi. Operation commander of the Indonesian Air Force, Rear Air Marshall I.G. Sudana, said in the opening ceremony here yesterday said that Singapore's first-ever participation was expected to better military relations between the two countries.

RI gets satellite loan

RI gets satellite loan JAKARTA (JP): The Export Import Bank of the United States and Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia have signed an agreement on a loan of US$125 million for the financing of the purchase of two Hughes HS-601 telecommunications satellites and related equipment.

Soeharto opens meet on the disabled

Soeharto opens meet on the disabled JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that Indonesia was determined to ensure that disabled people enjoy the same business and employment opportunities as other Indonesian citizens. "We are trying to see to it that disabled persons lead a life in accordance with their abilities and human dignity," he said when opening the fourth Disabled People's International Asia- Pacific Regional Assembly.

Lippo Hospital being built

Lippo Hospital being built JAKARTA (JP): Former coordinating minister for economy, finance and industry Radius Prawiro in his capacity as the chief commissioner of PT Nusa Medika Perkasa (NMP) has inaugurated the construction of a medical training center called the Siloam Gleneagles Hospital in Lippo City, Tangerang.

Police hopeful of solving Beng Seng murder

Police hopeful of solving Beng Seng murder JAKARTA (JP): Police said yesterday they see the light at the end of the tunnel in the Beng Seng murder. They expect to be able to arrest all of his attackers along with the person who plotted the killing of the entertainment businessman Nyo Beng Seng, who was stabbed to death seven months ago. In a hearing with members of the House of Representatives, National Police Chief Gen.

Problems hinder anti-flood programs

Problems hinder anti-flood programs JAKARTA (JP): Various factors, ranging from reckless housing development to the community's bad habits hinder the city administration's efforts to protect certain areas prone to floods, an official said yesterday. Chief of the city public works office, Soeharto told reporters many factors hinder the administration's efforts to eliminate flood problems in the city's flood prone areas.

Singapore expects to draw more foreign investments

Singapore expects to draw more foreign investments SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore hopes to draw between US$2.5 billion and $3.5 billion a year into manufacturing to sustain its long-term growth projection of four-to-six percent, a local newspaper reported yesterday. Trade and Industry Minister Yeo Cheow Tong said investment in manufacturing should grow steadily from a base of $4 billion, expected to be reached this year.

Chens clinch Johnnie Walker

Chens clinch Johnnie Walker JAKARTA (JP): Marshall Golf Club maintained Chinese Taipei's domination at the Johnnie Walker championship, when its three-man team won Asia's symbol of inter club golf supremacy in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Sunday.

Timber firms need no permit to go public

Timber firms need no permit to go public JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry Jamaludin Suryohadikusomo said yesterday that timber companies intending to sell their shares to the public no longer need to require permission from his office. He said that the Ministry of Forestry will instead publicly disclose the viability of any timber companies intending to sell their shares to the public.

Pope invests second Indonesian cardinal

Pope invests second Indonesian cardinal JAKARTA (JP): Julius Darmaatmadja, the archbishop of Semarang, was invested by Pope John Paul II on Saturday, becoming Indonesia's second cardinal. Cardinal Julius, who is also head of the presidium of the Indonesian Bishops Conference, was one of 30 new prelates from 24 countries who attended the investiture ceremonies held at St. Peter's Basilica in the Vatican over the weekend. Born in Muntilan, Central Java, on Dec.

Dengue fever in Central Java

Dengue fever in Central Java SEMARANG, Central Java: Health authorities are warning of a dengue fever epidemic in northern coastal areas where drainage systems are a problem. The chief of the provincial office of health, Yunita R. Soewondo, said that the increasing number of people being admitted to hospitals for dengue fever indicates that an epidemic is looming. "Although no deaths have been reported, people should be wary of the strong possibility of an epidemic," she told Antara.

East Java PDI rift goes on

East Java PDI rift goes on JAKARTA (JP): Keeping the conflict aflame within the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), Home Affairs Minister Yogie S.M. maintained his refusal yesterday to recognize leadership of the party's East Java chapter. Yogie told the House of Representatives (DPR) in a hearing yesterday that the government cannot do anything to help solve the bickering so long as there are still two figures each claiming to be the legal leader of the East Java chapter.

11 'lurah' disciplined

11 'lurah' disciplined The West Jakarta mayoralty office has disciplined 11 lurah (sub-district chiefs) and two of their secretaries over the past eight months for giving poor services to local residents. The action taken against the government employees includes dismissal, promotion deferral, and demotion, Mayor Sutardjianto was quoted by Kompas on Saturday.

Fire smokes clove warehouse

Fire smokes clove warehouse MANADO, North Sulawesi: Fire razed a warehouse belonging to a local cooperative agency, destroying more than three tons of clove on Friday, the Antara news agency reported on Saturday. Director of the cooperative Errol Dendeng said there was something fishy in the incident. The fire occurred while the warehouse was locked and unused for two months and after the electricity had been turned off.

Consumer group welcomes ruling on apartment

Consumer group welcomes ruling on apartment JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Consumer Protection Foundation on Saturday hailed the government's announcement of the new decree on the sale of apartments. "The decree is a good step taken by the government to protect consumers. However, the decree should also include an article regarding both developers and consumers," foundation chairperson Zumrotin K. Susilo said.

Heavy selling sends JSK shares lower

Heavy selling sends JSK shares lower JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta stock prices plunged across the board, with continuous heavy selling pressure throughout last week. The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Composite Index took a nose- dive from last Monday's opening, breaking the psychological level of 500 and reached the week's low of 482.01. Indosat which dominated trading during the week fell by almost four percent to a low of Rp 7,850 before closing the week higher at Rp 8,050.

'Don't get involved in politics', students told

'Don't get involved in politics', students told JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman warned students Saturday against getting involved in politics. Students must learn about politics but they should not in any way do practical politics, Soesilo said when addressing 250 student senates gathered from across the country in a seminar in Semarang.

Venture capital firm for C. Java

Venture capital firm for C. Java JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad inaugurated a venture capital company, PT Sarana Jateng Ventura, on Saturday in the Central Java capital of Semarang. The company was established with a paid-up capital of Rp 4.5 billion (US$2.05 million).

Seminar on chemical weapons

Seminar on chemical weapons JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas is scheduled to open an Asia-Pacific seminar on the prohibition of chemical weapons here today. Discussions will mainly focus on preparations for the Convention on the Prohibition of the Development, Production, Stockpiling and Use of Chemical Weapons, due to take effect in the middle of next year.

Power outages

Power outages Prior to the APEC conference the PLN (State-owned electricity company) expended a not inconsiderable sum of money which was supposedly in support of the conference, or was it to mask their own inefficiency. I suspect it depends on one's opinion. As a domestic consumer I would remind them of the following outages suffered during this period: Thursday, Nov. 10 evening, Friday, Nov. 11 night, Saturday, Nov. 12 evening, Monday, Nov. 14 morning, Monday, Nov. 14 evening, Tuesday, Nov.

W. Jakarta ready to fight flood

W. Jakarta ready to fight flood The West Jakarta authorities have distributed 5,000 sacks of sand to a number of sub-districts prone to flood. Mayor Sutardjianto has ordered his personnel to begin 24-hour lookout for any floods. According to Sutardjianto, the sacks of sand, to be used to stop water spreading from a damaged dam, were previously stored at his office and several district administration offices.

Rebels, police guard RP peace talks site

Rebels, police guard RP peace talks site ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Reuter): Moslem rebels joined Philippine police yesterday in guarding an hotel where the government and the guerrillas are to resume talks on ending a decades-old separatist conflict. Armed with handguns but dressed in civilian clothes, the rebels helped police man checkpoints around Orchid Hotel where chief government negotiator Manuel Yan and guerrilla leader Nur Misuari are to start their meetings today.

WCRP Conference (2)

WCRP Conference (2) From Republika Referring to the article titled Delegasi Indonesia di WCRP "Ribut" (Indonesian delegation to WCRP "chaotic", Republika, Nov. 9, 1994), as a guest invited by the WCRP Secretary General, I would like to give some explanation as follows. * We were attending the Sixth General session of the World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP) in Riva del Garda, Italy, at the official invitation of the WCRP Secretary General as guests, not as a delegation.

Tangerang `no' to PLN offer

Tangerang `no' to PLN offer TANGERANG (JP): Thirty-five residents of the Pasar Kemis and Sepatan districts in Tangerang are refusing land compensation offers from the state electricity company PLN because they consider them too low.

Malaysia to buy guided missiles

Malaysia to buy guided missiles KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian Defense Minister Najib Razak on Sunday said the country would beef up its armed forces by buying anti-tank guided missiles and other weapons, Bernama news agency reported. "This will enhance the capability and fire power of the Malaysian armed forces," Defense Minister Najib Razak said during a visit to Malaysia's central Pahang state.

Asian trade promoted

Asian trade promoted JAKARTA (JP): The German Investment and Development Company, in cooperation with Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo), is promoting measures to boost trade among Asian countries during a five-day manufacturing exhibition in Jakarta, starting tomorrow. The German company said on Saturday the company and Bapindo arranged the promotional measures under their joint program, Integrated Advisory Service, for the promotion of the private sector in Indonesia.

Expert warns of crashing property prices

Expert warns of crashing property prices JAKARTA (JP): The establishment of a secondary mortgage market is essential to curb speculation in the country's mushrooming property industry, says an executive of the Indonesian business data center. Christianto Wibisono, the center's director, said over the weekend that there is an indication that a crash in the property industry is imminent due to the unchecked increase in the number of new houses and apartments in the last two years.

Homemade bomb explodes in Cebu

Homemade bomb explodes in Cebu CEBU, Philippines (AFP): A homemade bomb exploded outside a shopping mall in this central Philippine city before dawn Sunday, and caused slight damage but no injuries, police said. No one has claimed responsibility for the explosion on the car park of the Shoemart City shopping complex, which blasted a small crater into the pavement and damaged two concrete posts.

High parking fee

High parking fee From Neraca I wonder why the management of PD Pasar Jaya in Rawabening, East Jakarta, charge Rp 500 for parking during the first hour when other Pasar Jaya (markets) charges only Rp 300, as in Pasar Senen, for instance. When I asked about it, the staff told me that it was the governor's instruction. But the staff could not show me the order. Besides, the used tickets are resold to new customers.

Book on Germany's economy launched

Book on Germany's economy launched The Konrad Adenaur Foundation is to launch a book on Germany's economic and social structure at the Sahid Jaya Hotel on Monday. The book, titled Ekonomi Pasar Sosial: Tatanan Ekonomi dan Sosial Republik Federasi Jerman, is the translation of a work by Prof. Dr. Heinz Lampert, one of Germany's leading economist following World War II. The introduction of the book is written by Indonesia's prominent economist Kwik Kian Gie. (jsk)

All out export drive

All out export drive President Soeharto has again called for an all-out export drive to win increasing opportunities in the international market and asked all ministries and government agencies to fully support the effort. "We should step up our joint efforts to strengthen the international competitiveness of our products," the President said on Thursday at the annual Export Awards presentation to the best-performing exporters.

Creativity for better education

Creativity for better education In a recent discussion in Jakarta, intellectuals lamented the stifled growth of serious and creative thinking habits in our society. This happens in a society whose life standard is moving up. One of the signs is that no great works of art have come out of this nation. Many of the thoughts expressed in newspapers by experts in politics, economics and culture reflect similarly shallow analysis.

Donation for Seribu Islands

Donation for Seribu Islands City administration has received a Rp 18 million (US$8,226) donation from PT Australia Indonesia Milk Industry for the procurement of a motor boat for public transportation of residents of the Seribu Islands, North Jakarta. The donation was handed over by representatives of PT Australia Indonesia Milk Industry, a dairy product company popularly known as PT Indomilk, to Deputy Governor for Public Welfare Affairs R.S. Museno at the Ancol recreation center on Saturday.

Four con artists captured

Four con artists captured PEMALANG, Central Java (JP): The Police captured a gang of four local traders, one of them a woman, suspected to have swindled hundreds of million rupiah from their trading partners, the Antara news agency reported on Saturday. Chief of the district police Lt. Col. Soedibyo said the suspects had been on the wanted list because they had often been reported for cheating people.

Import booter gives Pelita Jaya 1-0 win

Import booter gives Pelita Jaya 1-0 win JAKARTA (JP): Pelita Jaya's 1-0 victory over Persib marked the start of the Indonesian soccer league here, which was officially opened by Vice President Try Sutrisno after a colorful procession in Senayan's main stadium yesterday. The goal was a header by center forward Dejan Gluscevic, one of three Yugoslav players hired by the Jakarta-based club, who received the ball from his teammate, right back Puspom, 20 minutes after the second- half.

Subdistricts to be vacated, phased out

Subdistricts to be vacated, phased out JAKARTA (JP): City administration will phase out some subdistrict administrations in Jakarta due to the lack of residents. H. Maskup Ustianto, assistant to the city secretary of public administration affairs, said over the weekend the subdistrict administrations to be phased out include the North Koja, Ancol and Pademangan subdistricts in the North Jakarta, Kemayoran and Senayan subdistricts in Central Jakarta.

TV Today: Monday, November. 28, 1994

TV Today: Monday, November. 28, 1994 TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Rude Dog & The Dwubs 3:00 Children's Program 3:30 TV Series: Unsolved Mysteries 4:30 School Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Family Program 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Hankamnas 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 TV Series: Santa Barbara 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Gus Dur to retain to position at NU, scholar predicts

Gus Dur to retain to position at NU, scholar predicts JAKARTA (JP): Respected political observer Afan Gaffar predicts that Abdurrahman Wahid will retain his post as chief of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) despite his controversial leadership style. The outspoken scholar from the Yogyakarta-based Gadjah Mada University said that Gus Dur, as Abdurrahman is better known, has garnered the support of influential Moslem leaders in Central and East Java, NU's strongest basis.

Greater Jakarta needs integrated master plans

Greater Jakarta needs integrated master plans By Riyadi JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta is currently expanding to all directions to house its population of over nine million people, but there are not yet guidelines for such expansion. The city is overpowering its neighboring towns such as Bekasi in the east, Bogor in the south and Tangerang in the west, then unifying them into the greater Jakarta area (Jabotabek).

More fatalities and Merapi signals new eruption

More fatalities and Merapi signals new eruption YOGYAKARTA (JP): Mount Merapi, which has already killed 46 villagers since last Tuesday, was showing new activity as of yesterday. Between Saturday and Sunday, the volcano jolted the surrounding areas with two tremors and two earthquakes of low frequency. "These activities signal the possibility of a new eruption," an official of the local volcanology observation office told newsmen here yesterday.

17 tested HIV positive

17 tested HIV positive BATAM ISLAND, Riau: Seventeen have tested positive for the Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) in the province, nine of whom are on Batam island, head of the local health office Salohot said on Saturday. "According to the latest data as of Oct. 31, 1994, the Riau province ranks fifth in the number of people testing HIV positive," Salohot was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Jambi police seize timber

Jambi police seize timber JAMBI, Jambi: More than 2,800 cubic meters of timber were seized by the Rengas Bandung forest rangers in Batanghari regency, the Antara news agency reported on Saturday. "We seized the logs upon learning that the actual quantity carried through the Batanghari river was more than the number written down on the transport document," Suharno, head of the rangers, said. He said the counting included the logs which were seen floating on the river.

Parking forbidden along Jl. Fachrudin

Parking forbidden along Jl. Fachrudin The Traffic and Land Transportation Agency has banned motorists from parking their cars along Jl. Fachrudin, Central Jakarta, due to the construction of an underpass project in the area. Head of the agency JP Sepang said on Saturday that the parking ban is aimed mainly at facilitating traffic flow in the crowded area. Unhindered traffic flow is badly needed to help developers carry out their project's activities.

Murder suspects not helping probe

Murder suspects not helping probe JAKARTA (JP): City police detectives admitted over the weekend they have made no significant progress following further questioning of two suspects believed to be involved in the murder of entertainment businessman Nyo Beng Seng. "So far, we have not gotten any valuable information from either of them," a police officer close to the investigation told The Jakarta Post Saturday evening.

Swedish newcomers stop Woodies ATP Doubles

Swedish newcomers stop Woodies ATP Doubles JAKARTA (JP): Sweden's Davis Cup heroes Jan Apell and Jonas Bjorkman capped their brilliant run at the ATP World Doubles championship yesterday, winning a marathon final over Australian duo Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde 6-4, 4-6, 4-6, 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (8-6).

Where to go in Jakarta:

Where to go in Jakarta: Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

Indonesia's marine ecosystem in jeopardy

Indonesia's marine ecosystem in jeopardy AMBON (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja expressed concern Saturday over the alarming rate of pollution and destruction in the marine ecosystems of various parts of the country. Sarwono blamed most of the environmental degradation on poorly checked and coordinated development activities.

Govt issues new decree on apartment sales

Govt issues new decree on apartment sales JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tandjung announced on Saturday that his office has issued a new decree to regulate sales launching of vertical housing, in order to protect consumers. The new regulation is issued in response to the rising number of property sales of apartments, even though the construction of their facilities have not yet been completed and in many cases developers have not started the projects at all, the minister said.

WCRP Conference (1)

WCRP Conference (1) From Media Indonesia As an Indonesian citizen I am proud of learning that Abdurrahman Wahid has been installed as chairman of the World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP) at its recent congress in Riva del Garda, northern Italy. I agree with legislator Sukowaluyo who said that the appointment has enhanced the image of Indonesia in the world community.

Authorities not aware of new PDI conflict

Authorities not aware of new PDI conflict JAKARTA (JP): The East Java administration said over the weekend that it was not aware of any conflict within the local chapter of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI), a situation that worsened following the unauthorized installation of a new branch leader.

Maulana Isman becomes head of Kosgoro youth

Maulana Isman becomes head of Kosgoro youth JAKARTA (JP): Maulana Isman, a younger brother of State Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman, was elected chief of the Kosgoro youth organization in a congress last week. Maulana's election surprised many observers because he was not on the original list of candidates in the race for chairmanship until the last hours of the congress that took place in the West Java town of Serang, 90 kilometers west of here.

Debate over Natuna

Debate over Natuna PEKANBARU, Riau: Governor Soeripto criticized members of the local legislative council Saturday for questioning the government's policy on the development of Natuna island. Suripto said that the government must be careful in developing Natuna due to its obvious complexities and because of the dispute over the island with Vietnam.

Textile exports need push

Textile exports need push JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto Saturday instructed government institutions and the private sector to close ranks and take measures to improve Indonesia's competitive edge in textiles and textile products on the world market.

Woodies seal perfect run at World Doubles

Woodies seal perfect run at World Doubles JAKARTA (JP): Australia's solid partnership of Todd Woodbridge and Mark Woodforde chalked up a perfect 3-0 win-loss record at the US$1.3 million ATP World Doubles tennis championship yesterday, only to set up an early meeting with Netherlands' title holders Jacco Eltingh and Paul Haarhuis. The Woodies toppled American Jonathan Stark and Zimbabwe's Byron Black 6-3, 6-4 in a retaliation match yesterday to lead the White Group as the unbeaten team.

Where to go in Jakarta:> Saturday, Nov. 25, 1994

Where to go in Jakarta:> Saturday, Nov. 25, 1994 Music * The Aryaduta Jakarta, Jl. Prapatan 44-48, Central Jakarta: - Ambiente Italian Restaurant: Bonauli vocal group, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Amir (pianist), Monday to Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m.; Saturday 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.; Sunday from 12:30 p.m.

Govt to stop issuance of more inter-city bus routes

Govt to stop issuance of more inter-city bus routes JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to stop issuing new-route permits for inter city buses in Java to ease traffic jams and minimize violations of transport regulations. Director General of Land Transportation Soejono said yesterday that new routes would be opened only in the outer islands where more buses are needed to improve access between towns.

Police arrest oil adulterators

Police arrest oil adulterators SURABAYA, East Java: Police have arrested six people in the southern suburb of Sidoarjo for adulterating lubricant oil. Chief of the Sidoarjo police precinct Lt. Col. Soeharto said the suspects were arrested in a raid early this week in which they also seized thousands of cans of diluted oil. "We will launch more operations to bust the syndicate," he told Antara.

Indonesia strengthens representation at UN

Indonesia strengthens representation at UN JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has appointed a senior diplomat to beef up Indonesia's representation at the United Nations in view of Indonesia's ascension to the UN Security Council beginning in January. Makarim Wibisono, the director of multilateral economic cooperation, yesterday handed over his post to Director General of Economic Relations Wisber Loeis following his appointment to fill the new post in New York.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices closed lower on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday with most issues losing ground in moderate trading. The broad-based JSX Composite Index, ended slightly lower at 487.57 yesterday from 488.49 on Thursday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index of selected issues, however, increased slightly to 114.84 from 114.59. Losers included Multi Bintang and Surya Toto (down Rp 500 each), Indofood (down Rp 425), Kalbe Farma and Lippoland (down Rp 300 each).

Biography written with love

Biography written with love By Arief Suditomo JAKARTA (JP): A biography which is also a love story will soon materialize on bookshop shelves entitled My life with Eri-san: A Freedom Fighter, written by Mrs. Mang Eri Soedewo about her late husband, Ambassador Eri Soedewo. Mrs. Mang said she was motivated to write about her husband after she was asked by Eri's close friends and colleagues, Frank Ward, former U.S.

High U.S. rates help relief RI debt burden

High U.S. rates help relief RI debt burden JAKARTA (JP): Increased interest rates in the U.S., which will likely be followed an appreciation of the U.S. dollar against the Japanese yen, are expected to favor Indonesia's debt servicing, economist Mohammad Arsjad Anwar says.

Mystery still shrouds Nyo Beng Seng murder

Mystery still shrouds Nyo Beng Seng murder By K. Basrie JAKARTA (JP): After seven months of hard work, city police announced they have arrested two street criminals believed to have been involved in the killing of entertainment businessman Nyo Beng Seng.

Seven Timorese refugees suffer in Portugal: Report

Seven Timorese refugees suffer in Portugal: Report JAKARTA (JP): The seven young East Timorese who briefly occupied the Swedish and Finnish embassies last year are now living in deplorable conditions in Portugal, after taking up Lisbon's offer of asylum, according to a Portuguese periodical. "They live in shameful poverty and have no jobs. They pass many of their days in hunger.

Seirawan buries Utut's ambition

Seirawan buries Utut's ambition JAKARTA (JP): American grand master Yasser Seirawan outwitted Indonesia's number one grand master Utut Adianto's at the 47th move in their fourth and final round duel here yesterday. Thus, with his second and last victory in their four-day match sanctioned by the world chess body (FIDE), the Damascus-born American nailed a 3-1 victory, picked up US$3,000 cash prize and increased his elo rating of 2,605 by five points.