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Stock market bill passed into law

Stock market bill passed into law JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives gave its approval yesterday to the long-awaited stock exchange bill, which will provide increased protection for investors. At yesterday's plenary session, the four factions of the House -- the Armed Forces, the ruling Golkar, the Moslems-dominated United Development Party and the Indonesian Democratic Party -- unanimously endorsed the bill.

Police to introduce new driving licenses

Police to introduce new driving licenses JAKARTA (JP): New driving licenses are being issued this month for Jakarta and the surrounding areas of Tangerang, Bekasi and Depok, police said yesterday. "The new driving licenses will be issued in stages for Jakarta and surrounding areas starting this month, while for other provinces they will be issued in November and in January next year. They will be valid on a nationwide scale," said Traffic Director of the National Police Brig. Gen. Soemarsono.

Special team established to solve traffic problems

Special team established to solve traffic problems JAKARTA (JP): To solve traffic problems in Jakarta, a special team is being formed whose members will be from the National Police, the Ministry of Transportation, the Ministry of Public Works and transportation experts, police said yesterday. Traffic Director of the National Police Brig. Gen. Soemarsono told reporters that the team will look for solutions to traffic problems in the big cities, especially in Jakarta.

Jakarta Stock Exchange among the most dynamic in Asia

Jakarta Stock Exchange among the most dynamic in Asia On April 16, 1992, the Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) transferred the operation of all activities pertaining to the management of the Stock Exchange, as well as files and documents, furniture and fixtures, to PT Bursa Efek Jakarta (BEJ), the formal Indonesian language name of the Jakarta Stock Exchange. The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) has come a long way since then.

Indonesia keen to produce woman chess Grand Master

Indonesia keen to produce woman chess Grand Master JAKARTA (JP): Upi Darmayana Tamin will undergo a six-month intensive training stint as Indonesia tries to produce its first female grand master. "Upi has been selected because she is ready to dedicate her life to chess and because her company fully supports her," says Eka Putra Wirya, owner of the Enerpac Chess School, the only school of its kind in Indonesia.

Fluor Daniel to establish firm here

Fluor Daniel to establish firm here JAKARTA (JP): The Investment Coordinating Board has approved an application by Fluor Daniel of the United States to establish a wholly-owned subsidiary in Indonesia. The new company, called PT Fluor Daniel Indonesia, will start operating as soon as it has received approval from the justice ministry. "We expect that the approval from the ministry of justice will be obtained next month," company president Charles Sands told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Handicapped children hampered by denial

Handicapped children hampered by denial JAKARTA (JP): The difficulties faced by mentally-handicapped children are often compounded by parental denial that a problem exists, a psychologist said on Saturday. Parents' self-denial often means late detection of the child's condition, according to Surastuti Nurdadi of the University of Indonesia.

Fake land titles found in N. Jakarta

Fake land titles found in N. Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The North Jakarta office of the National Land Agency has uncovered 118 fake land certificates, North Jakarta Mayor Suprawito said over the weekend. Suprawito told reporters the fake certificates are duplicates of legally issued titles. "There was also one fake certificate which had been duplicated up to 10 times," Suprawito told Antara news agency.

Small-capped shares under spotlight on JSX

Small-capped shares under spotlight on JSX JAKARTA (JP): Small issues were under the spotlight on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) last week, with local players speculating on small-capped counters, most of which were trading under par. Trading on the market was moderate with the JSX Composite Index closing the week with little movement, up by 493.24 points from the week's opening of 492.81.

PM Banharn visits Vietnam

PM Banharn visits Vietnam HANOI (Reuter): Thai Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-archa, on his first overseas trip as premier, held talks in Hanoi yesterday with his Vietnamese counterpart, Vo Van Kiet. He arrived three hours late from the Philippines for a scheduled six-hour visit, and was due to attend a ground-breaking ceremony for a joint-venture hotel and make courtesy calls on Communist Party General Secretary Do Muoi and state President Le Duc Anh before heading for Bangkok.

Visa card access to ATM

Visa card access to ATM JAKARTA (JP): Bank Internasional Indonesia (BII) announced on Saturday its joint cooperation with Visa International, to open access for Visa/Plus card holders to its automated teller machine (ATM) network. Through this cooperation, Visa/Plus card holders worldwide, totaling 530 million, have access to BII's 50 ATMs in Jakarta.

AIDS patients not insured

AIDS patients not insured SEMARAMG, Central Java: The local branch of the state-run insurance company PT Astek is refusing to cover people with AIDS, as well as drug and alcohol addicts, even if they are participants in the health insurance program. Chief of the local Astek branch office, Syi'aruddin Amin, said on Saturday that the health insurance program provides insurance for conventional health problems and pregnancy.

River banks cleared for sport, recreation

River banks cleared for sport, recreation JAKARTA (JP): City authorities demolished 33 shacks along Ciliwung riverbanks between Jl. Perwira and Istiqlal Mosque on Saturday as part of the Central Jakarta mayoralty's plan to build sports and recreation sites. Central Jakarta Mayor Abdul Kahfi said that the mayoralty would hold a rowboat parade along the Ciliwung river to commemorate Youth Pledge Day on Oct. 28.

Measures needed to boost equity investment

Measures needed to boost equity investment JAKARTA (JP): A survey conducted by the Association of Indonesian Securities Companies reveals that a number of measures are needed to make equity investment more attractive than fixed- income investment.

Obituary

Obituary JAKARTA (JP): Mahbub Djunaidi, a renowned journalist and veteran politician, died early yesterday at his home in Bandung, West Java. He was 62 years old. He is survived by his wife Asmawati, 54, their two sons, three daughters and three grandchildren. Djunaidi was buried at the Assalam public cemetery in Bandung yesterday afternoon.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Voltron 3:05 Children's Program: Riang Ria 3:30 TV Series: The Crystal Maze 4:30 School Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:00 Evening News 5:30 Technology Program 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religion Teachings: Hindu 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 TV Series: Santa Barbara 9:00 World News 9:25 Music 10:25 Film 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Danayasa's low-cost housing development wins support

Danayasa's low-cost housing development wins support JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Public Housing Akbar Tanjung has warmly welcomed a decision of PT Danayasa Arthatama, which is developing the Sudirman Central Business District (SCBD), to build low-cost housing for low-income people. "The development of low-cost housing by private companies will reduce the heavy burden of the government in the provision of low-cost housing," Tanjung said in a visit to the project on Saturday.

Indonesia eyes two golds in bowling at SEA Games

Indonesia eyes two golds in bowling at SEA Games JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Bowling Association has set a target of two gold medals at the 18th Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, even though the National Sports Council has projected that the bowling team will win only one. "We have better chance of winning in the men's and women's quintet events in particular. But our men's singles are also quite promising.

Restriction on taxi operations draws criticism

Restriction on taxi operations draws criticism JAKARTA (JP): Officials at the Jakarta office of the Ministry of Transportation and Bekasi administration have expressed concern over a decision to prohibit taxis from the capital's outskirts from operating in Jakarta. A. Karim Tjokroprawiro, head of the office, was quoted by Antara as saying over the weekend that such a decision is not justifiable because it is feared to cause many negative impacts. J.P.

High interest rates hit property projects

High interest rates hit property projects JAKARTA (JP): High interest rates and banks' reluctance to finance property development have forced developers to either delay construction of "strata-title" apartments or redesign their projects for hotels and office buildings.

Telkom applies to NYSE

Telkom applies to NYSE NEW YORK (Reuter): PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), the nation's telecommunications company, said it filed a registration statement with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission regarding an offering of American Depositary Shares in its global offering of stock. The company said it has 2.7 million subscriber lines and provides a number of other telecommunications services.

Thirty years after

Thirty years after It is perhaps a bit ironic that of late, three decades after the Army crushed and outlawed the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI) for its part in the bloody coup of October 1965, many people here are still wondering if the PKI has actually been wiped out at all. Just hearing or reading our officials persistent warnings against the latent danger of communism, one might think that somehow the communist specter is still very much alive and kicking these days.

RI shooters seek better ranking

RI shooters seek better ranking JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is set to better its position from 12th to 10th at the Asian Shooting Championships, due to be opened today at the Senayan shooting range. Tomorrow will be the competitions' first day, featuring the men's free pistol and the women's air rifle finals. Edi Sudrajat is scheduled to officially open the championships.

Jakarta, W. Java gain softball championship titles

Jakarta, W. Java gain softball championship titles JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta men's team routed West Java 9-2, while the West Java women's team stunned Jakarta with a 2-0 win at the National Softball Championships, which concluded on Saturday at Senayan's Cemara Tiga diamond. Qualified through the national championships, which served as a pre-qualifier for next year's 14th National Games, are eight provincial teams for each gender.

Garuda Indonesia reroutes flights to European countries

Garuda Indonesia reroutes flights to European countries JAKARTA (JP): The country's flag carrier, Garuda Indonesia, announced Saturday new direct routes to and from Europe, after slashing the number of stopovers at Abu Dhabi from 16 times a week to only six times a week. Jansius Siahaan, a spokesman for Garuda, said over the weekend that the new routes -- which will be operated by the airline's B-747-400, B-747-200 and MD-11 aircraft -- will start running on Oct.

Diners respond

Diners respond In response to the letter by D. Champel to The Jakarta Post concerning the case of his friend Rav Suzie Adiyana BSc., we herewith would like to explain as follows: 1. According to the data available to us, the credit card of your friend was canceled on July 31, 1995. She was informed by a statement of account in August 1995. 2. She knew she was using the card illegally, but she used it at shops which know her so the merchant did not examine the blacklist or request authorization.

Irian Jaya to have 'Pancasila village'

Irian Jaya to have 'Pancasila village' JAKARTA (JP): A village community in which life is organized in true conformity with the state ideology Pancasila may exist in the province of Irian Jaya.

Indonesia's Paian chairs ICO

Indonesia's Paian chairs ICO LONDON (Reuter): The International Coffee Organization (ICO) Council has elected as chairman Indonesia's Paian Nainggolan, the chief of the country's Trade Research and Development Agency. "The appointment underlines the importance of Indonesia as an up coming producer," Jan van Weijen, Netherlands' Ministry of Foreign Affairs official said after a week-long meeting of the ICO here over the weekend.

More land needed for cemeteries

More land needed for cemeteries JAKARTA (JP): The city administration plans to expand the area designated for public cemeteries from 557.5 hectares to 700 hectares by 2005.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

ADB aid for China, RI

ADB aid for China, RI MANILA (AFP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said Saturday it had approved about US$593.9 million in loans and grants to China, Thailand, Cambodia and Indonesia. The biggest aid, amounting to $386.9 million will go China. The aid will consist of in three loans and two technical assistance grants. The bank said the aid for China will be used to help finance expressway projects, agricultural development and improvement of soil and water conservation.

Soeharto to inaugurate automated trading system

Soeharto to inaugurate automated trading system JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is scheduled to inaugurate the Jakarta Automated Trading System (JATS) of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) at its building tomorrow. "This launching is consistent with the JSX's strategic planning mission, which targets it to become a competitive exchange with good recognition in South East Asia by 1998," the JSX president Hasan Zein Mahmud said at a press conference over the weekend.

Labor activist Mochtar acquitted by Supreme Court

Labor activist Mochtar acquitted by Supreme Court JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union chairman Mochtar Pakpahan, who was sentenced to four years jail in January in connection with the 1994 labor riots in Medan, North Sumatra, has been acquitted on appeal to the Supreme Court.

Nation commemorates crushing of coup attempt

Nation commemorates crushing of coup attempt JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia commemorated yesterday the 30th anniversary of the crushing of the bloody coup attempt, blamed on the Indonesian Communist Party, with one official repeating warnings about the latent danger of communism in the country.

'Soeharto still needed after 1998'

'Soeharto still needed after 1998' JAKARTA (JP): The youth wing of the ruling political grouping Golkar has asked that President Soeharto allow himself to be nominated for the presidency again in 1998. Ais Anantama Said, chair of the Generasi Muda Gabungan Karya Rakyat Indonesia, made the call yesterday while addressing a one- day seminar on the sanctity of the state ideology Pancasila, saying the organization would soon forward the proposal to Golkar. "Let us ...

Operation against illegal billboards starts again today

Operation against illegal billboards starts again today JAKARTA (JP): The municipal administration will launch, starting today until Oct. 31, an operation to dismantle billboards which do not have permits, or whose permits have expired, and billboards which still use a foreign language. "The operation is a continuation of a similar operation we launched earlier," deputy head of the City Revenue Office, Syuaib Nuhung, said on Saturday.

Ramos visits KL to boost ties

Ramos visits KL to boost ties KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Philippine President Fidel Ramos arrived yesterday for a brief working visit to Malaysia, aimed at strengthening bilateral and business ties. Ramos delivers a keynote address today at a seminar and exhibition in Kuala Lumpur on legendary Philippine freedom fighter Jose Rizal. He will then hold talks with Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad before returning to Manila.

Tariff exemption

Tariff exemption JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Finance announced over the weekend that imports of certain raw materials and appliances for automobile bodies and heavy equipment are exempted from duties. The ministry, under a ministerial decree effective since Sept. 19, has also stipulated that the government has also extended by one year the tariff exemption on imports of raw materials, spare parts, components, and reparation and maintenance equipment for aircraft.

U.S donates drug detectors

U.S donates drug detectors JAKARTA (JP): The U.S. government donated a set of drug detectors to the Indonesian Police and Customs on Friday. U.S. embassy press officer Craig Stromy said the grant was aimed at helping Indonesia to fight international drug syndicates. "The transfer of equipment is part of the cooperation between Indonesia and the U.S. in fighting the drug syndicates," he said. Head of the Criminal Investigation Directorate of the National Police Brig. Gen.

16 foreigners killed in first nine months

16 foreigners killed in first nine months MANILA (AFP): At least 16 foreigners have been shot or stabbed to death in the Philippines in the first nine months of the year and the killings could dampen foreign investor interest in the country, a senator said yesterday. Senator Ernesto Herrera said in a statement that the victims included nationals from Australia, Britain, India, Japan, France, Singapore, Switzerland, Taiwan and the United States.

Fire kills two RI crew

Fire kills two RI crew BANGKOK (Reuter): Two crew members on the Indonesian- registered MT Candra Dewi were killed in a fire on board the methanol-loaded ship at the south eastern Thai industrial port of Mabtapud. Jirachai Naiwattanakul of Thai Tank Terminal Co.

10m tons of coal exported

10m tons of coal exported JAKARTA (JP): PT Kaltim Prima Coal, a company owned equally by British Petroleum and CRA Limited of Australia, plans to increase coal exports by 15 percent to 10 million tons this year, a company executive said on Saturday. The company's public relations manager, I Ketut Temadja, was quoted by Antara as saying in Sangatta, East Kalimantan, that the company's exports reached 8.7 million tons last year.

Dyno buys out subsidiary

Dyno buys out subsidiary OSLO (Reuter): Norwegian chemicals company Dyno Industrier A/S said it had bought the remaining 26 percent stake in its Singapore operations from the Development Bank of Singapore for S$32 million (140 million crowns). Dyno Industries (S) Pty Ltd is now a wholly owned subsidiary of the Norwegian group. "With Dyno Singapore now wholly owned, Dyno also strengthens its ownership interest in relation to its joint ventures in Malaysia and Indonesia," Dyno said in a statement.

Policeman fires on soldier

Policeman fires on soldier DILI, East Timor: Local military chief Col. Mahidin Simbolon confirmed yesterday reports of an armed clash between a police officer and a soldier over a prostitute. Simbolon said the incident, involving an officer of a mobile police brigade and an officer of Army Company 744, occurred on the night of Sept. 27 in a red light district in Komoro, about four kilometers west of here.

Reading habit should be taught at home: Experts

Reading habit should be taught at home: Experts JAKARTA (JP): One expert suggests Asterix and Donald Duck, while another suggests Doraemon. The message to parents is the same: Give your children any comic strip to get them started reading and, hopefully, they will acquire the habit of reading as they grow up. Experts at a seminar on the development of the habit of reading among children, held on Saturday, said that home, rather than school, is where it all should begin.

Normal sex after stroke is possible

Normal sex after stroke is possible JAKARTA (JP): The 42-year-old Roy thought life would never be the same again after he had a stroke two months ago and had to spend four days in hospital. Despite his recovery, he had difficulties moving his left hand, had problems speaking and felt that he had become handicapped. Soon, he lost confidence in himself and -- to quote an Indonesian saying sudah jatuh ditimpa tangga (misfortune comes after another misfortune) -- he became impotent.

ASEAN law schools plan tie-up

ASEAN law schools plan tie-up JAKARTA (JP): ASEAN's members may have different legal systems, but law educators have begun efforts to develop a common curriculum for the law schools of the seven countries. On Saturday representatives of the ASEAN Law Schools Association (ALSA) began hammering out their ambitious plan, which is to have a modest beginning -- the development of a common curriculum for business law studies. ALSA president Ponciano D.

Euro-Nevada enters RI

Euro-Nevada enters RI TORONTO (Reuter): Euro-Nevada Mining Corp. Inc. said it acquired an interest in the Mt. Muro project in Indonesia for US$18.5 million. It said the interest, held by a major resource company, is in the form of a deferred purchase payment based on a sliding scale percentage of net smelter returns of production. Euro-Nevada said the operator of the 480-square km project located in Kalimantan is 90 percent owned and controlled by a subsidiary of Aurora Gold Ltd. of Australia.

Bangkok Bank beats Persib 1-0

Bangkok Bank beats Persib 1-0 JAKARTA (JP): Bangkok Bank scored a late goal to gain a consolation win over Indonesian league champion Persib Bandung 1- 0 at the Siliwangi stadium in the Asian Champions' Cup 1995 East Asia group in Bandung, West Java, yesterday. Bangkok Bank's Amarit struck the lone goal during a scrimmage just half a minute before regulation time ended, forcing host Persib to scramble aggressively in the dying seconds.

Malaysia's Allay Ong named ASC president

Malaysia's Allay Ong named ASC president JAKARTA (JP): Allay Ong of Malaysia took a unanimous vote to win the chair of the Asian Shooting Federation (ASC) for the next four years in Kuta, Bali, on Friday night. All 20 delegates participating in the election favored Ong's succeeding Indonesian Edi Sudradjat. ASC limits a president to serving only one four-year term.

Guess What?

Guess What? If ever the young business tycoon Pontjo Sutowo is out of a job, which seems very unlikely at present, he will certainly soon find something else to occupy his time with: interpreting for foreigners. Pontjo, the executive organizer of the ongoing Istiqlal Festival of Islamic Arts and Culture, assisted a senior journalist from London, MH Faruqi, at a meeting with the press on Wednesday after the hired interpreter failed in his job.

Profile of a Foreign Minister

Profile of a Foreign Minister Adam Malik, who served as Indonesian foreign minister during the turbulent years of 1966 to 1977 and as Indonesian vice- president between 1978 and 1983, was undoubtedly the most versatile and colorful foreign minister ever known in the history of our republic. Born in Tapanuli, Sumatra, more than half a century ago, he passed away on Sept. 5, 1984.

Bandung Catholic University Choir

Bandung Catholic University Choir I am not normally given to writing in, unlike a number of your regular but tiresome contributors to the letters column. However, I was so impressed by last weekend's performance at the Erasmus Huis of the Bandung Catholic University Choir that I would like to make other interested readers aware of their existence. In an environment not always noted for its pursuit of excellence, it was heartening to come across a team of people so clearly dedicated to quality.

Guess What?

Guess What? Being a key person in a strategic position means one has to always be careful in what one does or says. Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono is one good example. He always takes time before answering any questions, carefully selecting his words and expressions before making comments on state and political issues. "I'd like to know first, whether there are reporters here.

Aspac snatches basketball crown

Aspac snatches basketball crown JAKARTA (JP): Aspac of Jakarta needed a deciding three-pointer from Mohammad Rifky to claim the Kobatama national basketball league championship title with a dramatic 73-70 win over defending champion Hadtex of Bandung here yesterday. The two arch rivals were looking at the strong possibility of extra time with a 70-70 deadlock, when with just three seconds left Rifky flipped the ball into the basket from a meter outside Hadtex's defensive court.

Bomb threat detours Garuda plane flight

Bomb threat detours Garuda plane flight JAKARTA (JP): A Garuda Indonesia aircraft en route from Munich to Medan and Denpasar made an unscheduled 5.5-hour stopover at Bucharest's Otopeni airport on Friday due to a bomb threat. After a thorough check, the plane left Bucharest early yesterday for Medan in North Sumatra with all its passengers safe. Garuda spokesman Jansius Siahaan told reporters here that the plane, flight number GA-999, left Bucharest for Medan yesterday at 3:50 a.m.

Geopolitical realignment begins in the Asia-Pacific region

Geopolitical realignment begins in the Asia-Pacific region Derek da Cunha examines the prospects for strategic shifts in the Asia-Pacific. Conventional wisdom has it that strategic, rather than economic, imperatives were probably the more instrumental in Vietnam's recent entry into the ASEAN fold.

Who's in charge here, please?

Who's in charge here, please? JAKARTA (JP): Mike Royko, a Chicago Tribune columnist, once suggested in the Pacific Stars and Stripes that before a couple say "I do" they should sign a prenuptial agreement on who would control the TV remote. Otherwise, the family would later be at each other's throats for control of the TV, he reasoned. This suggestion would have sounded ridiculous in Indonesia six years ago. Who gives a damn about a remote control when there is only one TV station?

Guess What?

Guess What? Australian singer Rick Price might not have thought that he would have to kiss so many girls during an hour-long meeting with his Indonesian fans at Bentara Budaya in Central Jakarta on Wednesday. Around 100 fans, mostly teenage girls, made use of the occasion organized by Hai teen magazine, not only to ask for an autograph, but also for a kiss. One by one the girls, who stood in line for an autograph, bluntly asked Price for a kiss.

Nurjanah

Nurjanah By Jujur Prananto It seems like everybody had lost control. Long whistles shrieked endlessly. The spotlight had changed to red. The sound of the drum beating was thunderous. As soon as the sound of the flute became audible, dozens of spectators screamed ferociously. With a light stamping, Nurjanah jumped onto the stage. Once her feet landed on the stage, her body, clad in a tight sparkling red dress, span once and then stopped, facing the audience in a deep bow.

Special team to probe police aircraft crash

Special team to probe police aircraft crash JAKARTA (JP): The National Police Force has formed a special team to investigate the aircraft crash, which killed all six police officers aboard, on Friday. National Police Force spokesman Brig. Gen. I Ketut Ratta announced on Saturday, after attending a ceremony at the police headquarters to honor the six officers, that bad weather is among the factors believed to have led to the accident.

Let's Talk It Over

Let's Talk It Over One cannot but admire the U.S. First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton. She could really relax and enjoy the privileges and luxuries that go along with the august office of the president of the world's most powerful nation. Instead, she chooses to trot around the globe to get a first-hand account of the peoples' lives all over. The Talk It Over column by HIllary Clinton, featured every Sunday, is a welcome addition to The Jakarta Post.

Hotel Serai blends naturally into Bali landscape

Hotel Serai blends naturally into Bali landscape By Kunang Helmi Picard DENPASAR (JP): Getting away from the crowds in the Paradise of Bali is everyone's dream, but sometimes folks from home seem to share a vacation with you. What are Mr. and Mrs. Smith doing here? And Bali was meant to be the perfect hideaway on the other side of the globe, or at least an island's length away! Wasn't Candi Dasa supposed to be really secluded, far from Kuta, Legian and all those tourists?

Guess What?

Guess What? JAKARTA (JP): Who would have thought that Atie Wardiman Djojonegoro, wife of Minister of Education and culture Wardiman Djojonegoro, loves to read Asterix comics? She told The Jakarta Post at the opening ceremony of a book exhibition last week that she started reading the comic strip when she was studying German. "I love Asterix," said Atie, who is a lecturer of clinical pharmacology at the School of Medicine at Padjadjaran University in Bandung.

Ancient temple group hidden in Padang Lawas plain

Ancient temple group hidden in Padang Lawas plain By Bambang Budi Utomo SOUTH TAPANULI, North Sumatra (JP): Sumatra is a large island of many mysteries, including that of its archeology. Few people know that there are three temple groupings on the island, scattered over the provinces of Jambi, Riau and North Sumatra. Of the three, the temple grouping in North Sumatra is the least known.

14 die in RP typhoon

14 die in RP typhoon MANILA (Reuter): Typhoon Sybil swept across southern Philippines yesterday, wrecking homes, forcing hundreds of families to flee and triggering landslides that killed 14 people, officials said. Eight others were injured as the typhoon grounded aircraft and lashed ships moored in harbor. Residents in Valencia, Bukidnon, 850 Km (530 miles) south of Manila, said they heard whirling sounds and a sudden explosion as landslides struck the area during heavy rains, police said.

Alatas upset at Spring's Timor words

Alatas upset at Spring's Timor words DUBLIN (AFP): Indonesian Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas has accused his Irish counterpart of publicly attacking his country in a manner that was "almost like a declaration of war," according to press reports here. Alatas said Irish Foreign Minister Dick Spring had attacked Indonesia over its policy in the former Portuguese colony of East Timor, according to The Irish Times on Friday.

Is Indonesia's fear of communism still relevant?

Is Indonesia's fear of communism still relevant? JAKARTA (JP): Today, for the 30th year, Indonesians are marking Pancasila Commemorative Day, the victory of Pancasila over communism. The triumph followed the Sept. 30, 1965, bloody coup attempt blamed on the Indonesian Communist Party (PKI). Since then, the country has been gripped by a phobia about communism although the PKI was outlawed that same year.

Supreme Court upholds Bapindo case verdicts

Supreme Court upholds Bapindo case verdicts JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Court is upholding all verdicts passed by lower courts against a businessman and four bankers for the massive loan scandal that nearly brought state-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) to its knees.

What they say about the role of ABRI

What they say about the role of ABRI JAKARTA (JP): Roni, final-year student of the law faculty of Universitas 17 Augustus: "The Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) is actually born of the people, so -- practically -- it should be there for the people. But nowadays we have the impression that ABRI has become the tool of the government. For example, in land cases: Why should it be the agency for the coordination of support for national stability and development which deals with those cases?

Fostering intellectuals ABRI's biggest challenge

Fostering intellectuals ABRI's biggest challenge By Ahmed Kurnia Soeriawidjaja JAKARTA (JP): According to military observer Dr. Amir Santoso, human resources is a major issue the military must anticipate. Former Army chief of staff Gen. (ret.) Rudini cautions that ABRI's future challenges will be quite formidable as the situation will be much different from today. "This is due to political demand and greater public awareness of democracy," Rudini told The Jakarta Post.

ABRI still plays vital role

ABRI still plays vital role If there is one institution in modern Indonesia which towers above all others in importance, it is the Armed Forces. The Indonesian Armed Forces constitutes an institution that is far more than a standing force with a command structure; it is the soul of the nation and the largest political organization in the country. -- Michael R.J.

ABRI's political role to decline in degree

ABRI's political role to decline in degree Noted political scholar Juwono Sudarsono, who is also the deputy governor of the National Resilience Institute (Lemhanas), was recently guest speaker at a discussion on the future of the Armed Forces' Dwi Fungsi (Dual Function) held at The Jakarta Post. The following is an excerpt of his presentation. JAKARTA (JP): ABRI has become the victim of its own success in upholding political stability.

ABRI, from war machine to big business bureaucrats

ABRI, from war machine to big business bureaucrats By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian timber industry recently experienced an important event. In June, PT International Timber Corporation Indonesia (ITCI) took over 280,000 hectares of forest concessions from PT Kayan River Timber Product in East Kalimantan, bringing the concessions of ITCI to a total of 800,000 hectares. Kayan River had reportedly failed to manage its concessions properly.

Dr. Sundhaussen has an affection for ABRI

Dr. Sundhaussen has an affection for ABRI By Dewi Anggraeni MELBOURNE, Australia (JP): Dr. Ulf Sundhaussen, the author of The Road to Power: Indonesian Military Politics 1945-1967, is genial and oozes compassion. Not only does he have an intimate knowledge of the Indonesian Armed Forces, he also has an obvious affection for the institution. Currently Associate Professor in Comparative Government at the University of Queensland in Australia, Dr.

Six officers reported dead in police aircraft crash

Six officers reported dead in police aircraft crash JAKARTA (JP): A training aircraft belonging to the National Police crashed near the small village of Sinar Gaya in Bogor, West Java, yesterday morning, killing all six police officers aboard. One report said the plane was a Cessna but another claimed it was a Piper Cheyenne. A police source with the Search and Rescue team told The Jakarta Post that Capt. Sumarno, Capt. Lili Ramli, Second Lt. Sudaryanto, First Lt. Saragih, Second Lt.

Former bank employee jailed for embezzling

Former bank employee jailed for embezzling JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court yesterday sentenced Mahdi Hadiwirya, a former employee of state-owned Exim Bank, to six years in jail for embezzling Rp 3.9 billion ($1.77 million). Presiding judge Leo Hutagalung said in his verdict that Mahdi was found guilty of embezzling Rp 3.9 billion in 1993 from the bank's branches in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, and Kebon Melati, Central Jakarta.

Sand quarrying near Laki island questioned

Sand quarrying near Laki island questioned JAKARTA (JP): Councilors have expressed concern over sand dredging activities near Laki island in the Java Sea for the reclamation of part of the Ancol Timur shoreline, fearing that the activities will severely affect the island. Bahriyoen Soetjipto, secretary of the City Council's Commission D for development affairs, said yesterday that there is a possibility the activities will cause the island to sink.

Jakarta's taxi woes

Jakarta's taxi woes It could be that not all of us are aware of the latest annoyance -- if that is a strong enough word -- many of our fellow commuters now suffer. Space limitations permitted only a brief report of this nuisance on Thursday. Compared to the political developments and crises taking place in Indonesia and the world, grievances about the management of taxi services around Jakarta may seem quite irrelevant.

Armed Forces takes delivery of new arms

Armed Forces takes delivery of new arms JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Armed Forces (ABRI) has began taking delivery of some of the weapons it ordered as part of the military's modernization drive. ABRI Chief of General Affairs Lt. Gen. Soeyono said that 26 of the 52 retrofitted Scorpion tanks ordered from Britain and 300 Mercedes army trucks from Germany are among the newest arrivals. The other 26 Scorpion tanks will arrive in January, Soeyono told The Jakarta Post on Wednesday.

Retailers seek to tap Asian shopping dollars

Retailers seek to tap Asian shopping dollars By Anil Penna SINGAPORE (AFP): Top retailers from around the world are gathering in Singapore to explore investment opportunities in Asia's shopping industry, headed for a broad boom on the back of an upwardly-mobile middle-class. Where they decide to set up shop after three days of brainstorming from Sunday could determine which city will become the future shopping mecca of Asia, perhaps overtaking Singapore and Hong Kong, the organizers say.

Humpuss joins with Japanese giants

Humpuss joins with Japanese giants JAKARTA (JP): The NEC Corporation and The Sumitomo Corporation of Japan signed an agreement with PT Humpuss Elektronika here yesterday to establish a semiconductor assembly plant in Bekasi, West Java, with an investment of US$60 million.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Land legislation

Land legislation In your report on the discussions at the public hearing organized by the United Development Party on Sept. 22, 1995 (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 23, 1995), a statement was inaccurately reported as to have been said by me. It was stated in that report that I said: Sometimes, the financiers are even supported by government and military officials. I did not make such a statement. What I did say was that the former law on land acquisition (Regulations of Home Affairs Minister No.

Villagers short of clean water

Villagers short of clean water DEMAK, Central Java: Inhabitants in 31 villages across eight districts are short of clean water due to the dry season. Wells have dried up and residents are waiting for assistance from the regency administration. The affected districts are Mranggen, Karangawen, Karangtengah, Sayung, Bonang, Wedung, Gajah and Mijen. A spokesman from the regency administration urged residents to be patient. He said the distribution of water is limited. (har)

Kapuk squatters take compensation

Kapuk squatters take compensation JAKARTA (JP): As many as 94 families in Kapuk, West Jakarta, accepted compensation for their land yesterday after state-owned housing company Perum Perumnas gave them an ultimatum and their houses were destroyed. Perum Perumnas announced on Monday that Kapuk squatters had to accept the compensation within three days or get nothing.

IFC lends $10 million to Panin Overseas

IFC lends $10 million to Panin Overseas JAKARTA (JP): The International Finance Corporation (IFC), an affiliate of the World Bank, has approved a loan of US$10 million to PT Panin Overseas Finance, a multi-financing division of the Panin Group.

Government formalizes five-day working week

Government formalizes five-day working week JAKARTA (JP): The five-day working week, introduced on a trial basis at most government offices over the past year, has finally been formalized for the Central Government Administration and Jakarta City Administration. State Minister of Administrative Reform T.B. Silalahi announced yesterday that President Soeharto has signed decree no. 68/1995 allowing the working hours of government agencies to be changed. The regulation becomes effective on Oct. 1.

Pluit Authority privatized

Pluit Authority privatized JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has approved a proposal to change the legal status of the Pluit Authority into a limited liability company called PT Pluit Usaha Jaya. The decision will enable the authority to become independent and increase its contribution to the city's coffers. Surjadi said the city administration will continue to control the company and urged it to cooperate closely with other city agencies, especially on land reclamation projects.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Force Five Danguard Ace 3:05 Sports 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Our Ocean 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dian Rana 8:05 TV Drama: Hati Yang Mendua 9:00 World News 9:30 Music: Nada Dan Prajurit 10:30 Film 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m. Sports 5:30 City News 6:00 Music 6:30 English News Service 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Series: Trouble with Larry 8:30 Music TPI 5:30 a.m.

Australia provide grant for health project

Australia provide grant for health project JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Australia signed a memorandum of understanding yesterday for a A$16 million grant for health projects in the East and West Nusa Tenggara provinces. The State Minister of Population/Chairman of the National Family Planning Board Haryono Suyono said after the signing ceremony that the projects are meant to improve family planning programs and health condition in the two provinces. Australian Ambassador Allan R.

Residents 'no' to apartments

Residents 'no' to apartments SEMARANG: Hundreds of residents in the Bandarhardjo subdistrict in North Semarang protested against a plan to move them to apartments built by the city administration. They hoisted banners and sprawled graffiti on their houses and roofs. One banner read "I don't like apartments." The protests surfaced when a resident heard that the administration was sending a team to inform them of the plan.

Legal Aid Foundation scrambles for new leader

Legal Aid Foundation scrambles for new leader By Imanuddin JAKARTA (JP): Vacancy available: Chairmanship of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI). Requirements: Bold and vocal on human rights and democracy, courageous in standing up to the government, may be emotional at times. The above description best fits one person in this country: Adnan Buyung Nasution, the current chairman of YLBHI's executive board who has announced his plan to resign from the post.

Will Indonesian batik survive challenges?

Will Indonesian batik survive challenges? By Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): What is the future of batik? After centuries of persevering through cultural, economic and political upheavals, Indonesia's batik crafts now face the challenges of the new millennium. Will batik adorn the nation in the year 2020? Only if it survives the competition from contemporary casual wear.

Tambang Timah to float 25% of shares in London

Tambang Timah to float 25% of shares in London JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned tin mining company PT Tambang will list 25 percent, or 125.8 million, of its shares on the London Stock Exchange on Oct. 19, the firm's president Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas said yesterday. He said in a statement that on the same day the company will also list another 10 percent, or 50.3 million, of its shares on the Jakarta and Surabaya Stock Exchanges.

'Ivory tusks still intact'

'Ivory tusks still intact' JAMBI, Jambi: The Kerinci Seblat National Park has denied allegations that ivory tusks, estimated to be worth Rp 14 million ($6,000), taken from a dead elephant have gone missing. The park's chief curator said that the tusks are safe and sound and on display at his office as an additional attraction to visitors.

Barito group buys into APC

Barito group buys into APC MANILA (Reuter): Asian Petroleum Corp (APC), an oil explorer turned holding firm, said a group of Indonesian investors led by PT Barito has bought about 25 percent of the company. "There were several investors that injected funds slightly less than 25 percent of the company," APC Chairman Jaime Gonzalez told reporters. He did not disclose the names of the other investors.

ANERA cancels threat on port surcharge plan

ANERA cancels threat on port surcharge plan JAKARTA (JP): The Asia North America Eastbound Rate Agreement (ANERA) group of shipping lines canceled yesterday its plan to impose surcharges on users of its services at the Tanjung Priok port due to improvements in port services and facilities. James T.Y.

Telkom to bring road show to 30 cities

Telkom to bring road show to 30 cities JAKARTA (JP): PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), the state- owned domestic telecommunications operator, will launch a series of road shows next month in conjunction with its plan to float shares on both the international and domestic stock markets by the end of this year. The company's president Setyanto P. Santosa said here Thursday that the road show, from Oct. 9 until the middle of November, will include a number of overseas cities.

New BMW car launched

New BMW car launched JAKARTA (JP): PT Tjahja Sakti Motor, the sole BMW agent here, introduced the 7301LA yesterday, the first of the BMW 7-series on the Indonesian market. The company's president, Jami Setiadi, said at the ceremony that his company will limit the assembly of the cars in Indonesia to 300 units per annum. Yesterday's ceremony saw the first sale of the car to businessman Bambang N. Rachmadi. The 7301LA will list for approximately Rp 400 million.

60 restaurants to join Jakarta Food Festival

60 restaurants to join Jakarta Food Festival JAKARTA (JP): Sixty large-scale restaurants will take part in the second Jakarta Food Festival 1995 from Oct. 15 to Nov. 30, said Wuryastuti Sunario, an executive of the Indonesian Tourism Promotion Board. The festival will be sponsored jointly by the tourism promotion board, the Jakarta Tourism Office, American Express Travel Related Services and the Bali office of the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications.

Filipino Moslems urge UAE to free condemned maid

Filipino Moslems urge UAE to free condemned maid MANILA (Reuter): More than 1,000 Moslems in the Philippines lodged a petition yesterday with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) embassy in Manila urging the release of condemned Filipina maid Sarah Balabagan. Pendatun Disimban, spokesman of the newly formed group called United Muslims for Sarah Balabagan's Freedom, told reporters the maid should be freed because she only sought to defend her honor.

Tribes reject family planning

Tribes reject family planning PALU, Central Sulawesi: About half of the indigenous people in Central Sulawesi are rejecting the government's call to join the family planning program because it goes against their mystic beliefs, Antara reported. During a recent trip to Saloya, a village where one isolated tribe lives, Antara said many housewives considered contraceptives taboo. Mrs.

Letters from expats

Letters from expats To me the "Your Letters" column is not only interesting but instructive as well. This means that features of knowledge and information can be reaped and are beneficial to enriching our minds and outlook. Were it not for the interesting "Your Letters" column, I could have easily switched and subscribed to any other local English newspapers for a change.

APEC agenda set for trade and investment facilitation

APEC agenda set for trade and investment facilitation By Vincent Lingga BEIJING (JP): After the meaty subject of trade liberalization, measures of trade and investment facilitation rank as the second most important topic of discussions related to APEC cooperation program.

Infrastructure built on Natuna

Infrastructure built on Natuna JAKARTA: The Ministry of Public Works is constructing roads and installing water pipes on the Natuna islands in Riau province. The head of the Riau office of the ministry, Hendrianto, said the construction of a 72 kilometer long road started in the fiscal year of 1991/1992. Construction of a remaining seven kilometers must wait until they blow up a rocky hill. Rp 11.4 billion ($4.9 million) has been spent on the project.

Automotive

Automotive The Jakarta Post, in cooperation with the Automotive Business & Motoring News of Australia, will publish a special report on automotive industry on the last Saturday of each month. The first publication of the special report is included in today's edition. -- Publisher

Police reopen Beng Seng murder case

Police reopen Beng Seng murder case JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta police officials said yesterday they are reinvestigating the murder of entertainment businessman Nyo Beng Seng, who was stabbed in North Jakarta in April last year. "The new probe is being conducted to determine the mastermind of the murder," Chief of the City Police Force Maj. Gen. Dibyo Widodo told reporters.

Agency wants coastal project to follow rules

Agency wants coastal project to follow rules JAKARTA (JP): The Environmental Impact Agency reminded developers of an 8,000-hectare tourist site on the coast of Tangerang yesterday not to break environmental rules. P.L. Coutrier, the deputy for environmental impact management at Bapedal, warned that construction should only start after the project's environmental impact study is approved. "President Soeharto himself signed the 1993 rule on environment impact analysis," he pointed out.

Film on East Timor sparks ire in South Africa

Film on East Timor sparks ire in South Africa JAKARTA (JP): The airing of the Death of a Nation, a documentary film about East Timor, on South African television has sparked ire among the Moslem community there who say it could harm relations between Jakarta and Pretoria.

Historian calls for study on communist coup

Historian calls for study on communist coup JAKARTA (JP): Noted historian Taufik Abdullah yesterday called for a thorough study of the events surrounding the abortive communist coup attempt on Sept. 30, 1965, in order to give people a better understanding of the "national tragedy". "There are still holes surrounding the G30S/PKI because many events were not recorded, while the number of people who can provide the information is declining,' Taufik told Antara.

Merpati opens check-in counter

Merpati opens check-in counter JAKARTA (JP): Merpati Nusantara Airlines, a subsidiary of the national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, officially launched yesterday its city check-in counter at the Gambir railway station in Central Jakarta. Merpati's director of commerce, Budiarto Subroto, said that some 3,000 passengers have enjoyed the service since similar counters were introduced around the country in January.

APEC expected to lead global trade liberalization

APEC expected to lead global trade liberalization By Vincent Lingga BEIJING (JP): Asia-Pacific businesspeople, scholars and officials associated with the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) asked their governments yesterday to lead global trade liberalization.

Asian markets mostly gain

Asian markets mostly gain HONG KONG (Reuter): The strengthening yen led to volatility on Tokyo's stock markets yesterday but shares on other Asian markets mostly finished stronger. Hong Kong, Sydney, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Jakarta, Seoul, Bombay and Bangkok markets strengthened while Manila and Taipei shares finished lower.

Freeport and human rights

Freeport and human rights After following the progress of the Timika case which involved killings, disappearance, intimidation and harassment allegedly by the military in the concessionary area of Freeport Indonesia in Irian Jaya, I wonder why there has been no single comment from the U.S. government regarding the human rights violations in that case. The U.S. government has expressed its concerns on the many human rights violations in Indonesia, but why does it keep silent on the Freeport case?

Kanindotex shares for co-ops

Kanindotex shares for co-ops SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): PT Kanindotex has sold 25 million of its shares to 270 cooperatives from various parts of the country. The agreements on the share sales, which are favorable to the cooperatives, were signed here Thursday in a ceremony attended by Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya and Central Java Governor Soewardi.

Mardi to run on double tracks

Mardi to run on double tracks JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian top sprinter Mardi Lestari will marry Keti Retnawati in Bandung, West Java, next Friday, but vows to maintain his formidable track record. Mardi, 30, a native of Binjai, North Sumatra, will not even take time out for a honeymoon after the wedding reception on Saturday. Instead, Mardi will return to the track, resuming his training for the 18th Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand in December.

BRI rejects coins

BRI rejects coins From Media Indonesia On Sept. 8, 1995, I wanted to deposit money in the Cidodol branch of BRI in South Jakarta. I had Rp 120,000, which was comprised of various denominations as follows: Rp 40,000 in Rp 10,000 notes; Rp 50,000 in Rp 1000 and Rp 500 notes; and the remaining Rp 30,000 in coins of Rp 1000 and Rp 500 denominations.

Timorese asylum seekers leave for Portugal

Timorese asylum seekers leave for Portugal JAKARTA (JP): Waving "V" sings and thumbs up, the five East Timorese asylum seekers, who have been holed up at the British Embassy since Monday, left for Portugal yesterday evening under the auspices of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC). Using two ICRC sedans, the Timorese youths departed from the embassy at 7:25 p.m. Two were seated in the first car and three in the second as their cars drove to Soekarno-Hatta airport.

Aspac and Hadtex clinch Kobatama repeat final

Aspac and Hadtex clinch Kobatama repeat final JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion Hadtex of Bandung and Aspac of Jakarta displayed different styles on their way to their final rematch in the Kobatama national basketball league championship yesterday. While Aspac had no troubles sweeping BS Nikko Steel of Malang, East Java 101-81, Hadtex had to flex its muscles before nailing Pelita Jaya with an upset 88-83 during a tense game. Hadtex defied the odds to surprise Aspac in last year's grand final.

ABRI cannot stay neutral, Syarwan says

ABRI cannot stay neutral, Syarwan says JAKARTA (JP): As a social and political force, the Armed Forces (ABRI) cannot be neutral. It has to choose a partner with whom it can reach its ideals, a high ranking military official said yesterday. "We need to have a partner in order to strive to achieve our goals," said Maj. Gen. Syarwan Hamid, the assistant to ABRI chief of social and political affairs.

Preacher suing Indocement over land

Preacher suing Indocement over land JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta District Court began hearing a lawsuit filed by a reverend against PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa on Thursday. Joshua Alwin Tirtaatmadja has accused the company of illegally occupying 5,000 square meters of his land in Citereup, Bogor. PT Indocement Tunggal Prakarsa is a giant cement factory owned by businessman Sudwikatmono.

Ripley's Museum opens in Jakarta

Ripley's Museum opens in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Ripley's Believe It or Not "odditorium" has opened here, with a display of more than 500 oddities from all over the world. The museum, which was opened on Thursday, is located near the Pondok Indah Mall in South Jakarta. It covers an area of 2,500 square meters and is the 25th such museum in the world. It is said to be the largest of its kind in the world.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 29, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 2,250 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,925 0 221,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,525 -25 5,000 Anwar Sierad 1,250 -50 128,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,925 0 17,500 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 950 -50 50,000 Aster Dharma...

Alcatel, Marubeni seal $20m contract

Alcatel, Marubeni seal $20m contract BANDUNG, West Java (JP): The state-owned domestic telecommunications operator PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) has signed a US$20 million contract for the country's first digital microwave project with Alcatel of France and Marubeni of Japan. The contract was signed by Telkom's president, Setyanto P.

Ismail Hasan apologizes for 'Pelita' row

Ismail Hasan apologizes for 'Pelita' row JAKARTA (JP): Senior politician Ismail Hasan Metareum has apologized to the family of the late Ali Moertopo whom he accused of "robbing" the United Development Party of its newspaper. Ismail Hasan, the current chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), said he had no intention of discrediting Ali. In a press statement issued on Thursday, he explained at length the banning of the Pelita daily from his party and the "takeover" by the ruling Golkar.

Students' initiative

Students' initiative According to reports the other day, a draft law to prevent economic domination was presented to the House of Representatives by the Gajah Mada University student senate. This may sound rather odd, since so far actions such as proposing draft laws has never been associated with students. During this New Order era the submitting of draft laws has always been done by the government (executive).

Thai premier visits Philippines

Thai premier visits Philippines MANILA (Reuter): Thai Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-Archa's visit to Manila will cement ties and would lead to the signing of several joint venture agreements between Thailand and the Philippines, officials said yesterday. The Thai premier arrives today for talks with President Fidel Ramos before flying to Hanoi tomorrow.

WVII to continue Kalimantan project

WVII to continue Kalimantan project JAKARTA (JP): World Vision International Indonesia (WVII) will receive US$100,000 in aid from Hong Kong-based World Vision to continue its health project in Sanggau, West Kalimantan. Edy Sianipar, the WVII area manager for Jakarta, West and Central Java, Sumatra and Kalimantan, told The Jakarta Post from Pontianak on Tuesday that the funds will be used to finance the three-year old project.

Indra seeking double celebration

Indra seeking double celebration JAKARTA (Agencies): Indra Tohir, coach of Indonesian champion Persib, will be hoping for a double celebration this weekend when his squad entertains Bangkok Bank in their Asian Club Championship's second leg's first round in Bandung. Indra was named the Asian Football Confederation coach of the month for September after his club from West Java won the Indonesian league championship.

Govt gives green light to Tangerang tourist center

Govt gives green light to Tangerang tourist center JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto gave the green light to the West Java provincial administration's plan to jointly develop an 8,000-hectare tourist site with the private sector. The President announced his approval of the Teluk Naga, Tangerang, project at a presentation on the plan by West Java Governor Nuriana at the Bina Graha presidential office.

Highest Tower

Highest Tower From Media Indonesia "Fantastic!" This will be the comment expressed by Jakartans, maybe even all Indonesians, when the projected third highest tower in the world has been completed. According to the sponsors of the project, the tower will symbolize the success achieved by the New Order. It is said that the project costs Rp 1 trillion, a fantastic amount of money.

Brunei withdraws from shooting c'ships

Brunei withdraws from shooting c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Following Saudi Arabia and Jordan, Brunei Darussalam yesterday officially withdrew from the eighth Asian Shooting Championships, slated to be held here between Oct. 2 and Oct. 8. Thus, as of yesterday, 28 countries remain on the participating list. As of yesterday afternoon, the Omani, Qatari and Kuwaiti teams arrived here. India, Macao, Japan, South Korea and the United Arab Emirates were also scheduled to arrive yesterday evening.

Rise in bus fares being considered

Rise in bus fares being considered JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday that the proposal of transportation businesses that minibus fares be raised will be considered from various points of view. He said the city administration will collect input from various related parties, including the Organization of Land Transportation Entrepreneurs, and that various aspects of that input will later be discussed.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

RI Moslems face critical period: Observer

RI Moslems face critical period: Observer JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Moslems are currently in a position to build a strong Islamic society, as they are enjoying improved relations with the power holders, a foreign observer says. M.H. Faruqi, chief editor of the London-based journal Impact International and an observer of Indonesian affairs, said Moslems here are currently enjoying a number of advantages, including an increasingly significant role in society.

Newsprint price to be cut by 13.7% next month

Newsprint price to be cut by 13.7% next month JAKARTA (JP): The price of newsprint will be cut by 13.7 percent for the October-December period to Rp 1,993 (88 U.S. cents) per kilogram. The decrease, which has been widely expected due to the current drop in raw material prices, was announced at the ministry of industry yesterday after four hours of negotiations between the Association of Newspaper Publishers and the Indonesian Pulp and Paper Association.

PAM Jaya to cooperate with private firms

PAM Jaya to cooperate with private firms JAKARTA (JP): The city water company, PAM Jaya, has given assurances that the firm's cooperation with private companies would not have adverse financial effects on the public. The director of the company, Syamsu Romli, said on Wednesday that agreements to be signed between his company and private companies will state explicitly that the city administration retains exclusive authority to determine the price of tap water.

Classical music comes to 'TOP FM'

Classical music comes to 'TOP FM' JAKARTA (JP): A new sound is coming to Jakarta, beginning on Oct. 1 at 6 p.m. on TOP FM radio (89.7), says Charles Dean Conrad, the radio's programing advisor. The music of Bach, Beethoven, Handel and other great composers will be heard each evening from 6 p.m. until midnight. These sounds will emanate from TOP FM radio's new programing service -- Radio Klasik, he said.

BDNI issues FRNs worth $100 million

BDNI issues FRNs worth $100 million JAKARTA (JP): Bank Dagang Nasional Indonesia (BDNI), a publicly-listed private commercial bank, yesterday issued floating rate notes through its Cayman Islands branch to raise a loan of US$100 million.

Stolen items

Stolen items I would like to bring to everyone's attention (especially Garuda's) what happened to a young lady flying from Sydney to Denpasar with a stopover in Denpasar. She flew, on Aug. 19, 1995, GA 899 (Sydney-Denpasar) and GA 637 (Denpasar-Yogyakarta). She carried one bag herself and checked her other baggage. Because of delays in Denpasar, she forgot to carry her makeup case and it was checked in with her other baggage.

Car industry told to strive for efficiency

Car industry told to strive for efficiency JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo has told automobile producers to improve efficiency, or face being edged out under impending Southeast Asia free trade arrangements. "Efficiency is a keyword for winning, both regional and global competition.

Bill would break Pertamina fuel sale monopoly

Bill would break Pertamina fuel sale monopoly JAKARTA (JP): Privately-owned refineries may soon be able to sell their products domestically, under a bill on oil and gas development soon to be submitted to the House of Representatives. "The most difficult thing in preparing the bill is to find a formula on the sales of refinery products which will not violate the Constitution of 1945," Ministry of Mines and Energy Secretary-General Umar Said told a press conference yesterday.

Merpati closes Irian route

Merpati closes Irian route JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: State-owned Merpati Nusantara Airlines has decided to temporarily close its flight service between Manokwari and Bintuni, Antara reported. Luther Woppy, head of the Rendani Airport in Manokwari, said the airline made the decision because of the poor condition of the Bintuni airstrip following an accident in which a Merpati plane crashed shortly after take off.

IBM makes stock trading faster

IBM makes stock trading faster JAKARTA (JP): IBM announced yesterday it has developed a new technology that represents a significant leap forward in the speed and accuracy of one of the major analytical techniques used to support securities trading.

Royalty fees for songs

Royalty fees for songs JAKARTA (JP): Police have warned that action will be taken against entertainment establishments which play songs without paying royalties for their use. Chief of the city police's economic crime unit, Lt. Col. Aryanto Sutadi, said on Wednesday that the measure would be taken as soon as police received the necessary court approval.

Man arrested over sex offense

Man arrested over sex offense JAKARTA (JP): Kemayoran police precinct arrested yesterday a man in connection with the sexual abuse of a nine-year-old girl, identified as Oct, police said. The Kemayoran police precinct said that the 32-year-old suspect had worked as a security guard at an elementary school in Kemayoran attended by the victim. Police said the suspect was being held in police detention and had confessed to committing the crime.

The fast lane

The fast lane From Media Indonesia Motorcycles and city buses (except the limited passenger buses) must take the slow traffic lane when traveling along Jl. Thamrin and Jl. Sudirman. Sanctions will be imposed on violators. But what happens on Jl. Matraman, Salemba, Kramat Raya and Senen? Motorcycles and Mikrolet buses no longer keep to the slow traffic lane, but can also use the fast lane. This is dangerous. Accidents can occur easily because the drivers are often careless. A. SUBARKAH Jakarta

Telkom sets up new joint venture

Telkom sets up new joint venture JAKARTA (JP): State-owned domestic telecommunications operator PT Telkom and four other firms agreed yesterday to form a joint venture company to provide satellite-based telecommunications services for oil industry operators. Telkom's president, Setyanto P.

Film archives: Moving images of history and civilization

Film archives: Moving images of history and civilization By Ami Priyono and Lisa Hadiz JAKARTA (JP): Looking back at the pages of our history, we can find various interpretations of the country's past struggles. There was the revolutionary struggle against the Dutch, the Indonesian Communist Party's attempted coup, and efforts of unifying our nation in the past 50 years of independence.

Tobacco farmers going for 'green gold' rush

Tobacco farmers going for 'green gold' rush By Prapti Widinugraheni MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara (JP): Farmers in this province are conducting their annual harvest of tobacco leaves, from which the government and local administration expect revenues from various levies.

Govt probes sources of wild rumors

Govt probes sources of wild rumors JAKARTA (JP): The government called on the public yesterday to be wary of potentially divisive rumors that could cause tension between various social groups. Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman, after leading a limited ministerial meeting under his coordination, called on the public not to be agitated by the rumors. Briefing the press together with the chief of the State Intelligence Coordinating Body, M.

Omni opens first hotel in downtown Jakarta

Omni opens first hotel in downtown Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Omni Hotels Asia Pacific, a subsidiary of Wharf Holding of Hong Kong, opened yesterday its first hotel in Indonesia. The four-star hotel, called the Omni Batavia Hotel, is located in the Chinatown area in West Jakarta and has a strong Dutch influence in its architectural design. Omni Batavia is owned by PT Wahana Andamari, a subsidiary of the Tamara Group, which has invested some US$60 million in the hotel.

Japan-U.S. ties vital, Manila says

Japan-U.S. ties vital, Manila says MANILA (AFP): The United States and Japan should become equal partners to counter-balance any possible Chinese expansionism into the Asia-Pacific region, a top Philippine official said yesterday. President Fidel Ramos' national security adviser, retired army general Jose Almonte, also said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should encourage the interdependence of China's economy with those of the rest of the region.

Use Indonesian to reach market, says Wardiman

Use Indonesian to reach market, says Wardiman JAKARTA (JP): Use Indonesian and reach a wider market, Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro said on Wednesday night. "With one language your message can reach every single person," Wardiman said in another sales pitch to encourage local and foreign business executives to use Bahasa Indonesia in selling their products.

Bogus officer arrested

Bogus officer arrested KEBUMEN, Central Java: Police have arrested a man who had been going around claiming to be an Army colonel who could fix people up with jobs in return for money. Kebumen Police Chief Lt. Col. Mutamin Sunoto said the scam was uncovered following a complaint by one of the duped job seekers. The impostor, which Antara identified by his initials ML, collected between Rp 500,000 to Rp 7.5 million from his victims, in return for promises to fix them up with jobs.

Africans nabbed for allegedly smuggling 800 grams of heroin

Africans nabbed for allegedly smuggling 800 grams of heroin JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta police arrested two foreigners over the weekend in connection with the alleged importation of some 800 grams of heroin, valued at more than Rp 400 million (US$181,181). Lt. Col. Edi Darnadi S.O., of the Jakarta police's criminal investigation directorate, told reporters yesterday the two suspects were Ibrahim Saebi, who hails from Mali, and Mustapha Abdu Genewu of Ghana. Saebi was reportedly traveling on a U.S.

Urban sax extravaganza highlights Art Summit opening

Urban sax extravaganza highlights Art Summit opening By C.G. Asmara JAKARTA (JP): By 7:45 p.m. last Saturday night a sizable crowd had formed in front of the planetarium, located at Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta. Their eyes were straining upwards, hoping to catch a glimpse of two figures clad in gold jumpsuits walking upright slowly down the globe of the planetarium, precariously supported by two other similarly dressed daredevils via a rope attached to their backs.

Yayuk ousted in Beijing quarters

Yayuk ousted in Beijing quarters JAKARTA (JP): Top seed and defending champion Yayuk Basuki of Indonesia could not survive a wild game, crashing out of the Nokia Open quarterfinals in Beijing yesterday. The Indonesian world number 25 produced a superb fight-back after a first-set blanking, but it was not enough to overcome a high-spirited Linda Wild, who won the match 6-0, 7-5.

Sworn translator

Sworn translator In July 1994, a few friends and I registered for an examination to become sworn translators to be held in September and October 1994. On Sept. 26, 1994, the examination was held at the University of Indonesia's School of Letters in Depok. In February 1995 an announcement at the Management Bureau of Jakarta listed the names of those who passed the test.

Marubeni wins RI order

Marubeni wins RI order TOKYO (AFP): Major Japanese trading house Marubeni Corp. and the French telecommunication equipment giant Alcatel-Alsthom have won a two billion yen (US$20 million) contract to supply a radio- based telecom system in Sumatra, Indonesia, the Nihon Keizai newspaper reported yesterday. The contract has been awarded by PT Telecomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom).

Russia bids to join APEC

Russia bids to join APEC SEOUL (AFP): South Korea promised yesterday to support Russia's bid to join the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, officials here said. The promise was made by President Kim Young-Sam when he was asked for support for Russia's bid by visiting Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin, an aide of Kim said. "It will be beneficial that Russia joins APEC," Kim was quoted as telling Chernomyrdin by Kim's top advisor for security and foreign affairs, Ryu Jong-Ha.

Soeharto honors former adjutants

Soeharto honors former adjutants JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has given meritorious awards to eight high-ranking military officers who once served as his adjutants. An award was also given to a police colonel who served as adjutant to First Lady Tien Soeharto. The Satyalancana Wirakarya awards were presented on behalf of President Soeharto at the Armed Forces (ABRI) Headquarters on Wednesday by ABRI Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung. The eight officers were Navy Admiral Tanto Koeswanto, Army Lt.

Garuda responds

Garuda responds We regret to hear the inconveniences the young lady experienced on her GA-637 flight from Denpasar to Yogyakarta on Aug. 19, 1995. Based on your description, we have looked into the situation and have taken appropriate action. Unfortunately, since you do not give the name of the lady, we couldn't trace the occurrence properly. Based on our investigation, in both the Yogyakarta and Denpasar offices, we cannot find a "passenger irregularities report" on Aug. 19, 1995.

E. Timorese set to leave for Portugal

E. Timorese set to leave for Portugal JAKARTA (JP): Five East Timorese asylum seekers who have been holed up at the British Embassy since Monday are likely to leave for Portugal tonight, the head of the local mission of the International Committee of the Red Cross said yesterday. "Most probably they will leave tomorrow," Henri Fournier told The Jakarta Post at his office yesterday when asked about the departure of the five to Portugal.

Bangkok Summit historic for Southeast Asia

Bangkok Summit historic for Southeast Asia JAKARTA (JP): The upcoming summit of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Bangkok will unite the seven ASEAN leaders with their counterparts from the other three non-ASEAN countries in the region. Thailand's Ambassador to Indonesia, Kasit Pirornya, said yesterday that the leaders of Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar have confirmed their attendance, either as guest or observer, at the Dec. 14-15 summit in Bangkok.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Nusa Dua Beach Hotel: Budaya Stage - Ramayana Buffet Dinner, Monday. Legong Buffet Dinner, Friday. Poolside - BBQ Night with Angklung and Kolintang music entertainment, Wednesday. Notte Italiana music by Capo Dastro, Thursday. Club Tabuh - An Evening of Jazz, Saturday. Beach Area - Pesta Laut, Sunday. * Sheraton Lagoon Nusa Dua Beach: Poolside Terrace - Frog Dance Cultural Show, Wednesday.Janger Cultural Performance, Friday.

City weighs police proposal on traffic

City weighs police proposal on traffic JAKARTA (JP): The city administration is still studying a proposal made by city police on improving the flow of traffic in the capital. Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said on Wednesday that the proposal is still being studied because any decision concerning traffic matters should be made by the administration's special commission on city traffic. "The commission consists of officials from various agencies, including the city police," Surjadi said.

Surabaya mayor threatens reporters

Surabaya mayor threatens reporters I am writing in reference to the report published in The Jakarta Post, Sept. 28, 1995, concerning Surabaya Mayor Sunarto Sumoprawiro's statement that reporters' houses would be moved to make room for a regreening project if they wrote bad reports about East Java Governor Basofi Soedirman. It is improper for a mayor to make such a statement. I agree with Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono's opinion concerning the matter.

National football team to play try-out matches

National football team to play try-out matches JAKARTA (JP): The national soccer team will gear up for its gold medal winning campaign in the 18th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand in December with 11 try-out matches, starting next month. Assistant coach Andi Teguh said in the team's base camp in Gresik, East Java on Wednesday that the outings will be divided in three steps. Andi, however, failed to elaborate on the exact dates for the warm-up matches.

Lava flooding from Mt. Merapi

Lava flooding from Mt. Merapi SEMARANG, Central Java: With the coming of the rainy season, the authorities have appealed to people living on the slopes of Mt. Merapi to stay alert against the possibility of lava descending from the crater. "The impact could be fatal if we have a lava flood," Mas Aje Pubawinata, the head of the local volcanology station, told Antara. (rms)

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 28, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 2,250 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,925 0 118,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,550 -50 16,500 Anwar Sierad 1,300 0 96,500 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,925 25 207,500 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,000 0 0 Aster Dharma...

E. Timor leader wants integration strengthened

E. Timor leader wants integration strengthened DILI, East Timor (JP): A senior East Timorese politician called on the government yesterday to improve the integration of his home province with Indonesia, economically and culturally as well as politically. "The central government must take steps to solidify integration. Integration must also be seen in aspects other than political ones," said Lopes, who is currently Indonesia's ambassador-at-large for East Timor affairs.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Good Vibration 3:05 Langka & Unik 3:30 TV Series: Pushing the Limits 4:05 Student Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:30 Cultural Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Management 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Sebaiknya Anda Tahu 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Parlementaria 8:05 Music: Bintang Nusantara 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:30 Film 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Heretic sect banned

Heretic sect banned BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The city prosecutors office has issued a provisional ban against the activities of an Islamic heretic sect which has 20 followers. The ban is subject to approval from the Attorney General's Office in Jakarta, chief of the Banjarmasin prosecutor office, M. Dani A.R. said.

Governor wants details of Manggarai project

Governor wants details of Manggarai project JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has urged the consortium developing a modern integrated terminal in Manggarai, South Jakarta, and the Ministry of Transportation to hand over the details of the project to the city administration. "The city administration needs the details of the project so we can give suggestions to the consortium and make sure that the project is in line with city planning," Surjadi told reporters yesterday.

Surabaya's mayor to be reprimanded

Surabaya's mayor to be reprimanded JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. said yesterday that he has ensured Surabaya's mayor will be reprimanded for threatening journalists. "I called East Java Governor Basofi Sudirman this morning to ask him to rebuke the mayor of Surabaya. A government official should protect his citizens, including the press," Yogie told reporters after meeting President Soeharto at Bina Graha. An official should not go around threatening people, he added.

Lippo profit down 62%

Lippo profit down 62% HONG KONG (AFP): Hong Kong banking, property and trading group Lippo Ltd. announced yesterday a 62 percent fall in net profits to HK$291.6 million (US$37.7 million) in the six months to June. Turnover fell 74 percent to HK$894.7 million, resulting in an interim dividend of seven cents, down from 16.7 cents a year earlier, to be paid Nov. 3. "In difficult conditions in some of the markets in which Lippo Ltd.

Govt to start new savings plan for poor

Govt to start new savings plan for poor JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will launch on Monday a new savings plan designed specifically for the poor. Minister of Population Haryono Suyono gave few details about the Tabungan Keluarga Sejahtera (Prosperity Family Savings) plan. He said it encourages the poor to put aside money, starting with a small amount.

Jakarta-Tangerang railway project

Jakarta-Tangerang railway project JAKARTA (JP): The double rail track project between Duri Tambora in West Jakarta and Tengerang, delayed earlier for unclear reasons, will start again soon. H. Karsidin, head of West Jakarta security and order office, said that construction will start as soon as 1,500 houses built illegally along the track are demolished. The Duri Tambora-Tangerang track is part of a 19 kilometer railway project linking Jakarta and Tangerang, Antara reported. (hhr)

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Illiteracy in Jakarta

Illiteracy in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja says there are about 76,900 illiterate people in Jakarta. Speaking at a ceremony marking the 30th Literacy Day on Tuesday, Surjadi said that the illiterate people are being targeted by the city administration's program against illiteracy in the current sixth Five-Year Development Plan, which began in April 1994. He said that the observance of literacy day is expected to help promote learning on the part of illiterate people.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 27, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 2,250 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,925 0 149,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,600 0 61,000 Anwar Sierad 1,300 25 80,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,900 50 335,500 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,000 0 0 Aster...

Armed Forces enter cyberspace world

Armed Forces enter cyberspace world JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces and the defense ministry have entered the cyberspace age, hooking up to the Internet. Now, the two institutions are planning to jointly develop their own data base system, to be called Hankamnet, Commodore Sri Diharto, the defense ministry's chief of database information, said yesterday.

Kendari elevated to mayoralty

Kendari elevated to mayoralty KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. formally elevated Kendari's status from an administrative town to a mayoralty yesterday. At the same time, Yogie also installed Lasjkar Koedoes as acting mayor of the city, Antara reported. The promotion will place heavier demands and responsibilities on the city administration, especially since Kendari is the seat of the Southeast Sulawesi provincial administration, he said.

Suspected killers arrested

Suspected killers arrested JAKARTA (JP): The Tanjung Priok police district has arrested three senior high school students on suspicion that they stabbed to death a company manager at a drug store last week in Kelapa Gading, North Jakarta. Chief of the North Jakarta police district Lt. Col. Abubakar N. said that the three suspects were apprehended at their homes in North Jakarta.

BI to train consultants

BI to train consultants JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono and Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya signed an cooperation agreement yesterday on the development of small enterprises. Under the agreement, Bank Indonesia, the central bank, will provide banking training to 800 consultants to small enterprises and cooperatives.

Red Cross to help East Timorese asylum seekers

Red Cross to help East Timorese asylum seekers JAKARTA (JP): The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) joined in negotiations yesterday to prepare to send five East Timorese asylum seekers to Portugal. Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman confirmed that the ICRC representative office here will assist the passage out for the Timorese youths, who have been holed up at the British embassy since Monday.

Radisson opens hotel

Radisson opens hotel JAKARTA (JP): Radisson, an Australian-based hotel chain, has opened a four-star hotel here. The 390-room hotel in Central Jakarta is owned by the Ongko Group, which is calling the Radisson the first "pure business" hotel in the city. The hotel is the third Radisson hotel in Indonesia, after the Radisson Plaza Suite in Surabaya, East Java, and the Indonesian Radisson in Yogyakarta.

Suspected sex offender dies in custody

Suspected sex offender dies in custody JAKARTA (JP): A man suspected of having had sexual relations with underaged boys has died in the Kramat Jati police hospital as a result of kidney problems, police said. Major Endang Sanjaya of the East Jakarta police said yesterday that the 49-year-old suspect, who was arrested last month, had been in the hospital for 11 days before he died. The man's body was sent to the Cipto Mangunkusumo hospital for an autopsy.

Only Jakarta taxis may operate in the city

Only Jakarta taxis may operate in the city JAKARTA (JP): Head of the City Land Transportation Control Agency J.P. Sepang reiterated yesterday that taxis from the capital's buffer zones of Depok, Bekasi and Tangerang are not allowed to operate in the city. He said that the prohibition was signed last year by representatives of his agency and officials from the West Java provincial government.

Residents told to discuss pollution with companies

Residents told to discuss pollution with companies JAKARTA (JP): The North Jakarta District Court told Serang residents yesterday to speak directly to the West Java administration and the five companies that are polluting the Ciujung river.

IFC executives due here

IFC executives due here JAKARTA (JP): The vice president of the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Jemal-ud-din Kassum, is due here today on a three-day visit to consult with government and industry leaders on initiatives to encourage private sector development. The IFC's regional representative, Antonio H.

Fukuoka cultural prizes promote Asian studies

Fukuoka cultural prizes promote Asian studies JAKARTA (JP): R.M. Koentjaraningrat, a prominent Indonesian scientist, will receive the Grand Prize Award today at the 6th Fukuoka Asian Cultural Prizes l995 in Fukuoka, Japan. Fukuoka is located in the north of Kyushu island, the southern most island in Japan. Koentjaraningrat, a professor of anthropology, was chosen by the committee for his significant contributions to the establishment and development of anthropology in Indonesia.

Anthropologist Koentjaraningrat receives top honor

Anthropologist Koentjaraningrat receives top honor By T. Sima Gunawan and Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): Life is full of surprises. Sometimes you think you've made a lousy decision, only to find out later that it helped change the world. Anthropologist Koentjaraningrat is one of the few who -- through his decision made over four decades ago -- helped change the world, at least for Indonesians.

Politicians and religion

Politicians and religion Whatever the reason, flare-ups linked to SARA (sensitive issues related to differences among ethnic groups, religions, races and population groups) have become more frequent. In the wake of the recent incidents in East Timor, the peace has become rather disturbed in our society. It appears that the incidents in East Timor have caused a rather prolonged resonance.

The East Timor issue

The East Timor issue President Soeharto is reported to have expressed his concern over the situation in East Timor during a meeting with leaders of the Indonesian Bishop's Conference the other day. He reportedly called for greater efforts to eliminate the prevailing suspicions which the East Timorese still harbor, particularly of non-East Timorese. We believe that many people share the President's concern over the East Timor issue.

Logistics agency launches rice market operations

Logistics agency launches rice market operations JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the National Logistics Agency Beddu Amang has ordered his local subordinates to conduct market operations without waiting for individual orders from the headquarters, in order to stem increases in the price of rice.

Freeport sees need to expand more capacity

Freeport sees need to expand more capacity NEW ORLEANS, USA (Reuter): Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. is now considering milling capacity of as much as 230,000 metric tons daily for its Block A exploration area in Irian Jaya, Indonesia, company officials say. In remarks prepared for analysts meetings here Tuesday, the company said that on May 2, it and RTZ Corp Plc.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Horrible Honchos 3:05 Dance 3:30 TV Series: Harapan Nan Sirna 4:30 Students Forum 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 8:05 Cultural Program 9:00 World News 9:30 Film 10:55 Late News 11:00 Sports: Arena dan Juara Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Pos Indonesia initiates new marketing service

Pos Indonesia initiates new marketing service JAKARTA (JP): PT Pos Indonesia, a state-owned firm under the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, launched yesterday a new mobile marketing service, called Posarling, which brings stamp sales and money transferal services to the customer's door. The company's president, Cahyana Ahmadjayadi, said that postmen on motorcycles will be equipped with radio paging equipment to enable them to serve customers at their homes.

Indonesia tennis queen Yayuk out of Wismilak Open

Indonesia tennis queen Yayuk out of Wismilak Open JAKARTA (JP): Tennis enthusiasts will find something missing while watching the WTA Tour Wismilak Open women's tennis championship in Surabaya, East Java next week as Yayuk Basuki has opted out of the US$100,000 tournament. "Yayuk risks losing 100 ranking points if she loses here. She prefers to improve her ranking by defending her title in Beijing," Kevin Livesey, an official of the Women Tennis Association said in Surabaya on Tuesday.

Collection of foreigner tax gets support

Collection of foreigner tax gets support JAKARTA (JP): City councilors have hailed the city administration's ongoing operation to collect overdue foreigner taxes from expatriates in the city, suggesting that such an operation should be expanded into other sectors.

AIDS scare hits Bengkulu

AIDS scare hits Bengkulu BENGKULU, Bengkulu: Although Bengkulu has yet to report its first AIDS or HIV-positive case, health authorities here say the dreaded disease and virus may already be present in the province. Bachtiar Karatu, the chief of the Bengkulu office of the Ministry of Health, said that an active night life and greater access to the province makes the danger of AIDS a real one. "We don't know for sure but it is very likely that AIDS is here," Bachtiar said as reported by Antara.

Asian power equipment mart may reach $40b by 2000: ADB

Asian power equipment mart may reach $40b by 2000: ADB SINGAPORE (AFP): Asia's thirst for electricity to drive its growth will create a market of up to US$40 billion for new power equipment by 2000, an official of ABB ASEA Brown Bovery Ltd. said here yesterday.

Farmers seek rights body help

Farmers seek rights body help JAKARTA (JP): Six men claiming to represent 500 families in Kedung Ombo, Central Java, sought help from the National Commission on Human Rights yesterday to secure higher compensation from the government for their land. The Kedung Ombo farmers lost their land late 1980s when it was inundated by a World Bank-funded reservoir project. Living on the fringes of the reservoir, the farmers are still demanding that they be fairly compensated.

'Civil servants should give up voting rights'

'Civil servants should give up voting rights' JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's six million civil servants should give up their right to vote in order to remain politically neutral, former home affairs minister Rudini said yesterday. The civil service corps (Korpri) is not a mass organization, but the bureaucracy. It organizes elections, Rudini pointed out. "May be it would be best if Korpri members do not join Golkar or the two other political parties," the retired Army general told The Jakarta Post.

Airport officials hinder export of aquarium fish

Airport officials hinder export of aquarium fish JAKARTA (JP): Officials unaware of export regulations have hampered the export industry of Indonesian aquarium fish, participants of a seminar said here yesterday. Juliati, an aquarium fish exporter, told the meeting at the Grand Equatorial Hotel here that officials at airports frequently bar her from exporting jardini arwana (scleropages) fish even though they are not a protected species.

Labor unrest in Ungaran

Labor unrest in Ungaran UNGARAN, Central Java: Around 230 workers of PT Golden Flower, a garment company, staged a strike yesterday, demanding a wage increase to Rp 3,000 a day in line with the government-set minimum wage level. Sutrisno, representing the protesters, said they were paid only Rp 70,000 per month, or around Rp 2,300 per day. "The company should pay us Rp 3,000 per day, or Rp 90,000 monthly," he said.

UKSW suspends lecturers

UKSW suspends lecturers SALATIGA, Central Java: The Satya Wacana Christian University has suspended 20 staff members and slashed their salaries by 50 percent for supporting a recent student riot on campus. Rector John JOI Ihalauw said he could not condone the behavior of the lecturers. Among those suspended are Nico L. Kana, dean of the post- graduate program, Ariel Heryanto, Sumarthana, and Limson Singalang.

'Indonesia needs to adjust to new realities'

'Indonesia needs to adjust to new realities' JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono said that Indonesia needs to keep adjusting its economic policies to the world's new realities to make the country's economy more competitive.

Harmoko warns press of latent communist danger

Harmoko warns press of latent communist danger JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko warned the Indonesian press yesterday to remain leery of the latent danger of communism. "The communists will continue trying to exert influence at every opportunity, including through the mass media," Harmoko insisted during a ceremony to hand out the annual "Upholders of Pancasila Press" awards.

Intellectual body forms new branch

Intellectual body forms new branch JAKARTA (JP): Around 50 intellectuals established the Jakarta branch of the Association of Intellectuals for Pancasila Development (PCPP) yesterday, featuring a series of powerful names as advisors. Chairman of the BP7 agency for the propagation of Pancasila state ideology R. Soeprapto, business tycoon Soekamdani Sahid Gitosardjono, legislator and businessman A.A.

Ometraco acquires Atraco

Ometraco acquires Atraco JAKARTA (JP): Publicly-listed Ometraco Corporation announced yesterday that it has acquired general insurance firm PT Asuransi Atraco for some Rp 4 billion (US$1.75 million). Ometraco, which has three listed companies under its umbrella, said in a statement on Tuesday that, as part of the acquisition, it will inject capital of Rp 600 million into Atraco. (rid)

Taxis in airport

Taxis in airport From Neraca Anyone who for the first time arrives at the Halim Perdanakusuma airport will find it very irritating to be dragged to and fro by the illegal middlemen offering taxi services. They usually offer you a taxi without the use of taxi meter, demanding a fixed fee instead. For the shortest ride the taxi driver will not hesitate to charge the passenger Rp 25,000, several times the fee for a long distance ride.

South, North Korea talks end with little progress

South, North Korea talks end with little progress BEIJING (AFP): The first day of North-South Korean talks here ended in deadlock yesterday, with both sides pursuing their own agendas on rice aid and an impounded South Korean trawler. Delegations from both sides began closed-door discussions yesterday morning on a loose range of issues, including emergency rice shipments to relieve serious shortages in the North, economic cooperation and the fate of a Woosung 86 trawler captured by the North.

Mass transit

Mass transit Nowadays congestion in Jakarta is horrible. Five years ago there were just peak periods with traffic jams on certain major roads. But now there is no distinction. Traffic jams can occur at 6 a.m. on a very local road in the suburbs far away from the center of the city. I hate to imagine what the traffic will be like three to five years from now. I understand that the government is planning to build a subway mass transit system along the Blok M-Kota route. That is good news!

Government bans Oei autobiography

Government bans Oei autobiography JAKARTA (JP): The government has banned Oei Tjoe Tat's autobiography five months after its launching on the grounds the contents could create public unrest. Attorney General Singgih told reporters after meeting with President Soeharto at Merdeka Palace yesterday that he issued a decree to prohibit the publication, distribution, and possession of Memoar Oei Tjoe Tat Pembantu Presiden Soekarno (Memoirs of Oei Tjoe Tat, Assistant of President Sukarno) on Monday.

Ferry terminal kept busy

Ferry terminal kept busy SERANG, West Java: The ferry terminal here reported a sudden increase since Sunday in the number of people crossing from Sumatra to Java. According to Antara, the increase was caused by the hordes of people in Sumatra coming to visit the Second Istiqlal Festival of Islamic arts in Jakarta. They came on chartered buses and private cars from all parts of Sumatra.

Big hopes pinned on next APEC summit in Osaka

Big hopes pinned on next APEC summit in Osaka BEIJING (JP): Businessmen, academics and businessmen who are gathering here at the 11th General Meeting of the Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) are urging Asian-Pacific leaders to make a new breakthrough on the implementation of free and open trade and investment at their next summit in Osaka, Japan, in the middle of November.

Thais rejects plan to speed up AFTA

Thais rejects plan to speed up AFTA MANILA (Reuter): Thailand yesterday thumbed down proposals to speed up the implementation of the ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA) to 2000 instead of the original deadline of 2003. "What I am suggesting is that any attempt to open up the economy in one fell swoop will incur political costs.

Poor people need more access to health services

Poor people need more access to health services JAKARTA (JP): The Group of Women Against Violence (Gabungan Perempuan Anti Kekerasan) demanded yesterday that information on low cost, quality health services be more accessible to the poor. They also urged yesterday that the government and hospitals be more sensitive to people's shame of admitting to be poor and the fear of poor quality service if they do.

'Newspapers are not party-affiliated'

'Newspapers are not party-affiliated' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko insisted yesterday that no newspapers belong to political parties and that all publications are owned solely by their publishers.

Thai demonstrators curse Jacques Chirac

Thai demonstrators curse Jacques Chirac BANGKOK (AFP): More than 100 demonstrators marched on the French embassy here yesterday to call for an end to nuclear weapons and a boycott of French products, and to place a curse on French president Jacques Chirac. About 50 policemen barred the way to the embassy gates as the crowd approached with banners and slogans before proceeding with an old-fashioned black magic cursing ceremony.

Bali Declaration (1)

Bali Declaration (1) A month has past since the Bali Declaration was issued in Denpasar, Bali, but the team charged with the task of formulating the policy as a follow-up to President Soeharto's appeal has not completed its job. The President made the appeal on Aug. 16, 1995. The public, particularly those in the lower and middle- income brackets, are waiting for the realization of the tycoons' promise. There are signs of concern and disappointment among the people.

Of art and materialism

Of art and materialism To mark Indonesia's 50th anniversary, President Soeharto witnessed last month the maiden flight of the N-250, a plane built by the IPTN aircraft company in Bandung. Last weekend the President opened the Istiqlal Festival in Jakarta, at which a special volume of the Koran, beautifully embellished with traditional Indonesian art motifs, was unveiled.

Sport bodies receive Rp 600m aid

Sport bodies receive Rp 600m aid JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman yesterday handed over financial aid worth Rp 600 million (US$263,852) to sports organizations in 10 provinces, the Indonesian Aero Sports Association and a badminton training center in Bandung. "The main objective of extending the aid is to arouse the public's interest in sports. At present, less than three percent of the community are really active in sports. This is regrettable," Hayono said.

Bali Declaration (2)

Bali Declaration (2) From Forum Keadilan The meeting of tycoons in Jimbaran, Bali, recently was marked by a joint declaration that a task force and dialog forum should be established in an effort to try to solve the problem of the economic gap. But it is still fresh in our minds that a similar agreement, i.e. the Tapos declaration, was previously formulated by the same entrepreneurs. Will the Jimbaran declaration fizzle out just like the Tapos declaration?

Museum case gets mayor's attention

Museum case gets mayor's attention JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta Mayor Suprawito has promised to pay closer attention to a development project which affects the 17th century Maritime Museum in Sunda Kelapa harbor. The museum is housed in an old warehouse formerly used by the Dutch East India Company (VOC). The case involves a change in the status of the land surrounding the museum. According to the original plan, the land was to be used for government offices.

National social solidarity

National social solidarity From Suara Pembaruan We witness many jobless people and vagrants moving about on public streets and in the outskirts of the city. They may be partly blamed for the disorder and uncleanliness of the city, but they have the right to live an ordinary life. Imagine how much they have to suffer because they do not have the necessary skill to do a certain job. The government has done much to sort out this particular problem, but very little has been achieved.

More RI students opt for Australia

More RI students opt for Australia JAKARTA (JP): Language, low tuition fees, proximity and safety are some of the reasons why Indonesians choose Australia as the destination for continuing their studies, an organizer of an educational exhibition said yesterday.

Police kill car thief

Police kill car thief JAKARTA (JP): Police shot to death Joko Bokor Fauzi, one of four gang members suspected of stealing luxury cars in South Jakarta. South Jakarta police chief Lt. Col. SY Wenas said on Monday that police officers were forced to shoot the suspect because he tried to run while being arrested. The other three suspects, Purwadi, Dargo and Ichsan, suffered injuries, Wenas said. The police believe that the four ran a theft ring which operated in several areas around the city.

Five more questioned in Panin case

Five more questioned in Panin case JAKARTA (JP): Five more people have been questioned by police in connection with the Rp 4.2 billion (US$1.9 million) embezzlement case at the privately-owned Panin Bank. National Police Spokesman Brig. Gen. I Ketut Ratta said yesterday that the five people were not Panin bank employees but employees of money-changing companies.

Membership of Golkar active, voluntarily

Membership of Golkar active, voluntarily JAKARTA (JP): Membership in Golkar is both active and voluntary, and this applies to some six million government employees who have joined the ruling political organization, Chairman Harmoko said yesterday. Membership in the Civil Service Corps (Korpri) does not automatically make one a member of Golkar, Harmoko told reporters.

Five local firms win management awards

Five local firms win management awards JAKARTA (JP): Five Indonesian companies have won the 1994 Asian Management Awards from the Manila-based Institute of Management and the Hong Kong-based Far Eastern Economic Review magazine, Ricardo A. Lim, one of the judges, announced.

ADB approves loans to Indonesia

ADB approves loans to Indonesia MANILA (AFP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) yesterday approved loans worth US$332 million to Indonesia, China and Bangladesh to finance various projects in the three countries. The bank said in a statement that it approved two loans totaling $200 million to partly finance water supply and sanitation projects in Indonesia. It said the projects would benefit some 4.4 million people in Sumatra and West Java.

Kadin's guarantee fund to operate soon

Kadin's guarantee fund to operate soon JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chairman Aburizal Bakrie said yesterday that the chamber's credit guarantee fund, which is intended to spur the growth of smaller businesses, is likely to commence operations next month.

Speaking about collusion

Speaking about collusion For quite some time Indonesians have been exposed to the existence of collusion, monopoly and other practices which not only harm the community and the country but are also against the 1945 Constitution. There is indeed a basis for concern because big and strong businesses have emerged while small and medium businesses languish.

Asahimas plans to sell 86 million shares to public

Asahimas plans to sell 86 million shares to public JAKARTA (JP): PT Asahimas Flat Glass Co. Ltd., a flat glass and safety glass producer, will offer 86 million new shares or 20 percent of its enlarged capital to the public next month to raise Rp 200 billion (US$87.9 million). Company president Margono Djojosumarto said in a statement that the shares will be listed on the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges in early November.

Hundreds protest over play ban

Hundreds protest over play ban SURAKARTA, Central Java: Hundreds of students and youths marched to the City Legislative Council yesterday in protest against the local government's last minute ban against a play about workers. The protesters gathered at a park north of the Kraton Solo (sultan's palace). There was a brief moment of tension as they were prevented from entering the Legislative Council Building by security forces deployed around the area.

Pos plans Internet service

Pos plans Internet service BANDUNG, West Java (JP): State-owned postal service company PT Pos Indonesia plans to introduce a new service which uses the Internet global computer network, providing customers with electronic access to information and electronic mail. Company president Cahyana Ahmadjayadi said here on Monday that the service, to be known as Wawasan Nusantara Network (Wasantaranet), will be launched in 1996 in Bandung; Jakarta; Semarang, Central Java; and Surabaya, East Java.

Preserve old buildings

Preserve old buildings MEDAN, North Sumatra: Medan must preserve old buildings that may have historical or cultural values, although they may no longer have any commercial value, a senior official of the Ministry of Education and Culture said yesterday. Director General of Culture Edi Sedyawati said that many buildings in Medan fall in the category of national heritage and should be protected and conserved, Antara reported.

Large banks asked to help secondary banks

Large banks asked to help secondary banks JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Cooperatives and Small Enterprises Subiakto Tjakrawerdaya has called on the country's commercial banks to cooperate with secondary banks in assisting rural economic development.

Indonesian, Dutch firms sign port agreement

Indonesian, Dutch firms sign port agreement JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian and Dutch seaport management corporations signed an agreement on improving the management and efficiency of Indonesia's seaports here yesterday. The agreement was signed by S.F.

Malacca straits said safer

Malacca straits said safer MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Commodore Dalam Sinuraya, the head of the Naval Base here, said that the Malacca straits area is virtually free of pirates, smuggling and other security disturbances. He explained on Sunday that increased patrols, which include the participation of the warship KRI Teluk Lampung, have ensured a higher degree of security in the area.

Gambling organizers wanted

Gambling organizers wanted JAKARTA (JP): Police are searching for three men suspected of running gambling dens on Jl.Mangga Besar, West Jakarta, police spokesman Brig. Gen. I Ketut Ratta said yesterday. He identified the three men as Effendi Halim, owner of the Tio Ciu restaurant, and Arma and Chuan Buntung, owners of the Mawar Indah bar and massage parlor. Last week a special police team raided Tio Ciu and Mawar Indah after learning that the two places were used as gambling dens. Led by Lt.

ATP World Doubles C'ship still in crisis

ATP World Doubles C'ship still in crisis JAKARTA (JP): The ATP Tour has yet to find a way-out of a financial deadlock that endangers the World Doubles Championship here in November, but it vows to save the season-ending tournament. Russell Barlow, ATP Tour consultant for the championship, said on Monday that every possible step had been taken so far to hold the tournament as scheduled from Nov. 21 to Nov. 26.

'Perspektif' stoppage

'Perspektif' stoppage From Sinar Bertrand Russell said that a government can make its people clever, but it can also make them stupid. I was a little shocked to learn that Perspektif (a popular and much loved interview program on SCTV) had been stopped. I don't think that SCTV initiated it, but that the stoppage was from outside intervention. It was rather sudden.

East Indonesia no dumping site

East Indonesia no dumping site JAKARTA (JP): A senior official of the Ministry of Home Affairs has categorically denied suggestions that official postings to eastern Indonesia are a punishment. "Such an opinion is totally groundless," Rapiuddin Hamarung, the chief of the ministry's Research and Development Agency, was quoted by Antara news agency as saying.

State firm to handle workers for Malaysia

State firm to handle workers for Malaysia JAKARTA (JP): The government has appointed state-owned PT Bina Jasa Adikarya (Bijak) as the sole company allowed to send Indonesian workers to Malaysia, a move designed to instill order in the lucrative yet chaotic business of exporting workers.

Govt to simplify licensing procedures

Govt to simplify licensing procedures BEKASI, West Java (JP): Determined to encourage further investment, the government will continue deregulation through the simplification of licensing procedures, Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo said yesterday.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Towards an assertive community

Towards an assertive community By Adrianus Meliala JAKARTA (JP): Nowadays, an assertive person has a chance to be superior to those who do not possess that quality. An assertive person has bigger opportunities to succeed in persuading other people, in gaining information or in changing other people's perceptions.

Student brawls related to family, school: Sutiyoso

Student brawls related to family, school: Sutiyoso JAKARTA (JP): City Military chief of staff Brig. Gen. Sutiyoso asked the public yesterday not to stigmatize all high school students because of the growing trend toward student brawls. "Don't always see students as bad," Sutiyoso said after installing Lt. Col. Yayat Hidayat as the new chief of Bekasi Military District yesterday. The colonel replaces Lt. Col. Gunarso Ismail, who will be promoted to assistant to the City Military chief.

Dangdut fiesta on Heroes' Day

Dangdut fiesta on Heroes' Day SURABAYA: Top artist Camelia Malik plans to stage a Dangdut festival, bringing some 15 top names in the Indonesian traditional music, in November to mark the golden anniversaries of Independence Day, Armed Forces Day and National Heroes' Day. Camelia, also known as the queen of the traditional Indonesian erotic dance Jaipongan, promised that the top notch singers from the Indonesian dangdut circle would perform at the Nov.

Catherine set to splash back

Catherine set to splash back JAKARTA (JP): Disgraced junior swimmer Catherine Surya is set to splash back into the sport at the national Southeast Asian Games selection trials here this weekend, after receiving a drug- free certificate from an Australian laboratory. The trials will be Catherine's first appearance in a national competition after being banned from competition for 18 months after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs last year.

Cardinal urges govt to win Timorese trust

Cardinal urges govt to win Timorese trust JAKARTA (JP): The head of the Roman Catholic Church in Indonesia called yesterday for greater effort on behalf of the government to win the trust and confidence of the East Timorese people. Cardinal Julius Darmaatmadja, the chairman of the Indonesian Bishop's Conference (KWI), asserted the need to eliminate the prevailing suspicions East Timorese people still harbor.

S. Arabia, Jordan quit Asian meet

S. Arabia, Jordan quit Asian meet JAKARTA (JP): Saudi Arabia and Jordan have withdrawn from the eighth Asian Shooting Championship, slated to begin here on Sunday, the organizers say. Sita Razmi, secretary-general of the organizing committee, said yesterday the two teams did not give any reasons for their withdrawal.

Manpower matter poses serious threat in future

Manpower matter poses serious threat in future JAKARTA (JP): Deputy governor of administration affairs Idroes warned yesterday that strikes, demonstrations and protests linked to labor conditions in the city will grow if labor problems are not properly addressed. "Manpower problems will grow uncontrollably if policies or other anticipative steps are not taken soon," Idroes said while opening a training course on labor.

Southeast Asian Moslems at the crossroads: Anwar

Southeast Asian Moslems at the crossroads: Anwar JAKARTA (JP): Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said yesterday Southeast Asian Moslems are at the crossroads, about to leave behind the era of the "over-politicization" of Islam and to enter the era of the actualization of their potential. Addressing a symposium on Islam, Anwar, who was here in a personal capacity, said both Malaysia and Indonesia have reaped international praise for the their success in development.

Acquisitions need ministry's approval

Acquisitions need ministry's approval JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo says the direct acquisition of an interest in a forest concessionaire may be made only with his prior approval. "If an acquisition involves a forest concessionaire, it must be approved by the minister of forestry. But if it concerns a company's wood-based plant, for instance, it doesn't have to deal with my office," he said on Monday.

Wardiman opens design students exhibition

Wardiman opens design students exhibition JAKARTA (JP): Design students from 12 universities and colleges are displaying their creations during a week-long exhibition at the National Museum in Central Jakarta. The exhibition, opened yesterday by Minister of Education Wardiman Djojonegoro, is part of Design Month '95, held by the Indonesian Craft Design Development Foundation to stimulate the public's appreciation of design.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 26, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 2,250 1,250 25,000 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,925 0 303,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,600 0 4,500 Anwar Sierad 1,275 0 68,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,850 0 153,000 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,000 0 0 Aster...

Korpri must vote for Golkar?

Korpri must vote for Golkar? "If there are Korpri (Civil Servants Corps) members who vote other than Golkar (Functional Group), then: Get out of Korpri," said Waskito Reksosoedirdjo, Secretary-General of Korpi, agreeing with an earlier statement made by Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. Waskito was reacting to a statement made by Suryatna Soebrata who said that the law guarantees government employees the freedom to vote for the party of their choice.

Asylum seekers' request studied

Asylum seekers' request studied JAKARTA (JP): Five East Timorese asylum seekers holed up at the British Embassy in Jakarta since Monday may be going to Portugal after Lisbon offered them a passage there. A British embassy official confirmed that an offer from Lisbon had been made to London, but he declined to say whether the five East Timorese were willing to go to Portugal instead of Britain.

Djajanti to lose forest concessions

Djajanti to lose forest concessions JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo said yesterday his ministry will revoke the licenses of several forest concessionaires belonging to the Djajanti Group who have engaged in unlawful timber trading.

Indonesian diplomats

Indonesian diplomats Indeed, very few of our diplomats can speak a foreign language well enough to communicate effectively with their foreign counterparts. The suggestion by Minister Alatas to recruit children of diplomats who have studied abroad and speak foreign languages is good. However, considering the salary levels of civil servants, how can they be attracted to join the Ministry of Foreign Affairs?

Tropical belt has advantage

Tropical belt has advantage I refer to your article Economy still not efficient (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 21, 1995). Indonesia has a comparative competitive advantage: It is nicely spread across the tropical belt. In the tropical belt -- from parallel 33 North to parallel 33 South -- live 73 percent of the planet's population. In this belt, food production barely accounts for 25 percent of the world's total. In grains just 260 kilograms per capita.

Yayuk seeded first in Beijing

Yayuk seeded first in Beijing JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Yayuk Basuki is favored to retain her title in the US$100,000 Nokia Open women's tennis championships, which begin in Beijing this week. Organizers announced on Sunday that world number 25 Yayuk topped the seeding list in the 32-field tournament, the only professional tennis tournament held in China. Yayuk is expected to meet Belgian Dominique Monami, whose ranking is 37 places below the Indonesian, in the final on Sunday.

Another play banned

Another play banned SURAKARTA, Central Java: Police have banned a play by the Indonesian Labor Theater, which was scheduled to perform two sold out plays here on Saturday and Sunday. "The ban was imposed by the local police. We feel very disturbed by this ban," said Murtidjono, the head of the theater in Surakarta. The two plays that were scheduled to be performed to a sold out audience of 300 were Senandung Terpuruk (The Hymn of the Fallen) and Di Balik Tembok Pabrik (Behind the Factory Wall).

FIVB complains of bad turn-out

FIVB complains of bad turn-out JAKARTA (JP): Ruben Acosta, chairman of the world volleyball governing body, FIVB, took off his hat to Indonesia for a well- organized beach volleyball tournament in Kuta, Bali, but complained about the poor spectator turn-out at the two-week event. Speaking after the final match on Sunday, Acosta said that the tournament, which ran from Sept. 13 to Sept. 24 and served as the qualifying round for the 1996 Olympic Games, was not accessible to prospective fans.

Rape in women's perspective

Rape in women's perspective By Nursyahbani Katjasungkana JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta weeps. That was the title of the piece Kompas ran when Acan's wife and children were robbed, then raped. In fact, humanity has been crying for some time, particularly women. The crying has been profound, and often soundless.

Defective water

Defective water From Kompas I have been a consumer of Oasis drinking water for the past four years. Every week the company delivers a new bottle to our house in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, and takes the empty one. On Thursday, Aug. 24, 1995 we wanted to place a newly delivered bottle into the dispenser. But, I was alarmed to notice that the water in the new bottle looked greenish. I immediately rang 324 743 to report the matter, and hoped that they would change the bottle.

Suspected burglars held

Suspected burglars held JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta Police District arrested on Saturday members of a gang suspected of having robbed the house of a Chinese embassy diplomat, police said. Chief of the South Jakarta Police district, Lt. Col. Sylvanus Wenas, told reporters yesterday that six men, identified as BP, Odi, Iis, Sur, Jaja and Suk, were arrested in Koja Utara, North Jakarta.

Unknown ape found on Mt. Kerinci

Unknown ape found on Mt. Kerinci JAKARTA (JP): Researchers from Flora and Fauna International have confirmed the existence of a primate not previously known in the Kerinci Seblat National Park, Kompas daily newspaper reported yesterday. Three members of the research team said they sighted the primate after months of surveying the national park. The existence of the primate was first reported last year.

'Courts can sentence rapists to death'

'Courts can sentence rapists to death' JAKARTA (JP): Justice Bismar Siregar says ordinary courts can sentence rapists to death by applying Islamic law, even though the Indonesian criminal code prescribes a maximum penalty of only 12 years imprisonment for the crime. The justice, who is often noted for his controversial ideas, said yesterday that the Indonesian legal system recognizes religious injunctions as one of its chief sources of law.

Classical music on 'Radio Top FM'

Classical music on 'Radio Top FM' JAKARTA (JP): Those who like classic music can now tune in to 'Radio Top FM' (89.7 Mhz) As of Oct.1, the popular privately run radio, will broadcast classic music composed by such noted composers as Bach, Beethoven, Mozart and Tchaikovsky. The programming will also feature classical Indonesian concerts. WCLV will assist production of the program.

Squatters given collection deadline

Squatters given collection deadline JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned housing company Perum Perumnas has given squatters in Kapuk, West Jakarta, three days to collect their compensation. "They must take their compensation in three days. We will not pay compensation after the deadline," said Didin Sutiadi, head of the Perum Perumnas branch of Cengkareng yesterday.

Training on cognac by Martell

Training on cognac by Martell JAKARTA (JP): Martell Commando, a marketing team of France's Martell Cognac, formed in England in early 1950s, will hold training courses and lectures on cognac in Jakarta from Oct. 2 to Oct. 4. Around 700 participants from the tourism industry in Jakarta, including students of hotel and tourism academies and employees from hotels, restaurants and clubs, will take part in the training courses.

High prices encourage illegal timber trading

High prices encourage illegal timber trading JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo said yesterday that the low purchasing power of timber users combined with the rising price of timber has led to a significant increase in the illegal trade and distribution of timber.

IDB asked to continue assistance

IDB asked to continue assistance JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday asked the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) to continue its efforts to help solve problems in developing countries. After meeting with Soeharto here, the bank's acting president Abdullah Al-Qomar also quoted Soeharto as calling on the IDB to continue its social projects in Indonesia to improve the incomes of villagers.

'PCSs must work with state firms'

'PCSs must work with state firms' JAKARTA (JP): Any satellite-based personal communications services provider planning to enter the Indonesian market will be required to work with the state-owned telecommunications operators, a senior official said yesterday.

Badminton clean sweep in SEAG

Badminton clean sweep in SEAG JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is eying a clean sweep in badminton during the Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in December. Chairman of the Badminton Association of Indonesia, Soerjadi, said at the opening ceremony of the national badminton circuit in Surakarta, Central Java, that Indonesian top shuttlers will encounter no real challengers at the Games.

House to hold plenary session on East Timor

House to hold plenary session on East Timor JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives will hold a plenary meeting later this week to discuss the latest developments in East Timor, which has been troubled by racial and religious tensions in recent weeks.

Corruption stems from Western economic values

Corruption stems from Western economic values JAKARTA (JP): Western economic values, which stress the maximizing of profit at all costs, are to blame for the rampant corruption in Indonesia, noted economist Emil Salim said yesterday. Many economic players, including conglomerates, think nothing of corruption and collusion with officials because they are driven by Western values, he said.

Local governments asked to be more proactive

Local governments asked to be more proactive JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Yogie S.M. urged governments in the region yesterday to be more proactive, which would enable them to face comprehensive trade liberalization in the Asia-Pacific region. The target for trade liberalization has been set for the year 2010 for developed countries and 2020 for developing ones.

Synthetic fiber manufacturers ask for help

Synthetic fiber manufacturers ask for help JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian synthetic fiber manufacturers have asked for governmental support in boosting the competitiveness of their products on both the domestic and international markets. Acting chairman of the association of Indonesian synthetic fiber manufacturers, Sri Prakash Lohia, made the request during a hearing with the House of Representatives' Manufacturing, Mines and Energy Commission.

Deceived

Deceived From Media Indonesia On Thursday, Sept. 29, 1995, four young men of Indian descent visited my house hawking framed calligraphic designs for Rp 25,000 each. They greeted me in the Islamic tradition. Speaking fluent English, they told me that they came from India. They also said that they could not speak Indonesian. I warned them that most of the complex residents can hardly speak or understand English. But they said the price appeared on the item.

Soeharto invited to Egypt

Soeharto invited to Egypt JAKARTA (JP): Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak, through the visiting Syeikh (grand imam) of Al-Azhar University, Syeikh Gadil Hal All Gadil Haq, yesterday extended an invitation for President Soeharto to visit Cairo in the near future. The invitation was personally delivered by Syeikh Gadil when he paid a courtesy call on Soeharto at Bina Graha presidential office yesterday.

Tondano lake to be excavated

Tondano lake to be excavated MANADO, North Sulawesi: The central government is allocating Rp 20 billion ($8.7 million) in the 1996/1997 budget to correct the dropping water levels of the Tondano lake. According the head of the Minahasa Planning Bureau (Bappeda), Hengky Toloh, the lake has dropped from about 50 meters in the 1930s to 16 meters in 1992.

'Employees may vote for any party'

'Employees may vote for any party' JAKARTA (JP): Government employees are free to vote according to their personal choice in general elections, Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said yesterday. Moerdiono said government regulation No. 20/1976, which allows civil servants to join any of the three political organizations, implies that civil servants do not have to vote for Golkar in general elections.

Natuna LNG to come on stream in 2004

Natuna LNG to come on stream in 2004 JAKARTA (JP): The first two production trains of the Natuna liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in the South China Sea are expected to come on stream at the end of 2004, Pertamina's president Faisal Abda'oe said yesterday. "It will be expanded to six trains with a total capacity of 15 million tons of LNG per annum," Abda'oe told an international business meeting in Singapore.

Rivals pessimistic about RI target

Rivals pessimistic about RI target JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's aim of winning between 11 and 13 gold medals in track and field events at the upcoming 18th Southeast Asian Games is unrealistic, according to Thai athletics coach Suchart Jaesuraparp. "I think it would be tremendously hard, if not impossible, for your country to meet the target of six to seven gold medals," Suchart told The Jakarta Post.

London studies asylum for East Timor youths

London studies asylum for East Timor youths JAKARTA (JP): The British government is studying the possibility of asylum for five East Timorese youths who filed their request at the British Embassy in Jakarta, an embassy official said yesterday. "Yes, it has been sent," Eric Jones, First Secretary at the embassy, told The Jakarta Post by phone last night when asked if the request for asylum had been sent to London. However he could not predict how long it would take for London to respond.

'Uproar over rape no cause for optimism'

'Uproar over rape no cause for optimism' JAKARTA (JP): The public uproar seen over recently-reported rape cases does not guarantee that there will be fewer rapes in future, say two feminists. According to criminologist Syarifah Sabarudin, the only hope for a reduction in rape and other forms of violence against women lies in people coming to see rape as an extreme case of unequal relations between the two sexes.

Tunky studying possible US$27m loss by PT Dok

Tunky studying possible US$27m loss by PT Dok JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo disclosed yesterday that he was scrutinizing the Supreme Audit Agency's report on the possible losses of Rp 61.5 billion (US$27 million) by state shipbuilder PT Dok & Perkapalan Kodja Bahari.

Create more tourist attractions: Joop

Create more tourist attractions: Joop JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave has called on tourism-oriented investors to focus on the establishment of new tourist attractions, saying they are currently concentrating too heavily on the hotel business.

Thai floods damage rice crop, raise export prices

Thai floods damage rice crop, raise export prices BANGKOK (Reuter): Thailand's worst monsoon flooding in at least 12 years has destroyed more rice crops and sent Thai rice prices soaring this week, officials said yesterday. An agriculture ministry official monitoring floods in more than 40 provinces said about 499,000 hectares of paddy (unhusked rice) fields have been ruined beyond salvage, up from 467,200 hectares a week ago.

Surjadi opens new road

Surjadi opens new road JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja inaugurated on Sunday a 4.8-km road linking sub-districts Rorotan, Marunda and Pusaka Rakyat in Bekasi. The Governor expressed hope that the new road would help develop economic activities in the areas while easing land transportation problems in the areas. Surjadi said the administration will continue working to address the public's needs for infrastructure projects, especially roads.

Collapse won't affect Philippine deal: Citra

Collapse won't affect Philippine deal: Citra JAKARTA (JP): PT Citra Lamtoro Gung Persada does not expect the recent collapse of a part of the partially-constructed tollway between Tanjung Priok and Pluit in North Jakarta to affect its contract to build a toll road in the Philippines, an executive said yesterday.

Official embezzles World Bank money

Official embezzles World Bank money JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: An official from the Family Planning Board office in the Piniai regency is being held by police under suspicion of embezzling millions of aid money from the World Bank. As reported by Antara it is thought that the suspect, identified by his initials SS, faked over 40 signatures of supposed family planning program participants. According to a local board official, D. Lubis, an estimated Rp 12 million was taken by SS for personal needs.

Ample food in W. Nusa Tenggara

Ample food in W. Nusa Tenggara MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: West Nusa Tenggara Governor H. Warsoti assured people in the province that there is enough rice in stock in the event of a food shortage during the coming dry season. "We still have 37,000 tons in stock. That is enough to support the needs of the province for the next six months," he said here yesterday as reported by Antara. He said that early on the government had anticipated the possible shortages during the long dry season.

Special food crop project planned

Special food crop project planned JAKARTA (JP): Three government institutions agreed yesterday to carry out a pilot project on the establishment of food reserves for emergency situations by planting food crops in unproductive forests. "We hope the program will account for 15 percent of the national food reserves in the next five years," State Minister of Food Ibrahim Hasan said at a ceremony for the singing of a joint decree on the project.

Big businesses told not to bully smaller enterprises

Big businesses told not to bully smaller enterprises JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno yesterday called on large-scale businesses to refrain from making difficulties for their small and medium-sized counterparts, saying such practices were inconsistent with the country's system of "Pancasila economics." Speaking to participants in a three-day third congress of the Association of Indonesian Small and Medium-Sized Business at the Vice Presidential palace yesterday, Try said that, by the...

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sep. 25, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,000 -850 1,000 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,925 75 275,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,600 0 20,000 Anwar Sierad 1,275 0 0 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,850 50 206,500 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,000 0 0 Aster Dharma...

Workers seek council support over allowances

Workers seek council support over allowances JAKARTA (JP): Representatives of two hundred construction workers marched to the city council building yesterday, asking councilors to help them press their employer, PT Inasa Wahana Lestari, for an increase in their transport and meal allowances. "The current transport and meal allowances, which are currently Rp 900 (40 U.S. cents) and Rp 1,000 respectively, are too small," Tolibin T.

RP cool to KL proposal on maids

RP cool to KL proposal on maids MANILA (AFP): A Philippine labor official yesterday expressed apprehension over a Malaysian proposal to raise hiring fees and age limits for Filipino domestic helpers. "There is abundant domestic help which have been deployed. What will you do with all these," said Philippine Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) head Wilhelm Soriano, hinting that it could add to the ranks of the unemployed here.

Oetojo expresses disappointment

Oetojo expresses disappointment DENPASAR, Bali: Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman yesterday expressed his disappointment upon inspecting the newly constructed Administrative court building here. "I am not satisfied with the construction of the building," Oetojo said of the structure which swallowed Rp 1.2 billion.

Extortion, not service

Extortion, not service From Jayakarta Recently we went on a trip to Pelabuhan Ratu Beach, West Java, and stayed the night there. Before we returned to Jakarta, we visited the fish market to buy some fresh fish. We were fortunate to find that all the fish were still good and fresh and that the price was much cheaper than that in Jakarta. I bought three different fish and we were about to leave the place when a child approached us, offering his services.

State companies vow to protect environment

State companies vow to protect environment JAKARTA (JP): More than 117 state-owned companies yesterday pledged to carry out environmentally sound practices and to live up to international trade standards. "In international trade ...

Pelita Jaya to give bonuses to players

Pelita Jaya to give bonuses to players JAKARTA (JP): Big cash bonuses await Pelita Jaya players if they win the Kobatama national basketball league championship finals at the Senayan basketball hall this weekend. Pelita Jaya's team manager Toto Sudarsono told a press conference yesterday that the club's owners will provide the cash, though he refused to say how much. He also refused to say whether local players would receive the same amount as their foreign teammates.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Police plan new system for vehicle documents

Police plan new system for vehicle documents JAKARTA (JP): Police said yesterday that to reduce the concentration of services at City Police headquarters, the system of managing vehicle ownership documents (STNK) and driving licenses (SIM) will be decentralized. Deputy chief of the Jakarta City Police Brig. Gen. Hamami Nata told members of the House of Representatives of Commission I which oversees foreign affairs, defense and information that the plan was to go into effect "soon".

Boycott of import

Boycott of import From Neraca I disagree with the Association of Indonesian Importers' chairman Amiruddin Saud who played with politics when he said that the association would boycott imports from Australia in retaliation for recent flag burnings. The chairman made the statement on TV in a patriotic way, as if he was going to win a war. He should actually try to be logical.

Legislators take Rp 1 billion trip

Legislators take Rp 1 billion trip SEMARANG, Central Java: All 100 members of Central Java's provincial legislature will be making various trips abroad later this month, at a cost of at least one billion rupiah ($434,000). DPRD speaker Soeparto said the trips are aimed at allowing legislators to study various industrial sites abroad in order to help set an effective development agenda for Central Java.

Ciputra to quit post at Pembangunan Jaya

Ciputra to quit post at Pembangunan Jaya JAKARTA (JP): Ciputra, the president and a founder of PT Pembangunan Jaya -- a company operating seven core businesses whose major shares are owned by the Jakarta administration -- will resign from the top executive post in September 1996. Ciputra, who announced his resignation after the company's annual workshop at the Horison hotel Saturday, also said that two other senior executives, Soekrisman and Secakusuma will resign as well.

Army yet to receive copy of report on Timika killings

Army yet to receive copy of report on Timika killings JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces not been able to comment on the recent findings of the National Commission on Human Rights regarding the killings in Timika, Irian Jaya, saying it had not received a copy of the report. The commission announced here Friday that 16 civilians were killed and four others went missing during various military operations in Indonesia's easternmost province. Army spokesman Brig. Gen.

Experts reject call to revive ethics lessons

Experts reject call to revive ethics lessons JAKARTA (JP): Officials and experts have rejected a call from a number of school teachers that lessons in ethics be reintroduced as a separate subject in Indonesian schools. Suheru Mulyo Atmojo, secretary of the education ministry's research and development agency, said on Saturday that ethical values have already been incorporated in religion and Pancasila morality subjects.

Land agency modifies plot survey policy

Land agency modifies plot survey policy JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta office of the National Land Agency wants Jakartans applying for land certificates to include potential neighbors in the process in order to prevent arduous and time-consuming processing delays.

Malaysian deported

Malaysian deported BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: The Banjarmasin immigration office deported a 43-year-old Malaysian national on Friday after he was found to be abusing his provisional work permit. Identified only as AKW, the holder of a Malaysian passport No. A. 5578157, the Malaysian was the second foreigner to be deported by the Banjarmasin immigration office this month. He was escorted onto a plane bound for Singapore.

Progress of Chinese assimilation

Progress of Chinese assimilation By Junus Jahja JAKARTA (JP): At a very early stage Indonesia issued a "political manifesto" for Chinese people residing in Indonesia. This was announced in an official statement on Nov. 1, 1945. Through citizenship regulations all Indo-Asians and Indo- Europeans should quickly become full-fledged Indonesians. Now, half a century later, how is the journey "from Chinese to Indonesian" developing?

Rudy's 1996 trends

Rudy's 1996 trends JAKARTA (JP): Rudy Hadisuwarno, one of Indonesia's noted hair dressers, is planning to hold a one-day seminar on 1996 hair trends at Jakarta Convention Center on Oct. 5. During the seminar, which is open to public, Rudy will demonstrate the use of the razor, which is popular again these days. According to Rudy, the razor, which was widely used in the 1950s and 1960s, will be widely used again next year to produce hair styles which need a lot of precision.

Sumitro's advantage

Sumitro's advantage After having been enlightened by senior economist and former economics minister Widjojo Nitisastro's speech about conscience, morality and common sense at the 45th anniversary of the University of Indonesia's Djakarta School of Economics last Monday, we were excited upon learning that Sumitro Djojohadikusumo would be the main speaker at the reunion of that school's alumni two days later.

Calm returns to East Timor after riots

Calm returns to East Timor after riots DILI, East Timor (JP): The military says tension has dissipated and daily activities returned to normal after the rioting which caused dozens of people to flee their homes earlier this month. Local military commander Col. M. Simbolon told The Jakarta Post here on Saturday that the situation had improved and that trading activities had resumed in the Komoro marketplace.

Performance on AIDS awareness

Performance on AIDS awareness JAKARTA (JP): The Kusuma Buana Foundation will hold an art performance on AIDS awareness at TIM's Graha Bhakti Budaya building in Central Jakarta on Oct. 21. The performance, to be conducted by AIDS information dissemination volunteers, aims to remind the public about the danger of AIDS. An exhibition will also be held in conjunction with the performance to give information on the disease and AIDS organizations operating in the city.

Ternate travelers are left stranded

Ternate travelers are left stranded TERNATE, Maluku: Each day several dozen passengers holding valid tickets to fly between here and Manado, North Sulawesi, on Merpati Nusantara Airlines are left stranded at Babullah airport. North Maluku regent Abdullah Assagaf told Antara that some 40 passengers are stranded at the airport because the airline's Fokker-27 and Cassa 225 planes are overbooked.

Tempe industry needs modernizing: Tunky

Tempe industry needs modernizing: Tunky JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo says Indonesia needs to modernize its tempe industry to keep pace with the growing popularity of the soybean-based food both here and abroad. In his keynote address to a seminar on soybean consumption on Saturday, Tunky called for caution in government approaches to the tempe industry, which is still largely based on traditional methods and small-scale production.

Consistent rulings might curb land disputes: LBH

Consistent rulings might curb land disputes: LBH JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Legal Aid Institute urged the government on Saturday to implement agrarian laws consistently to prevent further public unrest. Director of the institute Luhut MP. Pangaribuan said in a statement made available to The Jakarta Post that consistency is critical to secure transparency and avoid future land disputes.

No abortions in Indonesia

No abortions in Indonesia From Neraca I would like to congratulate Minister of Women's Roles Mien Sugandhi on her strong opposition against the effort to legalize abortion as expressed in the recent Women's conference in Beijing. Western countries such as America, Norway, Sweden and Denmark regard abortion as normal and it has become part of human rights.This means that women can decide whether or not abortion is necessary.

Telkom seeks substantial market capitalization

Telkom seeks substantial market capitalization JAKARTA (JP): The planned initial public offering of PT Telkom, the state-owned domestic telecommunication firm, will contribute substantially to the Jakarta Stock Exchange's (JSX) market capitalization.

2,900 netted in operations

2,900 netted in operations JAKARTA (JP): A total of 2,905 vagrants, beggars, prostitutes and transvestites have been apprehended by public order officers in a series of public discipline operations since July. Toha Reno, an official at the City Public Order Office, said over the weekend that the 2,905 people were picked up in various parts of the capital.

Cement deal necessary: Soeharto

Cement deal necessary: Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto denied yesterday that he had ever colluded with businessmen or extended monopoly rights over certain products to particular parties. Soeharto was speaking before some 200 members of the Association of Small and Medium Businesses at his Tapos ranch in Bogor, West Java, on the subject of his relationship with the country's wealthiest tycoon, Sudono Salim, also known as Liem Sioe Liong.

Land permits revoked

Land permits revoked JAKARTA (JP): The East Kalimantan office of the National Land Agency has thus far this year revoked location permits for 37 investors in the province due to their failure to accomplish their projects as scheduled, an executive said. The head of the office, H.

Towards an Indonesia Incorporated?

Towards an Indonesia Incorporated? To the sharp criticism voiced by (senior economist Prof.) Widjojo Nitisastro, the no less sharp comment of Indonesian economic guru Prof. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo has been added. According to Sumitro, "subsidies and protection accompanied by practices of monopoly and oligopoly, including in those regarded as key and strategic industries, could in the longer run weaken this country's competitive standing and often even lead to stagnancy".

Worsening sentiment sends share prices lower on JSX

Worsening sentiment sends share prices lower on JSX JAKARTA (JP): Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) closed lower across the board last week, after three days of straight falls and deteriorating sentiment. The JSX Composite Index ended the week at 492.81, down 2.51 points, or 0.5 percent, from the week's opening of 495.32. The market moved through narrow trading range last week, with foreign investors the net sellers.

Bosnian mufti seeks RI support

Bosnian mufti seeks RI support JAKARTA (JP): The grand mufti of Bosnia-Herzegovina, Mustafa Ceric, appealed on Saturday for greater Indonesian support in his country's struggle for survival. Ceric said he hoped the people of Indonesia, which has the largest Moslem population in the world, would step up their support the Bosnian struggle. Ceric was in town over the weekend as part of a tour of the region to solicit greater support and aid for his country.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Voltron 3:05 Children's Program: Riang Ria 3:30 TV Series: The Crystal Maze 4:30 School Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Culture Program 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Hankamnas 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama: Tembang Kota 8:05 TV Series: Santa Barbara 9:00 World News 9:25 Music 10:25 Film 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Wayang losing out to TV?

Wayang losing out to TV? From Jayakarta The number of wayang, or shadow play, fans seems to be decreasing, with fewer spectators attending performances. This could be caused by TV, so maybe shadow plays should follow with technological advances. The key to a successful shadow play performance lies with the skills of the puppeteer. Puppeteers Ki Narto Sabdo, Hadiprajitno, Manteb Sudharsono, Sugito, and Gino were among the most popular and well-known puppeteers in the 1980s.

Chopper lands in river

Chopper lands in river JP/Mulkan Salmona JAKARTA (JP): A helicopter with a single pilot made an emergency landing yesterday in the Kali Malang river, East Jakarta, after experiencing engine trouble. The helicopter, of the N Bell-206 type, belongs to PT Derazona, a privately-owned aircraft and helicopter leasing company.

S.E. Asia on 'haze alert'

S.E. Asia on 'haze alert' SINGAPORE (AFP): A "haze alert" system warning members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) against cross- border air pollution has been activated, the Sunday Times newspaper reported here. The four-level alert was used for the first time by Indonesia last week when smoke from forest fires in Sumatra blanketed parts of Singapore with thick gray haze, triggering fears of a repetition of last year's environmental problems.

Legal aid undemocratic?

Legal aid undemocratic? YOGYAKARTA: The central branch of the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) in Jakarta is receiving harsh criticism for its decision to appoint Ari Suseta as director of its Yogyakarta office. In a press conference here yesterday the National Analysis and Legal Aid Foundation (LPBHN) said the appointment does not represent the aspirations of YLBHI's lawyers or of its other staff.

No ads, please!

No ads, please! From Pikiran Rakyat We have good reasons to be happy and proud of having the opportunity to watch private television stations through which we can widen our vision and outlook in this era of globalization and sophisticated communications. Though in most cases they have to compete with the state-owned television. We are aware of the need for private stations to find sponsors to support their financial matters in order to offer the best service to the community.

Haj fund interest

Haj fund interest From Neraca The initiative taken by Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher to collect the interest of funds deposited at banks in payment of haj pilgrimage is a positive move. It is thought that not less than Rp 50 billion in interest is reaped every year. This huge permanent fund is slated to be used for the benefit of the Moslem society. Certain people should not expect to be able to use the fund for political purposes, such as for campaigning.

City Police HQ to see personnel reshuffle soon

City Police HQ to see personnel reshuffle soon JAKARTA (JP): A number of city police officers will be replaced soon, head of General Crimes Directorate Lt. Col. Gories Mere said on Saturday. Gories told The Jakarta Post that according to Decree No. 1394/VI/1995 issued by the National Police Commander on Sept. 19, among those to be replaced are the head of the Jakarta City Police and himself. Gories said that he will be promoted to chief of the East Jakarta police district.

RI workers in Malaysia

RI workers in Malaysia From Merdeka It is only fair for us to congratulate Malaysia on its 38th independence anniversary, which it celebrated on Aug. 31, 1995. Having made rapid economic progress, Malaysia is capable of employing many Indonesian workers who cannot get jobs in their own country. At present there are reportedly over one million legal and illegal workers in Malaysia.

Asian shooting championship to use new rules, technology

Asian shooting championship to use new rules, technology JAKARTA (JP): A new system, to be known as the "final system," will be introduced at the Eighth Asian Shooting Championship, due to begin on Oct. 2 at the Senayan shooting range. "The system takes the eight top shooters from the qualifying rounds as finalists and pits against one another in duels to shortlist the best," said Lely Sampoerno of the organizing committee.

On Jakarta Tower

On Jakarta Tower From Merdeka Talking about the plan of building Jakarta Tower by tycoons Henry Pribadi, Prayogo Pangestu and Sudwikatmono, we should not necessarily link it to the issues of the social gap or people still living under the poverty line, etc. Why don't we look back to the Old Order era. In spite of the fact that most people at that time lived miserably, the then president Sukarno succeeded in building the magnificent Istiqlal Mosque and the National Monument.

Garuda set to employ Air Force pilots

Garuda set to employ Air Force pilots JAKARTA (JP): Garuda Indonesia will hire 14 air force first officers to work as co-pilots on some of its B-737 flights, the national flag carrier disclosed recently. The reinforcement is linked to Garuda's plan to reintroduce a number of domestic services, according to a statement released by Garuda's Public Relations Division. The agreement to hire the co-pilots was signed at the air force's headquarters in Cilangkap, East Jakarta, on Friday.

Prices of rice increasing across the country

Prices of rice increasing across the country JAKARTA (JP): Rice, the staple food of the majority of Indonesia's population of over 192 million, has lately become a public concern as a scarcity of the grain was reported countrywide over the last couple of months.

Don't put your mouse out to pasture yet

Don't put your mouse out to pasture yet By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): You move your mouse around, but the mouse pointer on the screen doesn't budge. "Oh, oh!" you say. You think that yours is dead already and you wonder how much a new mouse would cost. You ask your friends for the name of the store that sells the cheapest mouse in town. But maybe what it needs is just a CPR. And maybe it doesn't take a trained nurse to administer the aid.

PMI unveils 8 cases of HIV-contaminated blood

PMI unveils 8 cases of HIV-contaminated blood JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) recently discovered that eight bags of blood in its blood bank were contaminated with HIV, an executive said on Saturday. HM. Muas, head of PMI's Jakarta office, did not give details on the uncovering of the contaminated blood but just said that the number is relatively small compared to the amount of blood it accepts from donors. About 164,000 blood bags are collected from the donors annually.

Asian athletes still chasing world status

Asian athletes still chasing world status JAKARTA (JP): When East meets West in track and field, West, with its world-class athletes, is sure to have the better side. Will they ever stand equal? The answer is "yes, event for event" according to Lou Dapeng, one of the Asian Amateur Athletic Association's vice presidents. Lou was stressing the importance of professionalism -- which characterizes athletes of the West but which Asian athletes are lacking.

Military exercises begin over S'pore

Military exercises begin over S'pore SINGAPORE (AFP): British, Australian and New Zealand fighters and battleships yesterday joined a five-nation military exercise against a mock aerial invasion of Singapore and Malaysia, officials said.

China remains Asian best in track and field

China remains Asian best in track and field JAKARTA (JP): China has preserved its long-standing grip on the Asian track and field but it is not as strong as it was. After five days of struggle, the Chinese closed the 11th Asian Track and Field Championships here yesterday with a belting medal collection of 20 golds, 13 silvers and five bronzes to retain the overall title at the biennial event.

President opens festival of Islamic arts and culture

President opens festival of Islamic arts and culture JAKARTA (JP): The Second Istiqlal Festival of Islamic arts and culture opened to the thunder of 50 drums here on Saturday night. President Soeharto was given the honor of sounding the first beats, striking the 13th century bedug (leather drum) brought from the Sunan Ampel mosque in Surabaya especially for the event.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Surjadi warns public to ignore rumors

Surjadi warns public to ignore rumors JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Governor Surjadi Soedirdja wants Jakartans to be on guard against potentially divisive issues he says are being dredged up to create conflicts. He said during a visit to four districts in North Jakarta that "We have to be alert against issues thrown up by irresponsible persons who apparently want to create conflicts in society." He cited the "SARA issues" as potentially disruptive and dangerous.

Mighty China looks certain to extend reign

Mighty China looks certain to extend reign JAKARTA (JP): China's mean gold mining machine sped into top gear yesterday to assure itself of the overall title at the 11th Asian Track and Field Championships here. With just nine gold medals on offer on the closing day today, nobody has a chance of catching up to China's bountiful medal bonanza of 16 golds, four silvers and three bronzes.

Jakarta's Gold Council promotes local jewelry designs

Jakarta's Gold Council promotes local jewelry designs By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): For decades local jewelry designs have been strongly influenced by western tastes because many Asian artists prefer to imitate western designs rather than explore ideas from their own ancestry. "It is true that we have to keep up with the rapid progress in jewelry design concepts, but we have to preserve our own culture.

TV today

TV today TVRI 7:00 a.m. Morning News 7:30 Healthy and Fit with Berty Tilarso 7:40 Film 8:05 Around Us 8:35 Children's Stories 9:00 People and Events 9:30 Comedy: Ria Jenaka 9:45 Music 10:45 Youth Program 11:15 Indonesian Cooking 11:45 Sports: Dari Gelanggang Ke Gelanggang 1:15 p.m.

Efficiency? Who needs it?

Efficiency? Who needs it? JAKARTA (JP): One day the general manager of the state agency where my husband works asked him to find a way to improve efficiency in the workplace. No big deal, my husband thought. He was wrong. Not that it was a difficult task, but he learned a valuable lesson: People benefit from inefficiency, in fact make a living from it. What my husband discovered was nothing surprising or new. It can be found in many Indonesian institutions and companies, even the private ones.

Guess What?

Guess What? Director Garin Nugroho has proven that if you work for a dream it can come true. "Five years ago, when I saw Alan Parker's film The Commitment at Orchard Hall, Tokyo, I dreamed that one day my film would also be screened at that prestigious place," Garin said. Garin didn't have to wait too long for his dream to come true. On Sept.

Wardiman opens Art Summit Indonesia

Wardiman opens Art Summit Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Art Summit Indonesia 1995 opened at Taman Ismail Marzuki (TIM) in Central Jakarta yesterday in what is billed as one of the largest performing art festivals ever held in the country.

Indonesians to receive training as good fans

Indonesians to receive training as good fans JAKARTA (JP): The National Sports Council (KONI) has appointed a tourism bureau to organize Indonesians going to the upcoming Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Prior to their departure, Indonesian supporters will get special 'training' on how to become proper morale boosters for their favorite athletes at the Games, said KONI's public relations chief Ishadi SK.

Commuters clinch love affairs, rare dates

Commuters clinch love affairs, rare dates By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): They leave at the same hour every morning, take the same bus or train, meet the same people, and stand by or sit beside the same person throughout the trip. Anything could happen. Including falling in love. "Love affairs often develop among commuters. They may feel reluctant to engage in affairs with colleagues because in the office people know each other. On the train people are mainly anonymous.

Congestion causes stress, sickness

Congestion causes stress, sickness By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): Life is hard enough in Jakarta, even without traffic jams destroying the health of drivers and people who take public transportation. Some people choose to look at the jams in a positive way, others recognize their gravity. "I know that I can't avoid traffic jams so I just enjoy them.

Every Jakartan has a travel tale

Every Jakartan has a travel tale By Johannes Simbolon and Imran Rusli Getting around in Greater Jakarta is a struggle. Every day commuters labor to catch buses or trains. Those who drive to work are not indisposed to problems as they, too, have to deal with the serious congestion. Long hours are wasted on the way to and from work or school. Parents miss the precious opportunity to be with their children and couples often drift apart because of the lack of time to communicate.

Yayuk to play in Surabaya

Yayuk to play in Surabaya JAKARTA (JP): Despite her tight schedule, Indonesia's tennis queen Yayuk Basuki is strongly expected to join the Rp 236.5 million (US$104,001) Wismilak Open women's international tennis tournament, the organizer said yesterday. Around 50 foreign tennis players have confirmed their participation at the tournament slated for Sept. 28 to Oct. 8 in Surabaya's Embong Sawo tennis courts, which is being expanded to hold 3,000 spectators.

Daily commute can affect mental health

Daily commute can affect mental health JAKARTA (JP): Eddi wakes up at 4:30 every morning to catch the 5:30 a.m. train to Jakarta from his house in Serpong, 30 kilometers west of here. He usually arrives at the Tanah Abang railway station in Central Jakarta at 7:00 a.m, and takes a bus to his office on Jl. Gatot Subroto in South Jakarta. If he manages a seat on the train, he makes the most of it and sleeps. "If I don't sleep, I'm sleepy at work.

S'pore sailors to Sweden

S'pore sailors to Sweden SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore's navy is sending 40 officers to Sweden next April as part of a submarine training program, a deputy prime minister told state television yesterday. Tony Tan, who is also defense minister of the island republic of three million. said the Republic of Singapore Navy would also buy a second-hand submarine from Sweden to train its officers. He gave no other details.

Guess What?

Guess What? "I urge those in power not to be hostile to those who have differences of opinion," stated Indonesia's most senior economist Sumitro Djojohadikusumo at a gathering of thousands of alumni of the University of Indonesia's School of Economics. "Differences of opinion are important for the development of democracy. Therefore, we should promote differences of opinion, but not enmity," Sumitro said at the meeting held to commemorate the school's 45th anniversary on Wednesday night.

Salary increase

Salary increase From Jayakarta Both the beginning and end of the year is almost always marked by psychologists raising the issue of civil servants' salaries. Recently they also suggested that the government raise the salary of middle-ranking police officers by between 300 and 1,000 percent. They argue that Indonesian police salaries are the smallest among the ASEAN countries.

Sri Lankan athletic coach's hard labor pays off

Sri Lankan athletic coach's hard labor pays off JAKARTA (JP): Fifteen minutes of glory brushed aside years of hardship in Dervin Pereira's coaching job when two Sri Lankan female runners dashed to two gold medals on the penultimate day of the 11th Asian Track and Field Championships here yesterday. "This is the biggest success I've ever had. I think four years of training has now paid off," said Pereira, the man behind Sri Lanka's golden double yesterday.

RI jewelry designs have many sources

RI jewelry designs have many sources JAKARTA (JP): Remarkable gold jewelry, household and ceremonial utensils, and weapons have been crafted in Indonesia since the 4th century. Many crowns, necklaces, medallions and earrings were discovered at a site of the former Majapahit Kingdom, which ruled Java and other islands including Mallaca (now Malaysia) between the 7th and 8th centuries. Jewelry in Indonesia is made of a broad range of materials and expresses many regional characteristics.

Age old traditions thrive on secluded Roti Island

Age old traditions thrive on secluded Roti Island By Dipika Ray ROTI ISLAND, Nusa Tenggara (JP): The tiny southernmost Indonesian island of Roti is home to the hermaphrodite gewang palm, which flowers once during its one-hundred-year lifespan. The flowering of a single gewang will induce other palms of the same age to burst into towering canopies of ornate flowers, all at once, after which they die.

Guess What?

Guess What? If wet-look hair buns are in again next year, Indonesia's top hair dresser Rudy Hadisuwarno deserves the praise. "During last month's hairdressers' meeting in Paris, I proposed wet-look hair buns for next year's hair fashion," said Rudy. Hairdressers from all over the world gather in Paris once a year to set hair and make up trends for the following year. Rudy, who is member of the Paris-based International des Coiffures des Dames, attends the meeting every year.

Traveling in Delhi buses, trains like knocking on death's door

Traveling in Delhi buses, trains like knocking on death's door By V. Anjaiah JAKARTA (JP): We have seen the millions of Jakartans undertake their mudik (mass exodus) to their hometowns in Java during the Idul Fitri holiday each year. People stampede the bus and railway stations for two weeks of every year. But, have you ever been in a place where mudik is experienced everyday throughout the year, including the freezing winter?

Kartika Affandi inspires many women

Kartika Affandi inspires many women By Astri Wright JAKARTA (JP): Kartika Affandi, 61, has been recognized as one of Indonesia's most important female artists for nearly a decade. However, as the daughter of the celebrated painter Affandi and his first wife, Maryati, also an artist, Kartika has been in the public eye since she was born. From childhood on, she was raised around art, artists and art making, and she was already painting as a young child.

Ubud offers respite from Jakarta's travails

Ubud offers respite from Jakarta's travails By Mohammad Sadli UBUD, Bali (JP): It is refreshing to get away from the haunting debate in Jakarta where day in and day out the media underline the gloom of a frighteningly widening gap between the rich and the poor. Especially when the rich and super-rich are associated with the Chinese business minority and the poor constitute the majority indigenous population or struggling entrepreneurs.

Gambuh project preserves Balinese dance

Gambuh project preserves Balinese dance By Jean Couteau DENPASAR (JP): Balinese dance conformed to the whims of its changing patrons in the 1900s. Dutch colonials and cosmopolitan travelers in the 1920s and 1930s, as well as Javanese officials and jet-setters in post-independence years, have all brought new demands to which the dances have adapted in various ways.

Moslems told to forge ties with non-Moslem groups

Moslems told to forge ties with non-Moslem groups JAKARTA (JP): Moslems throughout the Asia-Pacific region must forge ties and cooperate with people of other religions, President Soeharto said yesterday. Moslems in this part of the world live in plural societies, not only in terms religion, but also ethnicity, language and culture, Soeharto said when opening the Conference on the Propagation of Islam in the Asia-Pacific at the State Palace.

Banks to link loans to waste control

Banks to link loans to waste control JAKARTA (JP): Lending banks will soon begin assessing the quality and environmental management systems of their prospective debtors, an executive of PT Surveyor Indonesia says. Speaking after a signing ceremony yesterday, the company's finance director, Toga Sitompul, said that sound quality and environment management systems will become essential in the upcoming free trade era.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 22, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,850 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 2,500 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,850 25 173,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,600 75 37,000 Anwar Sierad 1,275 0 198,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,800 25 117,000 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,000 0 0 Aster...

Eye for an eye

Eye for an eye I fully support the letter More blood donors needed by Alip Lamyadi (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 15, 1995). I hope he was awarded with a certificate of honor for having donated his blood 77 times, with his last visit on Sept. 17, 1995 coinciding with the golden year of the Indonesian Red Cross. However, if I am not mistaken, and if the system has not been altered, the certificate is usually presented by the General Chairman of the Indonesian Red Cross, and not by the President.

RP Moslems urge UAE to free maid

RP Moslems urge UAE to free maid MANILA (Reuter): Filipino Moslem students urged the United Arab Emirates (UAE) yesterday to free Filipina maid Sarah Balabagan, sentenced to death by firing squad for killing her Arab employer. "We do not want to believe that Sarah's case is a case of power relations between the poor, helpless countries and rich, powerful countries," a statement by the Muslem Youth Student Alliance (MYSA) said.

MAS to buy 25 aircraft

MAS to buy 25 aircraft KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian Airlines System (MAS) plans to buy 25 aircraft at an estimated cost of around US$4.0 billion over the next five years, an airline spokeswoman said yesterday. She said she had no other details of the plan. A New Straits Times interview published yesterday quoted MAS Chairman Tajudin Ramli as saying the national carrier did not have enough aircraft to cope with future traffic growth, especially between 1998 and 2000.

Volleyball pair qualifies for the Olympic Games

Volleyball pair qualifies for the Olympic Games JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's men's beach volleyball pair of Markodji and Mohamad Nurmufid have qualified for the Olympic Games in Atlanta next year. The pair, who starts playing in today's main draw of the 14th leg of the World Beach Volleyball Championship at Kuta beach, Bali, finished 22nd with 118 aggregate points at the championship's previous leg in Fortaleza, Brazil.

'ANteve' goes western?

'ANteve' goes western? From Jayakarta Criticisms have been launched against the use of foreign words for names of real estates, entertainment facilities etc., and appeals are made to change those foreign words into Bahasa Indonesia. But, that is not the case with ANteve. They continue to air foreign programs using foreign words. This should be deplored. Why should the appeal for using Bahasa Indonesia be directed only to developers of real estates, shops and entertainment facilities?

BNI, postal firm sign deal

BNI, postal firm sign deal JAKARTA (JP): State-owned postal service PT Pos Indonesia signed an agreement with the state-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI) yesterday on a savings program called Tabungan Keluarga Sejahtera (Takesra).

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Force Five Danguard Ace 3:05 Sports 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dian Rana 8:05 TV Drama: Hati Yang Mendua 9:00 World News 9:30 Music: Gita Persada 10:30 Film 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) Program 2 4:30 p.m. Sports: Asian Soccer 5:30 City News 6:00 Music 6:30 English News Service 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Series: Trouble with Larry 8:30 Music TPI 5:30 a.

Thai premier to visit RP

Thai premier to visit RP MANILA (Reuter): Thai Prime Minister Banharn Silpa-Archa will visit the Philippines for talks with President Fidel Ramos from Sept. 30 to Oct. 1, the presidential palace said yesterday. A palace statement said the visit was expected to help expand trade, investment, tourism and technical cooperation between the two countries.

Drug meeting ends here

Drug meeting ends here JAKARTA (JP): Heads of National Drug Law Enforcement Agencies of Asia and Pacific countries ended a three-day meeting in Jakarta to discuss cooperation in the fight against drug abuse in the region yesterday. The closed meeting, which was the twentieth held so far, was chaired by Indonesia's Police Maj. Gen M.B. Hutagalung, achieved a number of agreements.

PDI branches turn to Basofi for help

PDI branches turn to Basofi for help JAKARTA (JP): Thirty one of the 37 branches of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in East Java have asked the province's governor, Basofi Soedirman, to step in if PDI headquarters in Jakarta can't resolve the leadership conflict in the region. Leaders of the 31 PDI branches have written to Governor Basofi, with copies going to party headquarters and a number of government and military agencies, stating their position.

Corruption, collusion flourish with religion

Corruption, collusion flourish with religion SALATIGA, Central Java (JP): A sociologist observation: Corruption and collusion in Indonesia are an astonishing phenomenon. It flourishes along with rigorously thriving religious activities. "Normally, the more rigorous religious activities become, the less corrupt practices will be," Syafii Maarif of the Yogyakarta State Institute of Islamic Studies told a seminar on Thursday.

Ignorance of land legislation common: Expert

Ignorance of land legislation common: Expert JAKARTA (JP): Most land disputes could be put down to the fact that ignorance about land laws prevail in Indonesia, particularly among poor people, according to an expert in land laws. Boedi Harsono, a professor at the School of Law of the Trisakti University, said yesterday that because of such ignorance, many people, including farmers, have been exploited by land speculators and financiers.

Kramat-Kartika swap

Kramat-Kartika swap KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia's Kramat Tin Dredging Bhd's plan to buy shares in an Indonesian timber firm via a share swap has been approved by the Securities Commission, a company statement said. The commission has also given conditional approval for a bonus issue following completion of the swap.

Bankers, bad loans scrutinized

Bankers, bad loans scrutinized JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad vowed yesterday to bring directors and staff of state banks to court if there is any indication that they colluded with businesspeople to extend credit which latter soured.

Cops don't meddle in Satya Wacana

Cops don't meddle in Satya Wacana SEMARANG, Central Java: Maj. Gen. Hariman AS, chief of the Central Java and Yogyakarta regional police command, said that the authorities will not interfere in the internal conflict riddling the Satya Wacana Christian University in Salatiga. The police will move in only if the law is violated on campus, Hariman said here Thursday. "What we will do is catch anyone breaking the laws," he said.

Birth of PCPP natural: Sarwono

Birth of PCPP natural: Sarwono JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja said yesterday that the establishment of the Association of Intellectuals for Pancasila Development (PCPP) was a natural manifestation of public demand for wider social- political participation. "The educated community in Indonesia is growing. It's growing horizontally, so more and more people are demanding participation," he told journalists after meeting with President Soeharto here yesterday.

German Oktoberfest will also open to Jakartans

German Oktoberfest will also open to Jakartans JAKARTA (JP): On Sept. 29, Jakartans, Germans and Bavarians, and other communities that know the excitement of an Oktoberfest will be celebrating the event in a truly hurly-burly manner, right in the center of this city.

Rice stock enough for eight months: Logistics agency

Rice stock enough for eight months: Logistics agency JAKARTA (JP): An official of the City Logistics Agency said yesterday the agency has 120,000 ton rice stock, enough to meet demand in the city for eight months. Deputy agency head M.M. Lumbanbatu told members of the City Council's Commission B, which oversees market affairs, that about 84,000 tons of the stock consists of imports which have just arrived in the city. "There are seven ships berthed in Tanjung Priok port.

Garbage destroying Seribu Islands reefs

Garbage destroying Seribu Islands reefs JAKARTA (JP): Trash dumping by Jakartans has caused the pollution of Jakarta Bay and destroyed coral reefs around the Seribu Islands, an oceanologist has said. "These conclusion have been proved by experts from Australia, Papua New Guinea, the U.S., Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, the Philippines, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom and Indonesia," J.R.E. Harger of UNESCO said on Wednesday.

Listed firms get lending privilege from central bank

Listed firms get lending privilege from central bank JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia, the central bank, yesterday announced a new policy giving loan privileges to publicly listed companies and raising the required capital of foreign exchange banks.

Dharmais grants houses

Dharmais grants houses JAKARTA (JP): The Dharmais foundation, which is chaired by President Soeharto, donated houses in the Bekasi area to 270 Armed Forces members who had taken part in a military campaign in East Timor code-named Operasi Seroja. Operation Seroja was a military campaign carried out by troops deployed in East Timor during the late 1970s. The army families have occupied the houses for ten years.

Satellite cities lack planning: Official

Satellite cities lack planning: Official JAKARTA (JP): An official of the National Development Planning Board (Bappenas) said yesterday that the development of satellite cities in Greater Jakarta, which covers Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi, lacks good planning.

BI withdraws five old banknotes

BI withdraws five old banknotes JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia, the central bank, announced yesterday the withdrawal of old banknotes with Rp 100, Rp 500, Rp 1,000, Rp 5,000 and Rp 10,000 denominations, which were issued, respectively, in 1984, 1988, 1987, 1986 and 1985. The withdrawal of the five banknotes will start on Monday Sept. 25, and last until Sept. 24, 2028. "As of Sept.

Banned play goes to human rights body

Banned play goes to human rights body JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights has called on Indonesian laborers to present their artistic performances independent of any political group. "If workers want to purely demonstrate their artistic talent, they had better be independent and not rely on the facilities offered by any political parties," commission member Roekmini Koesoemo Astoeti said.

Govt urged to abolish VAT on books

Govt urged to abolish VAT on books JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Publishers Association has repeated its call for the government to exempt books from the value added tax (VAT). Rozali Usman, the chairman of the association, said during the opening ceremony of a book exhibition at the Istora Senayan Sports Hall yesterday that a recent conference of the association had made the appeal to the government in order to lower the price of books.

BNI sets up subsidiary

BNI sets up subsidiary JAKARTA (JP): Director General of State Enterprises Martiono Hadianto has inaugurated PT BNI Securities, a subsidiary of state-owned Bank Negara Indonesia (BNI), with an authorized capital of Rp 30 billion (US$13.6 million). The bank's president Winarto Soemarto said at the inauguration ceremony here on Thursday evening that the securities firm, which is 100 percent owned by the bank, will help diversify the bank's financial services.

Military Exhibition opens here

Military Exhibition opens here JP/afs JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat opened yesterday the Armed Forces' (ABRI) week-long military exhibition at the Jakarta Fairground in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. The exhibition, which is being held in conjunction with ABRI's golden anniversary, will end on Sept. 28. A number of junior high school examine at Scorpion 90 tank being displayed at expo (photo above).

Leaders call for better Europe-East Asia ties

Leaders call for better Europe-East Asia ties SINGAPORE (AFP): More than 500 political and business leaders from Europe and East Asia ended an annual meeting here yesterday with a call for a partnership of equals that would balance the global economic order.

Sixteen killed in Irian Jaya, report confirms

Sixteen killed in Irian Jaya, report confirms JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights established yesterday that 16 civilians were killed and four others went missing during various military operations in Irian Jaya over the past year. Announcing the findings of its investigation into allegations of human rights violations, the commission counted six incidents in the Timika district of the Fak Fak regency and Hoea village in the Paniai regency of Irian Jaya.

Japan-RI students to hold campfire

Japan-RI students to hold campfire JAKARTA (JP): The Japanese School in cooperation with Al-Azhar junior high school will hold the 18th Japan-Indonesia Friendship Campfire at Park Hotel in Sawangan, to the south of here this evening. Under this program, some 160 students from the Japanese junior high school and another 160 SMP Al-Azhar students will undertake goodwill activities around a bonfire under the supervision of their teachers.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Asian bond markets have bright future

Asian bond markets have bright future SINGAPORE (Reuter): Asia's rapacious appetite for capital to fund spending on infrastructure will transform the region's fledgling government and corporate bond market into a dominant world force, senior financial executives said.

Educate to close gap

Educate to close gap From Media Indonesia Many comments have been made about the intentions of the conglomerates to narrow the social gap between the rich and the poor. While I welcome their good intentions, I do have some challenges for the conglomerates to consider. Try to imagine Indonesia in ten years with 10 thousand economists (PhD holders) and another 10 thousand PhD holders in technical fields. Conglomerates should provide grants for locals to study at national universities.

More tourists to visit Riau

More tourists to visit Riau PEKANBARU, Riau: Andi Mappi Sammeng, director general of tourism at the Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunication, has estimated that in another three years from now the number of tourists on Riau will reach 1.5 million people per year. "Tourist operators should well anticipate the influx of visitors," he told a business gathering in Pekanbaru on Thursday.

New guide book available for foreign businessmen

New guide book available for foreign businessmen Investment in Indonesia: Guide to investment, trade, taxation and other business matters KPMG Hanadi Sudjendro & Rekan, 1995 203 pages JAKARTA (JP): Despite heated debates about gross inefficiency and the high costs of its economy, Indonesia, endowed with a wide range of natural resources and with the world's fourth largest population of over 195 million, remains one of the most attractive places for foreign investments in Asia.

Livid with Lippoland

Livid with Lippoland From Kompas I bought an apartment in the Sudirman Tower Condominium Jakarta complex developed by Lippoland. According to the agreement, While Lippoland should have handed over the apartment to me on July 15, I still had not received the key by Sept.15. Instead, upon inquiry, the developer said they would refund my money not only without interest but subjected to a deduction of five percent. This is clearly an infringement on the rights of the consumer. BAMBANG HS Jakarta

Thorough check on bidding prices urged

Thorough check on bidding prices urged JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto ordered yesterday that the government's procurement team thoroughly check prices offered by bidders of foreign-financed projects, worth more than Rp 5 billion (US$2.2 million). Rahardi Ramelan, deputy chairman of the National Planning Board, and a member of the procurement team, said after a meeting with the President yesterday that his team has checked the prices of goods overseas.

APEC business advisors announce 15-point plan

APEC business advisors announce 15-point plan TOKYO (AFP): Business advisors to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum unveiled yesterday a 15-point plan for achieving the goal of free and open trade and investment in the region over the next 25 years. "The stage has been set for action this year," the Pacific Business Forum said in a report delivered to Japan's Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who is chairing this year's summit of APEC leaders in Osaka in November.

Saudi wins 2nd gold as Chinese fire dims

Saudi wins 2nd gold as Chinese fire dims JAKARTA (JP): Saudi Arabian middle-distance runner Saad Shadad Al-Ashmari Al-Mozazae completed a golden double on the third day of the 11th Asian Track and Field Championships here yesterday. Al-Ashmari made a brilliant debut in the 5,000-meter race, setting the pace throughout to clock the best time of 14 minutes and 1.43 seconds.

Soeharto assures public of proper use of haj fund

Soeharto assures public of proper use of haj fund JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto stated yesterday that the government will not reimburse the interest it earns from the huge fund it has collected from haj pilgrims, but promised the money would be put to good use for the benefit of Moslems. "Should we refund the money earned from the banking service fee? I think not, because we will use it to beef up Islam's strength," Soeharto told a group of ulemas from Central Java, Antara reported.

Golkar irate over scholar's remark

Golkar irate over scholar's remark JAKARTA (JP): A top executive in the ruling Golkar is furious with academic Mochtar Pabottingi for calling President Soeharto's New Order an "emergency" government. Pinantun Hutasoit, a deputy Golkar chair, said the current administration cannot be considered an emergency government because President Soeharto sticks to the 1945 Constitution.

BPK Penabur to hold concert

BPK Penabur to hold concert JAKARTA (JP): Christian education body BPK Penabur will hold a two-day musical concert called Simponi Emas at the plenary hall of the Jakarta Convention Center, Central Jakarta, starting this evening.

WR Supratman National Park

WR Supratman National Park From Merdeka Much has been said about the plan to build the Jakarta Tower, which would be about five times as tall as the National Monument and funded by three conglomerates. The House of Representatives is strongly against the project. I would like to propose that instead of the Jakarta Tower, a "WR Supratman National Park" be built in Kemayoran. The park would honor WR Supratman as the composer of our national anthem Indonesia Raya.

Students split over senate

Students split over senate SEMARANG, Central Java: Diponegoro University students split into two opposing camps over the establishment of a controversial student senate. Those opposed to the senate held a demonstration on Wednesday and those who support it conducted a counter rally on Thursday. Students against the senate said the government-sponsored institution is undemocratic and aimed at silencing students.

Not untouchable

Not untouchable Many people criticize today's political system as being less open than what the authorities promised several years ago. They now want the freedom of expression guaranteed in the Constitution to voice ideas on how to improve present conditions. Demands for openness are largely a reaction to a globalized community and economy as well as a reflection on Indonesia's 50th anniversary, when many argued that today's conditions are not as our founding fathers had planned in 1945.

Illegal immigrants detained in swoop

Illegal immigrants detained in swoop KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia, trying hard to stem a flow of illegal workers from neighboring countries, has detained some 1,000 Filipino and Indonesian immigrants in a major swoop in eastern Sabah state, reports said yesterday. The state-wide operation on Thursday was to screen the immigrants to determine if they had entered the country illegally, the reports said. They were picked up from squatter colonies and villages in various parts of Sabah.

Average height of people

Average height of people From Kompas I read with interest the prediction by directorate general of health development of the Health Department that by the end of the second long-term development plan, the average height of people will be 1.75 meters. This means that Indonesians, from Sabang to Merauke will only be 1.8 centimeters shorter than the average American.

Vienna Boys back in town

Vienna Boys back in town JAKARTA (JP): The Vienna Boys Choir from Austria are back in town, invited for a charity night by the Foundation for the Rehabilitation of Disabled Children. Jakartans can enjoy their golden voices on Sept. 26 to 29 at the Grand Hyatt Hotel. Ticket prices range from Rp 75,000 (US$34.09) to Rp 150,000 each. Tickets of Rp 1 million for Sept. 26, however, have all been sold out. This is the third visit of the choir to Jakarta. The first was in 1986, and the second in 1989.

'Civil servants must vote for Golkar'

'Civil servants must vote for Golkar' JAKARTA (JP): All government employees must vote for the ruling political organization Golkar in general elections, the secretary general of the Corps of Civil Servants (Korpri) said yesterday. "Without hesitation, I'd say Korpri members must channel their political aspirations through Golkar," Waskito Reksosoedirdjo told journalists at his office, Antara reported.

Alcohol blamed for crimes

Alcohol blamed for crimes MANADO, North Sulawesi: Governor E.E. Mangindaan linked the domestically-made alcohol Cap Tikus, or Rat Brand, to the rising incidence of crime in the area. The provincial government now plans to limit the distribution of the alcoholic drink. Mangindaan admitted it would be near impossible to ban the traditional drink made from coconut extract because coconuts are readily available. Drunken people are found in many public places, he said.

Rights commission calls for restraint

Rights commission calls for restraint DILI, East Timor (JP): The Secretary General of the National Commission on Human Rights, Baharuddin Lopa, is calling for all sides to maintain restraint to calm ethnic tension in the province. Lopa made his plea Thursday at Komoro airport as he left for Jakarta after a two-day investigation of the recent wave of ethnic violence in Dili. As Lopa left Dili, two other members of the Commission, legislators Aisyah Amini and B.N.

Youngsters shine after hard time in Asian meet

Youngsters shine after hard time in Asian meet JAKARTA (JP): Gold was so alluring to Chinese Taipei's Hsu Peichin that she collapsed and vomited just after winning the 400m low hurdles race on the third day of the 11th Asian Track and Field Championship at the Senayan Madya stadium yesterday. The 22-year-old clocked 56.99 to get across the finish line first, leaving Thailand's Reawadee Watanasin and Kazakhstan's Natalia Torchina in second and third place respectively.

Competition essential to improve public service

Competition essential to improve public service JAKARTA (JP): Creating competition among public utilities companies and governmental institutions is required to improve the quality of public services, State Minister of Administrative Reforms T.B. Silalahi said here yesterday. "Overhead costs of our economy is increasing and most of the costs are used to bribe officials... although not all of our officials accept bribes," Silalahi said at a seminar held at Sangri-La Hotel.

Success story of a partnership program (2)

Success story of a partnership program (2) The Bali Declaration issued late last month by the chiefs of 100 of the biggest business groups in Indonesia addressed the need to enhance business partnerships between small, medium and large firms. The Astra International group, however, started its own small business development program more than 10 years ago.

'Believe It or Not Museum' to make its debut in Jakarta

'Believe It or Not Museum' to make its debut in Jakarta By Ahmed Kurnia Soeriawidjaja JAKARTA (JP): Believe it or not, these are dinosaur eggs. Yes, the eggs are for real. Want to know what they look like? Take a peek at the Fun Auditorium of Ripley's Believe It or Not Museum at Pondok Indah Mall, South Jakarta. There are five fossilized dinosaur eggs, each the size of an adult fist. The eggs, estimated to be 144 million years old, were found in China's Hunan province in 1993.

Church Services

Church Services * Catholic Church, University of Atmajaya, Jl. Jend. Sudirman: Saturday 5:30 p.m., Sunday, 9 a.m., 10:30 a.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.

Armed Forces exhibition

Armed Forces exhibition From Neraca I read in the newspapers that the Armed Forces will hold an exhibition at the Jakarta Fair ground as of Sept. 22, 1995. In this relation I would like to propose that free transportation be made available so that average people may have the opportunity to visit the exhibition.

Govt selective in cooperation on archeology

Govt selective in cooperation on archeology JAKARTA (JP): The government has been very selective in accepting offers of cooperation in archeology and rejected various proposals from abroad, a senior official of the Ministry of Education and Culture said yesterday. "There have been many offers without good intentions, which we have had to reject," said Truman Simanjuntak of the prehistory department of the National Archeological Research Center.

Success story of a partnership program (1)

Success story of a partnership program (1) The Bali Declaration, issued late last month by the chiefs of the 100 biggest business groups in the country, addressed the need to enhance business partnerships between small, medium and large firms. The Astra International group, however, started its own small business development program more than 10 years ago.

Student brawls (2)

Student brawls (2) From Neraca Student brawls taking place in large cities, especially in Jakarta, have become alarming, as lives are sometimes claimed. According to my observations, student brawls usually take place in the month of September and early October. All of us are probably aware that we have witnessed some important events taking place during this period in the past. What is important in this case is to find out who is behind all these student brawls.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Good Vibration 3:05 Langka & Unik 3:30 Pushing the Limits 4:05 Student Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:30 Cultural Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Book World 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Karya Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dinamika 8:05 Music: Bintang Nusantara 9:00 World News 9:30 Quiz: Siapa Dia 10:30 Film: Rage at Dawn 10:55 Late News 11:05 Film (continued) TPI 5:30 a.m.

Norwegian glass, crystal at Hilton

Norwegian glass, crystal at Hilton JAKARTA (JP): Norwegian artistic glass and crystal items produced by the largest Norwegian glassworks Hadeland are on display in the Lagoon Tower lobby of the Jakarta Hilton Hotel, South Jakarta, until Sept. 28. The exhibition was opened on Tuesday (Sept. 19) by Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland who left Indonesia on Wednesday. Hadeland Glassverk started up in 1762, according to Norwegian embassy press release.

UN defers debate on E. Timor

UN defers debate on E. Timor JAKARTA (JP): The United Nations General Assembly, which got underway in New York this week, has once again deferred the East Timor debate till next year, Antara reported yesterday. The proposal to defer the issue, which has remained in the UN agenda, came from Thailand. It was seconded by Belgium and the motion was carried by acclamation, without being put to a vote.

Ginandjar hails proposal for more liberal economy

Ginandjar hails proposal for more liberal economy JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita said yesterday that all forms of economic protection and monopolies should be eliminated and replaced with an open market mechanism to achieve sound development.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 21, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ---------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,850 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,825 25 415,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,525 25 13,500 Anwar Sierad 1,275 0 41,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,775 0 153,000 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,000 0 0 Aster...

National spikers may go to Atlanta

National spikers may go to Atlanta JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian women's pair Berta Kaize and Timy Yudani could qualify for the beach volleyball competition at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, the world volleyball association announced yesterday. The association said in a letter to the chairman of the Indonesian Beach Volleyball Association, Rita Subowo, that the national duo deserve a place in Atlanta if they manage to maintain their commendable showing in the final four qualifying series.

Operation planned to collect taxes from expatriates

Operation planned to collect taxes from expatriates JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will launch an operation to collect overdue foreigners' taxes from expatriates in the city's five mayoralties, an official from the City Revenue Office said yesterday. H. Wahab Rachmatsyah, head of the office, said that the operation will be conducted from Sept. 25 until Oct.

Inten scorns regent

Inten scorns regent JAMBI, Jambi: Minister of Social Services Inten Soeweno has scorned Sarolangun Bangko Regent Zainul Imron for suggesting that all the Anak Dalam tribe, who live in Jambi's forests, should be resettled and begin a new life. During a working visit to the regency, Inten told the regent that the government's policy on isolated tribes is to provide guidance and treat them with dignity and respect.

ASEAN trade fair in Japan

ASEAN trade fair in Japan TOKYO (AFP): About 170 companies from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) started yesterday a five-day trade fair in Osaka, organizers said. "Quite a few number of Japanese companies are sending officials to the fair to hammer out business deals," an Osaka municipal government official said.

The hidden message

The hidden message A Western diplomat once complained about Indonesian politics being simply mind-boggling. The longer one tried to understand the situation, the more confused one became, he said. In a way, the diplomat was perhaps right. Even for some Indonesians the politics of their country can be confusing, although for many it is simple enough: Don't contradict what is written in the book, nor what applies in reality.

Where to go in Bali:

Where to go in Bali: Music and entertainment * Nusa Dua Beach Hotel: Budaya Stage - Ramayana Buffet Dinner, Monday. Legong Buffet Dinner, Friday. Poolside - BBQ Night with Angklung and Kolintang music entertainment, Wednesday. Notte Italiana music by Capo Dastro, Thursday. Club Tabuh - An Evening of Jazz, Saturday. Beach Area - Pesta Laut, Sunday. * Sheraton Lagoon Nusa Dua Beach: Poolside Terrace - Frog Dance Cultural Show, Wednesday.Janger Cultural Performance, Friday.

Parking fee too high

Parking fee too high From Neraca Visitors to the Jakarta Stock Exchange complain about the high parking fees they have to pay. Each car is charged Rp 500 for the first hour and another Rp 500 for each hour thereafter. Apart from that, the parking attendants often manipulate the machine which causes visitors to pay more than they should. Frequent complaints about this irregularity go unheeded. JAENAB NAINGGOLAN Jakarta

RI, RP share lead in Putra Cup

RI, RP share lead in Putra Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and the Philippines share the lead of the Putra Cup amateur men's team golf championship after the second round of the competition at the Royal Selangor Golf Club, Kuala Lumpur, yesterday. Indonesia, headed by seasoned player Sukamdi, carded 432, the same score achieved by the Philippines. On the opening day on Wednesday the Philippines surged ahead by two strokes and took the lead.

Soeharto seeks debt reductions

Soeharto seeks debt reductions JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto called on urged multilateral creditors yesterday to slash the debt obligations of the world's poorest countries and to play a greater role in stabilizing financial markets. Speaking at the World Economic Forum on East Asia in Singapore, Soeharto said bilateral and commercial creditors have assisted these countries with bilateral and commercial debt reductions.

Bobby sent to world chess meet

Bobby sent to world chess meet JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chess Association yesterday sent Master International Bobby Kurniawan to the 33rd World Junior Chess Championship in Halle, Germany, in the hope that he will finish among the top 10. The association also sent budding young player Neiko Rasaki to the 12th World Junior Girls' Chess Championship, to be held in the same German city and over the same period, namely Sept. 23 to Oct. 8.

Water supply for the poor

Water supply for the poor SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: PDAM Samarinda, the city's water company, is introducing a new system in which poor people can subscribe to its water supply by paying the Rp 360,000 (US$160) installation fee in installments. President of PDAM Samarinda, Djohansyah, said the plan is chiefly intended for residents of the Selili village because very few people there have subscribed to the facility, although the village is now included in PDAM's pipe network, Antara reported.

Land policy now profit-oriented, experts claim

Land policy now profit-oriented, experts claim JAKARTA (JP): After 35 years in existence, the agrarian law turns out be a "heap of dung", according to researchers. The law stresses the social function of land, but in reality land is a lucrative commodity and its use is very much profit- oriented, researcher Endang Suhendar said.

Lawsuit revocation in gang rape case draws criticism

Lawsuit revocation in gang rape case draws criticism JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman criticized yesterday the decision of the defense lawyers in a robbery and rape case to withdraw from a lawsuit against the Bekasi police just as the pre-trial session hearing of the suit was about to be concluded.

China dominates athletic c'ships with six golds

China dominates athletic c'ships with six golds JAKARTA (JP): China's new faces lived up to their predecessors' status as the strongest team on the continent yesterday, scooping six gold medals on the second day of the 11th Asian Track and Field Championships. South Korea and India each took a gold apiece. In an apparent justification of their long-time supremacy, Chinese runners seized both the continent's fastest man and woman tags, although they failed to beat the old marks.

Circumventing unrest

Circumventing unrest Controversies involving ethnicity, religion, race and/or community groups (SARA), are, as we all know, sensitive issues in Indonesia. According to the minister of defense and security, a closer look would reveal that in the whole Southeast Asian region such issues are never far from the surface. Similar problems have even cropped up in industrialized countries as a result of economic regression and growing unemployment.

Wang still fast, without magic potion

Wang still fast, without magic potion JAKARTA (JP): No more turtle blood. And 33 minutes 58.5 seconds brought yesterday's last gold medal to Wang Junxia, the first woman ever to run 10,000 meters in less than 30 minutes, at the 11th Asian Track and Field Championships here. The time was far slower than 31:23 she recorded at a Chinese track and field meet in Changchun earlier this month. It is still slower than the championship record of 32:25.27 set by compatriot Zhong Huandi in 1989.

Life insurance and AIDS

Life insurance and AIDS From Kompas On Sept. 5, 1995, I by chance tuned into the Ida and Krisna program of the Female radio. The morning program featured an interview with Winni from Jaya Bank. She said that Jaya Bank grants life insurance to each of its clients free of charge. According to Winni, the life insurance does not cover death caused by AIDS. And this is a regulation adopted in the life insurance scheme.

Indonesian diplomats poor debaters: Alatas

Indonesian diplomats poor debaters: Alatas JAKARTA (JP): Compared with other countries in the region, Indonesian diplomats are often hampered by their limited debating skills and language proficiency, says Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas. Speaking at the House of Representatives on Wednesday evening, Indonesia's number one diplomat lamented the fact that Indonesian envoys are often poor debaters. "We are not taught, from an early age, to debate.

140 students detained for planning attack

140 students detained for planning attack JAKARTA (JP): City police detained yesterday about 140 Jakarta and Bogor high school students for allegedly planning to attack a private high school in Sukabumi, West Java. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Bambang Permantoro told reporters that the arrests were made in response to reports about the planned attack from a driver of the city-owned bus company PPD. Bambang said that the students came to PPD's pool on Jl.

Abuse of power

Abuse of power From Media Indonesia We have often heard of some police officers abusing their authority for their own benefit. Cases of this kind never fail to draw attention from the media, which publish reports on the issues, sometimes slightly biased. I hope that whatever the motives of publication are, the rights of the person involved are respected.

Student brawls (1)

Student brawls (1) From Merdeka Almost every new academic year we are faced with a familiar scene, i.e. student brawls. The authorities and educators should give due consideration to this problem and do something about it. The aftermath of a brawl between two groups of students is often prolonged and results in severe injuries, or even deaths. Strangely, the students who are involved in the free-for-all fights are mostly new entrants in the high schools. Why is it so?

Update legislation on banking urgent

Update legislation on banking urgent JAKARTA (JP): Legal mechanisms related to the economy are urgently needed to fight banking crimes, police said yesterday. So far there is not a single law in Indonesia that explicitly defines banking crimes, National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman Astrosemitro said in a prepared paper which was presented by an aide during a seminar held jointly by the School of Criminology of the University of Indonesia and the Police Science Academy.

Govt promises transparency in haj fund management

Govt promises transparency in haj fund management JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher promised yesterday to personally ensure the better management of the haj pilgrim funds it collects every year. During a hearing with Commission IX of the House of Representatives, Tarmizi said he would take responsibility for his office's handling of the funds. "If it's not done correctly, I'll lose my job," he said.

Three Pakistanis arrested

Three Pakistanis arrested MERAUKE, Irian Jaya: Three Pakistanis' dreams of a new life in Australia were shattered when the authorities arrested them before they could make the short hop to Down Under. The head of the Merauke Immigration Office, Armili, said the three men were planning to enter Australia illegally through this southernmost city in Irian Jaya, Antara reported. The three men, who arrived in Merauke on Sept.

Two plywood firms accused of illegal trading

Two plywood firms accused of illegal trading JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo said yesterday that there have been "strong indications" of illegal timber trade and smuggling by two large plywood companies, PT SM and PT NP in Gresik, East Java. Djamaludin in a press conference yesterday said the findings were reported after a special Joint Team for Forest Security conducted a two-week investigation during the Aug. 4 to Aug. 19 period.

Anti-polio drive escapes Bajau

Anti-polio drive escapes Bajau KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Last week's nationwide immunization campaign for polio vaccination missed the children of the Bajau tribe because of difficulties in reaching them and also because of some resistance from parents. However, the province's health office chief, Mohammad Ali, is not giving up and now plans to mobilize his staff and volunteers, to make sure that all the Bajau children get their vaccinations, Antara reported.

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, Tuesday and Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.; Lost Morenitos, Monday Thursday and Sunday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Los Paraguas, Friday and Saturday from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. - Ambassador Lounge: Boece & Ayu (pianist and singer), Tuesday to Saturday, from 8 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Jakarta String Fantasy Trio, Monday to Saturday from 3:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Garin Nugroho, on his way to finding voice

Garin Nugroho, on his way to finding voice By Jane Freebury JAKARTA (JP): Garin Nugroho looks bemused. He has been having a bit of a tough time. Local audiences pinned such expectations on his film Bulan Tertusuk Ilalang (And the Moon Dances), the favorite Indonesian entrant at the Asia-Pacific Film Festival in July, that he has since borne the brunt of bruised hopes. But among the Indonesian filmmakers whose work was entered in the festival, it is Garin who is the "director".

Most Australians want 'harder' line towards RI

Most Australians want 'harder' line towards RI JAKARTA (JP): Australian Ambassador to Indonesia Allan R. Taylor said yesterday a majority of Australians want their government to take a "harder" line towards Indonesia, particularly in connection with the latter's human rights record. Speaking at a discussion held by the Indonesian Executive Circle, the ambassador added that the majority of Australians also wanted even closer ties between their country and Indonesia.

Panin Bank embezzler sought

Panin Bank embezzler sought JAKARTA (JP): Police are searching for an employee of the privately-owned Panin Bank who allegedly embezzled more than Rp 4 billion (US$1.81 million) in bank money last month, a bank official said yesterday. "We deny the press report yesterday saying that the amount stolen was Rp 92.5 billion," Panin Bank spokesman Budi Purnomo told reporters. According to Budi Purnomo the incident took place at the bank's Senayan branch in Central Jakarta.

Child labor

Child labor From Media Indonesia The position of working children and marginal children in Indonesia is in the process of "dehumanization." The Jakarta Social Institute observes that marginal children, who work as hawkers, shoe-shine boys or beggars, are often subject to violent measures taken by security authorities.

'Not a single name yet for ambassadorial post'

'Not a single name yet for ambassadorial post' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas has refuted reports that the government had selected a candidate to serve as ambassador to Australia. "At this time not a single name has been forwarded to the President, in fact the foreign ministry has not even processed it yet," Alatas said during a hearing with the House of Representative's Commission I on foreign affairs and defense late Wednesday night.

Yayuk wanted in Wismilak Open

Yayuk wanted in Wismilak Open JAKARTA (JP): The organizing committee of the US$100,000 Wismilak Open in Surabaya, East Java, has offered Indonesian tennis queen Yayuk Basuki a wild card entry in an attempt to raise the competition standard of the women's tennis tournament. Tournament director Agus Susanto said yesterday the organizers considered giving Yayuk free entry since she has yet to confirm her participation.

Wiranto agrees to meet with Koja Utara residents

Wiranto agrees to meet with Koja Utara residents JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta Military Commander Maj. Gen. Wiranto said yesterday that he wants to meet with residents involved in a land dispute in Koja Utara, North Jakarta, to hear their side of the story. "I invite the residents to meet me as soon as possible. The sooner the better," he said, responding to their request for a meeting with higher authorities.

Bad loans at state banks rise by $137m in two months

Bad loans at state banks rise by $137m in two months JAKARTA (JP): Bad loans at the country's seven state banks increased by Rp 313 billion (US$137.7 million) within the April- June period of this year, Governor of Bank Indonesia J. Soedradjad Djiwandono disclosed yesterday. Soedradjad said at a hearing with the Budget Commission of the House of Representatives that bad loans at the state banks increased to Rp 7.316 trillion as of last June, from Rp 7.003 trillion as of April.

Kitaro provides breathtaking spiritual music

Kitaro provides breathtaking spiritual music By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): New Age musician and composer Kitaro enchanted more than three thousand people when he and his group played Bengawan Solo in the middle of his concert at the Indoor Tennis Stadium at the Senayan Sports complex on Wednesday night. In contrast to other concerts, Kitaro provided spiritual music for his fans. The song Bengawan Solo by Gesang was performed outstandingly in a blend of eastern and western elements.

Pinatubo residents urged to leave

Pinatubo residents urged to leave MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos yesterday called on thousands of residents in low-lying areas near Pinatubo volcano to leave, to escape the frequent mudflows and ease the pressure on rescue and relief efforts. "We appeal to the people of Pampanga (province), especially those in the immediate path of the lahar (volcanic mudflow), to heed our advice and resettle instead of obstructing engineering and public works efforts," he said in a statement.

U.S. wants Asia-Pacific to make 'downpayment'

U.S. wants Asia-Pacific to make 'downpayment' KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): The United States called on Asia Pacific nations yesterday to make a "downpayment" on their commitment to trade liberalization at a trade summit in Japan later this year. U.S. Undersecretary of Commerce Jeffrey Garten told reporters at the end of a visit to Malaysia that Washington wanted the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to come up with an ambitious plan at the Osaka summit in November.

Sanitation office looks into missing funds

Sanitation office looks into missing funds JAKARTA (JP): A city councilor has urged the municipal sanitation office to review its system of collecting fees from residents for garbage removal services. Helmy A.R. Syihab, head of the council's Commission C, which oversees financial affairs, said yesterday that at present a lot of funds are going missing. While a portion of the money collected should go to neighborhood and community unit chiefs as commission, this is not being handed over, he said.

Administration to renovate school buildings

Administration to renovate school buildings JAKARTA (JP): The City Administration will renovate five state school buildings and one subdistrict office building, all of which are owned by the city. The buildings to be renovated are junior high school SMP Negeri 138 on Jl. Pahlawan Komaruddin in Pulo Gebang, East Jakarta, SMP Negeri 43 on Jl. Kapten Tandean in Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta; and senior high school SMA Negeri 78 on Jl. Bhakti in Kemanggisan, West Jakarta, SMA Negeri 21 on Jl.

'Economy still not efficient'

'Economy still not efficient' JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's most senior economist Sumitro Djojohadikusumo reaffirmed last night the urgent need to reduce the incremental capital output ratio and the dependency ratio in order to raise the international competitiveness of the Indonesian economy.

Elektrindo unveils new digital exchange

Elektrindo unveils new digital exchange JAKARTA (JP): PT Elektrindo Nusantara, a telecommunications equipment firm affiliated with the Bimantara Group, introduced yesterday a prototype of its new digital telephone exchange with a nominal capacity of 5,000 lines. Elektrindo's president, Harry Kuntoro, said that the new product, called SENA, is the new generation of STK-1000, a 1,000- line-capacity digital telephone exchange totally designed in Indonesia.

Koja residents demand meeting with governor

Koja residents demand meeting with governor JAKARTA (JP): Koja Utara residents said yesterday that they were waiting to meet with Jakarta Governor Surjadi Soedirja, to explain the whole situation regarding their land dispute, a resident said. "We want the governor to get information directly from us about the real situation here," Mochdar Barga told The Jakarta Post. He said the residents also wanted to meet Jakarta military commander Maj. Gen. Wiranto.

Sex workers and AIDS

Sex workers and AIDS Out of the third International Conference on AIDS in Asia and the Pacific in Chiang Mai, Thailand, has come a piece of news that deserves our attention. As has been reported, sex workers and support groups from 20 counties in this region, including Indonesia, agreed in a side meeting in Chiang Mai to set up a network to respond to allegations that prostitutes are spreading the deadly Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS).

Housing experts' meeting

Housing experts' meeting JAKARTA (JP): The East Asian Regional Organization for Planning and Housing is scheduled to hold its 28th executive committee meeting and a seminar to discuss integrated urban infrastructure and planning strategy tomorrow. Vice president of the organization, Parulian Sidabutar, said Tuesday evening that about 400 government officials, professionals and business executives from 10 East Asian countries will take part in the two-day meeting.

Germans fall into ravine

Germans fall into ravine PROBOLINGGO, East Java: A German couple fell into a ravine during a hiking trip at Pusung Cilik hill in the Mt. Bromo vicinity near here, Antara reported yesterday. Rescue workers found both Patrick Vosberg, 27 years old, and his wife, who was not identified by the news agency, but attempts to evacuate their bodies were held back because of bad weather.

King orders more measures as Thai floods kill 100

King orders more measures as Thai floods kill 100 BANGKOK (Reuter): Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej has called for additional measures to prevent flooding in Bangkok, including the clearing of derelict canals and the installation of pumps to drain floodwaters to the sea. The king's advice to city authorities, carried live on television, came as the death toll from flooding since early July across much of Thailand rose to nearly 100, provincial officials said yesterday.

Ramos wants trials sped up

Ramos wants trials sped up MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos has asked the Supreme Court to speed up trials and sentencing to deter criminals, the presidential palace said yesterday. "Early resolution of these cases, especially those involving death sentences, will show to our people clearly that crime does not pay," a palace statement quoted Ramos as saying.

Who's the prettiest?

Who's the prettiest? PALANGKA RAYA, Central Kalimantan: Muara Teweh, the capital of the Barito Utara regency, has been named the "prettiest" town in Central Kalimantan. Muara Teweh was chosen particularly because of the way it has managed the city's landscape and gardens, Titik Sundari, the chief spokesperson of Central Kalimantan's provincial administration, told Antara. The prettiest town award was given in connection with International Environmental Day.

School buildings in poor condition

School buildings in poor condition JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of state elementary schools in Bogor are in very poor condition and are badly in need of renovation. "The ceilings of a number of buildings have to be supported by bamboo poles. It really endangers students at the schools," Denny Moechry Moerti, the Bogor administration's spokesperson, said. Over 100 of the damaged schools are located in 23 villages in the Citeureup district, Denny was quoted by Antara as saying.

'Don't be afraid to report crime'

'Don't be afraid to report crime' JAKARTA (JP): City Military commander Maj. Gen. Wiranto encouraged the public yesterday to actively take part in maintaining security and order in the city. "Don't be afraid to report crime or ask for help from the community security men, grouped in Mitra Babinsa, whenever there are threats from criminals," he said.

The problem of inequity

The problem of inequity It was interesting to hear one observer, Juwono Sudarsono, offer the view that inequities will continue to exist in Indonesia for the coming 10 to 15 years. If that estimate is correct, it would mean that at least one more decade is needed to attain social justice for all. That is not a short period. The question that arises now is: Will we really be able to surmount this problem in 10 to 15 years?