Indonesian Political, Business & Finance News

Search Archive

Search Tips

You can use boolean operators in your search:

  • pugilist AND basketball - Both words must appear
  • jakarta OR surabaya - Either word can appear
  • jakarta NOT politics - Must have jakarta but not politics
  • +jakarta -politics - Must have jakarta, must not have politics
  • "exact phrase" - Search for exact phrase
  • basket* - Wildcard (matches basketball, basket, etc.)

Found 350,632 articles

Independence speech

Independence speech In his speech at the House of Representatives (DPR) to mark Independence Day, President Soeharto explicitly placed Indonesia in the global context. Some nations have been successful in raising the prosperity and the prestige of their people. Some are limping their way forward, still others fail. In fact, the key to success is the prevalence of the spirit of nationalism, unity and a sense of togetherness.

No Paper

No Paper In observance of Prophet Muhammad's birthday The Jakarta Post will not appear tomorrow. The Post will resume publication on Monday. -- Publisher

Jakarta's PPP chapter gives its support to Ismail Hasan

Jakarta's PPP chapter gives its support to Ismail Hasan JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta chapter of the United Development Party (PPP) yesterday announced its support for the candidacy of the party's incumbent chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum, for the upcoming election that will take place in Jakarta this month. Chairman of the chapter, H.M Djufrie Asmoredjo, said Jakarta and its five branches had agreed to throw their support behind Ismail Hasan's reelection at a PPP congress.

Kalijodoh brothels closed

Kalijodoh brothels closed The West Jakarta administration have closed 29 brothels at the Kalijodoh, unauthorized redlight district as part of the city administration sponsored campaign against prostitution. Karsidin, the head of the mayoralty public order office, said that the closure of the brothels was a follow-up of agreement between him and pimps, who promised to shut down those brothels before Aug. 17.

Ten pro-democracy students to be released

Ten pro-democracy students to be released JAKARTA (JP): Ten students jailed on charges of insulting President Soeharto will soon be released by order of the Supreme Court, their lawyers said yesterday. Student sources said their colleagues, nine in the Salemba penitentiary and one in Pondok Bambu womens penitentiary, would be freed this morning.

Convicts pass school exams

Convicts pass school exams MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: Twenty-nine inmates of the Mataram Correctional Institution recently passed their examinations to obtain the equivalent of a primary school diploma. "These convicts were illiterate when they came here," I Wayan Puspa of the local justice office was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Confusing signals

Confusing signals Set against the spirit of deregulation which has long been the hallmark of the Indonesian government, the recent official comments on the protection of petrochemical plants are ringing out confusing signals. Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardoyo has guaranteed tariff protection for the US$ 1.6 billion olefins industry of PT Chandra Asri.

Near-miss reported at KL airport

Near-miss reported at KL airport KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): An airline pilot suddenly aborted landing his Boeing 737 to avoid crashing into another passenger jet at Kuala Lumpur's international airport on Tuesday, aviation officials said yesterday. The near-miss, reported by the pilot, was due to a damaged multimillion dollar radar system, the officials said. Flights have been delayed since Sunday after fire damaged the 16.5 million ringgit (US$6.45 million) system at the airport on Saturday night.

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.

Aussie court upholds Timor Gap treaty

Aussie court upholds Timor Gap treaty CANBERRA (AFP): Australia's High Court yesterday endorsed the government's right to sign a treaty with Indonesia to exploit the rich undersea oil fields between the two countries. In a unanimous decision, the full bench of the High Court rejected submissions that Australia had no constitutional right to take part in the 1989 Timor Gap Treaty.

Angkot transport in Bandung

Angkot transport in Bandung From Pikiran Rakyat On the morning of Aug. 8, my 18-year daughter rode the popular Angkot public transport car from Karapitan to Merdeka road in Bandung. When she got out of the car, she had barely touched the ground when the Angkot sped away -- leaving her unconscious at the side of the road with wounds on her feet. Paying the Angkot is a dilemma in itself.

PSN may enter RP

PSN may enter RP MANILA (AFP): A subsidiary of Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT) is eying an alliance with Indonesian, Singaporean and U.S. firms for a US$900 million satellite-based mobile telephone system in Asia, an official said yesterday. Ramon Cojuangco, president of the cellular phone firm Pilipino Telephone Corp. (Piltel), said "negotiations are still going on" and that details of the partnership still had to be finalized.

Alatas denies inviting Taiwan's president to APEC

Alatas denies inviting Taiwan's president to APEC JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas yesterday denied reports that Indonesia has invited Taiwanese President Lee Teng-hui to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting scheduled for November. "(The reports) are not at all based on facts," Alatas said in a statement here yesterday. He further added that Indonesia has not yet delivered any invitations to the meeting due to be held on Nov.

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.

AT&T awarded contracts

AT&T awarded contracts JAKARTA (JP): PT Telkom, the state-owned domestic telecommunication company, has awarded four contracts worth more than US$100 million to AT&T of the United States for the supply and installation of digital switching and transmission equipment, fiber optic cables and operational systems throughout Indonesia.

12 top crossers in Bandung race

12 top crossers in Bandung race JAKARTA (JP): The international motorcross championship series will resume on Aug. 27-28 in Bandung, West Java, where 12 world- beaters are pitted against local riders. Big names from Australia, Japan, New Zealand and several European countries have confirmed their entry at the Lucky Strike-sponsored race, the third leg of the series, at Gardenville Mountain Park View circuit in Lembang, 15 kilometers west to West Java capital.

Aussie, RI ministers to meet on economy

Aussie, RI ministers to meet on economy JAKARTA (JP): Four Indonesian and five Australian ministers will meet in Canberra next week to advance the bilateral economic agenda for the next two years, a spokesman for the Australian Ministry for Foreign Affairs said yesterday. The spokesman said in a statement made available here that the Indonesian delegation, who will attend the second Australia- Indonesia Ministerial Forum at the Hyatt Hotel on Aug.

Unqualified opinion for Pertamina from BPKP

Unqualified opinion for Pertamina from BPKP JAKARTA (JP): The Government Audit Agency (BPKP) yesterday awarded an 'unqualified' opinion on the 1992-93 financial statement of the state oil company Pertamina, making it the fifth such opinion in the last five years.

EasyCall

EasyCall In response to Mr. Ahmad Sidik's comments regarding his service from PT. Telematrixindo (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 10, 1994) we wish to comment as follows: First, we apologize to Mr. Sidik for any inconvenience which may have been caused. Further, we would point out that since its launch in October 1993 EasyCall has experienced rapid growth in its subscriber base due to its innovative and unique products and its continually expanding service throughout Indonesia.

Young Designers Contest 1994: In search of distinction

Young Designers Contest 1994: In search of distinction By Dini Djalal JAKARTA (JP): Fashion designers from Europe and North America are looking to "the Orient" for inspiration. In his spring and summer collections, Jean Paul-Gaultier dressed his models in nose-rings and bright saris as an homage to Indian and Masai culture. Vietnamese-style collarless jackets in earth colors or indigo, fastened by ornate silk buttons, are now a wardrobe staple.

Expo by 49 artists marks Independence anniversary

Expo by 49 artists marks Independence anniversary JAKARTA (JP): Highlighting the 49th anniversary of Indonesia's independence, Edwin's Gallery holds a ten-day exhibition to last until Sunday evening, presenting realistic, surrealistic, expressionistic and abstract works of 49 local painters. The exhibition, called Gema Empat Sembilan, which literally means "The Echo of Forty Nine", is designed to reflect the development of Indonesian painting since independence.

Organda insists on raising fares for public transit

Organda insists on raising fares for public transit JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Chapter of Public Transport Owners' Organization (Organda DKI) has insisted on its proposal for an increase in the fares of public transit vehicles despite the government's strong objection towards the proposal. "We will keep demanding for an increase," Aip Sjarifuddin, the Organda DKI's chairman, told The Jakarta Post yesterday after a hearing with the City Council's Commission D on development.

Fire destroys Lampung forest

Fire destroys Lampung forest BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Fire razed some 2,000 hectares of forest in the Mesuji district in North Lampung this week. A.S.M. Panjaitan, the Lampung Forestry Chief, said the fire has caused financial losses exceeding Rp 4 billion ($1.9 million). Some 200 forest rangers have been sent to the area to contain the fire, Panjaitan said. He said that the authorities had thought that the fire had been extinguished on Monday.

Returning workers told to be discreet with cash

Returning workers told to be discreet with cash JAKARTA (JP): City councilors are encouraging Indonesians returning from work assignments abroad to travel cash-light to better escape extortionists lurking around the Soekarno-Hatta airport.

Government may impose tax on CPO exports

Government may impose tax on CPO exports JAKARTA (JP): The government is mulling over the imposition of a progressive tax on exports of crude palm oil (CPO) to guarantee an adequate supply of the commodity on the domestic market. Ibrahim Hasan, the chairman of the National Logistics Agency (Bulog), the government-run semi-buffer stock agency, said here this week that the tax is now under consideration, with steps being taken to prepare for possible implementation.

Chinese in school curriculum

Chinese in school curriculum From Media Indonesia The recent government decision to allow tourist brochures with Chinese characters is too superficial. Looking at regional realities the government should also include Japanese characters in its decision judging from the economic potential of these two nations. I suggest the inclusion of the two languages in senior high school curriculum as an option on top of the compulsory English.

Senior journalist dies

Senior journalist dies JAKARTA: Djohan Akbar, a senior journalist for a number of press publications, died on Tuesday of pneumonia. Djohan was 74 years of age. He is survived by his wife, eight children and seven grandchildren. He was buried yesterday in Pasar Minggu. Djohan worked many years for the Antara news agency, at one time serving as its correspondent in Tokyo. He was also a correspondent for Times of London and a Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad.

Agreement on tiger breeding signed

Agreement on tiger breeding signed BOGOR (JP): The management of Taman Safari Indonesia, the company managing the Safari zoological park in Cisarua, Bogor, and PT Crown Pacific Jaya signed a memorandum of understanding for funding on Tuesday. The memo stipulates that the private sector firm, PT Crown Pacific Jaya, will donate US$ 45,000 to the zoological park to finance Sumatran tiger captive breeding programs.

Superbike riders arrive here

Superbike riders arrive here JAKARTA (JP): All but one of the overseas participants arrived here yesterday for Sunday's international superbike race at Sentul circuit in West Java. American world champion Scott Russell delayed his arrival until today while his closest rivals Carl Fogerty of England and Aaron Slight of New Zealand entered the race a day earlier than scheduled yesterday. At least 30 riders will be on hand for the event, the sixth stop of the world superbike championship series.

No permits for unscrupulous developers, Surjadi warns

No permits for unscrupulous developers, Surjadi warns JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has said that the city administration will not give new permits to property developers who refuse to construct social and public facilities. "Please don't expect us to grant permits for other projects before you have acknowledged your responsibility and have built social and public facilities," he said.

KL's TA stockbrokers expand into RI

KL's TA stockbrokers expand into RI KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian-based TA Securities yesterday said it was buying an 85 percent stake in an Indonesian stockbroking firm, Swadana Cipta Efekindo (SCE), to become the third brokerage to expand into Indonesia in the last three months. TA Securities, through its listed parent company, TA Enterprise Bhd., will pay Rp 442 million or about 574,000 ringgit (US$229,600), to vendors PT Pradja Farma Hoslab and Tjipto Pusposuharto for the stake in SCE.

Garuda still using baggage firm despite press barrage

Garuda still using baggage firm despite press barrage JAKARTA (JP): Garuda Airlines is unlikely to terminate its contract with the company entrusted with baggage handling at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport despite allegations employees have been rifling passenger's bags. The company, PT Jakadara, is the sole firm entrusted with moving baggage from planes' storage sections to the luggage retrieval belts at the airport.

Census of street traders planned

Census of street traders planned The city administration will soon hold a census of street traders in order to get accurate data on the number of people doing business in this informal sector.

Jakarta receives award for achievement in development

Jakarta receives award for achievement in development JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta has been named a recipient of the long awaited Parasamya Purnakarya Nugraha, a meritorious award given to provinces for the most outstanding achievement in development over the past five years. Jakarta has competed for the award along with Indonesia's 26 other provinces for 20 years.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The price surge continued on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) on Tuesday, with most shares booking significant gains in active trading. The broad-based Composite Index rose by 5.5 points to close at 483.59 on Tuesday, as compared to 478.03 on the previous day. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also recorded another increase to close at 116.06, as compared to 114.31. The exchange was closed yesterday, the 49th anniversary of the country's Independence Day.

SBSI chief formally charged with inciting Medan riots

SBSI chief formally charged with inciting Medan riots JAKARTA (JP): Muchtar Pakpahan, the chairman of the outlawed Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI), has been formally charged with inciting the riots in Medan last April. National Police Chief Spokesman Brig. Gen. IK Ratta said on Tuesday that Muchtar, who is in the custody of the Medan Police in North Sumatra, was formally informed of the charge on Monday.

Chrisye to perform at JHCC tomorrow

Chrisye to perform at JHCC tomorrow Melancholic singer Chrisye will perform a solo show at the Plenary Hall of the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center tomorrow. Sammy W., the marketing supervisor for the concert, said Tuesday it will be jointly sponsored by the private television broadcaster RCTI and the Bass Production House. The show is being held to mark the fifth anniversary of the television company. Tickets for the concert range from Rp 20,000 (US$ 9.2) to Rp 75,000 per person. (arf)

Soeharto warns of danger of anarchy

Soeharto warns of danger of anarchy JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto says Indonesia must move cautiously towards democracy given the nation's huge diversity and brief experience at nation building. "What we really need is a responsible openness," Soeharto said in his State of the Nation address on Tuesday. "Our nation is so diverse. The history of our development is still young.

Japanese firms win RI jobs

Japanese firms win RI jobs TOKYO (AFP): Three major Japanese trading firms have each won orders from the Indonesian government to build thermal power plants in Java by 1997 worth a total 180 billion yen (US$1.8 billion), company spokesmen said yesterday. Marubeni Corp. will build a 80 billion yen power station with a capacity of 1,100 megawatts in Muara Tawar, West Java, jointly with Asea Brown Boveri AG, a Swiss-Swedish venture and the largest heavy electrical machinery maker in Europe.

W. Jakarta plans laser disc inventory

W. Jakarta plans laser disc inventory The West Jakarta Office of the Ministry of Information will hold a mayoralty-wide inventory at shops selling and renting laser discs. Muhayat, the head of the West Jakarta information office, said yesterday the inventory is aimed at preventing the distribution of uncensored films. Muhayat said the 1992 information law stipulates that any film produced on laser discs is subject to censorship before it can be shown, rented or sold.

Merbabu forests razed by fire

Merbabu forests razed by fire SALATIGA, Central Java: Several hectares of forest on Mount Merbabu in Ampel and Getasan districts have been destroyed by fire. The authorities are still investigating the cause of the fire. Forest rangers and locals worked hand in hand to put the fire out by cutting down trees. Strong winds, however, caused the fire to spread. The fire was extinguished completely after a three-hour struggle.

KL to auction sunken treasure

KL to auction sunken treasure KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia will auction in Amsterdam $20 million worth of treasure recovered from a British ship that sank in the Straits of Malacca in 1817, the Star newspaper said yesterday. The Star quoted sources as saying porcelain and artifacts from the merchant vessel Diana have already been shipped to Amsterdam. The decision to hold an auction in Amsterdam was made last week by a Finance Ministry committee.

Free buses attract people

Free buses attract people SURABAYA, East Java: Hundreds of people enjoyed free bus rides on Wednesday during the celebration of Indonesia's 49th Independence Day. Bus companies allowed passengers to travel free to mark the holiday. Antara reported that despite the boom of passengers, the buses plied their routes in good order. Most of the customers were students who were attending school ceremonies. Some 80,000 passengers reportedly showed up at the Surabaya bus terminal. (par)

CONDOLENCES

CONDOLENCES The management and staff of The Jakarta Post express their deepest condolences on the death of Mr. Djohan Akbar, former member of the editorial staff of the newspaper, in Jakarta on Aug. 16, 1994.

KL bans gays on TV programs

KL bans gays on TV programs KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has banned homosexuals and transvestites from appearing on the country's state-run television network, Radio Televisyen Malaysia (RTM), a top official said yesterday. "Any artiste who is proven to be a gay will come under the ban. We do not want to encourage any form of homosexuality in our society," Information Minister Mohamed Rahmat, was yesterday quoted as saying by local newspapers.

More low-cost apartments needed

More low-cost apartments needed JAKARTA (JP): A deputy governor wants PD Pembangunan Sarana Jaya, a city-owned construction company, to build more low-cost apartments to meet the escalating demand for housing among the low-income bracket. "The company should not only anticipate big opportunities in the property business but should build more low-cost apartments instead," said Tb. M. Rais, the deputy governor for economic and development affairs.

Proton to enter Europe

Proton to enter Europe KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian national car maker, Proton, said yesterday it was appointing distributors in France, Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands in a bid to penetrate the European market. Britain is the sole Proton flag bearer in Europe at present, making up 85 percent of the car's overseas market share. Jamil Jan, the chairman of Proton -- or Perusahaan Otomobil Nasional Bhd.

Mahathir to discuss yen with Murayama

Mahathir to discuss yen with Murayama KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said he would raise Malaysia's trade and investment problems with Japan during talks with his Japanese counterpart Tomiichi Murayama, scheduled to arrive here next week. "There are quite a lot of issues (to be raised)," Mahathir said Tuesday, adding that the soaring yen was hampering efforts to tackle Malaysia's trade imbalance with Japan.

Councilors want city parks to be rebuilt soon

Councilors want city parks to be rebuilt soon JAKARTA (JP): The City Council is urging the City Park Office to speed up the implementation of programs concerning areas formerly designated for green areas but which were used for the development of gas stations and other projects instead. The program calls for converting the areas into parks.

Police foil gambling

Police foil gambling PONTIANAK, West Kalimantan: Police have arrested four men suspected of organizing gambling activities at a three-star hotel. One of the detainees is a Malaysian citizen, according to Antara. Spokesman for the provincial police said the suspects were arrested on Monday along with a large amount of Indonesian and Malaysian currency. He said the cardsharks used small denomination bills when gambling in order to avoid detection.

Success and challenges

Success and challenges President Soeharto's annual State of the Nation Address to mark Independence Day, besides serving as contemplation of our statehood experience over the last year, also gives an accounting of the overall development in the 1993-1994 fiscal year that ended last March.

RI foreign policy enters a new phase

RI foreign policy enters a new phase JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas said yesterday that the start of the Second Long Term Development Plan (PJPT II) marks a new era in the country's foreign policy.

Incentives planned for bank mergers

Incentives planned for bank mergers JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad announced Tuesday that the government will offer incentives to encourage small banks to merge among themselves or with larger ones. "The Ministry of Finance and Bank Indonesia (the central bank) are preparing the incentives," he told reporters after attending a plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR).

1,422 criminals regain their freedom this year

1,422 criminals regain their freedom this year JAKARTA (JP): The 49th anniversary of Indonesia's Independence Day yesterday saw 1,422 convicts walk to freedom. While for 15,379 others, the day brought them one step closer to a return to society. President Soeharto, as has been his tradition on Independence Day, granted remissions ranging from between one to six months to convicts who behaved themselves for the past year.

Indonesia's Yayuk moves to Canadian Open third round

Indonesia's Yayuk moves to Canadian Open third round MONTREAL (Agencies): Indonesia's Yayuk Basuki continued her successful preparation for the U.S. Open by beating 10th seed Magdalena Maleeva of Bulgaria 6-4, 2-6, 6-3 to reach the third round of the US$750,000 Canadian Open here on Tuesday.

Independence Day reflection

Independence Day reflection Every time we observe our Independence Day we have to thank God for we have succeeded in improving our economy so that the level of the people's prosperity is raised, the number of people living below the poverty line has decreased and infra-structures have been built which enables us to embark on to the next development.

Refugees to leave Galang Island by 1995: Official

Refugees to leave Galang Island by 1995: Official JAKARTA (JP): A Ministry of Foreign Affairs official says he is confident that Galang Island in the Riau archipelago will be free from Vietnamese and Cambodian boat people by 1995. Director of Security F. Rumayar said on Tuesday that the plan is proceeding smoothly with the repatriation process now moving ahead without serious obstacles. "The plan to vacate the island is going on and the number of boat people is dropping sharply," he said.

Small change withheld

Small change withheld From Merdeka Not giving small change has become a habitual practice among some cashiers of the state electricity company, PLN, especially the cashiers at the company's office in Depok. When they don't return larger amounts of money it becomes a problem. For example, a client gives Rp 9,000 to the cashier to pay the electricity bill of Rp 8,915 but the cashier does not return the remaining Rp 85. Isn't that a lot?

Investing on convicts pays

Investing on convicts pays JAKARTA (JP): People with money to spare might want to consider an offer from Central Java Governor Soewardi -- invest in a business run within the confines of prison facilities. Soewardi made the proposal after inspecting the quality of some of the handicrafts made by inmates of the Kedungpane Correctional Institution in Semarang.

Typhoon `Fred' threatens RP

Typhoon `Fred' threatens RP MANILA (AFP): Typhoon Fred, packing maximum winds of 120 kilometers (74 miles) an hour, was bearing down on the extreme northern Philippines yesterday, the weather bureau here said. Fred was moving west at 19 kilometers (12 miles) an hour and was plotted at about 1,340 kilometers (830 miles) east of the northern town of Aparri at 10:00 a.m. (0200 GMT) but it was not expected to affect the country over the next 24 hours, the bureau said.

Chinese cautious of Brazil's challenge

Chinese cautious of Brazil's challenge JAKARTA (JP): Chinese spikers rated Brazil their toughest competition in the first leg of the world women's volleyball grand prix championship which starts here tomorrow. With 11 world-class players in tow, the Chinese team arrived here on Tuesday for the four-team competition as the red-hot favorite.

Village funds misappropriated

Village funds misappropriated SEMARANG, Central Java: A local councilor said that the funds under a presidential aid program earmarked for poor villages have been misappropriated by officials. Deputy chief of Commission A at the Central Java legislative council Djihad Mahya said strong indications are that many officials had embezzled the money for their personal use. Djihad said that the central government doesn't supervise the use of such funds. (har)

Great tasks face the nation in the next 25 years

Great tasks face the nation in the next 25 years Following are excerpts from the provisional translation of President Soeharto's State Address delivered at the plenary session of the House of Representatives (DPR) on Aug. 16 on the occasion of Indonesia's 49th Independence Day on Aug. 17. JAKARTA: As a nation, half a century can no longer be regarded as young. But if we look around to the vast corners of the world, we see many nations are much older than ours.

National stability under threat: Wahono

National stability under threat: Wahono JAKARTA (JP): House Speaker Wahono warns that poor human resources, low productivity, unemployment and foreign interference may threaten the stability that Indonesia yearns to develop. Wahono said if not properly addressed, the problems would disrupt the government's efforts to equalize distribution of the development cake, maintain growth and promote stability.

Joop promises open tender for 2 million telephone lines

Joop promises open tender for 2 million telephone lines JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave vows that the tender for the installation of two million telephone lines in the coming five years will be open and transparent.

DPR wants govt to consult before imposing protection

DPR wants govt to consult before imposing protection JAKARTA (JP): Members of the House of Representatives (DPR) have urged the government to consult the legislative body before imposing any tariff protection policy for industrial ventures to avoid irregularities or collusion with businesses.

President Soeharto remarks on openness triggers debate

President Soeharto remarks on openness triggers debate JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto's reiteration on Tuesday of the need to maintain political stability sparked debate on whether the government intends to close the gates of political openness. Politicians, academics and lawyers expressed differing interpretations on the meaning of the statements in Soeharto's annual state-of-the-nation speech marking yesterday's 49th Independence Day.

DPR, economist urge review of policy on greater equity

DPR, economist urge review of policy on greater equity JAKARTA (JP): A noted economist and members of the House of Representatives (DPR) are urging the government to review its policy on redistribution of income and development of small businesses so that greater social and economic equity can be achieved. The remarks came in the wake of President Soeharto's State of the Nation speech at the DPR, on Tuesday, the eve of the country's 49th Independence Day.

Success in business

Success in business I believe if we are to succeed in life we must be endowed with a good measure of "good luck". Many rich and successful Indonesian business people, who are affluent even according to international standards, do not possess the two basic requirements for business, namely substantial working capital and thorough knowledge of their line of business.

New Italian diner at Mandarin

New Italian diner at Mandarin Pasta and pizzas are being served around the clock at the new Zigolini Italian Restaurant and Bar which replaces the Club Room at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Central Jakarta. The hotel's general manager, Duncan Palmer, said on Tuesday that patrons may miss the 15-year-old Club Room which was renovated to make way for the new restaurant, but expressed confidence that the public will find the new, informal atmosphere of Zigolini appealing.

Malaysia gropes soccer bribery

Malaysia gropes soccer bribery KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's police and anti-corruption agency will screen all local teams participating in the national premier league amid widespread allegations of match-fixing, officials said yesterday.

Free IDs for elderly people

Free IDs for elderly people South Jakarta Mayor H. Pardjoko handed out free citizenship documents to 50 elderly people in connection with Independence Day celebrations. The 50 elderly people, who live in Kebayoran Baru, received the IDs at a ceremony in the auditorium of the mayor's office on Tuesday. The head of the Mayoralty Population Office, Firdauz Asman, said that the elderly people were chosen from 10 subdistricts in Kebayoran Baru district.

KL lifts ban on currency swaps for foreigners

KL lifts ban on currency swaps for foreigners KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's central bank has announced an end to a six-month old ban on swap deals by banks with non- residents in another move to woo back foreign funds and prop up the local fledgling capital market. "Commercial banks in Malaysia are now allowed to undertake non-trade related swaps, including overnight swaps and outright forward transactions on the bid-side with foreigners," a brief central Bank Negara statement said Tuesday.

Police bust drug traffickers

Police bust drug traffickers PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Local police have foiled attempts by five different people to distribute marijuana in the area, seizing 40 kilograms of marijuana in all. Spokesman for the Southern Sumatra Police, Capt. Karno, told Antara that one suspect was apprehended on Aug. 1 on the Trans- Sumatra highway. The man who boarded the bus from Aceh was carrying 11 kilograms of marijuana. Another suspect was arrested the following day with 10 kilograms of marijuana.

Artists International back to aid Red Cross

Artists International back to aid Red Cross By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): They were back again, the Artists International, a group of opera singers that undertakes tours every year to Asian countries under the auspice of the Sime Darby Group, the main sponsor behind the 4-year old event. Other sponsors of Le Grand Opera this year were Malaysian Airline System and of course Sahid Jaya Hotel and Tower which by now can be referred to as the home of opera music in Jakarta.

Operation of night transportation okayed

Operation of night transportation okayed JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has given the green light to a municipal agency's plan to operate public transportation vehicles at night to support the city's service and trade sectors. The head of the City Traffic and Land Transportation Control Agency (DLLAJ), J.P. Sepang, announced Tuesday that the governor agreed with the agency's plan to operate night-time transit services.

1,500 shanties face demolition

1,500 shanties face demolition The West Jakarta mayoralty administration is threatening to demolish 1,500 shanties built without permits along the Cisadane riverbank. The head of the mayoralty Security and Public Order Office, H. Karsidin, said that he had given the owners until the end of October to tear down the shanties or face demolition.

Madura bridge needs approval

Madura bridge needs approval SEMARANG, Central Java: State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie said the construction of a 20-kilometer bridge between Java and Madura island would only proceed with the approval of the local people. "If the people support the project, the bridge will be constructed. On the other hand, the project will not go ahead if the people are against it," he told Moslem scholars and ulemas during a meeting at Diponegoro University.

Torn inner tube spread news of Indonesia's independence

Torn inner tube spread news of Indonesia's independence By Ati Nurbaiti JAKARTA (JP): A torn inner tube filled with handfuls of grass helped witnesses of the proclamation of independence spread the word as far as they could go - Central Java and back - with the only available car around. "Only few people owned bicycles, and only Sukarno and a few other Indonesians owned cars," recalled Surastri Karma Trimurti, now 82, who was then a 33-year-old reporter for the Djawa Shinbun Kai. Before the Aug.

China spikers to arrive today

China spikers to arrive today JAKARTA (JP): The Chinese women's volleyball team is scheduled to arrive at the Soekarno-Hatta airport today to take part in the US$1.5 million Ultra Jaya Cup World Volleyball Grand Prix at the Senayan sports complex on Aug. 19-21. Most of the Chinese players to enter the field in Senayan are those who donned their national colors at the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona in which they came seventh.

Takdir's widow dead at 70

Takdir's widow dead at 70 JAKARTA (JP): Margret Axer, 70, the widow of Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana, died of stroke and heart failure complications yesterday, just one month after her husband's death. The German-born Margret, who was Sutan's third wife, died after undergoing treatment at the Harapan Kita hospital in West Jakarta for the past week. She had a stroke last November.

Agriculture census has no link to taxes

Agriculture census has no link to taxes JAKARTA (JP): The municipal Statistics Bureau is busy assuring the public that the data gathered during the upcoming agriculture census will not be linked to property taxes. The head of the bureau, Poniman Suhartono, said yesterday the census, to be held in October, will focus strictly on agricultural companies and other related issues, not taxes.

Moslem groups are united on Arqam ban

Moslem groups are united on Arqam ban JAKARTA (JP): All the major Moslem organizations in Indonesia are united in their wish to see the Malaysia-based Al Arqam movement banned from the country, Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher announced yesterday. "They all agreed to the ban. The Moslem community need not get confused over this matter," Tarmizi said following the presentation of meritorious service awards at the State Palace yesterday.

Vietnam, China start their border talks

Vietnam, China start their border talks HANOI (Reuter): Vietnamese and Chinese ministers held talks yesterday on border issues and problems in the South China Sea, where the two communist neighbors dispute territorial waters and oil-drilling rights. "To sit together and talk is better than to dispute," Vietnam's delegation leader, deputy foreign minister Vu Khoan, told reporters in the Vietnamese capital before starting the talks, scheduled to last four days.

Police protect deadly Metromini driver

Police protect deadly Metromini driver JAKARTA (JP): Police kept secret the whereabouts of Ramses Silitonga, driver of the minibus which careened into the Sunter river with 33 passengers, to prevent any reprisals from victims' families or that of Ramses' family members.

Bourne gives Subaru win at Malaysia rally

Bourne gives Subaru win at Malaysia rally KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): New Zealand's Possum Bourne took the Petronas Rally of Malaysia as his Subaru World Rally team prevailed in the third leg of the Asia Pacific championship series yesterday. Riding his Subaru Impreza, Bourne completed the 420-kilometer race with 34 special stages in a total time of four hours, 54 minutes and 12 seconds, with teammate Richard Burns finishing just 16 seconds behind.

Govt awards 24 contracts for mining projects

Govt awards 24 contracts for mining projects JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday awarded five working contracts for general mining to foreign joint ventures and 19 cooperation agreements on coal mining for domestic companies. The working contracts were signed here by Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana and executives of the joint ventures.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) continued their rally yesterday although some blue-chippers, such as Indocement Tungga Prakarsa and Indah Kiat Pulp & Paper, recorded sharp price drops. The broad-based Composite Index rose more than three points to close at 478.03 yesterday from 474.99 on Friday. The narrow-based GTDBS-50 Index also rose to 114.31 from 112.01.

Angry Pamulang residents burn crane

Angry Pamulang residents burn crane West Pamulang, Tangerang, residents set a crane owned by a housing developer on fire after a truck driver hit and killed a three-year-old boy on Saturday. "The people were apparently angry as they couldn't catch the truck driver and then burned the crane instead," a police officer said. Some area residents said the crane caught fire due to a short circuit, but Tres, an employee of the company constructing the housing project, said this was not likely.

Indonesians are proud of their nationality: Poll

Indonesians are proud of their nationality: Poll JAKARTA (JP): The majority of Indonesians are proud of their nationality, but think that the onslaught of Western information through mass media may erode their nationalism, a new poll says. Involving 1,000 people from three major cities, the poll by the Center for the Study of Development and Democracy (CESDA) revealed yesterday that a whopping 96 percent of its respondents said they are proud of being Indonesians.

Turtles abused at sanctuary

Turtles abused at sanctuary KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Workers entrusted with protecting rare giant leatherback turtles at a Malaysian government-run sanctuary have been abusing the creatures and eating their eggs, a local newspaper reported yesterday. Guards at the sanctuary in the northeastern Trengganu state were seen eating turtle eggs in front of tourists, defying a ban on the sale and consumption of such eggs, The Star said.

Fifteen-year-old student nabbed for killing taxi driver

Fifteen-year-old student nabbed for killing taxi driver JAKARTA (JP): After a year long search, police announced yesterday that they have captured a junior high school student who allegedly stole an Express taxi in East Jakarta and then killed the driver. The suspect, identified as Henri Roice Butar-Butar, 15, a second grader at the Slamet Riyadi junior high school, in Cijantung district, East Jakarta, was arrested on Aug. 2, in his parents' house in Cimanggis district, also in East Jakarta.

Yogie denies endorsing rival PDI regional head

Yogie denies endorsing rival PDI regional head JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. denied yesterday's press reports which suggested that the government has endorsed a rebel party member to lead the East Java chapter of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI). Yogie said the government put it to the PDI's central board of executives to resolve the conflict surrounding the election of the new party chapter.

Freeport sells equity to subsidiaries

Freeport sells equity to subsidiaries JAKARTA (JP): PT Freeport Indonesia, a U.S.-Indonesian copper mining venture, has sold its equity in a four-star hotel and several multi-family residential properties in Irian Jaya to its subsidiaries, the company said here yesterday.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 9:30 a.m. Speech by President Soeharto (live) 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Diletansia 3:30 TV Series: International Family Classic 4:30 Science Program: Blue Planet 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country: East Nusa Tenggara 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings: Belief in God the Almighty 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Speech by President Soeharto (rerun) 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Kereta Api Terachir...

Integrity a national asset

Integrity a national asset The issues facing PDI (Indonesian Democratic Party) that are related to a series of regional conferences have caught our attention. Any friction prevailing in the body of the party will have a negative impact to the political development or could even disturb the national stability. It is our sincere hope that PDI will be able to consolidate so that it can serve the nation to the benefit of all.

Emha to read new social-critique poems

Emha to read new social-critique poems JAKARTA (JP): Controversial poet Emha Ainun Nadjib has been given the green light by the authorities to present some of his latest writing, all of which contains criticisms of the current social and political conditions, in Jakarta next week. Emha, whose past works have often been the subject of government bans, told reporters yesterday that his latest works will expose some of the hypocrisies found in Indonesia's present social and political setting.

Independence

Independence In observance of the 49th Anniversary of Indonesia's independence, which falls on August 17, The Jakarta Post will not appear tomorrow. The Post will resume publication on Thursday. -- Publisher

Six airport porters arrested for stealing luggage

Six airport porters arrested for stealing luggage JAKARTA (JP): Police have captured six porters and two fences specializing in baggage theft at the Soekarno-Hatta International Airport over the past two weeks. All six porters worked for PT Jakadara, the sole firm entrusted with moving baggage from planes' storage sections to the luggage retrieval belts at the airport.

Six people rob house at noonday

Six people rob house at noonday Six people, including a woman, robbed a luxury house in Central Jakarta early yesterday afternoon after tying up the maid and gardener. The robbery reportedly took place around 12:15 p.m. on Jl. Cempaka Putih Timur, Central Jakarta. Police reports said six unidentified men, armed with machetes and sickles, took Dedi Kurnaldi, 26, the gardener, who was busy with his work, by surprise with their sudden entry through the open front gate.

Religious fanaticism

Religious fanaticism President Soeharto asked intellectual groups to give sincere attention to the national guidelines concerning the role of the religious communities in the nation's development when holding a seminar. According to the president, in Indonesia the religious harmony has been well achieved and now a nobler task is waiting to be addressed by all religious groups. People of different faiths are at the same time citizens of the republic.

People can't speak Bahasa

People can't speak Bahasa SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A total of 51,658 people or three percent of this province's population cannot speak the Indonesian language, according to an official. Chief of the provincial statistics office Nyoto Widodo said that the people are above five years of age and live in the interior. He said that of the 1.8 million people living in East Kalimantan, 1.7 million people above the age of five can communicate in the national language.

Looking in the mirror

Looking in the mirror Tomorrow is Indonesia's Independence Day. The time has come again for us to reflect and ponder on our journey as a nation. It is like standing in front of a mirror, looking back into our past, and asking ourselves: Are we on the right track and coming closer to our independence ideals, or have we strayed from our path and headed in an unwanted direction?

As Indonesia celebrates the 49th anniversary of its

As Indonesia celebrates the 49th anniversary of its independence on Aug. 17, many wonder what holds the 180 million inhabitants of this archipelago together, while other nations of similar diversity have split up. Historians and other observers interviewed by The Jakarta Post believe that the nation is tied together by hopes, legacies, myths and threats. Unity will likely prevail ...

Regent refuses to inaugurate new market

Regent refuses to inaugurate new market JAKARTA (JP): Bekasi Regent Mochammad Djamhari has turned down the request of a private developer to inaugurate the Pondok Gede market and bus station due to sloppy works. PT Surya Bintang Mitra (SBM), the market developer, reportedly has asked the regent to inaugurate the newly renovated marketplace, which was built along with the renovation of a bus station.

NAM calls for substantial debt reduction

NAM calls for substantial debt reduction JAKARTA (JP): The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) wound up a three- day meeting on external debt here yesterday by calling for substantial exemptions in the external debts of least-developed countries. The meeting's chairman, Saleh Afiff, told reporters that the substantial debt exemptions are the most appropriate approach for solving the debt crises of developing countries.

`TVRI' to air information on stock trading soon

`TVRI' to air information on stock trading soon JAKARTA (JP): The state-run television network TVRI will next week begin providing information on price quotations and trading events on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) through a teletext service called TVRITEXT under an agreement signed yesterday. The deal was signed here by JSX president Hasan Zein Machmud and Eddy Limantoro, the president of PT Pilar Kumalajaya, the company appointed to operate the service.

Mt. Batur quieter

Mt. Batur quieter DENPASAR, Bali: Volcanic activity on Mt. Batur slowed down yesterday after eight active days, Antara reported. Officials at the observation post in Kintamani said that minor eruptions occurred on Sunday, but could not be witnessed clearly due to thick fog. He said that emissions of dust did not disturb the activities of the people in areas such as Yeh Mempeh and Bubung Klambu.

Air India

Air India R. K. Shah, in his comments in The Jakarta Post, Aug. 12, 1994), highlights the shallow thinking of so many. I was briefly resident (2 1/2 years) in Bhutan and therefore forced by Indian Home Office rules to use Air India, Indian Airways and Air India pilots on Druk Air. Let me make it clear that it is normally the customer who selects the airline, not vice versa.

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.

Minister Joedono to lead trade mission abroad

Minister Joedono to lead trade mission abroad JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Trade Satrio B. Joedono will lead trade missions to Australia later this month and to African countries next month to promote Indonesia's exports, an official said here yesterday. Chairman of the National Agency for Export Development (NAFED) Rudy Lengkong, in a ceremony for the introduction of an Indonesian Textile Directory, said that the minister will leave Jakarta for Australia on Aug. 24.

Cable operator optimistic about Indonesian market

Cable operator optimistic about Indonesian market JAKARTA (JP): Indovision, the first cable television operator to handle leading U.S. networks, is optimistic that it will be able to enlist 100,000 customers throughout the country within two years. The Jakarta-based Indovision's service, which started up two months ago, promises to bring "world class television programs" and "the information revolution" to its Indonesian viewers, its executives said in a press conference yesterday.

70 firms to take part in industrial exhibition

70 firms to take part in industrial exhibition JAKARTA (JP): Around 70 companies from eight countries, including the China National Machinery and Equipment I/E Corp. (CMEC), will take part in a four-day industrial exhibition which opens in Jakarta on Saturday. James Lee, the manager of the Hong Kong-based Business and Industrial Trade Fair Ltd. which will organize the exhibition, said the other participants are from Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Rumania, Singapore, Taiwan and Indonesia.

Tansil gets `only' 17 years in jail

Tansil gets `only' 17 years in jail JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Eddy Tansil, the man at the center of the Rp 1.3 trillion (US$620 million) loan scandal at the state-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo), was sentenced to 17 years in prison by a Jakarta court yesterday. The court also ordered Tansil, the 40-year-old owner of the Golden Key Group, to pay the government Rp 500 billion ($238 million) in restitution and fined him an additional Rp 30 million.

Economic gap

Economic gap I am very much interested in Minister of Research and Technology B. J. Habibie's comments (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 12, 1994) on the issue of economic gap related by Prof. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo recently. According to Habibie, nowadays Indonesia is much better than the United States of America. The criteria, which is used by Habibie, is the comparison between GNP per capita and poverty line which for Indonesia is 54.47 and for the U.S.is only 36.67.

Maintenance of pre-shipment inspection sought

Maintenance of pre-shipment inspection sought JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian importers see the present pre- shipment inspection procedure as the most effective and efficient system to secure smooth import flows, prevent administrative smuggling and safeguard government receipts from import duties.

N. Korea-U.S. accord signals changes in Asia

N. Korea-U.S. accord signals changes in Asia By Lee Su-wan SEOUL (Reuter): The nuclear safeguards agreement between the United States and North Korea holds out some hope of detente on the Korean peninsula after decades of hostility, analysts said on Sunday. They said Stalinist North Korea had scored a coup by winning U.S. agreement to work towards diplomatic recognition, starting with representatives in each other's capitals.

Nation gives top stars to its best sons

Nation gives top stars to its best sons JAKARTA (JP): Four retired Army generals, three senior oil executives, three scientists, two journalists, a literary critic, a diplomat and an ulema were awarded yesterday the Bintang Mahaputra, Indonesia's highest meritorious service award. All but one were present during the presentation ceremony led by President Soeharto at the State Palace, an event which is traditionally held before the nation marks its Independence Day every Aug. 17.

South Korean president offers nuclear technology to North Korea

South Korean president offers nuclear technology to North Korea SEOUL (AFP): President Kim Young-sam said yesterday South Korea was ready to help North Korea with sensitive nuclear power generation, saying the project could become the first joint venture of the new "Korean community." "The Korean people cannot live divided forever. We must pool all our national determination and energies," he said in a nationwide speech on the 49th anniversary of the end of Japanese colonial rule over Korea.

... if lessons learned: Observers

... if lessons learned: Observers By Ati Nurbaiti JAKARTA (JP): In exchange for considerable stability, other legacies have been viewed as threats to unity; mistakes rather than lessons - parliamentary democracy, for instance, is shunned for its too "liberal" nature. Cabinet after cabinet were overhauled, with no chance for any of them to implement programs soundly.

Districts need doctors

Districts need doctors PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: Two districts located along the Katingan river in Kotawaringin Timur regency are in dire need of doctors and medical service. Antara reported yesterday that residents of the Katingan Hulu and Marikit districts had to travel to other areas, cruising the river which is dotted with rapids in order to find doctors.

RI needs to protect coastal ecosystems from destruction

RI needs to protect coastal ecosystems from destruction JAKARTA (JP): Poor management and coordination between government agencies are the main reasons for the difficulties in determining who should be responsible for the problems occurring along the coastal regions. Participants in a one-day forum on how to prevent the destruction of coastal and marine ecosystems, yesterday, said that only through clear coordination could there be a stricter enforcement of the law.

Pollution

Pollution As an expatriate there are many new customs and ways one tries to get used to in another country. Indonesia is certainly no exception. There is one aspect of Indonesia that I simply cannot understand -- the pollution. It is rampant and everywhere. It is not caused only by industry but by each and every Indonesian from the peasants to the rich. Litter: Why do people throw their garbage out everywhere? Is it laziness or selfishness?

E. Java PDI has new chair

E. Java PDI has new chair JAKARTA: The central board of executives of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) chose Sucipto Saturday as the new chairman of the party's East Java chapter. The board's intervention was meant to end weeks of uncertainty surrounding the election of the new chapter chairman, which had been marred by open conflict between the rival camps. It dashed Latief Pudjosakti's hopes for re-election.

Setback in Thai deal hurts ties: Australia

Setback in Thai deal hurts ties: Australia CANBERRA (Reuter): Australia said yesterday its defense links with Thailand would be damaged if the Thai army stopped an Australian firm bidding for a major rifle contract because of criticism from human rights groups.

S. Korea-RI economic ties rapidly expanding

S. Korea-RI economic ties rapidly expanding JAKARTA (JP): The South Korean Ambassador here, Kyung Chul- kim, foresees a further deepening and broadening of bilateral economic cooperation with Indonesia due to the high degree of complementarity in the resource endowment of the two countries. "Korea is already Indonesia's fourth largest trading partner and sixth largest foreign investor," said Kim on the occasion of the National Day of the Republic of Korea today.

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.

RI set to assist in debt management

RI set to assist in debt management JAKARTA (JP): Coordinating Minister of Economy and Finance Saleh Afiff said here yesterday that Indonesia is ready to provide technical assistance to help the least developed countries (LDCs) manage their debts.

Independence Day celebrations bring cheer to Jakartans

Independence Day celebrations bring cheer to Jakartans By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat JAKARTA (JP): In the increasingly tumultuous bustle of city life, the annual activities of the Aug. 17 Independence Day celebrations provide a welcomed respite for many Jakarta residents.

Cow crossing

Cow crossing From Media Indonesia On Saturday July 30 at around 11 a.m. we had a startling experience. Just when we were heading to the Balaraja off ramp, a cow suddenly crossed the toll road. Imagine the screeching from the cars traveling between 70 to 100 kilometer per hour. Luckily, there was no accident. I appeal to the Jasa Marga toll road authority to ensure that there are no gaps in the fences along this road and to erect fences on those sections of road which are fenceless. I. H.

In new move, NU seeks ban on Al Arqam

In new move, NU seeks ban on Al Arqam JAKARTA (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) withdrew its support for the controversial Al Arqam movement Saturday, joining hands with the Ulemas Council (MUI) in seeking the ban of the Malaysian- based movement. K.H. Ilyas Ruchyat, chairman of NU's advisory board, announced that it accepted the argument that Arqam posed a threat to the Moslem brotherhood in Indonesia. "We still appeal to the government not to outlaw Al Arqam on religious grounds," he said.

Dharma Wanita awards scholarships

Dharma Wanita awards scholarships The Dharma Wanita women's organization of the Ministry of Social Services has granted scholarships to 184 students from the less privileged groups of the society. The program is part of the celebration of the 20th anniversary of the organization, the members of which consist of wives of civil servants and female employees of government agencies. Mrs. Ign.

Soeharto wants comprehensive debt solution

Soeharto wants comprehensive debt solution JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto called over the weekend for a comprehensive and final solution for dealing with the crippling debt of developing countries.

Tips on how to change CorelDRAW!'s default font

Tips on how to change CorelDRAW!'s default font JAKARTA (JP): Each of us has a different preference as to the font and font size that we want to create our documents with. In most word processing programs, the default is Times or TimesNewRoman. These two fonts, however, are far too much in use that we usually choose different though similar ones, such as NewCenturySchlbk.

Helpful Garuda

Helpful Garuda I was traveling on a Garuda Airlines flight from Manado to Jakarta, which stops in Ujungpandang. Since I had been on a short business visit to Manado, I was carrying only hand baggage, which consisted of my briefcase and traveling bag. During the stop in Ujungpandang, passengers in transit to Jakarta are allowed to get off the aircraft while passengers from Ujungpandang get ready to board.

RI raises diplomatic ties with South Africa

RI raises diplomatic ties with South Africa JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has raised its diplomatic ties with South Africa to a full ambassadorial level although both counties have yet to appoint their respective official ambassadors. A joint communique on the issue was signed on Friday by the chief representatives of Indonesia and South Africa at the United Nations, Nugroho Wisnumurti and Vernon R.W. Steward respectively, the Antara news agency reported from New York.

Timor prisoners may get clemency

Timor prisoners may get clemency SEMARANG, Central Java: Four political prisoners from East Timor serving hefty jail terms in the Kedungpane prison here may receive clemency from the government. The clemency has been proposed by the correctional house in East Timor's capital of Dili from which the convicts were transferred. "If the clemency proposal is granted, their jail terms will be reduced one month each," Kedungpane prison warden Marsono was quoted as saying by Antara.

Weekly Stock Exchange Review

Weekly Stock Exchange Review JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on most counters advanced towards the middle and end of last week after dipping due to profit- taking on Monday. Despite heavy selling, two newcomers which were listed on Monday -- Bank Rama and Wicaksana -- performed better than expected. Both counters closed at a premium to their IPO (initial public offering) prices.

Human rights

Human rights Millions of Indonesians were killed during the Portuguese, British, Dutch and Japanese bloody 450-year occupation. Fortunately, Soekarno and his compatriot Hatta ended the era when he declared national independence in his home on Aug. 17, 1945. The occupation was the symbol of colonial barbarism where principles of human rights were ignored.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. Students Quiz 3:05 Riang Ria 3:20 Soccer: Independence Cup Final (live from Surabaya) 5:30 Regional News 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings: Buddhism 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 TV Series: Van der Valk 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Woman of Valour Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Proton takes 74.5% of the local market

Proton takes 74.5% of the local market KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's national car Proton has raised its share of the domestic car market to 74.5 percent in the first six months of the year as an upbeat automobile industry saw overall sales rising 5.8 percent. Proton sold 44,949 cars to once again take command of the market, with Japanese make Honda coming second with 4,843 units or eight percent, tailed by Nissan with 2,360 units or 3.9 percent and Toyota's 2,242 units or 3.7 percent.

Lippobank's profit rises

Lippobank's profit rises JAKARTA (JP): PT Lippobank, an affiliate of the Lippo Group, has reported a 52.6 percent increase in after-tax profit to Rp 31.1 billion (US$14.32 million) during the first six months of this year over the same period of last year. The bank's president, Markus Parmadi, said in a statement here on Saturday that its before-tax profit posted a significant growth to Rp 47.9 billion from Rp 31.4 billion.

Ulemas asked to preach about family planning

Ulemas asked to preach about family planning JAKARTA (JP): State Minister of Population Haryono Suyono is encouraging religious leaders to help the government promote its "prosperous family movement" campaign. Haryono invited nearly 100 ulemas and chairmen of the 27 provincial offices of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) here Saturday to help fight poverty and build prosperous communities through their Friday sermons.

Damri operates 27 airport buses

Damri operates 27 airport buses The state-owned bus company (Damri) operates 27 new busses to cater to the public's escalating demand on economic transportation to and from the Soekarno-Hatta international airport. The company's president, Anas Mars, said over the weekend that the company spent a total of Rp 4.5 billion (US$2.08 million) for the procurement of the 35-seat new buses.

Biggest asset owners

Biggest asset owners Much has been said and discussed previously about the increasingly high concentration of asset ownership and market power in the hands of large business groups in Indonesia and the implications for economic efficiency and even political stability. But the debates have rarely attracted mass media headlines, nor have they elicited comments from influential analysts or opinion makers.

Religious fanaticism

Religious fanaticism President Soeharto asked intellectual groups to give sincere attention to the national guidelines concerning the role of the religious communities in the nation's development when holding a seminar. According to the president, in Indonesia the religious harmony has been well achieved and now a nobler task is waiting to be addressed by all religious groups. People of different faiths are at the same time citizens of the republic.

Surjadi receives best village heads

Surjadi receives best village heads Governor Surjadi Soedirdja has said the visiting best village heads from the country's 27 provinces should see Jakarta in a more balanced way, weighing the metropolis' negative and positive sides, and hence not readily condoning their residents moving to the city. People from other areas, Surjadi said, tend to think only from a favorable side that Jakarta is the best place for making money and looking for jobs.

Home-made guns confiscated

Home-made guns confiscated PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Police in Central Lampung have seized two home-made rifles and arrested the two people they believe are the owners. Spokesman for the southern Sumatra police command, Second Lt. Suyanto told Antara Saturday that the suspects were taken downtown on charges of possessing firearms without a license.

Water firms will issue bonds to finance projects

Water firms will issue bonds to finance projects JAKARTA (JP): Two state-owned water companies, one in Bogor, West Java, and the other in Surabaya, East Java, plan to offer bonds to the public next year to raise funds for water purification projects. "All the requirements for the bond issuance are now under preparation," Progo Nurdjaman, director for regional finance management of the Ministry of Home Affairs, told reporters after a seminar here on Saturday.

Women's emancipation in RI may be on the wrong track

Women's emancipation in RI may be on the wrong track JAKARTA (JP): Women's emancipation in Indonesia may be on the wrong track as it is giving greater emphasis to women's participation as workers rather than access to the decision- making process, according to an activist.

India wants closer ties with ASEAN

India wants closer ties with ASEAN SINGAPORE (AFP): India wants to become a full dialog partner of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) at the earliest opportunity, the Sunday Times newspaper said. Salman Khurshid, Minister of State for External Affairs, said India wanted closer ties after having friendly but low-level relations with ASEAN, which groups Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore and Thailand.

Rainbow Hills is developing US$150m resort

Rainbow Hills is developing US$150m resort BOGOR, West Java (JP): PT Rainbow Hills Development on Saturday started the construction of a five-star Sheraton hotel near its sport, leisure and residential resort currently being built at Citeureup, about 40 kilometers south of Jakarta.

Citibank targets India

Citibank targets India WASHINGTON (AFP): U.S.-owned Citibank has targeted India as a major credit market, stating in a report that by the year 2000, it will rank second to Southeast Asia in terms of cardholders. "After witnessing a period of exponential growth in the number of cards issued in Southeast Asian nations, card issuers see India as the next big market", the independent research group Center for Global Trade Development said in a report.

Haryanto reiterates no hike in fares of public transport

Haryanto reiterates no hike in fares of public transport JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto has reiterated that there will be no increase in the fares of public transit vehicles this year. Haryanto said late last week during a meeting with the elected best drivers of public transit vehicles, the best seamen and the best lighthouse keepers at his office that an increase in the fares of public transit vehicles, if applied now, will, at any rate, burden the public.

A Yankee on the run sent home

A Yankee on the run sent home JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian immigration authorities have deported an American citizen who has been on the United States wanted list for a major fraud case since March 1993. James William Miller, 54, was picked up from his hotel room at the Kumbokarno Hotel in Yogyakarta last Wednesday after the immigration authority in Jakarta received a tip of his presence.

Pomposity (1)

Pomposity (1) From Republika I was taken aback by K. H. Hasan Basri's statement concerning Darul Arqam (Republika, Aug. 10, 1994). K. H. Hasan Basri, who is Chairman of the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI), said "... wearing turbans, they thought they were great ulemas. When holding a dialog, the participating parties should have the same level of knowledge. Or they would misuse the forum ...". This is certainly an insulting comment.

Metareum gets strong backing

Metareum gets strong backing BANDUNG, West Java: The West Java chapter of the Moslem- oriented United Development Party (PPP) affirmed yesterday they would rally behind Ismail Hasan Metareum's bid to seek re- election as party chairman. The chapter's resolution was taken in a meeting attended by chairmen of all 25 of PPP's regency branches from all over the province. Metareum obtain strong support from 21 branches but was rejected by rest.

Cambodia rejects China Town plan

Cambodia rejects China Town plan PHNOM PENH (Reuter): Cambodia's government has rejected a proposal to create a unique China Town, fearing massive immigration from Hong Kong, the Phnom Penh Post reported. The cabinet, at a meeting in July, finally shot down plans to set up a city of 200,000 Chinese immigrants on a 20-sq km (7.70 sq mile) plot of land just outside the capital, the fortnightly Post said in its latest edition.

SBSI chief detained for inciting violence

SBSI chief detained for inciting violence JAKARTA (JP): Police have detained Muchtar Pakpahan, the chairman of the outlawed Indonesian Prosperous Workers Union (SBSI), on charges of inciting violence, his colleagues said. Muchtar was picked up from his home on Jl. Kayu Putih Selatan VI in East Jakarta on Saturday morning by officers with a warrant issued by the police precinct in Medan, North Sumatra. National Police Chief Gen.

Kraton festival opens in Yogya amid great fanfare

Kraton festival opens in Yogya amid great fanfare JAKARTA (JP): A grand and colorful festival involving seven royal houses of Java was opened in Yogyakarta on Saturday. The cheery opening ceremony of the Kraton Festival took place on the city's northern square and attracted throngs of locals and foreign tourists.

Govt must boost political education

Govt must boost political education JAKARTA (JP): The government's current drive to promote human resource development should go beyond simply improving people's skills and cover also their political awareness, intellectuals say. Speakers at a seminar on human resource development spoke on Saturday of the urgent need for Indonesia to further encourage political participation in national development.

RI hopes to mine 5 badminton golds in Hiroshima

RI hopes to mine 5 badminton golds in Hiroshima JAKARTA (JP): Badminton competitions looks to be the Indonesian team's gold mine at the Hiroshima's Asian Games, with national top shuttlers favored to scoop five out of seven titles up for grabs, a sport expert says.

Govt to issue measures to narrow economic gap

Govt to issue measures to narrow economic gap BANDUNG (JP): The government promised on Saturday to introduce more measures to narrow gaps between the rich and the poor and to alleviate absolute poverty. State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita told reporters before addressing a meeting with students of the Bandung Institute of Technology that the measures will concern macro-economic, monetary, fiscal and investment affairs.

Hanoi studies RI anti-poverty fight

Hanoi studies RI anti-poverty fight JAKARTA (JP): Vietnam is studying Indonesia's way of fighting poverty to complement its own program to improve the life of more than 20 million people living below the poverty line in the country. Nguyen Thi Hang, Vietnam's Vice Minister of Labor, Handicap and Social Affairs, told reporters on Saturday that he was particularly impressed with Indonesia's newly launched presidential aid program called Inpres Desa Tertinggal (IDT).

India and Indonesia step up trade ties

India and Indonesia step up trade ties India and Indonesia hold the perfect foundation for amiable trade and investment ties. Cultural and trade relations harking back at least two thousand years have paved the way for increasing closeness in the two countries' relations. India and Indonesia possess enormous potential for growth and expansion of their economies due to their large populations and abundance of natural resources.

Police arrest 22 in raid on gambling related activities

Police arrest 22 in raid on gambling related activities JAKARTA (JP): Police arrested 22 people in two separate gambling raids over the weekend. Lt. Col. Latief Rabar, a spokesman for the City Police, said Saturday that officers arrested three men for gambling-related fraud at the Sano hotel in Pluit district, North Jakarta, at 11:30 p.m. on Friday and 19 gamblers in the Taman Dutamas housing complex, Jaya Kusuma subdistrict, West Jakarta on Thursday.

Indonesia reaps four titles at Indonesia Open badminton meet

Indonesia reaps four titles at Indonesia Open badminton meet By Hidayat Jati YOGYAKARTA (JP): Indonesia seized four titles at the 1994 RCTI Indonesian Open while the men's doubles All-Indonesian final achieved a milestone, delivering the tourney's best match here yesterday.

Civil war may tear E. Timor if troops withdrawn: Military

Civil war may tear E. Timor if troops withdrawn: Military DILI, East Timor (JP): The military gave a warning Saturday that East Timor would be riddled by a civil war if the government bowed to foreign pressure to withdraw its troops from the territory. "You may not believe it but the Vatican ambassador to Indonesia is the one who has warned of such a possibility," East Timor's Wiradharma military commandant Col. Johny J. Lumintang told a visiting German member of parliament.

Pomposity (2)

Pomposity (2) From Republika The issue of the Arqam movement which has been in the news for some time, has drawn a number of comments from the society. Obviously each comment is based on different argument. I am not particularly interested in the Arqam's teachings, but judging their way of life, I cannot help but to respect them. Therefore, I am particularly amazed by K.H. Hasan Basri's comments on the Arqam group.

British TV body suspends RI forestry commercials

British TV body suspends RI forestry commercials JAKARTA (JP): The Independent Television Commission (ITC) of Britain has suspended controversial commercials paid for by the Indonesian Forestry Community (MPI), following complaints from a number of viewers and environmental groups, an environmentalist said over the weekend.

Myanmar responds to Mons' report

Myanmar responds to Mons' report JAKARTA (JP): The thousands of Myanmar's ethnic Mons currently being accommodated at refugee camps along the Thai border cannot be classified as refugees but rather "economic migrants", Myanmar Ambassador to Indonesia says. Ambassador U Nyi Nyi Than said that for years, ethnic Mons have been crossing over the Thai border to work and take advantage of the booming economy there.

Many Chinese remain alien

Many Chinese remain alien BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: As many as 1,177 people, or 38 percent of Chinese descendants in the province, have not applied for Indonesian citizenship, an official has said. Head of the socio-political affairs section of the provincial government, A. Azis S., said on Saturday that of the 3,102 people of Chinese descent across Lampung, only 1,925 had applied for citizenship.

PDI activists wants Alex

PDI activists wants Alex Leaders of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) in South Jakarta have said they will support the re-election of Alex Atmasubrata, the current leader of the party's Jakarta chapter. Alex announced recently that he would run for re-election if the PDI members wanted him to do so. H.

Officer shoots the wrong man

Officer shoots the wrong man CILEGON, West Java: A sergeant chief is currently under investigation after he reportedly shot an innocent man during a raid on a house he thought was owned by motorcycle thief. He got the wrong house and shot the wrong man, the Banten Regency Police Chief Col. Susanto was quoted as confirming the report by Antara. The victim, Subalim, apparently tried to fight back when he saw a gun-wielding man break into his house.

Joko outlasts Alan as Indonesia Open turns up the heat

Joko outlasts Alan as Indonesia Open turns up the heat By Hidayat Jati YOGYAKARTA (JP): Top seed Joko Suprianto survived a battle of champions here yesterday as he edged out Olympic gold medalist and title holder Alan Budikusuma to earn a semifinal berth in the Indonesia Open badminton championships. The hard-earned 9-15, 15-4, 18-14 victory put another notch in world champion Joko's belt.

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.

PAL to reinstate sacked crew

PAL to reinstate sacked crew MANILA (AFP): Philippine Airlines Inc. (PAL) said yesterday it had reinstated 143 of 183 ground crew sacked after a wildcat strike in June, a move which sparked fresh labor unrest at the financially troubled carrier. But leaders of the PAL ground crew union rejected the latest move by the flag carrier's management, saying they would not return to work unless all 183 employees were reinstated.

Soeharto to open NAM's ministerial meeting on debt

Soeharto to open NAM's ministerial meeting on debt JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, the current chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), will officially open the group's first ministerial meeting on external debt here today to formulate ways of reducing the debt burdens facing its members. Coordinating Minister for Economy and Finance Saleh Afiff announced yesterday that the three-day meeting will seek solutions to the crippling debt problems encountered by developing nations.

Sudomo, Siska to carry on with divorce suit

Sudomo, Siska to carry on with divorce suit JAKARTA (JP): Lawyers for both retired admiral Sudomo, and his wife Fransiska Diah Widowati, said their clients had failed to reconcile their differences and will continue with divorce proceedings.

Flower, pet exhibition opens

Flower, pet exhibition opens JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja yesterday opened the 12th Flora and Fauna (Flona) Jakarta, an annual two-week exhibition of house plants and pet animals, at the Banteng Square, Central Jakarta. In his speech prior to opening the exhibition, Surjadi hoped that the exhibition would help promote environmental-based city development.

Plan for strict gun control gets a shot in the arm

Plan for strict gun control gets a shot in the arm By Lewa Pardomuan JAKARTA (JP): Leading lawyers and criminologists throw their weight behind the proposal by authorities to tighten the use of fire arms amidst signs of increasing abuses of their use, including in crimes. The lawyers said that the government must move fast to tighten the regulations before the situation gets out of control.

Firm plans dividends

Firm plans dividends JAKARTA (JP): PT Bhuwanatala Indah Permai, a property company, announced here yesterday it will distribute dividends of Rp 20 (0.92 U.S. cent) per share to shareholders from its 1993 after- tax profit of Rp 1.37 billion ($632,942).

Feminist seminar

Feminist seminar I was horrified, yes, horrified, to read that the U.S. in promoting its own national ideology of naive egalitarianism had organized a feminist seminar at the U.S. Embassy here in Jakarta (The Jakarta Post, July 28, 1994). The article Feminist movement can learn from U.S. rolled out a couple of hoary old chestnuts like this one for example: "The American women even participate in a traditionally male activity such as weight lifting." How rich!

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The buying sentiment on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) remained strong yesterday despite the drop in prices of number of popular issues in the morning session. The broad-based Composite Index rose by nearly 1.5 points to close the week at 474.99, seeing a total gain of 2.19 points during the week as compared to over 16 points on the previous week. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index gained lost ground to close at 112.01 yesterday against 112 on the previous day.

ABRI reshuffles chiefs of strategic commands

ABRI reshuffles chiefs of strategic commands JAKARTA (JP): The Armed Forces (ABRI) yesterday announced a major reshuffle in some of its main commands, including the Army Strategic Reserves (Kostrad), the Army's Special Forces (Kopassus) and the military command in East Timor. Maj. Gen. Tarub, currently chief of the Trikora Command, has been reassigned as Kostrad commandant to replace the retiring Maj. Gen.

Singers to sing for National Day

Singers to sing for National Day The city administration will invite noted singers to take part in open air festivities to celebrate the National Day on the eve of the actual day. The 49th anniversary of the Indonesian National Day will fall on Aug. 17. The festivities will be held in the eastern parking lot of the Senayan square. According to Kenna Tarigan, chairman of the organizing committee, the fiesta will start at 7 p.m. and will last six hours.

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.

NU opposes move to ban Al Arqam

NU opposes move to ban Al Arqam JAKARTA (JP): Nahdlatul Ulama (NU), Indonesia's largest Moslem organization, appealed to the government yesterday not to outlaw the Malaysian-based Al Arqam movement, at least not on religious grounds. NU's position was publicly announced yesterday after the Fatwa Council, which issues the group's policy recommendations, deliberated. The council members met with representatives from the Al Arqam earlier in the morning.

Islamic groups demand Nasreen return for trial

Islamic groups demand Nasreen return for trial DHAKA (Reuter): Radical Moslem groups demanded yesterday that the Bangladesh government bring feminist writer Taslim Nasreen back from her Swedish sanctuary and vowed to continue their street protests calling for her death. "I ask the government to immediately bring her home and punish her for committing an unforgivable crime against Islam and its followers," said Moulana Matiur Rahman Nizami, deputy chief of the Jamaat-e-Islami party.

Faster train service

Faster train service SEMARANG: A new railway service will be launched next week that will slash travel time between Jakarta and Surabaya to nine hours with only one stop in Semarang. The service will begin on Aug. 17 to coincide with Independence Day, said Eddy Sasongko, head of the Central Java Operation of the state railway firm PJKA. (har)

RCTI's programing

RCTI's programing Everyone would readily agree that RCTI's programing these past five years has largely contributed to the enjoyment of local television viewers. RCTI has consistently increased the local content of its programs over the years, which is essential to reduce dependence on too many imports. These imports are predominantly from the U.S.A. and apparently not the best that are available in the market.

Soldier jailed for extortion

Soldier jailed for extortion SURABAYA: The local military tribunal has sentenced a member of the military police to two years imprisonment for extortion. The court found Maj. Kuswadiono, 47, guilty of abusing his position by extorting a fellow soldier and a number of businessmen accused of taking part in a lube oil scam, the Antara news agency reported.

Fugitive minibus driver captured at last

Fugitive minibus driver captured at last JAKARTA (JP): Ramses Silitonga, the driver of the Metromini bus which careened into a river here last March killing 33 passengers, has been captured. The police announced yesterday that the suspect was captured in North Sumatra on Thursday afternoon after six months on the run. Ramses, 33, fled responsibility after the packed minibus he drove recklessly careened into the muddy and heavily polluted Sunter river along Jl.

Fourth Bapindo director faces trial

Fourth Bapindo director faces trial JAKARTA (JP): The Central Jakarta District Court yesterday received the dossier of Bambang Kuntjoro, the fourth director of Bapindo, in connection with the Rp 1.3 trillion ($620 million) scandal at the government-owned bank. The court has not yet set the date of the hearing. The trial of another former Bapindo director Sjahrizal, whose dossier was turned over to the same court on Tuesday, will start on Aug.23.

Vicious crime

Vicious crime From time to time The Jakarta Post publishes a truly important photograph. About a month ago there was the picture of Yasser Arafat and a Jewish Rabbi bear hugging each other and grinning like a pair of long lost brothers (which of course they are). I've stuck this one up on my office wall as an image that cuts through all prejudice. Then, just the other day, Aug. 4 to be precise, there was the photo of "The Culprit".

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m Sports 3:30 TV Series: Sins 4:30 Pelangi Budaya 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music: Local Pop 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Lemhanas 8:05 TV Series: Midnight Callers 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film Program 2 4:30 p.m. Sports 5:30 City News 6:00 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 English News Service 8:00 TV Series: Room for Two 8:30 Music TPI 5:30 a.m.

Noted ulemas have chosen their candidate for PPP

Noted ulemas have chosen their candidate for PPP JAKARTA (JP): Influential ulemas have chosen their candidate for the Moslem-oriented United Development Party (PPP) amid bitter factional rivalry for the organization's top spot. The 10 senior ulemas from Java and Sumatra who met in the West Java town of Garut on Wednesday declined to reveal their nominee. However, the Antara press agency quoted an insider as saying they have chosen Matori Abdul Djalil, the party's current secretary- general.

Indonesia expects more golds from the 12th Asian Games

Indonesia expects more golds from the 12th Asian Games JAKARTA (JP): Barring unforeseen injuries, Indonesian athletes will garner more golds than previously expected in the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima, an official of the national sports controlling body (KONI) says. Arnold Lisapaly, KONI training director, revealed his guarded optimism that, based on their latest performance, the national athletes will surpass the gold medal haul they brought home four years ago.

Govt petition for stay of execution on Kedungombo

Govt petition for stay of execution on Kedungombo JAKARTA (JP): Chief Justice Purwoto Gandasubrata said yesterday that the government has petitioned for a stay of implementation of the Supreme Court's ruling on the Kedungombo land dispute. Lawyers from the Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI), which has represented the Kedungombo villagers in the dispute with the government, yesterday met with Purwoto to seek clarification of press reports suggesting that a stay of execution had been granted.

ITTO aid for RI forests

ITTO aid for RI forests JAKARTA (JP): The International Tropical Timber Organization (ITTO) yesterday agreed to provide Rp 2.5 billion (US$1.15 million) in grant to the Indonesian government to support the conservation of Bentuang Karimun forests in West Kalimantan. B.C.Y. Freezailah, the executive director of ITTO, signed the grant agreement with Director General of Forest Conservation Soedjadi Hartono in a ceremony here, which was attended by Minister of Forestry Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo.

SE Asian food market seen worth $60 billion by 2010

SE Asian food market seen worth $60 billion by 2010 CANBERRA (Reuter): Southeast Asia's food and agricultural product market has the potential to treble in size to US$60 billion annually by 2010, according to an Australian government report released yesterday. The value of the region's food market doubled in size in the 1980s to $19 billion in 1992, the report from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade's East Asia Analytical Unit said.

Kasiyadi return to form with win

Kasiyadi return to form with win JAKARTA (JP): Kasiyadi, who has been plagued by inconsistency throughout his career, put together a third consecutive solid round to sew up the Jakarta Golf Circuit championship yesterday. Kasiyadi shot an even par-72 to close at 2-over 290 (76,69,73,72) to tame the unforgiving Halim II layout. Four strokes off the pace were Kasiyadi's elder brother, Buari, and cagey veteran Sumarno.

Mt. Batur coughs no more

Mt. Batur coughs no more KINTAMANI, Bali: Mt. Batur's activity slowed significantly on Friday to allay earlier concerns that a major eruption was imminent, according to the Antara news agency. The thick smoke, which earlier this week reached heights 300 meters above the crater, had receded to less than 100 meters by Friday. "It is quieter now," noted Gde Nurjaya, chief of the Kintamani district.

Inflation rate is accurate, chief statistician insists

Inflation rate is accurate, chief statistician insists JAKARTA (JP): The government's chief statistician said yesterday that the national inflation rate, which is released each month by the Central Statistics Bureau (BPS), is as accurate as possible. Chief of the BPS Sugito Suwito said the consumer price index is based on the price movements of a wide range of goods and services, with basic necessities such as food and housing carrying greater weight.

Atrocity victims await compensation

Atrocity victims await compensation TOKYO (Reuter): Survivors of Japanese World War II atrocities from 13 countries across the Asia-Pacific region gathered in Tokyo yesterday in a combined attempt to get compensation from the Japanese government. "This is a question of the honor of the Japanese people, and the honor of the Japanese government," said Tasrip Rahardjo, leader of a group of Indonesian former militiamen press-ganged into service in the Japanese army.

Dominance in economy

Dominance in economy Prof. Dr. Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, a noted senior economist, spoke about the gap in the economy where economic tycoons get easy access to business opportunities and funds from banks. The government also gives protection to their business and industries. The professor is very unhappy because the government lacks sincerity in overcoming this gap.

Entrance exam seeks equality

Entrance exam seeks equality The results of nation wide entrance exams for state universities were announced recently. How good is today's entrance exam system? By Syamsir Alam JAKARTA (JP): For most Indonesians, going to university is a way to secure a job and status. Unsurprisingly, most parents constantly encourage their children to pursue a university education, often disregarding the youngsters' true potential and academic performance.

Kenny speaks for the sake of his fellow debt collectors

Kenny speaks for the sake of his fellow debt collectors By Johannes Simbolon JAKARTA (JP): Kennedy, who is affectionately called Kenny, thought there was no use in disguising his profession to his former classmates at the UKI (Indonesian Christian University) at a reunion gathering last year in the West Java weekend resort of Puncak.

Chile's president to participate in the APEC summit

Chile's president to participate in the APEC summit JAKARTA (JP): Chilean President Eduardo Frei is expected to take part in the leadership meeting of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum scheduled for November in Bogor, West Java, ambassador Fernando Cousino says. President Frei's attendance will mark the beginning of Chile's participation in the forum, the ambassador told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

British rugby club to test local rival

British rugby club to test local rival JAKARTA (JP): A touring British rugby union club, Broadstreet, will play a one off match against a local side from the International Sport Club of Indonesia (ISCI) this afternoon. Broadstreet Rugby Union Football Club is stopping in Jakarta on their way home from a series of matches in southern Australia. They will meet the ISCI team at 4:00 p.m. at the sport club in Ciputat, South Jakarta.

Thomas Cook acquisition

Thomas Cook acquisition JAKARTA (JP): The Thomas Cook Group Ltd., the leading travel and financial services group, has reached an agreement with Barclays Bank PLC to acquire its travelers cheque subsidiary, Interpayment Services Ltd. Thomas Cook announced in a release yesterday that the acquisition made it the world's largest supplier of MasterCard and Visa travelers cheques because Interpayment is the world's largest issuer of Visa travelers cheques with annual sales of US$7 billion.

PAM Jaya service to some areas stopped

PAM Jaya service to some areas stopped The City Water Company, PAM Jaya, announced yesterday that its service to some areas in the city, including Menteng, will be stopped on Saturday and Sunday due to a water main repair near the Pejompongan II water treatment plant in Central Jakarta.

Youth league wants KL links with Tel Aviv

Youth league wants KL links with Tel Aviv KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The powerful youth wing of Premier Mahathir Mohamad's United Malays National Organization (UMNO) yesterday urged Malaysia's government to consider establishing diplomatic ties with Israel. "History has shown that Moslems could live in peace with Jews from the time of Prophet Mohammed," UMNO youth chief Rahim Tamby Chik told the Bernama news agency.

W. Sumatra's Koto clan to have 1st supreme chief in 162 years

W. Sumatra's Koto clan to have 1st supreme chief in 162 years JAKARTA (JP): After waiting for 162 years, the Koto clan of Nagari Paninggahan village in Minangkabau, West Sumatra, will finally have a supreme chief. In a rare and grand ceremony to be held in Nagari Paninggahan, Solok regency, on Aug. 18, Muchtar Byna, 72, a businessman and former member of the House of Representatives, will be installed as Datuk Bagindo Majolelo. Earlier, on Aug.

Indonesia has AIDS challenges ahead

Indonesia has AIDS challenges ahead The 10th International Conference on AIDS, the first in Asia where the disease is spreading fastest, was closed Thursday leaving behind some unanswered questions. By Tony Kahane YOKOHAMA (JP): As the 11,000 delegates prepare to go home, the questions raised by Dr. Michael Merson remain: What should be the priorities of the global response to AIDS? Is enough being done now? And is enough being done in Indonesia to prevent the spread of HIV? As Dr.

Artist incorporates mixed media works in batik paintings

Artist incorporates mixed media works in batik paintings By Linda Owens YOGYAKARTA (JP): Hovering amidst the constellation of planets, a giant, winged woman cradles the earth in her embrace. This is just one example of the symbolically rich imagery in Linda Kaun's batik and mixed media works, on display at Baleanda Gallery & Restaurant in Yogyakarta through Sept. 3. Linda dedicates this show to two related themes she has explored over the past few years: Passages and Spirit Guardians.

Indonesia denies charges of slashing plywood prices

Indonesia denies charges of slashing plywood prices JAKARTA (JP): A war of words has erupted between the Indonesian and the Malaysian plywood exporters following sharp allegations that Indonesian producers had slashed prices to undercut their Malaysian counterparts in international markets. A.

Big local contractors told to look for jobs overseas

Big local contractors told to look for jobs overseas JAKARTA (JP): Big contractors in Indonesia should set their aims high, going after bigger projects or even looking for works overseas, instead of bidding for small projects in the country, an executive of a state-owned construction company says.

Pancasila course to be made more interesting

Pancasila course to be made more interesting JAKARTA (JP): The government plans to make the orientation course on Pancasila -- a compulsory for civil servants, politicians and professionals -- more interesting. Former vice president Sudharmono, who now heads the agency which oversees the course, said yesterday that he hoped to improve the quality of lectures to encourage people's participation in the implementation of the ideology.

Protection for new ventures defended

Protection for new ventures defended JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday defended its decision to offer selective protection against imports to new industrial ventures. "The basic protection policy stresses the importance of protecting the new industrial ventures," Coordinating Minister for Economy and Finance Saleh Afiff said here yesterday.

National park policy a conundrum

National park policy a conundrum By Silvia Werner JAKARTA (JP): Creating national parks will not solve the complex problem of conserving forest areas. Areas assigned to become national park land in Indonesia are usually already surrounded, although sparsely, by traditional farmers who are seen as a threat to the park's environment.

Strike leaders get fired

Strike leaders get fired SEMARANG: A local union leader said that many workers who went on strike have been fired by their employers once the disputes were over. "This is occurring at many companies in the province," said Tambah Soedjio, head of the local chapter of the All Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI).

Golf course project on Bira Island strongly condemned

Golf course project on Bira Island strongly condemned JAKARTA (JP): The development of a nine hole golf course on Bira Island, North Jakarta, has been strongly condemned by the Indonesian Forum for Environment (Walhi) for completely disregarding the perilous environmental consequences. According to a statement released here yesterday, Walhi claims that the golf course is highly destructive to the natural eco- system of the islands.

Suggestions

Suggestions I like Byron Black's "corner" and I imagine Indonesian English students find it useful. This is the only English newspaper that I know of, so I would think most foreigners read it. A similar "corner" to help us with the Indonesian language might be appropriate. With this opportunity I would like to say a word on pollution. I see people burning trash next to empty receptacles. Why? These fires are unsightly, smelly, unhealthy and dangerous around children.

Risjad Brasali to operate chemical plants

Risjad Brasali to operate chemical plants JAKARTA (JP): Risjad Brasali Industries (RBI), a group of chemical-based companies, will strengthen its industrial activities by operating four new chemical plants worth Rp 500 billion (US$230 million) and establishing a $76 million hydrogen peroxide plant within two years.

Duo-pianists Iravati, Aisha a repeat success

Duo-pianists Iravati, Aisha a repeat success By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): It was almost one year ago that enchanted classical music lovers time and again broke into animated applause after the completion of each rendition at the Gedung Kesenian Jakarta. They were applauding the composition and, even more, the artists Iravati and Aisha Sudiarso.

Remains of MIAs returned

Remains of MIAs returned AMBON, Maluku: The Indonesian Armed Forces on Friday handed over to representatives of the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) nine coffins containing the remains of Australian air force officers who died in action during World War II. The nine were crew of the B-26 Catalina, whose wreckage was discovered near Buru island in December. The plane was believed to have been shot down by Japanese forces.

U.S. envoy in Irian

U.S. envoy in Irian JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: U.S. Ambassador Robert L. Barry on Thursday began a visit here during which he will meet with local government and military officials. His itinerary includes a wreath-laying ceremony at the MacArthur Monument in Sentani near here, and also visits to the Baliem Valley and Timika in the Fak Fak hinterland regency, the Antara news agency reported. (emb)

KL urges tappers to return to work as rubber bounces back

KL urges tappers to return to work as rubber bounces back KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): As rubber prices continue to surge, Malaysia urged smallholders yesterday to go back to tapping three years after they had been encouraged to quit the industry when prices plunged to five-year lows. Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik said the upsurge confirmed the resilience of natural rubber as a viable cash crop which could be tapped when prices were good or "kept untapped in the trees" when prices were poor.

Music royalty evaders get stern warning

Music royalty evaders get stern warning JAKARTA (JP): Police warned music royalty evaders to pay what they owe yesterday or face tough punishment. "Thus far, we prefer to resort to persuasive measures because we think stricter measures are not yet suitable. There are just too many people who remain poorly informed about the copyright law. We think what we are doing is enough for now. We will be assertive but not forceful for the time being," Lt. Col.

Hermawan shocks Indonesian Open with loss to rookie

Hermawan shocks Indonesian Open with loss to rookie By Hidayat Jati YOGYAKARTA (JP): Adrenalin finally started flowing at the RCTI Indonesia Open 1994 yesterday as giant-killer Hermawan Susanto was toppled by steel-nerved rookie Budi Santoso in a series of second-day upsets. Hermawan, a 27-year-old Thomas Cup veteran, went down hard to second-string, but agile, Budi. The 19-year-old member of the junior national squad beat out fifth seed Hermawan in a tight three setter 15-4, 18-14, 15-8.

Compaq unveils Intech' 94

Compaq unveils Intech' 94 JAKARTA (JP): Compaq Computer Asia/Pacific introduced here yesterday Intech'94, the Compaq International Technology Summit, in Singapore next month which will feature information technology leaders from around the world. Phey Teck Moh, Compaq's General Manager for Brunei, Indonesia and the Philippines, said yesterday that Intech'94, which will be held at the World Trade Center on Sept.

Fire razes Pertamina building

Fire razes Pertamina building A blaze destroyed part of the third-story of Pertamina building on Jl. Kramat Raya, Central Jakarta, yesterday morning. The fire, which occurred around 7.50 a.m., was put out by firemen from the City Fire Office together with the state oil company Pertamina's firemen in less than an hour. No casualty was reported in the blaze, while the amount of financial losses had yet to be calculated.

Golkar gets the blame

Golkar gets the blame KENDARI, Southeast Sulawesi: Local elementary school teachers have had their salaries deducted by another Rp 6,000 per month on top of other deductions, this time to pay their membership dues to Golkar, the ruling political organization.

Healed Alan vows to return to the big league and defend title

Healed Alan vows to return to the big league and defend title By Hidayat Jati YOGYAKARTA (JP): Alan Budikusuma, defending Indonesia Open badminton champion and gold medal winner in the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, said that he has licked his wounds long enough and vowed to return to the top three. "1994 has not been exactly my best year, thanks to the my knee injury last year," he told the Jakarta Post while watching the many one sided matches at the Among Rogo stadium yesterday.

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.

Executive property expo to be held here

Executive property expo to be held here JAKARTA (JP): Buoyed by optimism about local investment, four property companies and the Batam Development Authority will hold a property exhibition, called Executive 2000, from Aug. 20 to 28 in the atrium of Plaza Indonesia, Central Jakarta. Peter Chan, vice president of Bonauli Group, said the local property market still looks promising.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) rose in active trading yesterday with the broad-based Composite Index gaining almost two points to close at 473.52 from 471.69 on Wednesday. Meanwhile, the narrow-based GTDBS-50 Index increased to 112.05 from 111.22. Total trading volume rose to 27.46 million shares worth Rp 175.56 billion (US$80.86 million) from 22.52 million shares valued at Rp 101.08 billion.

Soeharto accords role to religious intellectuals

Soeharto accords role to religious intellectuals JAKARTA (JP): Religious-based intellectual organizations, widely criticized recently for fostering sectarian politics in Indonesia, yesterday won the presidential seal of approval when they jointly organized a seminar on human resource development. President Soeharto told the seminar that religious intellectuals play a major role in national development, including promoting the country's religious life.

Rebel PDI activists told to set up own political party

Rebel PDI activists told to set up own political party JAKARTA (JP): A leading member of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) yesterday said that party members who are discontent with the leadership of Megawati Soekarnoputri should form their own party instead of trying to undermine the party.

U.S. investment in ASEAN

U.S. investment in ASEAN BANGKOK (AFP): U.S. investment in ASEAN countries has topped that of Japan, reaching US$40 billion and likely to pass $200 billion by the end of the decade, a U.S. business representative said yesterday. Robert Driscoll, president of the U.S.-ASEAN Council, which promotes private business ventures in Southeast Asia, said U.S. investment to the region grew by $3 billion in 1993 alone, according to the U.S. Chambers of Commerce. U.S.

Indonesia warned of widening economic gap

Indonesia warned of widening economic gap JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia, whose gap between the poor and the rich has become notorious in the last two decades, received another warning yesterday following the remark of a senior economist, Sumitro Djojohadikusumo, about the issue. "I immediately read this eye-catching statement," State Minister of Research and Technology B.J. Habibie said yesterday.

Foreign investments decline sharply

Foreign investments decline sharply JAKARTA (JP): Foreign investments approved by the government for the development of non-oil and non-financial businesses fell sharply in the period from June to July, dropping to US$139.56 million from $225.85 million in the May-June period. However, in a monthly report released yesterday, the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) said that domestic investments surged to Rp 7.55 trillion ($3.48 billion) from Rp 3.05 trillion.

Lack of seats at railway stations

Lack of seats at railway stations From Neraca As a Jakarta residence, I used to travel by train to my work place and back every working day because it is the only fast and cheap means of public transportation in the city. I, and perhaps many other commuters who used to travel by train, are proud of the city's railway stations with their grand architectural style. Why can't our government afford to build railway stations like those in advanced countries.

Telephone

Telephone From Neraca Telkom has been very helpful in providing the public with telephones. I am very grateful for this. In Lenteng Agung district, southern Jakarta, in front of the campus of Sekolah Tinggi Ilmu Komunikasi, there are three public telephone booths. Unfortunately they have not been working for weeks now although the Telkom workers who gather the coins from the phone boxes must know about this.

Bakrie sells 6.8m shares

Bakrie sells 6.8m shares JAKARTA (JP): Hanil Leasing Company Ltd. of South Korea has acquired 4.25 million shares of PT Bakrie Finance Corporation (BFC) and the Manila-based Asian Development Bank (ADB) another 2.55 million shares. A spokesman for Bakrie Finance said here yesterday that the transactions for the share acquisition were made last Friday at the Jakarta Stock Exchange under the coordination of PT Bakrie Nusantara Corporation.

Reforestation decentralized

Reforestation decentralized JAKARTA (JP): The government has decided to decentralize reforestation programs by giving local authorities a bigger role, Director General of Reforestation and Land Rehabilitation Sumahadi said yesterday. "We will establish offices in 195 regencies in 26 provinces and assign them to deal with reforestation and land conservation programs," Sumahadi said. Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M.

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.

The Piano: No porn film

The Piano: No porn film After reading the "Your Letters" column in The Jakarta Post (Aug.9, 1994) I was shocked to see my name below a letter that I had not written as printed. Not only had you modified the English in a rather awkward fashion but also cut out two of my main arguments about the film The Piano. The arguments were that The Piano is not a pornographic film and that censorship is superfluous when the laws of economics are applied.

Pondok Kelapa named best subdistrict

Pondok Kelapa named best subdistrict Pondok Kelapa subdistrict in East Jakarta has been named as the winner of the city village contest for the 1994 fiscal year and will receive First Lady Tien Soeharto's trophy, a cash prize of Rp 400,000 (US$184) and a village bank loan of Rp 5 million. The announcement was made by the Deputy Governor for Administrative Affairs, Idroes, in his office on Wednesday.

North Korea honors Alatas with award

North Korea honors Alatas with award JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas yesterday received the Order of Friendship First Class award from North Korea for his efforts toward the reunification of the two Koreas. Former Indonesian ambassador to North Korea Muhamad Muharam Soemadipradja was awarded the Order of Friendship Second Class honor.

Govt to protect olefins from imports

Govt to protect olefins from imports JAKARTA (JP): Less than two months after ruling out tariff protection for new industrial ventures, the government announced yesterday that it plans to protect the olefins produced by PT Chandra Asri Petrochemical Center in Serang, West Java, from import competition.

Intellectual seminar

Intellectual seminar With Independence Day around the corner, four Indonesian intellectual organizations are jointly holding a seminar on human resources in Jakarta. This seminar, which was officially opened by President Soeharto yesterday, is the first of its kind ever held. Obviously, we hail this seminar as an important effort to produce quality human resources, which will be much needed by the nation in the coming decades.

KONI receives donation of Rp 1.6 billion for Asiad

KONI receives donation of Rp 1.6 billion for Asiad JAKARTA (JP): After months of waiting the national squad for Asia's greatest sporting extravaganza has found a helping hand for its financial shortcomings, although some crucial problems have yet to be resolved. A group of five entrepreneurs, who requested anonymity, gave Rp 1.6 billion (more than US$738,300) in checks to the national sports governing body (KONI), cutting the deficit of its set budget for the Games to Rp 1.4 billion ($646.050).

Japanese MPs meet with Abilio

Japanese MPs meet with Abilio DILI, East Timor: A group of Japanese members of parliament, met with governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares and placed a wreath at the Santa Cruz cemetery on Thursday. The MPs asked Abilio how many people were killed and missing in the bloody incident which took place Nov. 12, 1991, in which troops opened fire on demonstrators at the Santa Cruz cemetery.

Kasiyadi in the lead at golf tourney

Kasiyadi in the lead at golf tourney JAKARTA (JP): Sometimes it's better to be lucky than good. Kasiyadi, of Surabaya's Yani club, found this out yesterday when his poor 1-over 73 was enough to vault him into the lead of the Jakarta Circuit championship yesterday. Nevertheless, he appeared unhappy with his three-day total of 2-over 218 (76,69,73) at the difficult Halim II layout located near the air force base in East Jakarta.

Bonafide debt-collectors welcomed

Bonafide debt-collectors welcomed JAKARTA (JP): Maj. Gen. Hendropriyono, chief of the Jakarta branch of the Agency for the Coordination of Support for National Stability (Bakorstanasda Jaya), said yesterday that bonafide debt collectors doing business for banks are not designated as targets of the army-sponsored Operation Cleansing.

Solo to host next royal fest

Solo to host next royal fest SURAKARTA, Central Java: This city, more popularly known as Solo, has been selected to host the next festival of royalties in 1995, the Antara news agency said. Head of Surakarta's tourism office Soetrisno said the two royal palaces in Solo, Kasunanan and Mangkunegaran, are ready to play host to the festival while Mayor R. Hartomo has agreed to provide all the necessary facilities. This year's festival will kick off in nearby Yogyakarta on Saturday. (rid)

Actor Onky gave no detail about the land, notary says

Actor Onky gave no detail about the land, notary says JAKARTA (JP): A public notary testifying in a swindle case involving actor Onky Alexander, told the West Jakarta District Court that she was not informed by the defendant nor by the official at the City Land Agency about the real measurements of the land sold to the plaintiff.

Guidance for NGOs?

Guidance for NGOs? The authorities are reportedly drafting a decree on the guidance of this country's non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

Farmers find ancient grave

Farmers find ancient grave MEDAN, North Sumatra: Farmers in Sorkam, Central Tapanuli regency, stumbled upon ancient graves and antique items that experts believe date back to as early as 1160. The farmers told Antara that the antiques, found in two graves they discovered when tilling their land, were a lamp, a sword, plates and coins with Malay-Arabic characters. Experts hope that more archaic items would be found in the area.

Big-size artists told to leave Ancol Art Market

Big-size artists told to leave Ancol Art Market JAKARTA (JP): City councilors and PT Pembangunan Jaya, which manages the Ancol Art Market, are urging crafters and painters who have blossomed into sizable businesses to move from the art market in order to create more space for their less-fortunate counterparts.

592 firms face law suit

592 firms face law suit SEMARANG, Central Java: The provincial government has threatened to sue 592 companies for not insuring their workers. "The firms will soon be brought to trial for violating the law requiring companies to enlist their employees in the workers insurance plan," Haris Albert, chairman of the Central Java branch of the state insurance company Astek, said. Each owner of the companies may be fined up to Rp 50 million ($22,000) or a maximum jail term of six months, he said.

New home for the JSX almost completed

New home for the JSX almost completed JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) plans to move its operations to its new building, which is now in the final stage of construction, in January next year.

Lampung asks for govt's nod to `export' elephants

Lampung asks for govt's nod to `export' elephants JAKARTA (JP): The southern Sumatra province of Lampung has asked the central government for permission to resettle some of its elephants elsewhere in Indonesia because of increasing attacks by the beasts on villages and towns, which often resulted in loss of life.

Murayama to visit Manila Aug. 23-24

Murayama to visit Manila Aug. 23-24 MANILA (AFP): Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama will visit the Philippines from Aug. 23-24 on the first leg of a four- nation Asian tour, an official source said yesterday. The source at the Philippine foreign office said Murayama would meet with Philippine President Fidel Ramos to discuss a wide range of issues, including official aid, regional problems and the plight of Filipino women forced into sexual slavery by Japanese troops during World War II.

Life insurers report 33.5% growth in their revenues

Life insurers report 33.5% growth in their revenues JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Insurance Council (DAI) yesterday reported a 33.5 percent increase in revenues from the life insurance sector, rising to Rp 1.28 trillion (US$592.21 million) last year from Rp 963.15 billion in 1992. "Of last year's total revenues, Rp 1.04 trillion came from life insurance premiums," DAI's vice chairman for life insurance affairs, Sujono Soepeno, told reporters here yesterday.

Wimpy rules out powerful eruption

Wimpy rules out powerful eruption DENPASAR, Bali: A volcanologist has poured cold water on the suggestion that Mt. Batur in Bali will erupt violently soon, even though it has seen increased activity lately. "The probability that there will be a big and destructive eruption is small," Wimpy S. Tjetjep of the Directorate of Volcanology, said as quoted by the Antara news agency. "The pressure of sulfur gas thrown up by the volcano is relatively low," he said. Wimpy was sent to Bali to monitor Mt.

RI charged of undercutting

RI charged of undercutting KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysian plywood exporters have charged that Indonesian counterparts were unilaterally slashing plywood prices to undercut them in the international markets.

Only 20% buildings have permits

Only 20% buildings have permits Only 200,000 of an estimated one million permanent buildings across the city have building permits, a city official has said.

`Tempo' employees and its shareholders may part ways

`Tempo' employees and its shareholders may part ways JAKARTA (JP): The employees and shareholders of the defunct Tempo news magazine may part ways with each planning to establish their own magazines. This became apparent after a shareholders' meeting on Wednesday during which the employee representatives demanded an explanation from the Jaya Raya Foundation, holder of 40 percent equity, about rumors that it had struck up a deal with other investors to form a new magazine.

KL palm oil stocks soar on rally and RI ban

KL palm oil stocks soar on rally and RI ban KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Listed plantation companies in Malaysia are experiencing a windfall in share prices due to a rally on the local bourse and Indonesia's plan to ban export of palm oil, analysts said yesterday. Plantation firms on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) dealing in palm oil have seen price hikes of up to 20 percent in the last two weeks amid the bourse's bullishness and Jakarta's proposal Tuesday to outlaw external sales of palm oil.

In search of a more humane political culture

In search of a more humane political culture By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): A high-ranking military officer, Gen. (ret.) Edi Sudradjat, made an upbeat remark recently. "The government apparatus, including ABRI, must be proactive if it does not want to be caught off guard by progress and changes," Edi, who is the minister of defense and security, said. The occasion was the opening of the annual Armed Forces' (ABRI) leadership meeting, held on July 18, 1994.

Bahana to build more venture capital firms

Bahana to build more venture capital firms JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned venture capital company PT Bahana Artha Ventura, which last month started operating a venture capital firm in Bandung, West Java, will establish three more similar businesses in East Java and West Sumatra this year.

Alcatel denies allegation of work safety violation

Alcatel denies allegation of work safety violation JAKARTA (JP): The Alcatel Cable company asserted its compliance with work safety standards and refuted any suggestion that the death of four workers in a telephone cable manhole in West Jakarta on Wednesday was caused by safety negligence. "The people working for our company observe safety rules and technical specifications," Alcatel Cable's resident manager R. Meljac said yesterday.

Venture capital, OTC could narrow gap

Venture capital, OTC could narrow gap JAKARTA (JP): Economists suggested here yesterday that the country further develop venture capital businesses and the Over- the-Counter (OTC) stock market in a bid to narrow the gap between large and small companies. They also called for the establishment of an independent body to help small- and medium-scale companies locate financial sources outside the banking system and the capital market.

Vicious life

Vicious life From Merdeka Who says the Indonesian community is polite, religious and has deep faith in God Almighty? Yes, many people do have a solid faith in their religious teachings, however, more people in the community have dirty minds. Gambling, prostitution, drinking, pornography and corruption are easy to find in a large city like Jakarta. These indecent practices have gone to the point of no return.

Rights body meets with journalists' alliance

Rights body meets with journalists' alliance JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission on Human Rights yesterday met with the representatives of the newly formed Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI). Commission Secretary General Lopa Baharuddin told the alliance leaders that they should approach the government for an endorsement. Lopa suggested that the organization also hold dialogs with various parties, including the Press Council.

Tangerang residents criticize police

Tangerang residents criticize police Five residents of Cipulir district, Tangerang, are criticizing city police over their slow response to an appeal to tackle a land dispute case involving the state-owned manufacturer of securities paper (Peruri). The five, identified as Mulud, Murtabah, Warnadi, Ijo, and Mrs.

Court denies stay of execution

Court denies stay of execution SEMARANG, Central Java: The Supreme Court denied that it had issued an order for a stay of implementation of its ruling on the Kedungombo land dispute. "If the (Supreme Court's) decision has been circulating, it must be a counterfeit," Chief of Semarang District Court Soeharso quoted Chief Justice Purwoto Gandasubrata as saying. Earlier press reports suggested that the Supreme Court had agreed to a government petition for a stay of execution.

Great Procession to highlight `Kraton' Festival

Great Procession to highlight `Kraton' Festival YOGYAKARTA (JP): A caravan of vintage carriages and men dressed as traditional Javanese soldiers will kick off the week long Kraton Festival billed as the largest ever held in this provincial town.

Seeded players triumph in a spiritless match

Seeded players triumph in a spiritless match By Hidayat Jati YOGYAKARTA (JP): Seeded national and foreign players predictably marched into the second round of the 1994 RCTI Indonesia Open after encountering mostly spunkless, mediocre play and walkovers yesterday in the malaise-ridden US$166,000 tournament.

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.

Maan takes over command

Maan takes over command JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's leading golfer Maan Naasim rode a fine 1-under 71 yesterday for a two-day total of 144 to shove unheralded Suwarno from atop the leader board of the Jakarta Circuit championship. Suwarno, who had led Maan by two strokes after the opening round at Halim II course, saw his luck run out as he carded a miserable 4-over 76 for a total of 147 (71,76). Yesterday's catastrophe left him tied for third with Daryono (72,75) and Budiono (75,72).

Malaysia's tin output declines by 47 percent

Malaysia's tin output declines by 47 percent KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's tin production fell 47 percent over the year in the five months to May while local demand for the metal rose four percent, the statistics department said yesterday. Cumulative production of tin-in-concentrates totaled 2,711 tons between January and May compared with 5,219 tons the previous corresponding period.

Timber baron Bob Hasan denies plywood boycott

Timber baron Bob Hasan denies plywood boycott JAKARTA (JP): Timber baron Mohammad (Bob) Hasan yesterday denied that South Korean and Japanese importers had boycotted Indonesian plywood and he blamed brokers for propagating misleading information. "It was reported that we have a trade war with Sarawak. That's not true. You see that we're together here," Hasan said while introducing 15 visiting delegates of the Sarawak Timber Association.

24 finalists named in youth research contest

24 finalists named in youth research contest JAKARTA (JP): Twenty-four students from 13 provinces have been selected for the final round of the Research Contest for Youths organized by the Ministry of Education and Culture. The finalists, 14 from senior and 10 from junior high schools, presented their work yesterday and today to a panel of 12 jurists chaired by Andi Hakim Nasution of the Bogor Agricultural Institute IPB.

Enforcement of Traffic Law

Enforcement of Traffic Law From Jayakarta Even though quite some time has past since the Traffic Law was first enforced, I do not see any significant change in the country's traffic conditions. Most motorists still blatantly show their lack of compliance to regulations even though under the new law, anyone who violating them is supposed to face severe punishment. The frequent violations committed by many drivers, especially public transit drivers, cause major problems for other motorists.

Dayak handicraft exhibition planned

Dayak handicraft exhibition planned A major exhibition featuring art of the Dayak tribe will be held at the Aryaduta Hotel Jakarta from Aug. 12 to 17. The event, which will take place on the hotel's second floor, is jointly organized by the East Kalimantan provincial administration, the management of Taman Mini Indonesia Indah and the Aryaduta Hotel in celebration of the Indonesian Independence Day.

Ten opera artists to perform here

Ten opera artists to perform here JAKARTA (JP): Opera is getting increasingly multicultural, as Jakarta audiences and performers will see for themselves in a one-night performance of the best loved arias of several operas tonight. Ten artists, including American, Lebanese, Welsh, Ukraine, Philippine and Indonesian performers, will participate in the Sime Darby Le Grand Opera 1994. The event named after its main sponsor, a Malaysian multinational company.

Self-supporting in rice

Self-supporting in rice From Republika I am of the opinion that we should be self-supporting in rice and must preserve the rice fields. In fact, agricultural land must be increased because the need for rice is increasing as a result of an increase in population. But the reverse has happened.

Wealthy urged to help zoo

Wealthy urged to help zoo Governor Surjadi Soedirdja yesterday encouraged wealthy Jakartans to help the city administration fund Ragunan Zoo in South Jakarta. "I think it is understandable that I urge Jakarta's wealthy people to participate in developing the zoo," the governor told reporters when he inaugurated a Rp 300 million (US$138,200) enclosure for riding tamed elephants which was donated by Mrs. P. Schmutzer Verteegh.

INRO manager faces tough balancing act

INRO manager faces tough balancing act KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): After having dealt with rubber for the last 26 years, James Hegarty is about to embark on a tough balancing mission to try keep 26 governments happy about the price of the highly volatile commodity. The 57-year-old American, whose career evolved around serving U.S.

On IDD

On IDD Thank you for printing my letter (The Jakarta Post, Aug. 1, 1994). Being impatient, I contacted 108 (directory information) to find out who in Telkom could be contacted to find a solution to my problem. I was advised to contact customer service, telephone No. 5200107 which I did promptly. Although my telephone line (5482996) "went through the 'death' and rebirth" cycle for three more days, it has been working properly since July 31. The customer service people called on Aug.

KONI gives nod to twelve more athletes in Asiad

KONI gives nod to twelve more athletes in Asiad JAKARTA (JP): The selection process for national athletes who will compete in October's Asian Games in Hiroshima continued yesterday with the national sports governing body (KONI) reserving 12 more places for athletes in three events.

Bekasi to hike water prices 30%

Bekasi to hike water prices 30% BEKASI (JP): The local water company, PDAM Bekasi, has announced it will increase the price of water at an average of 30 percent starting this month. The company's director, Dudung T. Rukandi, said yesterday that the price hike is unavoidable due to sharp increases in the company's operational costs. "The decision was approved by Bekasi Regent in November 1993 and subsequently by the (West Java) governor in January," Dudung said.

Rain-making operation shifts to Central Java

Rain-making operation shifts to Central Java JAKARTA (JP): Following the huge success in West Java, the government's cloud seeding operation has moved to Central Java, where the severe dry spell has affected thousands of hectares of rice fields. The Agency for the Research and Application of Technology, working with the Central Java Public Works Office, will be spraying salt in various places in the province during the next two weeks, the Ministry of Public Works said in a statement.

Murayama to APEC meeting

Murayama to APEC meeting TOKYO (AFP): Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama told an Indonesian minister here yesterday that he was ready to attend an informal summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, officials said. The informal meeting is scheduled for November in Indonesia. "I would like to attend it.

An ounce of prevention

An ounce of prevention One should not read too deeply into the note of caution about Indonesia's macro-economic stability and growth, which was written by Bank Indonesia's (central bank) Governor Soedradjad Djiwandono on Tuesday, or become apprehensive about the upcoming economic trends.

A passion for Bamboo rocks Balinese valley with music

A passion for Bamboo rocks Balinese valley with music By Amir Sidharta and Rayya Makarim UBUD, Bali (JP): As the large bamboo of the Jegog musical band from Negara hummed its low melodic tones, the solemn valley of Nyuh Kuning, south of Ubud, Bali, was gradually transformed into a festive musical haven. Soon, the music of the Gong Saron troupe from Singapadu could be heard from the bottom of the valley, while the Joged Gudegan performance began at the cabana on the higher main plateau.

Dharmindo to shift core business into trade, construction

Dharmindo to shift core business into trade, construction JAKARTA (JP): PT Dharmindo Adhiduta, a mining company affected by poor performance in 1993, will shift its core business into trade and construction and will consolidate three of its subsidiaries by next year.

Fish is not 2nd-class meal: City officer

Fish is not 2nd-class meal: City officer JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Social Welfare H. Museno said yesterday that many people in the city still consider fish a second-class meal. "However according to nutrition experts, a healthy person requires a daily intake of 15 grams of natural protein," Museno explained. He revealed that the recommended intake has not been met by many since people still believe that eating fish causes skin and worm diseases.

Trouble is brewing in PDI party again

Trouble is brewing in PDI party again JAKARTA (JP): Trouble is brewing again in the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) as a number of party leaders in the region denounced the leadership of Megawati Soekarnoputri. In Aceh and North Sumatra, the party has been split between pro- and anti-Megawati elements, with each one having their own leadership boards. Megawati, the daughter of former president Sukarno, was swept to the PDI leadership last December by popular vote during a party congress.

Pertamina aids yachting race

Pertamina aids yachting race JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned oil company Pertamina yesterday donated Rp 220 million (US$101,500) in cash and 350 kiloliters of fuel to organizers of the fifth Perla yachting race yesterday.

Sumatra gives Prince the bird

Sumatra gives Prince the bird PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: Visiting Prince Akishino of Japan was given six eggs of local game birds during a visit to the province on Sunday. He also obtained eggs of the bekisar, a hybrid that is a cross between a game bird and a thoroughbred fowl. Chief of the Sriwijaya Zoo Saleh Yahya told Antara that the six eggs were expected to be hatched in Japan.

Malaysian killed in blast identified

Malaysian killed in blast identified SINGAPORE (AFP): A Malaysian, one of the three people killed in an explosion on a ship, was identified yesterday as Jobli bin Gonjeng. A police spokesman said Wednesday, it was not immediately known from which state Jobli, 27, came from. He was among 12 workers carrying out painting work on Tuesday on the ship at Sembawang Bethlehem Pte. Ltd., a subsidiary of listed Sembawang Shipyard, one of Singapore's top three shipyards.

Drunk policeman shoots watchman

Drunk policeman shoots watchman JAKARTA (JP): A police officer shot to death a security guard in a discotheque in North Jakarta early yesterday morning. Reportedly, both men were heavily intoxicated at the time. The officer, identified as Sgt. Popang, was a member of the West Jakarta police precinct and was arrested by the military police, according to Lt. Col. Latief Rabar, a spokesman for City Police. Latief said the sergeant was in police custody and undergoing intensive examination.

Oil prices to remain stable for rest of year

Oil prices to remain stable for rest of year JAKARTA (JP): Oil prices will likely remain stable until the end of this year due to increasing world demand, Minister of Mines and Energy I.B. Sudjana said. He told reporters during a gathering with students here yesterday that the severe summer in the northern hemisphere, the economic recovery in industrial countries and the reopening of a number of oil refineries in North Sea countries have raised the demand for oil.

ASEAN at 27: Achievements and deficiencies

ASEAN at 27: Achievements and deficiencies By C.P.F. Luhulima JAKARTA (JP): Twenty-seven years ago this week, ASEAN's foreign ministers set out a number of major goals for the association. The first was to reconcile intra-regional strife which characterized Southeast Asia in the shape of border and territorial disputes, ethnic conflicts and animosities, religious prejudices, and the fear of the bigger states by the smaller ones.

Four Alcatel workers die of drowning

Four Alcatel workers die of drowning JAKARTA (JP): Four workers at PT Alcatel Cable, a French telecommunications company, died and another was badly injured after being submerged in a telephone cable duct in West Jakarta yesterday afternoon. The deceased were identified as Teddy Wahyudi, 18, from Cirebon, West Java, Taufik Ismail, 20, from Kopeng, West Java, Zainal Abidin and Mursadi, 32, both residents of Jl. Tebet Barat, South Jakarta.

Cairo summit to focus on sexual rights, abortion

Cairo summit to focus on sexual rights, abortion JAKARTA (JP): The issues of abortion, reproductive and sexual health and rights, as well as gender equality, are likely to grab major attention during an upcoming population summit in Cairo, says State Minister for Population Haryono Suyono.

Mt. Gamalama belches smoke

Mt. Gamalama belches smoke AMBON, Maluku: Gamalama volcano in Ternate, North Maluku, belched black smoke and emitted a terrifying roaring sound on Monday. Chief of the geology and mineral resources section at the local mines and energy office Philip Kasturian said volcano has been active for the past two months. Kasturian said that there was a minor tremor and the emission of dust and pebbles when the volcano produced the sound.

Loan for civil servants

Loan for civil servants JAKARTA (JP): Bank Bumi Daya, a state-owned bank, and Bank Kesejahteraan Ekonomi, will jointly provide housing credits for members of Koperasi Pegawai Negeri (KPN), a cooperative of civil servants. Under an agreement signed here yesterday, the two banks will provide a credit line of around Rp 70 billion (US$33.34 million) to the cooperative, which will use the funds to finance housing for its members. Bank Bumi Daya president Iwan R.

Twilite orchestra holds horn recital

Twilite orchestra holds horn recital Twilite Orchestra, a Jakarta based orchestra, holds a two-day horn workshop and recital at the Candi Penataran I room of the Sahid Jaya Hotel, Central Jakarta, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today and tomorrow. Addie M.S, the music director of the orchestra, said that this is a rare opportunity for local musicians and music observers to improve their knowledge on the horn.

RI defends military in E. Timor

RI defends military in E. Timor JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas yesterday explained the presence of Indonesian troops in East Timor to a group of Japanese legislators who have been critical of Indonesia's policy in the former Portuguese colony. Alatas said that the Armed Forces has withdrawn all its combat units from East Timor and that only territorial battalions remain.

U.S. sees progress on Indonesian labor front

U.S. sees progress on Indonesian labor front JAKARTA (JP): The United States, which is currently reviewing the trade privileges it grants to Indonesia, says that Jakarta has made some progress on the question of workers' rights. The U.S. embassy said in a brief statement yesterday that its government is continuing to hold dialogs with Jakarta on the question of whether or not to extend the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) to Indonesia.

Four men face abduction charges

Four men face abduction charges SINGAPORE (AFP): Two Malaysians were among four men charged with the kidnapping of an Indian businessman in a subordinate court yesterday, the Singapore Broadcasting Corporation (SBC) reported. The two Malaysians were identified as Jacob Packiam and Sinnasam Marappan. The other two suspects were Singaporeans, Rajandran Rengasamy and Ramaya Ramasamdram. Their ages were not given. The case will come up for further mention in a week's time.

Councilors urge building owners to train small-scale traders

Councilors urge building owners to train small-scale traders JAKARTA (JP): City councilors are urging Jakarta high-rise management firms to provide small-scale traders with space for their businesses and training to help them improve their competitive edge. "We want you all to do more than just give them space," said Joko Suwindi, a member of the City Council's Commission B on economic affairs.

Taipei textile machine fair

Taipei textile machine fair JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian textile businessmen who need to restructure their plant equipment to maintain competitiveness will be able to keep themselves apprised of the latest textile manufacturing technology at a five-day exhibition in Taipei beginning on Nov. 19.

Telkom, firms sign MOU for 42,000 phone lines

Telkom, firms sign MOU for 42,000 phone lines JAKARTA (JP): The West Jakarta Chapter of the state-owned telecommunication company, PT Telkom, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) yesterday with 42 private companies for the installation of more than 42,000 new telephone lines over a period of three years.

Wife searches for man taken by soldiers in '71

Wife searches for man taken by soldiers in '71 JAKARTA (JP): A woman turned up at the secretariat of the National Commission on Human Rights yesterday seeking help to track her husband, missing since 1971, after he was accused of being a communist and taken by the military. Jaurah Muzakkir, 63 years, said that although the military cleared her husband, Mohammad Zachri Abdullah, of any communist links in 1978, she had not received any satisfactory answers about his fate.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) gained ground yesterday after enduring a light correction during the previous two days. The broad-based Composite Index ended the day higher at 471.69, rising by almost two points from 469.92 on Tuesday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index, however, continued declining to 111.22 from 111.59 due to the falls in the number of several large issues.

History may not repeat itself at Woodstock

History may not repeat itself at Woodstock By Riris Irawati JAKARTA (JP): It isn't known whether any Indonesians had the chance to witness the original 1969 Woodstock concert which the 60s generation affectionately refers to as three days of love, peace and music. However, a quarter of a century later, it's unlikely that this country of over 180 million people will have no representatives at the festival being held in Saugerties, upstate New York, from Aug. 13 to Aug.

Indonesians experience delightful encounter with American art songs

Indonesians experience delightful encounter with American art songs By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): American songs... the trouble with them is that most of what we hear in Indonesia are rather questionable versions of the enormous wealth that have been produced. I'm not referring to today's rock or pop songs but to the excerpts from that typically American branch of the performing arts known as the musical.

Tax on import goods

Tax on import goods May I crave a few of your valuable column inches to finally bring down the curtain on the drama of the Rp 29,680 charge on the import (via airmail) of a videocassette (cost price 8 Pounds, about Rp 27,000 at today's date rate of exchange). My reason for writing again is that on Aug. 9, 1994 I was surprised (and pleased) to be called upon at my office by two quite senior Post Office officials.

People on alert as Mt. Batur `coughs'

People on alert as Mt. Batur `coughs' JAKARTA (JP): Mount Batur on Bali is spewing ash and smoke, prompting the authorities to appeal to residents and tourists to stay away from the 1,771 meter high volcano. Mt. Batur, 60 kilometers northeast of capital Denpasar, had been dormant for 20 years until Sunday when it began to shoot hot ashes and thick smoke into the sky. The local government has declared Mt. Batur closed for mountaineers and tourists until the volcanic activity stops.

Top boxers join Jabotabek c'ships

Top boxers join Jabotabek c'ships JAKARTA (JP): Leading national boxers Hamdani Tomagola and Herry Makawimbang, fresh from their recent Golden Gloves victories in Ujungpandang, South Sulawesi, are set to highlight the Atrico amateur boxing championships here from Aug. 22 to 26.

Try Sutrisno wants SPSI to be more effective

Try Sutrisno wants SPSI to be more effective JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno yesterday said that All Indonesian Workers Union (SPSI) must enhance its role in promoting the welfare of its members. In a speech closing a seminar on manpower, Try said the nation will be faced with a number of labor problems as the economy continues to grow. These problems, he said, will range from unemployment to industrial disputes amidst increasing demands for higher wages and better conditions.

Long-time allies pull the rug from under Ismail Hasan

Long-time allies pull the rug from under Ismail Hasan JAKARTA (JP): The chances Ismail Hasan Metareum will retain his post as chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) were severely undermined yesterday when long-time powerful allies decided to pull the carpet out from under him just three weeks before the election.

Prince Akishino in Padang

Prince Akishino in Padang PADANG, West Sumatra: Prince Akishino, the second son of Japanese Emperor Akihito, began a three-day visit on Tuesday. Prince Akishino and his entourage were treated to a cultural show during a dinner hosted by Governor Hasan Basri Durin, Antara reported. The prince will visit Solok, a scenic town some 90 kilometers east of here, to watch a cock-crow contest and enjoy the unique crows of local rosters, called Balenggek.

Unruly driver

Unruly driver From Media Indonesia Everyday I take a round trip on Metromini bus U-24 from Tanjung Priok to Senen via Sunter and Kemayoran. The number of buses on the route is adequate so that from 10:00 a.m. till 3:00 p.m. the buses often carry only a few passengers. It is not surprising that many buses stop a long time at certain bus stops waiting for more commuters to get on, which makes traveling time longer.

17-day contest on horticulture planned

17-day contest on horticulture planned The City Park Office will hold a contest on horticulture from Aug. 12 to 28 at the Banteng Square, Central Jakarta, the office's head, Syamsir Alam, announced yesterday. In order to lure visitors, Syamsir said the organizer will hold entertainment programs during the contest, which will feature flower and fruit arrangements, aquarium making contests, plant decorating contests and competitions on building decoration.

Land for tidal wave victims

Land for tidal wave victims JAKARTA: The Ministry of Forestry has appropriated 16 hectares of land at the Meru Betiri National Park in Banyuwangi, East Java, for the victims of the recent tidal wave. The land was initially designed by the government for a company but the plan was withdrawn because there was no agreement between both parties. Forestry Minister Djamaludin Suryohadikusumo said President Soeharto supports the plan.

Search workers fiund first missing chopper

Search workers fiund first missing chopper JAKARTA (JP): Search and rescue workers sent out to comb the jungles of East Kalimantan for a helicopter that disappeared on July 26 instead found the wreckage of a chopper that had been missing since May. The wreckage belongs to a Sikorsky helicopter of registration number PK-OBS that went missing on May 5 with two people on board, Heru Legowo, head of the search operation, was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying yesterday.

Clear sailing for host shuttlers in Indonesian Open

Clear sailing for host shuttlers in Indonesian Open by Hidayat Jati YOGYAKARTA (JP): Despite the absence of formidable foreign opposition and rampant walk-overs of provincial players in the Indonesia Open badminton championships, the mastery of leading Indonesian shuttlers is expected to enchant fans in this slow- paced mystical tourist town.

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.

Unknown golfer takes early lead

Unknown golfer takes early lead JAKARTA (JP): A no-name from Yani Golf Club in Surabaya found himself atop the leader board by one stroke after the first round of the Jakarta Circuit championship at Halim II course yesterday. The long hitting Suwarno stroked three fine birdies against two bogeys for a 1-under 71 (35,36), placing him ahead of Jakarta Golf Club ace Daryono who carded a solid even par 72 (36,36).

Seeing double

Seeing double From Bisnis Indonesia An article written by Sudar D. Atmanto entitled Kekeringan, deforestasi dan kemiskinan (Drought, deforestation and poverty) was published in Bisnis Indonesia on July 15, 1994. The following day, July 16, the same article by the same author appeared in the Kompas daily. In this case, Bisnis Indonesia, had nothing to lose. But the thing is, we question the practice of sending identical articles to different newspapers. What about the code of ethics in writing?

Fire destroys 62 shops

Fire destroys 62 shops SOLO, Central Java: Fire destroyed a handicrafts center and 62 shops at Gilingan subdistrict Saturday, leaving some 57 families homeless and causing losses of approximately one billion rupiah. There were no casualties reported. The fire also gutted thousands of pieces of furniture in the shops and a mosque. At least 10 fire engines units deployed from the surrounding towns of Sukoharjo, Sragen and Karanganyar put out the blaze, but only after nearly four hours of work.

Jasa Marga: Thank you

Jasa Marga: Thank you From Neraca A couple of grannies completed their grueling trip at the end of the Semarang toll road in a 1969 Fiat sedan recently. They were exasperated as they finished the 70-kilometer drive from Boyolali in the old car with a leaky radiator. The car forced them to stop 10 times to fill a total of 20 big bottles of Aqua water. The Jasa Marga Patrol officers in Semarang who spotted them at 10 p.m.

Train in vain

Train in vain From Neraca Every morning a great number of residents of Depok, a township of 385,000 people, travel to Jakarta by train. Many of them ride in economy class on Pakuan express trains of the state-owned railway company, Perumka. But what is disheartening me is that the management of the company shows little concern for passengers' problems in riding its trains, especially at the town's two stations, Depok Lama and Depok Baru. Only a few of the trains which depart before 8 a.m.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), which gained ground last week, failed yesterday to maintain the upward trend. The market's Composite Index fell by 2.5 points to close at 469.92 yesterday from 472.40 on Monday. The narrow-based GTDBS-50 Index fell to 111.59 from 111.75. Yesterday's total trading significantly declined to 17.24 million shares worth Rp 76.98 billion (US$35.47 million) from 32.79 million shares valued at Rp 132.97 billion on Monday.

Ho Chi Minh City to halve state firms

Ho Chi Minh City to halve state firms HANOI (AFP): Ho Chi Minh City is planning to halve the number of state enterprises under its administration by forcing weaker companies to close or merge by the end of next year, a report said yesterday. But the plan by the city's Directorate of Industries has come under fire, as state firms accuse it of being heavy-handed, while others say it is too weak to kill off mortally wounded companies, the Saigon Newsreader reported.

PT Pembangunan Jaya to go public in 1997

PT Pembangunan Jaya to go public in 1997 PT Pembangunan Jaya, a joint-venture company which manages Ancol Dreamland in North Jakarta, will go public in 1997. O.H. Panggabean, a deputy director of PT Pembangunan Jaya, told city councilors Monday during a visit to the recreation center that the company is now making preparations for the plan. PT Pembangunan Jaya was established by a number of prominent businessmen, including A.M. Dasaad, J.D. Masie, H.M.N.M.

Hydrogen peroxide plant

Hydrogen peroxide plant JAKARTA (JP): The Risjad Brasali business group will establish Southeast Asia's biggest hydrogen peroxide plant in Bekasi, West Java, with an investment of Rp 170 billion (US$78.37 million). The planned plant is expected to start operating in early 1996 with a capacity of 30,000 tons per annum. About 60 percent of its production will be sold domestically with the remainder to be exported.

Fire destroys 150 houses

Fire destroys 150 houses PALEMBANG, South Sumatra: An early morning fire razed 150 houses in Mendahara Ilir village on Tuesday. There were no casualties in the biggest fire to hit the city this year, Antara reported. A police spokesman said the fire was put out about two hours after it started. Police are still investigating the cause of the fire. (par)

Growth experience

Growth experience From Kompas My son and his friends were riding motorbikes at about 10 p.m. on July 31 in the Jabong area, Mekar-Parung, Bogor when they were knocked down by a passing Kijang car. Two of the motorbikes went down at that time and three of the riders are still in the hospital. The other went home after receiving medical treatment. We can only appeal to the driver to visit these people in the hospital before we resort to searching for him ourselves.

Elephants destroy crops

Elephants destroy crops BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Elephants coming down from the Bukit Barisan National Park have been destroying the substantial food crops in West Lampung for the past three months. A number of village chiefs told Antara over the weekend that dozens of the beasts destroyed hectares of coffee and rice crops. Chief of the Negara Ratu village Ikhwan Z said that the elephants came down to the villages late in the afternoon and destroyed the crops throughout the evening.

Extortionists disappear from Soekarno-Hatta

Extortionists disappear from Soekarno-Hatta JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief said yesterday that the notorious extortionists who used to prey on returning workers have completely disappeared from Soekarno-Hatta airport. "You can see that the system is again working well," an apparently satisfied Latief told reporters after touring the airport terminal.

RP farmers dump rotten eggplants

RP farmers dump rotten eggplants MANILA (Reuter): Angry farmers dumped sacks of rotten corn, bananas and eggplants outside the Philippine Senate yesterday, demanding the assembly reject the GATT world trade accord. "This is what will happen to us. All our produce will rot if the treaty is ratified," a rally leader shouted as he and dozens of other protesters emptied the sacks onto the Senate driveway.

Yor's arrest was not politically motivated: Hendro

Yor's arrest was not politically motivated: Hendro JAKARTA (JP): Chief of the Jakarta branch of the Agency for the Coordination of Support for National Stability (Bakorstanasda Jaya), Maj. Gen. Hendropriyono, yesterday denied that the arrest of Yor, the head of a leading national youth organization, was politically motivated. "It's not true that Yor's arrest was politically motivated. He was arrested for gambling and gambling only," the two-star general who is popularly known as Hendro insisted.

Islamic council certifies products from giant Indofood

Islamic council certifies products from giant Indofood JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) yesterday certified as halal (fit for consumption by Moslems) a wide range of products from giant food manufacturer PT Indofood Sukses Makmur.

Violinist Idris Sardi: Discipline, awareness, farewell

Violinist Idris Sardi: Discipline, awareness, farewell By Lenah Susianty JAKARTA (JP): In Indonesia's music world, violin means Idris Sardi. Ask people on the street to name an Indonesian violinist and Idris Sardi will top the list. "Idris Sardi and the violin have blended together and become an image," said Suka Hardjana a musician and music observer who prefers to put "jobless" as his profession on his card.

Land digging

Land digging From Neraca I would like East Jakarta Mayor Soedarsono to listen to the residents of Pondok Kelapa concerning the land excavation in this area. It has been going on for a long time. The earth is used to raise the level of the ground in front of the new campus of Dharma Persada University. The residents are disturbed by the constant noise of the trucks and the digging will also damage the environment. Yet the authorities remain silent and seem to protect the project.

Proposal on PPP debate rejected

Proposal on PPP debate rejected JAKARTA (JP): Ismail Hasan Metareum, the incumbent chairman of the United Development Party (PPP) and the leading candidate for the leadership election later this month, yesterday rejected calls by his rivals for a public debate ahead of the election. Ismail Hasan argued that such debates were "unusual" and had not been part of the party's tradition.

Govt defends hiring of SGS surveyor

Govt defends hiring of SGS surveyor JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday defended the hiring of the Geneva-based Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) to inspect Indonesia's imports as a means of maintaining the smooth inflow of goods and preventing corruption and red tape.

17 more national athletes qualify for 12th Asian Games

17 more national athletes qualify for 12th Asian Games JAKARTA (JP): The national sports governing body (KONI) gave the green light for 17 athletes to join the national squad for the 12th Asian Games in Hiroshima yesterday.

SGS assignment questioned

SGS assignment questioned It obviously ran counter to our national sense of pride to have been forced, by decades of bitter experiences, to distrust our own customs service. And it was quite regrettable that economic imperatives compelled us to vest part of our customs inspection authority with a foreign entity -- the Geneva-based Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) inspection company.

PD Sarana Jaya builds apartments

PD Sarana Jaya builds apartments The city-owned construction company, PD Sarana Jaya, has constructed eight apartment buildings to meet the escalating demand on housing facilities for low-income bracket people. Thamrin Djamain, the president of the company, said Monday the eight buildings had a total of 2,934 units.

Eight government universities make transmigration studies

Eight government universities make transmigration studies JAKARTA (JP): Eight government universities have agreed to conduct a number of studies for the Ministry of Transmigration to find ways of improving the living conditions of settlers.

Indonesia needs to build its own cultural industry

Indonesia needs to build its own cultural industry JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia needs to build its own cultural industry -- one that promotes local values -- to counter the influx of foreign cultures, a senior official of the Ministry of Education and Culture says. Director General of Culture Edi Sedyawati told a seminar yesterday that the penetration of foreign cultures is inevitable because of the increasing number of imported foreign television programs being screened by local stations.

Domestic resources are expected contribute 93% of investment

Domestic resources are expected contribute 93% of investment JAKARTA (JP): Domestic resources are expected to contribute 93 percent of the Rp 102.1 trillion (US$47.05 billion) in investments needed for economic development this fiscal year, Bank Indonesia Governor J. Soedradjad Djiwandono said here yesterday.

Kadin pledges to take heed of green business

Kadin pledges to take heed of green business JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kadin) yesterday pledged to pay greater attention to the preservation of the environment. The chamber yesterday renewed an agreement with the Office of the State Minister of Environment for cooperation in a number of programs, which are designed to enhance the protection of the environment by businesses.

Police told to stop knocking in doors

Police told to stop knocking in doors KEBUMEN, Central Java: Tourist officials are appealing to the police to be more discrete in conducting raids against illicit sex at local hotels. Adiasto Narendroputro, the local tourist office chief, said police should not simply push in doors and storm into rooms, but should ask for permission from the hotel operators to check the rooms. In one recent raid, police arrested 15 unmarried couples, including teenagers, Antara news agency reported.

`Rose of Thailand' no longer so sweet

`Rose of Thailand' no longer so sweet BANGKOK (AFP): The northern Thai provincial capital of Chiang Mai, once dubbed the "Rose of Thailand," is wrestling with a thorny question these days: where to dump its trash. Chiang Mai administrators ran out of dumping sites two weeks ago and have been unable to find any new ones, according to local dailies and Thai television.

Asia-Pacific business leaders to meet in Jakarta

Asia-Pacific business leaders to meet in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): More than 100 business leaders from 15 members of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum have confirmed their participation in the first Asia-Pacific business meeting scheduled here on Aug. 24-25, the Organizing Committee announced yesterday. "We expect more participants to come in before the registration deadline in the next few days," said Aminuddin, chairman of the committee.

By Santi WE Soekanto

By Santi WE Soekanto Fusion in PPP fails, no change imminent: Analysts JAKARTA (JP): The constant factional bickerings within the United Development Party (PPP) prove that the 1973 merge of its four original Moslem groups has miserably failed, two analysts said. Dr.

Suspect nabbed for stabbing a Pakistani warship sailor

Suspect nabbed for stabbing a Pakistani warship sailor JAKARTA (JP): Police announced yesterday that they have nabbed the alleged attacker of a crew member of a Pakistani warship, which is in the city for a week-long, goodwill visit. The suspect, identified as Agustinus TW, was taken into custody at around 10 a.m. yesterday at the traffic light near the Enggano Billiard pool-hall on Jl. Enggano, North Jakarta. The 22- year-old man is a technical high school drop-out who lives on Jl.

Bapepam plans to attract more local investors

Bapepam plans to attract more local investors JAKARTA (JP): The Capital Market Supervisory Agency (Bapepam) will work to make the country's stock exchanges more attractive to local investors, the agency's chief said. Bacelius Ruru told reporters here on Monday that domestic investors need to improve their role in daily trading to stabilize the capital market because 70 percent of daily transactions are now dominated by foreign investors.

1,000 Pertamina employees ask for early retirement

1,000 Pertamina employees ask for early retirement JAKARTA (JP): Some 1,000 employees of the state oil company Pertamina who are on the verge of receiving their pensions have requested retirement under the company's streamlining program, which is aimed at improving efficiency. "Around 90 percent of the employees requesting early retirement are of low rank and most of them are more than 45 years old," Pertamina's junior director for general affairs, R.M.

Japanese legislators in town en route to East Timor

Japanese legislators in town en route to East Timor JAKARTA (JP): Five Japanese legislators from the Social Democratic and Liberal Democratic parties are currently in town to meet with their Indonesian counterparts and government officials en route to East Timor. The legislators, accompanied by three Japanese journalists, arrived yesterday and are scheduled to meet with House members and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Alatas today, the ministry's spokesman, Irawan Abidin, told The Jakarta Post.

Marsillam fights ghost from Indonesia's past

Marsillam fights ghost from Indonesia's past Pandangan Negara Integralistik Marsillam Simandjuntak Publisher: PT Pustaka Utama Grafiti, 1994 284 pages JAKARTA (JP): Has anyone noticed that hidden beneath the thick, almost invisible smog of political tension, a ghost from the country's past has been brought back from obscurity to haunt the democratization process?

Hopes for ASEAN

Hopes for ASEAN From Bisnis Indonesia ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) celebrated its 27th anniversary on Aug. 8. Twenty-seven is surely a mature age for ASEAN. It should be admitted that ASEAN is a solid and compact grouping, one relatively without friction. We hail its accomplishments. However, the world's political and economic maps have changed. The end of the Cold War has caused the West to turn away from its allies and focus its attention on internal or regional affairs.

Australian plane to be sent back

Australian plane to be sent back AMBON, Maluku: The wreckage of a Catalina plane belonging to the Royal Australian Air Force, which crashed in Buru island in 1944 during the World War II, will be returned to Australia on Thursday. Antara reported that the wreckage was salvaged by a special team from Australia which arrived at the site on Aug. 2. The team also diffused six bombs and removed a number of weapons from the site. (par)

Political elite

Political elite While approaching the observance of Independence Day, it seems necessary for us to evaluate our political development and consciousness because they are the vital factors on which we have based our struggle prior to and after the proclamation of independence. Although the circumstances during the above periods are different, the ethical and cultural principles which are attuned to our democratic system should be nurtured and preserved.

Prostitutes take over city taxis

Prostitutes take over city taxis SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): The city's more sophisticated prostitutes, driven away from their brothels by a police anti- vice unit crackdown, have worked out a new way of offering their services -- they operate from cabs. The women, who charge their customers between Rp 100,000 and Rp 700,000, are driven around the city in the taxis, while waiting for orders from their pimps.

Water level drops in Jatiluhur

Water level drops in Jatiluhur PURWAKARTA, West Java: Officials expect the Jatiluhur dam to continue to be able to provide water to local rice fields despite a severe drop in its water level. Director of the Jatiluhur Authority Muhamad Ulama said the water level has fallen by between eight and nine meters, but stressed that such a reduction is considered usual during the dry season.

Islamic sect banned for crossing political line

Islamic sect banned for crossing political line By Bill Tarrant KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): At a gathering of his disciples on the Islamic New Year on June 11, Ashaari Muhammad, leader of a now outlawed mystical Sufi sect, outlined his plan to take power in Malaysia. For Ashaari it was the fulfillment of an ancient prophecy. For the government of multiracial Malaysia it was the talk of a megalomaniacal religious fanatic with the potential for unleashing a sectarian nightmare.

Foreign VIPs to attend festival

Foreign VIPs to attend festival YOGYAKARTA: A number of foreign ambassadors are expected to attend the opening ceremony of the week-long "Festival Kraton 1994" will gets underway this Saturday. The festival will bring together the arts and cultures of seven Javanese royal kingdoms. Ambassadors who have confirmed attendance include those from Malaysia, Singapore, England and the Netherlands, the organizers said.

Poor rugby coverage

Poor rugby coverage Although we learned in Monday's Jakarta Post that Springbok's rugby team coach and manager are to be sacked following the test series loss to New Zealand, it is without success that I searched for a report on the third test held last Saturday in Auckland between New Zealand and South Africa. There is generally poor rugby (or cricket) coverage in The Jakarta Post. A more comprehensive cover would be appreciated. PHILIP RICH Jakarta

NGOs oppose govt plans to regulate their activities

NGOs oppose govt plans to regulate their activities By Lewa Pardomuan JAKARTA (JP): Several outspoken non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are voicing their opposition to the government's plan to monitor their activities through a presidential decree out of fear it will become a tool to restrict them. "No doubt about it.

Bakrie signs deal for Taman Rasuna project

Bakrie signs deal for Taman Rasuna project JAKARTA (JP): PT Catur Swasakti Utama (PT CSU), a subsidiary of the widely diversified Bakrie Group, has finalized a Rp 500 billion (US$230 million) deal for the immediate construction of 17 tower blocks of the Taman Rasuna Apartments in Kuningan, South Jakarta. PT CSU signed a contract with three developers, including the French developer Dragages et Travauxs Public (DTP), at a ceremony on Monday.

Councilors oppose proposed hike in transportation fares

Councilors oppose proposed hike in transportation fares JAKARTA (JP): City councilors oppose the proposal by the Jakarta Chapter of Land Transportation Owners' Organization (Organda) to increase public transportation fares in the city. "I do not see any reasonable grounds for increasing public transportation fares," Aliwongso, a member of Commission D, a city council commission in charge of development affairs said yesterday.

RI opens ties with Tajikistan

RI opens ties with Tajikistan JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has formally opened diplomatic ties with Tajikistan, a former republic of the Soviet Union in Central Asia, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced yesterday. A joint communique on the opening of ties was signed in Moscow on July 27 by Rachmat Witoelar, the Indonesian ambassador to Russia, and his Tajikistan counterpart Abdullajanov Abdulmalik.

BDN launches Eurobond valued at US$165 million

BDN launches Eurobond valued at US$165 million JAKARTA (JP): PT Bank Dagang Negara (BDN), Indonesia's fourth largest state-owned bank, has launched a seven-year floating rate note (FRN) Eurobond of US$165 million with the Hong Kong-based J.P. Morgan Securities Asia Ltd. acting as the lead manager. "This is a ground breaking transaction for Indonesian issuers. Borrowers are diversifying their sources of funding," Adam Howard, the head of Capital Market Asia for J.P.

Beware of fraud

Beware of fraud From Media Indonesia This is a warning particularly to women who have an ambition to be successful in business. Beware of a man named "Mr. Leiden" (apparently not his real name)! He is certainly not a foreigner, but an Indonesian citizen. Here is the story. My friend's wife who owns a company and rents an office in the hotel KP, Central Jakarta becomes a victim of his deceitful action.

Cooperative faces law suit

Cooperative faces law suit SEMARANG, Central Java: Sixty four families are threatening to sue the management of the provincial branch of the Workers Cooperative for building shoddy houses. "We have formally reported the poor condition of the houses to the cooperative management but there has been no reply," a spokesman for the families, Sambodo, said yesterday. The families are occupants of the Pundak Payung low-cost housing complex in the city's southern outskirts.

MRT projects to start next year

MRT projects to start next year JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Public Works yesterday announced that the oft-delayed urban Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) project, which will link Blok M in South Jakarta with the Kota area in West Jakarta, will begin next year. Ruslan Diwiryo, the ministry's secretary general, said that the government will also build what he called an East-West MRT system. The East-West corridor, which will pass Grogol in West Jakarta, the National Monument in Central Jakarta and Jl.

North Jakarta police deny bribery charge

North Jakarta police deny bribery charge JAKARTA (JP): North Jakarta police yesterday denied charges that they had taken bribes from a fence who allegedly bought electronic goods from 13 smugglers last month. Lt. Col. Heru Susanto, the chief of the North Jakarta police, admitted that the fence, identified as Musdar, 36, a resident of Jl. Kebun Bawang VIII, North Jakarta, had once offered his men Rp 20 million (US$9,315) in exchange for part of some contraband confiscated by police.

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.

Redefinition of customs service urged

Redefinition of customs service urged JAKARTA (JP): An independent research group yesterday suggested that the government redefine its contract with the Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) in inspecting Indonesia's imports because it runs counter to GATT rules and gives no profits.

Bapeksta denies it delays import duty refunds

Bapeksta denies it delays import duty refunds JAKARTA (JP): Tjuk Soeroso, chief of the government-run export facility agency or Bapeksta, yesterday denied charges by export- oriented companies that his agency has often delayed import duty refunds. He blamed the delay on export-oriented companies slowness in filing reports on the realization of their exports to his agency.

Government bans book published by Al Arqam

Government bans book published by Al Arqam JAKARTA (JP): Attorney General Singgih yesterday announced the ban against another book published by the Malaysia-based Al Arqam movement, saying that its content could incite conflicts among Moslems in Indonesia.

Tampubolon killers receive between 12 and 15 years

Tampubolon killers receive between 12 and 15 years JAKARTA (JP): Four men found guilty of murdering Brig. Gen. Toga Manahan Franklin Tampubolon were sentenced to long prison terms by the East Jakarta district court yesterday. Hendrik Setyawan, 24, Rusdi Abdul Rahman, 25, and Risdiyanto, 25, were each sentenced to 15 years for intentional murder, while Lukman Muhammad, 30, received 12 years. "The defendants have been found without doubt to have committed the murder," said Presiding Judge Soeroto.

Lost pearl

Lost pearl From Kompas My name is Agus Muhadi and I am now 64 years old. I feel morally obliged to express something that has long occupied my mind. I was watching Vina Panduwinata singing the song Mutiara yang Hilang (The Lost Pearl) on TPI television to welcome the New Year 1994. This song, both music and lyrics, was composed by me. I composed the song in Denpasar, Bali, in 1957 when I was still a 27-year-old bachelor. Actually the lyrics reflect my own life.

Prosecutor receives Hartono's dossier

Prosecutor receives Hartono's dossier Police said yesterday that they have handed over the dossier of Hartono Setyawan, a notorious pimp who specialized in brokering high-class call-girls, to the Jakarta High Prosecution office. They will later pass it to the district court for trial. "The dossier was sent to the prosecutor's office on Saturday," Col. Nurfaizi, chief of the Investigative Directorate at the city police headquarters, told reporters.

S'pore's basic political system unchanged

S'pore's basic political system unchanged Today is Singapore's national day. Political scientist Bilveer Singh reflects on both the achievements and the shortcomings of the tiny island republic which became an autonomous Commonwealth state in 1959. SINGAPORE (JP): Singapore's success in providing a material base for society is unquestionable.

Ramos ends Brunei visit

Ramos ends Brunei visit BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos left here for home yesterday after a three-day state visit to oil-rich Brunei to enhance bilateral ties, trade and investment, officials said. Ramos departed with wife Amelita and a nine-member delegation comprising the foreign affairs, trade and communications secretaries, the armed forces chief, four legislators and the head of Manila's state-owned power firm.

Russel-Fogerty rivalry to continue at Sentul

Russel-Fogerty rivalry to continue at Sentul JAKARTA (JP): The simmering rivalry between superbike riders American Scott Russel and Britain Carl Fogarty will take center stage in Sentul on Aug. 21. The two world beaters are among the 20 riders who have confirmed their entries for the sixth series of the Superbike World Championship. The fifth leg was held in Zeltweg, Austria on July 17.

The Listening Post

The Listening Post * Career development in a globalized Indonesia: it's something that concerns many of our readers and listeners; this morning's rebroadcast (Radio Sonora FM 100.9, at 8:15) of Friday's Listening Post addresses the issue, and suggests one increasingly popular way to better prepare oneself for a fast-changing marketplace. * Specialized training lets companies catch up to their western counterparts (and competitors!) as they grow and prosper.

Upset, triumph for Hadiyudo at Kosgoro Cup

Upset, triumph for Hadiyudo at Kosgoro Cup JAKARTA (JP): National top paddler Hadiyudo fell and fell hard on his way to the Asian Games table tennis competitions, dropping a match to Chinese rival Qin Zhijian at the Kosgoro Cup final. Hadiyudo, who will form the backbone of national table tennis squad for the continent's biggest sporting event, was edged out in straight sets 18-21, 13-21, 17-21 for the runner-up spot.

Al-Ansari: Ambassador and composer

Al-Ansari: Ambassador and composer By Riyadi Kuwait Ambassador Ali Zakaria Al-Ansari is ending his term in Indonesia soon. He agreed to an interview with The Jakarta Post to discuss some of his impressions during his tenure, while revealing a bit of his personality. JAKARTA (JP): When outgoing Kuwait Ambassador Ali Zakaria Al- Ansari returns to his country, Indonesia will miss not simply a seasoned and experienced ambassador, it is also losing a musical master.

Beware of thieves in public transports

Beware of thieves in public transports From Berita Buana On Saturday, July 16, the Mikrolet minibus which my wife and I were riding picked up four men about ten meters away from the traffic light at the Jl. Otista III and Jl. Otista Raya intersection. The men, whose ages ranged from 45 to 50 years old and rather heavy, got into the vehicle which serves the Kampung Rambutan terminal and Kampung Melayu terminal in East Jakarta.

Sprint rally resumes in Serpong

Sprint rally resumes in Serpong JAKARTA (JP): The national sprint rally championships will resume in Serpong, West Java this weekend with leader Gerry Rusanto seeking his second win to assure himself of the overall title. The two-day event, the third leg in the series, will be held at the same field as that used in last month's previous leg. Drivers will pit their skills on two dusty special stages covering 12 kilometers. All racers who enter the second round are expected to rejoin the rally.

RI to partake in three events in Asiad

RI to partake in three events in Asiad JAKARTA (JP): The national sports governing body (KONI) officially confirmed yesterday that Indonesia will partake in badminton, windsurfing and taekwondo in the Asian Games in Hiroshima next October. The decision was reached after KONI's officials met with the managers of those sports' organizations. A final announcement regarding Indonesia's participation in Asia's biggest sport extravaganza will take place on Aug.

ASEAN presents new flag of peace

ASEAN presents new flag of peace JAKARTA (JP): The new flag of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) was hoisted for the first time yesterday at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta during an official ceremony marking the organization's 27th anniversary. The flag consisted of the ASEAN symbol, six turret-like shapes symbolizing the ASEAN member countries, but minus the inscriptions, standing in bold yellow against a sky-blue background.

Message By HE Mr Edward Lee Singapore Ambassador To The Republic of Indonesia

Message By HE Mr Edward Lee Singapore Ambassador To The Republic of Indonesia On The Occasion Of The 29th Anniversary Of Singapore's Independence 1. Singapore celebrates its 29th National Day today. Just as Singapore achieved its independence on 9th August 1965 in a period of transition, today we are also witnessing an era of change both internationally and in the region. The evolving regional order presents challenges and opportunities.

3-year-old girl dies in a fire

3-year-old girl dies in a fire A three-year-old girl identified as Yuni Angraini died after suffering critical burns on Sunday evening, when a fire razed a rented house in Mampang Prapatan, South Jakarta. The victim, who was reportedly sleeping in separate room from her parents, was caught in the blaze that quickly engulfed the house following the explosion of a kerosene stove.

Indovina enters Haiphong

Indovina enters Haiphong HANOI (Reuter): Indovina Bank, a joint venture between Indonesia's Bank Dagang Nasional Indonesia (BDNI) and a Vietnamese partner, will open its first branch outside Vietnam's two main cities in the northern port of Haiphong next Friday. "Haiphong ranks third in terms of foreign investment and has good city development plans," Phan Dao Vu, deputy manager of Indovina's Hanoi branch, told Reuters yesterday.

PPP candidates are embroiled in war of words

PPP candidates are embroiled in war of words JAKARTA (JP): The war of words continued yesterday among the leading candidates for the chairmanship election in the Moslem- based United Development Party (PPP). Candidate Sri Bintang Pamungkas accused incumbent chairman Ismail Hasan Metareum of fabricating rumors about the party and then denying them as if they were spread by his rivals.

Man robbed off Rp 65 million

Man robbed off Rp 65 million YOGYAKARTA: Two robbers got away with Rp 65 million (about US$30,000) yesterday. The victim was a Bank Rakyat Indonesia employee who was carrying the cash from another bank, police said. The robbery happened at 8 a.m. when the employee got off a taxi and had his bag snatched by a robber who was armed with a sickle.

Unity in diversity

Unity in diversity In a country which prides itself on maintaining the principle of unity in diversity, a true administrator is someone who understands the traditions, cultures and aspirations of areas outside his or her native region. This also means that an administrator who comes from one region should one day be ready to serve the local people in other parts of this vast archipelago. About four decades ago this wisdom seemed to have gained a foothold in the hearts and minds of the people.

Rebel prince on way to France

Rebel prince on way to France BANGKOK (AFP): Cambodian rebel Prince Norodom Chakrapong, forced out of Phnom Penh July 3 in the wake of an abortive coup d'etat, has left Thailand for France, Thai Foreign Minister Prasong Soonsiri confirmed yesterday. Prince Chakrapong had arrived in Bangkok on Thursday from Malaysia where he sought refuge after the coup bid.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. TV Series: Hassai Sensei 3:05 Diletansia 3:30 TV Series: Sinbad 4:30 Science Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Open University 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Talk Show: Wawasan 8:05 TV Drama: Di Antara Dua Pilihan 9:00 World News 9:30 Music 10:35 Late News 10:45 Film: Bill Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Eddy Tansil makes last ditch attempt at peace

Eddy Tansil makes last ditch attempt at peace JAKARTA (JP): Businessman Eddy Tansil, with an imminent corruption indictment hanging over him, made a last ditch effort to settle his debts with the government by offering all the assets of his business empire. Gani Djemat, the prominent lawyer hired to defend Tansil, yesterday during a hearing at the Central Jakarta District Court, gave the breakdown of the value of the assets belonging to the Golden Key Group which is owned by the businessman.

Soeharto okays construction of huge monument in Bali

Soeharto okays construction of huge monument in Bali JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto yesterday gave the go ahead for the construction of the Garuda Wisnu Kencana, a monument in Bali which will be taller than the Statue of Liberty in New York, and stressed that no government money will be used.

Business persons urged to help improve slums

Business persons urged to help improve slums JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja urged local businessman to support the city administration's plan to do away with slum areas here within three years. "I urge businessmen who live in Jakarta to help the city administration solve the slum problem in Jakarta," said Surjadi during his visit to Tanjung Barat, Lenteng Agung in South Jakarta and Tegal Alur in West Jakarta on Sunday.

Learning from history

Learning from history Vice President Try Sutrisno hopes that the documentary film about the history of Indonesia's struggle during the reign of the Dutch Governor General, De Jonge, until the 1950s, compiled by the 10 November Foundation, is broadcast nationwide. According to the vice president, the film is very important, particularly for the younger generation, because they will learn of the hardships experienced by the older generation in achieving the country's independence.

Rector's lawyer discredits defense

Rector's lawyer discredits defense JAKARTA (JP): Defense lawyer of IISIP Rector Ali Moechtar Hoeta Soehoet, who is facing charges of sexual harassment, asked the South Jakarta District Court to consider the honesty of the witnesses in their verdict. "I ask the honorable judges not to believe the witnesses' testimonies although they have testified under the oath," said Petrus Bala Pattyona when he read his defense statement yesterday.

Emil warns of excesses from industrialization

Emil warns of excesses from industrialization JAKARTA (JP): Senior economist Emil Salim says Indonesia should anticipate some of the maladies found in Western society, most notably materialism, individualism, consumerism and secularism as it forges forward its industrialization program. "We should learn from the Western experience in carrying out their industrial revolution," Emil said during a seminar on industrial society yesterday.

Fidel Ramos vows to rid Mindanao of violent crime

Fidel Ramos vows to rid Mindanao of violent crime ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (AFP): President Fidel Ramos yesterday vowed to rid the country's southern Mindanao region of violent crime after a priest was freed unharmed but an ethnic Chinese businessman was found murdered by suspected Moslem kidnappers.

Titles for sports events

Titles for sports events It is commendable that The Jakarta Post is trying its best to cover sports events as much as possible to cater to the interests of sports lovers in this country. It devotes one or two full pages to this section.

`Halal' label intensified

`Halal' label intensified BANDUNG, West Java: The provincial branch of the Indonesian Ulemas Council (MUI) has asked several countries to cooperate in the labeling of halal ("good" for consumption in the Islamic religious teaching) on their products. So far, MUI has contacted the New Zealand Meat Management organization, the Australian Federation of Islamic Community and Japan, branch chairman KHR Totoh Abdul Fatah said.

Red tape bottleneck matter of bureaucratic pathology

Red tape bottleneck matter of bureaucratic pathology Improving productivity and efficiency of the bureaucracy has been the government's obsession for a long time. The work week which will be tried out soon is seen as to achieve that goal. Sociologist Kastorius Sinaga argues that bureaucratic reform is imperative in this globalization era. JAKARTA (JP): The World Bank recently discussed the red tape of Indonesian bureaucracy in its latest annual report.

Batam has adequate supply of telephone lines: Telkom

Batam has adequate supply of telephone lines: Telkom BATAM ISLAND, Riau (JP): Batam, an island developed as an export processing zone and tourist resort in the Riau archipelago, has enough telephone lines to support rapid growth of businesses, a telecommunications executive said.

Organda urges increase in public transportation fees

Organda urges increase in public transportation fees JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Chapter of Public Transport Owners' Organization (Organda DKI) has proposed a 23 to 120 percent increase in the fares of public transit vehicles, including taxis, despite signs that the government will not endorse any fare hike demands this year.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Prices on the Jakarta Stock eased yesterday after booking a significant gain last week, with many large stocks losing ground in a profit taking. The broad-based Composite Index, which rose five percent last week, closed lower at 472.40 in active trading as compared to 472.80 on Friday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index also lost ground to close at 111.75 from 112.58.

Govt to award 5 working deals on general mining

Govt to award 5 working deals on general mining JAKARTA (JP): The government will award five working contracts for general mining in Irian Jaya, North Sulawesi and South and North Sumatra to foreign joint ventures by the mid of this month, a business leader said. Beni N.

RI-China investment and trade ties to be discussed

RI-China investment and trade ties to be discussed JAKARTA (JP): A two-day seminar here later this month will discuss opportunities in trade and investment relations between Indonesia and China, two densely populated countries which normalized diplomatic relations four years ago.

New insurance club launched

New insurance club launched INSURERS GET NEW CLUB: The director for insurance of the Ministry of Finance, Sophar L. Toruan (center), on behalf of director general of financial institutions Bambang Soebianto, officially launched the Indonesian Insurance Club (IIC) yesterday.

Batik exhibition in Yogya

Batik exhibition in Yogya YOGYAKARTA: Works by Batik painter Ardiyanto are being displayed here in a long-month exhibition to mark his 50th anniversary. Ardiyanto exhibits his paintings at his own gallery starting from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. His works have been exhibited overseas, including Germany, the Netherlands, and the United States. At the closing of the event, Ardiyanto plans to launch a book on Indonesian art, Antara reported. (par)

INRO short of bullets but prices still surging

INRO short of bullets but prices still surging KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): The International Natural Rubber Organization (INRO) said it was running out of "bullets" to fight rubber's surging prices which yesterday hit limit-up in Tokyo after a sudden fall in regional markets last week. Prices suddenly tumbled three weeks after INRO entered the market on July 8 to cool an otherwise sizzling market that saw prices rocketing to six-year highs, its first such intervention since 1989.

Pollution

Pollution My husband and I own a small travelers hotel, five kilometers west of Pangandaran. Only 200 meters along the beach is the mouth of the Cirembulan river, better known in this area as Lagoon. Because this river is not polluted by industrial or human waste, it has become a popular swimming spot for the locals; as well as abounding in fish. Every now and then we have "tourists" from the cities come here and that is the only time this idyllic place becomes garbage dump.

Beware of misguided teachings

Beware of misguided teachings BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The local administration has urged the people to be cautious of deviant religious teachers whose activities are on the rise. Secretary for the province Fauzi Saleh said over the weekend that the government knew about the presence of such misguided teachings and were monitoring their activities. He said that among the teachings was the banned sect Saibaba, Antara reported. (par)

Marquee offers cuisine and appetite

Marquee offers cuisine and appetite Marquee Restaurant Cantonese and Continental Cuisine 32nd Floor BNI Tower Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav.1 Jakarta Tel. 5701813 Price: High Open: 11:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. JAKARTA (JP): The Marquee restaurant is a great new place for an important business lunch or romantic dinner. The Marquee's location, opposite the Landmark building, allows easy access from any part of the central business district, especially now that the underpass at Jl. Sudirman has been completed.

Jaksa Fair lures thousands of visitors

Jaksa Fair lures thousands of visitors By Lenah Susianty JAKARTA (JP): The Jaksa Fair, the first ever street festival to feature the history of Jl. Jaksa and Betawi culture, lured thousands of visitors to Central Jakarta over the weekend. The festival was closed yesterday with a performance by the Lenong Rumpi group which presented an episode entitled Pilih- pilih mantu (choosing son-in-law).

Search workers spot helicopter wreckage

Search workers spot helicopter wreckage JAKARTA (JP): Search and rescue workers spotted the wreckage of a helicopter in the thick jungle on a mountain slope in East Kalimantan on Friday just as they were giving up their efforts to trace a Sikorsky that had gone missing since July 26. "The wreckage lies about nine kilometers northwest of a base camp in Bulungan," Rusmana of the National Search and Rescue Agency (Basarnas) in Jakarta said on Saturday.

Asia needs China's transparency

Asia needs China's transparency By Rizal Sukma JAKARTA (JP): During the recent ASEAN Foreign Ministerial Meeting in Bangkok, Thailand, China once again reiterated its commitment to stability and security in the Asia-Pacific region. China's Foreign Minister Qian Qichen stated during the historic ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) meeting that, "China is not involved in aggression and expansion, or in seeking hegemony." He also said that China was not interested in looking for a sphere of influence.

Utut Adianto prevails in Biel Master '94

Utut Adianto prevails in Biel Master '94 JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's leading chess wizard, Grand Master Utut Adianto, prevailed in the chess tourney Biel Master '94 in Switzerland after beating German Grand Master Lev Gutman in the 11th round on Saturday.

Haj hospital finished soon

Haj hospital finished soon JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Health, Sujudi, said late last week that the construction of Jakarta Haj Hospital in Pondok Gede, East Jakarta, will be completed by early November. "When it begins operation in November the hospital is expected to employ 200 highly qualified doctors," Sujudi said during his inspection of the hospital, which is located inside the haj dormitory complex in Pondok Gede.

Crimes at a traffic light

Crimes at a traffic light From Kompas On July 20 about 7 p.m. my cousin, who was riding a motorbike from Senen to Rawamangun, stopped at the intersection on Jl. Perintis Kemerdekaan when the traffic light turned red. Suddenly a young man approached my cousin and asked my cousin to give him a ride to a spot across the road. My cousin refused and told him to walk there because it was so near. But the man then repeated his demand as he pressed a knife to my cousin's belly.

Changing PageMaker default font

Changing PageMaker default font JAKARTA (JP): While we're at it, here's how you can change the default font and font size in PageMaker 4.0 and 5.0. First, load PageMaker. Without opening any file or creating a new one, press Ctrl-T. The Type Specifications dialog box will appear. You can now change all font settings, such as the font type, size and lead ing.

Bapindo obtains $19m offshore loan facility

Bapindo obtains $19m offshore loan facility JAKARTA (JP): The state owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo) obtained a loan facility worth Rp 40 billion (US$19 million) last week from a syndication of overseas banks.

Drivers extorted in Senen terminal

Drivers extorted in Senen terminal From Merdeka Like other commercial centers, the Senen area is a busy place. It is also a hectic transit point of city buses and other public transport vehicles. This situation has apparently invited extorters who prey on bus, taxi, mikrolet and bajaj drivers in the vicinity of the Senen bus terminal. There are three points in which these drivers have to pay illegal levies.

Local climbers set to conquer Mt. Everest

Local climbers set to conquer Mt. Everest By Dwiatmanta JAKARTA (JP): Mountain climbers aren't always sure what they get out of the life threatening sport. Gunawan Achmad, a 36-year-old man has devoted more than half of his life to conquering the world's highest mountains including those in Indonesia. Gunawan, or Ogun as his friends call him, looks set to overcome the extra challenges of Mt. Everest, the world's tallest mountain.

Councilors upset over Bira golf course project

Councilors upset over Bira golf course project JAKARTA (JP): City councilors have thrown their weight behind an environmental organization in their concerns of possible environmental impacts caused by the development of a golf course in Big Bira island in the Seribu Islands group, North Jakarta.

Officials asked to be more sensitive to local cultures

Officials asked to be more sensitive to local cultures JAKARTA (JP): Government officials assigned to work in the regions must be more sensitive to the feelings of the local people, President Soeharto says.

Consortium of 3 local banks to take over Continental Bank

Consortium of 3 local banks to take over Continental Bank JAKARTA (JP): A consortium of three local banks, Bank Central Asia, Bank Utama and Bank Danamon announced their plan on Saturday to take over Continental Bank. Trenggono Purwosuprodjo, Bank Utama's president, told a press conference that the consortium is ready to inject fresh funds into the bank and take control of its ownership.

Tangerang mosque gets an ambulance

Tangerang mosque gets an ambulance Mrs. Muhono, on behalf of the chairman of the Harapan Kita Foundation, First Lady Tien Soeharto, late last week donated an ambulance to the organizing committee of the Al-Jabar mosque in Karawaci, Tangerang, West Java. Muhono, who is the Foundation's secretary, said at her office in Jl. Teuku Umar, Central Jakarta, yesterday that the ambulance should be used for the benefit of the area's community at large.

ASEAN has nothing to fear with Vietnam's entry

ASEAN has nothing to fear with Vietnam's entry JAKARTA (JP): Members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) should go ahead and admit Vietnam despite its communist ideology, a foreign policy analyst says. "The concerns that Vietnam's ideology will usurp the ASEAN countries is groundless because Vietnam itself is now moving to liberalize its economy," Marzuki Darusman was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying. "Vietnam has changed, and ASEAN is treating it as a partner.

Use of Chinese language to boost tourist arrivals

Use of Chinese language to boost tourist arrivals JAKARTA (JP): The government's new policy allowing the use of Chinese characters and language for services in the tourism industry is expected to boost the arrival of tourists from Chinese speaking countries, executives said.

Mother, sons killed in fire

Mother, sons killed in fire SAMARINDA, East Kalimantan: A mother and her four sons were killed in a fire in Bontang Baru early Saturday. Local police said that the fire, which destroyed six buildings located on Jl. Diponegoro, started in a house which belonged to a man named Sayid Achmad. The victims were the man's family members. "The fire quickly engulfed the man's house and his wife and children were unable to save themselves," said a police officer on duty.

Cost of ID

Cost of ID From Forum Keadilan I do not agree with the idea of letting a private company issue residents' identity cards. I am sure it will increase the cost of getting them. Let's compare this with the cost of getting vehicle documents, driver's licenses etc. Since the private sector was authorized to do the business the administrative cost has increased 100-200 percent, sometimes even over 400 percent.

Three Timor students arrested

Three Timor students arrested BOBONARO, East Timor (JP): Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares said security authorities arrested three local students for bringing in forbidden books and `foreign items.' The East Timorese, who pursue their studies in Java, were arrested on their arrival at 2 a.m Saturday in Dili, Abilio told The Jakarta Post after swearing in the new Bobonaro regent Guilherme dos Santos. The students, identified as Arseno P.

Stainless steel plant set up

Stainless steel plant set up JAKARTA (JP): Sudwikatmono, the owner of a widely diversified business conglomerate, plans to set up the country's first stainless steel plant with a production capacity of 60,000 tons per annum. A spokesperson for PT Perkasa Stainless Steel Industry, said on Saturday that the planned plant, which will be built on a 15- hectare plot of land in Bekasi, West Java, is expected to start operating in 1997.

Cement price

Cement price The price of cement keeps going up, while the government is implementing a program to provide cheap houses for millions of poor people. Everybody knows what this means. Developers or contractors who build the houses will also increase their price and finally poor people will have to suffer the price hike. Businessmen should be conscientious and be aware of the suffering of the poor.

Bus crew told to improve discipline

Bus crew told to improve discipline Governor Surjadi Soedirdja called on bus drivers and the general public alike to increase their discipline and awareness of traffic laws in order to improve the city's traffic conditions. "The flood of complaints on poor bus service that continue to pour in are caused by the reckless attitudes of bus drivers," Surjadi said.

`ASEAN way' helps solves disputes

`ASEAN way' helps solves disputes By Pandaya JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which turns 27 years old today, is by no means is free of disputes among its six members. However, it has a way of resolving these problems, which its Secretary General Dato' Ajit Singh describes as the "ASEAN way". Dato Ajit, in an interview with The Jakarta Post, denied suggestions that internal bickering, which has never surfaced in ASEAN meetings, has been swept under the carpet.

Conservationists need to seek substitute jobs for displaced

Conservationists need to seek substitute jobs for displaced JAKARTA (JP): Modern conservationists currently face the challenge not only of preserving nature but also generating alternative incomes for those who used to earn their living by exploiting the environment, an environmentalist says. Jorgen Randers, deputy Director General of the Switzerland- based World Wide Fund for Nature International, said both challenges should be met simultaneously.

Market sentiment sends share prices up

Market sentiment sends share prices up By Sigma Batara JAKARTA (JP): Positive market sentiment, which swept across the Asian stock markets last week, carried the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) and pushed the Composite Index up by 21.71 points from the previous week to close at 472.8 last Friday. This occurred despite pressure on U.S. interest rates as investors expected strong employment figures to be announced during the weekend.

Firms asked to open roads

Firms asked to open roads PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: Villagers in Tumbang Manjul, one of the most remote areas in the province, have asked local forest concession companies to open their roads to the public. The villagers said yesterday that the Seruyan River, the village's main means of transportation, was prone to accidents because of the strong currents. "It will be very helpful for us if we can use the road," said a local resident as quoted by Antara.

Sect leader vows to return to Malaysia,

Sect leader vows to return to Malaysia, KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): The leader of a messianic Islamic sect outlawed by the government has vowed to return to Malaysia "as soon as possible", the Star newspaper reported yesterday. "I will return home to face the prime minister," Al Arqam leader Ashaari Muhammad told the newspaper in an interview in Jordan's capital, Amman. Malaysia on Friday announced a sweeping ban on the sect, which claims 100,000 followers in Malaysia and many more elsewhere.

Number of Chinese-Indonesians drop

Number of Chinese-Indonesians drop SEMARANG, Central Java: A survey conducted in July indicates that the number of Indonesians of Chinese descent has undergone a 4.5 percent decrease since the same time last year. The present number is 9,025 while last year's was 9,441. Chief of the local immigration office Syaiful Rachman told Antara Saturday that the decrease was due to the fact that many Chinese obtained their Indonesian nationality status while the others returned to China.

KL child abusers face 20 strokes

KL child abusers face 20 strokes KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Child abusers could face 20 strokes of the cane in Malaysia under a proposal by a government minister in reaction to the widely publicized case of a father who beat his son to death, reports said yesterday. "I feel that anyone guilty of such a hideous crime should receive strokes of the rotan (cane) after all the pain they caused the children," Social Development Minister Napsiah Omar was quoted as saying in the newspaper reports.

Jl. Simatupang is now a hazard to motorists

Jl. Simatupang is now a hazard to motorists JAKARTA (JP): The South Jakarta mayoralty administration called on motorists passing the T.B. Simatupang outer ring road to be extra careful, due to some traffic changes in line with the construction of a tollway parallel to the artery road. Mayoralty spokesman M.

More luncheons required for the EAEC

More luncheons required for the EAEC By Pandaya JAKARTA (JP): Four years after it was introduced by Malaysia, the controversial East Asian Economic Caucus (EAEC) receives only tacit support from Southeast Asian countries and is still politely rejected by their Western allies. During last month's Association of Southeast Asian Nations ministerial meeting, ASEAN officials were busy trying to sell the idea to potential members Japan, South Korea and China through working lunches.

AUSSI needs funds for elderly house

AUSSI needs funds for elderly house A Catholic association called Alumnarum Ursuale Sanctae Societas International (AUSSI) is appealing to conglomerates to help finance the construction of a house for the elderly in Cinere, South Jakarta. Christien Suriadjaja, the chairman of the association's social affairs, said late last week the construction of the house, begun last year, will be partially completed in November in conjunction with the association's 25th birthday.

Lufthansa to invest $10 million to hike share in India tourism

Lufthansa to invest $10 million to hike share in India tourism NEW DELHI (Reuter): Germany's Lufthansa Airlines, seeking to increase its hold on India's burgeoning tourist market, will invest US$10 million to promote the local travel industry, an airline spokesman said on Saturday.

Floods after drought

Floods after drought Rains has eventually begun to fall in various regions in Java including Jakarta. Regardless of whether the rain is man-made or natural, we have every reason to be happy. But the rain which fell on Simeulue island, West Aceh, last month apparently caused major floods. Experience tells us that floods usually begin to hit the western part of the country, and then slowly move to the eastern part.

Land deal hampers nuclear project

Land deal hampers nuclear project JEPARA, Central Java: Only 200 of the 700 people who have to surrender their land for the construction of a controversial nuclear plant have accepted compensation, an official said. Many have refused the compensation determined by the government on the grounds that it is too little, Jepara regency government spokesman Anwar Haryono said.

Debt collectors held, police vow to crush operations

Debt collectors held, police vow to crush operations JAKARTA (JP): Police have arrested two debt collectors as part of its bold campaign to stamp out all collection agencies operating in the city. City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto told reporters Saturday that police vowed to crack down on debt collecting services as a follow up to the instruction of Chief of the Jakarta's chapter of Bakorstanasda (the Agency for Coordinating Supports for National Stability) Maj. Gen. Hendropriyono.

Breast cancer affects one in ten women: Hospital

Breast cancer affects one in ten women: Hospital JAKARTA (JP): One in every 10 women in Indonesia is likely to develop breast cancer, one of the most malignant types of cancer which can be fatal if not treated early, according to the Dharmais Cancer Hospital. Harryanto Reksodiputro, the hospital's vice director, said that breast and ovary cancers are the most feared types of cancer because they are believed to be incurable when they reach a certain stage.

Stability vital for SE Asia: Brunei, Philippine leaders

Stability vital for SE Asia: Brunei, Philippine leaders BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN (AFP): The leaders of Brunei and the Philippines, both claimants to the disputed Spratlys island chain, have stressed the need for solidarity to fuel economic growth in Southeast Asia.

80 journalists from Java set up rival association

80 journalists from Java set up rival association SIRNAGALIH, West Java (JP): Journalists vowed yesterday to continue protests against the restriction of press freedom and have formed a union to challenge the government-sanctioned Indonesian Journalists Association (PWI). The Alliance of Independent Journalists (AJI) was established in this hilly resort by more than 80 journalists from major cities such as Jakarta, Bandung in West Java, Yogyakarta and Surabaya in East Java.

Porn materials confiscated

Porn materials confiscated SEMARANG, Central Java: Police seized hundreds of pornographic laser discs from six video rental shops on Saturday, one of which was also a brothel. "We also confiscated a number of laser discs featuring some Indonesian actresses," according to city police chief Didi Widayadi, identifying some of the actresses only as Ms, Ap and Ay.

Supreme Court grants `stay of compensation' for government

Supreme Court grants `stay of compensation' for government JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Court has granted a stay of implementation in its ruling compelling the government to pay hefty compensations to villagers who have been displaced by the huge Kedungombo reservoir in Central Java.

Civil servants face a crisis with nothing to do on their free weekends

Civil servants face a crisis with nothing to do on their free weekends JAKARTA (JP): Many civil servants were still perplexed on what to do as they lounged around their houses enjoying the first ever Saturday off as part of the newly introduced five day working week. A number of civil servants who spoke to The Jakarta Post said they fully supported the implementation of the two day holiday but were still unsure on how to fill the additional free time.

Indonesians sweep World Cup badminton championship singles

Indonesians sweep World Cup badminton championship singles HO CHI MINH CITY, Vietnam (Agencies): Indonesia has lived up to its billing as the world badminton dominators by taking all the singles titles at the World Cup here yesterday. All-England two-time winner Hariyanto Arbi won the men's crown when his opponent, Thomas Stuer-Lauridsen of Denmark, withdrew with a broken leg. In the women's singles, Susi Susanti maintained her rule with a 12-9, 11-6 victory over South Korean Bang Soo-hyun.

Surabaya's retail property market oversupplied

Surabaya's retail property market oversupplied JAKARTA (JP): The property market in the retail sector in Surabaya, Indonesia's second largest city in East Java, is oversupplied as a result of overbuilding during the economic boom in the mid-1980s and poor shopping center management. "The situation is aggravated by the propensity of wealthy Surabayans to shop in Jakarta and in other Asian capitals.

Indonesia Open to keep top rating

Indonesia Open to keep top rating JAKARTA (JP): The high number of absentees in the Indonesia Open badminton championships in Yogyakarta this week does not have anything to do with the quality of the tournament, a top International Badminton Federation (IBF) official said. IBF Vice President Ian Palmer said in a press meeting in Yogyakarta yesterday that despite the big names who would be missing the event, the US$166,000 championship still deserved the top rating.

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.

What is new out there in the PC world?

What is new out there in the PC world? By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): Competition in the upper market display monitor industry is really tight, with new and good monitor products such as the ones from Nokia beginning to share the awards traditionally monopolized by Nanao and NEC. Competition in the lower end is not easy, either. NEC, a maker of an award winning upper market display monitor, has just upgraded its budget SVGA 14" monitor.

BI gets new member of board

BI gets new member of board JAKARTA (JP): Governor of Bank Indonesia Soedrajad Djiwandono inducted Mukhlis Rasyid, a senior official of the bank, to the bank's board of directors on Saturday. The governor swore in Mukhlis in a ceremony closed to the press. In a statement sent to The Jakarta Post, the central bank stated that Rasyid replaced the late Kilian Sihotang, who died on April 28.

Australia seeks weapons joint venture with Indonesia

Australia seeks weapons joint venture with Indonesia SYDNEY (AFP): Australia may embark on a joint venture partnership producing weapons with the Indonesian government, Defense Minister Robert Ray said yesterday. The proposal, which has been the subject of talks with Jakarta, is for the joint production of arms and weapons in arrangements similar to those previously undertaken with New Zealand and proposed with Malaysia, Ray said.

New roads in Maluku open

New roads in Maluku open AMBON, Maluku: The local administration has opened three new land routes connecting Ambon with remote areas in the Seram island. Chief of the provincial land transportation agency M.R. Soulisa said yesterday that opening of the new routes which were part of the Trans-Seram road networks would hopefully attract businesses to invest in the area. The road, whose construction started in 1974, has not been completed yet.

Taking action on poverty

Taking action on poverty It is obviously too early to assess the implementation of the special poverty alleviation program which was launched last April under the Presidential Aid Program for Poor Villages throughout Indonesia. As usual, it is only to be expected that some technical problems may crop up at the start up of new projects.

Regulate the traffic!

Regulate the traffic! From Neraca Traffic congestion on Jl. Raya Meruya is an everyday scene. This is caused by the inflow of vehicles hailing from Ciledug and its surroundings. A long line of cars is formed right from the campus of Mercu Buana University to the Meruya Ilir crossroads.

Egyptian minister to visit Indonesia

Egyptian minister to visit Indonesia JAKARTA: Egyptian Minister of Manpower Ahmed Al Amawi is scheduled to visit Indonesia between Aug. 7 and Aug. 12 to study Indonesia's experience on human resources development. Several bilateral matters related to technical cooperation also will be discussed during his visit, according to a statement by the Egyptian Embassy. The minister is to visit the Center for Vocational and Extension Services Training (CEVEST) in Bekasi near here.

Farmers complain of continuous harassment

Farmers complain of continuous harassment JAKARTA (JP): Twenty five farmers from Garut in West Java who are fighting to defend their land from being acquired by a major plantation company, made a return visit to the National Commission on Human Rights yesterday, saying that they have been continuously harassed after their first visit last June.

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.

Maan wins golf meet in playoff

Maan wins golf meet in playoff JAKARTA (JP): Maan Nasim survived a sudden death play-off against seasoned Buari of Bali to take the top Rp 6.75 million (US$3,115) cash prize at the Jakarta Circuit golf championships yesterday. Both leading national players were tied at 282 in the final round yesterday, but Buari squandered his last stroke with a par as Maan scored a birdie. Buari from Bali Golf Club, Nusa Dua, the venue for the Alfred Dunhill Masters in November, had to be satisfied with a Rp 3.

Asian mobile satellite system set

Asian mobile satellite system set JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian, Singaporean and U.S. companies yesterday agreed to start a feasibility study on the launching of the world's second mobile geo-stationary satellite telecommunication system which will cover major parts of Asia.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) maintained its bullish condition yesterday, with most shares booking solid gains in active trading. The broad-based Composite Index rose another four points to close the week at 472.8, as compared to 468.72 on Thursday. The index, the main price barometer on the market, which recorded steady rises during the week, rose by 17.64 points or nearly five percent from 451.08 on last Friday.

Malaysia bans messianic Islamic sect

Malaysia bans messianic Islamic sect KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad vowed "to break up their communes" if a radical Islamic sect, outlawed by his government on Friday, continued to teach its "deviationist" brand of Islam. Al Arqam, a mystical Sufi sect that believes a messiah is coming soon before a prophesied doomsday, can no longer run its many businesses and schools or spread its teachings under a decree issued by the National Fatwa Council.

Jakarta will have Blue Note jazz club

Jakarta will have Blue Note jazz club JAKARTA (JP): Blue Note, a New York-based international jazz club and restaurant, will have its first club in Southeast Asia when it opens its fifth club in Jakarta on Aug. 29. The club, to be located at the Atria Square building in Central Jakarta, will be represented here by PT Bahana Sentosa Perdana who acquired the franchise from Blue Note Inc. PT Bahana currently is managing two other restaurants in Jakarta: Dynasty and Susshi Ippachi.

Humpuss to establish $330m methanol plant

Humpuss to establish $330m methanol plant JAKARTA (JP): A subsidiary of Humpuss Group yesterday assigned Lurgi Oil-Gas-Chemie Gmbh of Germany to construct a methanol plant worth US$330 million in Bontang, East Kalimantan, with an annual capacity of 660,000 tons. The project will be the first private methanol plant and the second producer of such a downstream chemical product in Indonesia after the first one established by the state oil company Pertamina in 1983.

Attitudes about disability must change

Attitudes about disability must change By Julian Francis JAKARTA (JP): In many countries the voices of people with disabilities are being increasingly heard. This is particularly true in the richer countries, but also now in countries such as Bangladesh. People, whether with or without disabilities, are gradually beginning to realize the causes of the massive discrimination that, unfortunately, works against the lives of people with disabilities.

On IDD hazards

On IDD hazards Referring to the letter by R. Y. Savur entitled Hazards of IDD published in The Jakarta Post on Aug. 1, 1994, we have the following comments: PT Telkom in the West Jakarta area is very concerned about the complaint made by the writer and we appreciate the information given us. Nevertheless, it is to be regretted that Mr. Savur did not care to identify his telephone number so it is very difficult for us to carry out technical and administrative checking of the problem.

Governor opens PKK contest

Governor opens PKK contest Governor Surjadi Soedirdja yesterday opened the final of a city wide contest on child healthcare organized by the Family Welfare Movement (PKK). The competition, held in conjunction with the 49th anniversary of Indonesian Independence and the 467th birthday of Jakarta, was aimed at raising awareness about breast feeding and child healthcare.

Statistics agency to make its data more accessible

Statistics agency to make its data more accessible JAKARTA (JP): The Central Bureau of Statistics (BPS) yesterday promised to make its wealth of data and information more accessible to the public. Newly-installed chairman Sugito Suwito told reporters yesterday after his induction that the agency would soon launch the "Central Statistics Information" scheme which employs sophisticated technology. "The information center will start this year," he said.