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Culture important in management of the mass media

Culture important in management of the mass media JAKARTA (JP): Media managers in Indonesia must take into account the prevailing cultural values if they want to survive and flourish, executives say. "We should remember that in Indonesia, we have a culture which believes that if you don't want to get hurt or criticized, then you don't hurt others.

House calls for revision of wording in tax bills

House calls for revision of wording in tax bills JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) called for the revision of four government-proposed tax bills yesterday, saying that they still contain many loopholes.

Two state industrial companies may lose over Rp 56 billion

Two state industrial companies may lose over Rp 56 billion JAKARTA (JP): Two state industrial companies are likely to suffer losses of Rp 56.3 billion (US$25.9 million) this year due to the appreciation of Japanese yen against American dollar and the rescheduling of a number of projects. In a hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives earlier this week, Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo named the two companies, PT Rekayasa Industri and PT Asean Aceh Fertilizer.

Cola awards to Asiad medalists

Cola awards to Asiad medalists JAKARTA (JP): Chairman of the board of directors of PT Coca- cola Indonesia, Moetaryanto, yesterday symbolically handed over "Coca-cola athletic awards" to Arnold Lisapaly, the coordinator of Indonesian Asian Games coaches. The awards, worth a total of Rp 80 million (US$36,697), were presented at KONI's head office in Senayan.

Where to go in Bali:

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

`Titian Murni' ferry

`Titian Murni' ferry From Kompas On my recent return from Surabaya I went on to Bandarlampung, making the Merak-Bakaheuni crossing on a KMF Titian Murni ferry. Because I was feeling tired I took a second class ticket in the hope that it would be quiet, restful and pleasant. For half the trip my intention to rest was upset by the deafening blare of rock music. It could be that the intention of the crew in the operator's room was to provide entertainment for the passengers.

RP armed forces modernization urged

RP armed forces modernization urged MANILA (AFP): President Fidel Ramos yesterday urged the "immediate enactment" by Congress of bills to modernize the Philippine armed forces. In a statement, Ramos said only a modern military could carry out the "constitutional mandate" to protect the country. The Philippine armed forces are considered among the most primitive in Asia.

Waskito announces plans to streamline civil service

Waskito announces plans to streamline civil service JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to streamline the civil service through stricter annual recruitment, especially of lower echelon employees. Chief of the Civil Service Administration Board Waskito Reksosoedirdjo yesterday reported to President Soeharto about the measures to streamline the administration, which he admitted is overladen with low level echelon staffers.

Soeharto to open RI pavilion at Hannover fair

Soeharto to open RI pavilion at Hannover fair JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto is scheduled to inaugurate the Indonesian pavilion at the Hannover Messe '95 exhibition in Germany in April of next year which will feature Indonesia's industrial achievements. State Minister of Research and Technology B.J.

ASEAN told to unite against trade barriers

ASEAN told to unite against trade barriers CHIANG MAI, Thailand (Reuter): Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai called yesterday for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to stand united in the face of post-Cold War trade barriers thrown up by their more developed trading partners.

Eighth leg of SEA car race to start

Eighth leg of SEA car race to start JAKARTA (JP): Sentul international track will once again host the eighth leg of the South East Asia Touring Car championship due to start tomorrow. Thailand's racer Man Manit took the lead with his Mercedes- Benz by clocking 31:57.67 and collecting a total of 95 points in the seventh stop of the championship. His closest rival, Charles Kwan from Hong Kong, who drives a BMW, gathered 82 points both in the first division of the 2,500 cc.

Hard disk project in Asia

Hard disk project in Asia TOKYO (AFP): Japan's largest chemical company, Mitsubishi Kasei Corp., plans to start producing a computer hard disk over the next few years in Asia to meet growing demand, a company official said yesterday. The official did not specify details of the project but said that Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia were countries in which Mitsubishi Kasei might build a plant.

Haze disrupts flights

Haze disrupts flights SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Thick haze in Pontianak and Palangkaraya has forced the suspension of all flights to these two cities from Balikpapan. Airports in the two towns have been closed since Tuesday and will be reopened only when the sky is clear of the smoke coming from forest fires, Antara reported. "We are monitoring the development in the two towns," said a spokesman for the Samarinda office of Merpati Nusantara Airlines, Gatot Budiono. (pan)

Tarub inducted as new chief of Kostrad, replacing Kuntara

Tarub inducted as new chief of Kostrad, replacing Kuntara JAKARTA (JP): The Army's Strategic Reserve Command (Kostrad) yesterday got a new chief, the 19th commandant since the force was founded in 1961. Maj. Gen. Tarub was inducted as the new chief of the green beret force in a military ceremony at Kostrad's headquarters in Cijantung, East Jakarta. A commandant post in Kostrad, which supplies the Army's main combat force, has traditionally been a career enhancer.

Bakrie developer says sorry about school demolition

Bakrie developer says sorry about school demolition JAKARTA (JP): The management of PT Catur Swasakti Utama (CSU), the developer of the Taman Rasuna apartments in Kuningan, South Jakarta, said yesterday they regretted demolishing a primary school building to make way for construction. "It was merely a safety first decision," Tagor Lumbanraja, an executive of CSU, said in a press conference at the City Council yesterday.

Japan, RI develop radar

Japan, RI develop radar Tokyo (UPI): Japan said it will develop a satellite-based radar system to detect underground mineral resources in cooperation with Saudi Arabia, Australia and Indonesia. Japan's Ministry of International Trade and Industry and five Japanese space equipment makers will provide most of the technology and funding for the US$100 million project, a ministry official said. Australia, Indonesia and Saudi Arabia have agreed to provide data on the surface area in their countries.

University diplomas still considered a status symbol

University diplomas still considered a status symbol JAKARTA (JP): Most people in Indonesia still consider attending university a way to enhance their social status and treat their studies as a secondary factor, according to a senior official of the Ministry of Education.

Disappointing gas station service

Disappointing gas station service From Media Indonesia It is very helpful and convenient to have a gasoline station on Jalan Gajah Mada/Jalan Hayam Wuruk. The strategic location makes it possible for motorists to fill up their tanks in the midst of the traffic congestion which occurs there practically every day. Friends, however, warned me about this particular gas station. As they told it, cheating often occurred so that customers ended up paying for gas that they hadn't received.

Angry crowd kill theft suspect

Angry crowd kill theft suspect An angry crowd beat to death a young man who is believed to have stolen a pair of shoes belonging to a worshiper at a mosque in Rawa Buaya, West Jakarta. Pos Kota reported yesterday that the suspect, identified by the name of Sugeng, 18, an immigrant from Cirebon, West Java, was caught by the crowd stealing a pair of shoes belonging to a member of the congregation on Monday evening.

Shorter week for schools

Shorter week for schools DENPASAR, Bali: The local education authorities said schools which do not share premises could start experimenting with the five-day school week. Schools which still share premises in shifts however must continue to function six-day a week, head of the local Education and Cultural Office Dewa Putu Tengah said, as reported by the Antara news agency.

Some ASEAN countries said mellowing on APEC trade group

Some ASEAN countries said mellowing on APEC trade group CHIANG MAI, Thailand (Reuter): Some Southeast Asian nations are warming to the idea of trade liberalization within the Asia- Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum now that proposals on trade appear less rigid, a senior Thai official said yesterday.

Harmoko denies monopolizing TV air time for Golkar

Harmoko denies monopolizing TV air time for Golkar JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Information Harmoko rejected accusations yesterday that he is monopolizing television air time for the ruling political group Golkar, which he chairs. Golkar's rivals, the United Development Party (PPP) and the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) have equal access to the nation's TV networks, Harmoko said in a meeting with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR), which handles information matters.

Surjadi asks for efficient water use for draught

Surjadi asks for efficient water use for draught JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soerdirdja called on Jakartans to use water efficiently due to the ongoing drought which has dug deep into the city's water reserves. "I urge households not to use too much detergent when doing washing and dump waste water directly to the rivers in order not to pollute the water supply. Industries should also install water treatment plants," Surjadi said on Tuesday.

Switzerland fields strongest team against host Indonesia

Switzerland fields strongest team against host Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): The hot favorite Switzerland will bank on a team of two world-beating players against host Indonesia in their Davis Cup World Group qualifying round tie at Senayan tennis stadium, starting tomorrow. Swiss non-playing captain Stephane Oberer revealed his team's lineup yesterday, made up of world number 17 Marc Rosset and number 89 Jakob Hlasek. "They are our best players, and we want to show our best," Oberer said.

Fog delays Literacy Day commemoration

Fog delays Literacy Day commemoration JAKARTA (JP): The commemoration of International Literacy Day in Indonesia, originally planned in the West Kalimantan city of Pontianak today, has been postponed indefinitely due to fog and a a subsequent closing of the local airport.

Truck runs over bikers

Truck runs over bikers GROBOGAN, Central Java: Three men, riding on a motorbike, died on Wednesday after they were hit by a truck at the Sindurejo highway in Toroh. Witnesses said the driver lost control of the motorcycle when he tried to avoid a big hole in the road. The truck came from the opposite direction. (02/har)

Indonesia needs good athletics coaches

Indonesia needs good athletics coaches JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is in dire need of better qualified track and field coaches to further develop the skills and techniques of local athletes, an expert of the International Amateur Athletic Federation says. "Athletes are only as good as their coaches," Bjorn Wangemann, IAAF's development director, told The Jakarta Post at an IAAF administration seminar.

Sabatini's generosity

Sabatini's generosity I feel a response is required for the article written by Bruce Emond regarding the recent Gabriela Sabatini's visit. It was inferred that Gabriela was uncommunicative during her visit to Jakarta, and in particular that she refused an interview with the journalist in question. We received over 50 requests, prior to her arrival for interviews. She managed to accommodate close to 25 of these requests.

Abdul Munir inducted BKS AKSI executive

Abdul Munir inducted BKS AKSI executive Governor Surjadi Soedirdja, in his capacity as chairman of the Indonesian City Intercity Cooperation Board (BKS-AKSI), on Tuesday inducted former Central Jakarta Mayor Col. Abdul Munir as secretary general of the semi-government agency. Munir, who will serve until 1998, replaced Hafiz Fatchurrahman who has been secretary general of the board since 1992.

Draft law on taxation

Draft law on taxation From Suara Karya The draft law on taxation which the government is planning to submit to the House of Representatives (DPR) contains, among other things, the recommendation that the State Administrative Court be declared incompetent to handle complaints filed by taxpayers concerning warrants issued by the tax authorities to collect taxes in arrears.

Police pledge to review new vehicle tax rule

Police pledge to review new vehicle tax rule JAKARTA (JP): National Police Spokesman Brig. Gen. I Gusti Ketut Ratta said the authorities will review the new policy requiring motorists to put a special sticker on car license plates as proof the yearly registration tax has been paid. "The policy is now being reviewed by the police headquarters to identify the problems in securing the special sticker, which the public face," Ratta said on Tuesday. City Police Chief Maj. Gen.

Will NU return to the political wilderness?

Will NU return to the political wilderness? By Hartono Hadikusumo JAKARTA (JP): In just three days the hopes for a Matori Abdul Djalil-Syamsuri Badawi "dream team" was dashed to pieces, giving rise to several interesting phenomena at the recent congress of the United Development Party (PPP) in Jakarta. Ismail Hasan Metareum was re-elected chairman of the party and the vaunted majority of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in Central and East Java did not translate into anything significant.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) mostly dropped yesterday in active trading as local investors started shifting towards the primary market. The Composite Index lost 4.6 points to close at 517.07 yesterday against 521.71 on the previous day amidst a significant drop in prices of several bluechips. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also dropped to 126.02 from 127.14.

Course on maid regulations opens

Course on maid regulations opens South Jakarta Mayor H. Pardjoko wants mayoralty officials, district and subdistrict heads to popularize the city administration's ruling No. 6 of 1993 on housemaids. "We have to popularize the regulations among the mayoralty officials, as well as the public, because the ruling is relatively new," Pardjoko, who opened a course on regulations on domestic helpers, said.

New PPP leaders face tough challenges

New PPP leaders face tough challenges By Bob S. Hadiwinata BANDUNG (JP): One can easily agree with Amir Santoso, a political scientist at the University of Indonesia, that whoever intends to observe politics in Indonesia cannot be content with what happens on the surface alone (The Jakarta Post, Sept. 5, 1994). This argument holds true for the current dissension over the line-up of the PPP (United Development Party) leadership board in the aftermath of the party congress held in Jakarta.

German aid for RI projects

German aid for RI projects JAKARTA (JP): Representatives from the German and Indonesian governments yesterday signed an agreement on economic cooperation worth a total of DM 149.5 million (US$96,265) in aid. The agreement marks the end of the annual bilateral negotiations on development cooperation which took place here from Sept. 19 to 21, 1994.

BI to keep money policy prudent

BI to keep money policy prudent JAKARTA (JP): Bank Indonesia, the central bank, will maintain the country's prudential monetary system despite encouraging development in the country's macro-economy during the first eight months of this year. Central Bank Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono said here yesterday that the overall macroeconomic conditions have been relatively stable in the first eight months of this year.

Six new cement projects to be ready by end of 1997

Six new cement projects to be ready by end of 1997 JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's annual cement production capacity of 20 million tons will increase by 12 million tons by the end of 1997 with the completion of six new projects. Director General of Chemical Industries Sujata told a hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives (DPR) here yesterday that the new projects are expected to meet the growing demand for cement, which is projected to increase by 12 percent per annum.

Warring parties urged to hold their tongues

Warring parties urged to hold their tongues JAKARTA (JP): A member of the House of Representatives has urged all disputing parties in the wake of an attack on a building on Jl. Agus Salim, Central Jakarta, to refrain from making statements and actions which could only worsen the situation.

Infrastructure development won't solve Jakarta's problems

Infrastructure development won't solve Jakarta's problems By Vincent Lingga World renown architect and city planner Desmond Muirhead shared his ideas about the greater Jakarta area development in a recent interview with The Jakarta Post. JAKARTA (JP): The high rate of urbanization that is far outpacing the development of infrastructure is not unique to Jakarta whose 255.2 square mile (650 square km) area is now populated by around 8.5 million people.

RI and PNG build lighthouses

RI and PNG build lighthouses JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Indonesia and Papua New Guinea have agreed to build lighthouses along their common sea boundary to minimize illegal border crossings, an official said. The agreement was reached in the latest border liaison meeting on board the KM Dobonsolo luxury vessel belonging to Indonesia's state-owned shipping company, PT Pelni.

Help for street children

Help for street children The front page article about street children in The Jakarta Post Sept. 18 Sunday edition has prompted me to write this letter. I would like to help a child -- preferably a boy aged 10 - 14 -- who wants to attend school, but is unable. Where I can find one? The child would be sent to school, fed, clothed and given a place to stay, but would be expected to do some chores around the house.

Extra month of salary now compulsory

Extra month of salary now compulsory JAKARTA (JP): Good news for workers: The government has made it compulsory for all companies to pay their workers an extra, `13th month' of salary each year. The decision, contained in a new decree by Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief, immediately drew criticisms from Apindo, the association of Indonesian employers, who said they were never consulted about the move.

Freedom of speech

Freedom of speech As freedom of speech is guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution, I was very sad to read about the ban imposed on lawyer and human rights activist Adnan Buyung Nasution from speaking at the University of Kristen Petra in East Java capital of Surabaya, as reported by Kompas on Aug. 31. In my opinion, he is seen by the government as a member of the opposition so the ban did not come as a surprise.

Semarang, Surabaya win best traffic awards

Semarang, Surabaya win best traffic awards JAKARTA (JP): Semarang and Surabaya, the capitals of Central Java and East Java, respectively, won this year's government awards for the best metropolitan cities in terms of traffic management. Jakarta, the largest metropolis in the country which is still feting the Parasamya Purna Karya Nugraha award for its development achievement, was conspicuously absent.

City market firm to focus on market reconstruction

City market firm to focus on market reconstruction JAKARTA (JP): The city-owned market company, PD Pasar Jaya, has said that it will focus its attention on reconstructing old, dilapidated market buildings rather than erecting new ones over the next five years. "The company's top priority is to reconstruct existing market buildings, not to build on new property" said Lihardin Sipayung, a spokesman for the company.

ABRI wants dialog

ABRI wants dialog In a speech to the Pepabri (ABRI veterans association) meeting on Saturday, the Armed Forces Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung said ABRI would promote a climate of dialog among societal groups in order to equalize views, perceptions and interpretations regarding the issues of openness, human rights and the dual role of the Armed Forces.

Soeharto told Games squad to do their best

Soeharto told Games squad to do their best JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday asked the Indonesian Asian Games squad to do their best in their medal pursuit although the national sports governing body (KONI) does not set any medal target. "Though no target is set, try to get as many medals as you can," Soeharto told the Asiad squad when receiving them at the State Palace yesterday.

Bali to have second paper

Bali to have second paper DENPASAR, Bali: The Nusa Tenggara daily newspaper, which has been out of circulation for some time, will soon return to the streets of Bali after changes in management and editorial board. The newspaper hopes to start publication on Oct. 5, the Antara news agency said, quoting an unnamed member of the editorial board. "We expect an initial daily circulation of 35,000," he said.

Diplomacy change in Indochina

Diplomacy change in Indochina New and important policy shifts are underway over Cambodia and Vietnam. The U.S. government, it now is clear, is on an irreversible road to establishment of full diplomatic relations with Hanoi. A senior State Department official who visited Vietnam last weekend said the two countries almost certainly will open 'liaison offices' in each other's capitals shortly. But the mission of Peter Tomsen, U.S.

Vietnam bonds for foreigner

Vietnam bonds for foreigner HANOI (Reuter): Vietnam said yesterday it would let foreign residents and companies buy bonds and shares to be issued by state-owned companies in what an economist said was a new form of privatization. Foreigners, foreign companies working in Vietnam and overseas Vietnamese will be able to own the instruments, as well as Vietnamese enterprises, according to a government decree published in newspapers.

Asian investment may prove dangerous

Asian investment may prove dangerous By Mitsuhiko Morimoto TOKYO: Against the backdrop of the soaring yen in relation to the dollar, Japanese corporations are eager to invest in Asian countries--but there are risks involved. Large numbers of Japanese companies are known to have gone to China without conducting detailed studies of the local situation.

Chinese tried for smuggling

Chinese tried for smuggling SURABAYA, East Java: A Taiwanese national is being tried in court here on charges of trying to smuggle ebony out of the country. In the opening trial, the government prosecutor said the accused colluded with a local business woman to illegally export 109 cubic meters of ebony. The defendant, the prosecutor said, had the export documents forged, causing the state to lose Rp 74 million ($35,000) in tax. pan)

Police to help supervise forest

Police to help supervise forest The National Police have deployed 209 senior police personnel, ranging in rank from second lieutenant to captain, to help supervise security efforts in forests throughout the nation. The personnel, who are all between 40 and 53 years old, were transferred in a ceremony on Tuesday to the Ministry of Forestry by police deputy for operational affairs Maj. Gen. Koesparmono Irsan. Their new boss is Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo.

AFC to crack down on age violations at U-19

AFC to crack down on age violations at U-19 JAKARTA (JP): The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has promised to take strong measures against any age violations proven to have occurred during the ongoing Asian Youth Under-19 soccer championship finals. "The problems will not finish once the tournament comes to an end," AFC Vice President Nabon Noor said yesterday. AFC's top Indonesian official admitted that there might have been a number of overage cases in the championship's 58-year history.

Child rescued from brothel

Child rescued from brothel JAMBI, Jambi: A 12 year-old junior high school student was rescued from a brothel by her parents last week. The girl ER had been taken to the owner of a brothel supplying prostitutes to hotels in town by a female fellow student, according to the Antara news agency. The girl said she was brought to the brothel but refused Rp 300,000 (about US$135) a pimp had offered for a date with a client. Her parents barged into the brothel after a tip-off from a resident.

Inflating project costs

Inflating project costs Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad's remarks early this week about the increasing tendency among Indonesian businessmen to mark up the costs of their investment projects reconfirmed the findings of the recent investigations into several large bad loans. It also endorsed the conclusion of a recent study by the World Bank that pointed out the gross inefficiency of investments in the country.

More campaigning called for to prevent cancer

More campaigning called for to prevent cancer JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday called for a more concerted campaign to prevent the incidence of cancer in Indonesia, which if unchecked, could impose a heavy financial burden on the society as a whole. Coordinating Minister of People's Welfare Azwar Anas, said at the conference of the Indonesian Cancer Foundation (YKI), that although cancer ranks only ninth among fatal diseases in Indonesia, more and more people are dying of the disease.

City to work with human rights body to monitor right abuses

City to work with human rights body to monitor right abuses JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja vowed on Tuesday to continue improving public services in the capital, saying also that the National Commission on Human Rights will help monitor the impact of development to avoid human rights abuse. "We're still working on it. But we have already conducted a meeting to compare our perspectives," Surjadi said, referring to a meeting between the commission and the administration on Monday.

Police investigate fraud by two education foundations

Police investigate fraud by two education foundations JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta police will question executives of two private education foundations which are allegedly charging students millions of rupiah for nothing. "We hope that this case can be solved by next week," a detective assigned to head the investigation, told The Jakarta Post here yesterday.

Rock music in ferry

Rock music in ferry From Kompas On my recent return from Surabaya I went on to Bandarlampung, making the Merak-Bakauheni crossing on a KMF Titian Murni ferry. Because I was feeling tired I took a second class ticket in the hope that it would be quiet, restful and pleasant. For half the trip my intention to rest was upset by the deafening blare of rock music. It could be that the intention of the crew in the operator's room was to provide entertainment for the passengers.

Toll road blocks path

Toll road blocks path From Neraca I, attorney for the residents of Bangun Mulia, Medan Amplas District, request the attention of the Governor of North Sumatra to the obstruction of the access road to the people's rice fields due to the construction of the Belmera toll road. The access road has been blocked since the toll road was completed in 1985. Many complaints have been filed but apparently nothing has been done.

New railway service soon

New railway service soon BANDUNG: PT Arion Paramita Group, a private transportation company, will launch a new executive train service linking Jakarta and the Central Java city of Surakarta (Solo) next August. The company announced that it has invested Rp 50 billion ($23 million) on 20 coaches and three locomotives to operate the new service. It hopes to reach a break-even point within 10 years.

Mulialand to build $15m underpass

Mulialand to build $15m underpass Mulia Intipelangi, a subsidiary of PT Mulialand Group, will build a US$15 million underpass at the Tomang exchange in West Jakarta. Joko S. Tjandra, the president of Mulialand, said yesterday that the underpass is expected to help ease traffic congestion in the area. The construction of the underpass will start later this year and is scheduled for completion in July 1995.

Ministers of EU, ASEAN to begin meeting today

Ministers of EU, ASEAN to begin meeting today JAKARTA (JP): Ministers of European Union (EU) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are to start a three-day dialog on economic and political cooperation, in the German city of Karlsruhe today.

Funds for poor villages used mostly for savings and loans

Funds for poor villages used mostly for savings and loans JAKARTA (JP): The majority of the funds under the presidential aid program for poor villages, known by its Indonesian acronym IDT, has been used as seed capital for savings and loans schemes, according to a senior official of the Ministry of Home Affairs. H.H.

Indonesia defends decision to export DDT stock to Nepal

Indonesia defends decision to export DDT stock to Nepal By T. Sima Gunawan JAKARTA (JP): The government has defended its decision to unload some of its stock of DDT, a pesticide hazardous to health and the environment, to Nepal stressing that it was at the request of the importing country. Dr. Hadi M.

Union activist faces jail term

Union activist faces jail term MEDAN, North Sumatra: A government prosecutor is demanding the district court to sentence the secretary of the local branch of the All Indonesian Prosperity Labor Union (SBSI) to a year imprisonment for allegedly instigating a violent labor demonstration in April.

`Tempo' staff split on future of the magazine

`Tempo' staff split on future of the magazine JAKARTA (JP): Some 162 employees of the defunct Tempo news magazine have accepted an offer by timber tycoon Mohammad (Bob) Hasan to join in his endeavor to start a new magazine, but only 22 of them are journalists. The majority of the 78 journalists rejected the offer, preferring to set up their own independent magazine, according to sources at the magazine.

Illegal gambling rising

Illegal gambling rising SEMARANG: The Central Java Police have formed a special unit to wipe out gambling dens in Semarang, Surakarta, Yogyakarta, Purwokerto and Magelang. Central Java Police Chief Brig. Gen. Hariman A.S. said the unit was established in response to the public's complaint of increasing illegal gambling activities. Hariman said many of these dens have abused licenses given by the authorities to hold fairs.

RI's financial structure grows stronger: Soedradjat

RI's financial structure grows stronger: Soedradjat JAKARTA (JP): The growing capital market will soon compete with the banking industry to finance economic activities, Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono says.

Protectionism hurts small businesses

Protectionism hurts small businesses JAKARTA (JP): Protection for upstream industries has done more harm than good to small and medium-sized businesses, particularly those exporting their products, economist Djisman Simandjuntak says. Speaking on the third day of the 21st International Small Business Congress (ISBC), he said that protectionist measures inflate costs.

Vice President Try Sutrisno in Canberra to boost ties

Vice President Try Sutrisno in Canberra to boost ties JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno and three cabinet ministers arrived in Sydney yesterday, marking the highest ranking visit by an Indonesian official to Australia in nearly two decades.

War games with Aussies

War games with Aussies MALANG, East Java: The Indonesian and Australian air forces launched a joint exercise on Wednesday. Codenamed Rajawali Ausindo, the week-long exercise is intended to improve the professionalism of the two forces in supplying logistics by air, according to Antara. Malang is home to the Abdurrachman Saleh airbase. The Indonesian Air Force is deploying 460 personnel and two C- 130 transport planes. Australia has sent one transport plane. (rms)

Beware of dysentery

Beware of dysentery JAKARTA: The Ministry of Health has appealed to people in drought-stricken areas to be vigilant about any possible outbreak of dysentery due to the lack of clean water. The ministry has issued a circular to local governments, asking them to campaign about cleanliness because in times of water shortages, as currently in several areas, people may be exposed to using contaminated water.

Fire razes 150 houses

Fire razes 150 houses SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: At least 150 houses were razed by fire in the city early on Thursday. Witnesses said the fire began at an old house in the area. There were no casualties, the Antara news agency reported. This is the second major fire in the city in the past two days. On Wednesday, a fire gutted a post office, two vans, six motorcycles and 40 computer terminals. (rms)

AFTA Council meets on ending regional trade barriers

AFTA Council meets on ending regional trade barriers CHIANG MAI, Thailand (AFP): The ASEAN Free Trade Council (AFTA) yesterday began considering a proposal to shorten its basic plan for reducing regional trade barriers from 15 to 10 years, while expanding the list of exclusions.

International human resource development center proposed

International human resource development center proposed JAKARTA (JP): Delegates at an international seminar on human resource development have proposed that a center for international cooperation be established to better handle complex human resource problems in the coming century. State Minister for Research and Technology B.J.

19,127 Jakartans are illiterate

19,127 Jakartans are illiterate Director General of External Education, Youth and Sports of the Ministry of Education and Culture Soedijarto said that 19,127 out of 8,277,746 Jakartans are illiterate. "The lack of public libraries and the large number of people who drop out of primary school are factors behind the high illiteracy rate in the city," Soedijarto said on Monday as quoted by Pos Kota.

Bandung faces water crisis

Bandung faces water crisis BANDUNG, West Java: The fast growing northern part of the city will face a severe water crisis if the municipal office fails to control real estate development there, an academic warns. Arwin Sabar, an expert in groundwater, said that large-scale housing projects are eating up more than 2,500 hectares of irrigated agricultural land in northern Bandung, Antara reported. "The projects are also encroaching on protected forest." (pan)

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Debt repayment before maturity favorable

Debt repayment before maturity favorable JAKARTA (JP): The recent trend of large borrowers repaying debts before maturity will not affect the banking industry. It will instead help provide equal distribution of loans to smaller businesses, a noted economist said. Rizal Ramli, the managing director of a consulting and research agency Ekonit, acknowledged yesterday that the early repayments might cause a temporary glut in the banks.

DPR gives conditional support to higher defense spending

DPR gives conditional support to higher defense spending JAKARTA (JP): A commission of the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday said it backs the Armed Forces (ABRI) call for a 23 percent hike in military spending but stressed the need for the forces to eliminate graft among its members. The House's Commission I on defense and security said the higher budget should be used to improve the salaries of ABRI members as one measure to end corruption.

Indonesia grabs 10,000m men's gold at athletics meet

Indonesia grabs 10,000m men's gold at athletics meet JAKARTA (JP): After three barren days, "Indonesia Raya," the national anthem, was finally heard when Ferry Junaedi received the gold medal from Muhammad (Bob) Hasan, Indonesia's track and field chief, for winning the men's 10,000m. Ferry, 16, surpassed Mohamed G. Akdy of Saudi Arabia in the 16th round with nine more laps to go and from then on, took the lead until the finish line.

More space asked for small-scale traders

More space asked for small-scale traders A city councilor is urging the management of Blok M Plaza, a major shopping center in South Jakarta, to give more space for small-scale traders to do business at the shopping center. "The present space allocated by the management of the shopping center for small-scale traders is inadequate," said Hasan Dasy, a city councilor from the City Council's Commission B on finance. Gubernatorial Decree No.

Top female graduate killed by married lover

Top female graduate killed by married lover JAKARTA (JP): Police said they have nabbed an over zealous father of three who is believed to have stabbed to death his 24- year-old lover at the victim's house in Menteng Dalam, South Jakarta. The preliminary police investigation showed that Arjon Kohar, 34, a worker at an offshore drilling firm, killed the victim yesterday morning, a day after she informed him that she had another boyfriend.

Carter diplomacy being tested in Haiti

Carter diplomacy being tested in Haiti The last-ditch attempt at diplomacy by former United States president Jimmy Carter has spared Haiti a violent U.S. invasion, at least temporarily. Noted political scientist Juwono Sudarsono argues that success of this diplomacy will be measured by President Jean-Bertrand Aristide's ability to garner domestic support for nationwide reconciliation in the coming weeks.

Driver may face murder charge

Driver may face murder charge The North Jakarta police may charge Ramses Silitonga, the driver of the Metromini bus which in February careened into the Sunter river in North Jakarta with dozens of its passengers, with murder. A reliable police source said on Monday that officers were still collecting all necessary evidence and information to support their case. The February accident killed 33 people and injured dozens more. The minibus, packed with passengers, careened into the river on Jl.

Pejompongan fire victims start to rebuild houses

Pejompongan fire victims start to rebuild houses JAKARTA (JP): Victims of the fire that razed hundreds of houses in Pejompongan, Central Jakarta, have started to rebuild temporary huts at the site despite the municipal administration's prohibition.

RI bank rated BBB-plus

RI bank rated BBB-plus TOKYO (AFP): Japan Credit Rating Agency Ltd. assigned yesterday a triple-B plus credit rating to PT Bank Ekspor Impor Indonesia's recent five-year bond issue for US$59 million. The Sept. 14 issue carries a coupon of 1.2 percent over the six-month London Inter-Bank Offer Rate (Libor), which is currently around 5.5 percent.

Firecrackers for forest rangers

Firecrackers for forest rangers SURABAYA, East Java: Forest rangers in the province are now supplied with firecrackers which they can use to scare off looters and squatters. The state owned forest company Perum Perhutani II has turned to fireworks because of the high frequency of thefts, the Antara news agency reported. "Firecrackers can be effective in scaring off looters in the night," said Gunarso, who is manning a guard post at the Mojorayong forest near Madiun. (par)

Wildlife conservation

Wildlife conservation We are wildlife biologists with the Wildlife Conservation Society (formerly the New York Zoological Society) and would like to comment on some of the issues raised in two articles published in the Sept. 10 issue of The Jakarta Post (Saving Sumatra's elephants and If you can't beat them, employ them) concerning the future of Sumatra's elephants. Our organization has been involved in elephant research and conservation issues for over 20 years.

Deregulatory measure on investment subject to revision

Deregulatory measure on investment subject to revision JAKARTA (JP): A senior investment official, bombarded with criticism over a new deregulatory measure which allows foreign investors to construct and operate infrastructure facilities, said yesterday that the ruling is not final and can be reviewed. "Don't worry too much because the deregulation can be revised," R.T.

Ramos' sister to sue his `lover'

Ramos' sister to sue his `lover' MANILA (Reuter): The sister of Philippine President Fidel Ramos threatened yesterday to sue his alleged former lover for statements linking her to drug traffickers. The office of Senator Leticia Ramos Shahani, Ramos's sister, issued a statement accusing socialite Rose Marie "Baby" Arenas of smearing the senator's reputation.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Cartoon: Prince Valiant 3:05 Anak Fantasi 3:30 Science World 4:05 Comedy 4:30 Documentary Film 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:05 Indonesia, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Langka Tapi Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Music Contest: Asia Bagus 8:05 Comedy 9:00 World News 9:30 Kamera Ria 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Danny, The Champion Of The World Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Japan, Thailand edge into under-19 soccer meet semis

Japan, Thailand edge into under-19 soccer meet semis JAKARTA (JP): Two red cards marred the last qualifying round matches at the 29th Asian Youth Under-19 soccer championship last night as Japan and Thailand secured the last two semifinal berths. With the tense, two-week long competitions nearing an end, the losing side Kuwait criticized the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) for the poor organization of the tournament.

Asian Games squad meets Soeharto today

Asian Games squad meets Soeharto today JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto will receive the Indonesian Asian Games team at the State Palace today, before they depart for the Hiroshima sports meet. Most members of the contingent are scheduled to depart Sunday evening. The squad will, no doubt, be expecting a "Knute Rockne" speech from the President before it embarks on its bid to finish sixth at the Oct. 2-16 Games.

Old researchers never retire, they just fade away

Old researchers never retire, they just fade away JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Institute of Sciences (LIPI) has proposed an extension of the retirement age of its top research staff from 65 to 70. LIPI chairman Samaun Samadikun, who is 63 years old, said a good researcher reaches the prime of his career between 60 and 65 years of age and that extending the retirement age to 70 was a reasonable proposal.

Hungary offers access to European marts

Hungary offers access to European marts JAKARTA (JP): Hungary yesterday offered itself as a gateway for Indonesian exports to European markets, stressing that its location in Central Europe makes it a perfect entry point. The offer was made during a meeting between Hungarian President Arpad Goncz and his Indonesian counterpart Soeharto at the Merdeka Palace yesterday.

Six servicemen, 125 crooks arrested for vehicle thefts

Six servicemen, 125 crooks arrested for vehicle thefts JAKARTA (JP): City police have arrested 131 suspects, including six members of the Armed Forces (ABRI), believed to have been involved in the thefts of 77 cars and 114 motorcycles in the greater Jakarta area. "The suspects were arrested in a massive 33-day special operation for vehicle theft cases carried out by our personnel throughout the city from Aug. 18 to Sept. 9," City Police Chief Maj. Gen.

Doctoral course for Japanese studies

Doctoral course for Japanese studies The University of Indonesia is scheduled to launch a doctoral course for Japanese Studies in a ceremony at the university's campus in Salemba, Central Jakarta, on Thursday. The launching of the course is in line with the university's graduate school programs aimed at providing opportunities for candidates for advanced research work on Japan and gaining the necessary knowledge and expertise to pursue an education and research career.

Proton enters Vietnam

Proton enters Vietnam HANOI (AFP): Malaysian automobile firm Proton, foreign partner in the Vina Star Corp. joint venture, has been authorized to import parts to assemble vehicles for sale in Vietnam, a report said yesterday. Total investment capital of this project was put at US$450 million, the union weekly Nguoi Lao Dong said. Proton's offshoot in the southern province of Song Be will start assembly of "Delica" minibuses in March next year.

Chain collision at Jagorawi

Chain collision at Jagorawi Five vehicles were involved in a chain collision on the Jagorawi highway in Cililitan, East Jakarta, on Monday. No casualties were reported in the accident which involved a car belonging to a member of the House of Representatives (DPR). "Nobody involved in the collision suffered any injuries, not even a bruise," said head of the traffic police of the City Police, Maj. Irsan Wijaya. The accident happened at around 8 a.m.

Workers for Malaysia

Workers for Malaysia Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad told President Soeharto in Jakarta last week that his country needs 17,000 workers from here. They will be employed on Malaysian plantations. Whether the request can be met or not depends very much on the ability of the neighboring countries to solve their remaining labor problems. The main problems existing between Indonesia and Malaysia are the influx of illegal Indonesian workers there and protection for legal workers.

Endangered `anoa' dwindling

Endangered `anoa' dwindling KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: The provincial legislative council has criticized the local government for doing little to stop illegal poaching of endangered anoa deer. Council chairman Soedjatmiko said the government should punish people for killing the animal. Poachers kill anoa and sell their horns and skin, which some traditionally believe to have medical or magical qualities.

Seminar reviews relations between state and society

Seminar reviews relations between state and society JAKARTA (JP): Any society, no matter how dominated by the state, always finds ways to survive and thrive, intellectuals say. In a discussion yesterday, a number of noted intellectuals said that the mushrooming of non-governmental organizations (NGOs), clandestine publications and of places where intellectuals engage in free discourses is proof of society's resilience.

House forms special team to deliberate tax bills

House forms special team to deliberate tax bills JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) set up a special team yesterday to speed up the deliberation of four tax bills which the government expects to be enacted in January. The 81-member team, chaired by Novian Kaman of the Golongan Karya (Golkar) faction, is expected to start the deliberation of the tax bills proposed by the government early this month.

Arrests follow forest dispute in Kalimantan

Arrests follow forest dispute in Kalimantan JAKARTA (JP): Continuing conflicts between indigenous people and forest concessionaires in West Kalimantan have resulted in rioting and the arrest of some villagers, the Indonesian Forum for Environment (WALHI) said yesterday. Walhi executive director M.S.

`Sunday Post' undelivered

`Sunday Post' undelivered Following the many notices and the advertisement in The Jakarta Post, I made an effort on Sunday, Sept. 18, to rub the sleep out of my eyes at 7 a.m. instead of 8 a.m. I had decided to improve the quality of my Sunday lie- in...wash away the blues, so from 7 a.m. I awaited the arrival of the much needed Sunday edition (being a langganan, subscriber, for eight years now).

Manhunt for masked robbers

Manhunt for masked robbers BANDARLAMPUNG, Lampung: Police have launched a manhunt for a gang of thieves who used masks in several operations in the Seputih Mataram district last weekend. Southern Sumatran Police chief Maj. Gen. M. Arief Tawil said they are now on the trail of the gang after two of the four robbers were apprehended. He did not rule out the possibility that the other robbers fled to another province.

Govt preparing draft bill on small businesses

Govt preparing draft bill on small businesses JAKARTA (JP): The government has begun formulating a bill on small enterprises to provide them with a legal basis for development, in response to environmental changes and the trend of globalization, a minister says.

Honda makes parts in RP

Honda makes parts in RP TOKYO (AFP): Several Japanese auto parts makers supplying to Honda Motor Co. plan to start production in the Philippines next year in line with the carmaker's efforts to produce low-priced cars.

Hartarto to lead mission at ASEAN talk

Hartarto to lead mission at ASEAN talk JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister for Trade and Industry Hartarto will lead the Indonesian delegation to the annual meeting of economic ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in Chiang Mai, Thailand on Thursday and Friday.

Four factors cause cement mart distortion

Four factors cause cement mart distortion JAKARTA (JP): Oligopolistic practices, collusion between producers and distributors, regional zoning of marketing and the government-set local price references are major causes of annual cement market distortion in the country. "Those four factors should be eliminated if we want to solve the country's continual cement shortages," economist Rizal Ramli told reporters here yesterday.

PPD to introduce direct payment system on 240 buses

PPD to introduce direct payment system on 240 buses JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned city bus company, PPD, has said that it will apply a direct payment system on 240 more buses plying 16 routes despite strong protests from conductors. "The board of directors has decided to expand the implementation of the system because it is the best way to improve the company's service to passengers as well to increase the drivers' income," said Hamim Busro, a spokesman for the company.

Sunday paper

Sunday paper Sunday can be a bit of a yawn and so I was waiting for your promised Sunday Jakarta Post. But it never arrived on my doorstep. Maybe you can check with your distributors (mine is Agency Puspowardoyo) and see if they actually deliver the things you promise. WERNER TIESBOHNENKAMP Jakarta

`Marsinah': A play depicting anguish of female workers

`Marsinah': A play depicting anguish of female workers By Oei Eng Goan JAKARTA (JP): A swivel chair and a heap of soil laid out in a circular pattern on the open stage were the only paraphernalia used in a serious play depicting the anguish of female laborers and the poor in Indonesia. The play was written and directed by the lead actress, Ratna Sarumpaet, who leads the Jakarta-based Satu Merah Panggung theater group.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) fell slightly yesterday after suffering a significant loss on Monday. Despite improved buying sentiment, the broad-based Composite Index closed lower at 521.71 yesterday against 522.05 on Monday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also lost ground to close at 127.14 against 127.48.

Indonesians interested in Australian property

Indonesians interested in Australian property JAKARTA (JP): At least US$7.2 million in foreign exchange will flow to Australia soon as more Indonesians purchase property there. In cooperation with PT SuryaPrapta Indah, a private Australian property company, Central Equity Homes, will market in Jakarta on Saturday some 60 Melbourne townhouses and apartments at prices ranging between US$104,000 and $202,000.

Latief keeps hands off Muchtar's case

Latief keeps hands off Muchtar's case JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief, facing increasing foreign and domestic pressure to intervene in the trial of labor leader Muchtar Pakpahan, maintained yesterday that he had neither the intention nor the capacity to help. Latief told a hearing with the House of Representatives that Muchtar's court case, which began in Medan, North Sumatra on Monday, had nothing to do with labor problems in Indonesia.

Two senior judges to vie for post of Chief Justice

Two senior judges to vie for post of Chief Justice JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday nominated two respected, senior justices to replace Purwoto Suhadi Gandasubrata as chief of the Supreme Court. The candidates are Mohammad Djaelani, currently the vice to the chief justice, and Suryono, the deputy chief justice in charge of traditional civil cases.

Aid for industrial projects

Aid for industrial projects JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Industry will receive US$1.3 billion in technical assistance and grants from foreign creditors for 26 industrial projects next fiscal year. Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo said in a hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives on Monday that almost half of the funds will be used to finance the construction of fertilizer, cement and textile plants.

Swim the Sunda Strait

Swim the Sunda Strait JAKARTA: The Marine Corps is organizing swimming and rowing contests across the Sunda strait next month. The contests, held as part of the 49th anniversary of the corps, will include contestants from Indonesia, neighboring countries and also from the United States, Australia, France and Japan, the Antara news agency reported. The starting point will be in the Bakaheuni port in Lampung in Sumatra and the finishing line is the Suralaya beach in Merak in West Java.

Capital promotion course

Capital promotion course JAKARTA (JP): The Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM), in cooperation with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), yesterday started a three-week investment promotion course to help improve the services of provincial officials for investors. The training, which was officially opened here yesterday by the deputy chairman of the board, Sugihono Kadarisman, is participated in by around 50 officials from the board's provincial offices.

Private universities

Private universities From Kompas Only about 10 to 15 percent of senior high school graduates can be admitted to government universities annually. Some of the remaining graduates may go to private universities, many study abroad and still others find employment or just do nothing. It is a hard fact for students as the first year at a private university costs Rp 4 million to Rp 12 million, compared to Rp 450,000 to Rp 800,000 for government universities (Kompas, Aug. 26, 1994).

Fire guts 65 houses

Fire guts 65 houses AMBON, Maluku: Fire razed 65 houses inhabited mostly by migrants from Sulawesi in the Nusaniwe district on Saturday night. There were no reports of casualties, according to the Antara news agency. (emb)

State wood-based firms record soaring profits

State wood-based firms record soaring profits JAKARTA (JP): State-owned wood-based companies recorded profits of Rp 181 billion (US$82.2 million) in the first semester of this year, compared to Rp 130 billion in the whole of 1993, a minister says.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Bulog to increase rice stocks to 1 million tons

Bulog to increase rice stocks to 1 million tons JAKARTA (JP): The National Logistics Agency (Bulog) will increase its rice stocks from 800,000 tons at present to more than one million tons by the end of this year, the agency's chairman, Ibrahim Hasan said yesterday.

Private companies apply to build airports, railways

Private companies apply to build airports, railways JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said yesterday that his ministry has received applications from private sector companies to construct airports and operate railway services.

Motorists prefer to use service of middlemen

Motorists prefer to use service of middlemen JAKARTA (JP): Motorists prefer to use the services of middlemen in processing their vehicular documents rather than doing the job themselves because the process is time consuming. "Although it costs me extra money, processing the documents through a middleman saves time.

Mark-up results in uneven distribution of wealth

Mark-up results in uneven distribution of wealth JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad said yesterday that the mark-up of project values by irresponsible people impedes the even distribution of welfare. Speaking at the seventh congress of the Indonesian Accountant Association in Bandung, West Java, last night, Mar'ie said mark- up practices occur because people want to get personal gains quickly and easily without considering the impact of their ill- doing on the society.

Prudential's investment

Prudential's investment SINGAPORE (AFP): Prudential Asia Investments Ltd., the investment arm of Prudential Insurance Co. of America, said yesterday it has raised US$261 million for private equity investment in the Asia-Pacific region. The Prudential Asia Private Equity Ltd. Fund would be used to purchase stakes in private enterprises in Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Japan and Australia, officials said.

Darya-Varia offering new shares

Darya-Varia offering new shares JAKARTA (JP): The pharmaceutical company PT Darya-Varia Laboratoria is offering 10 million new common shares to the public to raise funds to finance its expansion programs.

Try Sutrisno to leave for Australia for three-day visit

Try Sutrisno to leave for Australia for three-day visit JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno will leave for Australia tomorrow for a three-day visit at the invitation of Australian Foreign Minister Gareth Evans. Try is scheduled to meet with the Australian Governor General Bill Hayden, Prime Minister Paul Keating and Evans, the Australian embassy said yesterday.

Goldstar to establish cathode ray tube factory in Bekasi

Goldstar to establish cathode ray tube factory in Bekasi JAKARTA (JP): Goldstar Co. Ltd. of South Korea, in cooperation with PT Astra International, will start to construct a cathode ray tube (CRT) plant in Bekasi, West Java, with an investment of US$165 million in December.

Kebon Sirih could be more beautiful

Kebon Sirih could be more beautiful From Neraca Taking a stroll along tree-lined Jalan Kebon Sirih is enjoyable now. The pavement is wide, the street is free from pot holes, and the telephone boxes in the street have an artistic touch. Unfortunately, there are some things which keep bothering me.

ASEAN moves AFTA five years ahead of schedule

ASEAN moves AFTA five years ahead of schedule BANGKOK (AFP): Economy ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) said yesterday they would enact a comprehensive trade tariff agreement by 2003, five years ahead of schedule, Thai television reported. The ASEAN Free Trade Area (AFTA), which requires preferential tariffs of zero to five percent for trade between ASEAN-member countries, was also expanded to cover unprocessed agricultural products, state-run Channel 7 reported.

Major reshuffle at City Police

Major reshuffle at City Police A number of senior city police officials, including heads of police precincts in the city's five mayoralties, will be replaced this month. The official announcement has yet to be made but reliable sources at the city police headquarters said yesterday that among officials to be replaced are heads of the Tangerang, Depok, East, South and Central Jakarta police precincts and the Tanjung Priok Port Security Force (KP3). South Jakarta police precinct head Lt. Col.

Bids for telecoms project

Bids for telecoms project TOKYO (AFP): Three major Japanese trading firms have lodged bids to participate in construction of a large Indonesian telecommunications network, company officials said yesterday. Mitsui and Co. lodged its bid in partnership with Bell Canada International, Kanematsu Corp. joined with Cable and Wireless plc of Britain, and Tomen Corp. has linked up with Ninex Corp. of the United States. Other big Japanese trading houses -- Nissho Iwai Corp. and Marubeni Corp.

Hungarian President talks business

Hungarian President talks business JAKARTA (JP): Hungarian President Arpad Goncz got straight down to business upon his arrival here yesterday, after taking time off with his wife to spend the weekend on the holiday island of Bali. Following a military 21-gun salute at Merdeka Palace, where he was greeted by President Soeharto, Goncz kicked off his two-day state visit by going directly to work on promoting bilateral economic ties.

Czech Premier scheduled to visit Jakarta on Oct. 3

Czech Premier scheduled to visit Jakarta on Oct. 3 JAKARTA (JP): Czech Prime Minister Vaclav Klaus is scheduled to make a three-day state visit to Indonesia on Oct. 3 at the invitation of President Soeharto. Klaus will be accompanied by his deputy prime minister, the deputy foreign minister, and the deputy minister for industry and trade along with an entourage of over 50 businessmen, the Czech embassy here announced.

Formation of ASEAN parliament urged

Formation of ASEAN parliament urged MANILA (Reuter): The Philippines yesterday called for the formation of a regional parliament to pass laws to combat the spread of AIDS and drug addiction. Congress Speaker Jose de Venecia urged parliamentarians from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to study the feasibility of setting up an ASEAN parliament by the turn of the century.

Trial of SBSI union leader starts

Trial of SBSI union leader starts JAKARTA (JP): The leader of the Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI), Muchtar Pakpahan, went on trial yesterday in Medan, North Sumatra, on charges of inciting workers to resort to violence, leading to the massive riot in that city last April. The 41-year-old Pakpahan appeared at the Medan District Court amid tight security. Police and military officers were deployed around the provincial capital to prevent possible demonstrations by his supporters.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:00 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Diletansia 3:30 TV Series: International Family Classic 4:30 Iptek 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Program 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Insight 8:05 Drama 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 11:05 Late News 11:15 Film : Tales That Witness With Madness Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Threat to Games persists after Lee's climbdown

Threat to Games persists after Lee's climbdown TAIPEI (AFP): President Lee Teng-hui of Taiwan yesterday officially scrapped a controversial plan to attend next month's Asian Games in Japan, but the move did not appear to lessen the threat of a Chinese boycott of the prestige event.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices closed mostly lower on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday after gaining ground on Friday. The broad-based Composite Index closed at 522.05, or 3.57 points lower than Friday's close of 525.62. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also closed lower at 127.48, as compared to 128.57 on Friday.

A G30S white book?

A G30S white book? The plan to publish a white book, an official report of government affairs -- and the controversies which it will certainly raise -- may once again become the talk of the day. A fortnight ago a veteran politician and former leading figure of the Indonesian Nationalist Party (PNI), Manai Sophiaan, published his book, Homage where homage is due: Bung Karno Uninvolved in the G30S PKI Affair.

Stability and progress

Stability and progress In a speech during the opening of the national conference of Pepabri -- the Indonesian Veterans Association -- President Soeharto stressed the importance of stability and security and asked that veterans and members of the Armed Forces continue to guard the national stability in general, the social security and order in particular.

Sex, corruption are the order of the day

Sex, corruption are the order of the day JAKARTA (JP): Sex scandals and corruption in government circles were two issues raised before State Minister of Administrative Reforms T.B. Silalahi during a hearing with Commission II of the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday. Silalahi said his office receives up to 100 letters of complaints every month about "moral crimes" allegedly committed by civil servants.

Indra's jazz show canceled

Indra's jazz show canceled A performance by the renowned jazz musician Indra Lesmana for Sept. 23 and 24 has been canceled due to lack of funds and a tight schedule, said the manager of Indra's group, Java Jazz. "There was too little time for us to be able to find sponsors," said Roy Mesmana, adding that the group has a number of other commitments.

S'pore to broadcast via satellite to Asia

S'pore to broadcast via satellite to Asia SINGAPORE (Reuter): Singapore is planning to launch its own satellite television channel to broadcast Asian programs around the region, a senior manager at the Singapore Broadcasting Corp (SBC) said yesterday. "We are looking at launching a satellite channel for distribution in the region, hopefully by the end of 1995," Lee Cheok Yew, SBC's assistant general manager, told the 1994 Pan Asia Television Industry Conference.

Small businesses can grow with no protection, Lee says

Small businesses can grow with no protection, Lee says JAKARTA (JP): Singapore Deputy Prime Minister B.G. Lee said yesterday that small- and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) are able to grow in the absence of government protection. Lee said that SMEs can grow in tandem with the rest of an open economy if they are progressively upgraded and assisted to adopt to new economic realities, without the government having to resort to direct protectionism.

Chinese, Japanese relay teams shine at track and fields meet

Chinese, Japanese relay teams shine at track and fields meet JAKARTA (JP): Taking control from the gun shot the Chinese women's and the Japanese men's 4x400 relay teams yesterday wrested the gold medals in the prestigious races at the 5th Asian junior track and field championship. China's speed was unrivaled as second runner Wang Xuemei passed the baton to third runner Zhong Li while their rivals were on the heels of their team-mates.

Thai minister defends Al Arqam

Thai minister defends Al Arqam BANGKOK (AFP): Deputy Interior Minister Den Tohmeena has defended the controversial Al Arqam Moslem sect, saying the group not only caused no trouble in Thailand but had brought in investments. Den made his statements ahead of a two-day visit by Malaysian Deputy Premier Anwar Ibrahim, whose government has banned Al Arqam and arrested key leaders under the Internal Security Act which allows detention without trial.

Newsprint price to increase by 9.48% next month

Newsprint price to increase by 9.48% next month JAKARTA (JP): The government has allowed producers to raise newsprint prices by 9.48 percent to Rp 1,270 (58.28 U.S. cents) per kilogram next month due to increases in production costs, Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo said here yesterday.

Critics expect much more from the Open University

Critics expect much more from the Open University JAKARTA (JP): The Open University (UT) marked its 10th anniversary yesterday but critics, including Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro, say much more is expected of it. Critics said the Open University, which runs its courses using telecommunications, still retains the image of being a second- class college or an education of last resort.

1,600 new buses ready to cruise the city

1,600 new buses ready to cruise the city JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto told Commission V of the House of Representatives yesterday that the state-owned public bus transportation company Perum PPD will operate 1,600 gas-powered buses in Jakarta in the near future. "PPD will cooperate with private companies in operating the city buses," he said, adding that the private firms will include Intrass Jaya and Senawangi.

New bishop ordained

New bishop ordained AMBON, Maluku: Monseigneur Petrus Mandagi was ordained on Sunday to head the Amboina Roman Catholic Church, to replace Bishop Andreas Petrus Cornelius who is retiring after 30 years of service and dedication to the Maluku province. The ordainment ceremony -- held at the Sports Hall building -- was attended by Monseigneur Pietro Sambi, the Vatican ambassador to Indonesia.

Tansil hands over industrial ventures to govt

Tansil hands over industrial ventures to govt JAKARTA (JP): Eddy Tansil, who was convicted of swindling Rp 962 billion ($448 million) from the state-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia, has handed over three of his most prized industrial ventures to the government in order to repay his debts.

$1.3b in aid for industrial projects

$1.3b in aid for industrial projects JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Industry will receive US$1.3 billion in technical assistance and grants from foreign creditors for 26 industrial projects next fiscal year. Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo said in a hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives yesterday that almost half of the funds will be used to finance the construction of fertilizer, cement and textile plants.

Home team sweept away from U-19 soccer semis

Home team sweept away from U-19 soccer semis JAKARTA (JP): Evening drizzle carried Indonesia's boys away from the 29th Asian Youth Under-19 soccer championship yesterday as they ended their last Group A match against Iraq with an upset goalless draw after a hard-fought, nerve-wracking battle. Playing in front of a 30,000-strong home crowd, the Indonesian boys, who desperately needed a win to march into the last four rounds, displayed tireless attacking soccer against Iraq's safe play.

Worried conductors protest over fare collection system

Worried conductors protest over fare collection system JAKARTA (JP): A 15-person delegation, claiming to represent over 1,000 conductors of the PPD city buses yesterday asked the House of Representatives to drop the new, draconian policy of the state-owned company. As a result of the firm's new policy, the delegation said that they stand to lose jobs due to the direct payment system which no longer requires any crewpeople to collect fares from passengers.

Kiblat to sue partner over land dispute

Kiblat to sue partner over land dispute JAKARTA (JP): The management of Kiblat magazine said they will file a law suit against their partner, the Indonesian Haj Pilgrimage Foundation (PHI), for arbitrarily terminating a working contract between the two parties. Hari Utomo, the circulation manager of Kiblat, told The Jakarta Post here yesterday that the Ya Bunayya Foundation, a co- publisher of Kiblat, and PHI had initially signed an agreement to jointly publish some Islamic bulletins in 1988.

Koja resident sues firm and governor for billions

Koja resident sues firm and governor for billions JAKARTA (JP): Hasam Saman, a North Koja subdistrict resident, is filing a lawsuit against the Jakarta governor and PT Pelindo demanding that the two pay him Rp 3 billion (US$1.37 million) each. PT Pelindo is a state-owned seaport company. "I request the honorable judge to decide that the defendants pay me Rp 3 billion each for the unlawful land appropriation which is causing me extreme mental anguish," said plaintiff S.M.

Indonesia, Hungary to sign agreement on air cooperation

Indonesia, Hungary to sign agreement on air cooperation JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Hungary will sign a memorandum of understanding on air transportation to accommodate the increasing number of visitors from Eastern Europe, an executive says.

Disgruntled woman castrates husband

Disgruntled woman castrates husband BOGOR (JP): A disgruntled 35-year old woman from Pasir Laja in Kedunghalang, Bogor, West Java, has castrated her husband, saying that a disloyal partner like him deserves such punishment. The woman, identified only as Mrs. El, severed her husband's penis, identified as Jon, 36, at their house on Saturday night, but medical staff from the Bogor Red Cross hospital managed to reattach the organ.

RI adopting stiffer forestry regulations

RI adopting stiffer forestry regulations JAKARTA (JP): The government has tightened forestry regulations, threatening immediate cancellation of forest concessions for violators, including those who fence stolen logs. "The new regulations, under the Ministry of Forestry's Decree No.

Three convicts freed pending review of sentence

Three convicts freed pending review of sentence JAKARTA (JP): Three men convicted of murder seven years ago were released from jail in West Kalimantan yesterday as the Supreme Court is now reviewing their case amid suggestions that they were wrongly convicted. Lingah, 51, Pancah, 43, and Sumir, 33, who have all maintained their innocence to this day, were released on parole from the Ketapang Correctional Institution upon the order of the Director General of Correction Baharuddin Lopa.

Soeharto concerned with influx of Chinese medicine

Soeharto concerned with influx of Chinese medicine JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday called on producers of traditional Indonesian herbal medicines, or jamu, to improve their products to stem the trend of people turning to traditional remedies from China.

U.S. tennis coach for Rasuna Club

U.S. tennis coach for Rasuna Club JAKARTA (JP): Leading American tennis coach Greg Hill will most likely be hired to develop top local players when the posh Rasuna Sports Club is finally completed early next year. Hill, a coach at the world renowned tennis center in Miami, Florida run by Nick Bolletieri, has had a hand in producing stars Andre Agassi, Jim Courier and Monica Seles.

Minister Latief wants `tailor made' training program

Minister Latief wants `tailor made' training program JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief yesterday appealed to all administrators of the government's vocational training centers to design their programs to meet the needs of industry. "We have to provide skills for workers that are being sought in the labor market," Latief said during a meeting with the heads of the vocational training centers.

Govt vows to strengthen small firms

Govt vows to strengthen small firms JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said here yesterday that the government will further develop small and medium-scale enterprises (SMEs) into a stronger economic force in the next 25 years under the country's second long-term development program. Soeharto said that the role of SMEs is still relatively weak even though there has been an improvement in the structure of the country's economy.

Border talks resume

Border talks resume JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Officials from Indonesia and Papua New Guinea resumed their discussions on Monday to delineate the border between the two countries. Antara reported that Irian Jaya Governor Basyir Bachtiar opened the latest round of Border Liaison Meetings with an appeal to all members to first try to resolve the decisions still pending from the last meeting in Rabaul, held on the other side of the border last July.

Five new records broken in junior athletics c'ship

Five new records broken in junior athletics c'ship JAKARTA (JP): Five new meet records were produced during the first two days of the 5th Asian junior track and field championships. One of the new marks came yesterday in the women's 100m by Damayanthi Dasha of Sri Lanka.

Ramos arrives from European trip

Ramos arrives from European trip MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos returned yesterday from a nine-day trip to Europe hailing it as a success in terms of convincing investors to cash in on his nation's promising economic growth and forging bilateral ties. Ramos arrived in the central city of Cebu aboard a Philippine Airlines jet from Frankfurt, Germany -- the last leg of his tour that also took him to Italy, Spain, France and Belgium over nine days. He flew to Manila later yesterday.

Building on a road side

Building on a road side From Kompas We, the residents of Empang subdistrict in South Bogor, are concerned over the renovation of a building which houses a service shop for Vespa scooters and is located on the side of a narrow road in our area. The problem is that the building is also being enlarged to occupy part of the road. The shop owner should know that building on part of a public road is a violation of city regulations.

Timor military breed rare birds

Timor military breed rare birds DILI, East Timor: The local military district is breeding endangered deer and birds on Atauro island, some 40 miles north of here. "We mean to help the East Timor government preserve forests and endangered species in the province," military commandant Lt. Col. Soekoco told Antara Saturday. Soekoco said the project was expected to attract tourists. The waters around Atauro are well-known for their whales in December.

Papua New Guinea upbeat for peace on Bougainville

Papua New Guinea upbeat for peace on Bougainville By David Williams PORT MORESBY (AFP): The government of Papua New Guinea has embarked on a fragile peace process that could provide the brightest hope yet for ending a bloody six-year secessionist conflict on Bougainville Island. The conflict has killed more than 150 members of the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) and unknown numbers of rebels in the Bougainville Revolutionary Army (BRA).

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Upset penalty saves South Korea from humiliation at U-19

Upset penalty saves South Korea from humiliation at U-19 JAKARTA (JP): A penalty in the dying minutes saved South Korea from an upset loss to Bahrain in their Asian Youth Under-19 soccer championship last night. A rain of tears carried the Bahrainis to the locker room.

UAE begins gas supplies to Japan under new deal

UAE begins gas supplies to Japan under new deal ABU DHABI (AFP): The biggest gas tanker in the world has sailed from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to Japan to deliver the first shipment of liquefied gas under a 25-year contract, officials said on Saturday. Al-Khazna is among four tankers ordered by the UAE from Japan at a cost of US$600 million to cope with the sharp increase in supplies from the Das liquefaction plant following the completion of a major expansion project.

PT Astra International taps Asian dollar mart for US$160m

PT Astra International taps Asian dollar mart for US$160m JAKARTA (JP): Four Singapore-based Japanese banks have arranged a US$160 million revolving credit facility for PT Astra International, a major Indonesian assembler and distributor of vehicles, heavy equipment and machinery.

Hungarian president arrives in Indonesia

Hungarian president arrives in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Hungarian President Arpad Goncz arrived on the tourist island of Bali Saturday for a four-day visit to Indonesia. Goncz is also scheduled to visit Jakarta but there has been no official explanation about whom he will meet here. Goncz and his entourage arrived at the Ngurah Rai International Airport an a special flight of TU 154-B2 from Beijing after a state visit China, Antara reported yesterday.

Bus and taxi fares

Bus and taxi fares From Neraca The Land Transportation Owners Organization's demand that the bus fare be raised should be reconsidered. For people who commute to work in Jakarta daily from Depok, Bogor, any fare increase would be too burdensome. The organization wants the regular bus fare raised from Rp 250 to Rp 550, for PATAS from Rp 550 to Rp 900, for air conditioned PATAS from Rp 1,300 to Rp 1,600, and the minibus fare from Rp 300 to Rp 550.

Too many people, too few buses

Too many people, too few buses From Bisnis Indonesia A Police officer was quoted as saying: "The bus must pick up no more passengers than its capacity allows, so that the bus door can be closed." I view this as an appropriate statement. But why aren't the police taking action against bus drivers who continue overloading their buses? Clearly, the demand for transportation is greater than the number of buses serving the public.

Helper turns criminal

Helper turns criminal From Kompas At about 3.30 p.m. on Aug. 31, 1994 my father and I were riding towards our house at Taman Permata Buwana, West Jakarta. As we approached the circle of the Puri Indah housing complex, one of our wheels was punctured metal spike. Then we parked our car in front of a row of shops next to the Simpang Puri dispensary on Jalan Raya Kembangan. When my father was changing the punctured tire, a young man came by offering to help.

Murayama's visit to renew Japan's role

Murayama's visit to renew Japan's role By Rizal Sukma JAKARTA (JP): Since the end of Cold War, discussions on security matters in the Asia-Pacific have been preoccupied with two main issues: How China's modernization might affect the future of regional security environment, and how to find a suitable security arrangement in the region.

Kampung Melayu overpass opened

Kampung Melayu overpass opened The Kampung Melayu flyover which connects Jl. Jatinegara Timur and Jl. Casablanca in East Jakarta is open to traffic starting today. According to the Antara news agency the municipality public relations office announced that traffic from east and west can bypass the intersection near the Kampung Melayu bus terminal by using the flyover. Meanwhile due to technical reasons the Guntur bridge has been closed down since last weekend and the traffic from Jl.

Thugs hired for land appropriation

Thugs hired for land appropriation JAKARTA (JP): A property dispute turned ugly over the weekend when dozens of men, reportedly hired by PT Technodev Inti Utama, a law consultant claiming to represent state-owned Bank Dagang Negara (BDN), attacked a building at Jl. Agus Salim 24, Central Jakarta. Witnesses said that thugs, armed with hammers, stormed the two-story building where a number of corporations have their offices, including the Kiblat weekly, on Friday evening.

Floods dampen ASEAN meeting

Floods dampen ASEAN meeting BANGKOK (AFP): Heavy rains have flooded the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai on the eve of the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN) Economic Ministers meeting (AEM) and sent organizers scrambling for emergency transportation, local reports said yesterday.

Night transit service not feasible: Organda

Night transit service not feasible: Organda JAKARTA (JP): The chairman of the Organization of Land Transportation Owners (Organda), Aip Syaifudin, said yesterday that the public night transit system which has been on trial for a few days is an unprofitable project. "Owners of public transit vehicles have suffered losses since the system took effect some 10 days ago," Aip said during an inspection tour to evaluate the night transportation system on Friday.

Police arrest oil adulterator

Police arrest oil adulterator SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Local police have arrested a man suspected of adulterating the lubricating oil and distributing the contraband in the city. The suspect, identified only as BT, was arrested early last week at his house which he also used as his business quarters, according to chief of the local police precinct Lt. Col. Suprihadi Usman.

Inaccurate caption

Inaccurate caption This may be a minor point for some, but for the sake of accuracy a correction is necessary. On page six of the Sept. 12, 1994 The Jakarta Post, a photograph of an aerial display at the recent Farnborough air show is captioned: " The Eurofighter and a World War II bomber fly wing tip to wing tip..." Readers can clearly see the designation "F-16C" written on the tail fin of the more modern aircraft, so it cannot be anything other than that type.

Indonesia special force now gets a new commander

Indonesia special force now gets a new commander JAKARTA (JP): Kopassus (Special Command Force), the Army's most fearsome unit, now has a new commander in the latest major reshuffle of the Armed Forces' top leadership. Brig. Gen. Subagyo Hari Siswoyo, 48, is no stranger to the elite red beret force. He began his military career and spent a great deal of time with the group. He also served in military intelligence. Subagyo, who replaces Brig. Gen.

Traffic law better enforced

Traffic law better enforced BANDUNG, West Java: The police have considered raising the fines for violators of the traffic law but cautioned that the policy should be enforced on a selective basis. Local police chief Maj. Gen. Soebandy said Saturday that the fines in areas where traffic was heavy should be higher than in lighter areas He asked all police under his command to study traffic in their respective areas before formulating the policy.

Police challenge YLBHI over lawsuit

Police challenge YLBHI over lawsuit JAKARTA (JP): Police announced on Saturday that they are prepared to face a lawsuit filed by the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), which accused police of having abused the foundation's freedom to associate by abruptly breaking up its seminar about land disputes early this month. "We are ready to face the lawsuit. We also have our law experts," said Lt. Col. Latief Rabar, a spokesman for City Police spokesman.

Perlis plans power sale to Thailand

Perlis plans power sale to Thailand KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The northern Malaysian state of Perlis plans to sell electricity to Thailand from a proposed US$480 million power station, a senior state official said Saturday. Thai authorities have responded encouragingly to the proposal by the Senglang Power Station which would generate up to 650 megawatts, Abdul Hamid Pawanteh, the chief minister of Perlis state, said. Officials said power station is to be built by Teknoloji Tenaga Perlis Sdn. Bhd.

Jakarta will soon get 41 new hotels

Jakarta will soon get 41 new hotels JAKARTA (JP): The government has approved applications for the establishment of 41 hotels in Jakarta, Director General of Tourism Andi Mappi Sammeng said here over the weekend. Of the approved hotels, 16, with 4,429 rooms, are scheduled to operate in the near future, he said at a ceremony for the opening of the Ibis Slipi Hotel in West Jakarta.

RI plywood exports drop due to falling demand

RI plywood exports drop due to falling demand JAKARTA (JP): Weakening demand in the Japanese and Chinese markets has slashed Indonesia's exports during the first months of this year, an executive says. "However, the strong demand in South Korea and the Middle East could compensate Indonesia's decreasing plywood exports to China and Japan," said Sudradjat DP, an executive of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) and the Djajanti Group, a major producer of plywood.

Overcrowded buses

Overcrowded buses From Berita Buana A top police official called on city bus drivers recently to stop overcrowding city buses so that they could close the bus doors in line with the new regulation. This sounds right but if there is a ruling to regulate the maximum number of passengers in a bus why do traffic policemen let overcrowded buses pass in front of their eyes in bus terminals to begin with? Isn't this silent consent? A feeling shared by us all, passengers, drivers and the public alike?

Developer asked about land fraud

Developer asked about land fraud JAKARTA (JP): Police have questioned executives of a property developer, along with some Bekasi residents, in connection with the alleged illegal sale of a 20 hectare plot of land. Speaking at a press conference Saturday, National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. K. Ratta said that the developer, identified only as PT HDP, was believed to have purchased the plot located at Pejuang village in West Bekasi through illegal means.

RI-Hungary trade forum

RI-Hungary trade forum JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) will host a business dialog between Indonesian and Hungarian businessmen at the Borobudur Hotel here today. The business forum, co-sponsored by the Association of Indonesian Economists (ISEI), will be held in tandem with the three-day visit of Hungarian President Arpad Goncz to Indonesia.

Alex toppled in battle for Jakarta PDI top position

Alex toppled in battle for Jakarta PDI top position JAKARTA (JP): Lukman F. Mokoginta was elected as the new chairman of the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in a surprisingly nonviolent regional congress yesterday. Lukman, 45, toppled the party's controversial outgoing boss MAS Alex Asmasoebrata, the top-seeded nominee until the closing hours of the two-day congress at the seaside Hotel Horison.

Managing forests

Managing forests The government's policy to turn private forest concession companies into BUMN state-owned enterprises, putting 49 percent of the shares in the hands of the government, is a positive measure. Indonesia, whose territory covers 191.93 million hectares, has 143.9 million hectares of forest, which is 75 percent of the total land surface.

Residents demand compensation

Residents demand compensation Residents of Penjaringan area in North Jakarta asked the administration to give a better compensation rate following a plan to appropriate their plots of land to build a toll road. "The current compensation offered to us is not enough to build new homes," said Johanes, one of the residents, during a protest at the North Jakarta administration's office.

RI law partially incorporates `Sharia': Oetojo

RI law partially incorporates `Sharia': Oetojo JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian legal system has incorporated only parts of the Sharia, or Islamic law, because Indonesia also has people of other faiths, Minister of Justice Oetojo Oesman said on Saturday. The plurality of religious followers in Indonesia must be considered in drafting and compiling the national law, Oetojo said during a seminar on the relations between Islamic laws and the Indonesian legal system.

Train fatally hits seven

Train fatally hits seven PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Seven people were fatally hit by a train and two critically wounded in the accident here Saturday. Six of those killed were students of an Islamic Madrasah Tsanawiyah school while the other remains hospitalized after suffering a concussion. A spokesman for the local state-run railway company, Agus Sukamto, said the accident occurred because the victims were not paying attention when crossing the track.

Rating the debtors

Rating the debtors Credit Rating Indonesia Ltd., which was set up early this year, is expected to begin operating soon after the recent issuance of two regulations on the role, function and operational mechanism of rating institutions in the capital market. Credit rating and research has indeed become a much-needed service in the capital market due to the increasing popularity of debt instruments as a source of fresh funds for investments.

Steve King talks of software component and piracy (1)

Steve King talks of software component and piracy (1) By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): If you've been regularly following my column, you must have noticed that I have been raising a number of questions concerning the future of personal as well as organizational computing. Last week, I had an invaluable opportunity to have a short but very enlightening interview with Steve King, Lotus Development's VP for the Asia Pacific.

Data on illiteracy may be inaccurate

Data on illiteracy may be inaccurate JAKARTA (JP): A senior official of the Ministry of Education and Culture has warned the provincial government against pumping up the literacy rate in their respective patches simply to please the authorities in Jakarta. Director General of External Education, Youth and Sports Soedijarto said that this practice is hampering the government's drive to eradicate poverty and ignorance.

Tip on creating emboss effect in PageMaker 5.0

Tip on creating emboss effect in PageMaker 5.0 JAKARTA (JP): Unlike PageMaker 4.0, PM 5.0 has a nudge tool similar to the one we used in creating the emboss effect in CorelDRAW!. In PM 5.0, we can use the arrow keys or the nudge buttons found on its Control palette. Like in CorelDRAW!, we can also specify how far the object should travel each time we hit one of the arrow keys.

French firms to help expand airport in Ujungpandang

French firms to help expand airport in Ujungpandang JAKARTA (JP): French companies will carry out the feasibility study and the construction of the expansion of the Hasanuddin Airport in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, according to Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto. "Suvre Avia will conduct the feasibility study, while the company which will do the construction will be selected through an open tender," Haryanto told reporters here on Saturday.

Quake aid may be dirty

Quake aid may be dirty BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The local authorities are investigating reports that the aid donated for earthquake victims in the West Lampung regency was embezzled by corrupt government officials. An information official at the local provincial administration, Hotman Atiek, told Antara over the weekend that there were reports from the local people about the officials who embezzled the funds. "The case has not reached the regent, but it will be carefully scrutinized," he said.

Private colleges subject to independent auditing

Private colleges subject to independent auditing JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro says private universities and colleges will soon have to have their finances audited by public accountants. The move, which will be part of a controversial decree from the minister now in the making, is intended to compel universities to account for every rupiah they receive from students.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Peter Pan & the Pirates 3:00 Riang Ria 3:30 TV Series: Unsolved Mysteries 4:30 Students' Quiz: Cepat Tepat 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Wayang Appreciation 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Buddhist forum 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 TV Series: Van Der Valk 9:00 World News 9:30 Music video 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Momo Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Environmentally sound technology for pulp industry

Environmentally sound technology for pulp industry By Buntario Tigris JAKARTA (JP): Pulp and paper is a very essential part of human life. This is why the industry is a global business in terms of competition and standardized quality. Slowly, the effect of pulp and paper on the environment has become a global concern as well. It is regrettable that the development of pulp and paper technology has been relatively slow.

Lower tax rates won't hurt tax revenues: Mar'ie

Lower tax rates won't hurt tax revenues: Mar'ie JAKARTA (JP): Finance Minister Mar'ie Muhammad expressed on Saturday that the proposed cut in income tax rates will not cause a downfall in the state tax revenues. Speaking during a plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR), the minister said that the possible drop in the state tax revenues could be overcome through a more intensive tax collection system. "In the short run, the cut might cause a drop in the income tax receipts.

Govt's environmental awareness is decreasing

Govt's environmental awareness is decreasing JAKARTA (JP): Despite official rhetoric, most government officials do not have sufficient knowledge or awareness of how to protect and preserve the environment, an environmental legal expert says. This poor environmental awareness is reflected in the sporadic issuing of regulations and decisions which are not conducive to "sustainable development" concepts, said Mas Achmad Santosa.

Weekly Stock Exchange Review

Weekly Stock Exchange Review JAKARTA (JP): As expected, the stock exchange went through a sharp correction at the beginning of last week, following profit taking by both local and foreign players. The decline, however, was short-lived as foreign investors capitalized on the lower price counters in anticipation of the early rebound. The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Composite Index closed the week at 525.63, down 6.73 points from the preceding week's close of 532.36.

Discipline needed to promote traffic laws, Haryanto says

Discipline needed to promote traffic laws, Haryanto says JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said Saturday that people should discipline themselves to adhere to the latest body of traffic laws, which has been in force for one year. "Vehicle owners, operators, drivers, passengers, officers and other street users should improve their discipline," Haryanto told reporters after attending a ceremony for the commemoration of the Transportation Day at his office.

Lee to address congress

Lee to address congress SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore acting Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong will pay a two-day visit to Jakarta to speak at the 21st International Small Business Congress hosted by Indonesia, it was announced here Saturday. A government statement said, Lee, who is also the minister for trade and industry, left yesterday. He is due to call on Indonesia's Coordinating Minister for Industry and Trade Hartarto during the trip.

S'pore will continue its program of state handouts, Lee says

S'pore will continue its program of state handouts, Lee says SINGAPORE (Reuter): Despite its criticism of Western welfare policies, Singapore plans to continue its program of state handouts, Deputy Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong said in a newspaper interview published yesterday. Publication of The Straits Times interview coincided with that of a survey that found six out of 10 Singaporeans think the government has given out enough subsidies.

`Primadosa' author loses lawsuit

`Primadosa' author loses lawsuit JAKARTA (JP): An evangelist has lost his lawsuit against the government for banning his book which the authorities considered a personal affront to President Soeharto. The Jakarta State Administrative Court has rejected the suit filed by Wimanjaya K. Liotohe, the author of Primadosa (Prime Sin), against Attorney General Singgih last January, Attorney General spokesman Basrief Arief said. Judge H.R.

Gunmen free two kidnap victims

Gunmen free two kidnap victims MANILA (Reuter): Moslem gunmen freed the wife of a wealthy landowner and a family driver they had been holding hostage in the southern Philippines after the army threatened to attack their hideout, officials said yesterday. The kidnappers, described by the military as former separatist guerrillas turned bandits, had demanded 15 million pesos (US$575,000) for the release of the pair but no ransom was paid, the officials said.

Dancing festival at TIM

Dancing festival at TIM Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro will open a three-day traditional dancing festival at the Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta, on Sept. 27. I Gusti Bagus Adi Perbawa, the festival's chief organizer, said recently that dozens of dancers will perform various traditional dances in the festival. He added that the organizing committee will also hold a seminar on traditional dancing in conjunction with the event.

Koja residents ask for delay of house demolition

Koja residents ask for delay of house demolition JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of North Koja subdistrict residents asked PT Pelindo, a state-owned seaport company which is appropriating 144.8 hectares of their land for a cargo terminal expansion project, to give them more time to demolish their houses.

Investments in Jakarta total $2.6 billion

Investments in Jakarta total $2.6 billion JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Investment Coordinating Board announced that foreign and domestic investments approved by the board in the city during the first semester of this year reached Rp 5.68 trillion (US$ 2.6 billion). The board's deputy head M. Subana Kusika said over the weekend, as quoted by Bisnis Indonesia, that foreign investment commitments during the January-June period comprised 40 projects totaling Rp 1.4 trillion.

Mangrove for fishponds

Mangrove for fishponds PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: The provincial government is offering 70,240 hectares of mangroves to investors for brackish fishponds. The local government's offer came after the State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja lamented the rapid loss of mangroves nationwide. Chief of the local chapter of fishery office Djunaidi said Saturday that the mangroves were located in East and West Kotawaringin district as well as in Kapuas.

Corruptions hurts the growth of small businesses

Corruptions hurts the growth of small businesses JAKARTA (JP): Corruption and collusion between government officials and businessmen have hampered the growth of small businesses because they channel most of the credit from state banks to large entities, legislator A.A. Baramuli said here Saturday.

Vietnam hopes to see more international events

Vietnam hopes to see more international events By Le Phan Hoai Nam HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (Reuter): Vietnam, distracted and isolated by war for decades, is starting to see more international sports events now that its economy is growing and opening to the outside world. It is a development that most of the 72 million Vietnamese welcome.

Public, authorities not ready for Traffic Law

Public, authorities not ready for Traffic Law JAKARTA (JP): No one would contest the reason behind the Traffic Law, which, following last year's public uproar over the million rupiah fines, will be implemented in stages and will be in full effect by next June. Last week's sit-in strike by minibus drivers confirmed that neither the public nor the authorities were prepared for the law, particularly the high fines.

Tax cuts won't hurt revenues

Tax cuts won't hurt revenues JAKARTA (JP): Finance Minister Mar'ie Muhammad was optimistic yesterday that the proposed income tax cuts will not cause the government's revenues from taxes to drop. The minister told members of a plenary session at the House of Representatives that the decrease in receipts caused by the planned lower tax rates will be offset by a more intensive tax collection system.

Sawangan golf course

Sawangan golf course By Hidayat Jati JAKARTA (JP): Sawangan public golf course, located about two hours drive outside South Jakarta, is arguably the best place for golf-agnostics to start on their way to converting to this supposedly politically-incorrect leisure activity.

By Bruce Emond

By Bruce Emond Sabatini runs risk of becoming popular has-been JAKARTA (JP): Gabriela Sabatini, one of the world's most photographed and photogenic women, is a sponsor's dream.

Timber

Timber concessions From Sinar Pagi Recently the BPTG was again the focus of the public's attention. Earlier this year, the company created an uproar by listing its HPH forest concession areas as company assets. It also raised a public controversy by using civil servant insurance saving funds for its speculative objectives.

Roman numerals, tennis neck and cigarettes ...

Roman numerals, tennis neck and cigarettes ... JAKARTA (JP): "There! There it is!" Screeching tires lodging a protest, the cab jolted to a standstill.

Mahathir opposes regular APEC meetings

Mahathir opposes regular APEC meetings JAKARTA (JP): With the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leadership conference in Indonesia just a few weeks away, Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad yesterday spoke against regular meetings by the forum as part of his overall objection towards its institutionalization.

Malaysia and RI companies sign business accords

Malaysia and RI companies sign business accords JAKARTA (JP): Six firms from Malaysia and Indonesia signed agreements here yesterday on join operations in telecommunications, power generation and banking. The agreements, whose signing was witnessed by Coordinating Minister for Industry and Trade Hartarto and Malaysian Premier Mahatir Mohamad, included the establishment of PT Daya Mitra Malindo, internationally guaranteed giro order services (IGGO) and the 5,000-megawatt ASEAN power project.

Wardiman says his extensive overseas trip was instructive

Wardiman says his extensive overseas trip was instructive JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro said his recent extensive overseas trip was chiefly for educational purposes to learn about how other countries manage their education system.

Land digging

Land digging From Neraca Land digging along Jl. Raden Saleh, Central Jakarta, has been seen repeated activity lately. And it worries us, the residents in the area. To prevent such a repetition I want to call on concerned parties -- the Public Works Office, the Drinking Water Company and PT Telkom -- to better coordinate their projects. Repeated digging not only harms pedestrians but also constitutes a waste of funds. ADI KURNIAWAN Jakarta

City to build 95 bus shelters

City to build 95 bus shelters In order to improve service to the public, the Land Transportation and Traffic Control Agency (DLLAJ) has announced that the municipal administration will build 95 new bus shelters during this 1994/95 fiscal year. "We have allocated Rp 1.7billion for the development of the project, " said H. Husni D Sinaim, a division head at the agency as reported by Pos Kota yesterday. H. Husni said that the construction cost of the bus shelters is Rp 18 million per unit.

Tattooed man gunned down

Tattooed man gunned down BANDUNG, West Java: A man with a tattoo depicting a nude woman on his left arm was found dead of a bullet wound in Majalaya Thursday. The authorities have yet to identify the man. Witnesses said they rushed to the scene upon hearing a gunshot to find the man lying in a pool of blood. Police said the man lost too much blood and died on the way to hospital. Doctors at the Hasan Sadikin Hospital will perform an autopsy on his body, Antara said. (pan)

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

This Sunday

This Sunday Don't miss the inaugural Sunday edition of The Jakarta Post this Sunday. It is filled with informative and entertaining articles plus the latest, up to late Saturday night, major news from around the world, including sports results. Call your newspaper agent to have your copy delivered to your doorstep on Sunday morning. If you're already a subscriber of The Jakarta Post, you will get yours automatically. -- Publisher

Water firms flooded by increasing demands

Water firms flooded by increasing demands JAKARTA (JP): The city-owned water company (PAM Jaya) is overwhelmed with demands for clean drinking water due to the current prolonged dry season. "We will do our utmost to cope with the shortage of drinking water in various areas in Jakarta," Poedjijono, one of PAM Jaya's directors, said yesterday as quoted by Suara Pembaruan.

APEC expo planned

APEC expo planned JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will hold an exhibition and business meeting at the Jakarta Fairground on Nov. 12 to 15 to coincide with Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meetings. After meeting on Thursday with Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono,chairman of the committee for APEC meetings, Minister of Industry Tunky Ariwibowo told reporters that the exhibition is aimed at promoting Indonesia's goods and services to other APEC members.

PATAS bus needed

PATAS bus needed From Neraca I think the state-owned Jakarta Transportation Company (PPD) or other transportation companies need to provide more limited- passenger buses plying Ciledug - Pulogadung. The route should include Jl. Kramat Raya. It should be noted that Ciledug residents and people living around that area now earn more than they used to, so they are able to afford air conditioned buses.

Discipline needed

Discipline needed From Kompas The plan to establish mass rapid transit as a sophisticated means of transportation in Jakarta will surely make Jakarta a metropolitan city able to rival other large cities in the world. However, I still worry about the fate of the vehicles considering that many irresponsible people like to behave improperly. Look at the present public vehicles. Many of them become targets of people who have no concern for order and discipline.

North-South dialog tense: Mahathir

North-South dialog tense: Mahathir JAKARTA (JP): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad yesterday poured cold water on the current Non-Aligned Movement's endeavor to promote dialog with the rich industrialized countries, saying that North-South relations are filled with antagonism. "What are the prospects for North-South relations?

Elderly woman ignites herself

Elderly woman ignites herself A 75-year-old woman was killed after she poured kerosene on her body and then set herself on fire. The incident took place on Wednesday on Jl.Thalib III West Jakarta, Post Kota reported. Police sources quoted by the daily did not specify what actually caused the elderly woman to take her own life. Her husband Heng Tjin Sin, 77, was taken to a police sub-precinct for questioning.

Traffic problems

Traffic problems From Republika The traffic problems in Jakarta have their root in conflicting societal and individual interests. We have done much for the private car owners and have done little for public transportation. There are about two million vehicles in Jakarta. Only 20,000 of them are for public transportation. Drivers have to grab every opportunity available to be able to collect as much as Rp 10,000 to Rp 15,000 a day. This situation breeds substitute drivers.

Five day week

Five day week From Republika I would like to comment on the five day school week, particularly at elementary schools. In larger cities the number of pupils attending religious schools after school may be very small. In rural regions, however, religious schools are very common. The pupils are taught the more essential religious maxims they are not drilled in at school. If they have to leave the school at 4.00 p.m., how can they attend religious classes? This is a loss to the Moslem community.

YLBHI sues police for banning seminar

YLBHI sues police for banning seminar JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) has filed a lawsuit against the South Jakarta Police for abruptly dispersing a seminar about land disputes which it organized early this month. Rita Serena Kolibonso, a lawyer of the foundation, said the defendants also include the government and related government agencies involved in the decision to ban the seminar.

New policy on vehicle ownership gets mixed reactions

New policy on vehicle ownership gets mixed reactions JAKARTA (JP): City councilors gave mixed reactions to the city administration's new policy which requires them to put a special sticker on car license plates as evidence that the car tax has been paid.

Yayuk signs contract with American company

Yayuk signs contract with American company JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's top women's tennis player Yayuk Basuki yesterday signed a two-year deal with Chicago-based Wilson Sporting Goods. The contract, Yayuk said, was part of her annual, US$200,000 contract with the Hong Kong-based Spectrum which manages Yayuk's schedule. The Indonesian signed a three-year deal with Spectrum last year.

Use of chrome in industrial water dangerous

Use of chrome in industrial water dangerous JAKARTA (JP): Many manufacturing plants in Indonesia are still using chrome, a hazardous chemical substance, to improve the quality of water in their cooling and boiling systems, an industrial expert says. Subardi Soeria Atmadja, a former aide to the minister of industry and now advises the Association of Indonesian Fertilizer Producers, said on Thursday that chrome could harm people's health and the environment.

Yorrys to be tried soon

Yorrys to be tried soon Yorrys Raweyai, chairman of the Jakarta chapter of a powerful youth organization, will be tried at the West Jakarta District Court soon for gambling.

Canadian mission due here

Canadian mission due here JAKARTA (JP): A trade mission on building and construction from the Canadian province of Ontario is expected to arrive here on Sept. 20 for a five-day visit. The Canadian Embassy announced yesterday that the mission, sponsored by the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, will meet with major Indonesian property developers and contractors to look for possible collaborations.

Man wanted for using name of UI to cheat students

Man wanted for using name of UI to cheat students JAKARTA (JP): Police are searching for one of four alleged con artists who cheated thousands of high school students in the Jakarta greater area in a scam using the name of the University of Indonesia (UI). Lt. Col. A. Latief Rabar, a spokesman for City Police, said yesterday that one of the suspects, identified by the name of Iwan, is still at large. "He is a repeat offender," said Latief.

Japanese tourist drowns

Japanese tourist drowns JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: A Japanese tourist and his local porter were drowned in the Baliem River on Wednesday, an official said. Searches for Shinichiro Minamide, 20, and porter Eligius Asso, 21, continued yesterday to no avail, the Antara news agency said. Chief of the Irian Jaya tourist office A. Bassalem said the incident happened in the Sogokmo village on Wednesday when a suspension bridge they were crossing collapsed into the flooding river.

Guntur bridge closed

Guntur bridge closed From Neraca The Jakarta Land Transport Control Agency hereby announces that the Guntur bridge will be closed completely. The decision was made on the grounds that the bridge is too dangerous to accommodate public transportation. Beginning Sept. 16, 1994 traffic from Jl. Sultan Agung to Jl. Cik Ditiro, which used to pass this bridge, is being diverted to the Halimun bridge on Jl. Latuharhari. And on Sept. 19, 1994 the Kampung Melayu flyover will be opened on a trial basis.

Tri Polyta makes $127m from share sales on Nasdaq

Tri Polyta makes $127m from share sales on Nasdaq JAKARTA (JP): PT Tri Polyta Indonesia, a polypropylene resins producer, announced here yesterday that it generated US$127 million from the sale of 29 percent of its shares through the Nasdaq capital market in the United States. "About $104 million out of the proceeds were used to repay the company's debt from to a syndication of Indonesian state banks which include Bank Rakyat Indonesia, Bank Bumi Daya and Bank Dagang Negara," said Peter F.

Midwives make a difference

Midwives make a difference I would like to make a comment on the letter from Ms. Saifudin regarding hospital rules which was published in The Jakarta Post on Sept. 5, 1994. My child was born on March 23, 1994 at the Pondok Indah Hospital (PIH). I had a very pleasant experience there and am grateful for the treatment and services I received. My husband was with me all the time, which was important during those crucial moments in the delivery room.

Has Cambodia's media democracy gone wild?

Has Cambodia's media democracy gone wild? PHNOM PENH (UPI): The assassination of newspaper editor Nuon Chan highlights the fragility -- and for some the dilemma -- of Cambodia's media. The 44-year-old editor was killed by two gunmen on a motorbike in central Phnom Penh Sept. 7 after his newspaper, Voice of Khmer Youth, published articles critical of the government and of Vietnam.

Trouble brewing in PDI's chapter in Jakarta too

Trouble brewing in PDI's chapter in Jakarta too JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) chairperson Megawati Soekarnoputri faced another potentially explosive situation as the party's chapter in Jakarta opened its congress last night. The Jakarta chapter's incumbent chairperson MAS Alex Asmasoebrata, who is also a Megawati protege, appears to have lost grassroots support as not a single branch has come out in support of his reelection on the eve of the congress.

South Korea boys survives thriller with 2-2 draw

South Korea boys survives thriller with 2-2 draw JAKARTA (JP): Red-hot favorite South Korea spared itself any humiliation against spirited Kuwait at the Asian Youth Under-19 soccer championship yesterday with a 2-2 draw. The South Korean's, fresh from their convincing 3-1 over Thailand on Wednesday, careless defense caused them to trail 1-2 before Kim Sung-il snatched the relieving equalizer six minutes from time the time.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices further strengthened yesterday in active trading following a sharp decline earlier this week. The broad-based Composite Index gained 3.5 points to close the week at 525.62 from 522.03 on Thursday. The index recorded a total loss of 6.7 points during the week, resulting from heavy profit taking, which occurred on Monday and Tuesday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also gained ground to close at 128.57 against 128.01.

Five fishermen's bodies found

Five fishermen's bodies found CILACAP, Central Java: Search and rescue workers yesterday found the bodies of five of the seven fishermen who went missing after their fishing boat broke down in high seas last week. SAR spokesman Atas Munandar said that the bodies, all found near the scene of accident, could not be identified because they had already badly decomposed.

Japan provides $170m in aid for Indonesia

Japan provides $170m in aid for Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Japan and Indonesia yesterday closed a two-day annual consultation on technical cooperation and grant assistance, totaling US$170 million, to be implemented this fiscal year. The record of discussion was signed yesterday by S. Kitajima, Director of the Aid Policy Division at the Japanese Foreign Ministry, and Wisber Loeis, Indonesian Director General of Foreign Economic Relations.

Southern Bandung embarks on promotion of `hidden treasures'

Southern Bandung embarks on promotion of `hidden treasures' This is the first of two stories on tourism in southern Bandung Regency. The second story will appear tomorrow in the first Sunday edition of The Jakarta Post. By Rita A. Widiadana BANDUNG (JP): God smiled when He created Sunda. This praise extolling the beauty of West Java came from the late M.A.W. Brouwer, a Roman Catholic priest and a well-known newspaper columnist. To the day he died on Aug.

Bapindo's weaknesses revealed in Court

Bapindo's weaknesses revealed in Court JAKARTA (JP): Court testimony by two senior Bapindo executives revealed weaknesses in the way crucial decisions were made and reviewed by the directors of the government-owned bank in 1992 that led to the Rp 1.3 trillion ($620 million) debacle.

ABRI revamps career system to lure college grads

ABRI revamps career system to lure college grads JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) has revamped its career development system to encourage more university graduates to consider the military as a career. Maj. Gen. Mansyur, assistant to the chief of ABRI's General Affairs, said yesterday that the military hopes to recruit a total of 2,300 people to join its officer training program this year.

Tougher battles await

Tougher battles await Come September. This is not a reference to a film of the late 1950s but to the string of sporting events now in progress in Jakarta, which are dominating the news in local papers. Apart from hosting the 29th Asian Under-19 Soccer Championship from Sept. 11th to the 25th, in which young booters from ten Asian countries compete for the trophy, Jakarta is also host to three other major international events.

Woman reports lover for assault, abuse

Woman reports lover for assault, abuse JAKARTA (JP): A 21-year-old woman, who claims to have been battered and sexually assaulted by her clandestine lover, has brought her case to the city police. City Police spokesman Lt. Col. A. Latief Rabar said yesterday that the woman, identified only as SL, decided to report the case because she could no longer stand being beaten by her clandestine lover, a 33-year-old lawyer who claimed to be running a law office in Central Jakarta.

Red Cross fund raising month begins today

Red Cross fund raising month begins today JAKARTA (JP): Jakartans will have to set aside a bit of their incomes for humanitarian purposes in line with a two-month fund raising campaign launched by the Jakarta chapter of Indonesian Red Cross (PMI DKI) yesterday. "The campaign will last from Sept. 17 until Nov. 17 during which we expect to get at least Rp 2 billion or 25 percent more than that of the figure we received last year," said Mrs. Hindarto, chairwoman of the organizing committee.

Electricity firm seeking partners in joint ventures

Electricity firm seeking partners in joint ventures JAKARTA (JP): The state electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) is looking for partners among domestic and foreign firms for cooperation in the establishment of two subsidiaries which will be prepared for going public. PLN's president, Zuhal, told reporters here yesterday that the company plans to start the operation of its two subsidiaries next year.

APEC institutionalization moving rapidly

APEC institutionalization moving rapidly By Faisal Harahap JAKARTA (JP): APEC will not be formally structured in the near future, but the process of institutionalization within the grouping is moving relatively fast. The head of the Eminent Persons Group (EPG) Fred Bergsten did not touch on the nature of APEC's organizational structure after he submitted a report to President Soeharto last month.

Travelers Guide

Travelers Guide BANDUNG (JP): A list of information on southern Bandung's holiday spots may be necessary for first-time visitors to these destinations. * Public Transportation Services - From Bandung: A number of buses and minibuses ply the routes between Bandung- Ciwidey-Situ Patengan. If you start from Bandung, you have to go to the Kebon Kelapa Bus Terminal. Take the Bandung to Ciwidey station bus. The fare is between Rp 1,000 and Rp 2,500.

Unicef gives thumbs up to RI children program

Unicef gives thumbs up to RI children program JAKARTA (JP): The president of the executive board of the United Nations Children Fund (Unicef), Anne Semamba Makinda, concluded a week-long visit yesterday, saying she is impressed with Indonesia's campaign against infant mortality. Makinda, who is also Tanzania's Minister of Community Development, Women's Affairs and Children, however expressed concern over the severe problem of maternal deaths, especially in Indonesia's eastern provinces.

Sadao and Carlton to entertain Jakarta

Sadao and Carlton to entertain Jakarta Japanese saxophonist Sadao Watanabe is scheduled to perform at the Blue Note Jazz Club and restaurant on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta, from Sept. 26 through Oct. 1. Watanabe and his band, Kei Akagi on keyboard, Jun Kajiwara on guitar, Tomohito Aoki on bass, Toshiharu on drum and Steve Thorton on percussion. will be in Jakarta for 12 performances.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Sports: Tennis W.T.A. 3:30 TV Series: The Return of Sherlock Holmes 4:30 Youth drama 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film: Special Force 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: West Kalimantan 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Karya Inovatif 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dianrana 8:05 TV Series: Midnight Caller 9:00 World News 9:30 Gita Persada 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: The Deviant Ones Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Swimming vital to Navy recruits

Swimming vital to Navy recruits JAKARTA (JP): The ability to swim is essential for any member of the Navy and, in the future, this will be included in the conditions of recruitment, a Navy official said. Commodore Zoekifli Effendi said that a Navy member must be more familiar with the water than anyone else, the Antara news agency reported. The Navy is currently drafting a regulation that requires all members to undergo swimming tests periodically.

Crackdown on illegal liquor

Crackdown on illegal liquor SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: Police have seized more than 11,500 bottles of liquor from unauthorized shops this month. The authorities also confiscated a large quantity of illicit drugs of various brand names, Samarinda police precinct chief Lt. Col. Suprihadi Usman said Thursday. Eight drug consuming students and 20 illegal liquor sellers were also arrested, he said.

Three financial firms embark on pension funding services

Three financial firms embark on pension funding services JAKARTA (JP): Dharmala Manulife, the life insurance division of the Dharmala Group, yesterday launched its pension plan funding services, becoming the third financial institution to introduce the relatively new product this week. Adi Purnomo, the vice president of the life insurance company, said yesterday that Dharmala Manulife will offer pension services to both institutions and individuals. "The market is growing...

Church Services

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

Yogyakarta at the end of the 20th century

Yogyakarta at the end of the 20th century By Hartoyo Pratiknyo JAKARTA (JP): It may be that the character of a place, like its beauty, is in the eye of the beholder. Thus, different people are certain to view the ongoing ethno-photographic exhibition at Erasmus Huis, "Social and cultural activities in Yogyakarta at the end of the twentieth century", differently.

Forest fund for planes nagged

Forest fund for planes nagged YOGYAKARTA: Dozens of students staged a protest on Thursday against the government's decision to use Rp 400 billion ($193 million) in reforestation funds to finance the national aircraft industry. The protest involving students from the socio-political school of Gadjah Mada University dispersed peacefully.

Indonesia strongly against legalization of abortion

Indonesia strongly against legalization of abortion JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia strongly objects to the full legalization of abortion and will deal with the issue on a case by case basis, according to State Minister of Population/Chairman of the National Family Planning Board Haryono Suyono.

Man killed in duel with stepfather

Man killed in duel with stepfather JAKARTA (JP): A 27-year-old man was stabbed to death by his stepfather in a bloody duel sparked by the victim's disagreement with his mother's decision to marry a man who is one year younger than him. Fuad died on the way to the Cipto Mangunkusumo general hospital from stab wounds to his entire body as a result of the duel with Har, 26, which took place in Johar baru sub-district, Central Jakarta, on Thursday, Pos Kota reported.

Business in Riau

Business in Riau From Jayakarta I would like to suggests a better way to do business in Riau. I am an indigenous businessman and sense that there is an increasing social jealousy in Riau as a result of shrinking job opportunities. Business activities like construction, management consulting and trade are dominated by non-residents. I also sense that the native Riaunese are being neglected and undervalued. They are considered unable to compete with the newcomers.

KL wants further talks on disputed isles

KL wants further talks on disputed isles JAKARTA (JP): Malaysia yesterday agreed to continue its negotiations with Indonesia to try to resolve the ownership of two small islands off East Kalimantan, according to a senior Indonesian official. The disputed Sipadan and Ligitan islands were discussed briefly during a meeting between Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and President Soeharto, Minister/Secretary of State Moerdiono told reporters after the talks.

Caption

Caption Correction: The new branch office of Standard Chartered Bank in the Atria Square building on Jl. Sudirman, Central Jakarta, was opened on Thursday by David Moir (not Doug Dowie as printed in yesterday's newspaper), the executive director for the Asia Pacific region of the Standard Chartered Group. We regret the error. -- Editor

Transit firms drag feet on night fleets

Transit firms drag feet on night fleets JAKARTA (JP): The Land Transportation and Traffic Control Agency (DLLAJ) said that most transportation companies operating wide-bodied buses are reluctant to operate their fleets at night because it is not economically feasible. The agency's head, J.P Sepang, said that the transit firms have complained of small numbers of passengers at night. They say people prefer using taxis compared to buses because they feel insecure on buses.

HK company to construct US$2 billion power plant

HK company to construct US$2 billion power plant JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned electricity company PT Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN) yesterday awarded a contract to Hong Kong-based Consolidated Electric Power Asia (CEPA) Ltd. for the construction of a US$2 billion power plant in Tanjung Jati, Jepara, Central Java.

Six die in diarrhea outbreak

Six die in diarrhea outbreak CIAMIS, West Java: Six people have died in an outbreak of diarrhea which has hospitalized at least 400 villagers in the Cipaku district, officials said. They fear that the number of people affected will rise because it hits remote villages inaccessible by four-wheel vehicles. "Many died before they reached the hospital. The number of people admitted with diarrhea has been increasing over the past 10 days," Antara quoted a local health official.

Imported U.S. players to boost Indonesia's basketball league

Imported U.S. players to boost Indonesia's basketball league JAKARTA (JP): Local basketball fans are sure to enjoy the addition of U.S. players in the national semi-professional league (Kobatama) which starts at the end of this month. The imports, most of whom are transfers from clubs which join the National College Amateur Association (NCAA), will form the backbone of eight top Javanese clubs during the four-leg competitions.

Sabatini takes revenge over Yayuk in erratic exhibition play

Sabatini takes revenge over Yayuk in erratic exhibition play JAKARTA (JP): Gabriela Sabatini's service, or rather her inability to serve with any consistency, proved to be the most intriguing aspect of her exhibition showdown last night with Indonesia's Yayuk Basuki at the Kemayoran Tennis Center. The 24-year-old Argentinian, despite tallying an amazing 22 double faults in the first set, managed to scrape by with a 7-6 (7-4), 6-0 win over the Indonesian number one.

Gambling in a bar

Gambling in a bar From Jayakarta I have learned from several newspapers' reports that the government is enthusiastically carrying out the so-called "operation cleansing." I think this is a good thing because it indicates that the government is making an effort to create the impression of a clean and authoritative government. I realize that the government has to work hard to realize its objective. In this context I would like to relate a recent experience.

Hero to renovate its supermarket

Hero to renovate its supermarket An executive of Hero business group, Anton Lukmanto, said yesterday that the company needs five or six months to renovate its fire-razed supermarket on Jl. Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta. The one-story supermarket, which was one of 38 Hero outlets supermarkets in the greater Jakarta area, went up in flames in the wee hours of the morning, Wednesday. Anton estimated that the company suffered losses of Rp 3.4 billion (US$1.6 million).

Police chief inducted

Police chief inducted AMBON, Maluku: Deputy Chief of National Police Maj. Gen. Koesparmono Irsan installed Col. Muchaer as the new chief of the Maluku Police on Thursday to replace Col. Isnawa. Muchaer was formerly deputy chief of the Irian Jaya provincial police while Isnawa has been appointed deputy governor of the Police Academy in Jakarta. (rms)

Koja vendors leave site for port project

Koja vendors leave site for port project JAKARTA (JP): More than 100 street vendors along Jl. Pantai Laut, in the North Koja area of North Jakarta, have voluntarily taken down their semi-permanent kiosks in keeping with the city ordinance to vacate the area. "Several municipality officials helped the owners demolish their kiosks on Wednesday in order to speed up the land acquisition," said Soesantomo, whose home is next door to the abandoned vendors on Jl.Pantai Laut.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

PLN to float bonds worth Rp 1 trillion

PLN to float bonds worth Rp 1 trillion JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned electricity company, PT Persero Perusahaan Listrik Negara (PLN), will offer bonds valued at Rp 1 trillion (US$462.32 million) to the public to raise funds to finance its expansion projects. The company's president, Zuhal, said in a presentation yesterday that the bond issuance will be divided into two stages, from each of which PLN expects to raise Rp 500 billion.

Rice self-sufficiency is safe: Govt

Rice self-sufficiency is safe: Govt JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday assured the country that it will remain self-sufficient in rice this year in spite of the severe drought that has affected rice fields in a number of provinces. "We project that this year's harvest will produce 27.7 million tons of husked rice, while our consumption will reach 26.7 million tons," Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono told reporters after a meeting with President Soeharto at the Merdeka Palace here yesterday.

Bad roads

Bad roads From Jayakarta I am of the opinion that the Bekasi Regent is not concerned about the way the Public Works department repairs the damaged roads. It seems that road repairs are not carried out perfectly. The proof of this is that most of the roads are in very bad condition. We can see many holes as deep as half a meter with some over a meter in diameter on the surface of the roads. After they get repaired, they return to the previous condition within three months.

New Model Route bus

New Model Route bus From Kompas I often see drivers of the state-owned New Model Route bus take the passenger's money from the slot of the box, or directly collect the bus fare from the paying commuter. Obviously such practices can cause a great loss to the company. In order to prevent this malpractice I would suggest that the company place a glass partition that separates the driver from the money box.

Lift failure

Lift failure From Kompas On Sept. 6, 1994 we had dinner at the Kirishima Restaurant on the 25th floor of Atria Square on Jl. Sudirman, Jakarta. After finishing our meal at 9:40 p.m. we went down to the ground floor by using the first lift situated to the right of the restaurant's entrance. There were 19 people including six children in the lift, whereas four of our family members were using the other lift next to the first one. When we reached the fifth floor the lift was shaking violently.

Drivers' fate

Drivers' fate From Republika We should admit that, on the whole, the behavior of public transport drivers is mischievous. But this is a result of a chain of problems -- from education to the government's economic policies. The situation is made worse by the incomplete application of the traffic law No. 14/1992. As we know the law emphasizes matters concerning fines and sanctions imposed on violators of traffic regulations.

Supreme Court

Supreme Court From Forum Keadilan University students and intellectuals often voice their concern about the inconsistent implementation of law in this country. They feel that the Supreme Court does not function as it is supposed to. The Supreme Court, in a lawful state, constitutes the pillar of justice. Therefore, the existence and freedom of this body is guaranteed by the 1945 Constitution.

Domestic routes start to open up to foreign firms

Domestic routes start to open up to foreign firms JAKARTA (JP): The increase of foreign flight service to a number of domestic destinations will force domestic carriers to be more careful when choosing additional domestic routes, Director General of Tourism Andi Mappi Sammeng said.

Headmistress tried for fraud

Headmistress tried for fraud Srijatun Gasim, the headmistress of Hang Tuah primary school in Cipulir, South Jakarta, is being tried for fraud at the South Jakarta District Court. Prosecutor Happy Hadiastuti said on Wednesday that the defendant rented a truck from H.A. Setiawati on Aug. 23, 1993 and promised to pay him Rp 200,000 a month, but she then pawned it to Sugeng Wiyono to help finance her business. Srijatun received Rp 3.5 million for the sale.

Environment: A common concern of neighbors

Environment: A common concern of neighbors Ros Kelly has been a Labor Member of Parliament for Canberra since 1980. She was minister for Defense Support from 1987 to 1989 and Minister for the Environment from 1990 until recently. Dear friends, The Jakarta Post reported on Aug. 27 a warning by a cancer expert to Jakartans to avoid the sun, especially between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.

RI's offshore debts stand at $89b: Mar'ie

RI's offshore debts stand at $89b: Mar'ie JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad announced yesterday that Indonesia's offshore debt stood at US$89 billion as of last June.

Where to go in Bali:

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

Convicted aliens lodge appeal

Convicted aliens lodge appeal MEDAN, North Sumatra: Three foreigners who were sentenced to death by the local district court last week for smuggling heroin have appealed to the higher court. Saelow Prasert and Namsong Sirilak, both from Thailand, and Ayodya Prasat Chawbey of India have sent their petitions to the high court pleading their innocence, the Antara news agency reported quoting their Indonesian lawyers.

Food in schools

Food in schools From Surabaya Post Many kinds of food are sold in elementary school -- chips, candy, tomato sauce, dried noodles in packages and meat balls are just some of them. I was wondering whether these foods have been included in the control system of the Office of Medicine and Food Supervision. I think that they are not and it worries me. It is quite possible that those foods contain harmful chemicals in greater amounts than the permissible standard.

International help sought to solve elephant problem

International help sought to solve elephant problem JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja called for international cooperation yesterday to help solve the problem of rampaging elephants in Sumatra. During a session with the Commision X members in the House of Representatives, who deal with environmental issues, Sarwono spoke of the international nature of the problem and asked for an outside helping hand.

Gambling lord Taslim Bianti gets 8 months

Gambling lord Taslim Bianti gets 8 months JAKARTA (JP): The North Jakarta District court sentenced 22 people involved in illegal gambling, including its lord, Taslim Bianti, to between three and eight months imprisonment yesterday. "Based on all facts revealed before the court, I decided to sentence Taslim to eight months in jail," said presiding judge Surti Hari Pramono. Meanwhile prosecutor, H.P.W.

Asking money by force

Asking money by force From Pelita Parents are complaining about the unpleasant things experienced by their children in the Depok area. Irresponsible young people like to rob the children of their money and other belongings. About two weeks ago a senior high school student was held up by a young man who had been drinking. He robbed the student of his wristwatch and a Rp 20,000 banknote which was intended to pay for school fees.

Soeharto calls for more cooperatives

Soeharto calls for more cooperatives JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday called for the country's large and medium scale firms to support the formation and operation of employee cooperatives.

Small change withheld

Small change withheld From Media Indonesia I have experienced unpleasantries several times when buying fuel at gas stations. I bought ten liters of diesel oil for Rp 380 per liter, so I had to pay Rp 3,800. I gave the gas attendant a Rp 5000 banknote and he gave me Rp 1000 as change, instead of Rp 1200. Rp 200 was withheld. On another occasion in another gas station I experienced a similar case. When I asked the attendant what happened to my change he returned it but looked embarrassed.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices continued rising on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday. The broad-based Composite Index closed 1.71 points higher at 522.08 yesterday from 520.31 on Wednesday, while the narrower- based GTDBS-50 Index rose to 128.01 from 127.69. Increasing shares were among others Schering Plough (up Rp 400), Modern Photo and Sorini (up Rp 350 each) and Bank Tiara Asia (up Rp 200).

Thailand sees faster tariff cuts within ASEAN

Thailand sees faster tariff cuts within ASEAN BANGKOK (Reuter): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is likely to agree when it meets next week to slash trade tariffs between its six member countries, faster than originally anticipated, a senior Thai official said.

Nuclear specialist for PDI leadership

Nuclear specialist for PDI leadership Subur Budiman, a nuclear specialist, said here yesterday that he wants to run for the leadership of the Jakarta-chapter of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). While distributing small books on his ideas about current political issues, Subur, a staff member at the Medical School of University of Indonesia, told reporters that he wants to transform PDI into a modern party.

Thinking the unthinkable?

Thinking the unthinkable? Discussing the future of this country's politics can be like placing oneself between a rock and a hard place. The veracity of this can be seen in the recent tempest triggered by Nahdlatul Ulama ((NU) politicians, who after being disappointed by the congress of the United Development Party (PPP), are suggesting establishing a new political entity. The strong reactions against the idea from a great variety of circles are understandable.

This Sunday

This Sunday Don't miss the inaugural Sunday edition of The Jakarta Post this Sunday. It is filled with informative and entertaining articles plus the latest, up to late Saturday night, major news from around the world, including sports results. Call your newspaper agent to have your copy delivered to your doorstep on Sunday morning. If you're already a subscriber of The Jakarta Post, you will get yours automatically. -- Publisher

Children choir competition planned

Children choir competition planned The Gramedia group in cooperation with Bank Central Asia and private-television channel SCTV will sponsor the third Dendang Kencana children's choir competition for students of nursery (TK) and primary schools (SD) in the greater Jakarta area. The organizing committee said yesterday that the finals of the competition, which has been in both 1990 and 1992, is scheduled to take place at Bentara Budaya building on Jl. Palmerah Selatan, Central Jakarta on Nov. 27.

Trikora gets a new chief

Trikora gets a new chief JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Army Chief Gen. Wismoyo Arismunandar installed Brig. Gen. I Ketut Wirdana as the new chief of the Trikora Military Command to replace Maj. Gen. Tarub. The command oversees security in Maluku and Irian Jaya provinces. Wismoyo's stay here was a trip down memory lane for he served as chief of the command from 1987 to 1989. (rms)

WB director gives a recipe for poverty elimination

WB director gives a recipe for poverty elimination JAKARTA (JP): Developing countries can extricate themselves from the clenches of poverty through sound macroeconomic policy, an open and competitive economy and heavy investment in human resources, a World Bank official says.

Council queries new Kenari market

Council queries new Kenari market JAKARTA (JP): The City Council is questioning the development of a new marketplace by a private company adjacent to the old Kenari market, which specializes at selling electrical appliances. "The construction of the new market is feared to deprive traders in the old market of business because both will be selling the same things," the chairman of the City Council's Commission B on finance, Abdulgani Abdullah, said.

Harmoko denies tampering with the election

Harmoko denies tampering with the election JAKARTA (JP): Golkar chairman Harmoko yesterday denied accusations that he has covertly made use of his visits to several regions in the country to campaign for the ruling political organization. "I never campaign," he told Golkar members during a meeting attended by 2,000 party cadres in Pontianak, West Kalimantan on Wednesday. "The accusation is exaggerated," he said as reported by the Antara news agency.

Gold mining contractors threaten to withdraw

Gold mining contractors threaten to withdraw JAKARTA (JP): Four Australian gold mining contractors are threatening to relinquish their concessions in West Kalimantan because illegal miners are trespassing on their operations.

China down to earth at junior athletics meet

China down to earth at junior athletics meet JAKARTA (JP): Defending champion China is keeping a low profile as the fifth biannual Asian junior track and field championships swings into action tomorrow. " Our athletes are still very young and we want to learn from the other teams," Chinese deputy team leader Wang Yunfeng told reporters. Wang said his 30-strong team had little preparation time for their championship debut., only a week-long centralized training camp in Beijing.

Huge gas finding expected to launch Vietnam industry

Huge gas finding expected to launch Vietnam industry HANOI (Reuter): British Petroleum announced a big natural-gas discovery off Vietnam yesterday that will launch a major industry for the country. "The gas discoveries could be expected to play a key role in supplying Vietnam's emerging domestic gas market," the company said in a statement issued in Hanoi on behalf of its partnership with Indian and Norwegian companies.

Repaying loans

Repaying loans A number of big businesses are reported to have repaid their outstanding loans to state-owned banks. Even loans that have not matured have reportedly been repaid. In view of such a development the rumors that have been circulating have it that the action taken by the businessmen were motivated by fear of possible public -- and government -- action against their companies. Questions such as who will come after Eddy Tansil, or who will come after Robby Thahjadi, disturb their minds.

BTN will lower rates on home loans

BTN will lower rates on home loans JAKARTA (JP): Bank Tabungan Negara (BTN) will lower the interest rate on its loans for low-cost houses from its current level of 16 percent per annum to help low-income people own homes, the state-owned bank's president said yesterday.

South demands better deal from North

South demands better deal from North JAKARTA (JP): An on-going international conference on human resource development turned into a yet another round of "North versus South debates". Despite the organizer's urging that they adopt a new, less polarizing perspective on relations between countries in the two opposite hemispheres, the debates probed the political motives of the developed countries' "reluctance" to help the developing countries.

State firm manager accused of rape

State firm manager accused of rape JAKARTA (JP): A woman who claims to have been sexually assaulted by her boss several times since 1992 has taken her case to the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI). The 24-year-old woman, identified as S, is an elementary- school graduate who hails from Salatiga, Central Java. She first revealed her case to reporters at city police headquarters on Wednesday before going to the YLBHI for legal advice.

France, RP sign defense agreement

France, RP sign defense agreement PARIS (AFP): France and the Philippines signed the first defense agreement between Manila and a European state on Wednesday, the final day of President Fidel Ramos' official visit here. "Our respective defense ministers concluded a memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation," said Ramos during press conference in Paris, marking the end of his 48-hour visit. "It is not a defense pact," he stressed.

Agribusiness body to start

Agribusiness body to start JAKARTA (JP): The newly formed Agribusiness Agency of the Ministry of Agriculture announced yesterday that it is ready to help formulate government policies and carry out research to develop agribusiness and improve farmers' livelihoods. "We are ready to work in close cooperation with the other agencies of the ministry," the agency's chairman, Dudung Indradjit, said during a hearing with Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR).

East Timor already has greater autonomy: Alatas

East Timor already has greater autonomy: Alatas JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas rebuffed calls for greater autonomy for East Timor yesterday, saying Indonesia's youngest province is already enjoying more privileges than others. "East Timor has autonomy in the substantive sense of the word and yet some people are pursuing the non-essential, such as the status of special territory", he told the House of Representatives (DPR) Commission I overseeing foreign affairs.

Three killed in bus crash

Three killed in bus crash PROBOLINGGO, East Java: At least three people were killed and four others injured yesterday when a passenger bus en route from Sumenep to Banyuwangi crashed into a house in Tongas, Probolinggo, East Java. The accident occurred when one of the bus's tires burst, the Antara news agency reported. The three victims were the driver, conductor and a passenger. (rms)

Syria walks away with easy 4-0 win over Indonesia

Syria walks away with easy 4-0 win over Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Syria, like a big boy bullying a smaller child, effortlessly whipped the young Indonesian booters 4-0 in the 29th Asian under-19 soccer championship. Even in the first half, which ended in a 0-0 draw, the Indonesian youngsters faced a match that was clearly too much for them. It seemed that only a miracle would keep the score as it was to the end of the game.

Bob Hasan to give help to unemployed journalists

Bob Hasan to give help to unemployed journalists JAKARTA (JP): Timber tycoon Mohammad (Bob) Hasan, widely rumored to be linked with the establishment of a new magazine to replace the defunct Tempo newsweekly, insisted yesterday that he simply wanted to accommodate the displaced journalists. "Yes, I'm thinking of helping them out," he told reporters yesterday when he was pressed about his intention of establishing a new magazine employing the former journalists of Tempo.

Land dispute drags on

Land dispute drags on SEMARANG: The Semarang Legal Aid Institute (LBH) has filed a petition with the local court to counter the government's proposal for a review of a Supreme Court ruling which awarded 34 villagers damages for land they gave up to make way for the giant Kedungombo reservoir. The LBH said in its petition that the government has no valid reason to ask for a review of the ruling which, technically, is only permissible in light of fresh evidence.

Wahono heads Indonesian delegation to Manila's AIPO

Wahono heads Indonesian delegation to Manila's AIPO JAKARTA (JP): Speaker of the House of Representatives (DPR) Wahono is heading the Indonesian delegation to the general assembly of the ASEAN Inter Parliamentary Organization (AIPO) in Manila next week. Wahono reported to President Soeharto yesterday about the preparations of the Indonesian delegation concerning the talks in the Philippine capital scheduled for Sept. 19-24.

Garin's int'l reputation further extended

Garin's int'l reputation further extended By Jane Freebury JAKARTA (JP): Comedic actress Rosanna Arquette and the director of the brilliant hyper-violent Reservoir Dogs, Quentin Tarantino, were among the judges at the 1994 Taormina International Film Festival in Italy (July 27-Aug.2) where Garin Nugroho's film Letter for an Angel, Surat Untuk Bidadari, won the `Cariddi d'Oro' for best film.

Car rental in Denpasar?

Car rental in Denpasar? The Jakarta Post reported on Sept. 8, 1994, about the new Association of Indonesian Car Rental Businesses (HIPERMI). I have contacted some major car rentals in Bali to find out if they are members of HIPERMI. However, none of them know about this organization. It was also reported that a person who hires a car in Jakarta and drives off to Bali but does not want to return to Jakarta may settle his or her payment at HIPERMI's branch in Denpasar.

Blood free for anyone: Minister

Blood free for anyone: Minister JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health Sujudi has confirmed that no fees will be imposed on people who need blood, and that everybody can get it for free. "Even if there is a fee, it a small amount for administrative costs only," Antara quoted Sujudi as saying in Bogor, West Java, on Wednesday. The minister was in Bogor to witness a ceremony marking the renovation of the Bogor chapter of the Red Cross (PMI) General Hospital.

Police get reinforcement

Police get reinforcement DILI, East Timor: East Timor Police will soon be reinforced by some 150 members of the Mobile Brigade who will take over jobs now being carried out by Army members. East Timor Military Chief Col. Syahnakri said the police officers will be stationed in 13 regencies covering 63 districts and 442 villages in the province. "They are replacing soldiers in overseeing the province's security," he said.

Wardiman blasted for plan to regulate private colleges

Wardiman blasted for plan to regulate private colleges JAKARTA (JP): House members yesterday criticized Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro for his plan to regulate the management of private universities. They said a new decree now being drafted gives the government too much power to interfere in the internal affairs of the universities.

Letter of recommendation

Letter of recommendation From Forum Keadilan Laksamana Sukardi's article in Forum Keadilan No. 7, Year III, invites comment. Laksamana said that although a letter of recommendation is given to a criminal or corruptor the author of such a letter cannot be sued because there is no article in the criminal code which justifies it. I consider it an absolute mistake. The substance of law is not always found in the articles of a law.

Private radios to help UI

Private radios to help UI M. Taufik -- the head of the Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian association of private radio broadcasters -- said yesterday that the radio broadcasting business in Jakarta still needs well- trained people with university degrees. Taufik made his comments after signing a cooperation agreement between the association and the mass communication school of the University of Indonesia (UI).

Police burn marijuana plants

Police burn marijuana plants MEDAN, North Sumatra: Police on Tuesday burnt 341 marijuana plants they stumbled upon recently in Tanah Karo region. The plants weighed 300 kilograms. Three men, all in their 30s, who were believed to be the owners of the marijuana field have been arrested, according to the Antara news agency. The plants, all reaching around three meters, were the source of high grade marijuana, according to North Sumatra Police Chief Detective Col. Soejitno LB.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Private rivals trim Indian Airlines wings

Private rivals trim Indian Airlines wings By Rahul Sharma NEW DELHI (Reuter): Indian Airlines (IA), India's biggest airline, is canceling flights because it doesn't have pilots to fly the aircraft. Last month, in a major exodus, 24 pilots flying the state- owned largely domestic Indian Airlines (IA) fleet of Boeings and Airbuses quit at the same time, bringing more grief to the already stricken airline.

Sahid sets up hotel management subsidiary

Sahid sets up hotel management subsidiary JAKARTA (JP): The Sahid Group has established a hotel management and consulting subsidiary that will offer services both domestically and overseas. The group's chairman, Sukamdani Sahid Gitosardjono, yesterday installed the executives of the new company, called PT Sahid International Hotel Management & Consultant.

Yayuk upsets Sabatini in exhibition

Yayuk upsets Sabatini in exhibition JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian number one Yayuk Basuki edged ahead in her two-match exhibition series with Argentina's Gabriela Sabatini by posting a routine 6-2, 6-2 victory at the Kemayoran Tennis Center last night. There were flashes of brilliance from the 24-year-old Yayuk. She played well within her limits as a listless Sabatini effectively handed the match to her through dozens of unforced errors and double faults.

Trucks bring pollution

Trucks bring pollution From Pelita We, the residents of Central Depok II, are concerned over the degradation of our environment caused by the heavy trucks laden with soil and concrete rubble passing through in our area. The trucks are supplying material for the construction of an exclusive housing complex at a site nearby. The residents worst affected by the problem live along Jl. Serimpi Raya, Jl. Pakarena Raya and in Singosari.

Security in Aceh, E. Timor restored

Security in Aceh, E. Timor restored JAKARTA (JP): Despite the latent threats of separatist groups, security in the troubled provinces of Aceh, Irian Jaya and East Timor has been gradually strengthened, Armed Forces (ABRI) Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung said yesterday. The military has the upper hand over the separatist groups in the three provinces, Feisal said during a hearing with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR).

Five day week

Five day week From Pelita A number of ministries have started to apply the new five-day working week with varying time schedules. Some offices start at 7.00 a.m. and finish at 3.00 p.m. Other ministries open at 8.00 a.m. and close at 4.30 p.m., except on Fridays when they close at 5.00 p.m. Each office is trying to suit the interest of its employees. Many employees can manage this new system because public transportation is readily available.

Name boards in stations

Name boards in stations From Kompas Much progress has been made by the railway company so far, but there is still much room for improvement. Now, a passenger must remember the station where he or she is supposed to get off or they will miss their stop. This is because the loud speakers in the train do not function. The problem is particularly bad at night and when the train is overcrowded.

Mahathir, Soeharto likely to discuss APEC issues

Mahathir, Soeharto likely to discuss APEC issues JAKARTA (JP): The leadership meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum is likely to be discussed when Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohammad meets with President Soeharto this weekend, an official says. Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono told reporters yesterday that the preparations for the APEC meeting in Bogor this November would be the focus of discussions between the two leaders.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) were mostly steady at yesterday's close. The broader-based Composite Index, which fell for three consecutive days, posted a 4.6-point increase to close at 520.31 yesterday from 515.70 on Tuesday. The narrow-based GTDBS-50 Index also strengthened to 127.69 from 126.37. Meanwhile, total trading volume declined to 27.64 million shares with a total value of Rp 109.47 billion (US$50.31 million) yesterday, as compared to 50.

Furnifair'94 to be `trendy'

Furnifair'94 to be `trendy' More than 100 furniture and handicraft companies will display their products in the Furnifair'94 which will be held at the Jakarta Fair grounds in Kemayoran from, Dec. 9 to 18. This year's Furnifair, the 20th annual, is being organized by PT Mediatama as part of a campaign to promote Indonesian-made furniture and handicrafts.

Korea shuns RI plywood

Korea shuns RI plywood As one of Indonesia's biggest plywood importers and stockist in South Korea, it is a great pity for me to observe that many importers and distributors in my country have now shunned Indonesian plywood due to the uncertainty in trading procedures imposed by the Indonesian Wood Panel Association (Apkindo). Since Apkindo's appointment of Sesil Trading Co. Ltd. as the sole buyer authorized to handle imports from Indonesia, many Korean importers have sought other suppliers.

Malaysia, Russia work for rubber recycling

Malaysia, Russia work for rubber recycling KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian and Russian scientists said yesterday they had created a rubber-based compound that can recycle vulcanized rubber like car tires. Malaysia's B.C. Sekhar and Russia's Professor Vitaly Kormer said they had come up with a reactant called "de-link" which could recycle up to 75 percent of any used vulcanized rubber product.

`Tempo' photojournalists exhibit work at Antara gallery

`Tempo' photojournalists exhibit work at Antara gallery By Amir Sidharta JAKARTA (JP): Works by four Tempo photographers are currently on exhibit at the Antara Photojournalistic Gallery in Pasar Baru, Central Jakarta. The photographs were originally prepared for a traveling exhibit commemorating the 20th anniversary of Tempo in 1991, but, due to organizational problems, were never shown.

Garuda back to Fokker-28 for new domestic routes

Garuda back to Fokker-28 for new domestic routes JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned airline Garuda Indonesia will soon resume operating its aging Fokker-28 aircraft to serve new domestic routes being prepared by the government. The airline's president, Wage Mulyono, said during a break in a hearing with Commission V of the House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday that operating the F-28s will also help Garuda increase its domestic load factor.

Research results

Research results From Bisnis Indonesia Hundreds or perhaps thousands of pieces of research have been conducted in Indonesia. The research may have been conducted by research institutions or independent organizations. Many of the research results can be followed up. However, according to my observations, only a small number of the results have been marketed. Success in marketing results will certainly motivate researchers to achieve more.

555 Subaru races for title at Rally Australia

555 Subaru races for title at Rally Australia PERTH, West Australia (Agencies): The 555 Subaru World Rally Team will have a strong presence at the 1994 Telecom Rally Australia as it pursues the Asia Pacific Manufacturer and Drivers' titles. The event, the fourth stop of the 1994 Asia-Pacific Rally Championships, is scheduled for tomorrow through Sunday. The race is to cover a stretch of 560 kilometers split into 34 Special Stages (SS).

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Tarzan 3:05 Children's Creativity 3:30 TV Series: Gunsmoke 4:30 Sports discussion: Stamina 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: Meniti Pelangi 8:05 TV Series: Combat 9:00 World News 9:30 Sports: Arena dan Juara: Super Cross 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Malarek Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Private enterprise

Private enterprise The firm measure taken by Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo to organize the forestry industry has been widely talked about. As reported earlier, the measure has also raised questions, as well as some anxiety, concerning the possibility that a new policy towards private business could be in the making. The raising of such questions is also due to the fact that in the wake of the Edy Tansil case, a series of pointed comments have been aimed at private business.

South Korea has brilliant start, beating Thais 3-1

South Korea has brilliant start, beating Thais 3-1 JAKARTA (JP): South Korea marked its first step into the Asian youth under-19 soccer championship by smashing Thailand 3-1 yesterday. The zeal was already felt when Park Sung-bae hit inside Thailand's net in the 5th minute, followed by many venturesome moments for both parties until Korea made its second goal in the 25th through Chung Sang Nam on a pass from Sung Bae.

Japan pardons Asian Games supremo over Taiwan row

Japan pardons Asian Games supremo over Taiwan row TOKYO (AFP): The Japanese Olympic committee backed down yesterday from threats to withdraw support for Asian sport supremo Sheikh Ahmad al-Fahad for inviting Taiwan's president to the Asian Games.

Thailand reopens access to Mons

Thailand reopens access to Mons BANGKOK (AFP): The Thai authorities are scheduled to reopen today a frontier access to 6,000 Myanmarese Mon refugees who were forced back into their country by Thai security forces last week, police said. Blockades between Thai territory and the Holokhani camp will be taken down so that humanitarian groups can get food to the refugees, Mon sources said.

This Sunday

This Sunday Don't miss the inaugural Sunday edition of The Jakarta Post this Sunday. It is filled with informative and entertaining articles plus the latest, up to late Saturday night, major news from around the world, including sports results. Call your newspaper agent to have your copy delivered to your doorstep on Sunday morning. If you're already a subscriber of The Jakarta Post, you will get yours automatically. -- Publisher

Textile exports may fall short of achieving target

Textile exports may fall short of achieving target JAKARTA (JP): The country's textile exports will most likely fall short of achieving the target of US$7 billion this year because exports during the first quarter of this year declined by 26 percent to US$ 1.6 billion, the Indonesian Textile Association (API) said yesterday.

One-third of state agricultural firms losing money

One-third of state agricultural firms losing money JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Agriculture Sjarifudin Baharsyah announced yesterday that 12 out of 35 state-owned agricultural companies suffered losses of Rp 30.7 billion (US$14.1 million) in the first quarter of this year. He said in a hearing with Commission IV of the House of Representatives (DPR) that the companies were comprised of nine plantation firms, two fishery companies and one animal husbandry company.

SBSI supporters demand release of their leader

SBSI supporters demand release of their leader JAKARTA (JP): The government in an unexpected move yesterday agreed to meet with representatives of the outlawed Indonesian Prosperous Workers Union (SBSI) who were demanding the release of their chairman Muchtar Pakpahan.

Most airports in Indonesia inadequate, expert says

Most airports in Indonesia inadequate, expert says JAKARTA (JP): An airline executive warned yesterday that most airports in Indonesia lack adequate facilities, possibly putting airliners, and passengers, in peril. The president of the national air carrier Garuda Indonesia, Wage Mulyono, told Commission V of the House of Representatives here yesterday that most airports in the country have very poor infrastructures and facilities.

Islamic center ready in 1994

Islamic center ready in 1994 UJUNGPANDANG, South Sulawesi: The new Islamic Center Mosque which is being built here should be ready by next March, according its chief financier. Gen. (ret.) M. Jusuf, who had the idea of building the mosque, said that the center's building itself will be able to accommodate up to 10,000 people. A total of 40,000 people could be accommodated if the surrounding fields are included, he said as reported by the Antara news agency in a dispatch from Jakarta.

Asian and European stock exchanges close mixed

Asian and European stock exchanges close mixed HONG KONG (Agencies): Stock markets closed mixed around Asia yesterday with bigger markets such as Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore falling while others such as Manila, Taipei and Sydney rose. Hong Kong's stocks fell amid a fresh Sino-British spat, with the Hang Seng Index shedding 90.61 or nearly one percent to close at 9,846.40. In Tokyo, share prices fell back from a two-day winning run on the Tokyo Stock Exchange yesterday.

Boost skills of populace: Soeharto

Boost skills of populace: Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): Developing countries can improve their social, political and economic life only if they strive to strengthen the skills of its population, President Soeharto said. Opening an international conference on human resource development at the State Palace last night, Soeharto appealed to the industrialized countries to lend a helping hand because developing countries cannot achieve these goals alone.

Feisal defends police shooting of criminals

Feisal defends police shooting of criminals JAKARTA (JP): Armed Forces Commander Gen. Feisal Tanjung yesterday said that police officers shot criminals during crime operations to subdue the suspects and not to arbitrarily kill them. "In any operation police officers must abide by the law," Feisal told a hearing of the Commission I on security and defense of the House of Representatives.

No third party involved in minibus drivers strike

No third party involved in minibus drivers strike JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights said yesterday that last week's transport strike, which paralyzed traffic throughout the city, was a spontaneous action by minibus drivers and not organized by criminal elements. "Based on the police investigation and facts gathered in the field, we can conclude that it is a spontaneous action," said commission member Bambang Soeharto and Albert Hasibuan.

Malaysia and RI to set up $7.5b power plant project

Malaysia and RI to set up $7.5b power plant project KUALA LUMPUR (UPI): Malaysia and Indonesia will sign a joint venture agreement this weekend to build a US$7.5 billion coal- fired power plant, a company spokesman said yesterday. Located in southern Sumatra, Indonesia, the plant will have an eventual generating capacity of 5,000 megawatts of electricity, Sikap Project Management Service's executive director Ravindra Nathan said.

PDI removes councilor

PDI removes councilor BANDUNG: The West Java chapter of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) has removed one of its members from the province's legislative assembly because of his "disloyalty" to the chapter's new executive board. Hua Uun Sunarya was relieved of his assembly seat as of Sept. 12 by the board, according to the Antara news agency.

No 3-in-1 rule on Saturdays

No 3-in-1 rule on Saturdays City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Hindarto is considering doing away with the three-in-one traffic rule on Saturdays as the five- day work week for civil servants takes effect next August. "We are seriously considering wiping out the three-in-one traffic policy on Saturdays next year," Hindarto said on Tuesday as quoted by Antara.

Indonesia hails Cairo declaration on population

Indonesia hails Cairo declaration on population JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia hailed yesterday the 20-year action plan to curb world population growth contained in the final declaration of the just ended United Nations International Conference on Population in Cairo.

Tarmizi wants 53% increase in religious affairs budget

Tarmizi wants 53% increase in religious affairs budget JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher says he is looking for a 53 percent increase in his department's budget for next year. Tarmizi told a hearing with the Commission IX of the House of Representatives, yesterday, that he needs a budget of Rp 1.57 trillion ($723 million) to finance some of his department's programs during the 1995/1996 fiscal year, which begins on April 1.

`Kalam' publication goes on despite ban of patron

`Kalam' publication goes on despite ban of patron JAKARTA (JP): The financially troubled Kalam, one of Indonesia's only two literature magazines, is determined to continue publication despite the closure of its patron, Tempo magazine, in June. The third edition of Kalam hit the street yesterday with the cover story on nationalism, featuring articles written by prominent intellectuals like Ariel Heryanto, Arief Budiman, Onghokham and Azyumardi Azra.

Unlawful demolition of city property to be investigated

Unlawful demolition of city property to be investigated JAKARTA (JP): The city administration said yesterday it will investigate reports of unlawful demolition of city property, including school buildings, by the developer of the Taman Rasuna apartment complex in Kuningan, South Jakarta.

Major hike proposed for national sports budget

Major hike proposed for national sports budget JAKARTA (JP): The government has set next year's budget for national sports development at Rp 11 billion (US$4.15 million), almost six times as much as last year's figure of Rp 2 billion. Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman told a hearing with the House of Representatives in charge of social affairs presided over by Ismail Hasan here on Tuesday that the hike was primarily aimed at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Agenda of APEC ministerial meeting drafted

Agenda of APEC ministerial meeting drafted By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat YOGYAKARTA (JP): Senior officials from the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum ended three days of meetings here yesterday by identifying issues to be discussed during November's APEC Ministerial Meeting in Jakarta.

Senen traders protest against intimidation

Senen traders protest against intimidation JAKARTA (JP): Seventeen traders from block I and II of Senen Market in Central Jakarta went to the City Council on Tuesday in protest of the lease from PT Pembangunan Jaya and alleged threats made by the management of the company.

Flaws in understanding role of religion in Pancasila?

Flaws in understanding role of religion in Pancasila? By J. Soedjati Djiwandono JAKARTA (JP): Recent events show certain fundamental flaws in understanding religion as related to Pancasila. Unless corrected once and for all, these flaws may seriously alter the future of the nation. One flaw concerns the position of religion in the Pancasila state. Many people tend to be ambivalent as to whether Indonesia is a secular or a religious state. The most common answer is that it is neither.

Riyama's killer gets 18 years imprisonment

Riyama's killer gets 18 years imprisonment JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta District Court sentenced Goenadi Tjahyo Wargo to 18 years imprisonment yesterday for killing Dr. Riyama Yawoga, a general practitioner, in January. "After examining all the facts I find the defendant guilty as charged," presiding Judge Surti Hari Pramono said. Goenadi was accused of killing Dr. Riyama who was found dead in her bedroom on Jan. 14 with her head nearly severed from her body.

Malaysia's Sikap, RI's Bukaka sign power deal

Malaysia's Sikap, RI's Bukaka sign power deal KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's Sikap Power Management Services Sdn. Bhd. and Indonesia's PT Bukaka Teknik Utama are to sign a deal to build a coal-fired power plant and a regional power grid at a cost of nearly US$10 billion, a report said yesterday.

Fire destroys Hero supermarket in Mampang

Fire destroys Hero supermarket in Mampang JAKARTA (JP): A fire believed to have started in a cool storage area razed the Hero supermarket on Jl. Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta, in the wee hours of yesterday. No casualties were reported in the blaze, but the one-story supermarket, which was renovated six months ago, was totally destroyed.

Gerson Poyk to read stories

Gerson Poyk to read stories JAKARTA (JP): Writer Gerson Poyk is scheduled to read his short stories at the cultural center Taman Ismail Marzuki, Central Jakarta on Sept.22. The short-story reading, featuring around four of Poyk's realist-naturalist stories dated 1970s to 1990s, will focus on Poyk's ideas of a so-called jembatan kemanusiaan (humanity bridge), said the writer of 10 novels.

RCTI's scholarships

RCTI's scholarships From Neraca RCTI television has done the right thing in providing scholarships for teachers' children who are high achievers in their schools. This can be a good example to other private institutions. Many low-rank employees such as office cleaners, security guards, couriers etc. need such assistance. WAHYUNI Tangerang

Japanese investments rise in Malaysia amid new economies

Japanese investments rise in Malaysia amid new economies KUALA LUMPUR (UPI): Japanese investments in Malaysia have been on the rise since early this year, despite the emergence of new potential powerhouse economies such as China and Vietnam.

Edi proposes 24 percent hike in defense spending

Edi proposes 24 percent hike in defense spending JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security Gen. Edi Sudradjat is pressing for a 24 percent hike in next year's defense budget. Edi yesterday proposed a budget of Rp 6.15 trillion ($2.9 billion) for the 1995/96 fiscal year during a hearing with Commission I of the House of Representatives (DPR) which handles security and defense issues.

RSCM told to clean up act

RSCM told to clean up act Members of the House of Representatives have urged the management of the state-run Cipto Mangunkusumo General Hospital (RSCM) to further improve its service to the public, including the unfriendly attitudes of its personnel.

Maluku adopts Army chief

Maluku adopts Army chief AMBON, Maluku: Army Chief of Staff Gen. Wismoyo Arismunandar was honored with the title Kapitan (chief warrior) by the people of Maluku on Tuesday. The title was presented in a traditional ceremony. It involved the presentation of the Maluku traditional dress and a warrior kit including a spear, the Antara news agency said.

Ulema not amused by tight aerobics outfits

Ulema not amused by tight aerobics outfits JAKARTA (JP): A Moslem leader in Riau is finding the tight outfits worn by female aerobic buffs too much to take. "If they have to wear them they should do aerobics indoors and not in public places. That way they won't offend people who still cling to Eastern cultural and traditional norms," Hamid Sulaiman, the chief of the Riau's Moslem Ulema Council, said as reported by the Antara news agency.

Illegal fee at weigh station

Illegal fee at weigh station From Kompas The weigh stations found in many parts of Java have become another source of illegal fees and corruption. The uniformed officials at the stations arbitrarily impose unfair fees on the passing vehicles. The cost of weighing a vehicle ranges from Rp 10,000 to Rp 25,000. If you refuse to leave a tip, they threaten to re-examine the vehicle which may inflict a cost of Rp 90,000. I have yet to pay fees to the highway patrols.

School hours

School hours From Media Indonesia The schools, particularly the junior and senior high schools, are setting different timetables following the five day working system. The change of school hours has created an additional burden to schools and parents, because they have to provide lunch for the pupils. In this context I would like to give a few suggestions. We know that the school curriculum has set 42 sessions a week and each session lasts for 45 minutes.

Bus drivers' strike is weapon of the weak

Bus drivers' strike is weapon of the weak Thousands of commuters were stranded last week when city bus drivers staged a strike protesting the enforcement of a new traffic regulation. Sociologist Aswab Mahasin attributes the strike to long suppressed frustration on the part of the drivers. JAKARTA (JP): The bus drivers' strike came as a shock to both authorities and residents last week.

Rights commission observes progress in labor conditions

Rights commission observes progress in labor conditions JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights has noticed an improvement in the labor condition in the country, although some employers continued to repress the rights of their workers. Brig. Gen. (ret.) Roekmini Koesoemo Astoeti, a commission member, hailed the government for its efforts to promote the laborers' welfare by raising their minimum wage levels.

Mayor wants better handling of diarrhea

Mayor wants better handling of diarrhea North Jakarta Mayor Suprawito has instructed the mayoralty health office to intensify its efforts to help those suffering from diarrhea in Panggang island -- one of the Seribu islands, a newspaper report said. Suara Pembaruan reported yesterday that the mayor hoped that the office would be able to get to the bottom of the matter as soon as possible.

Two cement producers defend price increase

Two cement producers defend price increase JAKARTA (JP): Two state-owned cement companies, PT Semen Padang and PT Semen Tonasa, defended their recent decisions to increase the prices of their products to exceed the government- set local price references. In a hearing with Commission VI of the House of Representatives yesterday, president of Semen Tonasa Soebyakto said his company's main concern was not to meet the government's price references but to overcome cement shortages by raising prices.

Yogie says `no' to establishment of new party

Yogie says `no' to establishment of new party JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. ruled out yesterday the establishment of a new political party as pondered by Moslem ulemas who are dismayed by the existing parties' inability to accommodate their wishes.

Deputy nomination draws fire

Deputy nomination draws fire SEMARANG: Members of the Central Java Legislative Council are urging Governor Soewardi to be objective in nominating a new deputy, a position which has been vacant since the recent death of Suyanto. The councilors detected that some of the names being nominated by the governor were his "old buddies" who did not necessarily qualify for the job.

AIDS and NGOs

AIDS and NGOs The government has established a national guidance on handling AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) following the activities of various Non-Governmental Organizations to check the rapid spread of the disease. So far, the government has not yet provided the needed funds, so it is understandable if many NGOs have received financial support from foreign institutions by approaching them individually.

TV Today

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

Seven killed in bus crash

Seven killed in bus crash SEMARANG: Seven people were killed and two others injured when a truck carrying fertilizer slid into a ravine in Kedawung in Banjarnegara. The seven victims, all casual laborers hired to unload the fertilizer, were on the back of the truck when it skid. The truck first hit a tree and then swerved into the ravine, the Antara news agency reported. The two injured were the driver and a passenger who sat on the front.

Australia, Singapore agree on APEC free trade aims

Australia, Singapore agree on APEC free trade aims CANBERRA (Reuter): Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating and Singaporean Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong said yesterday they had agreed that the nations in APEC forum should adopt a specific timetable to free up trade in the region. Leaders of the 17-nation Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum are due to meet at Bogor in Indonesia in November and a proposal for free trade in the region by 2020 will be high on the agenda.

Pilger's film

Pilger's film This is rather a belated reply to Melise Van Kamp's Aug. 12, 1994 letter entitled "On John Pilger's film", concerning East Timor. In it she assails The Jakarta Post contributor Dino Patti Djalal's article, published earlier, which criticized the Australian filmmaker's methods. Ms. Van Kamp accuses Mr.

New foreign venture capital company starts operation

New foreign venture capital company starts operation JAKARTA (JP): PT Malindo Ventura Nusantara, a new venture capital company partly controlled by Renong Nusantara Sdn. Bhd. of Malaysia, began providing financial support for medium-size companies yesterday. Malindo's start up was officially launched during a ceremony at the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center.

Rising land prices in Java slowing housing program

Rising land prices in Java slowing housing program JAKARTA (JP): Soaring land prices in Java are hampering the government's effort to build inexpensive houses, according to State Minister of People's Housing Akbar Tanjung. Akbar told reporters after reporting to President Soeharto at Bina Graha presidential office yesterday that the government's housing program is progressing according to schedule in all parts of Indonesia except on Java.

Golkar blasted over TV air time monopoly

Golkar blasted over TV air time monopoly JAKARTA (JP): An Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) legislator accused Harmoko, the chairman of the ruling political organization Golkar, yesterday of "disguised" election campaigning through the television stations which he virtually controls. Legislator Soenarjo of Commission II raised the issue during a hearing with Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. in his capacity as the patron of the country's political organizations.

A new party?

A new party? Coming from a veteran politician, the moves which K.H.Yusuf Hasyim (Pak Ud) makes are often startling. The record of this son of the founder of NU (Nahdatul Ulama) is often considered controversial. As a politician perhaps Pak Ud has been successful in playing his part. He is known as a man who can transform simple cases into important issues. He takes decisions fast and daringly. It is only natural that because of these qualities he is rather feared.

Fertilizer subsidies likely to be reduced despite drought

Fertilizer subsidies likely to be reduced despite drought JAKARTA (JP): The government will likely continue its policy of gradually reducing fertilizer subsidies despite the protracted drought, Minister of Agriculture Syarifuddin Baharsyah says.

Lecturer presses on with lawsuit

Lecturer presses on with lawsuit SALATIGA, Central Java: Arief Budiman, the outspoken lecturer at the Christian Satyawacana University, has given the college's administrators until Sept. 25 to retract a reprimand letter against him or face him in court. Arief said he has filed a lawsuit with the local court, charging that the letter issued by college administrators besmirched his good name.

British MPs probe human rights and E. Timor

British MPs probe human rights and E. Timor JAKARTA (JP): A British parliamentary delegation held a meeting with members of the National Commission on Human Rights Monday evening with probing questions about the way human rights are being observed in Indonesia, including East Timor.

SIA pilots suspended

SIA pilots suspended SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore Airlines has suspended the captain and first officer of an Airbus A-310 that was involved in a near- collision with a Malaysian Airlines System (MAS) Boeing 737-400 jet last week, airline sources said yesterday. The identities of the two pilots are being withheld, pending investigations into the incident, which occurred in hazy conditions as the two aircraft were about to land at the trouble- plagued Kuala Lumpur international airport.

ADB gives loan to RP

ADB gives loan to RP MANILA (AFP): The Philippine-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a US$164 million loan to the state-run National Power Corp. (NPC) for a major power transmission project south of Manila, Energy Secretary Delfin Lazaro said yesterday. Lazaro said the project involves the construction of a 125- kilometer (78-mile), 500-kilovolt (KV) overhead transmission line from Tayabas town to Dasmarinas town in Cavite province just across Manila Bay.

Indosat to float 25 percent of its shares in October

Indosat to float 25 percent of its shares in October JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned international telecommunications operator, PT Indosat, will list 25 percent of its shares on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Oct. 18 and on both the Jakarta and Surabaya Stock Exchanges on Oct. 19. Indosat's president Tjahjono Soerjodibroto told a press conference, after the company's presentation, that the offered shares will carry a nominal value of Rp 500 (23 U.S.

Story on labor leader marsinah to be on stage at TIM soon

Story on labor leader marsinah to be on stage at TIM soon JAKARTA (JP): The sufferings of labor activist Marsinah will be brought to life in a striking performance of Satu Merah Panggung at Teater Arena of the Taman Ismail Marzuki arts center, Central Jakarta, from Sept. 16 through Sept. 20. The play, entitled Marsinah, Nyanyian Bawah Tanah (Marsinah, the Song from the Underworld), is directed by Ratna Sarumpaet.

Trisakti to go ahead with its `Clean up the World'

Trisakti to go ahead with its `Clean up the World' JAKARTA (JP): Despite a lack of support from the government and the people, Trisakti University intends to go ahead with its three-day "Clean up the World" program aimed at motivating environmental consciousness among Jakartans.

Military uncovers marijuana field

Military uncovers marijuana field BANDA ACEH, Aceh: The Aceh military garrison, working on a tip from local villagers, uncovered two hectares of marijuana fields in a forest near Pasir Putih village in southeast Aceh. Lt. Col. Tara said that 14,000 marijuana plants, each measuring three meters, were found in the field. If converted, it represented about four tons of marijuana, he said as reported by the Antara news agency. However, the military had no clue about who had planted the marijuana.

RI to get new battery plant

RI to get new battery plant TOKYO (AFP): Japan's Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. Ltd., its subsidiary Matsushita Battery Industrial Co. Ltd. and an Indonesian partner will build one of the world's largest dry battery plants in Indonesia, a spokesman says. Total investment in the plant, part of the Japanese companies' joint venture with Indonesia's PT Paditraktoris, is estimated at more than four billion yen ($40 million ), a Matsushita Battery spokesman said.

Four domestic airlines buy 10 Lufthansa planes

Four domestic airlines buy 10 Lufthansa planes JAKARTA (JP): Four domestic airlines have finally agreed to the purchase 10 of the 32 second-hand B-737-200 aircraft offered by Lufthansa Airlines of Germany after negotiations for almost one year.

Sinungan reelected AP3I chairman

Sinungan reelected AP3I chairman J.A. Sinungan, a commissioner of the PT Inti Fashindo International retail outlet, was re-elected chairman of Indonesian Retailers Association (AP3I) at the end of a one-day congress yesterday. Six of the seven-member electoral board voted for Sinungan and the other for Ilham Asid, an executive of the state-owned Sarinah department store.

PT Telkom to increase the number of subsidiaries

PT Telkom to increase the number of subsidiaries JAKARTA (JP): PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom), the state- owned domestic telecommunications firm, will increase the number of its subsidiaries established jointly with private companies. Telkom's president Setyanto P.

Retail business officials react on no-smoking drive

Retail business officials react on no-smoking drive JAKARTA (JP): Executives of department stores and supermarkets gave mixed reactions to the campaign of the Indonesian Heart Foundation (YJI) on smoke free zones, which will include all retail outlets in the greater Jakarta area. Retail business baron Hari Darmawan and Agung Laksono, the honorary chairman of Indonesian Retailers Association (AP3I), told The Jakarta Post yesterday that they agree to such a campaign.

IPTN working on design of Rp 15m `People's Car'

IPTN working on design of Rp 15m `People's Car' JAKARTA (JP): The state aircraft manufacturer IPTN is currently working on the design of an inexpensive car that will sell at Rp 15 million ($7,100) each. IPTN President B.J. Habibie, who is also the state minister of research and technology, told a hearing with Commission X of the House of Representatives (DPR) that Mobil Masyarakat (People's Car), will be installed with a 1,600 cc engine designed by the British-based car manufacturer, Rover.

Business network gets resounding approval of APEC

Business network gets resounding approval of APEC By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat YOGYAKARTA (JP): The Asia-Pacific Business Network (APB-Net), a new body facilitating business activities among members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, yesterday gained the endorsement from the forum's senior officials who are meeting here.

Fatal explosion at Serpong absolutely accidental: Police

Fatal explosion at Serpong absolutely accidental: Police JAKARTA (JP): Police said yesterday that there were absolutely no indications that last month's fatal explosion in a building at the National Atomic Energy Agency (Batan) complex in Serpong was the result of sabotage. "Based on our investigation, the questioning of eyewitnesses, on-the-spot observation and laboratory examinations, we found that the blast was purely accidental, and not sabotage," National Police spokesman Brig. Gen. K.

World No. 9 Sabatini pledges her best against RI's Yayuk

World No. 9 Sabatini pledges her best against RI's Yayuk JAKARTA (JP): Something about September is bringing the world's top athletes to Indonesia. Local sports enthusiasts, the rare encounter with basketball great Hakeem Olajuwon still fresh in their minds, now welcome Argentinean tennis idol Gabriela Sabatini. World number nine Sabatini, fresh from her U.S.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Fiscal study center set up

Fiscal study center set up JAKARTA (JP): A number of tax experts, in cooperation with independent foundation Yayasan Bina Pembangunan, yesterday set up a Center for Fiscal and Monetary Studies (CFMS) to help the government promote taxation and provide analyses for economic policy-makers. The center has made Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad an honorary member and Director General of Taxes Fuad Bewazier a member of its board of patrons.

Talking to guitarist: Lee Ritenour meets the press

Talking to guitarist: Lee Ritenour meets the press By Paul W. Blair JAKARTA (JP): Guitarist Lee Ritenour is quite capable of drawing a crowd of Jakarta reporters and photographers to a press conference at nine o'clock in the evening. He's also seemingly unruffled by off-the-wall questions touching on non-musical matters. "What kind of car do you drive?" asked one writer from a local automotive magazine.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday continued its three-day losing streak of share trading with the broader-based Composite Index declining by 5.5 points to close at 515.70 from 521.23 on Monday. Yesterday's lethargic market was marked by a decline in the blue-chip share price of PT Barito Pacific Timber by Rp 3,775. The narrow-based GTDBS-50 Index also declined, closing at 126.37 from 127.69.

SIA, regional carriers team up for HK venture

SIA, regional carriers team up for HK venture SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore Airlines (SIA) has formed a joint venture with several regional carriers to bid for an aircraft maintenance base at Hong Kong's new Chek Lap Kok Airport, officials said yesterday. SIA Engineering Co. Ltd. (SIAEC), SIA's wholly-owned repair and maintenance subsidiary, will hold a 40 percent stake in the joint venture Pan Asia Pacific Aviation Services Ltd. (PAPAS).

Forestry to adopt better accounting method

Forestry to adopt better accounting method JAKARTA (JP): The forestry industry is expected to adopt a standardized accounting method by the end of this year, says Minister of Forestry Djamaloedin Soeryohadikoesoemo. "The Ministry of Forestry will cooperate with the Association of Indonesian Accountants and some experts from universities to formulate the standardized accounting methods," Djamaloedin told reporters on Monday.

Debut of Beijing Opera in Jakarta

Debut of Beijing Opera in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Chinese theater. Was it ever seen in Jakarta? Not during the decades when everything Chinese was banned in Indonesia. Still, it would be doubtful that even during the days when Chinese theater was allowed, there would not have been performances of the kind that will be seen today through Sept. 16 at Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, i.e. performances of Beijing Opera.

Two other criminals shot to death by city police

Two other criminals shot to death by city police JAKARTA (JP): City Police Headquarters added two more names to the list of criminal suspects shot to death yesterday, bringing the total to 60 victims in the last four months. The two suspects were gunned down in separate places for different offenses in the wee hours of the morning yesterday. Jupri, 20, was shot in the back at 1:30 p.m. at the Wijaya Kesuma area in Grogol Utara, West Jakarta.

Elephants raid village again

Elephants raid village again BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The latest raid by a herd of wild elephants in the Pesisir Selatan district brought down 15,000 coconut trees, more than 9,000 banana plants and 60 hectares of ready to harvest rice fields. Fortunately, last weeks raid did not result in any casualties, the Antara news agency reported quoting district chief Rusli Rasyid as saying. The district has been a favorite target of the wild elephants during the past year. (emb)

Terminal fees

Terminal fees From Neraca I would like to bring my personal experience in Pulogadung terminal to the authority's notice. The practice of taking illegal fees at this particular terminal is rampant and it becomes livelier particularly in the early hours when the inter- city buses are arriving from West Java, Central Java, Yogyakarta and East Java. As buses enter the terminal area two or three terminal employees stop each of the buses and the bus crew hand over a few Rp 1,000 banknotes.

Family planning in East Timor

Family planning in East Timor DILI, East Timor: Some 43 percent of an estimated 106,000 fertile couples in the predominantly Roman Catholic East Timor are registered as participants of family planning. An official of the governor's office, Armen Thaher, said that the majority of the couples opted for the injectable birth control method because it is considered to be the least risky and most practical, the Antara news agency reported.

Diarrhea hospitalizes 36 and kills one on Panggang Island

Diarrhea hospitalizes 36 and kills one on Panggang Island JAKARTA (JP): An outbreak of diarrhea has killed one person and caused 36 other people to be hospitalized in Panggang -- one of the Seribu islands -- a newspaper report said. The outbreak of the disease in the area was due to the dearth of drinking water during the current prolonged dry season, Suara Pembaruan reported yesterday. The daily said the epidemic has affected area residents since early this month.

Where to go in Jakarta:

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

Two may be jailed for operating gambling den

Two may be jailed for operating gambling den JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutor Soejitno demanded yesterday that the North Jakarta District court sentence defendant Guan An and Willy Hartono to eight and five months imprisonment respectively for their alleged roles in a gambling operation. "Guan An's involvement in the illicit gambling business has been proven, therefore I urge the honorable judges to sentence him to eight months imprisonment," he said.

Investors need more information on East Timor

Investors need more information on East Timor DILI, East Timor (JP): The government and local administration need to prepare detailed information on potential businesses that can be developed by private sector companies in a bid to attract investors into East Timor, economist Frans Seda says.

Amway expands spans

Amway expands spans JAKARTA (JP): PT Amindoway Jaya, a sole direct-selling distributor of Amway products, expands its spans into eastern provinces of the country by opening its branch in Surabaya. Frank Reuneker, president of Amindoway Jaya, said here yesterday that the opening of the Surabaya branch is part of the company's efforts to increase the sale of Amway products, which include 30 household appliances.

RI's per capita income will be $1,000 by 1999

RI's per capita income will be $1,000 by 1999 JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's per capita income will reach US$1,000 a year by the end of the current Sixth Five Year Plan (Repelita VI) in 1998/99, according to the country's leading statistician. Chief of the Central Bureau of Statistics Soegito said that he is confident that if the present rate continues, Indonesia will be able to break the $1,000 mark within the next four years.

Illegal fee

Illegal fee From Kompas Last June my family went to the Central Jakarta Religious Court Office at Tanah Abang to draw up a will. In the process we came across some rather puzzling facts. To begin with, upon registration (at table 1) we were asked to pay the administration cost of Rp 2,500 without any receipt. When paying the cost of the court session we were obliged to pay an additional fee almost twice the official cost printed on the receipt, i.e.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices closed mostly lower on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday after gaining ground the last three weeks. The broad-based Composite Index yesterday closed at 521.23, 11.12 points off Friday's close of 532.25. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also weakened to end at 127.69 from 130.41 on Friday.

Beware of medical technology abuse: Defense minister

Beware of medical technology abuse: Defense minister JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security Gen. Edi Sudradjat warns Indonesia against potential abuse of medical technology as weapons for destruction. Considering the rapid advancement in genetics engineering techniques, "it's possible that people might want to develop virus which can weaken the human resources of a nation," he told a workshop on abuse of medical technology here yesterday.

Metro Mini needs reorganization

Metro Mini needs reorganization Aip Sjarifuddin, the head of Land Transportation Company (Organda) Organization says that the management of PT Metro Mini, the biggest private land transportation in Jakarta, should be reorganized. He said that the operation of Metro Mini busses should not be handled by their individual owners but should be managed by the company itself.

Resort project resumes

Resort project resumes JAKARTA (JP): The construction of the Bali Nirwana Resort (BNR) project near the Tanah Lot temple in Bali, which has been halted for eight months, will soon resume after the completion of the study on environmental impact (amdal). A spokesman for the Bakrie Group, the sponsor of the project, said yesterday that the study has been completed by the Udayana University Study Center.

Expo of export products

Expo of export products JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will hold its ninth export product exhibition at the Jakarta Fairgrounds next month to promote the country's non-oil exports, which have been declining since early this year. Chairman of the National Agency for Export Development (NAFED) Rudy Lengkong told journalists here yesterday that the six-day exhibition, called Resource Indonesia '94, will be officially opened by Vice President Try Sutrisno on Oct. 25.

Islands rift may be raised during Mahathir's visit

Islands rift may be raised during Mahathir's visit JAKARTA (JP): The lingering dispute over the ownership of the Sipadan and Ligitan islands is likely to find its way into talks between President Soeharto and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad when the latter makes an unofficial visit later this week.

Rubber prices firmer

Rubber prices firmer SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's rubber futures prices ended a shade firmer yesterday during quiet trading, in line with the slightly elevated Tokyo and Kobe markets, dealers said. "With the Japanese markets going up almost everyday, traders were reluctant to trade today and were mostly sidelined," said a dealer, adding that the Tokyo market was up about a half yen.

Tanah Merah people strike back over demolition of their home

Tanah Merah people strike back over demolition of their home JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of residents living in a 160-hectare disputed plot of land in Tanah Merah, North Jakarta, visited the National Commission of Human Rights yesterday, asking the Commission to stop the demolition of their shanties by the government agencies. "The Commission earlier had advised that the agencies respect the law. The Commission's remark, however, went unheeded," said M.

21 killed in road crash

21 killed in road crash MEDAN, North Sumatra: Twenty-one people were killed when a bus rammed into a truck which was parked on the Trans Sumatra Highway in Labuhan Batu regency on Sunday. The Berlian Baru bus was on its way from Rantau Prapat towards Pematang Siantar when its driver lost control while avoiding another bus coming in the opposite direction.

Environmental tragedy

Environmental tragedy A friend and I recently completed a trek in the Gunung Leuser National Park in Sumatra. During our stay we were greatly disturbed by the flagrant disregard for the park's boundaries shown by a few unscrupulous residents. Significant areas of the forest have been chopped down, with the wood being either burnt or left to rot. The cause of this apparent insanity is for the growing of tomato and chili plants.

Malaysian police nab 600 illegals

Malaysian police nab 600 illegals KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian police rounded up more than 600 illegal immigrants, comprising Bangladeshis, Indonesians, Burmese and Filipinos, following a swoop on a coastal town, officials said yesterday. The illegals, including 30 women, were spending their weekend in the town of Klang in central Selangor state when police zoomed in. Most of those caught were Bangladeshis.

Car taxes

Car taxes From Bisnis Indonesia According to reports, the Jakarta City legislative council has already given its approval to a draft regulation regarding a progressive system of taxes on motorized vehicles in the Jakarta area. The draft has reportedly been submitted to the Minister of Home Affairs for endorsement. So that the new regulation will be implemented fairly, I would like to make the following suggestions: 1.

Gulf to learn from Asia

Gulf to learn from Asia ABU DHABI (AFP): Gulf Arab states should copy the development experience of Japan and other Asian economic giants if they want to achieve adequate growth in non-oil sectors, a former World Bank expert says.

Huge power expansion

Huge power expansion The massive development of new power generation stations recently, as explained by Zuhal, the president of the State Electricity Company (PLN), augurs several encouraging trends. One significant advance is the doubling of PLN's generation capacity to more than 26,000 megawatts within the next five years, which will hopefully solve the severe electricity shortage which has been hindering industrial development since 1990.

Indonesia's biggest shopping mall being built in Pluit

Indonesia's biggest shopping mall being built in Pluit JAKARTA (JP): Residents of North Jakarta will soon enjoy a new mega shopping mall called Mega Mall Pluit being built at a total cost of Rp 150 billion (US$68.7 million). Sri Purwanto, a public relations officer of the company, said over the weekend that the shopping mall, designed to be the biggest of its kind in the country, is owned and being developed by PT Duta Wisata Loka.

Apartments for fire victims

Apartments for fire victims Victims of the fire which gutted hundreds of houses at Bendungan Hilir, Tanah Abang subdistrict, Central Jakarta, on Friday, have supported the municipality's plan to build apartments on the old fire site. The support was contained in a formal statement submitted by 15 neighborhood chiefs of the area and a number of the fire victims to Mayor Abdul Kahfi who previously had disclosed the plan to them. The fire left a total of 465 families homeless.

Major trading houses' joint ventures soaring

Major trading houses' joint ventures soaring TOKYO (AFP): The number of Asian joint ventures affiliated with six major Japanese trading houses is rapidly increasing, notably in China, where the figure is expected to surge 79 percent in the year to next March, according to a survey published yesterday. Six major traders -- Mitsubishi Corp., Mitsui and Co. Ltd., Marubeni Corp., Sumitomo Corp., Itochu Corp. and Nissho Iwai Corp.

Missionaries repatriated

Missionaries repatriated JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: The government's plan to repatriate foreign missionaries under the "Indonesianization" of Christian propagation is a blow to the provincial administration, governor Jacob Pattipi said Saturday. Pattipi said Irian Jaya needed foreign missionaries not only to propagate Christianity but also to help the local government develop the numerous isolated villages on the sparsely populated island.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:00 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Diletansia 3:30 TV Series: International Family Classic 4:30 Iptek 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara, the Beloved Country: East Java 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Open University 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Insight 8:05 Drama 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 11:05 Late News 11:15 Film: Barbarosa Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Radar installed at troubled airport

Radar installed at troubled airport KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): A mobile radar has been installed at Kuala Lumpur's airport to replace one knocked out by a fire but it will be another week before flight schedules return to normal, Malaysian Airlines System said yesterday. A mobile radar system, on loan from South Africa, was installed at Subang international airport on Sunday.

Ulemas facing rising temptation to join with PDI

Ulemas facing rising temptation to join with PDI JAKARTA (JP): Moslem ulemas who opposed the re-election of the United Development Party's Ismail Hasan Metareum are becoming increasingly tempted to shift their support to the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). Yesterday, the Indonesian Moslems Assembly (MMI), a mass organization affiliated with PDI, said it plans to invite top ulemas Alawy Muhammad and Abdurrahman Wahid to its congress later this month.

Bapindo bosses sacrificed banking principles: Witness

Bapindo bosses sacrificed banking principles: Witness JAKARTA (JP): The directors of Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) sacrificed banking principles in 1989 when they extended loans to Golden Key Group because they wanted to help the company beat a deadline to win a project.

Man may get 5 years for raping maid

Man may get 5 years for raping maid JAKARTA (JP): Prosecutor H.P.W. Soekewi urged the North Jakarta District Court, yesterday, to sentence Ferdinand Sitompul to five years imprisonment for allegedly raping a maid. "Your honor -- Ferdinand has, beyond any doubt, been found guilty of raping and battering a maid," said Soekewi. She added that Sitompul deserved five years imprisonment.

Quality human resources

Quality human resources During the sixth five-year development plan we must focus our attention on enhancing the quality of human resources and the quality of the life. The values of social justice must touch every aspect of life. According to President Soeharto, the nation will be faced with more complicated challenges during this phase. This is not only due to the unpredictability of global development but also the increased development of the country.

Prevent pregnancy!

Prevent pregnancy! When this letter appears in The Jakarta Post, the International Conference on Population and Development, held in Cairo may just have ended. Controversial issues linked to fertility and the status of women have been the topics of the conference. The main objectives of this conference are: to stabilize population growth and fight endemic under-development.

Tasik ready for NU parlay

Tasik ready for NU parlay BANDUNG: The host organizers of the upcoming congress of Nahdlatul Ulama, Indonesia's largest Moslem organization, says they are ready to accommodate the participants and observers to the big gathering. The Cipasung Moslem boarding school in Tasikmalaya, where the congress will be held, said it is anticipating 5,000 people, including 3,500 delegates. The congress is expected to be opened by President Soeharto, according to the Antara news agency.

Ulemas and Politics: The case of the NU `kiyai'

Ulemas and Politics: The case of the NU `kiyai' Nahdlatul Ulama politicians, disappointed by the recent congress of the United Development Party, are contemplating joining the Indonesian Democratic Party, while others are toying with the idea of setting up a new political entity. Moslem intellectual Azyumardi Azra sees this thinking as unrealistic. JAKARTA (JP): Some interesting developments have unfolded in the aftermath of the recent third congress of the United Development Party (PPP).

PSP to see more profits

PSP to see more profits JAKARTA (JP): PT Putra Surya Perkasa, a private real estate developer, estimates a 316 percent increase in this year's net profits which will be due to a growth in sales. The company's senior vice president, Jacob Kang, told reporters over the weekend that his company will likely see a net profit of Rp 80 billion (US$36.73 million) this year, more than three times last year's profits of Rp 19.23 billion. "Last year, we just focused on the business of property rental.

Water supply to some areas stopped

Water supply to some areas stopped The City Water Company, PAM Jaya, announced yesterday that its services to some areas in the city will be stopped for several hours today due to the installation of a remote control system in an electrical relay station. The stoppage will last from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Govt introduces workers export quota

Govt introduces workers export quota JAKARTA (JP): The government effective Jan. 1 will enforce a quota system on the number of persons a manpower supplier company can send as part of its scheme to phase out the sending of unskilled workers. Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief told reporters that the ministerial decree regulating the quota has already been signed and approved by President Soeharto.

House welcomes next tax bills as revenue getters

House welcomes next tax bills as revenue getters JAKARTA (JP): The House of Representatives (DPR) yesterday welcomed the tax bills which will improve law enforcement among taxpayers and streamline the tax collection system. The four political factions of the House said in their general views on the bills, in a plenary session that will amend the tax laws introduced in 1984, that law enforcement is a key factor in increasing the government's tax receipts.

NGOs demand release of Moslem sect leader and family

NGOs demand release of Moslem sect leader and family KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian human rights groups yesterday demanded the immediate release of a Moslem sect leader and his wife, who were keeping their six-month-old baby with them while under state detention. "We are deeply concerned for Mubaraka, the baby daughter of Ashaari Muhammad and Khadija Aam, who is now being detained with her parents," R. Sivarasa, a spokesman for six non-governmental organizations (NGOs), told reporters.

Islanders told to shop by mail

Islanders told to shop by mail PEKANBARU, Riau: The state post office company `Perum Pos dan Giro' is introducing a "shop by mail" service to facilitate the people in this province. Syahril Lubis, head of the company's local branch, said shopping by mail can offer goods at competitive prices with the added bonus that the goods will be delivered to their doorsteps. The company has produced a brochure that it is distributing to homes in the province, he said. (emb)

3,000 dogs vaccinated

3,000 dogs vaccinated SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: The provincial government embarked on a two-week anti-rabies campaign Saturday, providing vaccinations for 3,000 pet dogs. Deputy governor Said Abdurrachman said the campaign aimed at making East Kalimantan rabies-free. Rabies, commonly transmitted by infected dogs, remains a "dreadful problem" in the province. The latest report of rabies was reported when a man suffering the disease was admitted to the hospital in 1991.

RI forest concessions restructured

RI forest concessions restructured JAKARTA (JP): A ministerial decree will force the merger of 195 forest concessions into a smaller number in the coming five years under a new management system aimed at assuring the sustainability of Indonesian forests.

Execution of Kupang convicts imminent

Execution of Kupang convicts imminent JAKARTA (JP): Three men sentenced to death for murdering an entire family in 1989 will be executed soon. They were allowed to meet with their close relatives for the last time last weekend at a penitentiary in Kupang, East Nusa Tenggara. "The three men are still here. We're just waiting for the word from the Attorney General's Office in Jakarta," a staff member at the Penfui penitentiary, who requested anonymity, told The Jakarta Post by phone yesterday.

Sindunegara will become doctor

Sindunegara will become doctor Karyana Sindunegara, 62, a senior lecturer from the Diponegoro University in Semarang, Central Java, will be inducted on Wednesday as doctor on literature at an inauguration ceremony at the School of Literature of the University of Indonesia (UI) in Depok. At his induction, Soedradjat is scheduled to present a scientific paper entitled Pengaruh Matra Sansekerta di Indonesia (the Influence of Sanskrit Words in Indonesian Language) .

RI introduces human resource development draft

RI introduces human resource development draft By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat YOGYAKARTA (JP): Indonesia introduced yesterday a draft declaration on human resource development for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC), which will be proposed to the forum's ministerial meeting in Jakarta in November.

Repeat offender fatally shot for resisting arrest

Repeat offender fatally shot for resisting arrest JAKARTA (JP): A much-sought after recidivist, who had been in jail eight times since 1982, was shot to death by city police in the wee hours yesterday. City Police spokesman Lt. Col. A. Latief Rabar said that Sugeng, 31, was gunned down when he tried to escape during a raid in Karet Tengsin, Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta. "After firing two warning shots, the officers in charge had no other choice but to shoot his leg and back," Latief said.