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Unsafe parking in Kramat Jati market

Unsafe parking in Kramat Jati market From Neraca On Nov. 13, 1994 we went to Kramat Jati market, East Jakarta, at about 5 p.m. We parked our car in the parking lot of the market. To our horror, on the way home at 8.30 p.m. our car stalled inside the parking lot only 50 meters from the place where we had parked. Quite a few cars were behind us impatiently waiting for us to move. We were all girls in the car. With the aid of some men we gave the car a push.

Seeking help

Seeking help We were requested by the Dutch Red Cross to find the whereabouts of Hendrik van Gijselen or his family. His personal data is as follows: Hendrik van Gijselen born in Rotterdam on May 7, 1889. He was born to Mrs. Magdalena Vente, who, in 1943, was reportedly living in Java. Any reader who has information or is related to the family is requested to contact: Indonesian Red Cross Headquarters, Jl. Jend. Gatot Subroto, Kav. 96, Jakarta (Telp. 7992325 ext. 23). DR. H. SOESANTO Jakarta

Lee Kuan Yew to attend Asahi forum

Lee Kuan Yew to attend Asahi forum SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's senior minister, Lee Kuan Yew, is to attend the annual business and economic forum organized by Asahi Shimbun, Japan's largest daily newspaper, it was announced here yesterday. A statement from Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong's office said Lee would be in Tokyo for four days from today.

UPN Veteran's graduation

UPN Veteran's graduation UPN Veteran Jakarta, a university under the Ministry of Defense and Security, will graduate 1,475 students from various study programs at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center on Saturday. Brig. Gen.

Mahathir most sought after

Mahathir most sought after Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, one of the late arrivals for the leaders meeting, was also one of the most popular among the APEC pack. On arriving on Monday, he proceeded to attend the signing ceremony of a new Indonesia-Malaysia joint venture bank at the Shangri-La Hotel and then, seeing the hordes of journalists who turned up, dispensed with security protocol and made himself available to the journalists.

Indonesia needs $52b for infrastructure projects

Indonesia needs $52b for infrastructure projects JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia needs US$52 billion in investments for four major infrastructure projects for electricity, telecommunications, roads and water supply within the next five years, a minister said.

Robbery in Bekasi

Robbery in Bekasi Four burglars robbed a house owned by Jiman, a resident of the Cibitung village in Bekasi on Sunday, and got away with Rp 1 million cash and 63 grams of gold jewelry. Suara Karya daily reported yesterday the burglars broke into Jiman's house at 3 a.m. Jiman awoke when he heard noises but found the burglars were already in his living room when he finally investigated.

APEC declares free trade

APEC declares free trade By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat BOGOR, West Java (JP): Economic leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum yesterday unanimously adopted the Bogor Declaration committing themselves to comprehensive trade liberalization in the region by the year 2020. "The long term objective of intensifying closer trade and investment cooperation in the Asia- Pacific is open and free trade and investment," President Soeharto said here yesterday.

Old buildings to become tourist attraction centers

Old buildings to become tourist attraction centers By Yoko N. Sari JAKARTA (JP): Have you ever imagined living in the Dutch colonial period? Maybe yes, maybe no. What about staying in hundreds-of-years-old hotels or eating in restaurants once used as detention centers by the colonial government on the old days?

Privileged newsmen must work harder

Privileged newsmen must work harder JAKARTA (JP): Only 571 journalists were privileged to witness the historic declaration of the establishment of a free trade area in APEC in Bogor yesterday. They were selected out of some 4,000 accredited APEC journalists by the host nation committee in view of the limited space in the palace compound.

Haarhuis, Eltingh finish 1994 as world number one

Haarhuis, Eltingh finish 1994 as world number one JAKARTA (JP): The Dutch doubles team of Paul Haarhuis and Jacco Eltingh will no doubt finish this year as the world number one pair, despite still having the last tournament, the World Doubles championship final to play here next week.

Post colonial relations

Post colonial relations My salute to Ms. Nanny Djali for her letter in this paper's Nov. 9, 1994 issue. She did what many of us ought to do to counter Mr. de Kort's contorted perception of history. Every time one of his letters appears in The Jakarta Post I have a strong urge to blast back, but each time I was restrained by the realization: Why waste so much energy, emotion and time on this issue and his nonsense. But reading Ms.

Brown and green are in

Brown and green are in If APEC leaders could be considered as avant garde in men's fashion, then they've set next year's dominant color. It will be either brown or dark green. Long before coming to Bogor, the APEC leaders were sent samples of designs, to reflect their nation's identity, and the color of batiks they would wear for Bogor. Most have gone for brown and dark green, judging by yesterday's appearance. Only Indonesia's Soeharto and Japan's Tomiichi Murayama opted for a lighter color.

Red Cross-RI airlift for Afghans ends successfully

Red Cross-RI airlift for Afghans ends successfully KABUL (AFP): An airlift of emergency medical supplies, aimed at helping those wounded in Afghanistan's long-standing conflict, has been successfully completed by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), said a Kabul spokesman yesterday. The airlift was carried out with the loan of an Indonesian military C-130 aircraft and crew.

Electricity tariff raised

Electricity tariff raised From Media Indonesia As a developing country, Indonesia has to upgrade the quality of its human resources. To this end, the people must keep learning to increase their knowledge. The learning process will have good results if it is supported by good illumination i.e. electricity. Electricity constitutes a basic need in modern life. People use electricity according to their respective needs and capacities.

APEC prompts openness

APEC prompts openness What are the most distinctive aspects of our role in the APEC forum? First, it is the fact that Indonesia's existence as well as its contributions are respected and accepted not only by the developing countries, but also by the newly industrialized countries and the economic superpowers of the world such as the United States and Japan.

Indonesia's crude oil output to remain stable until 1999

Indonesia's crude oil output to remain stable until 1999 JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's crude oil output is expected to remain stable at 1.36 million barrels per day (bpd) until 1999 in spite of steady declines in production through the "primary recovery system," which yields the initial barrels of oil. G.A.S.

Thirteen isn't unlucky

Thirteen isn't unlucky Thirteen is not an unlucky number in Indonesia, least not for the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting. Philippine President Fidel Ramos did not object when his limousine and other vehicles which are part of his convoy were assigned the plate number AELM 13. The number has been assigned according in alphabetical order. AELM 1 is for Australia and AELM 17 is for the United States. Soeharto did not get one.

APEC album

APEC album Photo A: Soeharto JP/alx MR. CHAIRMAN: APEC chairman Soeharto takes questions from journalists at the end of the APEC leaders meeting. Behind him were other APEC leaders, including (left to right) Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia, Bill Clinton of the United States and Tomiichi Murayama of Japan. Photo B: Tour JP/alx BOGOR MYSTERY TOUR: Soeharto takes his APEC guests on a guided tour of the Bogor Presidential Palace.

Mandarin is spoken here

Mandarin is spoken here APEC may represent 18 countries but only seven languages are spoken, at least for the benefit of leaders attending the Bogor meeting. Seven teams of interpreters were prepared for the meeting. They were English, Indonesian, Korean, Japanese, Spanish, Chinese Mandarin and Chinese Cantonese. (emb)

Gus Dur wonders why so much fuss over Israel visit

Gus Dur wonders why so much fuss over Israel visit SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): The chairman of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Moslem organization, Abdurrahman Wahid, stressed here yesterday that there is no reason to prevent him from visiting Israel. He expressed confusion as to why certain parties in Indonesia deplored his recent visit to that country.

Leaders hail free trade pact, Mahathir has reservation

Leaders hail free trade pact, Mahathir has reservation JAKARTA (JP): Most APEC leaders praised the Bogor declaration yesterday but Malaysia registered some reservations. Australia's Paul Keating called the declaration "an extraordinary new path for the Asia-Pacific region toward extraordinary goals." "The significance of this commitment is enormous," he told a press conference at the Grand Hyatt hotel. "It is stronger than that made by parties to the GATT or by G7 countries.

RI sends juniors ton China Open

RI sends juniors ton China Open JAKARTA (JP): World number one Ardy Wiranata and number seven Alan Budikusuma lead a pack of Indonesian second stringers to the China Open badminton championships in Liaoning, starting today. National coach Indra Gunawan said the sending of the second stringers was aimed at increasing their exposure to international competitions for the sake of experience and at comparing their ability to that of China.

Residents, weather welcome APEC to Bogor

Residents, weather welcome APEC to Bogor BOGOR (JP): About one thousand Bogor residents cheerfully welcomed APEC delegations here as their leaders snaked through city streets in one procession after another. The cloudy day also looked to welcome the meeting as prospects of rain feared earlier went unfounded, though it rained the day before as well as on Saturday evening here.

S'pore investment in China

S'pore investment in China BEIJING (AFP): Singapore has become the fifth largest investor in China, pumping more than US$1.3 billion into the country in the first half of 1994, a report said yesterday. Actual Singaporean investment in China totaled $1.321 billion in the first six months, with the number of Singapore-funded projects more than doubling to 3,834, compared to 1,751 in 1993, the Xinhua news agency said.

NGOs air concerns over APEC impact

NGOs air concerns over APEC impact JAKARTA (JP): Several non-governmental organizations (NGOs) from Asia and Pacific countries raised concerns yesterday about the implications of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) process, which they say could bode ill for human rights.

Informality colors Bogor APEC meet

Informality colors Bogor APEC meet BOGOR, West Java (JP): Yesterday's meeting of APEC leaders in Bogor may have won the prize as the most formal of informal meetings of all time. All the leaders, which includes some of the world's most powerful like the United States, Japan and China, came in batik shirts, provided by the host nation. That's informal. Normal state protocol accorded to visiting heads of government or heads of state was absent when they arrived at the Bogor Presidential Palace.

'Gatra' magazine makes its debut

'Gatra' magazine makes its debut JAKARTA: Gatra, the weekly magazine which employs a group of former employees of the defunct Tempo, made its debut yesterday. The new magazine, published by PT Era Media Informasi, gave its readers the coverage of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting as its main story, the polling of young people's perception about the late president Sukarno and the controversial visit of Gus Dur, head of an influential Moslem organization, to Israel.

Clinton calls just-ended Bogor meeting 'historic'

Clinton calls just-ended Bogor meeting 'historic' JAKARTA (JP): United States President Bill Clinton called the Bogor declaration a historic one but warned that it should be followed up by the next meeting of leaders. "I feel very good about it, this is potentially a very historic declaration. But next year, if we don't lay down the blueprint, it is not a good sign. "If we do lay down the blueprint, that is a good sign.

Manufacturing sector faces no problem with free trade

Manufacturing sector faces no problem with free trade JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo stated yesterday that Indonesia's manufacturing industry will face no problems with the APEC trade liberalization. "We still have much time and our manufacturing industry is experienced enough," the minister said of the decision of the Asia and Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Bogor yesterday afternoon to liberalize trade among members.

Sponsorship threatens Lucky Strike c'ships

Sponsorship threatens Lucky Strike c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's preparations for hosting the world motocross championships for the first time next year have been marred with sponsorship problems. PT British-American Tobacco (BAT) Indonesia is considering withdrawing from sponsoring next year's Lucky Strike International Motocross Championships.

HIDUP stages APEC environmental event

HIDUP stages APEC environmental event JAKARTA (JP): Officials and businessmen from several APEC members gathered here yesterday evening in what the organizers called the only environmental event in coincidence with the APEC meetings that focused on economic issues. The reception was hosted by HIDUP -- Indonesia's trade association of companies dedicated to promoting environmental products, services and technology -- at the Clipper Restaurant.

Soccer raid effective in Malaysia

Soccer raid effective in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia's crackdown on crooked soccer is working and the heavy betting that accompanies most matches is declining, a senior soccer official said yesterday. "There has been a drastic difference and there's a sense of fresh air and cleanliness," Paul Mony, general secretary of the Football Association of Malaysia, told Reuters.

Feisal inducts new cadets

Feisal inducts new cadets MAGELANG: Armed Forces Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung has graduated 971 cadets from four military academies in Magelang, Central Java. The cadets were graduated and inducted over the weekend after they passed through 13 days of the Chandradimuka basic military training. Gen. Feisal said that the cadets were specially selected young people and are expected to study hard and do their training wholeheartedly.

Trans-ASEAN gas studied

Trans-ASEAN gas studied MANILA (AFP): Trans Energy of France is studying the natural gas industry in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to determine the feasibility of a trans-ASEAN pipeline, a Filipino energy official said yesterday. ASEAN groups natural gas exporters Brunei, Indonesia and Malaysia along with the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

PT Freeport to build copper smelting plant

PT Freeport to build copper smelting plant JAKARTA (JP): PT Freeport Indonesia will start constructing a copper smelting plant in Gresik, East Java, in the middle of next year with a production capacity of 200,000 tons per annum at a cost of about US$650 million, its president says. Hoediatmo Hoed told The Jakarta Post here Monday evening that Freeport will likely hold 100 percent of the equity in the company which will be established in order to sponsor the copper smelting project.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Siti Amelia Jakarta queen

Siti Amelia Jakarta queen Siti Amelia has been chosen as the Jakarta Putri Ayu Queen 1994, defeating 14 other finalists. The Suara Pembaruan evening daily reported yesterday that the first and second runners-up at competition held by the Putri Ayu foundation will be, respectively, Shinta Ruswita and Suci Kuniati Sujud. Mrs.

Forex and stocks

Forex and stocks Notice: Due to Jakarta's public holidays on Monday Nov. 14 and Tuesday Nov. 15, Bank Indonesia (the central bank) and the Jakarta Stock Exchange did no clearing transactions and share trading. Therefore, The Jakarta Post has not published the tables of foreign exchange conversion rates and stock price quotations in today's and yesterday's editions. -- Editor

Grady wins pro-am title

Grady wins pro-am title JAKARTA (JP): Last year's Tugu Pratama PGA champion Wayne Grady of Australia made up for his loss in the professional event by winning the individual pro-am event on Sunday. Playing on 18 holes at Bumi Serpong Damai golf course, Tangerang, near here, Grady was tied at 4 under par 68 with Stephen Lindskoq of Sweden and Felix Casas of the Philippines. The win earned Grady US$1,500, with Lindskoq and Casas pocketing $750 and $600 respectively.

Hillary Clinton warmly welcomed in Yogyakarta

Hillary Clinton warmly welcomed in Yogyakarta By Rita A. Widiadana YOGYAKARTA (JP): Thousands of Yogyakartans greeted American First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton yesterday as she visited a school, a community health center and two renowned temples. They shouted "Hillary, we love you," and a villager waved a towel bearing the American flag. During the day long visit Mrs. Clinton remained fresh and relaxed, apparently enjoying the entire tour though her hosts were unable to hide their fatigue.

Jl. Daan Mogot - Pasar Baru bridge project commences

Jl. Daan Mogot - Pasar Baru bridge project commences TANGERANG, West Java (JP): Tangerang Mayor Djakaria Machmud inaugurated the construction of a new bridge on Saturday, connecting Jl. Daan Mogot in West Jakarta and Pasar Baru. "The construction of the new bridge is meant to ease frequent traffic jams on the old Cisadane bridge on Jl. Merdeka," Djakaria said, adding that traffic congestion on the street is caused by an increasing number of vehicles to and from Jakarta.

Moerdiono rocks Bogor Palace with `Blue Suede Shoes'

Moerdiono rocks Bogor Palace with `Blue Suede Shoes' BOGOR, West Java (JP): As APEC leaders deliberated inside Bogor Palace, poised to make their monumental decision, hundreds of waiting journalists were entertained by an array of singers and dancers, including a surprise performance by Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono.

East Timor protesters mull asylum in Portugal

East Timor protesters mull asylum in Portugal JAKARTA (JP): Twenty nine East Timorese students occupying the U.S. embassy compound said yesterday that they are considering seeking asylum in Portugal. In Lisbon, Portuguese Prime Minister Anibal Cavaco Silva said on Monday the foreign ministry was trying to arrange for the group to go to Portugal.

Local TV networks pool resources to cover Bogor

Local TV networks pool resources to cover Bogor JAKARTA (JP): Six Indonesian television networks pooled their resources yesterday to provide the nation as well as the world comprehensive coverage of the historic meeting of APEC leaders in Bogor. The media pool turned out to have been effectively pulled off by the six networks. Until this week the concept had never fully caught on with the Indonesian media community.

A new milestone

A new milestone Even before the meeting started in Bogor yesterday, one could feel the consensus emanating from the 18 APEC leaders who were all dressed in specially designed Indonesian batik shirts. The press conference later in the day only confirmed that the occasion was not just another international talk-shop. The APEC Economic Leaders Meeting finally endorsed what is termed the "Indonesian vision", i.e.

Increase civil servants' earnings!

Increase civil servants' earnings! From Suara Karya I am a pensioner of the IV/E category (the top rank in the civil service) and my monthly pension is Rp 360,000 to support my family -- one wife, and two kids who are still in university. Such a meager income is enough only for two weeks of a modest life-style. Luckily we own a house of our own, so we don't have to pay rent. Imagine how civil servants (including armed forces members) whose rank is lower than mine manage on such small incomes?

Bogor to take APEC one step forward

Bogor to take APEC one step forward By Endy Bayuni BOGOR, West Java (JP): Leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum gather here today to take the grouping one step further forward from their last meeting in Seattle, Washington, last year, on the question of a regional free trade zone.

APEC urged to focus on trade liberalization

APEC urged to focus on trade liberalization JAKARTA (JP): Chile, APEC's latest member nation, asked the forum yesterday to focus its work on trade liberalization. "We prefer a fast pace of integration and economic liberalization in APEC, "Chile's Economics Minister Alvaro Garcia Hurtado told an open forum on the future direction of APEC. Hurtado said his country is ready to meet the faster timetable for free and open trade by 2010 as proposed by the Pacific Business Froum.

RP reports budget surplus

RP reports budget surplus MANILA (AFP): The Philippines reported a budget surplus of 15.44 billion pesos (US$643 million) for the first 10 months of this year, the finance department said yesterday. The department had predicted a deficit of 4.81 billion pesos.

Medics standby at airports

Medics standby at airports Special APEC medical centers have been opened at the Halim Perdanakusuma airport and the Soekarno-Hatta airport to anticipate any medical problems that might afflict the delegates. Six doctors, eight support staff members and two ambulances are on 24-hour standby to provide medical service for the important guests, Dr. Tommy Halauwet, coordinator for the one at the Halim Perdanakusuma airport, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Back-to-basics marketing approach reaps rich rewards

Back-to-basics marketing approach reaps rich rewards A canopy of red and white Coca-Cola banners fluttered along Surabaya's streets to herald the launching of yet another Coca- Cola marketing blitz. In Indonesia, as with the rest of the world, the marketing of the soft drink is shaped to fit the particular interests of the local consumer market. For Indonesia, this encompasses sponsoring special promotions, such as marketing blitzes and events held during national celebrations.

Is it elite schools, or elitist education?

Is it elite schools, or elitist education? By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): I attended a very stimulating seminar on theories of education recently. Based on my previous experiences in similar seminars, I had not expected an interesting discussion. I was wrong!

U.S. opens trade center in Jakarta

U.S. opens trade center in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): U.S. Secretary of Commerce Ronald H. Brown (far left) cut the ribbon in a ceremony marking the opening of the United States Commercial and Information Center last night. Brown said the opening of the center indicates America's serious commitment to enhancing trade, investment and economic relations with Indonesia. The ceremony at the World Trade Center was attended by Minister of Trade Satrio B.

Coca-Cola system in Indonesia lends helping hand to the needy

Coca-Cola system in Indonesia lends helping hand to the needy The bottlers of Coca-Cola in Indonesia never lose sight of their role in social welfare activities. Their contributions run a gamut of worthy causes, from helping victims of natural disasters to sponsoring community health programs. During this year, as two natural disasters devastated areas of West Java and Southern Sumatra, local bottlers were quick to mobilize resources to help out in the hour of need.

Feisal inducts new cadets

Feisal inducts new cadets MAGELANG, Central Java: Armed Forces Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung has graduated 971 cadets from four military academies in Magelang. The cadets were graduated and inducted over the weekend after they passed through 13 days of the Chandradimuka basic military training. Gen. Feisal said that the cadets were specially selected young people and are expected to study hard and do their training wholeheartedly.

Who's who in Bogor today

Who's who in Bogor today AUSTRALIA Paul John KEATING, Prime Minister Australia's Prime Minister Paul John Keating, 48, joined the Australian Labor Party at the age of 15 and became the president of the party's New South Wales branch from September, 1979 to February, 1983. Elected to the House of Representatives for the seat of New South Wales in 1969, Keating became Minister of Northern Australia in the Whitlam Cabinet from October to November, 1975.

TV Today

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

APEC leaders to set dates on free trade

APEC leaders to set dates on free trade JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum are expected to set dates for trade liberalization in the region during their second meeting in Bogor, south of here, today, Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said.

Bogor pulls together for APEC conference

Bogor pulls together for APEC conference By Johannes Simbolon BOGOR (JP): The long-lost beauty of Bogor has been regained as the meeting of APEC economic leaders is set to take place in just a matter of hours. "The cleanliness of the town at present reminds me of the 1950s when I was just a little boy. Honestly speaking, the town hasn't been this clean in a long time," said Tanu Sulianto, who was born and raised in Bogor and also hopes to die here.

Evans visits 'Tempo' exhibition

Evans visits 'Tempo' exhibition JAKARTA (JP): Australian Foreign Affairs Minister Gareth Evans attended an exhibition of old Tempo magazine covers and the launching of Sidelines, a book of selected essays by its former chief editor, last Sunday evening. "Evans only paid a short visit here, about ten minutes," said Goenawan Mohamad, former chief editor of the now defunct Tempo magazine. At the opening of the exhibition, Evans was accompanied by Australian ambassador to Indonesia, Allan Taylor.

More land needed for cemeteries

More land needed for cemeteries Jakarta will need at least 700 hectares of land for cemeteries by the year of 2005, said Sridhana, an official of the city administration. Sridhana said his office intends to make cemeteries also function as water catchments. After leading a comparative study tour to Medan last week, Sridhana said the city plans cemeteries based on green, beautiful systematic principles.

Jakartans flock to West, Central Java for APEC holidays

Jakartans flock to West, Central Java for APEC holidays JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of Jakartans fled to West Java's major tourist destinations, such as Bandung and Carita, and even as far as Semarang, in Central Java, and Yogyakarta. The out-of-season visitors who booked hotels, strolled along streets and browsed in shopping centers were Jakartans trying to make the most of the government's decision to declare Monday and Tuesday public holidays.

Governor urges Dili people to remain calm

Governor urges Dili people to remain calm JAKARTA (JP): East Timorese Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares is urging local citizens to remain calm following an incident at the Becora Inpres market in East Dili. "Be calm and don't be easily provoked by groundless rumors," Antara news agency reported the governor as saying on Sunday.

Unfortunate distractions

Unfortunate distractions Different words have been used to express the official reactions to the latest events, but in conclusion it may be said that the demonstration by a group of East Timorese students at the United States Embassy in Jakarta and the rioting which occurred in Dili in the last several days are highly unfortunate incidents indeed.

Indonesia little known in Australia

Indonesia little known in Australia By Rob Goodfellow WOLLONGONG, New South Wales, Australia (JP): Given the importance placed on the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation summit by Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating it is surprising that most Australians still appear to know little or nothing about our closest Asian neighbor, Indonesia.

Bintoro, the technocrat behind the Bogor communique

Bintoro, the technocrat behind the Bogor communique JAKARTA (JP): The declaration by APEC's 18 leaders that will be read at the end of their meeting in Bogor today is in part the result of the hard work of Professor Bintoro Tjokroamidjojo, President Soeharto's special assistant on APEC affairs.

Canada regards RI as important trade partner

Canada regards RI as important trade partner JAKARTA (JP): Canada regards Indonesia as its most important trading partner in Southeast Asia with trade volume between the two countries approaching US$1 billion. "Indonesia is Canada's most important trading partner in Southeast Asia," Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien said.

APEC tourism slacking

APEC tourism slacking There were no smiles at Smailing Tour as it found out that APEC and tourism don't mix, not just yet anyway. The private tour operator, which has opened a stand at the APEC Media Center in the hope of cashing in on the presence of hordes of delegates and journalists, says business is slow. Only a few people came to book flights, mostly to Yogyakarta or Bali. Several others asked for seats to Dili, an attendant of the tour operator said.

Grady wins pro-am title

Grady wins pro-am title JAKARTA (JP): Last year's Tugu Pratama PGA champion Wayne Grady of Australia made up for his loss in the professional event by winning the individual pro-am event on Sunday. Playing on 18 holes at Bumi Serpong Damai golf course, Tangerang, near here, Grady was tied at 4 under par 68 with Stephen Lindskoq of Sweden and Felix Casas of the Philippines. The win earned Grady US$1,500, with Lindskoq and Casas pocketing $750 and $600 respectively.

APEC album

APEC album Photo A: Spouses JP/alx THE WOMEN BEHIND APEC: Indonesia's First Lady Mrs. Tien Soeharto (center) hosted a luncheon for the spouses of the APEC leaders at the Presidential Palace yesterday. America's First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton (fourth from left) was one of the six first ladies in the group of visitors yesterday.

Coca-Cola focuses of the world of sports

Coca-Cola focuses of the world of sports The Coca-Cola system in Indonesia was the proud recipient of a special government award for its role in contributing to the development of sports in the nation. The state decoration for sports was awarded to representatives of the company by Vice President Try Sutrisno in September of this year. Coca-Cola in Indonesia is the first corporate winner of the award.

Prolonged weekend in city facilitates traffic flow

Prolonged weekend in city facilitates traffic flow JAKARTA (JP): The government's decision to prolong the weekend to prevent traffic congestion during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting activities has facilitated traffic flow in the capital's streets which are usually clogged by cars. An official of the City Land Transportation Control Agency, who asked for anonymity, said yesterday that the traffic situation in Jakarta was "under control". "Traffic in the city is very smooth.

New program launched to improve labor conditions

New program launched to improve labor conditions JAKARTA (JP): The government is launching a comprehensive industrial relations program to improve labor conditions in the country, says Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief. "Despite some encouraging advances achieved last year, we still have many things to do to improve labor conditions, including the welfare of workers and the enforcement of labor laws," he told The Jakarta Post before his departure to Geneva over the weekend.

Dinner kicks off APEC leaders meet

Dinner kicks off APEC leaders meet JAKARTA (JP): Leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum gathered at the Jakarta Convention Center yesterday evening on the eve of their momentous Bogor conference which will determine the fate of trade liberalization in the region. The leaders arrived one by one at around 7 p.m.

Sketches tops book sale

Sketches tops book sale The newly-published Sketches of Indonesian Society, a compilation of articles by Indonesian intellectual Mochtar Buchori, is making a splash at the APEC meeting. The book, launched only a week ago, is topping sales at the Gramedia book stand at the Jakarta Convention Center, where the APEC meeting and the media center are located. "We began with 200 copies and now we're down to 57," said the Gramedia attendant on Saturday. The book retails at Rp 15,000 per copy.

Clinton raises human rights, Korea with President Jiang

Clinton raises human rights, Korea with President Jiang JAKARTA (Reuter): U.S. President Bill Clinton and Chinese President Jiang Zemin are in broad agreement over keeping the Korean peninsula nuclear free but old differences over human rights remain, U.S. officials said yesterday. They said Korea was the main topic as the two presidents met on the eve of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, expected to form the world's largest free-trade zone.

Bogor meeting expected to endorse Indonesian vision

Bogor meeting expected to endorse Indonesian vision JAKARTA (JP): Noted Australian economist Ross Garnaut predicted yesterday that the meeting in Bogor today will produce what he terms the Indonesian formula for realizing the long-term, economic vision of APEC leaders. Garnaut told an open forum on the future of APEC that the Indonesian formula or statement to be issued by the APEC leaders will commit them to liberalization towards free and open trade in the region along the principles of GATT.

RI to become int'l financial center by 2000

RI to become int'l financial center by 2000 JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, with its free foreign exchange regime and the rapid growth of its economy, has the potential to become one of the major international financial centers by the turn of the century, an executive said yesterday.

First ladies get a glimpse of Indonesia in half a day

First ladies get a glimpse of Indonesia in half a day JAKARTA (JP): Six first ladies got a glimpse of Indonesia, an archipelago of 17,000 islands, in a matter of half a day. The ladies, who are accompanying their husbands to the APEC meeting, visited the Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park yesterday. The tourist site, popularly known by locals as Taman Mini, provides visitors with a display of the diversity of Indonesia.

Clinton and the rights issue

Clinton and the rights issue Clinton, whose Democratic Party suffered heavy losses in the recent elections, appears to be more inclined to discuss economic and military issues with Indonesia, which is at present playing the diplomatic role of "spokesman" for the Third World. Clinton is disinclined to take up the human rights issue directly with President Soeharto because it represents too small an interest for the United States.

N. Korea nuclear pact praised

N. Korea nuclear pact praised JAKARTA (Reuter): The leaders of the United States, South Korea and Japan used a joint meeting in Jakarta last night to hail the importance of the U.S.-North Korean nuclear pact. "They strongly endorsed the...agreed framework for settling the nuclear issue, which opens the way to a new era of stability and increased prosperity in the region," a joint statement issued after the meeting said. U.S.

Coca-Cola fully aware of environment

Coca-Cola fully aware of environment The Coca-Cola system in Indonesia lets its actions speak louder than words on the issue of protecting the environment. The company's 12 bottlers in Indonesia have launched a number of programs aimed at increasing environmental awareness among employees and the general public.

President Clinton will give jet-setting whole new meaning

President Clinton will give jet-setting whole new meaning JAKARTA (Reuter): U.S. President Bill Clinton's Asian trade mission involves 20,500 miles (33,000 km) of travel, but he will give new meaning to the term "jet-setter" if he follows through on tentative travel plans for early December. That schedule, administration officials say, calls for Clinton to fly to California on Dec. 3 for a Democratic Party fund raiser hosted by Hollywood producer Steven Spielberg, back to Washington on Dec.

All quiet at JCC front

All quiet at JCC front All's quiet at the JCC front, according to security officers manning the venue of the APEC conference. By Saturday morning, only 10 people had been reprimanded by guards, all for not wearing their APEC IDs, said a high ranking officer in charge of APEC security at the Jakarta Convention Center. "So far, everything has been running very smoothly," said the officer, who requested anonymity. The 10 reprimanded include journalists and delegates.

S. Korea to invest in home appliance base

S. Korea to invest in home appliance base SEOUL (AFP): South Korea's Goldstar Co. will invest US$580 million in Indonesia over the next five years to build a joint- venture home appliance production base, a company spokesman said yesterday. "We opted for Indonesia to build it as a strategic, comprehensive production base in the Southeast Asian region," said the spokesman, adding that Indonesia would emerge as its third largest operation outside South Korea and China.

Yayuk earns doubles title with Romana

Yayuk earns doubles title with Romana JAKARTA (JP): Yayuk Basuki and Romana Tedjakusuma earned their first professional women's doubles title at the Wismilak Open tennis championships in Surabaya, East Java, without breaking into a sweat on Sunday. Their Japanese opponents, Kyoko Nagatsuka and Ai Sugiyama, failed to appear since Sugiyama remained debilitated from the illness she suffered in her unfinished singles final against German Elena Wagner.

40 locations prone to AIDS

40 locations prone to AIDS JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The health training center chief in Irian Jaya, Sandjaja, announced yesterday there are 40 locations in the province prone to the spread of AIDS. Ten of the 40 locations are in Jayapura regency, eight in Merauke, four respectively in Fak-Fak, Jayawijaya, Biak Numfor and Manokwari, three in Sorong and two in Paniai, he said.

Architecture in Jakarta

Architecture in Jakarta From Kompas The physical development in Jakarta -- Jl. Jenderal Sudirman, Jl. Gatot Subroto and Casablanca areas -- is amazing. High-rise buildings with various architectural designs and functions are found in these areas. Unfortunately, all the buildings look similar to ones we find in other countries like Tokyo, Hong Kong or New York. And none of the buildings -- hotels, apartments, and shopping centers etc. -- reflects Indonesia's traditional architecture.

Now it's Clinton's turn to reassure the Japanese

Now it's Clinton's turn to reassure the Japanese JAKARTA (Reuter): U.S. President Bill Clinton assured Japan yesterday that his policy will not change because of the defeats suffered by his Democrats in last week's mid-term congressional elections, Japanese officials said. "I am not worried at all about your coalition government now," Japanese officials quoted Clinton as telling Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Robbery in Bekasi

Robbery in Bekasi Four burglars robbed a house owned by Jiman, a resident of the Cibitung village in Bekasi, and got away with Rp 1 million cash and 63 grams of gold jewelry on Sunday. Suara Karya daily reported yesterday the burglars broke into Jiman's house at 3 a.m. Jiman awoke when he heard noises but found the burglars were already in his living room when he finally investigated.

Forex and stocks

Forex and stocks Notice: Due to Jakarta's public holidays on Monday Nov. 14 and Tuesday Nov. 15, Bank Indonesia (the central bank) and the Jakarta Stock Exchange will not hold clearing transactions and share trading. Therefore, The Jakarta Post will not be publishing the tables of foreign exchange conversion rates and stock price quotations in today's and tomorrow's editions. -- Editor

Clinton satisfied at E. Timorese handling

Clinton satisfied at E. Timorese handling JAKARTA (JP): United States President Bill Clinton said yesterday he had been given assurances by the Indonesian government that the 29 young East Timorese who are occupying the U.S. embassy parking lot will not be punished when their standoff comes to an end. "We have been assured that there will be no retribution against them for exercising their political expression and bringing their concerns to us," Clinton told a press conference at the U.S.

Jiang says China is not a threat to the U.S.

Jiang says China is not a threat to the U.S. JAKARTA (JP): China assured the United States yesterday that the Beijing government will not pose a threat to the Washington administration, either politically and economically, because the two countries share a broad area of cooperation. During a meeting here yesterday, Chinese President Jiang Zemin told U.S.

South Jakarta's sanitation inspected

South Jakarta's sanitation inspected South Jakarta Mayor H. Pardjoko toured his mayoralty on Sunday to inspect its standards of sanitation. In his visit, on Jl. Darmawangsa, the mayor ordered his subordinates to remove a pile of stones and rubble, which were piled up in front of a luxury house. The mayor warned that his administration will take strong measures if the house owner did not do anything to improve the cleanliness of the area.

Ministers urge anti-dumping measures in Asia-Pacific

Ministers urge anti-dumping measures in Asia-Pacific JAKARTA (JP): Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans and Chilean Minister of the Economy Alvaro Garcia Hurtado want action to end dumping practices in the Asia-Pacific region. Evans and Garcia told a business symposium held on the sideline of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings that dumping practices in the region hurt the efforts to harmonize policies on fair business competition in the region.

Expatriate seeking help

Expatriate seeking help I am an expatriate and have been working in Indonesia for more than five years. I like the country because of its relaxed nature, unlike Singapore, which is a little bit too formal and too much manmade. For the past three-and-a-half years I was employed as a director looking after factory production and sales. At the end of last year, when my contract was expired, a company approached me and invited me to work for them with nice benefits.

Malaysian wins Formula Asia

Malaysian wins Formula Asia JAKARTA (JP): A thrilled Alex Yoong of Malaysia took his first Formula victory in commanding style in Zhuhai, China, yesterday. In front of a crowd of 100,000 spectators, the 18-year-old Yoong showed his formidable driving talent, negotiating the testing street circuit with skill and maturity. Yoong finished 0.22 second ahead of Stanley Iriawan of Indonesia, with Akbar Ebrahim of India finishing third.

E. Timor to have health academy

E. Timor to have health academy DILI, East Timor: The provincial office of the health ministry will establish an academy of health in East Timor next year to improve the quality of nurses in the province. The academy will have three departments, treatment, nutrition and environmental health, the head of East Timor's provincial office of the health ministry, Dr. Samuel Munaiseche told Antara over the weekend.

Share prices mixed amidst lackluster trading

Share prices mixed amidst lackluster trading JAKARTA (JP): Stock prices closed mixed across the board amidst lackluster trading throughout last week. The market generally seemed to lack fresh factors, following the weak performance of the regional markets. The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Composite Index closed the week down 7.22 points to 513.38. Although the down-side potential looks minimal, the index in the short term is likely to move sideways.

Free trade concept stretched

Free trade concept stretched In their latest move, the APEC conference organizers have expanded on the concept of free trade, which members continue to debating in order to suit their respective programs. The organizers are giving out the luxuriously illustrated Green Indonesia, by journalist Ilsha Sharp and photographer Alain Compost, to delegates and journalists for free.

APEC album

APEC album Photo A: Luncheon JP/alx APEC TOAST: South Korean President Kim Young-sam raises his glass for a toast with Indonesia's Coordinating Minister of Economy and Finance during a business luncheon. The lunch meeting was organized by the Indonesia-Korea Economic Cooperation Committee at the Shangri-la Hotel in Jakarta yesterday.

Mahathir to inaugurate joint venture bank

Mahathir to inaugurate joint venture bank JAKARTA (JP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad is scheduled to inaugurate PT May Bank Nusa International, a Malaysian-Indonesian joint venture bank established with a capital of Rp 100 billion (US$46 million), at a ceremony here today. Coordinating Minister for Economy and Finance Saleh Afiff is expected to attend the ceremony at the Shangri-La hotel, Bangun Sarwito Kusmuljono, a commissioner of the joint venture, revealed over the weekend.

Telephone fine too much

Telephone fine too much From Media Indonesia Telephone subscribers who fail to pay their telephone bills for two consecutive months have their lines cut off. PT Telkom will connect the line again after the bills have been paid, and paid a Rp 1 million fine. I think the fine is too burdensome, especially for a pensioner like me. So, perhaps it is necessary for PT Telkom to review the policy concerning the fine.

Hariyanto Arbi wins Hong Kong Open

Hariyanto Arbi wins Hong Kong Open HONG KONG (Reuter): Indonesia's Hariyanto Arbi played his heart out here yesterday to defeat compatriot Ardy Wiranata 15-9, 15-11 in the Hong Kong Open final. The final was a re-match of their All-England championship showdown and the result was the same with 22-year-old Hariyanto engineering openings for his power smash with deep clears and well-executed drop shots.

18 dead, 43 missing in RI boat tragedy

18 dead, 43 missing in RI boat tragedy KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Eighteen people died and 43 were missing after a boat carrying 87 Indonesian illegal immigrants capsized off the Malaysian coast during a storm, Malaysia's TV3 reported yesterday. The boat, ferrying its passengers from Tanjung Pinang in Indonesia's Riau islands, capsized when it was hit by big waves two miles off Malaysia's southeast coastal town of Tanjong Balau late on Friday night, it said.

Cooperation to preserve water catchment urged

Cooperation to preserve water catchment urged JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja underlined late last week the importance of cooperation between Jakarta and West Java in preserving water catchment areas. Speaking at a ceremony marking the change of management at the Ciburial water reservoir in Bogor regency, the governor said that coordination is badly needed to help secure an adequate water supply for Jakartans.

APEC ministers' joint statement

APEC ministers' joint statement Following is the joint statement issued on Saturday, Nov. 12, 1994, at the conclusion of the two-day ministerial meeting of the 18 Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation members in Jakarta. The statement comprises 72 points addressing various programs and plans for the five-year-old forum. JOINT STATEMENT 1.

Is it `APEC', `apek' or `apes'?: Jakartans are wondering

Is it `APEC', `apek' or `apes'?: Jakartans are wondering By Yoko N. Sari JAKARTA (JP): Every big event generates its own jokes, or anecdotes, and the big APEC gathering in Indonesia over the past week is no exception among the local people. As newspapers and television have bombarded Indonesian readers and viewers with APEC stories over the past month, people are now beginning to understand what the four letter acronym stands for.

Australia. Chile tie up

Australia. Chile tie up SYDNEY (AFP): Chile and Australia agreed here Saturday to strengthen bilateral ties and work together for progress at the APEC summit this week in Indonesia.

Ramos moves to save project

Ramos moves to save project MANILA (AFP): President Fidel Ramos yesterday moved to save Japanese funding for a 1.3 billion peso (US$54.17 million) irrigation project in the southern Philippines, which has been disrupted by Moslem guerrilla violence.

Joop does his part

Joop does his part Indonesian Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave has different ways of making APEC delegates and journalists feel welcome. Yesterday, he greeted an arriving Mexican journalist by bursting into the Spanish song "Cucurucucu Paloma...". The surprised journalist, obviously pleased, asked for the minister's business card, saying that he wanted to interview him. Joop complied and then asked the journalist "You are Catholic, aren't you?" "Yes," was the response.

Irregular delivery of `Time'

Irregular delivery of `Time' From Kompas I have been subscribing to Time for tens of years. In May 1993 I paid my subscription fee for the next three years, 1993-1996, to PT Gunung Agung, as the Time distributor. The delivery used to be well done. But the delivery stopped without notice since I got No. 27 issue in July 1994. Finally in August after I contacted PT Gunung Agung five times, I was informed that PT Gunung Agung was no longer the distributor of Time. The new distributor was Indoprom.

Thailand to boycott Australian weapons

Thailand to boycott Australian weapons BANGKOK (AFP): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai yesterday threatened to boycott Australian-made weapons in retaliation for continuing allegations that some Thais support Khmer Rouge guerrillas in Cambodia. "If they still think this way, we won't buy (the weapons)," he told reporters in Jakarta.

Retailers set up another association

Retailers set up another association JAKARTA (JP): The country's largest retailers agreed to form an association to enhance cooperation in further developing retail trade at a trendy restaurant in Senayan, Central Jakarta late last week. Under the agreement, H.E. Dachlan was appointed chairman, accompanied by Hari Darmawan and Anton Lukmanto, as the respective heads of the department store and super market sections. M.N.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Hostages involved in spying: Papers

Hostages involved in spying: Papers BANGKOK (Reuter): Thai newspapers on Saturday quoted the country's army chief as suggesting that three Western hostages abducted by Cambodia's Khmer Rouge guerrillas and later killed had been involved in espionage. Gen. Wimol Wongwanich, army commander-in-chief, angrily denied accusations by Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans that Thai businessmen and some soldiers gave logistical support to the rebel Khmer Rouge, the papers said.

Indonesian, Australian firms sign US$5.5 billion contract

Indonesian, Australian firms sign US$5.5 billion contract JAKARTA (JP): Two Indonesian-Australian joint venture companies, PT Indonesia Bulk Terminal and PT Adaro Indonesia, have signed a US$5.5 billion contract with Indonesia's PT Batu Hitam Perkasa to supply and handle coal for PT Paiton Energy Company's coal-fired plant in East Java. The agreement was signed here yesterday by representatives of the three companies in an Asian Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) brunch gathering.

Internet access available through 'IndoNet' service

Internet access available through 'IndoNet' service JAKARTA (JP): Number of readers have been anxiously asking whether there's a cost-efficient way they can access Internet in Indonesia. Have I got good news for you! You can now access Internet through PT IndoInternet's network, called IndoNet. To become a member of IndoNet, the registration fee is Rp 50,000 and monthly fee is Rp 40,000. This monthly fee entitles you to up to 15 hours of access time.

RP, U.S. sign extradition treaties

RP, U.S. sign extradition treaties MANILA (AFP): The Philippine and U.S. foreign secretaries yesterday signed extradition and mutual legal assistance treaties in an effort to boost the fight against global drug rings and international fraud. U.S. Secretary of State Warren Christopher and Philippine Foreign Secretary Roberto Romulo signed the Extradition Treaty and the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty at the presidential palace in Manila.

Waiting for stronger signal

Waiting for stronger signal The results of the APEC Ministerial Meeting may come as a major disappointment especially to businessmen who from the outset have focused their attention on the proposed timetable for free trade and investment liberalization in the region.

World leaders come to town

World leaders come to town JAKARTA (JP): Presidents Bill Clinton of the United States and Jiang Zemin of China arrived in Jakarta yesterday as Indonesia plays host, for the next two days at least, to leaders of some of the world's most powerful countries. Prime ministers Jean Chretien of Canada and Paul Keating of Australia also came in yesterday and Japanese prime minister Tomiichi Murayama has been in town since Saturday.

Abdurrahman Wahid's election to world religious body hailed

Abdurrahman Wahid's election to world religious body hailed JAKARTA (JP): Prominent religious figures have hailed the decision made by the World Conference on Religion and Peace (WCRP) to name Abdurrahman Wahid, chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama organization, a member of the presidium of the WCRP. "We are proud that an Indonesian was selected as one of WCRP's presidents," one of the Indonesian delegates to the recent sixth WCRP in Rome, Victor Tanja, said on Saturday.

Car theft suspects arrested in Klaten

Car theft suspects arrested in Klaten PURWAKARTA, West Java: The Purwakarta police arrested two vehicle theft suspects in their hiding place in Tulungrejo village, Klaten, Central Java. Based on information obtained during the interrogation of the suspects, the police confiscated 15 motorcycles and six cars in Karawang, West Java, over the weekend. The police are still looking for four alleged accomplices, who escaped during the raid.

Sincerity key human resources quality

Sincerity key human resources quality By Bob Widyahartono JAKARTA (JP): As we enter the APEC era, the question for many Indonesian businesses is not "what is the newest, or best, technique in human resources development (HRD)?" but "are they sincere in HRD, professionally?" Can they claim that, with regards to HRD, their organizational capacities and capabilities are solid enough to meet the challenges of entering into alliances with partners from Indonesia and also from the Asia Pacific on a...

Clinton lends support to APEC ideals

Clinton lends support to APEC ideals U.S. President Bill Clinton's arrival in Jakarta yesterday, accompanied by many of his administration's prominent members, affirms his wholehearted commitment to the success of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) process. Fresh from the successes of his peace negotiations in the Middle East and Haiti, Clinton will be working toward the objective of securing increased cooperation in all facets of relationships among the 18 member countries.

Bukaka, Indoprima to offer shares for local market

Bukaka, Indoprima to offer shares for local market JAKARTA (JP): Two manufacturing firms will soon offer shares to the public through the domestic stock exchanges to raise funds for their expansion programs. PT Bukaka Teknik Utama, a company operating in the engineering and manufacturing of infrastructure-related products, will sell around 40 million shares on the Jakarta and Surabaya Stock Exchanges early next month, the company's president, Fadel Muhammad, said here on Saturday.

APEC vehicle towards trans-Pacific community

APEC vehicle towards trans-Pacific community The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum is a vehicle for Asia to define itself in trans-Pacific terms, not just East Asia regional terms, a U.S. administration official says. The U.S.

Evans still confident on free trade deadline

Evans still confident on free trade deadline JAKARTA (JP): Australia remained optimistic that leaders of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum would adopt a declaration for the implementation of trade liberalization by a set deadline. "I think there's a very good chance and I think the last few days have enhanced that prospect," Australian Trade Minister Bob McMullen said yesterday. "It will depend on what comes out of the dynamic of the leader's meeting.

Chinese war of words

Chinese war of words The joint press conference at the end of the APEC ministerial meeting on Saturday became, at one point, an arena for the China versus Taiwan battle. Journalists from Chinese Taipei, the official name for Taiwan at APEC, took turns in asking questions, first to the Japanese delegation about the possibility of inviting the Taiwanese president to the APEC leadership meeting next year.

Oscar Vromas takes int'l motocross title

Oscar Vromas takes int'l motocross title JAKARTA (JP): Oscar Vromas of the Netherlands wrapped up his Lucky Strike international motocross championships campaign in style, producing a come-from-behind run to take the overall title after the grueling final leg yesterday. Vromas headed a pack of world-class overseas crossers who prevailed over Indonesian rivals in yesterday's race at the Cibubur circuit with 133 points.

E. Timorese still hold ground at U.S. embassy

E. Timorese still hold ground at U.S. embassy JAKARTA (JP): A group of 29 young East Timorese who forced their way into the American embassy on Saturday were still holed up inside as of last night. They refused orders to leave by embassy officials and rejected offers of mediation. The latest offer came from the National Commission on Human Rights, whose three members, including secretary general Baharuddin Lopa, went to try to talk to them.

Prolonged weekend leads to mass exodus

Prolonged weekend leads to mass exodus JAKARTA (JP): The presidential decree declaring Nov. 14 and Nov. 15 public holidays for all government and private sector offices, as well as schools, in Jakarta has sparked a mass exodus from Jakarta to other cities and even other countries. Presidential Decree No. 74/1994, signed by President Soeharto on Nov.

UI to promote new professor

UI to promote new professor The School of Law of the University of Indonesia will promote R.M. Girindro to the rank of professor on Nov. 11. The promotion ceremony will be held at the university's campus in Depok, where Girindro will deliver a speech titled The hierarchy of law and policies in the context of the development of the Indonesian public administration. Girindro was born in Jakarta on Nov. 16, 1938. He finished his elementary, junior and senior high school education in Jakarta.

S. Korea promises to hike investments in Indonesia

S. Korea promises to hike investments in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): South Korea will increase investments in the development of seaports, roads and the automobile and electronics industries in Indonesia, President Kim Young-Sam said yesterday after meeting with President Soeharto for about two hours.

Soeharto's views on Bogor's declaration win support

Soeharto's views on Bogor's declaration win support JAKARTA (JP): Economic leaders from Japan, Singapore and Taiwan came out in support yesterday of President Soeharto's views on the declaration to be adopted by APEC leaders in Bogor tomorrow, a senior Indonesian official said yesterday.

Canada calls for acceleration of tariff cuts

Canada calls for acceleration of tariff cuts JAKARTA (JP): Canada yesterday urged fellow APEC members to accelerate the implementation of tariff cuts based on the Uruguay Round agreement. Minister for International Trade Roy MacLaren said that harmonization initiatives on a range of products might be a possibility for a start.

Tire firm gets $117m loan

Tire firm gets $117m loan JAKARTA (JP): PT Gadjah Tunggal, a tire manufacturer listed on the domestic stock exchanges, has secured a US$117 million revolving credit "club" facility from a consortium of 13 international banks. Chairman of the Gadjah Tunggal Group Sjamsul Nursalim said over the weekend that the credit, whose agreement was signed in Singapore on Friday, was arranged by Bank Dagang Nasional, Indonesia's Capital Market Group.

APEC non-binding investment principles

APEC non-binding investment principles JAKARTA (AFP): The text of non-binding investment principles endorsed by ministers of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum at their sixth annual meeting in Indonesia: In the spirit of APEC's underlying approach on open regionalism, Recognizing the importance of investment to economic development, the stimulation of growth, the creation of jobs and the flow of technology in the Asia-Pacific region, Emphasizing the importance of promoting...

U.S. launches cooperative education program in APEC

U.S. launches cooperative education program in APEC The United States has launched a new program under the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) umbrella with the goal of expanding cooperation in higher education within the Asia-Pacific Region. The APEC Study Centers Consortium developed from a proposal made by the U.S. at the APEC Summit held in Seattle, Washington, in 1993. The charter for the consortium was signed at the U.S. State Department in Washington, D.C. in August of this year.

Baby killed in ship collision

Baby killed in ship collision AMBON: An infant died when a luxury cruise ship belonging to PT Pelni, the state-owned shipping company, was hit by a passenger ship on its way from Sorong to Ternate late last week. An official of the Ternate port, M.S. Karie told Antara that KM Putra Indah IV, carrying 65 passengers and 10 crew members, was on its way from Ternate to Saketa in North Maluku regency when it hit Pelni's KM Ciremai.

What's wrong with Gus Dur

What's wrong with Gus Dur Most western observers acknowledge that Islam in Indonesia is a little bit different from that in other countries. Compared to Middle Eastern countries or in South Asia, Islam in Indonesia looks very calm and tolerant. However, Indonesian Moslems are quite sensitive. Although they look tolerant, when their religious principles are insulted their emotions are spontaneously aroused.

Building interdependence in APEC

Building interdependence in APEC The following article is based on an interview with noted political scientist Dewi Fortuna Anwar in connection with the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Question: What is the nature of the alliance between member countries in the European Union and how do you see it in APEC? Answer: In classic diplomacy, war prevention is achieved through good relations between state leaders.

Soeharto stresses need for health services improvement

Soeharto stresses need for health services improvement JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has underlined the importance of improving medical services in a bid to anticipate the rising number of challenges in the country's health programs. "The increase in the population mobility and the change of disease patterns have forced us to pay more attention to such services," the President said in his speech at the inauguration of the Jakarta Haj hospital in Pondok Gede, East Jakarta, on Saturday.

United States looks to APEC for economic promise

United States looks to APEC for economic promise The reality of today's global economy is that the center of economic gravity has shifted away from the traditional industrial economies of the Atlantic to the dynamic, innovative ones of the Pacific Rim. The U.S. commitment to deepening its economic involvement in the Asia-Pacific region goes well beyond the fact that Asia is America's largest trading partner, with total trade exceeding US$374 billion, or 63 percent greater than U.S.

Japan not to invite Taiwan president to 1995 APEC meet

Japan not to invite Taiwan president to 1995 APEC meet JAKARTA (Reuter): Japan will not invite Taiwan President Lee Teng-hui to next year's leaders meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Osaka, Japanese Foreign Minister Yohei Kono said on Sunday. "We understand China's position," Japanese officials quoted Kono as telling his Chinese counterpart Qian Qichen.

Declaration on human resources development

Declaration on human resources development JAKARTA (JP): The following is the text of the Declaration - A Human Resources Development Framework for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation.

Indonesia stamps its mark on APEC

Indonesia stamps its mark on APEC JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia asserted itself with their endorsement of the declaration on human resources development, a concept which it has helped promote and push into the forefront of the forum's agenda during its one year leadership. The declaration on the issue, also one main theme of Indonesia's own long term development program, was endorsed at the APEC ministerial meeting which concluded on Saturday.

Police uncover offshore oil thefts

Police uncover offshore oil thefts Officers of the water and air police unit have arrested 24 people for stealing diesel fuel on the Pabelokan and Jagautara islands in the Seribu Island chain, to the north of Jakarta. Spokesman for the City Police A. Latief Rabar told reporters Friday that the uncovering of the offshore thefts was made possible due to information received from executives of Maxus Oil Company, whose fuel was stolen.

President Clinton hails U.S.-RP ties, sacrifices

President Clinton hails U.S.-RP ties, sacrifices MANILA (Agencies): President Bill Clinton hailed yesterday the vitality of U.S.-Philippine ties and paid tribute to troops from both countries who fought Japan in World War II, saying the "spirit of Bataan and Corregidor" had helped freedom to flourish. But his day-long goodwill visit to this former American colony was dogged by continued questions about the credibility of his leadership after last week's election defeat.

'British bids judged on merit'

'British bids judged on merit' KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Malaysia would not award projects to British contractors on the strength of loans pledged by the British government, the Star newspaper reported yesterday. Malaysia would not rely on the British for loans and any tenders made by British firms for future government projects would be "evaluated on merit without any consideration for loans," the daily reported Mahathir as saying.

Indonesia's textile exports recover from setbacks

Indonesia's textile exports recover from setbacks JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's exports of textiles and textile products are recovering, after decreasing in the first half of the year, an executive of the Indonesian Textile Association said yesterday. "The recovery trend seems to be continuing because our records indicate textile exports are increasing in the last quarter of the year.

Human resources key to Catur Yasa's growth

Human resources key to Catur Yasa's growth PT Catur Yasa has long recognized the importance of improving human resources in facilitating the efficient running of its operations. The company's programs for training and education of employees were established 10 years ago, preceding the Indonesian government's campaign for upgrading human resources to meet the increased competitiveness of the global business market.

APEC wives take a tour of Jakarta

APEC wives take a tour of Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): The host committee has organized an elaborate program for the wives of the ministers attending the APEC conference. But only four took up the offer of a city tour yesterday. They were Lee McLaren, the wife of Canadian trade minister, Rosalind Burdon (wife of New Zealand's trade minister), Takeko Kono (wife of Japan's foreign minister) and Edith Quellet (wife of Canada's foreign minister).

Jeewon first Korean company to enter JSX

Jeewon first Korean company to enter JSX JAKARTA (JP): Byung-Soo Park, Chairman of the Seoul-based Jeewon Group, a leading manufacturer of car stereos and satellite video receivers, feels proud in his current visit to Indonesia. Park will be one of 40 Korean businessmen who will be guests at a luncheon meeting to be held at the Shangri-La Hotel on Sunday to honor President Kim Young-sam.

Trumpet blows wind of change into Eric Awuy's life

Trumpet blows wind of change into Eric Awuy's life By Debra H. Yatim JAKARTA (JP): Why would a 14-year old boy, very much into playing jazz and heavy metal rock with his own band, gradually turn into a classical trumpet player? In Eric Awuy's case it was a purely lucky coincidence. Lucky for Indonesia, that is, because Eric is currently the only trumpet player of international caliber that this nation has. Tomorrow afternoon (Sunday Nov.

Int'l partners join Catur Yasa in major projects

Int'l partners join Catur Yasa in major projects PT Catur Yasa will share center stage with top international partners this week as it participates in signing ceremonies for two major projects which will carry on operations well into the next century.

Japanese aid for fish auction center

Japanese aid for fish auction center SORONG, Irian Jaya: The fish auction center currently under construction in Kaimana, Fak-Fak regency, Irian Jaya, is 90 percent completed, J. Becky Rahawarin, the project officer for the center, said. The Rp 2.2 billion (US$1 million) project is being carried out under financial assistance from the Japanese government through the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund.

City Hall urged to review agrement on land barter

City Hall urged to review agrement on land barter JAKARTA (JP): Three political factions at the City Council have urged the city administration to review its ruilslag (Dutch term used for land barter agreement) system in an effort to stop the city from losing any more of its property. The ruling Golkar faction stated on Thursday that the city administration should create a visual information system to control its property.

Church prays for successful meeting

Church prays for successful meeting The Communion of Churches in Indonesia (PGI), on behalf of all churches in the country, said yesterday that it is praying for the APEC leaders gathering in Indonesia to discuss the future of the region, home to over half of the world's population.

Purwoto refutes statements on Kedung Ombo case

Purwoto refutes statements on Kedung Ombo case JAKARTA (JP): Former chief justice Purwoto Suhadi Gandasubrata says statements regarding the Kedung Ombo land dispute by several legal experts in the mass media recently are groundless. "I am deeply concerned that most legal experts here are incorrectly criticizing the latest Supreme Court decision," Purwoto said at a transfer of post party for the Indonesian chief justice at the Horison Hotel in North Jakarta on Thursday night.

A call for cooperation

A call for cooperation I have enjoyed reading the wide views on colonialism recently expressed by Mr. Richardson, Mr. de Kort, Mr. de Jong, and lately Ms. Nanny Djali. The degree of emotion raised by this debate among all the writers indicates that strong feelings about this topic still exist, nearly half a century after its apparent end in Indonesia.

Taxi flees with my belongings

Taxi flees with my belongings From Pos Kota On Saturday, Oct. 31, 1994 I arrived at Soekarno-Hatta airport from Tokyo by Philippine Airlines at about 8 p.m. After clearing my luggage, I took a taxi to Terminal A to buy a Sempati Air ticket to Manado for the following day. It was a President taxi. Unfortunately the ticket office had already closed. Then I moved to Bouraq, only to find it had closed too. So I hurried back to Terminal E. I asked the driver to wait while I booked a ticket.

Another 'Westerling'

Another 'Westerling' One day the Dutch ordered all male inhabitants of Payakumbuh in West Sumatra, to sit close to the bridge on the broad terraces leading down to the river Batang Agam. An important announcement was going to be made. After everybody was seated, eagerly awaiting the news, the Dutch soldiers suddenly machine gunned them from the bridge. The men tumbled over each other into the river.

Thoughts from Tempo emerge in book

Thoughts from Tempo emerge in book The Lontar Foundation, in cooperation with Alumni Majalah Tempo, will host tomorrow the launching of Sidelines: Thought Pieces from Tempo Magazine, collection of articles by Goenawan Mohamad from the column Catatan Pinggir. The launching will be held in Ruang Pameran Utama of Taman Ismail Marzuki starting at 7 p.m.

Six children leave for S'pore

Six children leave for S'pore Six of the brightest children of the Tiara Putra Foundation are scheduled to leave tomorrow for Singapore for a three-day visit, an executive of the foundation said. Chairperson of the foundation, Mrs. Halimah Bambang Trihadmodjo, daughter-in-law of President Soeharto, said besides visiting various recreation areas, the children will visit Singapore's Bedok North Primary School where they will observe school activities.

Leading world crossers to lock horns today

Leading world crossers to lock horns today JAKARTA (JP): Thirteen leading world competitors will lock horns in the fourth and final leg of the Lucky Strike International Motocross Championships due to start today at the Raffles Village track in Cibubur, East Jakarta. And if their behavior during Wednesday's practice session is any indication they won't be going into the battle of honor unprepared.

Make way! The int'l media circus has come to town

Make way! The int'l media circus has come to town By Lenah Susianty & T. Sima Gunawan JAKARTA (JP): The international media circus has come to town. As the Indonesian saying goes, where there is sugar there are ants; and where the news is big, there are bound to be journalists. Lots of them. The APEC conference now underway has drawn well over 1,000 foreign journalists into Indonesia, some coming as part of the entourage of their leaders.

Former 'Tempo' reporters hired by American media

Former 'Tempo' reporters hired by American media JAKARTA (JP): American media establishments covering the APEC conferences and the leadership meeting have found a pool of talented local reporters to help them do some of the legwork. Around a dozen journalists displaced by the banning of Tempo news weekly in June have been hired by American networks, mostly as their liaison officers or "fixers".

Main contractor for Oasis Square

Main contractor for Oasis Square PT Total Bangun Persada (TBP) has been chosen as the main contractor for the construction of the Rp 250 billion (US$113 million) Oasis Square project on Jl. Kalilio, Senen, Central Jakarta. An agreement for the appointment of PT Total Bangun Persada was signed by its president, Komajaya, and Yan Mogi, the president of PT Sumbermitra Sarana Realtindo, the project's developer.

APEC ministers shy away from deadline plan

APEC ministers shy away from deadline plan JAKARTA (JP): Ministers of the Sixth Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum expressed their resounding support for trade liberalization yesterday, but fell short of asserting a common deadline for the process. "Liberalization of trade and investment supported by development cooperation is the effective way to bring about prosperity in our region," said Indonesia's Coordinating Minister of Trade and Industry Hartarto, who chairs the conference.

Clinton promises to pursue human rights in Indonesia

Clinton promises to pursue human rights in Indonesia By Sue Kendall WASHINGTON (AFP): President Bill Clinton said on Thursday he will pursue human rights issues when he visits Indonesia next week for the APEC leadership meeting, but he will do so in private bilateral meetings. "I don't think we have to choose between increasing trade and fostering human rights and open societies," Clinton said in a speech at Georgetown University.

Lost baggage

Lost baggage From Suara Pembaruan I would like to relate my experience, flying Singapore Airlines (SQ 017) from Vancouver to Singapore on May 30, 1994 and the next flight (SQ 154) to Jakarta on June 1, 1994. I took two pieces of luggage with me on those flights. When I arrived at Soekarno-Hatta airport I could not find my luggage with tag No BAH CGKSQ25089. I contacted Singapore Airlines in Vancouver immediately, and was told that my luggage was sent on the same flight.

Regional security high on APEC forum agenda

Regional security high on APEC forum agenda SEOUL (AFP): Asia-Pacific leaders will discuss post-Cold War regional security and the North Korean nuclear issue when they hold separate one-on-one talks at the APEC forum next week, officials here said. President Kim Young-sam will meet with U.S.

APEC exodus begins

APEC exodus begins Many toll roads leading out of Jakarta were congested yesterday as residents of the capital rushed to leave town for an extended holiday, courtesy of APEC. Some of them appeared to be heading for Bogor, the venue of the APEC leadership meeting. If so, this could somewhat defeat the whole purpose of holidaying away from APEC business. Inns and motels in the Puncak hill resort, a popular getaway for Jakartans further up from Bogor, are reporting brisk business.

Lontar Foundation launches new book

Lontar Foundation launches new book The Lontar Foundation, in cooperation with Alumni Majalah Tempo, will launch a new book by Goenawan Mohamad in the Ruang Pamer Utama (the main exhibit room) of the Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center on Sunday at 7 p.m. The book titled Sidelines: Thought Pieces from Tempo Magazine is a collection of essays by Mohamad's column Catatan Pinggir of the defunct Tempo magazine.

Indonesians of Chinese descent

Indonesians of Chinese descent From Media Indonesia I am very concerned over the report published in Media Indonesia Nov. 2, 1994 about the 12 thousand Indonesian citizens of Chinese descent whose citizenship still has to be clarified.

Defendant retracts statement made before police

Defendant retracts statement made before police JAKARTA (JP): One of seven defendants being tried for allegedly arranging a gambling den with noted youth organization figure, Yorrys Raweyai, retracted his preliminary statement made before police in West Jakarta District Court.

Garuda links Surabaya, HK

Garuda links Surabaya, HK JAKARTA (JP): The country's flag carrier Garuda has increased its service linking Surabaya in East Java with Singapore and Hong Kong, by operating Airbus 300-600 aircraft once a week. Garuda considers the new route, opened since last Tuesday, to be a promising line as trading between Surabaya and Hong Kong continues to grow steadily.

Tangerang residents lack water

Tangerang residents lack water TANGERANG (JP): Hundreds of families in Benda district, Tangerang, are complaining about severe water shortages. Due to the limited availability of piped water, residents are forced to spend extra money to obtain enough water for their daily needs. Vendors sell water for Rp 150 per 20 liters. Residents contacted by The Jakarta Post said most wells in the area have water which is yellowish in color and undrinkable.

Dealing with the press

Dealing with the press With the strike of a gong the APEC ministerial meeting, to be followed by a conference of APEC's heads of government on Tuesday, was officially opened by President Soeharto yesterday. But it would be an illusion to believe that only the APEC conference, or the ensuing bilateral meetings among the participating government officials have come under the glare of the television spotlights and the watchful eyes of the thousands of journalists who have come for the meeting.

Designers go APEC

Designers go APEC Indonesian fashion designers have caught the APEC bug, and for a good reason too, given the current talks about free trade. Ghea Sukasah, Poppy Dharsono and Ramli yesterday had the chance to present some of their collections to the wives of the ministers attending the APEC conference. "It is an honor for me. I hope the international world will like our culture and fabric more," said Ghea, who is well known for her tie-dye (jumputan) creations.

Clinton's Asian trip

Clinton's Asian trip President Bill Clinton's theme of putting the economy first takes him to Indonesia this week for the second annual Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation summit meeting. APEC is an 18-member group of Pacific Rim countries that includes China and Japan. On the agenda is a proposal to create by 2020 the world's largest free-trade and investment zone -- a dramatic symbol of America's tilt toward soaring opportunities in Asia and away from the enervated economies of Western Europe.

RI, Chile sign investment pact

RI, Chile sign investment pact JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas (right) and his Chilean counterpart, Jose Miguel Insulza (left), yesterday signed a joint declaration, marking the start of bilateral investment relations between the two countries. In the declaration, both countries agreed on the importance of the private sector's involvement in development and the need to increase productivity, to accelerate transfer of technology and to step up economic relations.

Aussies help RI fight fires

Aussies help RI fight fires JAKARTA: A team of six Australian fire fighting experts will arrive over the weekend to advise Indonesia in its battle against forest fires, the Australian Embassy says in a statement. The team, along with Phil Koperberg, Commissioner of the New South Wales Bush Fire Service, met with Australian Minister for Development Cooperation Gordon Bilney in Canberra, the statement said on Thursday.

Canadian, local firms to sign accord

Canadian, local firms to sign accord JAKARTA (JP): Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien is expected here Monday to witness the signing of an agreement between Canadian and Indonesian parties on an air traffic control project. The president and chief executive officer of Hughes Asia/Pacific, John E. Kohler, said here yesterday that he will sign the agreement with an executive of Hughes Canada, Paul Austin, and Indonesian Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto.

Public works office criticized by council

Public works office criticized by council JAKARTA (JP): A member of the City Council criticized the city public works office yesterday for poorly supervising the construction of a number of roads and other projects. Bandjar Marpaung, chairman of the City Council's Commission D, which handles development affairs, said that the supervision by the City Public Work office is getting lax.

Senators to attend talks in Malaysia

Senators to attend talks in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): The largest delegation of U.S. senators to visit Malaysia will attend a Pacific Dialog Conference that begins this weekend in Penang, the U.S. Embassy said yesterday. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad will address the conference, which will provide an opportunity for the senators to exchange views with Asian government officials and business leaders about regional security and economic issues.

Malaysia will sue if Britain stops loan: PM Mahathir

Malaysia will sue if Britain stops loan: PM Mahathir KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday his government may sue if Britain stops payment on a concessionary loan for the controversial Pergau dam. "If they don't pay they would be breaking a contract," Mahathir told reporters after Chinese President Jiang Zemin delivered a speech on Beijing's foreign policy.

Church Services

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

Kuwaitis still don't trust Iraqi regime

Kuwaitis still don't trust Iraqi regime KUWAIT (Reuter): Kuwaiti businessmen gave mixed reviews yesterday to Iraq's formal recognition of the emirate, with some foreseeing economic gains but others saying Baghdad cannot be trusted. "This is a very important move towards normalizing the economic atmosphere," said former oil minister Ali al-Baghli. "Of course we don't believe (Iraqi President) Saddam Hussein.

Consensus mechanism of APEC forum questioned

Consensus mechanism of APEC forum questioned JAKARTA (JP): The consensus mechanism of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum has come under much scrutiny, with member countries suggesting several interpretations of the heralded decision making process.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m Sports: "Tennis W.T.A" 3:30 Film 4:30 Cultural Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Program 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Traditional Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Lemhanas 8:05 TV Drama: Hati Yang Mendua 9:00 World News 9:30 Music: Selekta Pop 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: The Final Sanction Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Shaw clocks fastest in Formula Asia trial

Shaw clocks fastest in Formula Asia trial JAKARTA (JP): Hong Kong's David Shaw overcame the slippery track to clock the fastest time in yesterday's non-qualifying practice for today's and tomorrow's Formula Asia races in Zhuhai, China. Shaw, who looked poised to wrap up the Formula Asia championship series with a victory in China, completed the 4.1km track of Zhuhai circuit in one minute 52.81 seconds, averaging 134.03kmh.

PBF presents report to ministerial meeting

PBF presents report to ministerial meeting JAKARTA (JP): The Pacific Business Forum (PBF) presented a report yesterday to the APEC ministerial meeting recommending policy changes needed to sustain regional growth in four major areas. One recommendation, considered by many economists as too bold and too ambitious, calls for free trade and investment liberalization in APEC economies for its developed members by 2002 and for all its members by the year 2010.

Media center caters to 'hungry' journalists

Media center caters to 'hungry' journalists By Lenah Susianty & T. Sima Gunawan JAKARTA (JP): "Do they have telephone lines in Indonesia?" asked an American media establishment planning to send its reporter to cover the APEC conference which President Bill Clinton will attend. To one's ears, this could amount to an insult.

Soeharto urges faster trade liberalization

Soeharto urges faster trade liberalization JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto opened the Sixth Ministerial Meeting of APEC yesterday on a note of hope for an accelerated process of trade and investment liberalization among its 18 member economies.

In case of a power cut PLN ready with backups

In case of a power cut PLN ready with backups By Frits Pangemanan JAKARTA (JP): The State Electricity Company (PLN), currently facing public wrath for raising rates beginning this month, does not want to take any risk of power outages during the APEC meetings here and in Bogor.

Elephants strike again in Riau

Elephants strike again in Riau PEKANBARU, Riau: Around 40 elephants have rampaged through 14 hectares of rubber plantation in Tanjung Beludu village, Pasir Penyu district, in Riau, destroying three-year-old rubber trees. Since the animals belong to a species which has to be preserved, residents of the village can only try to chase them away with noise. Antara news agency reported that the frequency of elephant attacks is on the rise in Riau lately.

Does APEC bode well or ill?

Does APEC bode well or ill? By Bob S. Hadiwinata BANDUNG (JP): The meeting of 18 world leaders in Bogor on Nov. 15 is pivotal in that it serves as a test case on how far the Asia-Pacific countries are willing to go in setting up order under increasingly cut-throat global economic conditions. Great hopes are pinned on the success of the APEC summit in creating investment liberalization and free trade area for the entire Asia-Pacific region.

24-hour snack bar

24-hour snack bar JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Convention Center, venue of the APEC conferences, has opened a 24-hour snack bar, knowing that some of the delegates and journalists from countries with different time zones will be working round the clock. The canteen's menu ranges from the local fare nasi goreng (fried rice) and bubur ayam (chicken rice porridge) to the more international fast food items such as spaghetti and assorted sandwiches.

APEC ministers adopt investment code

APEC ministers adopt investment code JAKARTA (Agencies): Ministers of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum yesterday adopted an investment code after the United States dropped its earlier objections to three of the 12-point principles only hours before the meeting began. Although the investment principles are not binding for APEC's 18 members, U.S. officials said yesterday that they still committed members to further liberalization.

Caltex and Shell protest forex policy

Caltex and Shell protest forex policy MANILA (AFP): Caltex Petroleum Corp. and Royal Dutch Shell Petroleum Corp. subsidiaries in the Philippines yesterday protested the abolition of a special dollar allocation for oil imports, saying this will seriously affect operating costs and planned investments. Caltex (Philippines) Inc. said it would have to double to US$80 million its monthly payment for crude oil, while Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp.

Indonesia ready to answer human rights questions

Indonesia ready to answer human rights questions JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is prepared to answer questions about human rights observation if they are raised during the visit here by U.S. President Bill Clinton. Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas told reporters he believed the issue would not be raised at the APEC forum but more likely during the bilateral meeting Clinton will have with President Soeharto.

Workshop on the environment

Workshop on the environment JAKARTA: A local environmental group, the Yayasan Laut Lestari Indonesia (YLLI) is holding a workshop on fauna, flora and the sea beginning yesterday and lasting through Nov. 15 in Pulau Air, one of the Seribu Islands, North Jakarta. Rampant illegal fishing activities prompted the YLLI to organize the workshop, YLLI chairman Elshinta Suyoso said in a statement.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) slightly improved yesterday, with a number of issues recovering in active trading. However, the market's indices slightly declined. The JSX Composite Index closed almost unchanged at 513.37, as compared to 513.91 the previous day. The GTDBS-50 Index also inched down to close at 122.08 against 122.80.

Catur Yasa carves out role in Indonesian development

Catur Yasa carves out role in Indonesian development The scope of PT Catur Yasa's projects, spanning such diverse sectors as construction, energy, telecommunications and agro- industry, crisscrosses the numerous islands in the Indonesian archipelago.

Hyundai invests in U.S.

Hyundai invests in U.S. SEOUL (AFP): Hyundai Electronics America (HEA) has bought a subsidiary of AT and T Co. in the largest direct investment by a South Korean firm in the United States, a company spokesman said here yesterday. HEA, the U.S. subsidiary of Hyundai Electronics Industries Co. of the Hyundai (business) Group, acquired NCR-Microelectronic Products Division (NCR-MPD), its patents and some trade marks for more than US$300 million.

RI plane delivers aid to Afghanistan

RI plane delivers aid to Afghanistan LOGAR, Afghanistan (AFP): Indonesia sent a military transport plane carrying 30 tons of Red Cross medical supplies to strife torn Kabul yesterday. "We are very happy that our aircraft landed safely and the first two deliveries of medical supplies have been made," Havid Abdulgani, Indonesian ambassador to Afghanistan told AFP.

Kasiyadi extends lead at PGA tourney

Kasiyadi extends lead at PGA tourney JAKARTA (JP): Overnight sole leader, Indonesia's Kasiyadi, kept his cool to extend the lead by five strokes for an eight- under par-208 after the third round of the Tugu Pratama PGA championship at Bumi Serpong Damai near here yesterday. The Surabaya-based golfer toured the round with nine consecutive pars and bogeying on the tenth before birdieing the 13th and the last three holes for a three-under par-69.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Clinton calls for lifting trades barriers with Asia

Clinton calls for lifting trades barriers with Asia WASHINGTON (AFP): President Bill Clinton said Thursday America's success in the 21st century depends on tearing down trade barriers with Latin America and Asia and preparing U.S. workers to meet the competition. Groundwork for dropping trade barriers will be laid at next week's APEC summit in Indonesia, the Summit of the Americas in Miami in December and with Congressional approval of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, he said.

Trucks told to avoid toll roads

Trucks told to avoid toll roads Truck drivers who normally use the city's toll roads will have to be extra patient during the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) conferences as the facility will be closed to them virtually the whole day on Tuesday when APEC leaders head for Bogor for their meeting.

Sixty-five army generals officially enter their retirement

Sixty-five army generals officially enter their retirement JAKARTA (JP): Sixty five army generals officially went into retirement in a ceremony marking the end of their military careers at the National Military Academy in Magelang, Central Java, yesterday. Army Chief of Staff Gen. Wismoyo Arismunandar presided over the ceremony which was also attended by Armed Forces Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung, Antara reported. Most of the retired generals graduated from the same academy in the early 1960s.

UKI opens new faculty

UKI opens new faculty The Indonesian Christian University has officially launched its School of Social and Political Sciences, which has three, degree courses: international relations, communication studies and public administration studies. Tunggul Sirait, rector of the University, said on Wednesday the launching of the new school is in line with the Minister of Education and Culture's Decree, No. 097/D/0/1994.

Adianto to challenge Smyslov in six-round duel

Adianto to challenge Smyslov in six-round duel JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's number one chess player Utut Adianto will challenge former world champion Vassili Smyslov in a five- day, six-round duel at the Kelapa Gading Sports Club, North Jakarta. The match between the Indonesian grand master and the 1957- 1958 world champion is scheduled to start on Nov. 21 at 14.30 in the Janur room of the club. Smyslov, a co-founder of the prestigious Soviet School of Chess, will arrive here on Nov.

Media lose some freedom

Media lose some freedom JAKARTA (JP): The APEC conference organizers have tightened the security around the Jakarta Convention Center, specially around the meeting rooms. If during the Senior Officials Meetings journalists were still free to roam around and mingle with officials, during the ministerial meeting, their access have been limited.

Battered at home, Clinton heads for Asia

Battered at home, Clinton heads for Asia WASHINGTON (Reuter): Battered at home, President Bill Clinton headed to Asia yesterday to preach the virtues of free trade in hopes his appearance on the world stage will burnish his image in America. Still shell-shocked from Tuesday elections in which opposition Republicans seized Congress from his Democrats, Clinton was to leave the mess behind for 10 days on a trip centered around the Asia-Pacific Economic Conference in Jakarta, Indonesia, next week.

Free trade deadline not certain: Keating

Free trade deadline not certain: Keating SYDNEY (AFP): Australia is not taking it for granted that APEC leaders will agree on a deadline for regional free trade next week, Prime Minister Paul Keating said yesterday. Australia's priority, however, would be to secure a political commitment to free trade at the meeting of leaders from 18 Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) economies in Bogor, Indonesia on Tuesday, he said.

Journalists, media readers sue Minister of Information

Journalists, media readers sue Minister of Information JAKARTA (JP): One thousand, one hundred and thirty-two Indonesians, consisting of journalists, press employees and mass media subscribers, yesterday filed two lawsuits against Minister of Information Harmoko for revoking the publishing licenses of three Indonesian magazines.

Politically motivated aid a mistake: Kissinger

Politically motivated aid a mistake: Kissinger JAKARTA (JP): Dr. Henry Kissinger sees no harm in the United States' plan to raise human rights issues during President Bill Clinton's visit to Indonesia but decries any sanction related to the issues. "If our President is talking to Indonesian leaders, I think there's nothing wrong with him stating his views.

U.S., Japan agree to new car, glass talks

U.S., Japan agree to new car, glass talks JAKARTA (Reuter): The United States and Japan agreed here yesterday to resume talks aimed at opening Tokyo's prized car market and decided to try again to strike a long-awaited glass deal. U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor secured the commitment to new negotiations after a two-hour meeting with his Japanese counterpart, Ryutaro Hashimoto. "Our meeting was very positive," said Kantor.

Jakarta beautified for APEC

Jakarta beautified for APEC From Neraca Jakarta is being beautified to welcome the APEC meeting scheduled for Nov. 14-15, 1994. Richly decorative banners and colorful flowers are strategically placed along major roads of the city. For every big event Jakarta is richly decorated to make it look pleasant. I wish Jakarta could be attractive all the time, whether there is an event on or not.

Free trade must not sacrifice the poor: NGOs

Free trade must not sacrifice the poor: NGOs By T. Sima Gunawan JAKARTA (JP): A regional free trade zone in the Asia Pacific region is okay but not at the expense of marginal groups, such as workers and the poor people, says a spokesman for a forum of Indonesian non-government organizations (NG0s).

The close friend of 'Si Doel' goes home

The close friend of 'Si Doel' goes home JAKARTA (JP): Malaysian born Nand Kumar, 30, whose employment as a supporting actor in the local television serial Si Doel Anak Sekolahan (Doel, the School Boy) was against the Indonesian Labor Law, returned to his homeland last night. "Nand Kumar was ordered to leave Indonesia because he violated his work permit," Director General of Immigration Roni Sikap Sinuraya said yesterday.

What does Indonesia get out of the APEC forum?

What does Indonesia get out of the APEC forum? JAKARTA (JP): Behind the glamor of the international publicity for chairing the APEC and its conferences, what does Indonesia get out of the forum? That appears to be the question which many laymen, and some politicians, are asking nowadays as the APEC conferences are dominating television news and newspaper headlines every day. Anyone looking for tangible benefits from APEC and its conferences can probably forget it.

Hillary Clinton to visit C. Java

Hillary Clinton to visit C. Java It is now almost confirmed that U.S. First Lady Hillary Clinton will be traveling to Central Java., while her husband gets down to APEC business. Mrs. Clinton is expected in Yogyakarta where she will visit a state primary school and then go to nearby Muntilan where she will inspect a village medical center. She will also tour the famed ancient Borobudur Buddhist temple and the Prambanan Hindu temple.

More clean water in Sorong

More clean water in Sorong SORONG, Irian Jaya: A Rp 6 billion clean water facility project is now under construction here. Antara news agency reported that the project is financed by the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD). Aditya Wasita, an official of the Irian Jaya chapter of public works ministry, said that the project was started in 1992-1993 fiscal year and will be completed in 1996-1997 fiscal year.

RI's first plane makes its debut

RI's first plane makes its debut BANDUNG, West Java (JP): President Soeharto inaugurated the country's first domestically-designed medium-range commuter plane in a roll-out ceremony coinciding with the nationwide commemoration of Heroes Day yesterday. "The rolling out of the N-250 today depicts that we are following up on our national heroes' struggle for independence 49 years ago," Soeharto said in his speech during the ceremony, which was attended by Mrs. Tien Soeharto, Vice President and Mrs.

Dizzying salaries

Dizzying salaries The Jakarta Post Nov. 4, 1994 issue reported on its first page that, in Singapore, government ministers' annual salaries would raise from S$600,000 to S$800,000. The Straits Times Nov. 1, 1994 tells us the median income of all Singaporeans is S$1,500 per month viz S$18,000 per year. Undeterred, Singapore made its case for high salaries with its usual energy and passion.

KL lifts ban on travel to Jerusalem

KL lifts ban on travel to Jerusalem KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The authorities here said they would broaden a policy that had allowed only Moslems to visit Jerusalem to include followers of all religions, the local press reported yesterday. Malaysia has no diplomatic ties with Israel, and the first breakthrough on travel between the two countries came last month, when Kuala Lumpur announced that only Moslems would be permitted to visit Jerusalem.

Workers demands met after 4-day strike

Workers demands met after 4-day strike JAKARTA (JP): After four days of striking, workers from PT Dunia Popular Textile, a textile and garment factory on Jl. Muara Karang in North Jakarta, had their demands met by the company's management yesterday. Around 150 employees of the company went on strike Monday demanding that the company pay Rp 800 (36 US cents) per day for their transportation expenses and also extra payment for night shift workers.

Garbage fee collection

Garbage fee collection In the first ten months of this year, garbage fee collections in West Jakarta reached only Rp 365 million (US$168,000), far below the target of Rp 1.5 billion, an official said. Zainal Husein, head of the mayoralty's sanitary office, told the Antara news agency that the fee collection, 20 percent of which goes to the City Revenue Office, reached only Rp 400 million last year as compared to the target of Rp 700 million.

APEC: Between optimism and pessimism

APEC: Between optimism and pessimism By Bob S. Hadiwinata BANDUNG (JP): The meeting of 18 world leaders in Bogor on Nov. 15 is pivotal in that it serves as a test case on how far the Asia-Pacific countries are willing to go in setting up order under increasingly cut-throat global economic conditions. Great hopes are pinned on the success of the APEC summit in creating investment liberalization and free trade area for the entire Asia-Pacific region.

Soeharto to open int'l health congress in Bali

Soeharto to open int'l health congress in Bali JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is scheduled to open the seventh international congress of the World Federation of Public Health Association in Nusa Dua, Bali, on Dec. 4. Kusdinar Achmad, a member of the organizing committee, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that about 1,000 representatives of public health associations from 60 countries are expected to take part in the five-day conference.

Technical alumni reunion

Technical alumni reunion Alumni of the National Technical Academy (ATN) will hold a reunion at Horison Hotel, North Jakarta, on Dec. 11. The reunion will be held in conjunction with the commemoration of the 44th anniversary of ATN, the oldest private technical academy in the country. Information will be gathered at the reunion in an effort to aid the expansion of ATN's programs. The academy has three schools and three diploma programs with 7,000 students.

TMII essay writing contest

TMII essay writing contest The Ministry of Information and the management of the Beautiful Indonesia in Miniature Park (TMII) are holding an essay writing contest in celebration of the 20th anniversary of TMII. The theme of the essay is the sense of belonging to TMII and Indonesian culture. The essay, to be submitted to the committee, should be published by any Indonesian mass media form or news agency during the period of Dec. 1 and Feb. 28, 1995.

China to maintain peace in Asia

China to maintain peace in Asia KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): China yesterday promised to make "unswerving" and "unremitting" efforts to maintain peace and stability in Asia and the world at large, which remains wary of Beijing's role as an emerging superpower. "Our goal is to enable our people to live a fairly comfortable life by the end of the century and to catch up with an average developed country by the middle of the next century," visiting Chinese President Jiang Zemin said.

ASEAN retains some control over APEC's direction

ASEAN retains some control over APEC's direction By Endy Bayuni JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is retaining some influence over the direction the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum is taking, but it may eventually have to give up that privilege if the forum continues to expand its membership.

Rafidah forgets she is a woman

Rafidah forgets she is a woman "How do you feel being the only female among the all-male ministers in the APEC meetings?" The question was hurled by a journalist at Malaysia's International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz upon her arrival at the Soekarno-Hatta airport yesterday.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m TV Series: Kubuto 3:05 Langka dan Unik 3:30 Science Program 4:00 School Quiz: Cerdas Cermat 4:30 Science Film 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Economic Program 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Karya Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dinamika 8:05 Nusantara Star 9:00 World News 9:30 Quiz: Siapa Dia 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: The Perlic Of Pauline Program 2 4:30 p.m.

APEC album

APEC album Photo A: Bolkiah JP/msa FIRST TO ARRIVE: Brunei leader Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah (center) is escorted by Indonesian Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudradjat (right) to the VIP lounge at the Halim Perdanakusuma Airport. Yesterday, Sultan Bolkiah became the first APEC leader to arrive for the leadership meeting scheduled for Tuesday.

S'pore concerned for environment

S'pore concerned for environment We refer to Carl Chairul's article in the Oct. 31, 1994 issue of The Jakarta Post entitled Singapore's complaint. Mr. Chairul's letter had suggested that while Singapore complains of the haze, Singapore had not shown a similar level of concern for other issues such illegal dumping, illegal mining and destruction of mangroves. Environmental issues raised by Mr.

Moderate rise in state budget still feasible: House members

Moderate rise in state budget still feasible: House members JAKARTA (JP): A moderate 15 to 20 percent rise in the 1995-96 state budget is still feasible despite the government's grim outlook on domestic resources, say members of the Budgetary Commission of the House of Representatives (DPR). Speaking at the conclusion of a four-day preliminary deliberation on the state budget for 1995-96, all of the commission's four factions agreed that there is still much room for budget expansion.

Collusion and bureaucracy

Collusion and bureaucracy Economic guru Prof. Soemitro Djojohadikusumo has spoken out sharply against the practice of collusion between government officials and conglomerates. Our senior economist admits that collusion occurs everywhere, even in industrially advanced countries. This, however, is no excuse for tolerating the practice. This kind of statement is actually nothing new.

Clipping contest for students

Clipping contest for students JAKARTA: Twenty high school students from various provinces in Indonesia yesterday vied for top places in the Sixth National Newspaper Clipping Competition held by the Ministry of Education and Culture. Director General of Basic and Middle Level Education Z.A. Achmady said the two-day competition was organized in conjunction with the Pancasila Sanctity Celebration Day. He said that the competition is meant to raise the spirit of patriotism among Indonesian students.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

RI names lifters for world meet

RI names lifters for world meet JAKARTA (JP): Lifters from the National men's team who failed to make the trip to Hiroshima's Asian Games last month have been trained to don the national colors at the world weight lifting championships in Ankara next week.

Sniffer dogs are not pets

Sniffer dogs are not pets The American delegation to the APEC meeting has brought in two sniffer dogs trained to detect bombs as part of the White House security arrangements. The Jakarta International Hilton Hotel, where President Bill Clinton will be staying along with the huge American delegation, has made an exception to its "no pets on the premises" rule. Hilton public relations chief Andra Djajadiningrat said the "dogs are not pets" but part of the security for the delegation.

'The Client' has trouble with adaptation

'The Client' has trouble with adaptation By Sean Cole JAKARTA (JP): The Client couldn't lose. After John Grisham's first two Mega Bestsellers" (The Firm and The Pelican Brief) were turned into movies, everyone predicted that The Client had no chance of failing. Of course they were right. The book itself has been translated into 31 languages and has sold over 60 million copies.

Kasiyadi takes over PGA lead by two

Kasiyadi takes over PGA lead by two JAKARTA (JP): Kasiyadi, who rewrote golf history in the country by becoming the first local golfer to ever win the Indonesia Open Golf Championship on March 1989, took over the lead at the 1994 PGA Tugu Pratama by two strokes after the halfway mark of the event yesterday.

Retreat of a different kind

Retreat of a different kind The Dinner Theater Restaurant at the Hailai International Executive Club, in the Ancol recreation park, is enriching its program of daily cultural performances at 20:00 and 21:00 in a bid to make the evening more enjoyable for APEC delegates and other foreign visitors. "We stage four to five traditional dances each evening, Irwan Yusman said, an executive of the Hailai.

Chinese president gets warm welcome

Chinese president gets warm welcome KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Chinese President Jiang Zemin was given a warm welcome in Malaysia yesterday at the start of a four-day visit, the first by a leader of China's communist party to this Southeast Asian nation. Jiang was given a 21-gun salute at Parliament Square where he was officially welcomed by King Ja'afar Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Kantor asks for publication of negligent firms: Latief

Kantor asks for publication of negligent firms: Latief JAKARTA (JP): U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor asked yesterday for publication of the names of negligent firms during his informal talk with Indonesian Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief. During the talk at the minister's office, Latief briefed Kantor on the improving labor conditions in Indonesia.

APEC ministers reticent concerning free trade

APEC ministers reticent concerning free trade JAKARTA (JP): Many of the APEC ministers arriving yesterday for their annual talks were tightlipped on their positions regarding the regional free trade proposals. The foreign minister of Japan Yohei Kono, Australia's Gareth Evans and U.S. Trade Representative Mickey Kantor declined to comment when they arrived at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport.

Liberalization takes step toward free trade

Liberalization takes step toward free trade By Hadi Soesastro JAKARTA (JP): Trade liberalization, trade facilitation and development cooperation can be viewed as the three main components of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. They are essential to achieving the APEC vision of free and open trade and investment in the region.

Press test for Indonesia

Press test for Indonesia The largest and harshest group of "judges" ever to invade the country will push Indonesia's new policy of openness to the limit this month. Some 5,000 foreign and local news reporters and commentators are due to be in the country before Nov. 15. Officially, they will throw the spotlight on the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meeting in Bogor.

Indorama's profits up 24%

Indorama's profits up 24% JAKARTA (JP): PT Indorama Synthetics, a textile company listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), announced yesterday that its before-tax profit during the first nine months of this year rose 24 percent to Rp 47 billion (US$21.5 million). The company's finance manager Arvind Parakh said that its revenue increased by 29 percent to Rp 278 billion, while its earning per share was estimated at Rp 654.

Bolkiah first leader to arrive

Bolkiah first leader to arrive JAKARTA (JP): Brunei leader Sultan Hassanal Bolkiah flew in aboard his private plane yesterday to become the first head of government to attend next week's APEC Economic Leaders Meeting (AELM) in nearby Bogor. Also on board was his younger brother Prince Mohamed Bolkiah, who is Brunei's foreign minister, to attend the APEC ministerial meeting which opens today.

Where to go in Bali:

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

Australia, NZ differ on rights

Australia, NZ differ on rights JAKARTA (JP): Australian and New Zealand foreign ministers issued totally different viewpoints on human rights conditions in Indonesia during separate bilateral talks with their Indonesian counterpart Ali Alatas yesterday. Australia's Foreign Minister Gareth Evans insisted that Indonesia's human rights record was still "poor" with New Zealand's Don McKinnon saying that the condition was improving.

KL threatens Britain over loan

KL threatens Britain over loan KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia said yesterday it will take legal action if Britain stops a 234-million-pound (350-million-dollar) loan for the Pergau dam project after a London-based pressure group challenged the lawfulness of the deal.

University protest put on hold

University protest put on hold SALATIGA, Central Java: More than 2,000 students and staff of Satya Wacana Christian University resumed protests yesterday against the dismissal of outspoken lecturer Arief Budiman. "This will be the last demonstration until after Nov. 17 because of the APEC forum," Rukmadi, a lecturer from the agricultural school of the university, told The Jakarta Post.

APEC officials clinch deal at eleventh hour

APEC officials clinch deal at eleventh hour By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat & Frits Pangemanan JAKARTA (JP): A special group assigned to resolve the deadlock on the endorsement of a non-binding investment code for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum succeeded late last night in producing a unified position on the issue. "I think we're done and we're going to present a unified recommendation," the United States' chief delegate Nancy Adams told The Jakarta Post.

Hong Kong to remain APEC member after 1997

Hong Kong to remain APEC member after 1997 JAKARTA (JP): Hong Kong said yesterday it will remain a separate member in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum even after it reverts back to Chinese authority in 1997. Trade and Industry Secretary H.T.

APEC tightens security

APEC tightens security The APEC conference organizers have tightened the security around the Jakarta Convention Center, specially around the meeting rooms. Senior officials holding meetings yesterday were assured the hordes of journalists thirsty for news would not be able to ambush them by stricter security rules.

Two more banned for bogus exports

Two more banned for bogus exports JAKARTA: The spokesman of the attorney general's office, Chairul Imam,announcesthat the office has issued two travel bans for two person who are believed to have been involved in bogus export documents. However, Chairul refused to reveal either the person's name or their companies. Chairul said both of the travel restrictions have already been valid since Nov. 4. According to the Deputy Attorney General for Special Crimes, A.

Tanski, brilliance and disappointments

Tanski, brilliance and disappointments By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): Prize winner, teacher at one of Austria's foremost music academies, one-time student of Alfred Brendel... Claudius Tanski certainly has all the assets to be placed in the front ranks of young pianists today. And judging from his performance last Monday at Erasmus Huis one can only say that Tanski is indeed a master colorist and lyricist.

ADB approves loan to RP

ADB approves loan to RP MANILA (AFP): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said yesterday that it had approved a US$17.5-million loan to fund a rural infrastructure development project in the southern Philippines. The project is aimed at improving production and removing growth constraints in the provinces of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte through the construction of new infrastructure and improvement of agricultural support services, the Manila-based ADB said in a statement.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Trading on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) remained featureless yesterday, with most shares losing ground in active trading. The JSX Composite Index suffered another fall, losing 1.2 points to close at 513.91 yesterday, as compared to 515.12 on the previous day. The GTDBS-50 Index also continued declining to close at 122.80 against Wednesday's close of 123.16.

U.S. banks in Vietnam

U.S. banks in Vietnam HANOI (Reuter): Bank of America and Citibank received licenses yesterday from Vietnam's central State Bank authorizing them to open branches in Hanoi, officials said. They will be the first U.S. banks to open branches in Vietnam since the Vietnam War ended in 1975. "We got a license to set up a branch in Hanoi," Bank of America's country manager Luu H. Le told Reuters.

Indonesians march on

Indonesians march on HONG KONG (Reuter): Indonesia underlined their superiority in world badminton at the Hong Kong Open yesterday with four players qualifying for the quarterfinals. The Indonesian squad was represented in all eight third round matches with top seed Hariyanto Arbi, number two Ardy Wiranata, Olympic champion Alan Budikusuma and title holder Hermawan Susanto all progressing.

Marine murderers apprehended

Marine murderers apprehended City Police have arrested two of the five suspected robbers believed to have killed a member of the Indonesian Navy's Marine Corps late last month. Detective Capt. Pujiwo from the Crime Investigation Directorate told reporters yesterday the two suspects confessed to unintentionally killing the 29-year-old corporal, a part-time night guard at the warehouse of PT Sinar Mas Andhika at Jl. Agung Karya IV Block D 8-10, Papanggo in North Jakarta.

Conflicting reports on immigration clarified

Conflicting reports on immigration clarified JAKARTA (JP): The Directorate General of Immigration yesterday denied conflicting reports that an Indonesian immigration officer in Malaysia was removed in connection with the controversy over the implementation of the new format of special travel documents (SPLP).

APEC ministerial talks start today

APEC ministerial talks start today By Endy Bayuni JAKARTA (JP): The ministerial meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum gets underway today to discuss how far they want to push the idea of a free trade in the region. At the top of the agenda in the two-day meeting is the review of reports submitted by two independent groups concerning the idea of a free trade pact.

Withdrawing recommendation is an act of inconsistency

Withdrawing recommendation is an act of inconsistency Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): The permit or surat izin is a very important commodity within the Indonesian society. For any important act you want to carry out, you must have a permit. And to obtain a permit, it is absolutely imperative that you attach a letter of recommendation to your request for a permit. For a letter of recommendation to be effective at all, it must come from the right quarter, i.e.

Host committee works well behind the scene

Host committee works well behind the scene By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat JAKARTA (JP): Organizing an event as large and high profile as the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings is certainly not easy. Catering to the needs of hundreds of officials from 18 countries, thousands of journalists and not to mention over a dozen heads of state, some of whom are the most powerful men in the world, is quite an undertaking for anyone to be involved in.

Jakarta dresses up to greet APEC delegates

Jakarta dresses up to greet APEC delegates By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): After a facelift and weeks of preparation, Jakarta is ready to welcome all APEC leaders and delegates as well as foreign businessmen and journalists. "Jakarta is proud to host the APEC leaders meeting and I extend a warm welcome to all media representatives... I am confident that exciting discoveries await visitors as they explore the various delights of the City of Jakarta," Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said.

Mideast buys Sumatra tea

Mideast buys Sumatra tea MEDAN (JP): A state-tea plantation company in Sumatra will soon export 686.4 tons of black tea worth US$878,500 to Middle East countries. P.K. Ginting, spokesman for PTP VIII, whose plantations are located in North Sumatra, West Sumatra and Jambi, said his company to date has gained US$13.89 million from tea exports.

House members wary of APEC moving too fast

House members wary of APEC moving too fast By Pandaya JAKARTA (JP): A number of Indonesian legislators are warning the government against pushing the idea of a free trade area in the Asia Pacific area, pointing out that the nation needs to do some housekeeping first. The idea is being considered by the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Sritex to tackle problems after debt restructuring

Sritex to tackle problems after debt restructuring JAKARTA (JP): Debt-ridden textile company PT Sritex is expected to overcome its non-performing debt problems within a year of debt restructuring. The president of state-owned Bank Dagang Negara (BDN), Subagyo Karsono, told journalists the company has shown good progress since the restructuring of its debts. He was speaking after attending a swearing in ceremony for 19 officials at the Ministry of Finance.

Hashish in Aceh

Hashish in Aceh From Suara Karya The police have arrested many people for smuggling dried hashish from the province of Aceh. Heaps of hash has been confiscated and the smugglers jailed. In spite of this the business remains hectically hardy. According to the police, hashish smuggling is organized by a gang that wants to make bundles of money. The Acehnese, particularly those who live in Kotacane, Blang Kedjren and Betong Atueuh, have grown hashish in the area for centuries.

Gold certification agency planned

Gold certification agency planned JAKARTA (JP): The government is preparing for the establishment of an accreditation agency which will be authorized to determine the quality of gold products in Indonesia, a minister said. "People still have varying perceptions about the quality and purity of gold. That is why there should be an authorized agency for gold accreditation," Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo told reporters after opening a seminar on the gold industry yesterday.

Supreme Court's reversal deplored

Supreme Court's reversal deplored JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights yesterday criticized the Supreme Court's decision to reverse its own ruling on the Kedung Ombo land dispute. "The latest ruling of the Supreme Court surprised the National Commission on Human Rights," Baharuddin Lopa, the Commission's secretary general told reporters in a press conference.

High-class pimp Hartono admits almost all charges

High-class pimp Hartono admits almost all charges JAKARTA (JP): Hartono Setyawan, the most well-known panderer in the country, confessed to almost every charge made by the prosecutor in his trial at the South Jakarta District Court yesterday. In the court session led by Judge Stephanus Sutrisno, Hartono admitted that the rates he charged clients to spend time with his call girls were Rp 750,000 (US$343) for three hours and Rp 1.5 million for overnight. He admitted to taking half of their income.

Tokyo already prepares for APEC meetings next year

Tokyo already prepares for APEC meetings next year JAKARTA (JP): Japan, which will take over the chairmanship of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) from Indonesia on Jan. 1, is already preparing the agenda for next year. Japan's Ambassador to APEC, Tetsuya Endo, told The Jakarta Post yesterday that Tokyo had started made preparations for a series of meetings of senior officials.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The price drops extended on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday as sales continued dominating the trading activities. The JSX Composite Index fell for the fourth consecutive day to close at 515.12 yesterday, as compared to 515.80 on the previous day. The GTDBS-50 Index also inched down to close lower at 123.16 against 123.54. Securities brokers said prices of several consumer-based stocks were recovering but the upward trend failed to support the buying drive.

Ramos rejects U.S. bases in RP

Ramos rejects U.S. bases in RP MANILA (Reuter): President Fidel Ramos yesterday rejected suggestions that the Philippines again allow the United States to set up military bases in the country. He said such an idea was premature and he did not expect the issue to come up in his talks with U.S. President Bill Clinton, who is to visit Manila on Saturday and Sunday. Ramos was asked at his weekly news conference if the Philippines would consider again hosting U.S.

Two WW II planes found in Irian

Two WW II planes found in Irian SORONG, Irian Jaya: A fisherman has found the fuselages of two World War II bomber planes belonging to the United States Air Force, in Way Island, Irian Jaya. Willem Soor, 53, a fisherman from the Arei village said one of the planes, located at a depth of 37 meters, is still intact while the other has been damaged by the sea and by scavenging divers.

APEC album

APEC album Photo A: Journalist JP/kod REACHING FOR THE APEX: A journalist for Hong Kong-based Cable TV stands on a stepladder while taping his report. It's a tough and competitive business for television networks covering APEC and they have to find different angles for their stories.

Malaysia to manage Somalia airport

Malaysia to manage Somalia airport KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia, which has said it will withdraw its peacekeeping troops from Somalia, will send 62 airmen to manage the U.N.-controlled Mogadishu Airport today, the national news agency, Bernama, reported yesterday. Bernama quoted Malaysian Defense Minister Najib Abdul Razak as saying the Royal Malaysian Air Force (RMAF) team will take over the airport management from the Royal Australian Air Force. "They may be the last U.N.

Airport to be built in Flores

Airport to be built in Flores KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto has approved plans by the Ngada regency in Flores to build an airport in Marapokot. Haryanto has asked the local administration to prepare an appropriate location for the construction of the airport in the northern coastal area of Flores.

Traffic jam in Pasar Minggu

Traffic jam in Pasar Minggu From Neraca The clearing up of sidewalk vendors in the Pasar Minggu area, South Jakarta, has only had a short term effect on the traffic. For a few days after the operation the traffic was smooth but then traffic jams became the order of the day, again. It seems the traffic jams are caused by the fact that there are too many "U" turns along one road, and police are not able to solve the problem.

Reporter beaten

Reporter beaten From Neraca I was saddened by the news report in Suara Pembaruan, Nov. 6, 1994, that Antara News Agency's reporter Johanis Latuputi, in Manokwari, was beaten up by the Head of the Agricultural Office for Food Crops in the Manokwari regency JS, and a staff member of the regional administration LL, a former boxer. How could they do that? Why should they be angered by a news piece which was factual?

ASEAN invited for dialog

ASEAN invited for dialog KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Canada, as next year's host the Group of Seven (G-7) industrialized countries, yesterday invited ASEAN to attend a pre-summit dialog to voice the views of developing nations. Canadian Foreign Minister Andre Ouellet, on a stopover here enroute to Indonesia for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting, conveyed the invitation to Malaysian counterpart Abdullah Badawi, who is coordinator of the annual ASEAN-Canada dialog.

Cultural dinner set for APEC group

Cultural dinner set for APEC group JAKARTA (JP): The City Culture Office will present two traditional dances at a dinner hosted by Governor Surjadi Soedirdja to welcome APEC delegates at Fatahilah Museum in West Jakarta on Nov. 13. "We will present the Merak dance from West Java and the Ngarojeng dance of the Betawi people of Jakarta at the Fatahilah Museum Square," I Nyoman Wedhana S, an official of the office, told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Medal bestowed on Fatmawati

Medal bestowed on Fatmawati JAKARTA (JP): The government has bestowed the Mahaputra Adipradana medal on the late Fatmawati, the first wife of Indonesia's first President, for her extraordinary services to the nation. The medal was handed over yesterday by President Soeharto to Guntur Soekarno Putra, representing the heirs of the late Fatmawati. The medal was presented to the late Fatmawati under the Presidential Decree No. 057/TK/94.

APEC smoothens process to become influential forum

APEC smoothens process to become influential forum By Vincent Lingga JAKARTA (JP): None of the 27 ministers from 12 countries who gathered in Canberra on Nov.5-7, 1989 had expected the APEC forum they just inaugurated to be so quickly transformed into the substantial international institution it is today.

Unsafe building

Unsafe building From Neraca My house, in the Mangun Jaya II housing complex, Blok G11 No 19 in Tambun, Bekasi, West Java, collapsed a few weeks ago. The weather was fine. The calamity was not caused by an earth-quake. Fortunately, when the incident occurred nobody was home. We have lived in this house for two years. I bought the house through the BTN (State Savings Bank) credit scheme, and the developer of the complex is PT Panca Muara Jaya.

Korean embassy gets busy

Korean embassy gets busy The South Korean embassy has perhaps been one of the busiest diplomatic missions over the past few weeks as President Kim Young-Sam plans to make a state visit for two days before attending the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting on Tuesday. Korea's delegation, including Foreign Minister Han Seung-joo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Energy Kim Chul-soo and Minister of Science and Technology Kim Si-joong, is staying at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.

Australia, Thailand tense over Khmer Rouge

Australia, Thailand tense over Khmer Rouge By Patrick Lescot BANGKOK (AFP): Tension has risen between two of the most important players in the Cambodian crisis ahead of the Asia- Pacific summit next week, after Canberra charged Bangkok with harboring leaders of the outlawed Khmer Rouge.

Photo and woman pilgrims

Photo and woman pilgrims From Pelita According to the government's regulation, the photo for the passport of a female haj pilgrim should show the hair and the ears. This is not relevant to the condition of the female haj pilgrim. We request the government review this regulation. We give the following reasons: * The ihram (pilgrimage dress) for women should cover the whole body except the face and the hands.

Reflections on the law

Reflections on the law As a symbol, the goddess of justice is often depicted as a blindfolded woman. This conveys the principle that justice should be applied without discrimination. This symbolism comes to mind upon consideration of two cases which are attracting the public's attention at present. The first is the reversal of the Supreme Court's verdict in the Kedung Ombo case. The second concerns the three-year prison sentence handed down by a court of justice in Medan for Dr.

`Dili veterans' cover APEC

`Dili veterans' cover APEC Two U.S.-based journalists who were present during the tragic incident in the East Timor capital of Dili in November 1991 will return to Indonesia this week to cover the APEC meetings. Allan Nairn and Amy Goodman, whose reports about the Dili incident were criticized by the Indonesian government as distorted and unfair, have been granted visas by the Indonesian embassy in Washington, according to the Antara news agency.

Chile to act as bridge for APEC, S. America

Chile to act as bridge for APEC, S. America SANTIAGO (Reuter): Chile hopes to strengthen its role as an Asian bridge to South America through its membership in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, President Eduardo Frei said on Tuesday. Frei, who will bring Chile into the forum at its summit in Indonesia next week, said Chile's long Pacific coastline, its improving road links with its neighbors and its strong economy put it in a good position to act as a trade nexus with Asia.

City continues public order operation for APEC

City continues public order operation for APEC JAKARTA (JP): The city administration continues in its operation to sweep sidewalk and street vendors, street singers, hookers and transvestites from major roads during the current meetings of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Hindarto's idea on public order violators opposed

Hindarto's idea on public order violators opposed JAKARTA (JP): City Council Speaker M.H. Ritonga opposes a proposal suggesting that violators of public order regulations be ostracized from society. "I think it is not proper to impose such a penalty on violators as it is against their human rights. Such a violation is not identical to a crime," Ritonga told reporters yesterday.

Soesilo to open Cilacap airport

Soesilo to open Cilacap airport SEMARANG, Central Java: Coordinating Minister of Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman is scheduled to officially open the newly renovated Tunggulwulung airport in Cilacap, on Nov. 18. The head of the regional office of the transportation ministry, Gatot Soedjantoko, said yesterday the airport, with a 1,400 meter runway, can accommodate CN 235 planes (35 passenger capacity) and Fokker planes (40 passenger capacity), Antara reported.

Buses for delegates

Buses for delegates The APEC forum delegates do not need to worry about how to get to the Jakarta Convention Center from their hotels. The hospitality committee is providing shuttle buses to and from the eight designated hotels. "There will be a bus leaving every five to ten minutes," liaison officer Yuliana Rijanto said. The buses, however, are not for journalists covering the APEC forum, although many are staying at the same hotels as their country's delegates.

Indonesia to name team for bridge meet

Indonesia to name team for bridge meet JAKARTA (JP): Five best pairs from the National Bridge Invitational tournament due to start today will represent Indonesia for the Far East Bridge Federation Championship (FEBFC) next year. The tournament, to be staged at the Sahid Jaya Hotel at Lippo City, Cikarang, Bekasi, which will last until Nov. 22, is the arena to select national players for the FEBFC in Perth, West Australia on May 27.

Leaping into high tech

Leaping into high tech Indonesia, a nation with a per capita income of less than $700, leaps into high technology today when President Soeharto, currently chairman of the 18-member APEC and 108-country Non- Aligned Movement, unveils Indonesia's first domestically designed and produced medium-range aircraft in coincidence with Heroes Day.

APEC set to expand secretariat

APEC set to expand secretariat JAKARTA (JP): The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum is set to revamp its secretariat in Singapore to support its expanding activities. Indonesia's Wisber Loeis, the chairman of the Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), told journalists here yesterday that a task force in charge of studying how best to expand the secretariat would be set up soon. Indonesia has been appointed to head the task force.

Another labor activist jailed

Another labor activist jailed MEDAN, North Sumatra: The Medan state court yesterday sentenced Soniman Lafau, the vice chairman of the Medan chapter of the Indonesian Welfare Labor Union (SBSI), to nine months in jail after convicting him of inciting violence. Presiding judge Muhamad Kasim said in his verdict that Soniman, 27, was proven guilty of inciting workers to strike and stage protests which led to riots on April 14, Antara reported.

Should ASEAN endorse free trade plan?

Should ASEAN endorse free trade plan? By Makmur Keliat JAKARTA (JP): Where is APEC headed? For some, such as the recent proposal submitted by the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) indicates, APEC is expected to be something more than merely a consultative forum projected as a free trade area.

Exiled Fretilin members to meet with Soeharto soon

Exiled Fretilin members to meet with Soeharto soon JAKARTA (JP): A group of East Timorese, in exile opposing the integration of their homeland with Indonesia, will soon meet with President Soeharto to thank him for his efforts to develop the territory, an official says. F.X. Lopez da Cruz, Indonesia's ambassador at large for East Timor affairs, told reporters on Tuesday that the delegation consists of anti-integration Timorese based in Portugal.

TV Today

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

China urges flexibility on free trade

China urges flexibility on free trade SINGAPORE (Agencies): China used the second day of a visit by its president to Singapore yesterday to plug a "flexible" approach towards liberalized regional trade and to enhance ties with this prosperous city state, a major investor in the Middle Kingdom.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

S'pore worries over shift in trade strategies

S'pore worries over shift in trade strategies SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore is worried that multinationals may be looking elsewhere to set up shop in Asia due to rising costs in Singapore, according to a report here yesterday. Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong, citing a conversation he had with Siemens chief executive Heinrich von Pierer last week, said the German electronics giant boss had said the company would make no further investment in Singapore.

Mexico-S'pore tax pact

Mexico-S'pore tax pact SINGAPORE (AFP): Mexico and Singapore signed yesterday a tax agreement to promote bilateral trade and investment, and the exchange of expertise, officials said. The agreement was signed by the Mexican Secretary for External Relations, Manuel Tello and Singapore's Finance Minister Richard Hu.

Tommy pays Rp 251 billion debt to clove farmers

Tommy pays Rp 251 billion debt to clove farmers By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): It could be considered the most flamboyant odyssey of debt paying ever undertaken in this country. Hutomo Mandala Putra, the youngest son of President Soeharto, who is better known as Tommy, invited 50 people aboard his aircraft to witness the payment of debts, amounting to Rp 251 billion (US$88.3 million), to tens of thousands of clove farmers in Sulawesi and Maluku between Nov. 3 and Nov. 5.

U.S. defends its stance on investment code

U.S. defends its stance on investment code JAKARTA (JP): The United States has insisted that its opposition to an investment code discussed on Tuesday is for the future good of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. "We have stated since the beginning, when we started the process, that the investment initiatives should be ones of very high standards," Sandra B. O'Leary, a senior U.S.

Foreign investment, technology transfer

Foreign investment, technology transfer Foreign investment has been more than just a catalyst for economic growth and integration in the Asia Pacific region. It has also become the driving force behind the increasing migration across national borders of "high-skilled" workers and technology, raising a number of policy issues.

Japanese govt supports Soeharto's initiative

Japanese govt supports Soeharto's initiative JAKARTA (JP): Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia Taizo Watanabe is confident that Tuesday's APEC leaders meeting in Bogor will be a milestone in advancing further economic development in the Asia Pacific region. "I am sure the meeting, under the excellent chairmanship of President Soeharto, will further advance the objective of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum," Watanabe said in an interview.

Guards protest over suspension

Guards protest over suspension Five security guards from PT Sucaco on Jl. Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, filed a complaint with the City Council over the suspension of their coordinator. Dodi Kusnadi, the coordinator, was suspended one hour after he walked out of a meeting with the president director of the company.

Korean companies gear up investments in Indonesia

Korean companies gear up investments in Indonesia By Hendarsyah Tarmizi SEOUL (JP): Four major South Korean companies are gearing up to take advantage of low labor costs and the growing domestic market in Indonesia by furthering their investments in the country. The widely diversified Hyundai Group, which last year opened a industrial estate in Bekasi, West Java, will establish a car assembling plant next year. Three companies -- Miwon Co Ltd, Korea Development Co.

Restauranteurs target local market

Restauranteurs target local market JAKARTA (JP): In this area of emerging markets and appetites, the needs of certain restaurant enthusiasts tend to go unnoticed. Luxury hotels and five-star restaurants continue to spring up in Jakarta, catering to the palates and pocketbooks of a chosen few. Now, one can now find delicacies from just about any corner of the globe -- for a price.

Tamara, Chinatrust tie up

Tamara, Chinatrust tie up JAKARTA (JP): Tamara Bank and Chinatrust Commercial Bank of Taiwan will soon establish a joint venture bank in Indonesia to tap the growing business ties between the two countries. Tamara Bank announced here yesterday that the joint venture agreement was signed here on Tuesday by the bank's chairman, Pek Teng Beng, and the chairman of the Taiwanese bank, Jefferey L.S. Koo.

Service at airport can be improved

Service at airport can be improved As a frequent visitor to Indonesia and therefore a frequent user of Soekarno-Hatta International Airport I feel that there are many improvements that can be made at minimal cost that would improve the airport and give a much better impression of Indonesia to the new arrival. New investors arriving in Indonesia cannot help but be influenced by the airport as their first point of contact with the country.

Jakarta's top hotels get the APEC bug

Jakarta's top hotels get the APEC bug By Lenah Susianty & Prapti Widinugraheni JAKARTA (JP): Renovating suites, adding new wings and tending to health and food inspections are just a few of the things the star-rated hotels have had to busy themselves with in order to prove they are good enough to host some of the world's most important people who will be attending the momentous "APEC Event".

Souvenir shop doing well

Souvenir shop doing well A souvenir shop selling APEC memorabilia to delegates is reporting brisk business, although the APEC conference proper has barely started. Keyrings bearing the APEC logo are sold out and the APEC pens could also disappear from the shop's stand at the APEC media center soon. Mita Manusama, from PT Panca Prima Eka Sejati, said, "We only have 100 pieces of each item." An American delegate bought 50 pens from the shop because he needed them for the meeting, she said.

Japan aims to build a new image at APEC

Japan aims to build a new image at APEC By Eugene Moosa TOKYO (Reuter): Japan seems to have only one goal at the 18- member Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum later this week -- to shed its image as a fence-sitter in efforts to build a free trade zone in the region. Japan's ambassador to APEC, Tetsuya Endo, and other senior officials of the Foreign Ministry in briefings ahead of the meeting have said Japan's goal is to foster regional liberalization of trade and investment.

McDonald's to pay music royalties

McDonald's to pay music royalties McDonald's Indonesia, a franchisee of the American fast food restaurant, has signed a cooperation agreement with Yayasan Karya Cipta Indonesia (YKCI) to pay the copy rights for all songs played in their 24 outlets in Indonesia. YKCI is a foundation which has successfully required over 250 entertainment establishments and restaurants to pay the copy rights royalties for both local and foreign songs.

Bus driver scolded by his boss

Bus driver scolded by his boss Don't tell on your boss in front of his boss because you're sure to lose. A non-air conditioned bus driver learned this yesterday when he tried his luck with Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto during a launching ceremony of luxury buses for delegates of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC). "We feel discriminated against (by superiors)... Our uniforms are like a cleaning service's.

New buses presented for APEC

New buses presented for APEC JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto yesterday presented 105 buses to be used by delegates of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, participants of the APEC Ladies' Program and to carry the delegations' luggage. Most of the fleets of Mercedes-Benz buses, owned by the state- owned PPD and DAMRI bus companies and the private PT Hiba Utama firm, were initially used during the Tenth Non-Aligned Movement Summit two years ago.

Ramos shows support for workers in KL

Ramos shows support for workers in KL MANILA (Agencies): President Fidel Ramos yesterday leapt to the support of Filipino migrant workers arrested in Malaysia and ordered Foreign Secretary Roberto Romulo to take up measures to protect them with the Malaysian government. Romulo is to discuss the issue with his Malaysian counterpart, Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, when they meet in the Indonesian capital Jakarta tomorrow for an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) ministerial conference.

Amoco to make PTA in KL

Amoco to make PTA in KL KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): U.S.-based Amoco Corp. said yesterday it was investing US$380 million in Malaysia to make a raw material for polyester. Amoco's purified terephthalic acid (PTA) plant, to be built in Kuantan, central Pahang state, will have a production capacity of 500,000 tons a year.

Some scholars enter politics ...

Some scholars enter politics ... By Santi W.E. Soekanto JAKARTA (JP): To co-opt or not to co-opt, that seems to be the question underlying the involvement of intellectuals in political parties -- for which an answer may not be so easy to find. Other questions also arise: Do intellectuals betray their "mission" when they enter politics? Can they really serve as critics and watchdogs of the power holders' legitimacy? Or will they be "eroded" and dragged by the vortex of political currents?

Loud speaker in mosque

Loud speaker in mosque I heartily endorse Mr. Sukaryan's letter (Mosque and loudspeaker, The Jakarta Post, Nov. 5, 1994). Of course, I respect the need for a call to prayer from the mosques in this predominantly Moslem country--after all, in Christian countries bells are rung to summon the faithful to Church--but need it be so early and need it be so loud? I live within about 200 meters of a mosque, and every morning I am waken at 4 a.m.

PDI tells govt to first put house in order first

PDI tells govt to first put house in order first JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia must put its own house in order before endorsing the idea of a free trade zone in the Asia Pacific region, the minority Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) says. Economist Kwik Kian Gie, who heads the party's research and development agency, singles out corruption within the bureaucracy as a major obstacle to a healthy and conducive climate which Indonesia needs to establish to reap the benefits of free trade.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The price's downward direction continued on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday with most shares losing ground in light trading. The JSX Composite Index declined for the third consecutive days, losing almost two points to close at 515.80 as compared to 517.78 on the previous day. The GTDBS-50 Index also fell to 123.54 from 123.96. Securities brokers said the trading was featureless as most investors took a wait-and-see position.

The role of private sector in APEC forum

The role of private sector in APEC forum By Lee Tsao Yuan SINGAPORE (JP): A distinctive feature of economic dynamism in the Asia Pacific is that it is driven by the private sector. Thousands of businesses have taken advantage of the progressive lowering of trade barriers and of the relaxation of investment deregulation to engage in regional activities ranging from assembly-line manufacturing to sophisticated financial services.

City to stage grand jazz festival

City to stage grand jazz festival JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta will once again host a grand jazz festival at the Plaza Timur, Gelora Senayan sport complex between Dec. 1 and 4. "I can never get enough of organizing jazz festivals in the country," Ireng Maulana, chairman of the organizing committee, told reporters at the 21 Concert Hall, Ratu Plaza, yesterday.

Yayuk shines in doubles

Yayuk shines in doubles JAKARTA (JP): Yayuk Basuki and Romana Tedjakusuma formed a superb team to clear their first hurdle at the US$100,000 Wismilak Open tennis championships in Surabaya, East Java yesterday. They swept Belgian Nancy Feber and Slovakian Katarina Studenikova 6-3, 6-1.

China's president visits Singapore

China's president visits Singapore SINGAPORE (AFP): China's President Jiang Zemin arrived in Singapore yesterday for a three-day state visit aimed at enhancing bilateral relations and cooperation. "I hope that this visit will help increase the understanding and friendship between our two countries and peoples and push our friendly relations and cooperation forward to a new broader vista," Jiang said in a written statement.

Will she or wont' she?

Will she or wont' she? Authorities and residents in the Central Javanese city of Klaten are still making arrangements for the visit of U.S. first lady Hillary Clinton, although to this day there has been no confirmation of whether or not she will be making the visit. Director of Tegalyoso General Hospital Docang Cipto Siswoyo said Mrs. Clinton was expected to visit the city to look at an American funded project on public health management.

Taiwan names special envoy for APEC forum

Taiwan names special envoy for APEC forum TAIPEI (AFP): Taiwan yesterday announced that top economic planner Vincent Siew will represent President Lee Teng-hui at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum leaders' summit next week. Meanwhile, government officials said the island will lobby hard to get the 1999 APEC meeting held in Taiwan.

Three state firms prepared to sell shares overseas

Three state firms prepared to sell shares overseas JAKARTA (JP): The government is preparing another three state companies to float shares on overseas markets following last month's successful debut of PT Indosat on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).

Ardy, Hariyanto get bye at HK Open

Ardy, Hariyanto get bye at HK Open JAKARTA (JP): World number one Ardy Wiranata and world number four Hariyanto Arbi, will get a bye into the second round in the men's singles of the Hong Kong Open badminton championships, which starts today at the Queen Elizabeth stadium.

The role of APEC in sustaining growth in the region

The role of APEC in sustaining growth in the region By Djisman S. Simandjuntak JAKARTA (JP): The East Asian miracle and the rise of the North American West Coast in the past didn't just lead to high growth at the two ends of the Pacific. It also brought about a diverse set of linkages leading to market integration between the two ends of the Pacific as well as the rest of the world.

Seoul firms set for push into N. Korea

Seoul firms set for push into N. Korea SEOUL (Reuter): South Korean businesses yesterday set out plans to break into the long-frozen North Korean market as the Seoul government prepared to lift its economic embargo on the communist North. The nation's major business conglomerates said their top managers would visit North Korea as soon as possible in order to reopen trade and investment links with Pyongyang.

Oil spill in Straits monitored

Oil spill in Straits monitored KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia sent an air force plane yesterday to monitor a palm oil spill from a tanker which hit a rocky islet in the northern Malacca Straits. A Malaysian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center official said the Orion plane was assessing the extent of the spill from the Liberian-flagged tanker Pamela. "We sent the plane this morning but the pilot has yet to report back," the official told Reuters.

City ready to handle flood

City ready to handle flood JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday that as the wet season approaches the city administration is getting ready to deal with floods. "I have told related offices to prepare equipment and to intensify flood control offices. I also urge Jakartans to prepare themselves to deal with floods," Surjadi told reporters at the City Hall.

Gunze to make socks here

Gunze to make socks here JAKARTA (JP): Gunze Ltd. of Japan signed a joint venture agreement here yesterday with PT Great River Industries to produce socks with an investment of US$10.2 million. Under the agreement signed by Gunze's president, Yoshiaki Hamura, and Great River's president, Sunjoto Tanudjaja, the joint venture will set up a factory on a 14,000-square-meter area in Cikarang, east of here, with a production capacity of 3.5 million pairs per annum.

Optimism on investment code still strong among officials

Optimism on investment code still strong among officials JAKARTA (JP): Senior officials of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum remained upbeat yesterday that they can still hammer out an agreement on investment guidelines in spite of opposition from the United States.

Unfamiliar abbreviations creeping into APEC forum

Unfamiliar abbreviations creeping into APEC forum By Endy Bayuni JAKARTA (JP): In the beginning, there was just APEC ... Now the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which is entering its sixth year, has created a host of abbreviations, which its officials feel at ease with, but which are mindboggling to those not familiar with APEC.

Dutch colonialism

Dutch colonialism Mr. de Kort, I remember you. You are the one who wrote that there were no airplanes involved in the battle of Surabaya. How wrong you were! You are the person who, while we were celebrating our "Heroes Day," Nov. 10, 1993, was belittling our struggles and battles for independence and showed no respect for our people's sufferings and sacrifices (of lives, feelings, goods, etc.). But we always have our honor and our will to fight for our rights as humans.

Govt issues decrees allowing circulation of laser discs

Govt issues decrees allowing circulation of laser discs JAKARTA (JP): Director General of Radio, Television and Film Alex Leo Zulkarnaen announced yesterday three decrees on films which will allow the circulation of laser discs in Indonesia. Alex was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying that the three decrees, signed by Minister of Information Harmoko on Oct. 28, deal with Government Regulation No.6 on the Film Business, Regulation No.

...but others not, call it clandestine

...but others not, call it clandestine JAKARTA (JP): One of the promises that Ismail Hasan Metareum made shortly after being elected chairman of the Moslem-based United Development Party (PPP) recently was he will recruit as many intellectuals as possible. "We need their contributions in our efforts to strengthen the party," he said.

Govt reviewing laws on the environment

Govt reviewing laws on the environment JAKARTA (JP): The government considers the possibility of revising laws on the management of living environment as they are considered to be no longer suitable with current condition. "We have established a team to review the Law No. 4/1982 on the basic provisions for management of the living environment," State Minister of Environment/Chairman of the Environmental Impact Management Agency (Bapedal) Sarwono Kusumaatmadja said yesterday.

Free coffee all round

Free coffee all round There will be no excuse for journalists falling asleep on the job because they now have access to coffee, lots of it, for free. "You can drink as many cups as you like," said the friendly Kopi Kapal Api stand attendant, clad in baju kurung, the traditional West Sumatra costume. The company has stocked up well on coffee for each day's needs and the stand will open until Nov. 16.

Small business development in the Asia Pacific region

Small business development in the Asia Pacific region By Chris Hall SYDNEY (JP): Twenty years ago, it was widely assumed that the importance of smaller firms would progressively decline; larger, multinational firms would take advantage of economies of scale and improved technology, and smaller firms would not be able to compete.

Merpati reroutes flights

Merpati reroutes flights JAKARTA (JP): Merpati Nusantara Airlines, a subsidiary of the national flag carrier Garuda Indonesia, will temporarily reroute a number of its flights for the upcoming Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. Company spokesman Benny Achmad said yesterday that all flights from the Halim Perdanakusuma airport in East Jakarta will be moved to the Soekarno-Hatta airport in Cengkareng, west of here, on Nov. 13 and 16. On Nov.

State transport firms' profits likely to double

State transport firms' profits likely to double JAKARTA (JP): State companies overseen by the Ministry of Transportation are expected to more than double their total profits to Rp 676.89 billion (US$309.6 million) this year, a minister says. Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto told reporters after meeting with President Soeharto yesterday that during the first 10 months of this year, the companies had raked in Rp 433.27 billion in before-tax profits.

APEC: development and prospects for economic ties

APEC: development and prospects for economic ties By Wisber Loeis JAKARTA (JP): The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum was formed in 1989 as a very loose and informal dialog group. It has since become the primary regional vehicle for promoting trade and practical economic cooperation. The Asia-Pacific region has a huge potential and is one of the most dynamic regions in the world today.

APEC album

APEC album Photo A: Nancy JP/kod U.S. STAND: Nancy Adams, head of the U.S. delegation, explains Washington's position on various issues during a break of the APEC senior officials meeting. The U.S. has been at odds over APEC's issue of investment principles. Photo B: Chun JP/kod CHINESE-TAIPEI VIEW: Chun Tien-Hu, spokesman for the Chinese Taipei delegation, is ambushed by journalists during a break of the APEC senior officials meeting.

Police seize 174,7 kg drugs

Police seize 174,7 kg drugs PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Police have seized 174,7 kilograms of dried marijuana and arrested 48 alleged drug traffickers in 21 smuggling cases from Jan.1 to Nov. 6. Muas Musa, spokesman from Sumatra's South Division Police said that the latest foiled drug smuggling attempt was in Jambi, South Sumatra on Nov.6 when police arrested two suspects for carrying 12,7 kilograms of dried marijuana. Both were passengers of a bus heading for Jakarta.

Lamhot will fight in world championship

Lamhot will fight in world championship JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Orient and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) junior bantamweight title holder Lamhot Simamora has the chance to fight in a world championship on Dec. 17 here after months of desperate waiting. Promoter Boy Bolang revealed over the weekend that the boxer, who was born in Medan, North Sumatra, will meet American Harold Grey, the newly crowned champion of the International Boxing Federation (IBF).

Share of Exports and Imports with PECC countries (as a % of total)

Share of Exports and Imports with PECC countries (as a % of total) Exports to PECC Imports from PECC 1970 1991 1992 1970 1991 1992 ------------------------------------ World 33.0 40.1 40.9 36.2 42.1 42.9 PECC 57.0 68.6 69.7 62.0 70.0 70.4 Australia 61.1 76.1 73.1 60.0 69.5 66.2 Brunei D. 99.5 87.6 90.6 85.5 65.4 72.1 Canada 71.0 86.7 87.9 76.1 79.0 79.1 Chile 28.6 49.8 50.4 46.0 43.9 44.4 China 55.3 78.2 76.8 51.8 69.4 66.9 Colombia 44.7 50.1 50.7 60.2 57.1 62.0 Hong Kong 61.1 71.6 73.0 68.5 85.

Minimum wages to rise as of April: Abdul Latief

Minimum wages to rise as of April: Abdul Latief JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief announced yesterday the government will raise wages by an average of ten percent next April. Speaking to reporters after a meeting with President Soeharto, Latief said wage increases will be adjusted to be in line with conditions of the minimum physical needs in each province throughout the country.

Who says calls are costly?

Who says calls are costly? Anyone suggesting that phone calls in Indonesia are among the most expensive in the world should look again, at least during the APEC meetings. The state owned PT Telkom is giving a 25 percent discount on all phone calls made from any of its kiosks in Bogor in the run up to and during the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting on Nov. 15.

The Kedungombo decision

The Kedungombo decision The joy of the 34 Kedungombo farmers, who won a legal battle against the Central Java provincial government last July, has turned out to be short-lived. Only three months. The other day, in a very surprising decision, the Supreme Court announced that it had annulled its own previous verdict, and was now ruling in favor of the government.

Investment facilitation in the Asia-Pacific region

Investment facilitation in the Asia-Pacific region By Bijit Bora SYDNEY (JP): Foreign investment has been a catalyst for economic growth and integration in the Asia Pacific region. Yet there has been a lack of a formal multilateral mechanism. The depth of economic integration in the region is increasing the pressure on the region to consider a regional institutional mechanism to facilitate trade and investment.

Scholar M. Buchori announces his plan to join PDI

Scholar M. Buchori announces his plan to join PDI JAKARTA (JP): A renowned Moslem scholar and former government researcher, Dr. Mochtar Buchori, made a surprise maneuver yesterday when he announced his plans to join the minority Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). Buchori was formerly a senior researcher at the Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) and is currently rector of the Jakarta-based IKIP Muhamadiyah, a Moslem institute for teachers training and education.

Govt promises to cure cement trading network

Govt promises to cure cement trading network JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad announced here yesterday the government plans to abolish the widely criticized cement marketing system. The minister said the order to review the cement marketing system came directly from President Soeharto and that the change is essential to stabilizing the country's cement trade.

More pages for newspapers

More pages for newspapers Journalists, eat your hearts out. While most Jakartans enjoy the extended weekend, a number of newspapers in Indonesia will be raising their pages for the APEC coverage, which means more work. Minister of Information Harmoko yesterday announced that newspapers in Indonesia can expand their size by four more pages for the duration of the APEC meetings.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Free trade proposal reviewed

Free trade proposal reviewed JAKARTA (JP): Senior officials of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum yesterday reviewed a task force proposal calling for trade liberalization in the region by 2020. The second report of the Eminent Persons Group, created in 1992 with the task of developing a broad vision for trade in the region, ranked high on the agenda when the fourth Senior Officials Meetings (SOM) kicked off yesterday morning.

SMEs tables

SMEs tables The role of SMEs in selected Asian Economies Country Number of SMEs SMEs as % of % employed (thousand) all enterprises by SMEs -------------------------------------------- PRC m# 500 98% # 70% Korea m 68 96% 63% Chinese Taipei m 155 96% 79% Indonesia 105 97% 42% Thailand 102 98% 74% Malaysia m 20 96% 40% Singapore 69 89% 42% Philippines 78 99% 50% Vietnam 14 83% 67% Sources: Country statistics, Far Eastern Economic Review, IMF Note : # estimate only m manufacturing only The...

PSSI asks for rematch in Winners

PSSI asks for rematch in Winners JAKARTA (JP): The All-Indonesia Football Association (PSSI) submitted an appeal yesterday to the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), concerning the disqualification of Bali-based Gelora Dewata from the Asian Cup Winners Cup quarterfinals for administrative carelessness. PSSI secretary general Soeparjo Pontjowinoto told reporters here yesterday that he had officially asked the AFC to lift the punitive measure and to offer a rematch against Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur.

RI sends aid to Afghanistan

RI sends aid to Afghanistan JAKARTA: Indonesia will send 80 tons of medical supplies to Afghanistan for the thousands of war victims now being treated at hospitals in the war-torn country. The medical supplies will be delivered by a Hercules C-130 plane which is scheduled to leave here for Kabul today. The plan will take part in joint airlift activities between Jalalabad and Kabul, which are due to begin today and will last through Nov. 13.

Bootleggers invade dry Brunei

Bootleggers invade dry Brunei BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN, Brunei (Reuter): Bootleggers are invading the tiny Moslem sultanate of Brunei which maintains a strict ban on alcohol, customs officials said yesterday. Customs officials have registered 111 cases of alcohol- smuggling in the first half of the year compared with 96 in the whole of last year. "It's supply and demand," one customs official in the Brunei capital said.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Prince Valliant 3:05 Music 3:30 Science Program 4:05 Comedy 4:30 Documentary Film 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Langka Tapi Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music Contest: Asia Bagus 8:05 Spektrum 9:00 World News 9:30 Music Traditional 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Adam Program 2 4:30 p.m.

KL anxious about RI commitment

KL anxious about RI commitment KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Developed nations should honor the promise made more than two years ago to help developing countries sustain the environment, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday. Financial commitments by developed countries utilizing freely the rich resources of developing nations was not forthcoming although more than two years had lapsed after the landmark Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro.

Indonesian society in Buchori's eyes

Indonesian society in Buchori's eyes M. Buchori, Sketches of Indonesian Society, Jakarta The Jakarta Post and IKIP Muhammadiyah Jakarta Press November 1994. 176 pages. JAKARTA (JP): This book, a collection of essays previously published in The Jakarta Post daily, is absolutely enjoyable to read. Written in a lucid journalistic style, it provides rich real-life situations in our society.

Soeharto goes over fine details of Bogor meeting

Soeharto goes over fine details of Bogor meeting BOGOR, West Java (JP): President Soeharto went thoroughly over the details of next week's APEC leadership meeting at the Bogor Presidential Palace once again yesterday, checking on even the smallest details to ensure perfection. Soeharto, in the company of First Lady Tien Soeharto and their two daughters, was at the palace yesterday to witness the dress rehearsal of the event and to inspect some of the facilities as well.

Humpuss, Detroit sign agreement

Humpuss, Detroit sign agreement JAKARTA (JP): After nearly 12 months of negotiations, a U.S. heavy-duty diesel engine manufacturer, Detroit Diesel Corporation, yesterday appointed an affiliate of the Humpuss Group to act as its sole distributor in Indonesia. Under an agreement signed here yesterday, PT Mahasara Buana (Mabua), a Humpuss affiliate operating in trade and construction, will establish a new company to distribute Detroit's products.

City Hall won't be closed during APEC

City Hall won't be closed during APEC Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday City Hall will be open and that some of its personnel will be on the job during the Nov. 14 and 15 holiday. The two-day holiday was declared by the government on Monday in an effort to ease traffic jams during the APEC meeting, which reaches its peak on Nov. 14 and 15. (yns)

Open forum to discuss APEC future path

Open forum to discuss APEC future path JAKARTA (JP): Economists, businessmen, scholars and officials will gather at a one-day open discussion at the Dai-Ichi Hotel here on Nov.14 to discuss the future direction of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Leave the birds alone

Leave the birds alone From Suara Karya It's unfortunate that many trees growing in Bandung city, West Java, in the 1960s and 1970s have vanished. And at the same time many bird species are no longer seen. These birds used to be heard chirping in the shady trees and added to the attractiveness of the city. Now the local government is carrying out a regreening program and planting new trees. The result has been noticeable. Bandung begins to look greener day by day. Birds have returned to the city.

Fire razes seven houses

Fire razes seven houses Seven houses located just behind the Italian Embassy on Jl. Pasuruan, Central Jakarta, went up in flames on Monday. Witnesses said an electric short circuit is believed to have caused the fire. They said the fire broke out at 9.30 pm on Monday from house No. 28 C and spread to neighboring houses until it devoured houses No. 26 A, 26 B and 26 C. No casualties were reported.(22)

Spotlight

Spotlight Photo A: Awards TOURISM AWARDS: Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunication Joop Ave presents the Adikarya Award to Stanley Allison (left) for his dedication to the development of tourism in Indonesia. The award was presented recently at the commemoration of Hari Bhakti Parpostel l994. Allison is now a tourism consultant for PT Aerowisata. Photo B: Cosmetics HERB EXPORT: Charles Saerang (left), president of PT Nyonya Meneer, and Kusumo A.M.

Supreme Court criticized for changing ruling

Supreme Court criticized for changing ruling JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Court's decision to reverse its own ruling on the Kedung Ombo land dispute is coming under fire from prominent experts in law and public figures. Noted legal experts, such as Satjipto Rahardjo and Frans Hendra Winarta, as well as public figures, such as Catholic priest Y.B. Mangunwijaya, said yesterday that the Supreme Court should not have canceled its own ruling on the land dispute.

High inflation rate

High inflation rate The inflation rate last month was considerably high and it is feared that we could end up with a two digit inflation rate by the turn of the year. That is the reason why President Soeharto summoned a number of ministers recently, to see what they can do to stop the pace of inflation, which has reached 8.27 percent as of November. The hike in electricity rates this month will contribute to a higher rate of inflation since it will be followed by price hikes in other sectors.

S. Korea's Kim to make state visit

S. Korea's Kim to make state visit JAKARTA (JP): South Korean President Kim Young-sam is expected to arrive Saturday afternoon for a two-day state visit before attending the APEC Economic Leaders Meeting in Bogor next Tuesday. President Kim and his entourage, which include a number of businessmen, will arrive here from Manila after making a state visit to the Philippines.

Business meeting planned

Business meeting planned JAKARTA (JP): Humpuss Group, a widely diversified conglomerate, has organized a business meeting next week to explore ways to enhance cooperation and exploit business opportunities within the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) area. The Nov. 15 meeting will be attended by business executives who have accompanied their government leaders to the forum's annual meeting.

Demands for low cost houses far outweights current supply

Demands for low cost houses far outweights current supply JAKARTA (JP): Low cost apartments built on Jl. Penjernihan, Central Jakarta, by PT Kuningan Persada are being swamped by potential buyers.

Jakarta Convention Center no stranger to big events

Jakarta Convention Center no stranger to big events By Lenah Susianty JAKARTA (JP): According to Javanese legend, knight Bandung Bondowoso built 1,000 temples in a single night to win the heart of the beautiful Loro Jonggrang, In Indonesia's contemporary history, PT Indobuilco constructed the 64,000-square meter Jakarta Convention Center adjacent to the Jakarta Hilton International Hotel two years ago in only ten months, just in time for the 10th summit meeting of the Non- Aligned Movement.

Tigers on brink of extinction

Tigers on brink of extinction BENGKULU, Southern Sumatra: The population of Sumatran tigers (Pathera Tigris Sumatrae) has sharply declined over the last 10 years. It is feared they will be completely extinct in the coming 10 years. "It is estimated that there are only 10 tigers left now," the head of the Bengkulu Conservation and Natural Resources Office, Soesilo Legowo, told Antara here yesterday. He blamed this on slaughter of tigers by villagers and the ever declining area of their habitat.

Asian stocks mostly weaker ahead of U.S. elections

Asian stocks mostly weaker ahead of U.S. elections HONG KONG (Reuter): Asian stocks were mostly weaker yesterday with investors' attention focused on the United States where an imminent rise in interest rates and mid-term elections are causing market jitters. Philippine shares were the day's biggest losers, plunging 41.43 points to 3,000.51, down almost three percent since last Friday. The Composite Index may fall as low as 2,980 if the peso keeps strengthening, they added.

Ramos to meet Kim, then Clinton

Ramos to meet Kim, then Clinton MANILA (Reuter): President Fidel Ramos will seek wider access for Philippine farm products when he meets South Korean President Kim Young-sam in Manila this week, officials said yesterday. Kim, who is arriving tomorrow for a three-day visit, is the first of two heads of state Ramos will welcome to Manila over the next few days. Hours after Kim departs on Saturday, U.S.

Sports achievements

Sports achievements From Media Indonesia We are not very happy with the achievements of our sports teams in the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima, Japan. Three of the gold medals won by the Indonesian team were from Badminton event. We are disappointed because they lost in the women's singles. The failure will, hopefully, serve as a strong motivation for sports leaders to improve and enhance the system of training of athletes.

Rights commission opens as usual

Rights commission opens as usual The show must go on at Indonesia's National Commission on Human Rights despite the series of APEC meetings and other international events scheduled between Nov. 3 and 15. The Commission, according to its Secretary General Baharuddin Lopa, will maintain its "open house" policy for complainants. "We have not received any government instructions to not receive complainants during the APEC meetings.

Trade facilitation in APEC

Trade facilitation in APEC By Mari Pangestu JAKARTA (JP): The recent reports and emphasis of late on the progress of APEC have focused on the more "meaty" subject of trade liberalization. Since the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) announced their recommendations for achieving trade liberalization in the area, much of the debate has been on what is meant by trade liberalization? What are the modalities?

World economics, politics taking opposite directions

World economics, politics taking opposite directions JAKARTA (JP): Economic and political trends are leading towards contradictory ends, Henry A. Kissinger, a former U.S. secretary of state, said here yesterday. Speaking at the 11th Asian Bankers Association's meeting, Kissinger noted that the world economy is widening its focus, while politics is becoming more inward looking. "On the one hand, finance and capital are moving on a global basis.

APEC trade liberalization: Towards open regionalism

APEC trade liberalization: Towards open regionalism By Ippei Yamazawa TOKYO (JP): At the informal Leaders Meeting in Bogor it is expected that the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation leaders will announce a bold trade liberalization program for the APEC member economies. However, the Asian leaders seem to be concerned about the emphasis on trade liberalization and the seemingly hasty political initiative taken by non-Asian leaders.

Grady set to win Tugu Pratama golf

Grady set to win Tugu Pratama golf JAKARTA (JP): Australian Wayne Grady is set to regain the Tugu Pratama PGA Championship title he won last year when a field of about 90 golfers tee-off today at Bumi Serpong Damai in Tangerang near here. Grady will lead 41 overseas players from 11 countries, while Ilyasak, who was tied at 14th in the Alfred Dunhill Masters in Bali, will head the local golfers in vying for the US$100,000 in cash prizes on offer.

RI urging to narrow disparity among members

RI urging to narrow disparity among members JAKARTA (JP): As the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum moves to further liberalize trade within the Asia-Pacific region, Indonesia is calling on the advanced and industrialized countries to help narrow the disparity between the rich and poor member countries.

Rain city gets ready for big meeting

Rain city gets ready for big meeting By Hidayat Jati BOGOR (JP): This scenic Indonesian city of rain will make its mark in world history once again as it gets ready for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting on Nov.15. Located about one hour's drive from Jakarta, Bogor has quite a bit to offer world leaders, as well as commoners. The city boasts two landmarks: the magnificent colonialistic State Palace, and the ever charming Botanical Gardens located just next to the former.

PECC a unique partnership in Asia-Pacific economies

PECC a unique partnership in Asia-Pacific economies JAKARTA (JP): The Pacific Economic Cooperation Council (PECC) is a unique partnership of business, government and research representatives from 22 Asia-Pacific economies. They work on practical government and business policy issues to increase trade, investment and economic development in the region. PECC is a unique non-governmental organization because it brings business, government and research together.

Can Bogor carve a niche in history books after APEC?

Can Bogor carve a niche in history books after APEC? JAKARTA (JP): The city of Bogor, about one hour's drive from here, is set to play host to a major international event this month -- the gathering of leaders from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. But whether or not Bogor, dubbed as the "rain city", will carve a niche in the history books will largely depend on the outcome of the Nov. 15 meeting.

The importance of APEC in the region

The importance of APEC in the region By Hadi Soesastro JAKARTA (JP): Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation is a major experiment and it should be seen as such. A failure to appreciate this could jeopardize the still fragile process of community building in the Asia Pacific region. This diverse region has no strong tradition of regionalism and only has had a short experience in developing a sense of regional identity. That is why, it still needs careful nurturing and cannot be taken for granted.

On colonialism I

On colonialism I We now, at least, have an admission of colonial malpractice from Mr. de Kort (The Jakarta Post, Nov. 5, 1994). However, it is less than reassuring that, for murdering 40,000 Indonesians, Kapitein Westerling received a severe rap over the knuckles from the Dutch public and was duly granted his freedom. The reason why Westerling was not tried for crimes against humanity (or as Mr.

Seven hospitals ready for APEC

Seven hospitals ready for APEC The City Health Office has appointed seven hospitals in Jakarta to serve the delegates of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. The Jayakarta daily reported yesterday that the seven medical facilities in Jakarta are Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital, Harapan Kita Cardiac Hospital, Medistra Hospital, Pertamina Hospital, MMC Hospital and Gatot Subroto Hospital.

Three killed in rain storm

Three killed in rain storm GROBOGAN, Central Java: Three people were killed, 45 houses destroyed and hundreds others badly damaged in a rain storm sweeping three villages in this regency last week, officials said. The worst hit was the Teguhan village, where the fatalities occurred, and 35 houses destroyed. Those killed belonged to the same family. They were crushed when their house collapsed on top of them.

Japan's loan to Vietnam

Japan's loan to Vietnam TOKYO (AFP): The Japanese government is expected to provide a loan of 65 billion yen (US$670 million) to Vietnam for the financial year to next March, official sources were quoted as saying yesterday. Japan is likely to express readiness to extend the loan at an international meeting to be held in Paris on Tuesday of next week to discuss measures to help Vietnam, Jiji Press quoted the sources as saying.

Accident at zebra crossing

Accident at zebra crossing From Kompas A pedestrian was hit by a car at a zebra crossing in front of the National Museum on Jl. Medan Merdeka Barat, Central Jakarta on Oct. 13, 1994 at about 7 p.m. The driver of the car had to swerve when the car in front unexpectedly came to a halt at a red light. The car careened onto the pavement and hit a person just behind me. The poor pedestrian had to be taken to hospital with severe injuries.

Water problem and drought

Water problem and drought From Media Indonesia The well in our house has dried up due to the long drought. The same problem also plagues our neighbors and, I believe, many families in this capital city. Now we have to take a long walk to a distant neighbor just to take a bath. This has gone on for weeks and we will keep on worrying until the rain comes. Actually we have deepened our well in the past despite our awareness that this could endanger the environment.

Fraudulent ad hunting

Fraudulent ad hunting From Kompas On July 30, 1994 a man visited me. He told me he was an employee of Metropolitan Promotion Directory, whose office was in Maya Indah building, on Jl. Kramat Raya. The company was looking for people wanting to place advertisements in the 1994-1995 directory. As a businessman who sells services, I was interested in his offer of placing an advertisement in Executive magazine (Yellow Pages). For this I paid him Rp 125,000 in cash.

Telecom project in Natuna

Telecom project in Natuna JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned domestic telecommunications company, PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), will complete the development of communication networks in Natuna, Riau, early next year to support a natural gas liquefaction project there. "Telkom will have the completed telecommunications infrastructure in January although the natural gas liquefaction project on the island will not begin until later," the company's president, Setyanto P.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Stray dogs will be killed

Stray dogs will be killed MEDAN, North Sumatra: Governor Raja Inal Siregar has ordered security authorities to destroy stray dogs he believes are to blame for the rise in rabies cases. Siregar said owners of dogs should have their pets vaccinated and pay taxes, as the law requires. Husbandry officials said that so far this year North Sumatra has had 2,500 cases of rabies transmitted by dogs, cats and monkeys. Ten of those have died, Antara reported.

Planet Hollywood restaurant

Planet Hollywood restaurant Commenting on Mariani's letter in The Jakarta Post (Nov. 3, 1994) about SCTV's coverage of the opening of Planet Hollywood on Saturday, Oct. 22, 1994, I would like to say that the only emotions that I experienced were nausea and deprivation. This boring razzmatazz of aging stars, coupled with poor interviewing, denied me half my weekly "diet" of English soccer advertised the whole of the week.

Keep the city clean: Mayor

Keep the city clean: Mayor South Jakarta Mayor Pardjoko has called on the developer handling the Sudirman Central Business project to help keep the city clean. Pardjoko made the remarks during an inspection on Sunday. The mayor and his entourage saw a large pile of debris scattered on the pavement in front of the project. He immediately went to the project site and asked several construction workers to clean the sidewalk and take the debris back to the project area.

Citarum river banks to be cleared

Citarum river banks to be cleared The municipal authorities plan to make a clean sweep of the hundreds of shanties and other structures standing along the Citarum river bank in Cedeng, Central Jakarta, by the end of this month. Chief of the City Public Works Office, IG Nyoman Suwandhi, said over the weekend that the demolition will be done by security officers if the squatters refuse to clear away the hovels by themselves. Quoting City Regulation No.

Nick Faldo to auction clubs

Nick Faldo to auction clubs JAKARTA (JP): Golfers wishing to own clubs use by world top player Nick Faldo may try their luck Thursday when the Cikarang Golf and Country Club hosts a cocktail party to honor the Englishman. The 6,850-yard 18-hole layout located some 45kms northeast of the capital was designed by Faldo, who unfortunately was disqualified at the Alfred Dunhill Masters in Bali on Sunday. He was here yesterday to inspect the golf link.

Tangerang expands with 17 new sub-districts

Tangerang expands with 17 new sub-districts JAKARTA (JP): Tangerang Mayor H. Djakaria has installed heads of 17 new sub-districts as part of the mayoralty's efforts to anticipate the sharp growth of population. "The installation is designed to help the city administration improve services to the public," Djakaria said at the ceremony over the weekend.

Korea favors free trade by 2020

Korea favors free trade by 2020 SYDNEY (Reuter): South Korean President Kim Young-sam will support a deal to create a free trade zone in the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) region in the next century, The Australian newspaper reported yesterday. "I will support the recommendation to complete free trade by 2020 in Bogor (Indonesia)," Kim was quoted as saying in an interview with the newspaper.

On colonialism II

On colonialism II I have read the letters of Mr. de Jong and Mr. de Kort, the last one of Nov. 5, 1994 in The Jakarta Post. I got the impression by their tone and attitude of not willing to admit (let alone apologize!) the malpractice of colonial times, whether it is three-and-a half years or 350 years (this is history), these gentlemen appear to be angered and embittered that Indonesians as a whole ("former colonial subjects") are capable of knocking them off!

Dialog with East Timorese

Dialog with East Timorese President Soeharto made a sympathetic gesture last week when he expressed his readiness to hold a dialog with an anti- integration group of East Timor. The offer of a dialog will be a substantive contribution to the solution of the issue. The Indonesian government has reiterated that the East Timor issue is a non-issue any longer, de facto and de jure. But it is also true that several anti- integration groups are still continuing their campaigns.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The buying drive on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) remained low yesterday with a price drop taking place across the board. The JSX Composite Index lost nearly three points to close at 517.78 against 520.59 on Friday. The GTDBS-50 Index also dropped to 123.96 from 124.77. Securities brokers said that prices of popular issues mostly dropped amid selling pressure from local investors.

KL rejects U.S. plan for military base

KL rejects U.S. plan for military base KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has joined Thailand and Indonesia in rejecting a U.S. plan for a new military base in Southeast Asia following the withdrawal of American troops from Subic Bay in the Philippines. "We don't feel there is a need for such a base in Southeast Asia because we don't feel threatened by anyone, including China and Japan," Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad was quoted saying in local newspapers yesterday.

Polyethylene plant expanded

Polyethylene plant expanded JAKARTA (JP): PT Petrokimia Nusantara Interindo, a British- Japanese-Indonesian joint venture, will double the production capacity of its polyethylene plant in Merak, West Java, from 200,000 to 400,000 tons per annum. The company's president, Jim Hay, said yesterday that the construction of the expansion project, likely to cost US$100 million, will start next year and production is expected to start by the end of 1996.

29 bodies recovered

29 bodies recovered MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The bodies of 29 of the 31 people believed to have drowned in last week's flash flood have been recovered, a local official said yesterday. Spokesman for the East Lombok regency government Met Mugni told Antara that search and rescue workers are still working to recover the bodies of the other two victims. The victims of the flood that hit the Aikmel subdistrict were badly decomposed, he said.

NU congress to fortify vow to shun politics

NU congress to fortify vow to shun politics JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's largest Moslem organization, Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), will reaffirm its commitment to shunning formal politics in its congress next month. The five-day congress in the West Java town of Tasikmalaya will renew its 1984 pledge to return to NU's original mission as a socio-educational organization or Khittah, the organization's officials said yesterday.

RI, PNG talks on joint border resume

RI, PNG talks on joint border resume JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Papua New Guinea opened its 13th meeting of their joint border committee yesterday, in the West Kalimantan capital of Pontianak. Indonesian Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. said in his opening address the committee should prioritize discussions on establishment of more border posts. Yogie said Indonesia would seek Papua New Guinea government's agreement to set up border posts in Skou, Sota Waris and Warapko.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Diletansia 3:30 Film 4:30 Science Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Open University 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Wawasan 8:05 Traditional Drama 9:00 World News 9:30 Music: Karya Nada 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film : The Coming Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Govt ready with free health services for the needy

Govt ready with free health services for the needy JAKARTA (JP): After less than a year's try-out, the Ministry of Health yesterday announced it is ready to provide free health services to the 25.9 million poor people nation-wide.

Govt threatens to close hospital treatment plants

Govt threatens to close hospital treatment plants JAKARTA (JP): The city environment bureau has threatened to close down the waste treatment plants of 11 hospitals in Jakarta after they ignored repeated warnings issued by the municipal administration. The warnings were aimed at improving the hospitals' waste management in order to support the city's program of clean rivers, locally known as Program Kali Bersih (Prokasih).

Soeharto for free trade

Soeharto for free trade Many businessmen and analysts, even those in Indonesia itself, are still surprised at President Soeharto's enthusiasm about the free trade concept recommended by the Eminent Persons Group and the Pacific Business Forum. Such surprise is, to a certain extent, understandable because, as recently as last year, Indonesia was still dragging its feet on the process of establishing a free trade area in the ASEAN sub-region.

APEC trade team failure criticized

APEC trade team failure criticized JAKARTA (JP): APEC meetings encountered their first hurdle here yesterday when the Committee on Trade and Investment (CTI), facing opposition from the United States, failed to adopt a draft on a set of non-binding investment principals. "As far as the U.S.

Indonesian banks forced to face global competition

Indonesian banks forced to face global competition JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian banks have to seriously prepare themselves as they enter an era of free trade in services early next year, when the new GATT principles go into effect, Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono says.

Govt expects no major change in 95/96 budget

Govt expects no major change in 95/96 budget JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad estimated no major change in the government's revenues in the 1995/96 fiscal year, which will begin next April. The minister said that tax receipts from the oil and gas sectors will likely be around the same level of those projected in the current fiscal year due to the gloomy prospect of the oil market and the flattening level of production.

Supreme Court reverses ruling on land dispute

Supreme Court reverses ruling on land dispute JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Court has reversed its own ruling on the highly political Kedung Ombo land dispute, and has now ruled in favor of the government which is being sued by 34 displaced villagers. The latest Supreme Court position was announced to the press yesterday by outgoing Chief Justice Purwoto Gandasubrata on the day he handed over the post to his successor Soerjono.

NAFTA is not a trade bloc, Barry says

NAFTA is not a trade bloc, Barry says JAKARTA (JP): The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) is not a trade bloc but rather a complement of the new General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), American Ambassador to Indonesia Robert L. Barry said yesterday.

Indonesia needs more investment in gas industry

Indonesia needs more investment in gas industry Frits H. Pangemanan NUSA DUA, Bali (JP): Indonesia, which has successfully supplied natural gas to buyers in Asian and Pacific countries for over the last 20 years, is inviting foreign and domestic investors to develop its gas industry in anticipation of rapidly increasing demand in the region.

Moslem leaders condemn Gus Dur for Israeli visit

Moslem leaders condemn Gus Dur for Israeli visit JAKARTA (JP): Condemnations came hard and fast yesterday against controversial Moslem leader Abdurrahman Wahid for his recent visit to Israel. Prominent ulemas including K.H. Hasan Basri and K.H. Ali Yafie from the influential Indonesian Council of Ulemas, and Dr. Anwar Haryono of the Council for the Propagation of Islam protested Abdurrahman's visit, saying it would split Moslem opinion here.

Activist gets three years in jail for inciting riot

Activist gets three years in jail for inciting riot MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Chairman of the outlawed Indonesian Prosperity Labor Union (SBSI) Muchtar Pakpahan was sentenced to three years imprisonment yesterday for inciting workers to demonstrate violently last April. The Medan District Court found the 41-year old labor leader guilty for his role in the workers' riot which left one businessman dead and dozens of factories severely damaged.

Tuberculosis rife in West Java

Tuberculosis rife in West Java BANDUNG, West Java: An estimated 364,800 people suffering tuberculosis across the province badly need medical treatment, otherwise many more will be infected, a health official warned yesterday. Marwan Awaludin, chairman of the Association for Tuberculosis Eradication, said medical treatment for patients will cost Rp 36 billion (US$17 million).

APEC and NAM: The two commitments that bind

APEC and NAM: The two commitments that bind In the span of two years Indonesia has hosted two important international meetings, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum. Political scientist Juwono Sudarsono puts the two events in global perspective and argues that the nation's real challenge is its exposure to international competition.

Drug dealer arrested

Drug dealer arrested North Jakarta police have arrested a man carrying two kilograms of dried marijuana worth Rp 2 million (US$900) through Tanjung Priok port, North Jakarta. The suspected drug trafficker identified as AR, 29, reportedly told police during questioning that he bought the drug in Banda Aceh, Sumatra, recently for Rp 500,000 and planned to sell it in Jakarta.

Govt officially approves APEC two-day holiday

Govt officially approves APEC two-day holiday JAKARTA (JP): Most people residing, working and studying in Jakarta will enjoy a prolonged holiday this coming weekend, courtesy of President Soeharto. Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono announced yesterday the government is declaring Nov. 14 and Nov. 15, the peak of the meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, as holidays for all government and private sector offices, as well as schools, in Jakarta.

Students, teachers boycott classes

Students, teachers boycott classes SALATIGA, Central Java: Thousands of students and teachers at the Satya Wacana Christian University boycotted classes yesterday in a show of disgust to the recent dismissal of scholar Arief Budiman for disciplinary reasons. The boycott was the latest effort teachers and students made to press their demand for the reinstatement of the outspoken academic, and retirement of the rector and chief of the university's managing foundation.

Joko, Susi retain Thai Open crowns

Joko, Susi retain Thai Open crowns JAKARTA (JP): World champions Joko Suprianto and Susi Susanti maintained their supremacy at the Thailand Open badminton championships as Indonesian players romped home with four titles on Sunday. Joko weathered Chinese young gun Sun Jun's initial storm to clinch his third straight win here 10-15, 15-11, 15-5.

Traditional logic key to conserving natural resources

Traditional logic key to conserving natural resources JAKARTA (JP): Even if doomsday is around the corner, not many people are willing to give up their greedy habits to save future generations. As the saying goes, "We don't know how much a tree is worth until we cut it down." Speakers at a recent workshop on biodiversity in Serpong, West Java, stressed that conservation efforts must involve local people and immediately benefit them.

Filipino maids

Filipino maids I found your article, headline 'Singapore to stop Filipino maids inflow', which appeared in The Jakarta Post on Oct. 31, 1994 totally unnerving. At a glance, it immediately suggested that the influx of Filipino maids to Singapore continues to be unabated, which is grossly and absolutely wrong.

Research on subway reaches final stage

Research on subway reaches final stage JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday that the research on the possibility of building a subway in the city has reached its final stage. The research is being conducted by the city administration in cooperation with the Ministries of Transportation and Public Works and the Agency for the Assessment and Application of Technology, he said.

Isolate criminals from society: General

Isolate criminals from society: General JAKARTA (JP): City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hindarto has proposed that law breakers be ostracized from society. "Perhaps it will be more effective than legal penalties imposed on those found guilty violating existing rules," he said. Hindarto made the remarks over the weekend, after officially closing the 47th ABRI Masuk Desa (Armed Forces in villages -- AMD) activities at Bendungan Hilir, Central Jakarta.

Stores are not giving special discounts to APEC delegates

Stores are not giving special discounts to APEC delegates JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta's large-scale shopping centers are not providing special offers or any discounts to greet delegates of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum despite requests by the head of the city tourism office.

Police foil smuggling attempt

Police foil smuggling attempt BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: 22 trucks carrying logs, resin and pumice without proper official documents, worth millions of rupiahs, have been seized by police. The goods were confiscated in an anti-smuggling operation last week on the trans-Sumatra highway and at the Bakauheni port, Lampung police commander Col. Endang Suwanda said yesterday. The truck drivers are being held for questioning on suspicion of attempting to smuggle goods into Java, Antara reported.

Firefighters on stand-by during APEC meeting

Firefighters on stand-by during APEC meeting JAKARTA (JP): The City Fire Department has three fire engines and 60 firefighters on standby 24-hour-a-day at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center during the current Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meetings. "We have deployed two fire engines and one hook and ladder truck to help combat any fires occurring at the conference venue," Tatang Sastrawiria, the fire department chief, told reporters yesterday.

Vietnam applies for ASEAN membership

Vietnam applies for ASEAN membership BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (Reuter): Hanoi has formally applied to join the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the staunchly anti-communist group formed at the height of the Vietnam War, senior ASEAN officials said. The officials, in Brunei for an ASEAN senior officials' meeting which ended last Friday, said Vietnam submitted a formal letter of application two weeks ago. Brunei, the smallest ASEAN member, currently chairs the standing committee.

Donation to WWF fund

Donation to WWF fund We would like to express our thanks for the generous donation we received on Nov. 3, 1994, from The Jakarta Post on behalf of those readers who completed their Life Style Survey.

Ngada to have new airport

Ngada to have new airport KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara: The regency of Ngada plans to build an airport in Marapokot next year when its capital is moved from Bajawa to Mbay. Spokesman for the Ngada government Thimtius Mesakh Hermanus said Saturday that Minister of Transportation Haryanto Danutirto had endorsed the plan. Haryanto, Thimtius said, stated that the project could be completed by 1999, Antara reported.

Research on Jambi dwarves

Research on Jambi dwarves JAMBI, Jambi: Deborah Martyr, is a British scholar conducting research on the existence of dwarf people living in Kerinci Seblat national park. For many people in Jambi, the dwarves exist in fairly tales and some even claim to have seen them. But Kerinci regent Bambang Sukowinarno said that Martyr, 36, was among the few who had discovered traces of their existence when she began her research on the dwarves early last year.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Will next century be Asia-Pacific era?

Will next century be Asia-Pacific era? By Yasuhiko Shibata TOKYO: The Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, which groups some of the world's fastest growing economies, is to hold a summit in Indonesia next week. A key issue will be whether APEC members decide to make a stronger commitment to the Asia-Pacific free-trade zone advocated by the United States, or whether to stick to local cooperation. Also at issue will be Japan's policy toward APEC, which still remains unclear.

CorelFLOW!: For serious jobs and sheer fun

CorelFLOW!: For serious jobs and sheer fun By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Corel Corporation seems determined in becoming the leader in the Windows-based graphics world. Here's one of its products that I briefly mentioned some time ago in my review of new products in the PC world. I got a copy of CorelFLOW!

Faldo disqualified as Kay wins Dunhill Masters

Faldo disqualified as Kay wins Dunhill Masters JAKARTA (JP): Unaware of breaking the local rules of golf cost the runaway leader Nick Faldo of England the Alfred Dunhill Masters title and disqualification from the championship at Bali Golf and Country Club yesterday. It was a dramatic and unexpected finale to the tournament that the former world number one Faldo had dominated and looked certain to win, then having to surrender it to Canadian Jack Kay.

Arief's firing is internal problem of the university

Arief's firing is internal problem of the university JAKARTA (JP): The government has no intention of intervening in the internal conflict currently roiling the Christian University of Satya Wacana, Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro says. Speaking shortly after a meeting with President Soeharto here on Saturday, Wardiman said the decision is in compliance with the President's guidance. "Since the recent dismissal of Dr.

Civil servants making sure Bogor is clean

Civil servants making sure Bogor is clean JAKARTA (JP): The Bogor city administration has deployed 1,500 personnel from various government institutions to clean the parks around Bogor Presidential Palace and to tidy up the city's foliage. Bogor Mayor Eddy Gunardy said that such activities employing members of the national civil service are expected to help improve the city's image and give the impression that it deserves the honor of hosting an international conference of such magnitude.

Simpler procedures sought for church building permit

Simpler procedures sought for church building permit JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Roman Catholic Conference (KWI) is urging local administrations to simplify application procedures for church building permits so as to maintain a harmonious relationship between different religious believers. The Central government has delegated its authority to regents and mayors when issuing building permits for houses of worship for all religions.

RI to host banking meet

RI to host banking meet JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will host the fifth biennial conference of the Asian and Pacific Association of Banking Institutes in Bali this week. The Indonesian Bankers Institute (IBI), the host of the four- day conference, said over the weekend Bank Indonesia (Central Bank) Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono is scheduled to open the meeting at the Grand Bali Beach Hotel in Sanur.

Govt urged to consider relations with Israel

Govt urged to consider relations with Israel JAKARTA (JP): Abdurrahman Wahid, the chairman of the Nahdlatul Ulama organization and a controversial politician, has said that the time has come for Indonesia to consider diplomatic relations with Israel. He said a new stance is more relevant now that several Arab countries have signed peace accords with the Jewish state.

PT Karwell to offer 20m shares

PT Karwell to offer 20m shares JAKARTA (JP): PT Karwell Indonesia, a textile producer, will offer 20 million new shares that will account for 30.77 percent of its total common stocks early next month, the company's executives say. Frans Seda, the firm's chief commissioner, told reporters on Friday that the shares, each with a nominal value of Rp 1,000, will be sold at a price between Rp 2,900 (US$1.3) and Rp 3,000 each.

Extinct species ignored

Extinct species ignored JAKARTA (JP): Most governments in the world have failed to fully implement the international convention on the protection of endangered species. The World Wide Fund (WWF) said on Saturday that 124 countries, which signed the Convention on International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES), have not adopted the convention in their national policies, Antara reported.

Don't blame Singapore

Don't blame Singapore I refer to the letter by Carl Chairul (The Jakarta Post, Oct. 31, 1994) entitled S'pore's complaint. Being a Singaporean, I am here for some business reasons and I am not pleased to hear Mr. Chairul complaining against his neighboring country. Like the other three million Singaporeans, I too was affected by the haze, caused by the forest fires in Sumatra and Kalimantan. I could not breath properly back home because the haze had reached an unhealthy level. At least, Mr.

Orderly succession expected

Orderly succession expected JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, currently in his sixth five- year term, reaffirmed over the weekend that Indonesia already has a well established mechanism for choosing its president based on the 1945 Constitution. "The people should not worry too much and unnecessarily make much noise about the need for searching for a new president," Soeharto was quoted as saying on Saturday.

Steady Safe joins Volgren

Steady Safe joins Volgren PT Steady Safe, a publicly listed transportation company, has acquired a 70-percent stake of PT Volgren Indonesia, a producer of aluminum bus bodies. A spokesperson of Steady Safe told The Jakarta Post over the weekend the share takeover was aimed at strengthening the company's operation of city buses, while joining the government's program of rebuilding old city buses of the Jakarta administration-owned public transportation firm PPD.

Contaminated premium gasoline

Contaminated premium gasoline I herewith enclose a copy of my report at the South Jakarta Police Precinct on Nov. 3, 1994. In short, the gas station at Fatmawati No. 4 was (is?) selling contaminated premium. I let my driver fill up with 35 liters early in the morning on Nov.1, at about 6:45 a.m.. We have bought fuel from this station for over eight years.

Singapore may import gas from Indonesia

Singapore may import gas from Indonesia SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore may buy natural gas from Indonesia to meet its fuel needs for power stations which will more than double by 2004, a minister said on Saturday. "When the (Indonesian) Natunas (gasfield) is in operation, we would be interested in discussing to supply gas ...we would be happy to offtake some of its production," said Yeo Cheow Tong, Minister for Trade and Industry.

BLIB produces first class instructors

BLIB produces first class instructors By Ridwan M. Sijabat BANDUNG (JP): Name the most prestigious college in this city and every one will agree it is the Bandung Institute of Technology (ITB). But Bandung is also home to dozens of top notch colleges to stake the city's claim as one of Indonesia's main centers of excellence. Something about the Bandung air and atmosphere, it seems, makes it an ideal place to study.

Seven killed in rain storms

Seven killed in rain storms GROBOGAN, Central Java: Rain storms killed seven people and injured four more here last week. In addition, at least 200 houses, mosques, school buildings and government offices were damaged in the process. The storms also destroyed a Rp 11.5 billion (about US$5.4 million) pavilion in the Java Miniature Park in the provincial capital of Semarang. Most of the seven were crushed by falling trees and collapsing houses, the Antara news agency reported.

Duty on methanol lowered

Duty on methanol lowered JAKARTA (JP): The government has lowered the import duty on methanol from 10 percent to five percent. Methanol is used for the production of glue for plywood, from 10 percent to five percent. Decree No. 542/KMK.01/1994 of the Minister of Finance states the reduction of the tariff on methanol was effected last Thursday.

RI to host 2nd meeting of APEC ministers

RI to host 2nd meeting of APEC ministers JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia plans to host the second meeting of finance ministers of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC) in April 1995 to discuss financial ties among members. Secretary-General of the Ministry of Finance Yusuf Anwar told reporters here on Saturday that the meeting, to be held on April 15 and 16, will follow up on the results of the first finance ministers' meeting in Honolulu in March this year.

Police still investigating Blok M firecracker blast

Police still investigating Blok M firecracker blast BOGOR, West Java (JP): Police have not yet identified the culprit in the firecracker explosion at a bus terminal near the Blok M Shopping Mall in South Jakarta on Wednesday morning. A security guard was injured in the blast. "We have yet to identify the culprit or culprits behind the incident. Nor have we been able to uncover the motive," Deputy to the National Police chief for Operational Affairs Maj. Gen.

Soeharto halts tryout of 5-day school week

Soeharto halts tryout of 5-day school week JAKARTA (JP): Trial five-day school weeks in some elementary and junior high schools will be abolished by the end of the year as President Soeharto believes they pose overly heavy burden to the students. The President worries that the shorter week, with their condensed curriculum and longer daily learning hours, will have a negative impact on children's development in the long run.

The APEC summit

The APEC summit Jakarta's main roads are much cleaner these days. Perhaps for the first time in history flowers are arranged at many strategic points, particularly along the city's major thoroughfares. Beggars and street vendors have vanished overnight from crossroads. It is not often that one see such a thorough facelift in this capital city.

Bus firms warned to discipline drivers

Bus firms warned to discipline drivers JAKARTA (JP): The Land Transportation and Traffic Control Agency is threatening to revoke the operation licenses of bus companies and other public transit vehicle firms whose drivers frequently violate route regulations. HM Djuhdi, head of the agency's transportation business development office, said over the weekend that the drivers of the companies to face the stern actions chronically refuse to enter bus terminals on their designated routes.

APEC members urged to adopt customs reforms

APEC members urged to adopt customs reforms JAKARTA (JP): The Brussels-based World Customs Organization urged members of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum to support broad-based customs reform in the region instead of relying on pre-shipment inspection. "The full support of the government and the customs management will be crucial as no solution can be imposed on unwilling administrations," the organization's director for valuation, J.M.

Share prices closed higher across the board last week

Share prices closed higher across the board last week JAKARTA (JP): Driven largely by good performance in the regional bourses, share prices closed higher across the board last week. Buoyant trading by bargain hunters on a number of blue chip stocks boosted the JSX (Jakarta Stock Exchange) Composite Index early in the week. The index closed the week 4.19 points up at 520.60. It appears that the market has reached its floor this year, thus down-side potential looks minimal.

Human rights in APEC

Human rights in APEC One of the many interesting issues in the air prior to the convening of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Bogor is the United States' intention to bring up the issue of human rights. We have reservations concerning this because such an issue might mar the image of Indonesia in the face of the world. As stated by President Soeharto in a recent workshop on human rights, violation of human rights could have happened in the process of development.

Telkom introduces new phone cards

Telkom introduces new phone cards The state-owned telecommunications company, PT Telkom, is introducing seven kinds of telephone cards to highlight the leadership meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. Setyanto P. Santoso, PT Telkom's president, said over the weekend that four of the seven cards bear an orchid logo and the other three carry the logos of APEC-PT Telkom, the Bogor Palace and the National Monument (Monas).

Pasar Minggu to remian catchment area

Pasar Minggu to remian catchment area JAKARTA (JP): In line with regional city planning, Pasar Minggu will continue to be a water catchment area until the year 2005, said South Jakarta Mayor Pardjoko. "People who intend to build houses in this area should understand and obey city planning in the area and the standard construction coefficient," Pardjoko said at a book launching ceremony on Saturday, the Antara news agency reported.

Health service in Timor improves

Health service in Timor improves DILI, East Timor: Health services here have reportedly improved, as the doctor to patient ratio now nears the ideal of 1:5,000. Spokesman for the provincial health office Carlos Pereira said Saturday that services in all the 67 health community centers in East Timor are being strengthened by newly graduated medical students and apprenticing physicians, the Antara news agency reported.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Peter Pan & Pirates 3:00 Children's Program: Riang Ria 3:30 TV Series: Unsolved Mysteries 4:30 School Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Program 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings: Hindu 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 Film Series: Santa Barbara 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Three Indonesian tennis players ousted

Three Indonesian tennis players ousted JAKARTA (JP): Three Indonesian tennis players yesterday were eliminated in the qualifying round of the US$100,000 Wismilak Open Championships in Surabaya, East Java, the third stop of the World Tennis Association (WTA) tour in Asia. Lisa Andriyani fell 1-6, 3-6 to Ludmila Varmuzona from San Marino. Agustine Limanto lost 2-6, 4-6 to Australia's Kerry Anne Guse.

Malaysian, Thai, Indonesia bike makers accused of dumping

Malaysian, Thai, Indonesia bike makers accused of dumping KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia and the European Union are headed for a legal standoff over accusations that the country along with Thailand and Indonesia are dumping cheap bicycles on the European market, newspapers reported here yesterday. Malaysia's International Trade and Industry Minister Rafidah Aziz said the complaint was formally lodged at the Commission by the European Bicycle Manufacturers Association on Feb. 3.

Security for water system increased

Security for water system increased The city-owned water company PAM Jaya is deploying over 2,310 employees to safeguard its water distribution networks. Syamsu Romli, the firm's president, said over the weekend that the employees, who are will be on stand-by 24-hours-a-day three days before and after the leadership meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum next week, are to prevent the possibility of distribution stoppage.