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Police kill car thief

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

Five more questioned in Panin case

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

Membership of Golkar active, voluntarily

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

Five local firms win management awards

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

ADB approves loans to Indonesia

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

Kadin's guarantee fund to operate soon

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

Speaking about collusion

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

Asahimas plans to sell 86 million shares to public

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

Hundreds protest over play ban

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

Pos plans Internet service

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

Preserve old buildings

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

Large banks asked to help secondary banks

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

Indonesian, Dutch firms sign port agreement

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

Malacca straits said safer

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

Gambling organizers wanted

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

ATP World Doubles C'ship still in crisis

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

'Perspektif' stoppage

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

East Indonesia no dumping site

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

State firm to handle workers for Malaysia

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

Govt to simplify licensing procedures

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

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Towards an assertive community

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

Student brawls related to family, school: Sutiyoso

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

Dangdut fiesta on Heroes' Day

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

Catherine set to splash back

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

Cardinal urges govt to win Timorese trust

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

S. Arabia, Jordan quit Asian meet

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

Manpower matter poses serious threat in future

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

Southeast Asian Moslems at the crossroads: Anwar

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

Acquisitions need ministry's approval

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

Wardiman opens design students exhibition

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

Stock Exchange

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

Korpri must vote for Golkar?

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

Asylum seekers' request studied

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

Djajanti to lose forest concessions

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

Indonesian diplomats

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

Tropical belt has advantage

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

Yayuk seeded first in Beijing

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

Another play banned

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

FIVB complains of bad turn-out

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

Rape in women's perspective

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

Defective water

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

Suspected burglars held

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

Unknown ape found on Mt. Kerinci

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

'Courts can sentence rapists to death'

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

Classical music on 'Radio Top FM'

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

Squatters given collection deadline

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

Training on cognac by Martell

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

High prices encourage illegal timber trading

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

IDB asked to continue assistance

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

'PCSs must work with state firms'

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

Badminton clean sweep in SEAG

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

House to hold plenary session on East Timor

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

Corruption stems from Western economic values

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

Local governments asked to be more proactive

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

Synthetic fiber manufacturers ask for help

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

Deceived

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

Soeharto invited to Egypt

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

Tondano lake to be excavated

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

'Employees may vote for any party'

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

Natuna LNG to come on stream in 2004

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

Rivals pessimistic about RI target

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

London studies asylum for East Timor youths

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

'Uproar over rape no cause for optimism'

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

Tunky studying possible US$27m loss by PT Dok

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

Create more tourist attractions: Joop

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

Thai floods damage rice crop, raise export prices

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

Surjadi opens new road

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

Collapse won't affect Philippine deal: Citra

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

Official embezzles World Bank money

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

Ample food in W. Nusa Tenggara

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

Special food crop project planned

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

Big businesses told not to bully smaller enterprises

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

Stock Exchange

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

Workers seek council support over allowances

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

RP cool to KL proposal on maids

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

Oetojo expresses disappointment

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

Extortion, not service

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

State companies vow to protect environment

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

Pelita Jaya to give bonuses to players

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

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Police plan new system for vehicle documents

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

Boycott of import

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

Legislators take Rp 1 billion trip

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

Ciputra to quit post at Pembangunan Jaya

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

Army yet to receive copy of report on Timika killings

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

Experts reject call to revive ethics lessons

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

Land agency modifies plot survey policy

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

Malaysian deported

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

Progress of Chinese assimilation

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

Rudy's 1996 trends

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

Sumitro's advantage

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

Calm returns to East Timor after riots

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

Performance on AIDS awareness

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

Ternate travelers are left stranded

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

Tempe industry needs modernizing: Tunky

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

Consistent rulings might curb land disputes: LBH

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

No abortions in Indonesia

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

Telkom seeks substantial market capitalization

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

2,900 netted in operations

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

Cement deal necessary: Soeharto

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

Land permits revoked

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

Towards an Indonesia Incorporated?

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

Worsening sentiment sends share prices lower on JSX

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

Bosnian mufti seeks RI support

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

TV today

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

Wayang losing out to TV?

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

Chopper lands in river

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

S.E. Asia on 'haze alert'

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

Legal aid undemocratic?

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

No ads, please!

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

Haj fund interest

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

City Police HQ to see personnel reshuffle soon

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

RI workers in Malaysia

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

Asian shooting championship to use new rules, technology

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

On Jakarta Tower

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

Garuda set to employ Air Force pilots

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

Prices of rice increasing across the country

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

Don't put your mouse out to pasture yet

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

PMI unveils 8 cases of HIV-contaminated blood

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

Asian athletes still chasing world status

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

Military exercises begin over S'pore

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

China remains Asian best in track and field

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

President opens festival of Islamic arts and culture

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

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Surjadi warns public to ignore rumors

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

Mighty China looks certain to extend reign

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

Jakarta's Gold Council promotes local jewelry designs

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

TV today

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

Efficiency? Who needs it?

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

Guess What?

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

Wardiman opens Art Summit Indonesia

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

Indonesians to receive training as good fans

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

Commuters clinch love affairs, rare dates

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

Congestion causes stress, sickness

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

Every Jakartan has a travel tale

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

Yayuk to play in Surabaya

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

Daily commute can affect mental health

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

S'pore sailors to Sweden

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

Guess What?

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

Salary increase

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

Sri Lankan athletic coach's hard labor pays off

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

RI jewelry designs have many sources

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

Age old traditions thrive on secluded Roti Island

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

Guess What?

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

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

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

Kartika Affandi inspires many women

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

Ubud offers respite from Jakarta's travails

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

Gambuh project preserves Balinese dance

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

Moslems told to forge ties with non-Moslem groups

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

Banks to link loans to waste control

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

Stock Exchange

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

Eye for an eye

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

RP Moslems urge UAE to free maid

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

MAS to buy 25 aircraft

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

Volleyball pair qualifies for the Olympic Games

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

'ANteve' goes western?

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

BNI, postal firm sign deal

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

TV today

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

Thai premier to visit RP

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

Drug meeting ends here

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

PDI branches turn to Basofi for help

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

Corruption, collusion flourish with religion

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

Ignorance of land legislation common: Expert

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

Kramat-Kartika swap

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

Bankers, bad loans scrutinized

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

Cops don't meddle in Satya Wacana

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

Birth of PCPP natural: Sarwono

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

German Oktoberfest will also open to Jakartans

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

Rice stock enough for eight months: Logistics agency

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

Garbage destroying Seribu Islands reefs

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

Listed firms get lending privilege from central bank

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

Dharmais grants houses

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

Satellite cities lack planning: Official

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

BI withdraws five old banknotes

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

Banned play goes to human rights body

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

Govt urged to abolish VAT on books

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

BNI sets up subsidiary

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

Military Exhibition opens here

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

Leaders call for better Europe-East Asia ties

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

Sixteen killed in Irian Jaya, report confirms

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

Japan-RI students to hold campfire

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

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Asian bond markets have bright future

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

Educate to close gap

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

More tourists to visit Riau

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

New guide book available for foreign businessmen

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

Livid with Lippoland

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

Thorough check on bidding prices urged

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

APEC business advisors announce 15-point plan

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

Saudi wins 2nd gold as Chinese fire dims

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

Soeharto assures public of proper use of haj fund

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

Golkar irate over scholar's remark

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

BPK Penabur to hold concert

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

WR Supratman National Park

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

Students split over senate

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

Not untouchable

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

Illegal immigrants detained in swoop

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

Average height of people

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

Vienna Boys back in town

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

'Civil servants must vote for Golkar'

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

Alcohol blamed for crimes

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

Rights commission calls for restraint

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

Youngsters shine after hard time in Asian meet

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

Competition essential to improve public service

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

Success story of a partnership program (2)

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

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

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

Church Services

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

Armed Forces exhibition

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

Govt selective in cooperation on archeology

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

Success story of a partnership program (1)

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

Student brawls (2)

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

TV today

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

Norwegian glass, crystal at Hilton

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

UN defers debate on E. Timor

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

Ginandjar hails proposal for more liberal economy

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

Stock Exchange

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

National spikers may go to Atlanta

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

Operation planned to collect taxes from expatriates

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

Inten scorns regent

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

ASEAN trade fair in Japan

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

The hidden message

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

Where to go in Bali:

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

Parking fee too high

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

RI, RP share lead in Putra Cup

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

Soeharto seeks debt reductions

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

Bobby sent to world chess meet

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

Water supply for the poor

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

Land policy now profit-oriented, experts claim

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

Lawsuit revocation in gang rape case draws criticism

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

China dominates athletic c'ships with six golds

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

Circumventing unrest

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

Wang still fast, without magic potion

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

Life insurance and AIDS

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

Indonesian diplomats poor debaters: Alatas

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

140 students detained for planning attack

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

Abuse of power

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

Student brawls (1)

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

Update legislation on banking urgent

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

Govt promises transparency in haj fund management

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

Three Pakistanis arrested

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

Two plywood firms accused of illegal trading

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

Anti-polio drive escapes Bajau

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

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Garin Nugroho, on his way to finding voice

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

Most Australians want 'harder' line towards RI

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

Panin Bank embezzler sought

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

Child labor

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

'Not a single name yet for ambassadorial post'

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

Yayuk wanted in Wismilak Open

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

Wiranto agrees to meet with Koja Utara residents

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

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

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

Kitaro provides breathtaking spiritual music

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

Pinatubo residents urged to leave

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

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

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

Sanitation office looks into missing funds

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

Administration to renovate school buildings

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

'Economy still not efficient'

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

Elektrindo unveils new digital exchange

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

Koja residents demand meeting with governor

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

Sex workers and AIDS

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

Housing experts' meeting

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

Germans fall into ravine

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

King orders more measures as Thai floods kill 100

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

Ramos wants trials sped up

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

Who's the prettiest?

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

School buildings in poor condition

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

'Don't be afraid to report crime'

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

The problem of inequity

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

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:35 p.m. TV Series: Horrible Honchos 3:05 Music 3:30 TV Series: Harapan Nan Sirna 4:30 Sports 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Koran Recital 6:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 Cultural Program 9:00 World News 9:30 Film 10:55 Late News 11:00 Sports: Arena dan Juara Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Tambang Timah plans greater efficiency

Tambang Timah plans greater efficiency LONDON (Reuter): Indonesian state-owned tin miner PT Tambang Timah plans to continue to drive production costs lower to maximize profitability, company officials said. Production costs currently stand at around $4,310 a ton. "These will be down to $3,800 by the year 2000," president- director Erry Riyana Hardjapamekas said at a press briefing here yesterday. International cash tin prices now stand at around $6,370 on the London Metal Exchange (LME).

Ansett plans Sydney-Jakarta flight

Ansett plans Sydney-Jakarta flight JAKARTA (JP): Ansett Australia had applied for permission to fly to Jakarta four times a week as a part of its international expansion program, an executive said yesterday. "We plan to operate our non-stop services between Sydney and Jakarta from March 1996 and the airline will use a Boeing 767-300 aircraft in an international configuration," said the airline's manager for Indonesia, Ron Brown.

Tower waste of money

Tower waste of money "Your Letters" of Sept. 18, 1995 touched on three matters of great importance -- traffic problems, air pollution and one other. On the first two I have contributed a number of letters over the years, but since their message never reaches the powers that be, it seems pointless to add to the letters from other readers on these matters. But the other matter is the one raised by Synka A. Tarigan Highest tower in Kemayoran (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 18, 1995).

797 people arrested in order operation

797 people arrested in order operation JAKARTA (JP): The City Public Order Office arrested 797 people in a series of operations last month for violating city regulations. The office's Toha Reno said that the 797 people consisted of 148 street vendors, 20 hoodlums, 412 squatters, 67 prostitutes, 14 transvestites and 136 'three-in-one' children, who ride with commuters for a fee to help them circumvent restrictions on cars with less than three passengers during peak hours.

NU board okays trade in stocks

NU board okays trade in stocks JAKARTA (JP): The East Java chapter of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) has ruled that buying and selling shares is permitted under Islam. Antara reported from Surabaya, the capital of East Java, that 20 syuriah (experts in Islamic law) of the NU regional executive board gave their approval after studying the matter and discussing it with executives of the Surabaya Stock Exchange.

Ramos slams UAE flag-burning protest over maid

Ramos slams UAE flag-burning protest over maid MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos yesterday slammed protesters who burned United Arab Emirates flags as he named a special Moslem envoy to the Middle East to plead for condemned Filipino maid Sarah Balabagan. The 16-year-old Moslem girl was sentenced to death in the Emirates last weekend for stabbing to death her employer. "The main effort of every Filipino now is to help Sarah through our collective efforts.

Gen. Feisal admits Timika deaths involved 'error'

Gen. Feisal admits Timika deaths involved 'error' JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces Chief Gen. Feisal Tanjung conceded yesterday that there had been "a procedural error and a violation of regulations" in soldiers' handling of an incident in the mining town of Timika, Irian Jaya, in June.

Telkom to launch Palapa-B 5 in 1999

Telkom to launch Palapa-B 5 in 1999 BANDUNG, West Java (JP): The state-owned domestic telecommunications operator PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) will launch the Palapa-B 5 satellite in 1999, the company's president Setyanto P. Santosa announced. "It takes about three years to manufacture a satellite, so 1999 or 2000 will be the soonest schedule for Telkom to launch the Palapa-B 5 satellite after the study is completed," Setyanto said here yesterday.

Young maid's death no justice

Young maid's death no justice In a civilized world, a 16-year-old would never usually be put to death, no matter what the crime. Yes, the death sentence may be passed, but it is in most cases commuted. The supreme penalty, however, is of necessity an emotive issue. Two migrant worker organizations in Manila yesterday called on Filipinos to burn thousands of United Arab Emirates flags to protest at the latest death sentence being imposed on a Philippine maid working overseas.

Al-Asmari sets new record on first day of Asian meet

Al-Asmari sets new record on first day of Asian meet JAKARTA (JP): Clocking eight minutes, 24.08 seconds, Saad Shadad Al-Asmari Mozazae of Saudi Arabia yesterday broke his own 3,000-meter steeplechase record on the first day of the 11th Asian Athletic Championships at the Senayan Madya stadium. His previous championship record was 8:32.08, which he set two years ago. "It's an easy race," the 27-year-old navy sergeant commented.

Aceh to export cement

Aceh to export cement JAKARTA (JP): PT Semen Andalas Indonesia in Aceh will export 9,000 tons of cement to Sri Lanka later this month after the company obtains an export license, the company's director of production Sulantoro said yesterday. Sulantoro said in Banda Aceh, on the northernmost coast of Sumatra, that the company will also resume exports to Singapore and Brunei. Sulantoro said that Sri Lanka and Brunei used to be the biggest cement importers of Semen Andalas.

Local governments hold APEC conference

Local governments hold APEC conference JAKARTA (JP): Some 500 delegates from over 18 countries will attend a four-day conference beginning here Monday on "The Role of Local Governments in Implementing the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Declaration." The conference, at the Horizon Hotel in Ancol, North Jakarta, is being organized by the Asia-Pacific section of International Union of Local Authorities (IULA) and will feature such noted speakers as Minister of Trade Satrio Budiardjo...

Soeharto opens Asian athletics championships

Soeharto opens Asian athletics championships JAKARTA (JP): The 11th Asian Track and Field Championships moved into full swing yesterday, with participating athletes vowing to maintain a sportsmanlike approach. The pledge, read by Indonesian women's triple jumper Ira Soeselisa, was intended as a morale-booster in the world-wide campaign for drug-free sports. Two doping scams have beset the sports world recently.

Builders of highest tower have yet to process permits

Builders of highest tower have yet to process permits JAKARTA (JP): City administration has not yet received any proposal for the construction of the world's third-highest tower, to be built in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. Deputy Governor for Economic Affairs Tb. M. Rais said yesterday that the business tycoons who intend to build the US$400 million tower, have not yet filed the proposal for the processing of the necessary permits, ranging from the building permit to its block plan.

'If I were a civil servant ...'

'If I were a civil servant ...' JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S. M. said yesterday that while civil servants are not obliged to support Golkar, they are still expected to vote for the ruling political organization. Yogie, who is not a member of the politically powerful Indonesian Civil Servants Corps (Korpri), suggested that government employees who do not vote for Golkar should resign from their jobs.

Kids selling Kijangs

Kids selling Kijangs From Jayakarta After a crash course in dancing at the Pangudi Luhur school, our child was asked to perform at Auto 2000 on Jl. Radio Dalam in South Jakarta. Parents were only told that the event was meant as a tryout before a real show scheduled for December. But what actually took place at Auto 2000 was a promotion campaign for Kijangs. There were several contests -- singing, drawing and ballet.

Jakarta probes nepotism charges

Jakarta probes nepotism charges JAKARTA: The Ministry of Home Affairs is investigating allegations of nepotism and collusion in the recent election of Rully Lamadjido as mayor of Palu. Rully, 39 years old, is the son of Central Sulawesi Governor Abdul Aziz Lamadjido. At the balloting at the Palu Legislative Council, Rully took 16 out of a possible 20 votes.

Chi-Chi's makes its debut in Indonesia

Chi-Chi's makes its debut in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): When it comes to satisfying gastronomic needs, Jakartans are quick to embrace new ideas. A recent testimony to this is the opening of a new Mexican restaurant in Kemang, South Jakarta. As the staple food of Mexico is rice, there is practically no gastronomical barrier to worry about when trying out Mexican fare.

Jambi gears up for dry season forest fires

Jambi gears up for dry season forest fires JAKARTA (JP): Authorities in the province of Jambi are on alert against the likelihood of forest fires as the dry season nears its peak. "We don't want a repetition of the thick smog which blanketed Jambi last year," said Jambi Military Commander Col. Inf. Muchdi Purwo Pranjono.

Bank Exim rated BBB

Bank Exim rated BBB TOKYO (Reuter): Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd said it has given a rating of BBB to PT Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's US$130 million of 10-year Euro floating rate notes (FRN) due to mature on Sept. 14, 2005. The agency said it does not see any substantial changes which would affect the rating with respect to the operation of Persero since June 20, 1995, when it published the same rating on the bank's notes.

Floods hit 58 villages

Floods hit 58 villages BANDA ACEH, Aceh: Fifty-eight villages in four districts in North Aceh have been hit by flashfloods believed to have come from Keureuto River, Antara reported. There were no reports of casualties. The river overflowed after a heavy downpour on Monday, the news agency quoted Ismail Ibrahim, an official of the Social Services Office of North Aceh Regency, as saying. Floods struck at around midnight when most people were asleep.

Naivete liberates the paintings of Erica Hestu Wahyuni

Naivete liberates the paintings of Erica Hestu Wahyuni By R. Fadjri YOGYAKARTA (JP): Children's sketches and drawings, whether put down in disorderly strokes or in sweeps of merry colors, have an honesty of infinite dimensions in the leaps of fantasy they make on canvass or paper. Personality and intellectual development at an early age liberates children from expressing themselves in sophisticated ways.

Rights body begins investigation in Dili

Rights body begins investigation in Dili DILI, East Timor (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights has launched an investigation into the racial and religious riots that hit Dili and other cities in East Timor this month. Commission's Secretary General Baharuddin Lopa, who heads the team, yesterday met with East Timor Governor Jose Abilio Osorio Soares at the latter's residence.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 20, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume --------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,850 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,800 0 77,000 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,500 -25 50,000 Anwar Sierad 1,275 0 166,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,775 0 279,500 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,000 0 0 Aster Dharma...

RI golfers not assured of Chiang Mai showing

RI golfers not assured of Chiang Mai showing JAKARTA (JP): Will Indonesia send golf teams to the Southeast Asian Games in Chiang Mai, Thailand? That will depend on how the men's team comes out of the Putra Cup golf tournament in Kuala Lumpur and how the women's team performs in the Indonesian Women's Amateur Golf Open Championship. The Putra Cup championship teed off yesterday in the Malaysian capital and will run until Saturday.

Three-in-one

Three-in-one The aim of three-in-one system for the restricted area of Jl. Gatot Subroto-Sudirman-Thamrin is to reduce traffic congestion on those roads. In line with this regulation, alternative roads are provided. But the three-in-one regulation that is applied on the road between Jl. Dr. Satrio (which is connected to Jl. Casablanca) and Jl. Peltu Rakhmat Sidup to enter Jl. Gatot Subroto, is not necessary.

District electoral system is ideal for RI: Scholar

District electoral system is ideal for RI: Scholar JAKARTA (JP): Ideal democracy in Indonesia can be achieved only when the people themselves elect candidates to the House of Representatives, instead of having them appointed through a proportional system, a noted political scientist said yesterday.

Expert calls for an overhaul of Constitution

Expert calls for an overhaul of Constitution JAKARTA (JP): Leading constitutional law expert Harun Alrasid yesterday called for an overhaul of the 1945 Constitution, which he said contains numerous shortcomings and elements antithetical to a more democratic political life in Indonesia.

China prevails at start of Asian track and field meet

China prevails at start of Asian track and field meet JAKARTA (JP): Two meet records were shattered as China stole the show on the opening day of the 11th Asian Track and Field Championships yesterday. Asian Games javelin champion Zhang Lianbao and countryman Chen Yanhao, the first record breaker of the day, earned defending champion China two gold medals to take the provisional lead in the meet's medal race.

Smoking hazards

Smoking hazards From Media Indonesia To overcome the problem of smoking in society is not as easy as imagined. For about 45 years, since it was proved that there was a close relationship between smoking and various health hazards, there has been no substantial decrease in the number of smokers, especially in the Third World. On the other hand, in developed countries, because of pressures from the non-smoking community and the legislative side, the number of smokers has decreased considerably.

Names of streets

Names of streets From Pos Kota Some people have suggested that the late Benyamin S.'s name be perpetuated as a street name in Jakarta, particularly in his birthplace of Kemayoran. This reminds me of the late Bing Slamet, a great actor of the past. I suggest that the two names be perpetuated side by side as the administration did with Jl. Hayam Wuruk and Jl. Gajah Mada. Jl. H. Benyamin S. for the street beginning from Marta bridge to Galur, and Jl.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

ASEAN police start data base

ASEAN police start data base JAKARTA (JP): A working group of the ASEAN Police (ASEANAPOL) began a three-day meeting yesterday to discuss the establishment of a joint data base system to fight the rising trend of organized crime. Yesterday's meeting, the fourth held by the working group, was to decide which company was to set up the system. Bids from three companies -- IBM, Anderson Consulting and ST Computer -- were received in a tender opened in Singapore last month.

Mt. Merapi active again

Mt. Merapi active again SEMARANG (JP): Mt. Merapi is showing signs of increasing activity, with 23 tremors registered between Sept. 11 and 18. The head of the Mt. Merapi Research Office, Mas Atje Purwawinata, told Antara that one of the 23 tremors was volcanic. Because of the tremors, the lava that has been filling Mt. Merapi's craters began descending into the Kali (river) Boyong.

Hepatitis B immunization

Hepatitis B immunization JAKARTA (JP): PT Beiersdorf Indonesia, the producer of Handyplast bandages, will immunize children under 10 years old against Hepatitis B. The free service will be held in Greater Jakarta, which includes Jakarta, Bogor, Tangerang and Bekasi, as well as Garut, Tasikmalaya and Lampung. It will involve 27 Puskesmas health centers. The immunization will be held in three stages with the first injection to start on Sept.

Trade deficit hasn't dented forex reserves: BI

Trade deficit hasn't dented forex reserves: BI JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono said yesterday that Indonesia's June trade deficit had not affected the country's foreign exchange reserves. Soedradjad told a hearing with the House of Representatives' Commission VII, which overseas trade, banking and finance, that exchange reserves held by Bank Indonesia had increased significantly over the past few months through banks' foreign exchange sales to the central bank.

Pilgrimage cost

Pilgrimage cost From Kompas We decided to perform the haj pilgrimage this year (1995) and we fulfilled all the requirements, including paying for the pilgrimage through BRI bank, in Demak, Central Java. But an uncle died prior to our departure, which prevented his wife from going as she was still in mourning. We immediately informed BRI of the cancellation and at the same time requested a refund.

A Basque in Bali opens fine arts program

A Basque in Bali opens fine arts program By Jason Tedjasukmana JAKARTA (JP): The centuries-old relationship between artist and patron has generally been a fruitful one. The Medici family's commissioning of Donatello and Michaelangelo in 15th century Florence, for example, resulted in a number of Europe's most important works of art.

Asia to perform well in coffee exports

Asia to perform well in coffee exports LONDON (Reuter): World coffee exports from Asia and the Pacific could grow to an estimated 17.4 million bags by 2004-05 from 11.93 million in 1994-95, a leading agricultural economist told a conference. "All countries in this region have expanded their output ...but the stars of the region are clearly Indonesia and Vietnam," Michael Wheeler said.

'Political arena will become more competitive'

'Political arena will become more competitive' JAKARTA (JP): Young people opting for a political career in Indonesia will face tough competition, though conditions will be fairer than in the past, a noted statesman said. Akbar Tandjung, a cabinet minister who began his political career as a student leader, said during a seminar yesterday that the globalization and democratization processes will make the political recruitment process in Indonesia more transparent.

NU chapters reject demand for new congress

NU chapters reject demand for new congress SEMARANG (JP): Two key regional boards of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) have rejected a proposal to hold an extraordinary congress to replace current chairman Abdurrahman Wahid. The regional executive boards in Central Java and East Java said yesterday they are fully behind the leadership of Abdurrahman and would not support the call for a congress. "All the NU branches in Central Java are united on this," said Achmad, the chairman of the regional board.

'Higher pay better than donations'

'Higher pay better than donations' JAKARTA (JP): Legislators criticized yesterday a recent pledge by business tycoons to allocate 2 percent of their net profits for the development of small businesses, saying that the funds would be better used to pay higher wages to workers.

Asian airports may not cope with air traffic

Asian airports may not cope with air traffic KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): International aviation experts warned yesterday that already congested airports in Asia may not be able to cope with increasing air traffic, which is forecast to more than triple by 2010. "(The region) will need massive infrastructure improvements if it is to cope with the nearly 400 million passengers expected by 2010," said John Meredith, executive director of the Air Transport Action Group (ATAG).

CPO firms asked to cut exports to control prices

CPO firms asked to cut exports to control prices JAKARTA (JP): House members yesterday asked crude palm oil (CPO) producers to restrict exports in order to fulfill their share of the buffer stocks the government is building to keep down cooking oil prices.

RI won't apply all Beijing pacts

RI won't apply all Beijing pacts JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will not implement certain recommendations made in the two final documents of the Fourth World Conference on Women in Beijing, despite endorsing it, Minister of Women's Roles Mien Sugandhi said yesterday. Indonesia endorsed the documents for the sake of consensus, but it reserves the right to decide in implementing the commitments, Mien, chief of the Indonesian delegation to Beijing, said.

Five-day week to be launched selectively

Five-day week to be launched selectively JAKARTA (JP): After a trial program that has run for more than a year, the government has decided that not all of its employees will enjoy a shorter, five-day working week. State Minister of Administrative Reforms T.B. Silalahi told a hearing with the House of Representatives yesterday that the five-day working week would be introduced in selected provinces and regencies only.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sep. 19, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume -------------------------------------------------------------------- Ades Alfindo 1,850 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 0 0 Andayani Megah 1,800 0 168,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,525 0 500 Anwar Sierad 1,275 0 150,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,775 0 89,000 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,000 0 0 Aster Dharma...

Taman Sari residents protest road blockade

Taman Sari residents protest road blockade JAKARTA (JP): Nine representatives of residents of the Maphar subdistrict of Taman Sari, West Jakarta, went to the City Council yesterday to protest against the closure of a road in their area. Jamaludin Lubis, one of the representatives, told council members that the road, which runs between Jl. Alfa Buntu and Jl. Taman Sari III, had been closed off since last July.

Technological gap between rich, poor nations widening

Technological gap between rich, poor nations widening JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that the technological gap between advanced and developing countries should be bridged immediately. Speaking at the opening of the Second Asia-Pacific Conference on Medical Genetics, the President said that industrialized countries have made very rapid progress because they are supported by scientific and technological might and huge financial resources.

E. Asia raising more funds

E. Asia raising more funds MANILA (Kyodo): Funds raised last year in international financial markets by 12 fast-growing East Asian countries and territories totaled US$45.85 billion, up from $13.90 billion in 1985, according to a report released by the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The countries and territories, including South Korea, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia, are among the 35 ADB members.

Bruntland warns of pollution's pitfalls

Bruntland warns of pollution's pitfalls JAKARTA (JP): Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland is urging Indonesia to avoid repeating the mistakes of developed countries in ignoring environmental conservation. "It is we, in the West, who have developed at the expense of the environment. We are stuck with the huge costs of cleaning up past mistakes," Brundtland said yesterday, after signing the extension of a 1990 Memorandum of Understanding on technical assistance.

'Rebels to blame for Timika'

'Rebels to blame for Timika' JAKARTA (JP): The government says the separatist movement in Irian Jaya is to blame for the recent civilian deaths in the copper mining town of Timika. Minister of Defense Edi Sudradjat told a hearing with the House of Representatives yesterday that the government is still waiting for the results of an ongoing investigation before it takes action over the killings.

Five orphanages receive donations

Five orphanages receive donations JAKARTA (JP): The management of the Horison Hotel donated school equipment to five orphanages in conjunction with the hotel's 20th anniversary. The five orphanages to receive the donations, each worth Rp 1 million (US$454.5), are Al-Huriyah (in Sunter), Adawiyah Lagoa (Koja), Al-Ichlas (Petamburan), As-Saadah (Ciputat) and As-Siyah (Grogol), Antara said. The donations were handed over by H.

Soerjadi criticizes wealthy entrepreneurs

Soerjadi criticizes wealthy entrepreneurs JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja criticized wealthy entrepreneurs yesterday for not being serious about fostering the development of small businesses in the city. Surjadi said that, while many entrepreneurs are involved in the activities of a variety of organizations, they fail to respond to calls of smaller enterprises for assistance.

Inflation set to drop despite rise in prices

Inflation set to drop despite rise in prices JAKARTA (JP): This year's inflation rate is likely to be lower than last years's 9.24 percent, in spite of the projected gradual increase in rice prices, Central Bureau of Statistics Chairman Sugito Suwito said yesterday. "This year's inflation rate is likely to reach about 8 percent to 9 percent; lower than last year's level of 9.24 percent," Sugito told the press after signing a cooperation agreement with the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

Barito Pacific's income drops by 62.5 percent

Barito Pacific's income drops by 62.5 percent JAKARTA (JP): PT Barito Pacific Timber, a publicly-listed wood-based company, announced yesterday a 62.5 percent decline in net income for the first semester of 1995 and a 13.4 percent fall in revenues.

Better map vital to support development in eastern area

Better map vital to support development in eastern area JAKARTA (JP): A more complete map of the eastern part of Indonesia, outlining its natural resources in greater detail, is crucial for the government to succeed in developing the still largely backward territories, legislators said yesterday. The National Survey and Mapping Coordinating Agency, during a hearing with the House of Representatives's Commission X, responded to the call by promising to update existing maps.

RI faces tough fight in wooing investment

RI faces tough fight in wooing investment JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is facing tough competition in attracting foreign investment for infrastructure projects, Rahardi Ramelan, a deputy chairman of the National Development Planning Board, said yesterday.

Business in Jakarta

Business in Jakarta If you run a business in Jakarta, watch out. It is very likely that one day at an office party nobody will be able to blow out the candles on the cake. The reason being that no one would be licensed, certified, equipped or know the standard procedure to put out a fire. You will have to invite the fire brigade as well. While the world embraces deregulation there is a concerted wave of regulatory framework slyly being imposed on the Asian economies.

Dam project in Paniai halted

Dam project in Paniai halted JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A dam construction project in Kalibumi, Paniai, has been halted after two years of construction work because of a lack of funds, Paniai regent Jusuf Adipatah said. Jusuf said the project had already cost Rp 4.6 billion (US$2 million) when the funds dried up. The dam is intended to irrigate some 4,000 hectares of farm land in the regency. "Local farmers are complaining that the project has been halted," Jusuf said, as quoted by Antara.

Shrinking OPEC share may slow Asian growth

Shrinking OPEC share may slow Asian growth SINGAPORE (Reuter): OPEC Secretary General Rilwanu Lukman said yesterday that the oil group's declining market share could lead to volatility in oil prices, which in turn could slow the economic growth of developing Asian nations.

Soeharto wants APEC to remain loose body

Soeharto wants APEC to remain loose body JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that, while Indonesia supports trade liberalization in the Asia-Pacific region, it does not want the formation of a formal bloc. Soeharto made the statement during a meeting with visiting Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Rafidah Aziz at the Merdeka Palace here. "We want to know President Soeharto's opinion about this matter.

Sign watching a 'delisius' new pastime

Sign watching a 'delisius' new pastime JAKARTA (JP): Driving along Jakarta's main streets nowadays can be appealing, especially to a linguist. The new city regulation demanding that billboards and other signs carry only Indonesian words has resulted in a new pastime: sign watching. King Cross discotheque is now Malioboro discotheque; Aloha discotheque is Halo Mas discotheque; Freedom discotheque is Merdeka discotheque; Lay Lay karaoke is now Lay Layah; Pete's Tavern is Tempat Si Peter.

Bank Servitia raises loans worth $11 million

Bank Servitia raises loans worth $11 million JAKARTA (JP): Bank Umum Servitia, a foreign exchange bank established in 1967, signed an agreement yesterday on the issuance of its floating rate notes worth US$11 million. After signing the agreement, president of the bank, David Nusa Wijaya, said that all funds raised from the note issuance will be used to finance its export portfolio. "We focus our loans to export-oriented medium-scale businesses," David said.

Protesters camp near council house

Protesters camp near council house MEDAN, North Sumatra: Dozens of people fighting against the appropriation of their land in the city have been camping outside the building housing the provincial legislature, demanding that councilors intervene. Antara reported that the protesters from the Mangga district, mostly women, have opened a public kitchen at the protest site. They are refusing to leave the compound until their demands have been met.

Bob Hasan retains his grip on AAAA

Bob Hasan retains his grip on AAAA JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian timber tycoon Mohammad "Bob" Hasan found no aspirants to the crown yesterday and retained his presidency of the Asia Amateur Athletic Association congress, vowing to raise sporting standards in the continent. Hasan received the full support of 39 country-member delegations, including the lone contender Eisha Al-Dashti of Kuwait, who withdrew from the election.

Australian boat under repair

Australian boat under repair PEKALONGAN, Central Java: An Australian boat called the Freelance, which ran aground near here last week, is still undergoing minor repairs. Pekalongan Seaport Administrator Oeloenggono said the ship ran aground on the Pasirsari coast after developing engine trouble while traveling between East Java and Batam Island in Riau on a goodwill mission.

Japan firms seek partners

Japan firms seek partners JAKARTA (JP): A group of 40 Japanese businessmen representing 27 small and medium firms met with their Indonesian counterparts here yesterday to look for potential partners in investment projects. Deputy Governor of the Export-Import Bank of Japan Akira Nambara, who was leading the group, said the group will visit three industrial estates in West Java and another one in Central Java during their week-long Indonesian stay.

Women's role

Women's role In Beijing, China, where the Fourth World Conference on Women took place, women from every part of the world struggled to improve the condition of women all over the world by drafting the Beijing Declaration as well as the Platform of Actions. Looking at the situation of Indonesian women, we can say that women still have to fight for more opportunity and better roles in every field.

Sex workers and activists establish AIDS network

Sex workers and activists establish AIDS network By T. Sima Gunawan CHIANG MAI (JP): Sex workers and support groups in the Asia Pacific region have formed a network to respond to the widespread allegations that prostitutes are spreading the Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS), it was announced yesterday.

Garin's film goes to Tokyo

Garin's film goes to Tokyo JAKARTA (JP): Young director Garin Nugroho's third feature film Bulan Tertusuk Ilalang (...And the Moon Dances) will take part in the International Competition Forum of the 8th Tokyo International Film Festival which opens on Friday. Bulan Tertusuk Ilalang was one of 11 finalists selected from 223 films from 44 countries entered in the Sept. 22 to Oct. 1 festival.

Drug case hits China early in Asian meet

Drug case hits China early in Asian meet JAKARTA (JP): A new doping scandal marred defending champion China's prelude to the 11th Asian Track and Field Championships here yesterday, but a Chinese official said that his team will easily pass the drug tests. "All of the athletes should be clean," said Huang Zhi, secretary general of the Chinese Athletic Association.

Focusing on Asian business

Focusing on Asian business By Mohammad Sadli MELBOURNE (JP): Attending a big conference in Melbourne focusing on the prospects of doing business in Asia, one enters a different atmosphere. The conference was dominated by Australians first of all, then Europeans and Americans, while from Japan there was a strong delegation of Keizai Doyukai.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Haze from fires returns to S'pore

Haze from fires returns to S'pore SINGAPORE (AFP): Thick gray haze believed to be from forest fires in Indonesia descended upon parts of Singapore yesterday, cutting visibility and triggering public concern about possible health repercussions. The Meteorological Service warned that thick haze may affect Singapore occasionally until November, and the extent will depend on wind conditions.

Indonesia, U.S. plan high-level military talks

Indonesia, U.S. plan high-level military talks JAKARTA (JP): High-ranking officers of the Indonesian and United States armed forces will meet in Honolulu, Hawaii, in November for what is hoped to be the start of regular military talks between the two countries. Joint Chiefs of Staff Vice Chairman Adm. William Owens said here yesterday that he would be heading the U.S. delegation along with Gen. Martin Steel, who would be representing the U.S.'s Pacific Command.

Preaching economists

Preaching economists Interestingly, amid mounting public controversy over widening inequality and the allegedly high prevalence of malfeasance and other irregularities that accompany our robust economic growth, noted Indonesian economists have increasingly been preaching the value of conscience, common sense and public morality.

Chinatrust plans RI bank

Chinatrust plans RI bank TAIPEI (Reuter): Chinatrust Commercial Bank , Taiwan's largest private bank, plans to set up joint-venture banks in Indonesia and the Philippines later this year, a company spokeswoman said. "To cope with the government's southbound policy, we plan to set up banks in southeast Asia to offer financial services to Taiwan investors there," said Wang Li, Chinatrust's public relations manager.

Armed Forces will organize seven-day military exhibition

Armed Forces will organize seven-day military exhibition JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) will hold a week-long military exhibition at the Jakarta Fairground in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, from Sept. 22 to Sept. 28. The exhibition, the first since ABRI's establishment, will display both old and modern military equipment belonging to the Army, Navy, Air Force and the National Police, Maj. Gen. Bambang Soembodo, head of the organizing committee, said yesterday.

Defense lawyers fear safety, revoke lawsuit in rape case

Defense lawyers fear safety, revoke lawsuit in rape case JAKARTA (JP): The defense lawyers of three suspects in the Acan robbery and rape case revoked their lawsuit against the Bekasi police yesterday, on the grounds that the authorities have failed to guarantee their security.

Arts festival at Prambanan

Arts festival at Prambanan YOGYAKARTA: The second Prambanan-Boko Festival of traditional arts will open at a tourist park near the Prambanan temple tomorrow. It will last until Oct. 8. The festival aims to promote traditional culture in the region, said Yuwono Sri Suwito, manager of the Prambanan development project. Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave will open the festival, Yuwono said, as quoted by Antara.

Quake jolts Kupang

Quake jolts Kupang KUPANG, East Nusa Tenggara (JP): An earthquake measuring 5.3 on the open-ended Richter scale rocked the city early on Tuesday. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage to property. The earthquake was centered in the Sabu Sea about 65 km north of the city, Antara reported yesterday. (rms)

City police has new hotel

City police has new hotel JAKARTA (JP): Chief of Jakarta Police Maj. Gen. Dibyo Widodo opened yesterday a three-star hotel in Ciloto, which belongs to the Jakarta City Police cooperative. Dibyo said the hotel, which was built at a cost of more than Rp 1 billion, was a joint-venture between the police cooperative and a privately-owned company, PT Sinar Mutiara Sejati, which will look after the hotel's management.

Do all you can to save Sarah, Ramos orders

Do all you can to save Sarah, Ramos orders MANILA (Reuter): President Fidel Ramos is sending a high-level mission to the United Arab Emirates with orders "to do all you can to save" a 16-year-old Filipina maid from execution, officials said yesterday. As the government scrambled to save the life of Sarah Balabagan, a member of the Senate foreign relations committee charged she had been "set up for the gallows" to protect the reputation of her employer whom she had accused of raping her.

Govt's oil profits estimated to reach $187.6 million

Govt's oil profits estimated to reach $187.6 million JAKARTA (JP): Acting Minister of Mines and Energy Moerdiono said yesterday the government's net profits from domestic oil sales in the first semester of the current 1995-96 fiscal year are estimated to reach Rp 412.9 billion (US$187.6 million).

Governor defends private developers on reclamation

Governor defends private developers on reclamation JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja yesterday defended the reclamation works being conducted by private developers along the shoreline in North Jakarta in spite of the absence of a decree on reclamation activities. Surjadi said that the land reclamation works are part of the city's development, which is expected to be addressed in a new decree currently being deliberated at the City Council.

Police to discuss student brawls

Police to discuss student brawls JAKARTA (JP): Police are holding a meeting today to discuss the question of how to handle student brawls, which are reported to be getting worse. The meeting is being held at National Police Headquarters in Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta. Chief of Jakarta Police, Maj. Gen. Dibyo Widodo, confirmed yesterday that student brawls are increasing in both frequency and brutality. "The number of deaths in student brawls has increased," he said.

Beddu seeks to close flour industry debate

Beddu seeks to close flour industry debate JAKARTA (JP): National Logistics Agency Chairman Beddu Amang, in a bid to end public debate over government subsidies to the flour industry, insisted yesterday that flour prices in Indonesia are the lowest in the region.

Accord on statistic information signed

Accord on statistic information signed JAKARTA (JP): The Australian Bureau of Statistics yesterday agreed to help modernize and expand the data system of Indonesia's Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) and to exchange data which will be provided for governments and companies. BPS's chairman, Sugito Suwito, and his Australian counterpart William McLennan, signed the cooperation agreement, which will be valid for five years.

S. Korea and Indonesia vow better trade, investment ties

S. Korea and Indonesia vow better trade, investment ties JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian and South Korean chambers of commerce and industry agreed yesterday to improve bilateral economic relations in trade and investment activities. In the 10th joint meeting of the Indonesia-Korea Economic Cooperation Committees at the Horison Hotel, both chambers pledged to boost two-way trade from US$4.32 billion in 1994 to $5.38 billion this year.

19 held over campus riot

19 held over campus riot SALATIGA, Central Java: Police were holding 19 students for questioning yesterday after a violent riot at Satya Wacana Christian University on Monday. Outside the precinct, about 100 students and lecturers staged a sit-in in solidarity with their colleagues inside. "We're in this together. If they're ill, we feel ill too," commented one student. Salatiga Police Chief Lt. Col. Hari Suprapto said there could be further suspects, apart from the 19 in custody.

Highest tower

Highest tower The plan to build the world's third largest tower in Kemayoran at a cost US$400 million (Rp 900 billion) is amazing. It is amazing to think about what could actually be done with the money to help this nation. I personally disagree with this extravagant idea. Instead, I have some alternative uses for the huge amount of money: 1. Build new schools and renovate run-down schools in remote areas. 2.

China not hopeful at Asian c'ship

China not hopeful at Asian c'ship JAKARTA (JP): China admitted yesterday that the absence of supercoach Ma Junren and his women runners would jeopardize its title defense attempt at the 11th Asian Track and Field Championships here. "I think we have suffered a big loss since Mr. Ma was sidelined from the national team," said Huang Zhi, Secretary- General of the Chinese Athletic Association.

Mountain climbers evacuated

Mountain climbers evacuated PURWOKERTO, Central Java (JP): At least 22 mountain climbers have been evacuated from Mt. Slamet after being trapped by a forest fire. They were evacuated yesterday by firemen from the local military and police offices and a University of Soedirman Search and Rescue team. The 22, who are mostly students, come from different cities in this province and from Jakarta.

New Zealand 'regrets' flag burning incident

New Zealand 'regrets' flag burning incident JAKARTA (JP): New Zealand has formally expressed its regret to Jakarta about another incident on its home soil in which an Indonesian flag was set on fire during an anti-Indonesia demonstration. "The protesters say they are against the behavior of the Indonesian government.

Court concludes hearing of Freeport case

Court concludes hearing of Freeport case JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta State Administrative Court concluded yesterday the hearing of a lawsuit filed by the Indonesian Forum for the Environment against the government for approving the environmental conservation program of the giant American copper mining company PT Freeport Indonesia.

Rape pretrial security beefed up

Rape pretrial security beefed up JAKARTA (JP): Police will intensify the security during the last session of the Bekasi rape pretrial, which will be held today at the Bekasi district court, an officer said yesterday. City Police Spokesman Lt. Col. Bambang Permantoro said that maximum security for today's trial has been prepared by the Bekasi police. The verdict will be read out today.

No clear trend set for Asian palm oil prices

No clear trend set for Asian palm oil prices KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): There is no clear trend for Asian palm and laurics oils, with the outcome of the World Oilseed Congress in Malaysia this week possibly providing market direction, regional traders said. Barring news from the meeting, Philippines coconut oil prices are seen supported by thin supplies. Indonesian palms are seen steady to lower on uncertainties over what state commodities regulator Bulog intends to do during the week.

Constraints on technology (2)

Constraints on technology (2) By David Ray How does Indonesian industry move up the technological ladder? This is the last of two installments of an article attempting to isolate the four key issues which explain why Indonesia is losing the regional technology race and what the implications are. BANDUNG (JP): 3) Foreign Investment: According to many industry surveys and studies foreign investment (FDI) has played a very minor role in Indonesia's industrial technological development.

Police forbid workers' play

Police forbid workers' play JAKARTA (JP): Teater Sanggar Pabrik, a theater run by workers, failed to obtain a permit to perform its play entitled Surat Cinta untuk Marsinah (A love letter for Marsinah) at the Bulungan Studio in South Jakarta on Saturday. "We received a letter of notification, signed by chief of the Kebon Baru Police precinct Capt. Hadi Sutedjo, on Friday night," M. Lutfi Hakim, one of the actors, was quoted by the Kompas daily as saying.

Wardiman to open speaking contest

Wardiman to open speaking contest JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro is scheduled to open a national student public speaking competition on Oct. 9. Abdul Kadir Dahlan, vice secretary of the Association of Indonesian Rhetoric Lovers, said that the six-day speaking contest will be held at the offices of the ministry of education and culture on Jl. Sudirman, South Jakarta.

Rights commission finds evidence of Timika killings

Rights commission finds evidence of Timika killings JAKARTA (JP): An investigating team set up by the National Commission on Human Rights announced yesterday that it had found evidence that a number of civilians had been killed in the town of Timika, Irian Jaya, but said it had not yet determined whether human rights had been violated.

Electronics center hit by floods

Electronics center hit by floods KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Work at Malaysia's biggest electronics manufacturing center in Penang came to a near standstill yesterday after heavy floods kept thousands of workers at home, officials said. Continuous rain over the weekend covered parts of Penang with water up to three meters deep, forcing the closure of many schools, government and businesses, the officials said.

House calls for concrete steps in undeveloped east

House calls for concrete steps in undeveloped east JAKARTA (JP): Members of the House of Representatives urged the government yesterday to accelerate development in the eastern provinces and called on the State Minister of Investment to exercise the "use of force" if necessary.

ASEAN's progress on trade

ASEAN's progress on trade The countries of Southeast Asia may differ on a host of political problems that seem intractable, but there is one area in which they have made some promising breakthroughs -- trade. A proposal that the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) complete the implementation of an Asean Free Trade Area (AFTA) by 2000 evoked favorable comments from delegates attending the 27th Asean Economic Ministers meeting, which ended at the weekend in Brunei.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Moslem scholars to visit Soeharto

Moslem scholars to visit Soeharto SEMARANG, Central Java: Local Moslem scholars (kyai) here have decided to jump onto the bandwagon of kyai visiting President Soeharto as a way to "show their gratitude" during the country's 50th anniversary. Following the visit of the kyai from Aceh, East and West Java provinces, a total of 75 Moslem scholars are scheduled to visit Soeharto next Friday, Antara reported.

RI urges regional cooperation to combat drugs

RI urges regional cooperation to combat drugs JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia yesterday called for greater cooperation among Asia-Pacific countries in fighting international drug syndicates, saying that no country is safe from drug problems as long as they exist in the region.. The different legal systems in the region should not preclude law enforcement agencies from working together, Coordinating Minister for Political Affairs and Security Soesilo Soedarman said.

U.S. vows greater attention to ASEAN

U.S. vows greater attention to ASEAN MANILA (AFP): Washington will give special attention to expanding economic ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in the coming months, a U.S. commerce official said here yesterday. U.S. Commerce Undersecretary Jeffrey Garten told a press conference in the Philippine capital that "we are going to make this ... the year of ASEAN" in Washington, both as a region and for individual countries.

Satya Wacana disrupted by violent protest

Satya Wacana disrupted by violent protest SALATIGA, Central Java (JP): Satya Wacana Christian University students went on the rampage yesterday, demonstrating their fury at the management's inability to solve the internal conflict which has badly disrupted the learning-teaching activities over the past year. Several thousand students broke into the rectorial and foundation buildings, smashing window panes, vandalizing equipment and destroying anything in their way.

Politeness as a game

Politeness as a game Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie SM has set a good example in Indonesia's complicated political game by retracting his slur on United Development Party Chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum. Yogie's remark was a response to Ismail's statement that the current political system "marginalized" both his party and the Indonesian Democratic Party. Yogie responded that "perhaps he (Ismail) was sick at the time" (mungkin dia sedang sakit) when he made his comment.

S. Korea promises more investments in Indonesia

S. Korea promises more investments in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): A visiting South Korean energy and trade mission to Indonesia promised to bring in US$1.1 billion of new investments for 12 projects and increase annual bilateral trade to a level of $10 billion in 1998. Mission leader Un-Suh Park, South Korea's vice minister of trade, industry and energy, said here yesterday that all the investment commitments were made by Korean private sector companies.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange Stock prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (in rupiah) on Sept. 18, 1995: Shares Close Change Trading Volume ------------------------------------------------------------------ Ades Alfindo 1,850 0 0 AHAP Insurance 3,250 0 0 Alumindo Perkasa 1,150 50 2,000 Andayani Megah 1,800 0 3,500 Aneka Kimia Raya 6,525 25 500 Anwar Sierad 1,275 -25 43,000 Aqua Golden Mississippi 2,400 0 0 Argha Karya Prima Industry 1,775 0 250,500 Argo Pantes 2,500 0 0 Asiana IMI Indusrties 1,000 0 0 Aster...

Pertamina

Pertamina Correction: The 13th paragraph of the article entitled Pertamina starts construction of 13th LNG plant, on this page on Sept. 9, should have read: "PT Inti Karya Persada Teknik's president, Raysoely Moeloek, said the company hoped, and would be pleased, that it could be the contractor again of Train-H" -- instead of: "the company will again be appointed as the main contractor to build Train-H." We apologize for the misquotation. -- Editor

Norway interested in Natuna

Norway interested in Natuna JAKARTA (JP): Norwegian Prime Minister Gro Harlem Brundtland told President Soeharto yesterday that her country is interested in taking part in the US$40 billion natural gas extraction project in the Natuna islands near Singapore. Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said that through its prime minister, Norway had expressed a desire to participate in the huge project.

Malaysia offers incentives to RI firms

Malaysia offers incentives to RI firms JAKARTA (JP): Malaysian Minister of International Trade and Industry Rafidah Aziz arrived on a three-day visit offering incentives for Indonesian companies to invest in high technology industries in her country. "Malaysia is no longer competitive to host labor intensive industries as the country moves toward being an industrialized nation," Rafidah said at the Shangri-La hotel yesterday.

N. Jakarta mayoralty defies demolition rules

N. Jakarta mayoralty defies demolition rules JAKARTA (JP): Members of the City Council said yesterday that the North Jakarta Mayoralty's demolition of a number of houses in Pademangan Barat, North Jakarta, violated standard procedure. They made the remark after hearing complaints filed by several of the 11 Pademangan Barat residents whose houses were pulled down on Saturday to make way for the construction of public facilities.

Owners of polluting firms will also be announced

Owners of polluting firms will also be announced JAKARTA (JP): To enforce companies to comply with environmental rules, the government will not only disclose to public the names of polluting companies but also the owners of the firms. State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja said yesterday that the move is aimed at forcing companies to keep the environment clean.

Air pollution

Air pollution If you have ever flown out of the blue sky into the thick brown blanket covering Jakarta, or noticed that trees only yards away appear hazy, you must be concerned, as I am, about the quality of the air we all breathe. What exactly are the air pollution levels? It would be interesting to see both the lead and particulate levels, compared with the World Health Organization's safe limits. An article in The Jakarta Post, Aug.

Red Cross renovates offices

Red Cross renovates offices JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta branch of the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI) has renovated its offices in conjunction with the commemoration of its 50th anniversary. The building was inauguration by Mrs. Surjadi Soedirdja, wife of the Jakarta governor, in a ceremony on Saturday in her capacity as an honorary chairperson of the branch, Antara said. H.

Government closes haj registration

Government closes haj registration JAKARTA (JP): Registration for next year's Islamic holy pilgrimage to Mecca was closed yesterday by the government, after it secured 154,280 applicants, who have registered and paid their Rp 7.29 million (US$3,230) fee in full. The Ministry of Religious Affairs, which coordinates the haj pilgrimage for Indonesians, said the number was reached at 10:45 a.m. yesterday.

Top government official criticizes tower plan

Top government official criticizes tower plan JAKARTA (JP): An official of the National Development Planning Board has denounced the US$400 million plan of business tycoon Sudwikatmono to build the world's third-tallest tower in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. Mubyarto, assistant to Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita, said the funds should be used for government-sponsored programs for the improvement of Indonesia's least-developed villages.

Court delays man's execution

Court delays man's execution SEMARANG, Central Java: The Central Java High Prosecutors Office decided to postpone the execution of Toegiman, 43, after he filed a petition for a review of his case. Toegiman, on death row following his conviction for the murder of Utomo Kasidi and his family members, had appealed for clemency but was denied.

Tall Ship race

Tall Ship race In August I took part in the Sail Indonesia, '95 Tall Ship race in my Tall Ship Golden Hawk. We were not fortunate enough to win but did creditably well enough to finish fourth in our division and ninth overall. However, that is not the point of this letter, rather, it is to express my thanks to the organizers for the splendid job they did and to the people we met in Jakarta who made us welcome and entertained us in a way none of us expected.

Social activities need more funds

Social activities need more funds JAKARTA (JP): The city's Social Welfare Activities Coordinating Agency is badly in need of funds to finance its social programs. Suhud Pribadi, vice chairman of the agency, said that his agency is seeking funds through donations and corporate sponsorship. "More funds are badly needed to enable the agency to help 600 foundations which deal with social activities," said Suhud, as quoted by Antara.

'Opposition': What's in a name?

'Opposition': What's in a name? The question of the desirability and constitutional legality of political opposition in Indonesia has surfaced once again. In the following article political observer J. Soedjati Djiwandono takes a look at the issue. JAKARTA (JP): The recent debate on whether there should be an opposition in the Indonesian political system still misses the real issue, although both the pro and con sides have a valid case.

Radinal faces opposition over toll road tariff hikes

Radinal faces opposition over toll road tariff hikes JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar reiterated to the House of Representatives yesterday the need for increasing the toll road tariffs to attract new investments and to enable the upgrading of existing toll road services. However, members of the House Commission on Public Works disagreed on across the board increase in tariffs, suggesting that higher tariffs be set only for new toll roads.

UI graduates prefer to work in private firms

UI graduates prefer to work in private firms JAKARTA (JP): Dean of the University of Indonesia's School of Economics (FEUI) Dorodjatun Kuntjoro-Jakti said yesterday that his school graduates are increasingly interested in working in the private sector rather than government institutions. "The interest of FEUI graduates to enter the bureaucracy is very low," he told reporters after an alumni gathering celebrating the school's 45th anniversary at Depok, south of Jakarta.

'Concessionaires not paying contributions'

'Concessionaires not paying contributions' JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Forestry announced yesterday that unpaid mandatory forest contributions reached more than Rp 9.9 billion (US$4.39 million) as of September last year, with only 36 percent disbursed as of August. The ministry's inspector general, Hariadi Darmawan, in a hearing with House Commission IV, which oversees forestry and agricultural affairs, said yesterday the figures were based on reports from the Government Audit Agency.

Ex-communists active again

Ex-communists active again PURWOKERTO, Central Java: The Armed Forces (ABRI) says that a number of people arrested here for attempting to establish an Islamic state are former communists. Chief for ABRI General Affairs department Let. Gen. Soeyono told The Jakarta Post yesterday that an "extremist movement" had been spreading in the towns of Banyumas, Purwokerto, Tegal, Pekalongan, Boyolali, Kartasura and Karanganyar as well as Yogyakarta.

Stress rising in today's kids

Stress rising in today's kids JAKARTA (JP): Demanding parents, school pressure and eating too much fast food have one thing in common -- they cause stress in children. This was clear from a seminar on Saturday looking into the causes of stress among children, now a common occurrence, especially in urban areas.

Humpuss, Karat tie up

Humpuss, Karat tie up JAKARTA (JP): PT Humpuss Trading, a subsidiary of Humpuss Group controlled by Hutomo (Tomy) Mandala Putra Soeharto, plans to set up a joint venture company with Karat of Thailand to manufacture sanitary ware with an investment of US$27 million.

Soeharto concerned over trade rows in Asia-Pacific

Soeharto concerned over trade rows in Asia-Pacific JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto has expressed concern over an increase in trade disputes occurring between countries in the Asia-Pacific region and called for peaceful settlements which would not cause harm to others, an official says. Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, in a press briefing on Friday, quoted Soeharto as saying that trade conflicts should be avoided.

Importers' group postpones boycott threat

Importers' group postpones boycott threat JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Indonesian Importers, which last month threatened to halt imports from Australia, beginning today, in response to a flag burning incident, announced Saturday postponement of the threat.

Seminar on banking crime

Seminar on banking crime JAKARTA (JP): National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman is scheduled to give the keynote speech at a seminar on contemporary economic crime portrayal in the flow of money among banks. The one-day seminar, to be held at the Atlet Century Park Hotel on Thursday, Sept. 21, is organized by the Association of Criminology Students from the University of Indonesia's School of Social and Political Sciences, in cooperation with the Police Science College's Students' Senate.

New envoy not likely for a while

New envoy not likely for a while By Meidyatama Suryadiningrat UNGASAN, Bali (JP): Indonesia's President Soeharto and Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating concluded their meeting here yesterday with a mutual understanding that it will be some time before a new candidate is chosen to fill Indonesia's ambassadorial post in Australia.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Students advised to prepare for globalization

Students advised to prepare for globalization By Achmad Nurhoeri DEPOK, West Java (JP): Indonesian university students must be able to grasp and interpret rapid world change in order to safeguard the nation from the pitfalls of globalization, several academics said over the weekend.

Irian veterans criticize handling of Timika case

Irian veterans criticize handling of Timika case JAKARTA (JP): A number of senior Irianese veterans that fought for Irian Jaya's integration with Indonesia in the early 1960s have criticized the military's handling of the situation in their home province. The veterans gathered at Irian Jaya's representative office in Jakarta on Saturday to speak out against the way the military continues to brand almost every protester as a "separatist".

Keating rejects report on Labor Party coup

Keating rejects report on Labor Party coup NUSA DUA, Indonesia (Reuter): Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating on Sunday rejected reports that members of his own Labor Party were preparing to overthrow him and replace him with his deputy, Kim Beazley. "If you blokes take that seriously we could sell you the town hall clock, and the Sydney Harbor Bridge and a block of flats in Tasmania all rolled into one," Keating told a news conference after a question from an Australian journalist.

Indonesian killed in bridge collapse

Indonesian killed in bridge collapse KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): An Indonesian laborer was killed and five others injured when an overhead bridge they were working on collapsed at a Malaysian factory, news reports said yesterday. Kasuan Tarmoh, 30, died of head injuries in hospital a few hours after the accident at the plant belonging to Matsushita Television (M) Sdn. Bhd. on Saturday.

Jonas Salk

Jonas Salk I was shocked and saddened to read an article in Kompas of June 26, that Prof. Jonas Salk, discoverer of the polio vaccine, died of heart trouble at the age of 80, in Green Hospital, La Jolla, San Diego, U.S. on June 23, 1995. His image, a simple, friendly and fatherly figure, is still fresh in my mind. His smile and his sharp look reflected his sincerity. During my informal discussion with him, I briefed him about the polio immunization drive in Indonesia.

Share prices up 5.33 points at JSX

Share prices up 5.33 points at JSX JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) closed mixed across the board last week, amid a lack of fresh incentives. The JSX composite index closed the week up 5.33 points from the week's opening of 489.997, mainly due to the price increases of selected large-capped stocks. Selling pressure continued to push share prices down early in the week. The index kissed the week's low of 485.43 before bargain hunters came in, boosting the index.

Judge swept away by volcanic mudflow

Judge swept away by volcanic mudflow MANILA (AFP): Police yesterday retrieved the body of a trial court judge who was swept away by volcanic mudflow from Pinatubo volcano north of Manila while waiting to cross a bridge, a senior police official said. Chief Superintendent Diony Ventura said the body of Judge Antonio David was identified by relatives after it was plucked by rescue workers from the river a day after rampaging mudflows carried him away in Porac town.

Ulemas deny pardoning Harmoko

Ulemas deny pardoning Harmoko JAKARTA (JP): The Ulemas Council (MUI), an umbrella group for Indonesian Moslem organizations, denies forgiving Information Minister Harmoko for allegedly offending Islam by twisting a verse from the Koran. Council chairman Hasan Basri said in Surabaya Saturday that what he said in a press statement earlier this month was that the influential body "understood" that Harmoko made a slip of the tongue. "No, no.

Kapuk clash lamentable, understandable: Councilor

Kapuk clash lamentable, understandable: Councilor JAKARTA (JP): Last week's clash which occurred between residents and security and order officers in the Kapuk district of West Jakarta during a forceful eviction was understandable, a city legislator said on Saturday. "We did not want the incident to happen but the situation was complicated," Mohammad Banang, a city council member of Commission A, which oversees administration affairs, security and public order, told The Jakarta Post.

Banks offer hedging business

Banks offer hedging business JAKARTA (JP): ABN AMRO Bank, the Netherlands-based international bank, held a treasury seminar entitled Hedging Forex and Interest Rates at the Grand Hyatt hotel over the weekend. The bank's manager for Indonesia, C.J. de Koning, said that the seminar was conducted to meet his customers' needs on treasury products which are especially designed to minimize foreign exchange and interest rate risks.

Garuda profitable

Garuda profitable In reference to the letter by Soelaiman S. published in The Jakarta Post Sept. 12, 1995, issue entitle Garuda losses, which was picked from Neraca daily, we would like to give the following comments. * The reporter of Neraca daily who wrote on Aug. 31, 1995, that Garuda Indonesia had suffered losses of US$44 million (Rp 90 billion) has made an error in analyzing and interpreting the given information.

Sudwikatmono defends Kemayoran tower plan

Sudwikatmono defends Kemayoran tower plan JAKARTA (JP): Business tycoon Sudwikatmono has defended his plan to build a 500-meter tower, billed to be the third highest in the world, in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta.

Dozens missing in boat fire

Dozens missing in boat fire SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: About 20 people were reported missing as a boat carrying dozens of people from Tarakan to Tawao in eastern Malaysia caught fire on Friday, police said Saturday. The boat, KM Tidar, which allegedly was carrying illegal workers, caught fire in the Tanjung Aus waters, near Nunukan island, East Kalimantan. Sgt. Maj.

Arms for Southeast Asia

Arms for Southeast Asia In this decade of ethnic warfare, international legal and illegal arms sales and trafficking is on the increase and has become a multi-billion dollar business with plenty of room for growth.

Yogie withdraws remark on PPP chief

Yogie withdraws remark on PPP chief JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Yogie S.M. is working to placate the United Development Party and the feelings that were hurt last week when the minister issued a statement calling the party's chief "sick". According to party chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum, Yogie met with him on Saturday for a "frank" talk and to withdraw his remarks. "He (Yogie) reassured me that he hadn't the slightest intention of offending me when he described me as sick.

Persib stuns Bangkok Bank

Persib stuns Bangkok Bank JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian league champion Persib got off to a flying start in its the Asian Champion's Cup campaign by stunning host Bangkok Bank 2-0 in their first round first leg match in Bangkok on Saturday. It took Persib just 10 minutes to go 1-0 up, with Kekey Zakaria netting a fine header. The second was scored by playmaker Yusuf Bachtiar five minutes after the break.

Susi bows to old foe Ye as Alan loses to Joko

Susi bows to old foe Ye as Alan loses to Joko JAKARTA (JP): World champion Ye Zhaoying of China clawed her way back to a hard-earned 12-9, 2-11, 12-9 victory over Susi Susanti in the US$180,000 World Cup badminton championships yesterday. Susi, seeking revenge for her two defeats to Ye in the World Championships in Lausanne, Switzerland, almost three months ago, dominated the early stage of the first and third sets but slumped into a series of unforced errors that cost her the coveted title.

Highest tower in Kemayoran?

Highest tower in Kemayoran? From Media Indonesia I could not help wondering after reading an article entitled Dibangun di Kemayoran Menara Tertinggi Ketiga di Dunia (The world's third highest tower to be built in Kemayoran) in a city newspaper on Sept. 13, 1995. What's really the objective of the project, which will cost Rp 900 billion (US$400 million)? Isn't that fantastic?

Youth forum to be held at Senayan

Youth forum to be held at Senayan JAKARTA (JP): A large-scale youth's festival called Gebyar Orang Muda 1995, consisting of various competitions, discussions and promotional activities, will be held in Senayan Stadium in Central Jakarta between Oct. 10 and 16. Ferry Sal Eldin, chairman of the organizing committee, said over the weekend that the festival will feature various activities.

Constraints on technology (1)

Constraints on technology (1) By David Ray How does Indonesian industry move up the technological ladder? In the face of low industrial productivity levels, low value added export production as well as the threat of increased regional competition in low-tech labor-intensive manufacturing from countries such as China, India and Vietnam, the question is of increasing importance to Indonesian economists, policy makers and industrialists alike.

Tower of indifference?

Tower of indifference? This country is never short of controversy. Today, the fuss is about several local business tycoons and their plan to build a 500-meter-high Jakarta Tower in the capital. The monument, already billed as the world's third tallest tower after the CN Tower in Toronto, Canada, and the Oskantino in Moscow, is not an appropriate undertaking considering present social and economic conditions in Indonesia.

Death sentence stirs outrage in RP

Death sentence stirs outrage in RP MANILA (Reuter): A United Arab Emirates court's death sentence on a teenage Filipina maid provoked widespread uproar in the Philippines yesterday and denunciations that the UAE was barbaric. Shock and anger at the death penalty imposed on 16-year-old Filipina Moslem Sarah Balabagan swept the largely Roman Catholic nation still hurting from the execution by Singapore in March of another Filipina domestic helper.

Code for Soekarno-Hatta

Code for Soekarno-Hatta In his letter of Sept. 9, 1995, Yatmono asked whether it would not be better to use SKH or SHT as the airport code for Soekarno- Hatta, instead of the present CKG. A three-letter airport code may only be used for one destination. Unfortunately, both of these codes already exist. Baggage labeled "SHT" is usually sent to Shepparton, Victoria, Australia, while baggage marked "SKH" usually winds up in Surkhet, Nepal.

Drums beat their way to Islamic fiesta

Drums beat their way to Islamic fiesta SURAKARTA, Central Java (JP): Ancient Javanese rhythms launched the long trip of various 13th-century gamelan instruments to the Islamic festival in Jakarta. Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad, who also chairs the Istiqlal Festival's organizing committee, was here on Saturday for the official Gamelan Sekaten send-off.

Bappenas clarifies

Bappenas clarifies From Media Indonesia With reference to the article in Media Indonesia on Sept 5, 1995, entitled : Test TOEFL di Bappenas mengecewakan (TOEFL test in Bappenas disappointing) we would like to clarify the matter. * The test was held to select would-be scholarship receivers under OTO Bappenas (overseas training program of the National Development Planning Board).

TV today

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

Garrison I holds various activities

Garrison I holds various activities JAKARTA (JP): Garrison I/Jakarta is currently holding a variety of activities ranging from blood donating to race walking in conjunction with the 50th anniversary of the Armed Forces (ABRI). The activities were initiated last week by Garrison Commander Maj. Gen. Wiranto, the chairman of ABRI's central committee for the event. (hhr)

Aryaduta Jakarta has new name

Aryaduta Jakarta has new name JAKARTA (JP): The Aryaduta Jakarta has changed its name, as of Aug. 17, to Hotel Aryaduta Jakarta as part of the government- sponsored Indonesianization program. Naomi Tinambunan of the hotel said on Saturday that the change shows the hotel's respect to abide by the program, which calls on owners of office buildings and billboards, which use foreign languages, to change them to proper Indonesian.

Proposed ban on ads resisted

Proposed ban on ads resisted SEMARANG, Central Java: The proposal to scrap cigarette advertisements on TV is meeting strong resistance from the Association of Indonesian Cigarette Producers. Achmad Djuffan, chief of the association, said Saturday that if it is enforced, the total ban would seriously affect its members. "Although smoking is dangerous to one's health, to their addicts cigarettes are a source of inspiration," Achmad said..

600 migrants take refuge

600 migrants take refuge DILI, East Timor: About 600 migrants have fled to Atambua in the neighboring West Timor province since ethnic and religious violence broke out here more than week ago, the governor said Saturday. Abilio Joe Osorio Soares said the migrants, mostly traders, fled Maliana and Dili after the rioters had burned down markets and harassed them.

Malaysian crash clues sought

Malaysian crash clues sought TAWAU, Malaysia (Reuter): Investigators were sifting through the wreckage of the Malaysian Airlines' Fokker 50 yesterday for clues to the crash that killed 34 people, officials said. Officials from the Department of Civil Aviation, Malaysia Airports, Malaysian Airlines System (MAS), the police and fire services searched the scene of Friday's crash at Tawau on the northeastern tip of Borneo Island in the Malaysian state of Sabah.

Higher education budget sought

Higher education budget sought JAKARTA (JP): The City Council urged the city administration on Saturday to increase the allocated budget for the renovation of state elementary schools. Siti Maryam Achmad, secretary of the City Council's Commission E, which oversees welfare affairs, said the existing budget allocated by the administration is very limited. It is not enough to renovate the 103 schools in need of work. "The 103 school buildings badly need renovating.

HIPMI and eastern Indonesia

HIPMI and eastern Indonesia From Neraca This is a rather belated letter, but as an observer of the performance of young businessmen, I take pride in the establishment of the Association of Young Indonesian Businessmen (HIPMI). I suggest to the board of executives of this organization, elected in its national conference on May 20, 1995, in Jakarta, to always pay due attention to the development of its members in the eastern parts of Indonesia.

'Former Points of View' depicts life in colonial era

'Former Points of View' depicts life in colonial era By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): Postcards, I am sure, have been used to solve murders in movies. What could offer better clues? The picture shows where the sender was and the postmark shows when he or she sent the card. What is written on the card also hints at the sender's train of thought and the relationship between the sender and the addressee.

TV today

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

Guess What?

Guess What? Twilite Orchestra's director Addie M.S. wasn't the only one concerned if his orchestra's Simponi Kemerdekaan (Independence Symphony) concert at the Bogor Palace on Sept. 9 would be a success. The Executive Chairman of the National Committee for the 50th Independence Anniversary Emil Salim was also worried. His was a different kind of worry, though. Addie was likely anxious about the orchestra's performance, but Emil? He was worried it would rain.

Indonesian story drably detailed

Indonesian story drably detailed Indonesia Comes of Age: 50 Years of Independence Richard I Mann, editor Gateway Books, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1995 202 pages JAKARTA (JP): "You are interested in Indonesia but you have concerns. You don't know how things are done in Indonesia. You don't speak the language. Yet you want to know about all the opportunities and problems which may impact your business." The opening paragraph of the synopsis gives you the basic idea of what this book is about.

What the West has to know about Indonesia

What the West has to know about Indonesia Western criticism of Indonesia is often based on a superficial reading of the country. Leonard C Sebastian looks at the issue. On Aug. 17, Indonesia celebrated its 50th anniversary.

Benyamin fund set up

Benyamin fund set up JAKARTA (JP): Starting next week, the private-owned television station ANteve will open bank account No: 011.005.0224 at Nusa Bank for those who want to make donations for the establishment of a Betawi (Jakarta's native people) cultural center.

Investors urged to support RI development

Investors urged to support RI development CILEGON, West Java (JP): President Soeharto has urged foreign investors to support Indonesia's policies in national development while they are doing businesses in Indonesia. "We do indeed open our door for foreign investments but we expect them to nurture Indonesia's spirit, orientation and destination in its development," Soeharto said at the inaugural ceremony of the country's first olefin plant in Cilegon, West Java, yesterday.

Time worry

Time worry The letter by Behme on Indonesian time (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 10, 1995) reminds me of a story I learned while a student in the mid 1950s. It happened that somebody wanted to know exactly how much two times two actually is. So he flew abroad to find out from people he met in different countries. When he landed in Frankfurt he asked the first German he met, who just happened to be a mathematician.

Urban people prefer traditional weddings

Urban people prefer traditional weddings JAKARTA (JP): Although Indonesian families are becoming more democratic -- with parents allowing their children the freedom to make their own decisions and choose their own paths -- most parents still have the last say when it comes to a wedding. Many try to preserve centuries-old traditions, even though they lead a very modern life. This is because they believe the rituals enrich their lives.

How much does a wedding party cost in Jakarta?

How much does a wedding party cost in Jakarta? By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): Weddings in Jakarta can cost nothing. Kidding? No. The Social Affairs Office of the Jakarta administration routinely funds and organizes mass wedding parties for vagrants and prostitutes to force them from a life of promiscuity to a decent life of matrimony. But who is willing to pledge fidelity to a vagrant or prostitute to get a free wedding?

Lawyers bear brunt of Bekasi court violence

Lawyers bear brunt of Bekasi court violence By T. Sima Gunawan JAKARTA (JP): Two lawyers were beaten black and blue by an angry mob early this week. Their mistake: Defending three men accused of gang-raping a woman and her two teenage daughters. Lawyers Petrus Bala Pattyona and Hendar Puji Astoro were stoned, hit, kicked and trampled outside the Bekasi District Court, about half-an-hour's drive from Jakarta.

Popularity of sex shops moves upwards in the city

Popularity of sex shops moves upwards in the city By Imran Rusli JAKARTA (JP): "Rringg!" "Hello, Maryati?" "Speaking." "Please deliver a dildo to Chintya, Radio Dalam No. ... On the double, eh. I need it fast." "No problem, Miss." "That's one of my customers," Maryati explained while putting down the phone. It is also one of the calls that causes the phone on the shopkeeper's desk in East Jakarta's Jatinegara to ring frequently.

Guess What?

Guess What? Who would have thought that Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono was an entertainer? And a good one, too. During a thanksgiving gathering of the Pesta Rakyat (People's Party) committee, the organizers of the great musical show on Aug. 12 were treated to Moerdiono taking the stage of Pasir Putih restaurant in South Jakarta. Without the slightest hesitation, the minister grabbed the microphone and launched into Koes Ploes' Telaga Biru and Ke Jakarta and Panbers' Awal Dari Cinta.

'Bar-obics' essential in bartender championship

'Bar-obics' essential in bartender championship JAKARTA (JP): Sam, the womanizing bartender on the popular TV program Cheers, is the epitome of a great bartender who keeps his clients perched on their barstools.

Indonesia assured of two medals at badminton Cup

Indonesia assured of two medals at badminton Cup JAKARTA (JP): Two All-Indonesia clashes, in the men's singles and the women's doubles, will highlight this evening's finals of the World Cup badminton championships in the Senayan indoor stadium. Whether Joko Suprianto can extend his 6-2 winning streak over Alan Budikusuma is one question. The other question involves which two women's doubles are better: Rosiana Zelin and Eliza, or Lili Tampi and Finarsih.

City weddings: Thousands feast, newly weds dutiful

City weddings: Thousands feast, newly weds dutiful By Dini S. Djalal JAKARTA (JP): The back entrance to the Sahid Jaya hotel was full of people. The driveway was littered with colossal flower arrangements spelling out "Congratulations". A Jakarta wedding reception was underway. But it was not yet 7 p.m., and the bulk of the guests had yet to arrive. The people cramming the doorway were not friends or relatives of the bride or groom, but tourists curious about all the glamour.

Wedding invitation designs develop

Wedding invitation designs develop JAKARTA (JP): A reporter of the Jakarta-based Jakarta-Jakarta magazine recently distributed an unlicensed four-page mini newspaper. He wasn't arrested -- even though the Indonesian press law requires all media to have a publishing permit. No, he wasn't well connected or even lucky, what he handed out was an invitation to his wedding. Designed to look like a newspaper, the invitation didn't explicitly announce the date, place or time of the wedding.

One-stop wedding shop offers complete package

One-stop wedding shop offers complete package JAKARTA (JP): Indonesians are influenced by foreign ways, American in particular, in many aspects of life. However, when it comes to getting married, they adhere to tradition. This orthodoxy hasn't escaped the attention of those in the wedding business. Puri Ayu Martha Tilaar, a one-stop beauty center in South Jakarta, is an example. As a center for traditional beauty care, Puri Ayu concentrates on traditional weddings.

Indiscriminate pickpocket

Indiscriminate pickpocket SURABAYA (JP): Where there is sugar, there are ants, goes a well-known Indonesian proverb. Where there is festivity, even a religious occasion, there are pickpockets. That was what happened at the Istiqlal Festival II 1995's Tabligh Akbar (great sermon), held at Surabaya's Great Mosque Sunan Ampel on Friday night. And sure enough, the pickpockets didn't work halfheartedly. They chose celebrities as their victims.

Foreign tourists opt for traditional Balinese weddings

Foreign tourists opt for traditional Balinese weddings By Intan Petersen DENPASAR (JP): Bali offers tourists more than just beaches and exotic culture, but also a place to solemnize and celebrate one of the most important events in life -- their wedding. Many still remember that in 1991 the legendary lead singer of The Rolling Stones, Mick Jagger, married his long-time girlfriend and world-renowned model Jerry Hall in a traditional Balinese wedding.

Score Roundup

Score Roundup Badminton (players Indonesian unless stated) Men's singles: Alan Budi Kusuma bt Ardy B. Wiranata 15-10, 15-3 Joko Suprianto bt Chen Gang (Chn) 15-2, 15-7 Women's singles Susi Susanti bt Lim Xiao Qing (Swe) 11-2, 11-5 Ye Zhaoying (Chn) bt Mia Audina 11-6, 4-11, 11-7 Men's doubles Sakrapee Thongsari/Pramote Teerawiwatana (Thai) bt Denny Kantono/S.

Life and music inseparable for Aida Swenson

Life and music inseparable for Aida Swenson By Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): Life and music is inseparable for Aida Swenson Simanjuntak. Her eyes shine brightly, as she says, "Music has enriched my whole life." A few years ago, the name of Aida Swenson was not recognized in the Indonesian music circle. Now, she is one of the most talked-about individuals in the serious music community.

Government sticks to transportation tariffs

Government sticks to transportation tariffs JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday that the government will continue controlling transportation tariffs even though many private firms participate in the transportation industry. "We should always remember that the transportation sector is an economic activity which directly affects the public.

Churches

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

Singapore vows to phase out CFCs

Singapore vows to phase out CFCs SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore, which aims to become a model green city by the turn of the century, pledged yesterday to phase out ozone-depleting chloroflourocarbons (CFCs) by 1996. CFCs are chlorine and bromine compounds which are widely used in refrigerators, air conditioners and aerosol sprays, and are blamed for depleting the earth's protective ozone layer.

Scientists want certification agency

Scientists want certification agency SERPONG, West Java (JP): Scientists ended their five-day meeting here yesterday, calling for the establishment of an independent certification body to earn the world's trust in local products. They said that Indonesia needs to have an independent certification institution to improve the competitiveness of its products on the world market.

RI, S'pore to hold joint expo

RI, S'pore to hold joint expo JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Singapore will hold a joint exhibition from Sept. 21 to Sept. 27 at the Singapore International Exhibition and Convention Center, Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo said yesterday. "This event, which will cost US$1.39 million, is being conducted to commemorate Indonesia's 50th independence anniversary and Singapore's 30th anniversary," Tunky said, adding that both countries will share half of the exhibition's costs.

New chance for Asian soccer

New chance for Asian soccer HONG KONG (AFP): Japan and South Korea kick off an important stage of their campaigns to stage the 2002 World Cup when Asia's premier club competition over the next few days. The East Asian super powers are entering the home straight in their multi-million-dollar race to host the 2002 World Cup, with world governing body FIFA set to make a decision early next year.

RSCM offers free of charge HIV screening

RSCM offers free of charge HIV screening JAKARTA (JP): The Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM) in Central Jakarta will be offering free testing for HIV from Sept. 25 to Dec. 4. "We have free tests every Monday to commemorate International AIDS Day (Dec.1)," said Zubairi Djoerban, a member of the hospital's special study group on AIDS (Pokdisus AIDS) yesterday. Registration at the group's center at room G4 on the second floor of the hospital starts from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Acehnese celebrate 'maulid' in unique way

Acehnese celebrate 'maulid' in unique way By Lila Fitri Aly JAKARTA (JP): In Aceh, customs and religion are inseparable. Islamic teachings are reflected in Acehnese tradition and are the guidelines for the Acehnese society. The celebration of the Prophet Muhammad's maulid (birthday) in Aceh is one of the ceremonies of great importance.

Wang Junxia will join Asian meet

Wang Junxia will join Asian meet JAKARTA (JP): Women's 10,000 meter world record holder Wang Junxia is expected to arrive today, bringing with her a pack of all-conquering Chinese athletes, who are out to stretch their supremacy in the 11th Asian Track and Field Championships. Wang, former coach Ma Junren's trainee, is among China's 57 athletes participating in the biennial event, which will be held from Sept. 20 to Sept. 24 at the Madya Senayan stadium.

Sumitomo, Hopewell tie up

Sumitomo, Hopewell tie up TOKYO (Reuter): Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corp said it will tie up with Hong Kong's Hopewell Holdings Ltd group in a US$1.8 billion project to build an electric power plant in Indonesia. A Sumitomo spokesman said the two firms will jointly build the coal-fired plant in Tanjung Jati on Java. They plan to start generating electricity at the end of 1998, he said.

Almost $457,000 from ITTO for RI forestry project

Almost $457,000 from ITTO for RI forestry project JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia received a grant yesterday worth US$456,989 from the Japanese-based International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) to assess the state of some of the country's tropical rain forests. The project, to be based in Jambi province and Pulau Laut, South Kalimantan, will be conducted jointly by the forestry ministry, the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Tropical Biology (SEAMEO-BIOTROP) and the ITTO.

Ansor elects new chairman

Ansor elects new chairman JAKARTA (JP): Ansor, a youth organization under Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), has elected a new chairman who is regarded as more neutral than his predecessor Slamet Effendy Yusuf. M. Iqbal Assegaf, considered a dark horse among the contenders for the post, was elected on the closing day of Ansor's congress in Palembang, South Sumatra, on Thursday.

New battalion commander

New battalion commander JAKARTA (JP): City Military chief Maj. Gen. Wiranto installed Maj. Hari Krisnomo as the new commander of the Bekasi-based Field Artillery Battalion 7/105 on Thursday. Hari Krisnomo, previously chief of staff of the Kerawang Military District in West Java, replaced Lt. Col. Yayat Hidayat, who has been promoted to chief of the Bekasi Military District.

3.5 million disabled to have jobs by 2002

3.5 million disabled to have jobs by 2002 JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia hopes to provide 60 percent its disabled people with equal opportunity to employment by 2002. Susilo Soepeno, director general for social rehabilitation of the ministry of social services, said yesterday that by the year 2002 about 3.5 million (60 percent) of disabled people will have opportunities to education and employment which are equal to those of their more fortunate compatriots.

Beijing talks end in 'consensus'

Beijing talks end in 'consensus' By Santi WE Soekanto BEIJING (JP): The Fourth World Conference on Women adopted yesterday the Platform for Action, a document whose draft was plagued by reservations from various quarters, particularly over the issue of sexual rights. A final plenary session of the conference adopted the document "on consensus," but attached to it the reservations of many countries, including Indonesia. "This is a forced consensus," commented one observer.

Susi and Alan on course for another Olympic engagement

Susi and Alan on course for another Olympic engagement JAKARTA (JP): Susi Susanti and Alan Budikusuma strolled to convincing wins in their final group matches at the World Cup badminton championships here yesterday, paving their way to another Olympic engagement. Susi and her fiance Alan, who gave Indonesia two gold medals in Barcelona in 1992, topped their respective groups for a place in today's semifinals, which will be packed with host players.

RI female beach spikers sure to attend Olympics

RI female beach spikers sure to attend Olympics JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's pair of Eta and Timmy look certain to beat the Czechs on the second day of the main draw of the Women's World Beach Volleyball Championship's seven leg at Kuta Beach, Bali, today. The Indonesian pair, the country's hopes for a berth at the Atlanta Olympic Games, finished 17th by the end of the championship's fifth leg in Algarve, Portugal, some months ago.

TV today

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

Keating to meet Soeharto in Bali over APEC, ties

Keating to meet Soeharto in Bali over APEC, ties JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto and Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating are scheduled to meet in Bali tomorrow, against a backdrop of strained relations between Indonesia and its southern neighbor. Political observers said yesterday that the mere fact that the meeting is taking place should, in itself, go a long way towards healing the injured ties.

Cilacap villagers claim intimidation

Cilacap villagers claim intimidation CILACAP, Central Java: Residents of three villages who filed complaints with the regent and the regency legislative council over polluting factories say they have been intimidated by local officials. The villagers lodged complaints earlier this week over pollution of the Cijalu River from a battery factory and a piggery in the Majenang subdistrict.

Drastic surgery

Drastic surgery I'd like to thank Mr. Graeme St. John for his recent hilarious letter regarding what he must see as "gobblygook" or "technospeak" whenever computer nerds get together. However, he raises a good point which I would like to address and that is the editing that takes place on many letters to the "Your Letters" column of The Jakarta Post.

Anti-polio campaign successful: Minister

Anti-polio campaign successful: Minister JAKARTA (JP): More than 90 percent of the 21.8 million children under five were vaccinated in the first two days of the mass immunization campaign against polio, and the government has two actors to thank for this success.

Operation against truant civil servants goes on

Operation against truant civil servants goes on JAKARTA (JP): The city administration will continue intensifying its operation against truant civil servants in a bid to improve discipline. Head of the City Public Order Office Yusuf Wahab said yesterday that the operation is being held in response to an instruction from Governor Surjadi Soedirdja. "There is an indication that many civil servants have been neglecting the regulation by arriving at City Hall late and going home early," Yusuf said.

Banurusman calls for restraint in attack aftermath

Banurusman calls for restraint in attack aftermath JAKARTA (JP): National Police Chief Gen. Banurusman asked for public restraint yesterday after the four lawyers defending the suspects in the Acan robbery and rape case were attacked last week. Banurusman made the plea after opening the 1995 police technology fair at the Police Science College in South Jakarta.

Garten to visit Asia

Garten to visit Asia MANILA (AFP): A top U.S. official will visit the Philippines, Malaysia and Singapore on a tour aimed at exploring potential applications of Washington's "Big Emerging Markets (BEM) strategy," the U.S. embassy said yesterday. U.S. Commerce Undersecretary Jeffrey Garten was due arrive here at the weekend and will meet with officials on Monday and Tuesday before leaving for the two other members of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

PT Komatsu to float shares worth $33 million

PT Komatsu to float shares worth $33 million JAKARTA (JP): PT Komatsu Indonesia, a Japanese-Indonesian joint venture producing heavy equipment, announced yesterday it will float shares worth about Rp 75 billion (US$33 million) on the capital market here next month to finance its expansion plan.

Emha uses book launch to speak up

Emha uses book launch to speak up JAKARTA (JP): Playwright and author Emha Ainun Nadjib broke his own promise not to make public speeches when he turned up at the launching of his book on Thursday night. Emha said that while the promise remained, he would break the "fast" against public appearances when he felt obliged to.

Keating tries to improve ties

Keating tries to improve ties By Ikrar Nusa Bhakti JAKARTA (JP): Prime Minister Paul Keating's wish to consolidate Australian-Indonesian relations is apparently not a seasonal dream. Since he became Australian PM four years ago, he has visited Indonesia four times. This Sunday, Sept. 17, Keating will visit Indonesia again to hold a dialog with President Soeharto in Bali.

U.S. drug charges cloud Thailand's political climate

U.S. drug charges cloud Thailand's political climate BANGKOK (UPI): Thailand's foreign minister yesterday urged the United States to release evidence of alleged drug dealing by two powerful Thai politicians. The drug allegations have strained relations between the U.S. and Thailand and put a dark cloud over the political prospects of the two-month-old government of Prime Minister Banharn Silpa- archa.

Ammunition for rebels seized

Ammunition for rebels seized MAE SOT, Thailand (Reuter): Thai police have arrested a man and confiscated a large amount of ammunition he said was intended for Karen rebels in Myanmar, police said yesterday. Police on the Myanmar border at Umphang district in Tak province stopped a truck at a checkpoint late on Thursday and uncovered 6,938 M-16 rifle rounds, 324 M-79 shells and 30 81mm mortar bombs.

Asian marts surge on foreign funds buying

Asian marts surge on foreign funds buying HONG KONG (Reuter): Led by Hong Kong, Seoul and Bangkok, stock markets across Asia surged yesterday on buying by foreign funds and on hopes of a rate cut in the United States, brokers said. The surge, and high turnovers in key markets, came despite the holiday in Japan, where markets were closed to observe Respect for the Elderly Day. Shares in Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Sydney, Manila and Bombay also closed higher.

Residents to sue over certificates

Residents to sue over certificates JAKARTA (JP): Over 110 residents of the Gading Griya Lestari housing complex in Cilincing, North Jakarta will sue PT Safiera Amalia and PT Jakarta Industrial Estate Pulo since the two firms have failed to issue land certificates to the residents on time. Yunus Yamani, representative of the residents, told The Jakarta Post that all 800 residents in the complex had paid for their houses in cash several months ago.

W. Jakarta mayor gets award

W. Jakarta mayor gets award JAKARTA (JP): West Jakarta Mayor H. Sutardjianto won the 1995 Aksara (Script) Award for his achievement in promoting the campaign to eradicate illiteracy. The award was given to him by President Soeharto at the State Palace on Thursday in conjunction with the 30th International Literacy Day. Sutardjianto was one of the three mayors and 24 regents around the country to receive the award, Antara reported. (hhr)

Market at Klender

Market at Klender From Media Indonesia Management of the Market Cooperative of the Klender housing complex, on behalf of the members and other vendors in the area, is questioning the statement made by Commission B of the Jakarta Legislative Body. The statement, which was published in a city newspaper on Sept. 8, 1995, demanded that the construction of the complex market be stopped for the time being.

Honda aims for new Asian marts

Honda aims for new Asian marts SINGAPORE (AFP): Japan's Honda Motor Co. said yesterday that it would launch a new series of 1.3- and 1.5-liter engine cars for the Asian market in Thailand next year as it gears for rising competition on the region's roads. Some 15,000 cars will be produced before the launch set for May 1996, said Yoshihide Munekuni, executive vice-president of Honda.

Terror at the courthouse

Terror at the courthouse A lamentable incident occurred at the courthouse. It concerned not a defendant having difficulty finding justice, but defense lawyers who were ill-treated by the public. Petrus Bala Pattyona, a defense lawyer representing the men suspected of robbery and rape in Bekasi, was beaten, stoned and trampled on by members of the public after the pretrial inquiry at the Bekasi court of justice.

No need for apology, says Yogie S.M.

No need for apology, says Yogie S.M. JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. told representatives of the United Development Party (PPP) that he meant no offense when he called its chairman sakit (sick), and therefore an apology was not forthcoming. After meeting with PPP leaders, minus chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum, Yogie told reporters that the chairman had not expressly stated that he was offended by the remark.

OPEC says oil prices will gradually increase

OPEC says oil prices will gradually increase JAKARTA (JP): A gradual tightening of the oil market will cause the oil price of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) to increase by 3.5 percent per annum from 2001 onwards to reach US$23 a barrel in 2010, an official said. OPEC Secretary-General Rilwanu Lukman said in his written address at a luncheon meeting here yesterday OPEC's oil price will probably continue increasing to $32 a barrel by 2020.