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International kite festival held here

International kite festival held here JAKARTA (JP): Dozens of kite lovers, including those from overseas, will take part in the three-day International Kite Festival 1994 at Monas (National Monument) park in Central Jakarta beginning Friday. The festival, which will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, is scheduled to be opened by Governor Surjadi Soedirdja.

RI Moslem experts debate human genetic engineering

RI Moslem experts debate human genetic engineering By Riyadi JAKARTA (JP): Should Indonesia apply genetic engineering technology to human beings? This question is haunting Indonesian Moslem scientists and a seminar on the subject here on Saturday ended inconclusively.

Barito Pacific triples capital to $1.38 billion

Barito Pacific triples capital to $1.38 billion JAKARTA (JP): PT Barito Pacific Timber (BPT), Indonesia's largest logging and plywood manufacturer, reported yesterday a sharp increase in its authorized capital to Rp 3 trillion (US$1.38 billion) from only Rp 850 billion.

Keating starts RI visit amid press ban fury

Keating starts RI visit amid press ban fury JAKARTA (JP): Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating arrived here yesterday for a three-day trip to lend support to an on- going huge Australian trade and cultural promotion program. In his third trip to Indonesia in two years, Keating is scheduled to meet with President Soeharto and other senior officials today before he opens the Australian expo tomorrow.

Public telephones

Public telephones From Jayakarta Public telephones are a crucial factor in the era of communication, even more so in the era of globalization. However, I would like to complain about the shortage of public telephones on our campus. Every day, from morning to evening, at the Indonesian Academy for Secretaries and Management, many people line up to use the public phones. There are only four, three of which are operated by Rp 100 coins and one by Rp 50.

School contribution

School contribution From Kompas I was astonished to learn that to enroll a child in a government elementary school in Tangerang, West Java, the parents must pay a building contribution ranging from Rp 50,000 to Rp 100,000, as well as Rp 25,000 for school uniforms. Isn't this contradictory to the government's program to enforce nine-year compulsory education? Are parents obliged to pay a building contribution, although the school is owned by the state.

Nepalese gets life imprisonment

Nepalese gets life imprisonment A former Nepalese police officer, Ramral Maharjan, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Tangerang court on Saturday for smuggling heroin into the country. Judge Antonius Edwar Hartanto found the 38-year-old defendant guilty of illegally carrying 3.6 kilograms of heroin through Soekarno-Hatta airport last September. Based on evidence presented at the trial, Ramral was instructed to visit Jakarta, from Thailand, by a man named Ciring.

59-year-old man dies in the saddle

59-year-old man dies in the saddle JAKARTA (JP): A 59-year-old man died while having sex at a massage parlor in downtown Kota, West Jakarta, Sunday evening. Police identified the victim as Pradikto Suratno, who lived at Jl. Kebon Jeruk Baru Blok A VIII Number 38 in Kebun Jeruk subdistrict, also in West Jakarta. The girl who was with him to the very end has been identified as Wiwiek, 36. Police have questioned at least four witnesses, including Wiwiek.

Thousands of families to lose homes to ring road project

Thousands of families to lose homes to ring road project JAKARTA (JP): Thousands of families in South Jakarta will lose their land this year for the development of another segment of Jl. TB Simatupang ring road, an official said yesterday. "The exact numbers are not available. But, we estimate there are thousands of people who will have their land appropriated for the project," M. Yanis, the spokesman for the South Jakarta mayoralty, told the Jakarta Post.

Victoria's trade office here

Victoria's trade office here MELBOURNE (Reuter): Victoria, Australia's second most populous state, said yesterday it has chosen Indonesia as the site for its newest trade office in Asia. The state will open the office in Jakarta as part of the Australia Today trade and cultural promotion in Indonesia, Victoria's Industry and Employment Minister Phil Gude said.

Djajanti awaits minister's reference for share offering

Djajanti awaits minister's reference for share offering JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Forestry Djamaloedin Soeryohadikoesoemo reiterated yesterday that he has yet to issue a recommendation for PT Artika Optima Inti to go public. "I have been given additional reports on various aspects of their forest management," Djamaloedin told newsmen.

Outstanding works by Spanish artists on display here

Outstanding works by Spanish artists on display here By Carla Bianpoen JAKARTA (JP): Amid the art exhibitions proliferating in the capital city today, the Spanish Modern Art Exhibit at the Lagoon Tower of the Jakarta Hilton International is in a class apart. Highlighting the significance of the visiting Catalonian Trade Mission, the display of 51 outstanding works of Spanish artists is meant to support Spanish-Indonesian relations. The display will continue through June 30.

Thomas Cook, BA offer prizes

Thomas Cook, BA offer prizes JAKARTA (JP): Thomas Cook and British Airways have joined to offer travelers cheque users glamorous prizes in an Asia-wide grand draw. The prizes include business class return flights to London and what the sponsors call "VIP" treatment in the British capital as well as four return tickets to various cities in Asia.

More paying counters needed

More paying counters needed From Sinar Pagi Bank Dagang Negara (BDN) on Jl. Juanda needs to make more counters available for consumers to pay their monthly telephone bills, so that they need not wait for hours to take care of their business. I came three times on three consecutive days only to find more and more people crowding the counter. The bank's officials had a difficult time serving all the people, and this made them lose their friendly attitude towards the impatient customers.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. World Cup 1994: Bolivia vs Spain 4:30 Science Film: Best of Magic 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Parlementaria 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Economic Forum 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Pancasila Forum 8:05 Drama: Kabar Burung 9:00 World News 9:25 Journal of World Cup 1994 9:55 Music Program 11:00 Late News 11:25 World Cup 1994: Italy vs Mexico - live Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Spratly Islands

Spratly Islands If the reported agreement between China and the Philippines for the "common exploration and development" of the disputed Spratly Islands solidifies, it could have positive implications for China's relations with the rest of Asia. In fact, the agreement's significance lies more in the example it might set -- especially for Vietnam, China's main rival over the mineral-rich string of atolls and islands commanding vital shipping lines -- than in its immediate physical application.

Astra donates to victims

Astra donates to victims JAKARTA (JP): The Astra Group donated yesterday Rp 500 million (US$231,000) in cash to the victims of tidal waves which hit East Java, notably the Banyuwangi coastal areas, early this month. The donation, collected from PT Toyota Astra Motor, PT Astra Daihatsu Motor, PT United Tractors,, PT Federal Motor and the Astra Financial Services and Infrastructures, was presented by Mrs. A.R. Ramly, the wife of the Astra Group's Chairman, to East Java's Governor Moh.

Research fund finds few takers

Research fund finds few takers JAKARTA (JP): The government has allocated a total of Rp 550 billion for scientific research over the next five years, but barely a fifth of the amount has been committed. Pratiwi Sudharmono, a senior microbiologist of the University of Indonesia, blamed this on the lack of quality research proposals.

4,145 telephones for Tangerang

4,145 telephones for Tangerang Starting on July 5, 1994, the state-owned telecommunications company, PT Telkom, will provide 4,145 new telephone lines for Tangerang, thanks to the completion of the first of three automated telephone stations (STO) in the area. The construction of the STO is being jointly carried out by PT Telkom and Konsorsium Telekomindo Intertel (KTI), which, as an investor, has supplied the funds for the establishment of 125,000 telephone lines in Jakarta and Tangerang.

Russia wins world junior powerlifting meet

Russia wins world junior powerlifting meet JAKARTA (JP): Russian musclewomen swept seven gold medals in the final day of the world junior powerlifting meet at Nusa Dua, Bali on Sunday to help their team take the overall championship title.

Suspected burglar shot dead

Suspected burglar shot dead An alleged burglar was shot to death by East Jakarta police after he attempted to escape while accompanying the officers to find his two accomplices on Jl. Cipinang Muara II over the weekend. Asmuni, 35, whose body was laden with tattoos, was shot in the head, leg and back while his hands were still handcuffed, police said. The police claimed that they were forced to fire at the suspect after he failed to heed their warning shots. He died instantly.

Local crossers to face international challenge

Local crossers to face international challenge JAKARTA (JP): National crossers will face the arduous challenge of beating 10 world rated riders at the international motocross championships slated for July 9 and 10 in Surabaya, East Java.

Govt eases regulation on imports

Govt eases regulation on imports JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday announced a new package of deregulation measures to streamline the economy by liberalizing the import sector in what it said is an "anticipation of post-Uruguay Round development in world trade". The new measures cut down import duties on 739 kinds of goods, removed non-tariff barriers from 27 commodities and lifted surcharges from 108 other import items.

Police chief found shot dead

Police chief found shot dead SUBANG, West Java: First Lt. Kasdari, chief of Jalancagak city police precinct in Subang regency, was found dead with a massive head wound in his office on Saturday. He was believed to have shot himself in the head, the Antara news agency said, quoting police in Purwakarta. He was found by one of his staff who had earlier thought the chief was sleeping on his desk.

Hundreds of workers demand better wages

Hundreds of workers demand better wages JAKARTA (JP): Around 300 employees of a garment factory in the Pulogadung industrial zone in East Jakarta staged a protest in front of the Ministry of Manpower here yesterday to demand better wages and working conditions. The striking workers, mostly women, said they staged the rally to inform Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief of the poor working conditions at the factory, PT Arrego, and to push its management to respect the workers' rights.

Environmentally friendly technology graining ground

Environmentally friendly technology graining ground By Harlow G. Russell JAKARTA (JP): When most people think or read about environmentally friendly technology, they usually have a "picture" in their head of large, expensive, "high tech" waste water treatment plants. Sometimes costing billions of rupiah, the kind of technology is used to fix the problem once it has been created, treating water after it has been polluted.

Three injured in port project clash

Three injured in port project clash MANILA (AFP): At least three people were injured yesterday as squatters fought a demolition crew assigned to remove them from a Japanese-funded 1.5 billion-peso (US$56 million) Philippines port project, police said. Improvised arrows, stones and bottles forced back the wrecking crew from the site in Batangas City. The authorities are now conducting negotiations with the protest leaders, senior police officer Felicisimo Delgado told AFP by telephone.

Injured Fernandez ends Yayuk's run at Wimbledon

Injured Fernandez ends Yayuk's run at Wimbledon WIMBLEDON, England (Agencies): Indonesian tennis queen Yayuk Basuki failed in her bid to become the first Asian to reach the semifinal of the 117-year-old Wimbledon tournament after falling 4-6, 1-6 to an injured American Gigi Fernandez in the fourth round yesterday. This means that the 23-year-old Yayuk failed for the third year in a row to advance past the final 16 here.

New action will strengthen small business development

New action will strengthen small business development JAKARTA (JP): The new package of reform measures launched yesterday included new steps to bolster the development of small businesses through the allocation of more money from state-owned companies.

Li Peng seeking limelight from European trip

Li Peng seeking limelight from European trip By Philippe Massonnet BEIJING (AFP): Prime Minister Li Peng will be looking to reinforce China's economic miracle and win back control of the country's foreign policy when he goes to Europe this week. Li starts the two-week tour when he heads for Austria on Tuesday. From there he will go on to Germany for a week and then on to China's former main European ally, Rumania.

Ulemas move to preserve unity in NU and PPP

Ulemas move to preserve unity in NU and PPP By Santi WE Soekanto REMBANG, Central Java (JP): Eighty influential leaders from the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) decided against formally naming candidates for the upcoming election of the United Development Party (PPP). Despite their initial inclination, the ulemas who met here on Sunday until the early hours of yesterday morning agreed not to give official endorsements for one of the three strongest candidates, in order to stop deepening rifts within NU.

Issues that invite risks

Issues that invite risks According to President Soeharto, in carrying out nation building we inevitably have to face challenges and obstructions both from within and without. One potential negative situation has been caused by the economic globalization and penetration of foreign culture with the support of its sophisticated technology and information systems. Technological advancements have made the planet shrink.

Volunteers ready to oversee aid

Volunteers ready to oversee aid JAKARTA: Some 221 people have passed a crash course to work as volunteers to help the government oversee the distribution of official aid for least developed villages across Indonesia. The volunteers, all university graduates, are former recipients of scholarships from the Super Semar Foundation which is headed by President Soeharto. They were trained at the education and training center of Kopassus, the Army's elite force, in Cimahi, West Sumatra.

Govt to suspend idle travel agencies

Govt to suspend idle travel agencies JAKARTA (JP): The government will intensify the supervision of travel agencies and will shut down those that are not active or performing poorly, an official said. "The Ministry of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications ruled in January 1993 that every travel agency or tour operator, including its branches, must report its operations every six months," deputy director general of tourism Azhari Abdullah told reporters here yesterday.

Ramos explains Timor ban to Soares

Ramos explains Timor ban to Soares MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos has written to Portuguese President Mario Soares to explain his actions in banning Portuguese and other foreign delegates from a recent human rights conference here on East Timor, an official statement said yesterday. "It is truly unfortunate that the events just transpired may have caused you some apprehension due to the actions taken by my government," Ramos said in the letter released to the press here.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices continued to close lower on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday after the broad-based Composite Index, lost dozens of points along the week. The JSX index which lost 2.08 points to close at 468.87 on Friday weakened further to finish at 464.38 yesterday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index, in the meantime, also sank to end at 111.08, from 112.10 previously.

Slum families to be moved to apartments

Slum families to be moved to apartments The South Jakarta mayoralty is planning to move some 7,000 families currently living in slum areas at three subdistricts to apartment complexes. South Jakarta mayor H Pardjoko explained here recently that slum areas in the Manggarai, Bukit Duri and Pela Mampang subdistricts will be demolished and the people living there will be moved to healthier surroundings in apartments.

Defendants deny being drunk during Tampubolon murder

Defendants deny being drunk during Tampubolon murder JAKARTA (JP): The four alleged killers of T.M.F. Tampubolon admitted before the East Jakarta District Court yesterday that they drank some alcoholic beverages before attacking the army general, but they were not drunk. Tampubolon, who was in civilian clothes, passing the Cipinang area in East Jakarta on April 5, was stabbed to death by one of the defendants after a brief quarrel. He died one hour later in an East Jakarta hospital.

Goenawan Mohamad spells out terms for return of `Tempo'

Goenawan Mohamad spells out terms for return of `Tempo' JAKARTA (JP): Goenawan Mohamad says he will consider the government's offer to issue a new license in place of the one for Tempo which was revoked last week, but stressed that the new magazine must not be subject to any kind of official restrictions. Goenawan, the magazine's director and former chief editor, told The Jakarta Post yesterday there is always a chance of Tempo getting a new publishing license in the future.

KL futures trading faces hurdles

KL futures trading faces hurdles KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia's sole commodity exchange is still battling to convince the government it is ready to start trade in financial futures despite being allowed two years ago to compete with a private outfit in the same business.

KL market plays guessing game about elections

KL market plays guessing game about elections By Bill Tarrant KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysia's rumor-driven stock market has been in a lather about national elections even though they're not due for more than a year and the outcome is hardly in doubt. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's National Front coalition is expected to win the polls, not due until October, 1995, as it has in every previous election since Malaysia became independent of Britain in 1957.

Rendra arrested as protests turn into scuffles

Rendra arrested as protests turn into scuffles JAKARTA (JP): Vocal poet W.S. Rendra and scores of activists were arrested yesterday as police and the military clamped down on two separate demonstrations, both opposing the government ban on Tempo, DeTIK and Editor news magazines. The first group -- comprising about 300 students, journalists and activists -- was stopped by police at the end of Jl.

Squatters of Sumur Batu ask for land compensation

Squatters of Sumur Batu ask for land compensation JAKARTA (JP): Squatters living in the Sumur Batu district in Central Jakarta protested to the city council yesterday over the mayoralty's decision not to pay any compensation for the appropriation of their land. Victor Silaen, who acted as spokesman for 22 families living on the 800-square-meter plot on Jl. Suprapto, Sumur Batu district, said the mayoralty plans to build a park on the land.

Soeharto okays plan to hire Portuguese pilots

Soeharto okays plan to hire Portuguese pilots JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is ready to recruit Portuguese pilots to help supplement a shortage at home although the two countries have no diplomatic relations which were broken in 1976 over the question of East Timor. President Soeharto yesterday agreed to the proposal to hire the Portuguese pilots when it was discussed by Xavier Lopez da Cruz, a senior East Timorese politician, during a meeting at the Bina Graha presidential office.

Malaysia scolds U.S. for refusing EAEC

Malaysia scolds U.S. for refusing EAEC KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Washington was lambasted yesterday by Kuala Lumpur for rejecting the East Asian Economic Caucus even before listening to the views of East Asian nations. Malaysian Foreign Minister Abdulah Ahmad said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which had endorsed the Kuala Lumpur-initiative, would meet East Asian countries soon on the EAEC's formation.

Stronger peso may dampen RP's economic recovery

Stronger peso may dampen RP's economic recovery By Martin Abbugao MANILA (AFP): A surging Philippine peso against the US dollar has eaten into the corporate earnings of blue-chip firms, battered exports and could dampen Manila's economic recovery if the brakes are not applied, analysts said.

Singapore and India set up business group

Singapore and India set up business group SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore and India have set up a high-level private sector steering committee to further strengthen business link between the two countries, a government statement said. The statement released late Sunday said government backbencher Davinder Singh would head the India Business Interaction Group Steering Committee, whose members include captains of the industries. The informal India Business Interaction Group was set up last year.

A transmigrant success story

A transmigrant success story JAKARTA (JP): A former bus conductor from Jakarta who transmigrated to Bengkulu, Sumatra eight years ago revealed here yesterday that as a result of his hard work he is now earning a net income of Rp 7 million (US$3,245) a year. "I was interested in transmigrating after watching on television the positive aspects it could offer," said 32-year-old Anton Muhyidin.

Bakrie announces acquisition plan

Bakrie announces acquisition plan JAKARTA (JP): PT Bakrie & Brothers (B&B) said yesterday it will acquire several companies included in its core businesses and procure new equipment for business diversification. Bakrie & Brothers is a holding company with three core businesses -- telecommunications, infrastructure facility manufacturing and plantations.

PDI elects Bali chief

PDI elects Bali chief DENPASAR, Bali: The Bali chapter of the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) has appointed Ida Bagus Putu Wesnawa as its new chief. Wesnawa was picked on Sunday as an alternative candidate in the absence of a consensus at the regional congress. The congress initially hoped to elect either the incumbent Adi Suedandi or his challenger Oka Ratmadi.

California, here we come

California, here we come MATARAM, West Nusa Tenggara: The government has appointed West Nusa Tenggara along with six other provinces to represent Indonesia at the next Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California. Mrs. Bustanil Arifin, the chairperson of the Bunga Nusantara Foundation which organizes Indonesia's participation, recently visited Pasadena along with Raul and Charles Janal, two American float designers, the Antara news agency reported. The annual flower festival is held in January.

Djarum Super Jamz Jazz Tour brings real jazz to music lover

Djarum Super Jamz Jazz Tour brings real jazz to music lover By Sean Cole JAKARTA (JP): There is nothing like jazz. Unlike many of its sister music styles, jazz returns music to its stature as a true art form -- equal to great literature, dance, theater, sculpture, etc. -- a method of total expression, an attempt to capture the essence of living.

Sudomo testifies against Tansil in Bapindo trial

Sudomo testifies against Tansil in Bapindo trial JAKARTA (JP): Former powerful minister Sudomo made a surprise court appearance yesterday to testify in the ongoing trial of the huge corruption case at the government-owned Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo). Sudomo, currently the chairman of the Supreme Advisory Board, has been repeatedly mentioned in earlier testimony as the person who wrote a reference letter to support Eddy Tansil, the chief defendant, in applying for loans from Bapindo.

Australian press freedom guaranteed by common laws

Australian press freedom guaranteed by common laws JAKARTA (JP): "How does the Australian government control the press? Does it harness the media to keep its good relations with Indonesia? How do Australians perceive press freedom?" Such were questions hurled at David Flint, chairman of the Sydney-based Australian Press Council, who addressed a seminar at the Dr. Soetomo Journalism Institute yesterday.

Cultural factors also hamper non-smoking campaign: Expert

Cultural factors also hamper non-smoking campaign: Expert JAKARTA (JP): A mass communications expert warned that a number of cultural factors will hamper the plan to restrict smoking in public transport vehicles and places. Dr.

Yap Thiam Hien's biography

Yap Thiam Hien's biography From Forum Keadilan In law circles, Yap Thiam Hien is a familiar name. Yapusham (Foundation of Study Center for Human Rights) has made him a symbol of Indonesia's struggle for human rights. The choice of Yap is based on his consistent struggle for human rights in this country regardless of differences in race and religion. Almost his whole life was dedicated to the struggle for human rights, according to the foundation chairman T. Mulya Lubis (Forum Keadilan No.

Tourists get special welcome

Tourists get special welcome Foreign tourists who arrived at Soekarno-Hatta international airport on the 467th anniversary of Jakarta last June 22, received a special welcome as they disembarked from their planes. The head of the municipal's tourism office Fauzi Bowo said at city hall over the weekend that the visitors were treated to traditional Betawi dancing and were given souvenirs by the Abang and None Jakarta (Mr. and Mrs. Jakarta).

Habibie turns 58 years old

Habibie turns 58 years old BANDUNG: State Minister for Research and Technology B.J. Habibie celebrated his 58th year birthday among close relatives and friends at his home here on Saturday. Around 100 people turned up, including Minister of Transportation Haryanto Danutirto and senior journalist Aristides Katoppo. The party started with recital of prayer and the cutting of the rice cone, which symbolizes prosperity and safety.

Alleged crooks shot dead after ignoring warnings

Alleged crooks shot dead after ignoring warnings JAKARTA (JP): Two alleged hard-core criminals were shot and killed by the city police over the weekend. Police said they were forced to shoot the two men because they ignored several warning shots and even tried to attack the police officers who were assigned to capture them. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, City Police spokesman Lt. Col. A. Latief Rabar said the criminals were Yanto, alias Sumeri, 32, and Acan, alias Warsan, 25.

ImagePals 2 improves its graphics manipulation tools

ImagePals 2 improves its graphics manipulation tools By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): PhotoShop, PhotoStyler, PhotoMagic and Publisher PaintBrush are just some of the familiar names in the graphics manipulation world. Each of them offer a set of tools that allow you to edit images, be it a TIFF image that you have scanned from a photo or a stock photograph you have just retrieved from a Photo CD Collection.

RI, S'pore to form cooperation team for tourism and aviation

RI, S'pore to form cooperation team for tourism and aviation JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia and Singapore have agreed to form a high powered joint team of six cabinet ministers to handle cooperation in tourism and aviation. Indonesian cabinet ministers in the team are led by Coordinating Minister for Industry and Trade Hartarto and his Singapore counterpart Deputy Prime Minister B.G. Lee, Hartarto said on Saturday.

Political education begins in kindergarten

Political education begins in kindergarten By Mochtar Buchori JAKARTA (JP): For about two weeks I watched my grandson struggling very hard to memorize the five principles of Pancasila. The first principle, Ketuhanan Yang Maha Esa Belief in One God), was easy enough for him. When it came to the second principle, Kemanusiaan Yang Adil dan Beradab (Just and Civilized Humanity), he had trouble. He just could not get the word kemanusiaan (humanity) pronounced right.

Meruya-Ciputat toll road to open

Meruya-Ciputat toll road to open The municipal government will soon commence the construction of a new 7-kilometer toll road connecting Jl. Meruya Ilir, West Jakarta, and Jl. Ciputat Raya, South Jakarta. To facilitate retribution for residents whose property will be taken by the new road, the mayor of South Jakarta, Pardjoko, is calling on them to prepare papers and land deeds to their title as soon as possible.

Kebon Sirih gets face-lift

Kebon Sirih gets face-lift The Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications, Joop Ave, is sponsoring the refurbishment of Jl. Kebon Sirih, Central Jakarta, between Jl. M.H. Thamrin and the intersection near the Pak Tani (farmers) statue. Renovations will be carried out on pedestrian sidewalks and bus stops along the street, thus creating a serene and civilized atmosphere.

Foreign investors need judicial security

Foreign investors need judicial security By T. Mulya Lubis JAKARTA (JP): It is only natural that there should be some euphoria after the announcement of Government Regulation No. 20/1994 (PP 20/1994), which opens up the Indonesian market wider. It cannot be denied that this is the regulation that has been most anxiously awaited by foreign investors, and logically the new decree should make Indonesia more attractive.

Indonesia a net importer of liquor

Indonesia a net importer of liquor JAKARTA (JP): The imbalance in Indonesia's trade of alcoholic drinks exceeded US$13 million last year, Anang Lukmana, the agro- industry director general at the Ministry of Industry, said over the weekend. "We imported US$15.6 million and exported only $2.2 million worth of alcoholic drinks last year." Anang said at the inauguration of the Association of the Indonesian Alcoholic Drinks Producers (ASPROMIA) here, Saturday.

Japan beats RI for Aspac Cup

Japan beats RI for Aspac Cup FUKUOKA, Japan (AFP): Defending champion Japan powered past Indonesia 3-0 here yesterday to win the sixth Asian-Pacific Cup men's volleyball tournament for a third consecutive time. The Japanese squad chalked up a 15-11, 15-11, 15-6 win to complete the six-team round robin tournament with a 5-0 win-loss record. It was also their fourth title overall.

Elephant school cuts intake

Elephant school cuts intake BENGKULU: The elephant training center is reducing the number of elephants to be domesticated from 13 to only five this year because of budget constraints. Spokesman of the Seblat elephant school Syamsudin said the Rp 149 million ($70,000) allocated budget will be sufficient to fund the hunting and training of five wild elephants, including paying the trainers' wages and other operation cost, he said.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. World Cup 1994: Switzerland vs Colombia (rerun) 4:30 Student Quiz 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Family Welfare: How to Deal with Obesity 6:05 Nusantara the beloved country: East Timor 6:15 Village Program 6:30 National Defense and Security 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 TV Series: Golden Years 9:00 World News 9:25 Journal of World Cup 1994 9:55 Music 11:00 Late News 11:10 Film: Ants Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Press bans affected JSX performance last week

Press bans affected JSX performance last week By Sigma Batara JAKARTA (JP): External factors such as another possible increase in the U.S. dollar interest rate together with local protests against the government's banning of three popular publications further weakened performance on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) last week. Towards the end of the week, foreign investors were seen dominating the market with largely selling orders. Trading throughout the week was generally thin.

Yogyakarta, Solo to host Kraton fiesta in August

Yogyakarta, Solo to host Kraton fiesta in August JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Tourism, Post and Telecommunications Joop Ave said that Yogyakarta and Solo will host a festival on Kraton, the Javanese kingdom, from August 13 to 20. "It will be the third festival which will be participated by six Javanese kingdoms including the Kratons of Ngayogyakarta Hadiningrat, Pakualaman Yogyakarta, Kasunanan Hadiningrat, Puro Mangkunegaran, Kesepuhan Cirebon and Kanoman Cirebon," he told newsmen on Saturday.

Midwives must be `a little smarter than doctors'

Midwives must be `a little smarter than doctors' Text and photo by Tri Hafiningsih JAKARTA (JP): Most of the time, Tiara Sianturi is just an ordinary bidan (midwife) who works in a small maternity clinic in a remote part of the Malaka Baru district, East Jakarta. But there are times she claims she must be "a little smarter" than the doctors. She said many of her patients come from low-income families with poor health knowledge.

Ulemas pick three candidates for PPP chair

Ulemas pick three candidates for PPP chair By Santi WE Soekanto REMBANG, Central Java (JP): Some 80 powerful leaders from the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) yesterday endorsed three candidates for the upcoming election of the United Development Party (PPP). "Our candidates may be Hamzah, Matori or Karmani," Syansuri Badiawi, the senior ulema who organized the meeting said. Sources at meeting said Syansuri virtually decided the nominations himself and the floor quickly endorsed them.

Houses for Tsunami victims

Houses for Tsunami victims SURABAYA: The East Java provincial authority plans to build 877 units of small houses for the people in Banyuwangi regency whose homes were swept by tidal waves early this month. Each of the 36m-type house will cost Rp 2 million (US$950), spokesman Soesanto. The authorities have allocated 40 hectares of land for the housing project, Soesanto said, adding that construction will begin next month.

The voice of the people

The voice of the people Amid the news barrage of the past few days, a little lesson from far-away Central Kalimantan was easily overlooked. Last Wednesday, as newspapers here reported, Central Kalimantan's legislative council elected Warsito Rasman, a director-general in charge of regional autonomy at the Ministry of Home Affairs in Jakarta, to become governor of the province for the 1994-1999 period.

Yayuk Basuki might carve out history at Wimbledon

Yayuk Basuki might carve out history at Wimbledon WIMBLEDON, England (Agencies): Indonesian tennis queen Yayuk Basuki might carve out a piece of history with a place in the quarterfinals of the Wimbledon tennis championships today. Playing on grass, which is her favorite surface, world number 45 Yayuk faces a tough hurdle on the road to her dreams of winning the last eight round for the first time ever in the form of Gigi Fernandez, the American world's number one doubles player.

Australia's Keating may raise media bans with Indonesia

Australia's Keating may raise media bans with Indonesia CANBERRA (Reuter): Australian Prime Minister Paul Keating is expected to raise Indonesia's decision to ban three leading local magazines when he visits Jakarta beginning today, Foreign Minister Gareth Evans said yesterday. "I personally believe he will raise the issue," Evans said in a television interview, adding that it was up to Keating whether he would register a formal protest.

Supporters of press ban overwhelm rivals

Supporters of press ban overwhelm rivals JAKARTA (JP): There were more protests and counter-protests over the government's ban against three news weeklies in many large cities over the weekend, with supporters of the government's move appearing to have the upper hand in Jakarta. The Jakarta chapter of the Indonesian National Youth Committee (KNPI) issued a statement on Saturday giving its support to the bans against Tempo, DeTIK and Editor magazines.

Freeport finds new gold and copper deposits in Irian Jaya

Freeport finds new gold and copper deposits in Irian Jaya JAKARTA (JP): Freeport-McMoRan Copper & Gold Inc. announced over the weekend that it has intercepted within an igneous granitic intrusion, copper mineralization along a 240 meter interval that averages 1.16 percent copper, 0.1 gram of gold per ton and 6 grams of silver per ton, at its Lembah Tembaga prospect located approximately one kilometer southwest of its Grasberg deposit in Irian Jaya.

Post mortem will likely shed light on Ida's death

Post mortem will likely shed light on Ida's death JAKARTA (JP): The Cipto Mangukusumo general hospital will hand over the post mortem on Ida Rezeki, the 32-year-old housewife who was found dead hanging on a rope in her house two months ago, to the police tomorrow.

Malaysia goes ahead with East Timor seminar

Malaysia goes ahead with East Timor seminar JAKARTA (JP): A seminar on East Timor organized by Malaysian non-governmental organizations went ahead on Friday in Kuala Lumpur, amidst warnings from Indonesia that it could deteriorate bilateral relations between the two neighboring countries. The one-day forum was organized by the Malaysian Action Front, a private umbrella association for around 30 local non- governmental organizations.

Indonesia feels pinch of foreign intervention

Indonesia feels pinch of foreign intervention JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Defense and Security Edi Sudrajat said on Saturday that Indonesia increasingly feels the pinch of foreign pressure in solving its domestic problems. "Although we don't mean to turn our back on economic, social and economic problems, foreign hands are reaching deep into our domestic affairs," he said when addressing students of the Sriwijaya University, Palembang, South Sumatra.

Sign language specialists help the deaf enjoy the world

Sign language specialists help the deaf enjoy the world By Martina Tobing JAKARTA (JP): Most of the deaf among us learn to be independent in a hearing world, but they are "different" when it comes to things like following news broadcasts. Recently, however, the problem was remedied here, at least on television. The end of April saw the beginning of simultaneous signed interpretations on the daily 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. televised newscasts on the state-owned television station, TVRI.

Soeharto to press for better economic deal through APEC

Soeharto to press for better economic deal through APEC JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto said yesterday he would use the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum meeting here in November to press for a fairer economic deal from industrialized countries. Industrialized countries should stop making policies that hurt the economic development of developing countries including Indonesia, Soeharto said when addressing visiting members of the ruling Golkar at his ranch in Tapos.

Appeal to Red Cross

Appeal to Red Cross From Merdeka As we all know, during the independence struggle, on Dec. 19, 1949, the Dutch forces attacked the republic's capital, Yogyakarta. The Indonesian freedom fighters had to counteract the Dutch colonial forces through guerrilla warfare. Especially in Solo, the Dutch faced the brave resistance of the guerrillas. But through a diplomatic move, the Republic of Indonesia regained Yogyakarta as its capital, and a cease-fire was agreed to as of Aug. 10, 1949 at midnight.

More news interpreters welcomed

More news interpreters welcomed JAKARTA (JP): TVRI welcomes more applicants for news interpreters as the present four sign language interpreters for the daily newscasts are not enough. "The interpreters we have, who already work in shifts, are quite exhausted," Baruno, the head of the TVRI news section, said recently. "We need at least ten more people," he said.

Water supply to Tebet area cut

Water supply to Tebet area cut The City Water Company (PAM) is temporarily suspending its water supply in Kampung Melayu, East Jakarta, Tebet and Matraman, Central Jakarta, to allow for the repair of 900 millimeters of pipeline on Jl. DI Panjaitan. The water supply was cut last Saturday and will continue to be stopped until tomorrow. "The water will be running normally again by Tuesday night," said H Eben Keosbini, a director of PAM Jaya.(mds)

State income

State income Finance Minister Mar'ie Muhammad emphasized that, based on the Presidential Decision No. 16/1994, all the income of the government departments and institutions can't be spent before they are entered into the State's Account. The minister also stressed the need to uphold discipline in managing the state assets and the budget. In addition, the government must also be more transparent in handling the state finances. We fully understand the government's vision in financial matters.

Moerdiono optimistic about Japan aid for RI

Moerdiono optimistic about Japan aid for RI JAKARTA (JP): The resignation of Japanese prime minister Tsutomu Hata is not likely to affect Tokyo's aid commitments to Indonesia, Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono said. Shortly after news of the resignation came from Tokyo on Saturday, Moerdiono told reporters that he did not expect the changes in the Japanese leadership to affect the outcome of the upcoming meeting of the Consultative Group on Indonesia (CGI).

JSX chief proposes more leeway for foreigners

JSX chief proposes more leeway for foreigners JAKARTA (JP): President of the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) Hasan Zein Mahmud has proposed more leeway for foreign investors to allow them to buy all, instead of the present 49 percent maximum, of the shares listed on JSX. Hasan Zein was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying on Friday that his suggestion is in line with the new official policy of permitting 100 percent foreign ownership of companies in Indonesia.

Most plants do not treat waste water

Most plants do not treat waste water JAKARTA (JP): Nearly three-quarters of the industrial factories located in Tangerang, West Java, do not have sufficient wastewater treatment plants to deal with toxic waste. Farida, the head of the environmental division of the Tangerang regency's environmental impact analysis office (Amdal), said here on Friday that about 70 percent of the 1,600 factories there do not have the required technology to process their liquid waste.

Dust covers Ternate

Dust covers Ternate TERNATE, Maluku: Dust from Mt. Gamalama rained on this district town on Saturday, bringing all activities virtually to a halt. There were no reported casualties. Spokesman of the North Maluku regency P. Krikhof said dust rain frequently falls on Ternate, the Antara news agency reported. He said that reports from the volcanic observation station suggested that the activity of the volcano is still within normal limits.

RI loses title in ASEAN's student games

RI loses title in ASEAN's student games JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's failure to defend its reign at the Eighth ASEAN Students Games was sealed after the country's soccer team surrendered to Thailand 2-1 in the National Stadium in Singapore on Saturday. In contrast, the soccer match secured a magnificent victory for the Thais who became the champions of the event. The ASEAN Students Games are held once every two years as an arena for the regions university students.

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.

Australia-Vietnam LPG deal

Australia-Vietnam LPG deal HANOI (AFP): Western Australia's Westfarmers Kleenheat Gas Pty Ltd. has signed a joint venture contract with Vietnam's Petrolimex for the production and distribution of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), the Vietnam News daily announced on Saturday. Under the name of Kleen-Petro Gas Pty Ltd., the joint venture is to build and operate storage and distribution facilities for LPG all over the country, starting in Hanoi, Haiphong and Ho Chi Minh City, the Vietnam News said.

Plastics firm to sell shares to the public

Plastics firm to sell shares to the public JAKARTA (JP): A major manufacturer of plastic and aluminum household utensils, PT Langgeng Makmur, will sell 18 million shares to the public in August. Frank. T. Supit, President of PT Sigma Batara, the lead underwriter, told reporters in Surabaya over the weekend that the company expected to raise Rp 70 billion (US$32 million) from the share offering.

Government and abuse of power

Government and abuse of power From Forum Keadilan It seems that abusing power is the most popular issue among Indonesian government officials. Those who should uphold and enforce the principles of the 1945 Constitution and Pancasila prefer to misuse their power to enrich their own families, colleagues or certain groups. Indeed, if such malpractice is still going on, the Indonesian dream which is written in the Constitution and Pancasila will remain to be just a slogan.

S'pore beverages group profit up

S'pore beverages group profit up SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's leading food and beverage manufacturer, the Fraser and Neave group, recorded a net profit of S$43 million (US$28 million) for the half-year ending March 31, officials said. The company, also involved in property and brewing, said in a statement issued late Friday that this was 6.9 percent higher than the profits for the corresponding period of the previous year.

Rights Commission and its constraints

Rights Commission and its constraints By Hendardi JAKARTA (JP): Last year, the National Commission on Human Rights, known by the Indonesian acronym of Komnas HAM, was established by Presidential Decree No. 50/1993. Its members were appointed through Presidential Decree No. 455/1993.

ITB expels 35 students

ITB expels 35 students BANDUNG: The Institute of Technology Bandung has dismissed 35 students for acting as jockeys, or persons paid to take up entrance tests to the prestigious state college. "We took the decision after studying the results of an investigation by the disciplinary commission," spokesman Darmawan Kunaefi said. (pet/prs)

Ngoro Industrial Park

Ngoro Industrial Park JAKARTA (JP): Most investors from Taiwan interested in operating in East Java chose the Ngoro Industrial Park for the site of their plant projects, a prominent Taiwanese businessman said in Surabaya.

An eye for an eye

An eye for an eye From Kompas I was glad to read reports that the Sri Lankan Eye Bank will no longer send corneas to the Indonesian Eye Bank. I appreciate the Sri Lankan Eye Bank very much for its contributions to Indonesia. We might consider presenting a token of honor to the institution. Now Indonesia has to cope with its need of corneas by itself, and it is important, in this case, for the authorities to have closer relations with the would-be donors.

Broken hearted boy hangs himself

Broken hearted boy hangs himself A 19-year-old school boy committed suicide by hanging himself at Kramat sub-district, Central Java Tuesday night. His neighbors found Syamsudin, alias Udin, hanging by a sarong tied to the branch of a tree, Pos Kota reported. According to the deceased's father, Atjun, 69, his son had been quite depressed a few days before he decided to take his own life. His decision came after his relationship with his girl friend ended, the daily said.

100 monkeys dead in Bali

100 monkeys dead in Bali DENPASAR, Bali: Local legislator urged authorities to probe seriously the cause of the death of hundreds of animals in a `monkey forest' during recent weeks. Spokesman of the local council Nyoman Rudia said the meeting has agreed to set up a special team to save the remaining monkeys after a hearing with officials from forestry, agriculture and farming agencies here yesterday.

Intellectuals lose main reading stuff after magazine bans

Intellectuals lose main reading stuff after magazine bans JAKARTA (JP): The intellectual community in Indonesia has lost some of its favorite reading material with the government's ban of Tempo, Editor and DeTIK magazines. A number of prominent scholars said yesterday the magazines, particularly Tempo, which is the more established of the three, and DeTIK, the newest and most aggressive in its reporting, have been among their main news sources and that their absence will be greatly missed.

Kalimantan river expedition goes on

Kalimantan river expedition goes on PUTUSSIBAU, West Kalimantan (JP): A team exploring the cultural richness of the regions along the Kapuas and Mahakam rivers that stretch from west to east Kalimantan is now one third of the way toward its objective. The 20-member expedition team arrived here on Thursday for a four-day stopover to explore places of interest in this town located near the border of Sarawak.

Dollar falls to a new closing low of 100.40 yen in Tokyo

Dollar falls to a new closing low of 100.40 yen in Tokyo TOKYO (AFP): The dollar fell to a new local closing low of 100.40 yen in Tokyo yesterday, down 0.91 yen from 101.31 yen the previous day. After opening at 101.11 yen, compared with New York's late Thursday quote of 101.40 yen, the dollar moved narrowly above 101 yen in quite trading during the morning.

Scripless trading on JSX to start in January

Scripless trading on JSX to start in January JAKARTA (JP): All share transactions on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) will be settled by PT Kliring Deposit Efek Indonesia through the netting system beginning on Monday. "The full application of the netting system to settle all share transactions is the final step before the introduction of a scripless trading on the JSX in early January," Bacelius Ruru, Chairman of the Capital Market Supervisory Agency said yesterday.

Protests against press bans take artistic forms

Protests against press bans take artistic forms JAKARTA (JP): Journalists and employees of three magazines which were closed down by the government resorted to artistic expression yesterday to vent their anger, a change of method from the street protests they held on Wednesday and Thursday. Hundreds of them turned up at the Taman Ismail Marzuki art and cultural complex, virtually stealing the limelight of an ongoing 20th anniversary celebration of the Jakarta Art Institute (IKJ).

Indonesian soccer

Indonesian soccer From Neraca I am an avid soccer fan who is very sad at the development of soccer in this country. Indonesian soccer was in good shape in the 1950s with a number of celebrated players like Ramang, Ramli, Ramlan, Saelan and others. Bribery of players was unknown during that era. The national players had one common goal, i.e. to uphold the country's name and dignity.

Civil servants and professionalism

Civil servants and professionalism From Merdeka All Indonesians know the correlation between the civil servants and the ruling Golkar functional group. An unwritten law seems to say that all civil servants have to be members of Golkar, because those who choose other political parties will receive unexpected threats or intimidation. Can the civil servants stay neutral, which means that they work for this country, and not for the ruling party?

RI spikers remains unbeaten

RI spikers remains unbeaten FUKUOKA, Japan (AFP): Indonesia brushed aside Thailand 3-0 for their third consecutive win here yesterday to remain unbeaten in the sixth Asian-Pacific Cup men's volleyball tournament. The Indonesians, runners-up to Japan in the previous Cup, scored 15-9, 15-10, 15-2 to give Thailand its first defeat against two wins in the six-team round robin tournament being held in Fukuoka, southwest Japan.

C. Java wins junior swimming tourney

C. Java wins junior swimming tourney JAKARTA (JP): Central Java, which collected 26 golds, 14 silvers and 30 bronzes, prevailed in the national junior championship at the Senayan stadium here which ended yesterday evening. Host Jakarta came out as the event's runners-up by collecting 22 golds, 21 silvers and 33 bronzes. Defending champion East Jakarta, in the meantime, sank to third place with 19 golds, 22 silvers and 14 bronzes.

Singapore-Indonesia hospital

Singapore-Indonesia hospital SINGAPORE (AFP): Gleneagles International, which operates one of Singapore's major private hospitals, has drawn up plans to build a third joint-venture hospital in Indonesia, it was announced here. A statement from Gleneagles said the S$43 million (US$28.2 million) hospital, expected to start in 1996-97, would be a tie- up with PT Royal Sentul Highlands of Indonesia.

Islamic Information Center

Islamic Information Center From Media Indonesia I would like to suggest that the Indonesian Council of Ulemas (MUI) establish an Islamic Information Center that can be contacted anytime by telephone or facsimile free of charge. The center would play an important role in providing information for the Moslems about the Islamic religion. This is particularly necessary because the people are too busy and have very little time to study the religion thoroughly.

First journal on Islamic studies launched

First journal on Islamic studies launched JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher launched Indonesia's first journal on Islamic Studies, Studia Islamika, hoping it will better introduce Indonesian Moslems to the outside world. "Indonesia has the biggest Moslem population, but not many foreigners know what kind of people Indonesian Moslems are," Tarmizi said during a reception marking the first publication of the quarterly journal on Thursday.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Brokers at the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) said here yesterday that the market would continue falling despite the listing of several new issues. After losing more than two points to close at 470.95 on Thursday, the broad-based Composite Index ended 2.08 points lower at 468.87 yesterday. Meanwhile, the narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index decreased as well to close at 112.10, from 112.73 previously.

Software piracy in Indonesia

Software piracy in Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Computer software piracy has reached an epidemic proportion in Indonesia, in which as much as 99 percent of personal computer (PC) users exploit the software illegally. An official of the Lotus Development Corporation, David Wee, said in a press conference here on Thursday that software piracy in Asia had costed international software companies US$5 billion.

Records broken at world powerlifting meet

Records broken at world powerlifting meet JAKARTA (JP): The second day of the junior world powerlifting championships in Nusa Dua, Bali saw 13 records shattered as Russia kept its huge overall lead at the four-day meet. Russian musclewoman Svetlana Telesva romped through with two record breaking lifts which carried her to victory in the 40- kilogram category on Thursday night.

Tangerang gets new phones

Tangerang gets new phones JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned domestic telecommunication company, PT Telkom, will offer more than 4,000 new telephone lines in Tangerang area, West Java, during a promotion period between July 5 and July 22. Djasman Sinaga, the spokesman for the Jakarta office of PT Telkom, told reporters yesterday that the company and the privately-run Konsorsium Telekomindo Intertel had jointly installed the 4,145 new lines.

U.S-Malaysia plane overhaul

U.S-Malaysia plane overhaul KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): U.S aviation firm Hamilton Standard signed a deal yesterday with Malaysia Airlines (MAS) to set up a facility to overhaul aircraft life support systems for the Asia- Pacific. Hamilton Standard, a division of Connecticut-based United Technologies Corp., will hold 51 percent of the joint venture firm, Hamilton Standard Co. Support Centre Sdn. Bhd., capitalized at five million dollars. Malaysia's listed national airline will hold 49 percent.

Traditional drama Lengser at TIM

Traditional drama Lengser at TIM A rare performance of traditional drama called Lengser will be staged at Teater Arena, Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center, tonight at 8 p.m. The plot of the story is adapted from a famous West Java's folktale Lutung Kasarung. The story deals with the competition and intrigues among members the royal family of the Galuh Kingdom. The King, Sri Galuh, feels that it's high time for him to abdicate.

Central Kalimantan election has Golkar cadres revolting

Central Kalimantan election has Golkar cadres revolting JAKARTA (JP): The ruling political organization Golkar is facing dissension from within its ranks in Central Kalimantan over the recent election of the province's new governor. A number of executives at Golkar's Central Kalimantan regional board had promised to resign if the government went ahead with appointing Warsito Rasman, who won this week's gubernatorial election at the provincial legislature.

Mitsubishi keen to see Indonesian rally drivers

Mitsubishi keen to see Indonesian rally drivers JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian rally drivers who are in dire need of better cars with which to challenge foreign adversaries will soon have their wish fulfilled.

Jewelry design competition

Jewelry design competition JAKARTA (JP): The World Gold Council (WGC) Indonesia is holding the first Indonesian gold jewelry design competition for designers, factories and retailers until the end of July. The manager of WGC Indonesia Leo Hadi Loe told reporters here yesterday that gold jewelry production in Indonesia reached 90 tons last year, of which 80 tons were sold locally and 10 tons were exported to Asia, Europe and America.

Naro says PPP performs poorly under Metareum

Naro says PPP performs poorly under Metareum JAKARTA (JP): H.J. Naro, an aging but flamboyant former chairman of the United Development Party (PPP), criticized the leadership of his successor, Ismail Hasan Metareum, yesterday. Metareum has failed to lead the Moslem-oriented party towards playing a larger role in Indonesian politics, although he did manage to suppress the acute internal bickering, he said.

A recurring problem

A recurring problem Indonesia sent 165,000 haj pilgrims to Mecca this year -- a 25 percent increase from last year. By the end of the century the number is expected to reach 200,000, which is far beyond the allocation set by the government of Saudi Arabia: one per million Indonesians. The increase, apparently made possible by an improved economy, means that the government will face a tougher task from year to year.

Britons tried on heroin charges

Britons tried on heroin charges BANGKOK (AFP): Britons Sandra Gregory and Robert Locke returned to criminal court yesterday for another session in their 16-month trial on drugs charges, featuring testimony seeking to establish Locke's innocence. Gregory and Locke, both 28, were arrested in February 1993 and on charges of possession and trafficking in heroin. Gregory, from Halifax in Yorkshire, has confessed, while Locke, from Essex, has denied the charges.

`Ida did not commit suicide,' say her relatives

`Ida did not commit suicide,' say her relatives JAKARTA (JP): Relatives of a 32-year-old bank secretary, who was found dead hanging on a rope in her house two months ago, have rejected the police's conclusion that she committed suicide. Based on material evidence found at the scene, the relatives of Ida Rezeki, a secretary of the privately-owned Bank Niaga, believe that the victim may have been tortured to death before being hung on the plastic rope.

Aussie broadcasters introduce oral history methods

Aussie broadcasters introduce oral history methods By Santi W.E. Soekanto JAKARTA (JP): From a tape-recorder placed on a table in the center of a small auditorium at the Australian embassy came the voices of several women, breathless and full of reminiscence. "It's getting dark and every 10 minutes there was a sound of a siren....the radio gave warnings.

Eight flyovers to be opened this year

Eight flyovers to be opened this year JAKARTA (JP): The city's traffic problems may be partially solved with the completion of eight flyovers and one underpass this year, an official said yesterday. The official from the Municipal Public Works Office, who requested anonymity, added that the Dukuh Atas underpass and flyovers in the Sudirman, Senen, Pramuka, Kampung Melayu areas will be ready for use this year.

Firm measure needed to curb migrants

Firm measure needed to curb migrants JAKARTA (JP): During his weekly tour yesterday, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja called on subdistrict chiefs to firmly enforce law on population in an effort to impede the pace of urbanization. The governor said that, so far, the subdistrict chiefs have not been firm enough on enforcing the law and the influx of migrants into Jakarta has continued unabated.

HKBP dispute

HKBP dispute I have to say that The Jakarta Post's news about the HKBP (Batak Protestant Church) problem are really objective. The Jakarta Post doesn't take the information from one side only and it seems to me that The Jakarta Post really understands what the main problem is. By this forum, I just want to say that there are no Nababan supporters in HKBP. We are not supporting Pdt. D. Dr. S.A.E. Nababan, but we just want to make the Church's constitution obeyed and honored.

Rembang will become `important' town soon

Rembang will become `important' town soon JAKARTA (JP): Rembang is a poor and virtually neglected town on the northern coast of Central Java, a stopover point for buses between Semarang and Surabaya. This Sunday, however, the town which houses the grave of humanist and national heroine Raden Adjeng Kartini, will put itself back on the map. Rembang is hosting a meeting of a group of leaders from Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) which could have wider implications for the nation's political future.

Seminar to treat Maluku matters

Seminar to treat Maluku matters AMBON, Maluku: Some 70 foreign scientists have confirmed their participation in the third International Maluku Research Conference (IMRC) which is scheduled to last from June 27 to July 4 at the campus of the University of Pattimura (Unpatti) here. The experts come from the United States, Australia, Germany, the Netherlands and England.

Workshop on Japanese wrapping

Workshop on Japanese wrapping The Japan Foundation will organize a two-day workshop on the wrapping art, one of its trademarks in art, in an attempt to promote Japanese culture in Indonesia. The workshops will be chaired by prominent Japanese artist Kunio Ekiguchi, 64. Starting as a book illustrator for famous novelist Hideo Nakai, Ekiguchi is currently one of the leading figures in Japanese traditional handicrafts and art.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. World Cup 1994: Brazil vs Cameron (rerun) 4:30 Pelangi Budaya 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Science Film: Anything for a Laugh 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country: Maluku 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Music 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Fashion: Office Wear 8:05 TV Series: Midnight Caller 9:00 World News 9:25 Journal of World Cup 1994 9:55 Music 11:00 Late News 11:25 World Cup 1994: Belgium vs Holland Program 2 4:30 p.m.

`Private' traffic wardens often create mayhem

`Private' traffic wardens often create mayhem JAKARTA (JP): The young men who throughout the city hold up traffic in order to allow the motorists who pay them to make U- turns, is still raising questions on whether they expedite or hamper the flow of traffic. They can be found standing at crossroads, three-way corners and U-turns to stop the stream of vehicles. "We want to help smoothen the rush of traffic that is usually congested in this area," said 21-year Muhammad Kurnadi.

Chuan, Kim delay meet for Cup match

Chuan, Kim delay meet for Cup match SEOUL (AFP): Visiting Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai yesterday easily agreed with President Kim Young-Sam to delay their planned summit -- to watch Bolivia-South Korea World Cup match, a presidential spokesman said. Morning rush-hour road traffic congestion started earlier than usual, as millions of Seoul commuters deserted the strike-ravaged subway and used whatever vehicles available to get to work in time for the telecast football match.

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.

Shell makes significant find of gas off Malaysia's Sabah

Shell makes significant find of gas off Malaysia's Sabah KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Dutch oil giant Shell has confirmed a significant find of natural gas off Malaysia's petroleum-rich eastern Sabah state and was planning wells to ascertain the volume of hydrocarbon reserves. In its latest monthly bulletin released yesterday, Shell said the discovery was confirmed and was followed by a production test which showed flow rates of up to some 48 million cubic feet (1.44 million cubic meters).

Indonesia to participate in World Trade Week in Taipei

Indonesia to participate in World Trade Week in Taipei JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will participate in the World Trade Week in Taipei beginning Oct. 17 with 3,000 trade representative from around 100 countries attending. The event is a combination of the 25th annual convention of the World Trade Center Association (WTCA) and Taiwan's biennial Taipei International Fair (TIF).

Saxophonists showcased on jazz cassettes

Saxophonists showcased on jazz cassettes By Paul Blair JAKARTA (JP): The saxophone (doubtless the instrument most closely associated with jazz , especially in the minds of non- jazz listeners) is probably also the horn best able to imitate the timbres of the human voice (which is what many insist jazz playing is all about, anyway). These cassettes, available for Rp 8,000 each in local shops, capture the work of some outstanding saxophone stylists.

Youth groups support press ban

Youth groups support press ban JAKARTA (JP): Two youth organizations yesterday came out in support of the government's ban against Tempo, Editor and DeTIK news magazines. The first one, calling themselves the Youth Forum for the Defense of the Pancasila Press (FPPP), deployed 20 men to the Ministry of Information office, a target of repeated protests against the ban on Wednesday and Thursday, but a clash was avoided as there was no protest.

Plight of Batak reverends

Plight of Batak reverends I am extremely disturbed by your headline news in the June 10, 1994 issue of The Jakarta Post about the plights of Batak reverends. As a foreign-born and foreign-educated Batak who spent most of his prime life in foreign companies, I shared no or little affinity to the Batak community and HKBP, being non-HKBP myself. However, after the involvement of a third non-HKBP party to establish the leadership of that church some time ago, I began to feel concern.

Malaysia not ready to set up diplomatic ties with Israel

Malaysia not ready to set up diplomatic ties with Israel KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia has reiterated that it is not ready to establish diplomatic ties with Israel, after denying reports that it had sent a royal emissary to work out plans for links with the Jewish state. The Malaysian cabinet decided at a weekly meeting that Kuala Lumpur should first gauge Israel's sincerity in seeking peace in Palestine, Foreign Minister Abdullah Badawi told an informal press gathering late Thursday.

Private sector told to fund vocational training centers

Private sector told to fund vocational training centers PALEMBANG, South Sumatra (JP): The private sector must help fund new vocational training centers, because it will benefit not only those trained but the private businesses themselves, Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief says. Latief says the government is currently revamping the various existing vocational training centers, all still government funded, so that they could eventually be financial independent.

Modernland to construct shopping malls and condominiums

Modernland to construct shopping malls and condominiums JAKARTA (JP): PT Modernland Realty Ltd, a housing, golf course and country club developer, will build shopping malls and condominiums to attract consumer interest. PT Modernland Realty Ltd. is a subsidiary of Modern Group, which is listed on the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges.

Timorese jailed for protests

Timorese jailed for protests DILI, East Timor: Three young men who held an anti-government demonstration in front of visiting foreign journalists last April have been sentenced to 20 months imprisonment by a court. Pantaleon Amaral, 18 years old, Isak Soares, 22, and Miguel de Deus, 20, were found guilty of creating public disorder and fueling separatist sentiments through their actions in front of a hotel where the journalists stayed.

Listed firms told to sell shares to cooperatives

Listed firms told to sell shares to cooperatives JAKARTA (JP): Listed companies are strongly urged to sell a portion of their shares to 617 new village cooperative units throughout the country in an effort to help develop small-scale businesses.

Last flight of pilgrims ends largest ever haj operation

Last flight of pilgrims ends largest ever haj operation JAKARTA (JP): The largest ever haj operation conducted by the government ended when the last of 355 flights bringing the Moslem pilgrims home arrived at the Halim Perdanakusuma airport yesterday. The operation, to send some 165,000 pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, was not without its share of controversy.

Abiola questioned, Nigeria police say

Abiola questioned, Nigeria police say LAGOS (Reuter): Moshood Abiola, the millionaire businessman who defied Nigeria's military rulers by proclaiming himself president, was arrested yesterday and was being questioned at an undisclosed location, police said. The United States condemned the arrest in a statement issued by its embassy in Lagos and said it raised serious questions about the military government's commitment to restore democracy.

Police face uphill battle to uphold the law enforcement

Police face uphill battle to uphold the law enforcement JAKARTA (JP): The low ratio of police officers to the general population has led made the national police unable to serve the people adequately, says a former national police chief. General (ret.) Awaloedin Djamin said here yesterday that the situation has been made worse by the fact that Indonesian policemen are poorly equipped.

New resort at Carita beach

New resort at Carita beach JAKARTA (JP): PT Wahana Pandugraha, a private developing company, will construct Carita Paradise Resort, a star-rated resort and hotel, in Carita beach, in the district of Labuhan, West Java. Wahana's president Surya Widjaja said here yesterday that the hotel will be constructed in a 15-hectare plot with an investment of Rp 30 billion (US$13.89 million). He said that the resort will offer 160 unit cottages, three- star hotel with 100 rooms and other facilities.

Hundreds protest

Hundreds protest against press bans JAKARTA (JP): Hundreds of journalists and employees of three news magazines marched to the Ministry of Information yesterday, demanding the government to lift the ban against their publications. The protesters, who also demanded a public apology from the government for its decision to revoke the magazines' publishing licenses, were joined by activists, members of the intellectual community and students, bolstering their number to over 1,000.

Complaint

Complaint I am writing to your newspaper as there are no other avenues that I can go to in order to lodge a complaint about the customer service at Louis Vuitton, a luxury goods store located in Plaza Indonesia. I visited the store in early January 1994 and sent my handbag for repair. At the time, the staff informed me that it would be sent to Singapore and that they did not have any idea as to when it might be ready. It has been five months now.

Kuwait seeking support in conflict with Iraq

Kuwait seeking support in conflict with Iraq JAKARTA (JP): Kuwait yesterday solicited the support of Indonesia, which currently chairs the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), in its bid to have the international economic embargo against Iraq extended. Chairman of the Parliament of Kuwait Saleh Yousif Al-Fidhalah met with President Soeharto, who also chairs the NAM, to ask Indonesia to use its influence in ensuring an extension of the embargo until Iraq recognizes Kuwait's sovereignty and independence.

Taiwanese suspect may be tried in his country

Taiwanese suspect may be tried in his country JAKARTA (JP): Police said yesterday they may not be able to extradite YYS, a Taiwanese man believed to have murdered a businesswoman here last month, because Indonesia and Taiwan do not have diplomatic relations. YYS, 45, believed to be the lover of the victim, Ivone, has been arrested by the Taiwanese authorities but the nonexistence of diplomatic ties between the two countries makes extradition hardly possible, Lt. Col. A.

Students should act rationally

Students should act rationally I have decided to write this letter after reading about the fate of jailed student activists, who seem to be victims of wrong advice. As a teacher, I feel obliged to pass on my humble advice to my fellow students. I will talk about current topical issues in relation to students, attitudes, judgments and activities in Indonesia.

RI, Thailand win in Aspac volley

RI, Thailand win in Aspac volley FUKUOKA, Japan (AFP): Indonesia and Thailand both scored their second wins at the Asian-Pacific Cup men's volleyball here yesterday. The Indonesians, runners-up to Japan in the previous Cup, rallied to a 15-10, 15-3, 15-10 win over the Philippines in the six-team round robin tournament in Fukuoka, south-west Japan. Thailand breezed past Vietnam 15-12, 15-6, 15-6 to remain unbeaten, and now take on Indonesia today.

255 motorbikes for law enforcers

255 motorbikes for law enforcers Governor Surjadi Soedirdja donated 240 motorbikes to the Jakarta military-police headquarters and prosecutor's office in a ceremony at City Hall yesterday. The military received 115 motorbikes, the police 125 motorbikes, and the prosecutor's office 15 . The municipality also donated two minibuses to the city traffic police, 15 sets of walkie talkies and three minibuses to the prosecutor's office.

Pindad and Cogifer to make rail switches

Pindad and Cogifer to make rail switches JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned army industrial company PT Perindustrian Angkatan Darat (Pindad) signed a Memorandum of Understanding with French Cogifer Industries to construct 200 rail switches worth Rp 20 billion (US$9.26 million). Under the agreement which was signed in Bandung, west Java by Pindad's vice president T.

Tangerang area miserable

Tangerang area miserable From Neraca Tangerang, West Java, is in a sorry state as many facilities need urgent repair. The Ciputat and Ciledug areas, for example, have to be given due attention by the local government because real estate companies are building thousands of houses in these areas, but the social and public facilities have not yet been made available. Roads to and from these areas are still in poor condition and far from convenient.

Multipurpose Citicard

Multipurpose Citicard JAKARTA (JP): Citibank launched new ATM card, called the Citibank Citicard, yesterday which allows customers access to their accounts from over 166,000 ATM locations at worldwide Citicard Banking Centers and affiliated ATM networks in more than 50 countries. The new service will allow customers to withdraw cash in the local currency at competitive rates, quick checks of bank balances and fund transfers between Current and saving accounts.

Great River to procure new machine, complete facilities

Great River to procure new machine, complete facilities JAKARTA (JP): PT Great River Industries, a producer of brand name garments listed on the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges, will procure new sewing machines and complete facilities for new branded garments in anticipation of increased demand.

Russia takes command in world powerlifting championships

Russia takes command in world powerlifting championships JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia stole a little bit of thunder as Russia snatched the first day lead at the junior world powerlifting championships in Nusa Dua, Bali on Wednesday night. A 20-strong team from Eastern Europe, one of the world powerlifting powerhouses, collected a haul of nine golds, three silvers and a bronze to set the pace in the medals race at the four-day competition held for the first time in Indonesia.

Yayuk defeats Maleeva to keep on winning track

Yayuk defeats Maleeva to keep on winning track LONDON (Agencies): Indonesia's Yayuk Basuki kept on the winning track at the Wimbledon tennis championships by ousting 16th seed Magdalena Maleeva of Bulgaria in a close battle in three sets 5-7, 7-6 (7-3), 6-4 yesterday. World number 45 Yayuk, who also defeated the youngest Maleeva sister for a fourth place here last year, used her powerful serve and volley game to earn herself a place in the third round.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m World Cup 1994: Italy vs Norway (rerun) 4:30 Student Quiz 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Dunia Pustaka 6:05 Nusantara the beloved country: South Sulawesi 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Karya Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dinamika 8:05 Music 9:00 World News 9:25 Journal of World Cup 1994 9:55 Quiz: Siapa Dia 11:00 Late News 11:25 World Cup 1994: Mexico vs Ireland Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Barito's wood-chip plant

Barito's wood-chip plant JAKARTA (JP): Prajogo Pangestu, a conglomerate who controls the forest-based Barito group, plans to build a wood chip plant on Sungsang island in South Sumatra to process 1.5 million cubic meters of raw wood to be harvested from its 126,000 hectare concession in the province. Agusnang, the president of PT Musi Hutan Persada, the subsidiary of Barito group in S.

RI to host 5th Merdeka Cup

RI to host 5th Merdeka Cup JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will host the fifth international Merdeka basketball tournament at the Senayan stadium here in Aug. 25 until Sept. 1, says Bunyamin Ramto, an official of the Basketball Association of Indonesia (Perbasi). Ramto was quoted by a press-release made available yesterday that the tourney will be participated by contenders from six countries including the United States, South Korea, Saudi Arabia, Russia, Taiwan and host Indonesia.

Jakarta anniversary

Jakarta anniversary What message will we covey in the context of the Jakarta 467th anniversary? This is a time to revive a sense of togetherness among Jakarta's pluralistic population. As the capital city, Jakarta is really Indonesia in miniature. About eight-and-a-half million people are struggling both for a place to live and to earn a living. Under its pluralistic condition, the ideal for a healthy togetherness is not easy to realize.

Weather agency plans to buy more sophisticated equipment

Weather agency plans to buy more sophisticated equipment JAKARTA (JP): The government yesterday promised to spend $90 million in new equipment to bolster the capability of the Meteorological and Geophysics Agency (BMG), which forecasts weather and monitors natural disasters such as earthquakes. "It's a matter of to be or not to be," Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said, explaining the government's plan to purchase more sophisticated equipment.

Asuransi Bintang nets 29 percent increase in premiums

Asuransi Bintang nets 29 percent increase in premiums JAKARTA (JP): PT Asuransi Bintang, a public general insurance company, netted a total premium income of Rp 27.4 billion (US$12.69 million) in 1993, up by 29 percent from Rp 21.24 billion ($9.83 million) in 1992, the company's president Bahder Munir Sjamsoeddin said.

New nuclear shadow hangs over Hiroshima

New nuclear shadow hangs over Hiroshima HIROSHIMA, Japan (AFP): Hiroshima, resurrected from an atomic bombing half a century ago, is threatened by fallout from a post- Cold War nuclear crisis as it prepares to host the Asian Games. The Asian Games will have more sports than an Olympics, there will be a record number of competitors in Hiroshima. But persuading North Korea to be among them will dominate the attention of organizers for weeks to come. The city is not despondent however.

NEC Nusantara receives big telephone contract

NEC Nusantara receives big telephone contract JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) has given the Japan-Indonesia joint venture PT NEC Nusantara Communications an order to build telephone exchanges with a combined capacity of 1.5 million lines. The installation must be completed within the ongoing sixth Five-Year Development Plan (1994-1999) period, Antara reported yesterday, quoting a Telkom executive.

Don't play up differences in society: Soeharto

Don't play up differences in society: Soeharto JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto warned the people yesterday against playing up differences between various groups in society because it could sow seeds of instability. "Let's not forget our commitment to become a united nation," Soeharto said in a speech before participants of a leadership course organized by the National Resilience Institute (Lemhannas). "Remember our motto `Unity in Diversity'.

NU scholars set for controversial talks in Rembang

NU scholars set for controversial talks in Rembang JAKARTA (JP): After enduring weeks of controversy and numerous obstacles, a group of ulemas of the Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) have finally scheduled the meeting where they will discuss their strategy to win the election at the United Development Party (PPP).

Pasar Jaya official to be tried for scam

Pasar Jaya official to be tried for scam JAKARTA (JP): A PD Pasar Jaya's employee will be tried soon for allegedly embezzling two billion rupiahs from the city-owned company, Chief of Jakarta Prosecutor's Office Suyoto said yesterday. "We hope his trial can start in August," Suyoto told reporters at the city hall. He said the Jakarta high prosecutor's office has examined 21 people, including top staffers of the company.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices, which have been on a downward trend for more than three weeks, continued losing ground on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday. The broad-based Composite Index lost 2.17 points to close at 470.95 after losing another two points the previous day. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index lost ground to close 0.18 points lower at 112.73 from the previous 112.91. PT Ugahari made its stock market debut yesterday by listing 21.6 million new shares.

Human error remains prime cause of accidents

Human error remains prime cause of accidents JAKARTA (JP): A leading traffic expert is calling on traffic authorities to issue "temporary" drivers' licenses for new drivers so that their driving abilities can be tested before they receive permanent licenses. The chairman of the Institute for Traffic and Transportation Development Indonesia, Brig.

Governor seeks help from city's advisory board

Governor seeks help from city's advisory board JAKARTA (JP): Governor Surjadi Soedirdja is calling for assistance by development experts as the city soars ever upwards toward the era of "skyscrapers and flyovers." "The future of Jakarta will be colored with the ever continuing emergence of skyscrapers, flyovers, and the scarcity of green areas," the governor said yesterday at the inauguration ceremony of new members of the BPTB, an advisory board in charge of giving advice to the municipality...

Three restaurants closed down

Three restaurants closed down Three restaurants were closed down on Wednesday after a combined team from the North Jakarta mayoralty found that their licenses had expired. The head of the North Jakarta Tourism office, Wiyanto, said that the Jaya Abadi restaurant in Muara Karang, Kwe Tiauw restaurant in Kelapa Gading and Istana restaurant, have been operating illegally since 1991. "They have been warned to renew their licenses several times," Wiyanto said.

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.

Schering pays dividend

Schering pays dividend JAKARTA (JP): The annual shareholders meeting of PT Schering- Plough Indonesia, a company of discovery, development and marketing of human pharmaceutical and healthcare products, announced a 40 percent increase in its final dividend from Rp 250 per share for 1992 operation to Rp 350 per share for 1993 operation. At the meeting, The company's president Philip A.

RI to be U.S. center for Asian markets

RI to be U.S. center for Asian markets WASHINGTON (AFP): Indonesia will be the first stop for many American businessmen looking to do business in Asia under U.S. plans to challenge Japan's economic dominance of the region, the government said yesterday. The United States will establish in Jakarta the U.S. Commercial Center in Asia that will assist U.S. companies looking to do business in Asia, the Commerce Department said.

Foreign fishing fleets threaten RP

Foreign fishing fleets threaten RP MANILA (AFP): Fishing fleets of developed nations will become one of the main concerns of the ill-equipped Philippine navy as it tries to defend against poaching and toxic-waste dumping in the country's waters, President Fidel Ramos said yesterday. The navy has "inadequate resources to effectively deal with them," and would employ a "selective sea control" strategy to meet the threats, he told navy officers and men here.

Mar'ie wants WB and ADB to cope with volatile yen

Mar'ie wants WB and ADB to cope with volatile yen JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Finance Mar'ie Muhammad yesterday urged the World Bank and Asian Development Bank (ADB) to take more initiatives to maintain the stability of the Japanese yen rate against the U.S. dollar, since a high volatility would affect the world economy.

Australia's `Visions for the Future' an eye-opener

Australia's `Visions for the Future' an eye-opener By Samsudin Berlian JAKARTA (JP): Name one scientist from Australia! Um...um.... Go ahead, take your time. Maybe it would help to know that so far, six Australian research scientists have won the Nobel Prize. What, indeed, do we non-Australians know about the scientific achievements of the Southern Cross? Kangaroos and koalas we know, but what of science from the continent sometimes called the Sprawling Pancake?

Soeharto briefed on Barito's $1b deal in Kuala Lumpur

Soeharto briefed on Barito's $1b deal in Kuala Lumpur JAKARTA (JP): The Malaysian government has agreed to provide Indonesia's Barito Pacific Group with one million hectares of land in Sabah state for the development of timber estates for pulp. Minister of Investment Sanyoto Sastrowardojo told reporters yesterday, after meeting President Soeharto, that the pulp industry would be developed to support the timber estates and could employ around 10,000 Indonesian workers.

Golden Key Group's staff brace for dismissal

Golden Key Group's staff brace for dismissal JAKARTA (JP): Some 200 workers at a giant petrochemical project belonging to Eddy Tansil have been advised they'll soon be looking for new jobs, as it is unlikely that the project will be completed with their boss still on trial for corruption. Abdul Hanan, the local union representative for PT Cilegon Multiwahana in Serang, West Java, said he had told the workers to be prepared to have their employment terminated any time soon.

Saleh Basarah clarifies

Saleh Basarah clarifies I have kept silent so far concerning the land controversies surrounding Jl. Sudirman, Jakarta. I did not want to cause trouble for any party because I had hoped there would be a lawful solution to the land disputes in this country, even though I would act only as a witness in the case to which I might be directly correlated. As a citizen of this country, I definitely want to be fairly treated.

Messages of sympathy flow in to the closed magazines

Messages of sympathy flow in to the closed magazines JAKARTA (JP): Messages of sympathy flowed into the offices of Tempo, Editor and DeTIK magazines today, consoling journalists and employees who face uncertainty following the revocation of their publishing licenses.

Police seize two stolen cars

Police seize two stolen cars The North Jakarta police precinct nabbed two men believed to be dealing in stolen cars, and seized two cars from them. The suspects identified only as YS, 37, and Dd, 36, were detained on Monday, Sinar Pagi reported quoting police sources. The cars, a Toyota Kijang and a Daihatsu Zebra mini bus, strongly believed to have been stolen by a car theft ring, were seized by the police during a recent raid in Surakarta, Central Java.

Concert for disaster victims

Concert for disaster victims JAKARTA: A charity concert for the victims of this month's killer tidal wave will be held in the East Java city of Surabaya later this month, with dangdut star Rhoma Irama and popular preacher Zainuddin M.Z. topping the bill. Head of the organizing committee Rosihan Kailinto Nurdin said the concert is sponsored by music journalists and artists.

Magazines urged to sue govt over press banning

Magazines urged to sue govt over press banning JAKARTA (JP): A prominent human rights lawyer suggested yesterday that Tempo, Editor and DeTIK magazines sue the government through the State Administrative Court for revoking their publishing licenses. Todung Mulya Lubis said that the three Jakarta-based magazines have several legal options in seeking to overturn Minister of Information Harmoko's decision to revoke their licenses, but the best course would be through the state administrative court.

PT Tigaraksa sells subsidiary at $13m

PT Tigaraksa sells subsidiary at $13m JAKARTA (JP): PT Tigaraksa Satria, a conglomerate of four companies engaged in the production and distribution of consumer goods, has sold its wholly-owned subsidiary, PT Sugizindo, to PT Sari Husada for Rp 28.35 billion (US$13.13 million), an executive of the company said 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.

City is cleaner and more healthy, says Surjadi

City is cleaner and more healthy, says Surjadi JAKARTA (JP): The municipality has been successful in environmental affairs but still has to make efforts to improve the less-developed areas, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja said yesterday. The governor told the plenary session of the City Council at City Hall that one of the major success stories over the past year was how Jakarta had managed to keep its environment clean, beautiful and healthy.

Advice worth taking to deal with post-power syndrome

Advice worth taking to deal with post-power syndrome By Santi W. Soekanto JAKARTA (JP): Be humble. Don't be arrogant, particularly when you have achieved high social status and are powerful. Remember that people who praise you when you are still in power will either leave or ignore you after you lose your position. Those were the words of advice from Gen. (ret.) Awaloeddin Djamin, who knows very well about what it's like to be in power and what it's like to lose that power to retirement.

$1.73b to be collected for reforestation fund

$1.73b to be collected for reforestation fund JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Forestry will raise a total of US$1.73 billion for reforestation funds within the sixth Five- year Development Plan period (Repelita VI), up more than 50 percent from $1.12 billion during Repelita V.

Exchange of youth

Exchange of youth From Kompas I was one of the candidates from West Java for international exchange of youth 1994. I collected the paperwork that had to be completed at Jl. Aceh in Bandung on May 23, 1994 and returned it the following day. But I failed to complete the paper and so I did not send it back. In the meantime, I learned that on every occasion of this kind there is always a privileged candidate.

Fire destroys Kali Jodoh area

Fire destroys Kali Jodoh area Hundreds of residential houses doubling as brothels at the illegal Kali Jodoh prostitution complex in Pejagalan sub- district, North Jakarta were reduced to ashes when a fire razed the area on Tuesday. A total of 220 houses were burned down, leaving 1,100 families homeless, Sinar Pagi reported. No casualties were reported.

Prayogo's acquisition of stake in KL firm welcomed

Prayogo's acquisition of stake in KL firm welcomed JAKARTA (JP): Securities analysts welcomed the US$1 billion acquisition by Indonesian timber conglomerate Prajogo Pangestu of a 68.66-percent stake in Malaysia's Construction and Supplies House Bhd, but warned of cartelization.

BRC Lysaght expands

BRC Lysaght expands JAKARTA (JP): PT BRC Lysaght Indonesia opened its second plant in Surabaya on Tuesday that manufactures steel building products, including steel mesh widely used in the construction of toll roads. The company, which was set up in 1973, is a joint venture of Australia's BHP, Hall Engineering of Britain and PT Freyssinet Indonesia and PT Rabar Kokoh, both of Indonesia.

SPSI opens its arms

SPSI opens its arms SEMARANG: The Central Java chapter of the Association of All Indonesian Workers (SPSI) has said it would be happy to welcome the rebel Indonesian Prosperous Labor Union (SBSI) into its happy family. "I would fully welcome the SBSI if they want to join forces with SPSI, provided that they respect our basic rules," chapter chairman Tambah Sudjio told The Jakarta Post..

P&G offers $500m to ASEAN

P&G offers $500m to ASEAN MANILA (AFP): The Asian office of U.S. consumer giant Proctor and Gamble is offering to set up an ASEAN Industrial Joint Venture (AIJV) which could total as much as US$500 million in five years, Trade Secretary Rizalino Navarro said yesterday. Navarro said the proposal was taken up during the ASEAN senior economic officials' meeting in Jakarta earlier this month, and would be considered at the economic ministers meeting in Thailand later this year.

`Dukun patah tulang' cures patients with magic

`Dukun patah tulang' cures patients with magic By A. Muhardjo JAKARTA (JP): Titiek was 13 years old when he was seriously injured in a motorbike accident. At a nearby hospital, the chief physician on duty - after carefully examining the X-rays and observing the major injuries - decided it was necessary to amputate the much battered and fractured right arm. The right leg, though badly fractured in two places, was to be spared amputation, but Titiek would limp for the rest of his life.

Jakarta Fair remains attractive for both adults and children

Jakarta Fair remains attractive for both adults and children By Arif Suryobuwono JAKARTA (JP): From a distance, as dusk was falling, the red neon lights of "Arena Pekan Raya Jakarta", or The Jakarta Fair, shone from their perch atop of the six-story trade mart building in the 44-hectare trade fair complex at Kemayoran, Central Jakarta. As evening arrived, more and more people came in like ants attracted by sugar. Though clad in their casual wear, they were urbanely dressed.

Graveyard demolished

Graveyard demolished From Neraca PT Copilas Indonesia demolished the graveyard in the South Meruya Ilir district, West Jakarta recently, without giving any notice to the people (more than 1.000) whose relatives are buried at the site. We know PT Copilas Indonesia plans to build real estate in the area. Without any clear explanation, the company dug up the graveyard and transferred the bones of the dead bodies to Curang Mangu, Tangerang; but we saw that some of them were neglected.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. World Cup 1994: US vs Columbia 4:30 Children's Program 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Arabic Lessons 6:05 Nusantara the beloved country: Southeast Sulawesi 6:15 Village Program 6:25 Koran Recital 6:35 Religious Teachings: Islam 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama: Meniti Pelangi 8:05 TV Series: Combat 9:00 World News 9:25 Journal of World Cup 1994 11:00 Late News 11:10 Film: Tarantula's the Deadly Cargo Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Workers visible only during strikes

Workers visible only during strikes By Fauzi Abdullah JAKARTA (JP): As was reported, officials of the Medan office of the Ministry of Manpower and the military have been touring factories in the wake of the April strike in order to oversee the enforcement of some regulations. The North Sumatra governor has also issued a recommendation to the ministry regarding an increase of minimum wages from Rp 3,100 to Rp 3,750 beginning Aug. 1.

Asian states in Burma expo

Asian states in Burma expo YANGON (AFP): Some 50 companies from five Asian nations are taking part in a four-day exhibition of consumer and industrial products that opened here yesterday under joint Singapore-Myanmar sponsorship. Companies from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Hong Kong and Japan are displaying more than US$1 million worth of electronic and consumer products, apparel and textiles and building materials and equipment.

Bankers arrested for fraud

Bankers arrested for fraud BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: The local prosecution office is currently investigating two senior bank executives, suspected to have embezzled a total of Rp 1.5 billion from the regional government bank BPD Lampung. The two men held strategic posts in the bank's branch in Metro, Central Lampung, allowing them to siphon off large sums of funds virtually undetected since 1990, said Antasari, assistant to the special criminal prosecutor.

The axe has fallen

The axe has fallen It was truly shocking to learn the other day about the government's decision to ban the three leading weekly magazines Tempo, Editor and the tabloid DeTIK. It never crossed our mind that right in the middle of the newly found climate of openness the government would go so far as to ban these three publications.

PT Medco to offer shares to the public

PT Medco to offer shares to the public JAKARTA (JP): PT Medco Energi Corporation, an oil and natural gas drilling, exploration and production company, will offer 20 million new shares equaling 30 percent of its total common stocks to the public in mid-July. The company's president, Hertriono Kartowisastro, told reporters in a press conference here yesterday that the company expects to generate about Rp 100 billion (US$46.32 million) from the share issuance.

S. Korea softens stance prior to nuclear summit

S. Korea softens stance prior to nuclear summit By Zeno Park SEOUL (AFP): South Korea, to the dismay of Washington, appears to be softening its stance on the North Korean nuclear standoff to help ensure the success of an unprecedented inter-Korean summit, analysts here said Tuesday.

Bring coconut oil when you see a `dukun'

Bring coconut oil when you see a `dukun' JAKARTA (JP): Have you ever heard of a dukun patah tulang? To those not familiar with Bahasa Indonesia, these three words may sound like a riddle, but they actually denote a medicine man whose specialty is the therapy of fractured bones. Although most Indonesians are familiar with the term, not many of them may know exactly how this kind of therapy is executed.

Six RP soldiers die in fighting

Six RP soldiers die in fighting ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Reuter): Philippine warplanes yesterday pounded a Moslem guerrilla stronghold with rockets and bombs after the rebels shot dead six soldiers and wounded 10 others in fierce fighting, the military said. It said 15 guerrillas died in the military offensive on southern Basilan Island aimed at rescuing a kidnapped Roman Catholic priest and destroying a major base of the Moslem fundamentalist Abu Sayyaf group. "It was really fierce fighting.

More roads being built on outer islands

More roads being built on outer islands JAKARTA (JP): The government has spent some Rp 168 billion (US$77.8 million) to build the roads connecting Jayapura and Wamena, both in the province of Irian Jaya, as a part of the Trans Irian highway network. Minister of Public Works Radinal Moochtar said in a hearing with the House of Representatives (DPR), yesterday, that the ministry started the construction of the roads in 1990/1991 fiscal year.

RP to negotiate sale of steel firm

RP to negotiate sale of steel firm MANILA (AFP): The Philippine government is open to a negotiated sale of 65 percent of the National Steel Corp. (NSC) after several attempts to auction it failed, Trade Secretary Rizalino Navarro said here yesterday. Navarro said the government expected to sell 65 percent of NSC for more than the 6.3 billion pesos (US$233 million) previously offered by Exchange Capital Corp., a consortium controlled by Magnum Holdings Inc. of Malaysia.

Expedition for marine research launched

Expedition for marine research launched JAKARTA (JP): The Baruna Jaya 1 vessel set sail from the Tanjung Priok here yesterday to mark the start of a month-long expedition to study the climatic changes and natural marine resources in eastern Indonesia. Some 26 scientists from Australia, Indonesia and other Southeast Asian countries are taking part in the expedition aboard the 700-ton vessel equipped with a modern oceanographic laboratory.

KL says E. Asia must defend itself

KL says E. Asia must defend itself WASHINGTON (AFP): Asian countries should rely on themselves for their security instead of looking to a superpower such as the United States, Malaysia's defense minister said on Tuesday. "It is about time that the security and defense of the region is taken care of by the regional states themselves," said Defense Minister Mohamed Najib. "We are the best guarantor of our own regional defense." Najib's strongly worded statement to a gathering of U.S.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices, which have leapt aboard a downward trend over the past three consecutive weeks, continued losing ground on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday. News on the Barito group's takeover of the Malaysia-listed Construction and Supplies House Bhd. (CASH) recently, which was positively greeted by securities analysts here, has not been able to lift Barito's performance on the JSX, a source said. Its share price dropped by Rp 225 yesterday.

RI pushes to include powerlifting at Olympic

RI pushes to include powerlifting at Olympic JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has once again pushed to include powerlifting among the full-fledged, medal events that are competed in at international and regional sports meet like Olympic and Asian Games. At the opening of the world junior weightlifting and powerlifting championships in Nusa Dua, Bali, yesterday, Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Hayono Isman said that powerlifting has become a favorite sport among young people all over the country.

Indonesia beats Malaysia 3-0

Indonesia beats Malaysia 3-0 FUKUOKA, Japan (AFP): Indonesia got off to a winning start, beating Malaysia 3-0 in the opener of the sixth Asian-Pacific Cup men's volleyball tournament here yesterday. The Indonesians, silver medal winner in the previous Cup, coasted to a convincing 15-8, 15-2, 15-4 victory at the Nogata City gymnasium, south-west Japan.

`Jockeys' caught in the act

`Jockeys' caught in the act SEMARANG: Diponegoro University has caught eight people performing the entrance test for the state school on the behalf of applicants. A committee overseeing the test said the eight "jockeys", as they are popularly called, were caught among the hundreds of people who were taking tests on Tuesday. Rector Muladi vowed to combat cheating.

U.S., Aussies regret magazine ban

U.S., Aussies regret magazine ban JAKARTA (JP): The United States and Australian governments yesterday expressed concern at the Indonesian government's decision to cancel the publishing licenses of the Tempo, Editor and DeTIK news magazines. "The U.S. government strongly supports freedom of the press throughout the world," said the statement, read by Pamela Smith of the U.S. embassy in Jakarta.

Warsito chosen as C. Kalimantan governor

Warsito chosen as C. Kalimantan governor JAKARTA (JP): The Central Kalimantan legislature yesterday voted overwhelmingly for Warsito Rasman, the central government's candidate, to become the province's new governor. Warsito, the director general of public administration and regional autonomy as well as the province's current caretaker governor, won 39 of 44 possible votes in the election held in Palangka Raya, Central Kalimantan capital, yesterday.

Malaysian firms team up with Indonesian brokers

Malaysian firms team up with Indonesian brokers KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Two Malaysian firms have formed alliances with Indonesian groups to set up stockbrokerages in Indonesia to tap the potential of its securities industry, broking officials said yesterday.

Press bans spur new debate on openness

Press bans spur new debate on openness JAKARTA (JP): The government, facing accusations of turning back the clock on democracy, yesterday said the ban against three news magazines would not have happened if they had used their newly gained freedom more wisely. Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono gave his assurances that the government remains committed to the present course of political openness He said the press must continue to observe the journalistic code of ethics.

Crimes and films

Crimes and films From Media Indonesia Crime is caused by a number of factors. And nowadays the number of criminals are increasing and their operations have become more dangerous. This forces us to ask ourselves: Is this the mark of an unhealthy society? It is useful for us to know the real causes of the crimes. Many people believe, as I do also, that the main cause is violence seen in sadistic and pornographic films on television, and in movies, videos and laser discs.

RI plans strategy for AIDS summit

RI plans strategy for AIDS summit JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is pressing for a more balanced allocation of global funds to counter the spread of the Acquired Immuno Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) between the developing and industrial countries. Minister of Health Sujudi announced yesterday that Indonesia is taking an active part in the preparations for the first world summit on AIDS planned in Paris later this year.

Former governors want capital closed to migrants

Former governors want capital closed to migrants JAKARTA (JP): Former Jakarta governors Ali Sadikin and Wiyogo Atmodarminto have thrown their weight behind current Governor Surjadi Soedirdja's untiring efforts to impede the pace of urbanization. Both Ali Sadikin and Wiyogo Atmodarminto said at the celebration of Jakarta's 467th Anniversary at city hall yesterday that the current administration should declare the city closed to new migrants unless they meet certain requirements.

Aussie firms win Java power projects

Aussie firms win Java power projects SYDNEY (UPI): Two leading Australian engineering companies have landed contracts worth US$95 million to provide electrical infrastructure assistance to Indonesia, officials said yesterday. The two companies -- Gec Alsthom and Abb Ept Ltd. -- won the million dollar contracts which range from nine months to two years.

Relief aid held up

Relief aid held up BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Almost half of the relief aid intended for victims of February's major earthquake in West Lampung has not been disbursed, Lampung Governor Poedjono Pranyoto said. Poedjono said that of the Rp 10.3 billion (US$4.9 million) collected, only Rp 6.2 has been distributed, the Antara news agency reported.

Govt to rebuild 250 public parks

Govt to rebuild 250 public parks JAKARTA (JP): The City Park Agency plans to rebuild 250 city gardens and parks, which each occupy over one square kilometer of land, in order to better serve the public. "From 1988 to 1993 the office succeeded in returning 55 of 305 public parks which had been used for other purposes," Syamsir Alam, the Agency chief, said yesterday. "This year and next we expect to rebuild 25 public parks with another 169 and 56 in 1996 and 1997, respectively," he said.

Gays are not Pancasilais: ideologue chief

Gays are not Pancasilais: ideologue chief JAKARTA (JP): Gays are not Pancasilais, that's the verdict from R. Soeprapto, the nation's chief ideologue. Lesbians and homosexuals have principles that run counter to providence and one of Pancasila's tenets is belief in one God, said Soeprapto, who heads the BP-7, an agency that propagates the teaching of the ideology. "Therefore we cannot accept principles that violate providence," he was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Soebijakto and Vice President

Soebijakto and Vice President From DeTIK The issue of the Indonesian Vice President who automatically becomes the number one person in the country if the President cannot continue his job (because of health reasons or others) has been broadly discussed lately. The most interesting opinion about it comes from the former Governor of the National Defense Institution (Lemhanas), Let. Gen.

Defendant's lover testifies

Defendant's lover testifies The girlfriend of Ridwan Surya Danu, accused of murdering a woman physician, testified at the North Jakarta court on Monday that she had often been physically abused by the defendant. "I had heated arguments with Ridwan and he used to hit me," said Lilik, the 40-year old former girlfriend. Lilik said that they had been dating since 1986 when the defendant was her boss at the now defunct Bank Majapahit.

Business hub takes shape in Bombay marshland

Business hub takes shape in Bombay marshland By Madhu Nainan BOMBAY (AFP): Bombay's dream of rivaling Hong Kong as a global business hub is taking shape on 100 hectares (247 acres) of reclaimed marshland at the center of the oblong-shaped metropolis. The International Finance and Business Center (IFBC) in the Bandra-Kurla area of the port city, when completed, will be on par with the world's best business townships, its developers said.

Indonesia wins mixed review from Unicef

Indonesia wins mixed review from Unicef JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has made impressive strides in combating illiteracy and the child mortality rate but it is lagging behind other developing countries in fighting maternal deaths, the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef) says.

Business circle told to support research

Business circle told to support research JAKARTA (JP): The National Research Council is appealing to the business community and private organizations to make financial as manpower contributions to support research programs.

Tempo, DeTIK, Editor lose their licenses

Tempo, DeTIK, Editor lose their licenses JAKARTA (JP): Three major news magazines, Tempo, Editor and DeTIK, lost their publishing licenses at the same time yesterday for repeatedly ignoring the government's warnings about the way they reported news events and managed their operation. Director General for Press and Graphics Subrata announced the government's decision to revoke their licenses at a hastily convened press conference at his office.

Get rid of traffic `directors'

Get rid of traffic `directors' I heartily disagree with K. Kunze's comments on the boys who direct traffic (The Jakarta Post, June 20, 1994). Far from doing a "great job," these busily unproductive opportunists have no authority to control traffic and in fact contribute to the "utter mayhem" of Jakarta's streets which is described on page three of the same issue. Often there are three or four "directors" who give conflicting instructions.

Supervisor gets 13 years for murdering Marsinah

Supervisor gets 13 years for murdering Marsinah JAKARTA (JP): Karyono Wongso, alias Ayib, a supervisor of a watchmaking plant near Surabaya, has been sentenced to 13 years in prison for his role in the murder of labor activist Marsinah last year. The Surabaya District Court on Monday found Karyono guilty of plotting the murder in collaboration with other executives and security guards of PT Catur Putra Surya in Porong.

Men arrested for burglary

Men arrested for burglary Three men suspected to be members of a theft ring were arrested by the Tanjung Duren police on Sunday night. According to police, the gang has burglarized several houses in West Jakarta, Tangerang and Bekasi, making off with a host of valuables and electronic goods. The burglars also used a mini van they rented for Rp 600,000 from a resident in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta, police said.

Australia in soccer tour

Australia in soccer tour JAKARTA (JP): South Australia will arrive with its seven national soccer players during its tour of four Indonesian cities, where they will play international friendly matches, starting from June 25 in Surabaya, East Java. The friendlies, held in conjunction with Australia Today'94 program, will see Alex Tobin, Milan Ivanovich, Stan Lazaridis, Tony Vidmar, Robbie Hooker and Greg Brown making up the crew for the Australian All-Stars national squad.

ICMI seeking scientific interpretation of Koran

ICMI seeking scientific interpretation of Koran JAKARTA (JP): The Association of Moslem Intellectuals (ICMI) plans to establish an institute to interpret the Koran's verses on science and technology, it was announced here yesterday. This was one of the decisions reached at the end of a recent national congress on the Koran, the first of its kind held in Indonesia, in Pekanbaru, Riau, last week.

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.

Pokphand's stake in RI firm

Pokphand's stake in RI firm HONG KONG (Reuter): Agricultural products trader and feedmill and poultry operator C.P. Pokphand Co Ltd said it bought 1.7 million shares, or a 3.24 percent stake, of P.T. Charoen Pokphand Indonesia from PT Central Pertiwi for Rp 15.43 billion. PT Charoen, listed in Jakarta and Surabaya, is an Indonesian- incorporated company engaged in poultry and shrimp feed production and poultry breeding. C.P. Pokphand has an attributable 43.3 percent stake in P.T.

Aussie firms eye Aceh's gold

Aussie firms eye Aceh's gold JAKARTA (JP): Two Australian firms will start exploring gold deposits at Gunung Miwah in the district of Geumpang, Aceh province. Chief of the Aceh office of the Ministry of Mines and Energy Soleh Wirasuganda told newsmen in Banda Aceh yesterday that the exploration works will begin within the next two months.

Pancasila

Pancasila From Sinar Pagi Pancasila is the state philosophy that guides the nation's life. It has become the only principle for all organizations. And according to the late co-proclamator, Mohammad Hatta, Pancasila is sacred for all Indonesian people. A new mass organization will soon be established called the Association of Pancasila Development Intellectuals (PCPP). In my views it is not right to use the word Pancasila in the name of an organization.

Police seek extradition of Taiwanese suspect

Police seek extradition of Taiwanese suspect JAKARTA (JP): A Taiwanese man who is the prime suspect in the murder of a businesswoman here last month has been arrested by the Taiwanese authorities. "At the moment, we're still negotiating with the Taiwanese authorities through the chambers of commerce and industry of the two countries here in an effort to extradite the suspect," City Police spokesman Lt. Col. A. Latief Rabar told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Australian team to C. Java

Australian team to C. Java JAKARTA (JP): Around 41 businessmen from Queensland, Australia, will visit Central Java from June 23 to June 27 to explore a business opportunities in trade and investment with local companies, a report says.

Share prices continue to plunge in Asia's major stock exchanges

Share prices continue to plunge in Asia's major stock exchanges TOKYO (AFP): Share prices continued to plunge on the Tokyo Stock Exchange yesterday as investors showed concern about the yen's further advance against other currencies. The Nikkei Stock Average of 225 selected issues in the first section closed 338.87 points or 1.6 percent lower at 20,813.16 Tuesday. The index lost 351.27 points at the close the previous day.

Rice production may decline, says Minister of Food

Rice production may decline, says Minister of Food JAKARTA (JP): The Minister of Food/Chairman of the Logistics Board (Bulog) Ibrahim Hasan indicated that Indonesian rice production this year might be down because up to this month the national rice procurement was significantly less than the same period last year.

Spain studies auto business

Spain studies auto business JAKARTA (JP): Spanish businessmen are studying the possibility of establishing a Volkswagen automobile assembly plant in Indonesia as the car is still very popular throughout the country, a Spanish official said yesterday. Spanish Governor of Catalonia Jardi Pujol told reporters after meeting with President Soeharto here that businessmen from his country want to increase investment in Indonesia.

TV today

TV today TVRI 2:30 p.m. World Cup 1994: Germany vs Spain 4:30 Documentary Film 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Indonesian Lessons 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country: Central Sulawesi 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Langka Tapi Nyata 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Beautiful Asia 8:05 Spektrum 9:00 World News 9:25 Journal of World Cup 1994 9:55 Traditional Culture 11:00 Late News 11:10 Film: My Father, My Son Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Cambodia wants to learn from Indonesia in nation building

Cambodia wants to learn from Indonesia in nation building JAKARTA (JP): Cambodia wants to learn from Indonesia's experience in establishing and developing a nation, State Secretary Moerdiono says. Cambodian co-prime ministers Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Hun Sen during a meeting with President Soeharto appeared to be "deeply impressed" by Indonesia's history before and since independence in 1945.

Budget discipline stressed

Budget discipline stressed One may read into Finance Minister Mar'ie Muhammad's reaffirmation last week of the government's imperative to maintain tight budget and fiscal discipline and come up with worrisome assumptions. The statement may also raise eyebrows coming on the heels of the recent debate over budgetary allocations for the procurement of 39 used warships from Germany.

Jakarta's anniversary

Jakarta's anniversary Was it stupid for the Dutch city planners to design the master plan for Batavia at the end of the 19th century? The answer is simple: "Not at all." Batavia was built by the Dutch as a symbol of colonialism. Batavia was especially planned for the authority of the Dutch masters. The capital city has made us intelligent and industrious, but at the same time it has destroyed our mentality.

Bus kills motorcyclist

Bus kills motorcyclist An angry mob destroyed a Metro Minibus after it struck and killed a motorcyclist in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, over the weekend. The biker, identified as Ruswanto, 45, was thrown from his motorcycle when the bus, being driven at high speed by Wawan Gunawan, 25, suddenly skidded and hit Ruswanto from behind. Ruswanto, unconscious and bleeding profusely, was rushed to a nearby hospital, but he died on the way, Post Kota reported.

Shell drills last well

Shell drills last well MANILA (AFP): Shell Philippines Exploration has begun drilling its fifth well in the offshore Camago-Malampaya field, in the final stage toward determining reserve volumes and deciding whether to start commercial production, energy officials said yesterday. Ismael Ocampo, chief of the Department of Energy's oil and gas division, said the drilling in the Malampaya 4 well off southwestern Palawan province would take about three months.

Residents hail new mayor

Residents hail new mayor SURABAYA, East Java: Residents of the city accompanied the newly-installed mayor Col. Sunarto Soemoprawiro in a procession in the city streets after his induction on Monday. Dozens of artists waited outside the City Council's building until the end of the installment ceremony to welcome the new mayor with cultural performances. The artists, along with dozens of local people, then accompanied the 53-year-old Sunarto in a procession into his new official house.

Suprapti: An unemotional expert on emotions

Suprapti: An unemotional expert on emotions JAKARTA (JP): For some academics at the School of Psychology, University of Indonesia, it was only fitting that Dr. Suprapti Sumarmo Markam chose "experience of emotions" as the topic for her doctoral dissertation as well as her scientific oration marking her professorship. Suprapti's study, which helped her obtain her doctoral degree cum laude, was on the wide range of such basic emotions as sadness, happiness, anger and fear.

Shell's pipelines will be shut down

Shell's pipelines will be shut down MANILA (AFP): The operator of the Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corp. liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) pipeline to Manila is to shut it down for maintenance, prompting energy officials yesterday to immediately move to allay fears of a supply crunch. The Department of Energy (DOE) said in a statement that the First Philippine Industrial Corp.

Death penalty for election cheats

Death penalty for election cheats MANILA (AFP): Philippine President Fidel Ramos yesterday called for legislation imposing the death penalty for election- related terrorism. "Election terrorism must be considered as a heinous crime upon which should be (imposed) the death penalty," he told officials of the official watchdog Commission on Elections (Comelec). Election-related violence is a constant feature of Philippines democracy.

Tempo tries to lift battered spirits

Tempo tries to lift battered spirits JAKARTA (JP): News of the government's decision to revoke Tempo's publishing license came as a major shock to the journalists and employees of the magazine yesterday. Some of them said they had half expected this to happen since the Minister of Information Harmoko sent signals that he was taking stern actions against a number of press publications. However, most did not think that the measures would be enacted as quickly and severely as they were.

Traders rally against escalator installation

Traders rally against escalator installation JAKARTA (JP): Around 100 traders at the city administration- owned Melawai marketplace near Blok M bus terminal marched to city council on Monday to protest the ongoing construction of escalators in the four-story market building. "The escalators will kill our business," said Dasril, a trader who acted as spokesman for the protesters.

Sharing feelings important for mental health

Sharing feelings important for mental health By Santi W.E. Soekanto JAKARTA (JP): Which habit is better for your mental health: bottling up your feelings, especially anger, in order not to upset other people (as many Indonesians tend to do), or venting them? The question may seem basic, but the answer, unfortunately, is not so easy to find. People say, "Oh, don't keep them all inside, spit them out or you'll have an ulcer", which perhaps contains a grain of truth.

`Open' sorcerer blends magic and science

`Open' sorcerer blends magic and science JAKARTA (JP): Upbeat sorcerer Ki Gendeng Pamungkas belongs to Indonesia's new breed of wizards who blend magic and science. The man makes no secret of his "dark" business which has made him amazingly rich with a self-declared monthly income of up to Rp 60 million and businesses ranging from a car showroom to shrimp ponds.

Asia today

Asia today For the first time since the rise of the international system, it appears possible to say that Asia is moving from being an object of history to a subject. Colonialism was the most obvious sense in which the continent was turned into an unwilling appendage of others' economies, politics, values and wars. Asia was an object of colonial interest, degradation and remolding.

Participation in state university's entrance test falls

Participation in state university's entrance test falls JAKARTA (JP): The number of participants of the state university entrance test decreased from 422,696 last year to approximately 420,000 this year. They are competing in a two-day test which started yesterday for 61,578 seats in 45 state universities across the country. The rector of the University of Indonesia, Dr. M.K.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices, which have been on a downward trend for more than three weeks, avoided breaking with tradition on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday. The broad-based Composite Index dropped by 0.49 point to close at 475.23 from 475.72 on Monday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index closed 0.12 point lower at 113.47 from 113.59 previously.

Regrettable magazine bans a `setback', observers says

Regrettable magazine bans a `setback', observers says JAKARTA (JP): The government's decision to revoke the publishing permits of the country's major weekly publications Tempo, DeTIK and Editor may adversely affect the domestic political climate, observers said yesterday. Marzuki Darusman, Vice Chairman of the National Commission on Human Rights, and B.N.

Ruwatan protects children against misfortune

Ruwatan protects children against misfortune Text and photos by Rita A. Widiadana JAKARTA (JP): The Javanese believe that if you have a single child, boy or girl, you must be on the alert against possible dangers. Your child's life and future may be in jeopardy. Furthermore, she or he may bring misfortune to your family and the neighborhood as well. According to Javanese tradition, this boy or girl is called sukerto, or ill-fated child.

Jakarta needs foreign investors

Jakarta needs foreign investors JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta still needs local and foreign investors, but prefers high-tech investment, which is free from pollution and needs limited space and water, Governor Surjadi Soedirdja says. Surjadi said at the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Jakarta and London Chambers of Commerce and Industry on Monday that this policy is related to the capital's bid to become a sister city to London.

NZ legislators to be welcomed as guests in Timor

NZ legislators to be welcomed as guests in Timor JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia will welcome New Zealand members of parliament who intend to visit East Timor, but asked them to be good guests and avoid acting as investigators. "If they should come here, they will be our guests and they should therefore act as such. They will not be here to investigate," Ministry of Foreign Affairs chief spokesman Irawan Abidin told The Jakarta Post yesterday.

Govt upholds plans to build apartments in Tebet slums

Govt upholds plans to build apartments in Tebet slums JAKARTA (JP): South Jakarta Mayor Pardjoko confirmed yesterday that the municipality will not drop its plan to build apartments on the site of last month's fire in Tebet and promised that all slums in the city will ultimately be destroyed. "We will go ahead with the plan to build apartments on the fire site," the mayor told reporters. Around 230 makeshift houses in a one-hectare slum in West Tebet subdistrict were set ablaze on May 11.

Asian capital markets need transparency

Asian capital markets need transparency KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Asian capital markets would require greater transparency and integrity to mobilize funds as they develop rapidly in tandem with their booming economies, officials and analysts said yesterday. "We have to assure investors that capital markets are fair and transparent to raise the confidence and comfort level of savers to invest their hard-earned money through capital markets," Linda Tsao Yang, U.S.

Museno opens city meeting

Museno opens city meeting Deputy Governor R.S. Museno opened a two-day coordination meeting between the municipal social office and the city chapter of the ministry of social services on Monday. Governor Surjadi Soedirdja in his written speech read by Museno said that the meeting was held to forge stronger coordination and cooperation between the provincial administration's body and the central government's body.

House for tidal wave victims

House for tidal wave victims BANYUWANGI, East Java: The plan to build houses for tidal wave victims is still being discussed by the related government agencies. Chief of the Banyuwangi development office Soeprayitno said the plan was still being discussed, including the plan to acquire the land which currently belongs to the state-owned Perhutani forestry firm. He said the plan had yet to receive the go-ahead from the East Java provincial administration.

Books for RI investors shoot straight from hip

Books for RI investors shoot straight from hip Indonesian Business Library: United States Investment in Indonesia; Dutch Investment in Indonesia: A new Era; A Guide for British Investors By Richard I Mann. Published by Gateway Books. Rp. 36,000. JAKARTA (JP): Most investment guidebooks amount to little more than public relations materials highlighting the bright side of a country to potential foreign investors.

Four killed in bus accident

Four killed in bus accident SURABAYA, East Java: Four persons died and eight others were hurt after a bus plunged into a ravine at the Kaibon village in Madiun on Monday afternoon. The chief of the claim section of the Jasa Raharja insurance company in Surabaya, Mubariq Ahmad, said the victims are being treated at the Sutomo hospital in Madiun and also at other public health facilities.

Malaysia needs Indonesian teachers

Malaysia needs Indonesian teachers From Tempo I would like to comment on M.D. Wirya S. Pranata's letter (Tempo, June 4, 1994). The letter mentioned among other things that in the 1970s Malaysia needed Indonesian teachers, and now Malaysia is still employing Indonesian workers. Once a teacher in Malaysia myself, I know that during that period Malaysia had a shortage of teachers who could teach in the Malaysian (Melayu) language. Malaysia got its independence from Britain in 1957.

Former minister wants more use of bamboo in the future

Former minister wants more use of bamboo in the future JAKARTA (JP): Former environmental minister Emil Salim says Indonesia should change the image of bamboo, which it has in abundance, so it can be marketed as a wood and rattan substitute. "Experts can build earthquake-resistant houses using bamboo. Bamboo can also be used to re-green barren areas instead of timber," Emil said at a seminar to discuss the future of bamboo.

RI adopts new ruling for Fish export to EC

RI adopts new ruling for Fish export to EC JAKARTA (JP): A new procedure for Indonesian fish exports to the European Community will take effect beginning in July to comply with a new EC ruling effective August 1. Director General of Fishery Muchtar Abdullah said yesterday he would brief fish exporters and relevant officials on the basic outline of the procedure in a meeting to be held soon.

New telephone cards

New telephone cards JAKARTA (JP): The government will soon introduce validated telephone cards to replace the current ones which turned out to have been falsified. Director General of Post and Telecommunication Purawidjaja told reporters yesterday that the present phone cards will be replaced gradually during the next three to five years.

Madura proves love for cows

Madura proves love for cows PAMEKASAN, East Java: Eighty percent of poor villagers on the island of Madura who are eligible for a government aid program say they want to use the money to buy cows. The government has identified villages in four districts in Madura -- Bangkalan, Sampang, Sumenep and Pamekasan -- as deserving of aid for impoverished villages.

Australia, RP to develop mine

Australia, RP to develop mine MANILA (AFP): The government has entered into a US$50 million agreement with Arimco Mining Corp. of Australia to develop a mine site in the northern Philippines, President Fidel Ramos said yesterday. He said the financial or technical assistance agreement (FTAA) with Arimco, owned and controlled by Climax Mining Ltd.

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.

House questions operation of US-based Freeport

House questions operation of US-based Freeport JAKARTA (JP): Members of Commission X of the House of Representative (DPR) yesterday asked Irian Jaya's Governor J. Pattipi if PT Freeport Indonesia's operations in the province have benefited the local people.

Prosecutors cleared from bribery charges

Prosecutors cleared from bribery charges JAKARTA (JP): The Attorney General's Office has cleared six prosecutors of allegations that they accepted bribes from three businessmen who were acquitted of tax evasion charges by the Surabaya court in East Java. The prosecutors from the East Java high prosecutor's office and the Surabaya prosecutor's office, however, have been given a "medium degree of punishment" by holding their pay-increased for on year effective from June 7.

Toll roads and rights

Toll roads and rights From Bisnis Indonesia I was surprised when I looked at the notes written on toll road tickets. The notes include warnings such as do not litter; do not pass other cars from the left side, etc. As a toll road user, every day I travel the Bekasi-Cawang- Semanggi route and have the responsibility of adhering to all the notes written on the ticket. However, I was wondering whether I have any rights at all.

Govt program and liquor

Govt program and liquor From Media Indonesia The enforcement of "Operation Cleansing" will be more successful if the government institutions work as a team. I am not saying that this operation is a failure, but the government officials should realize that more than one aspect relates to the success of the operation. I think those institutions which are in charge of social, political, economic and trade affairs as well as the police need to foster better coordination so they need to work harder.

Tampubolon's sisters upset with court proceedings

Tampubolon's sisters upset with court proceedings JAKARTA (JP): Hysterical wailings filled one of the East Jakarta District Court rooms yesterday where the four suspected killers of Brig. Gen. TMF. Tampubolon were being tried. The desperate sounds came from the deceased's sisters after they were allowed by presiding judge Soeroto to touch Tampubolon's clothing during the break between the second and third sessions.

Serang has changed

Serang has changed From Republika I have lived in Serang, West Java, since my childhood. It was a lovely life. All social activities focused in and around the town's square. I used to go to the square just to relax. But Serang changed as I grew up. Factories and plazas came in. Television began bombarding the family and we are now entertained with workers' quarrels, reports on poor villages and even the Golden Key Group scandal. I still love old Serang.

Crimes and liquor industry

Crimes and liquor industry From Neraca "Operation Cleansing" and its effort to eliminate criminals and repress the distribution of liquor has obviously been a relief for most of the people. But unfortunately, as widely reported by national newspapers, the Ministry of Trade stated that the government allows the liquor industry to continue distribution. Indeed the liquor is intended for other countries, but who can guarantee some of it will not be illegally distributed in this country?

Thai firm to tap coal deposits in Sumatra

Thai firm to tap coal deposits in Sumatra JAKARTA (JP): A joint Thailand-Indonesia coal mining project will soon be initiated in Sinamar, West Sumatra, close to the Jambi border, and in Mampun Pandan in Jambi. A meeting aimed at familiarizing local officials with the Thai contractor, attended by Thai ambassador to Indonesia Kasit Pyromya and West Sumatra governor Hasan Basri Durin, was held in Padang, the West Sumatra provincial capital, yesterday.

Are RI's intellectuals being betrayed?

Are RI's intellectuals being betrayed? By Hidayat Jati JAKARTA (JP): Recently, a foreign friend who had been in Indonesia for only a month or so, confronted me with curiosity about recent political debates, such as the debate about "intellectual organizations" and the apparent rampant anti- Semitism. His questions, expressed without a hint of condescension, were difficult to answer because they were often embarrassing. "What is it about Indonesian intellectuals? Can't they form an organization?

Corruption: Indonesia, Germany

Corruption: Indonesia, Germany From Tempo Willy Kaligis wrote about corruption in Indonesia and Germany in Tempo several weeks ago. As an Indonesian who also lives in Germany (as Kaligis does) I will not criticize his opinion about what kind of punishment the crooks deserve, but rather his comparison between corruption in Germany and Indonesia. Kaligis labeled Germany as a clean nation, while Indonesia is full of corruptors.

Qantas boosts RI services

Qantas boosts RI services SYDNEY (AFP): Australian flag-carrier Qantas Airways Ltd. announced plans yesterday to boost its services to Indonesia with extra flights from Darwin, Perth and Sydney from October. The airline, which currently operates flights from Sydney to Jakarta on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, said it would add a fourth direct Boeing 767 service from Sydney to Jakarta on Monday of each week. It will also begin three Boeing 767 flights from Perth to Bali from Oct.

State forest firm books sharp rise in net profit

State forest firm books sharp rise in net profit JAKARTA (JP): The after-tax profits of the state-owned Perhutani forestry company rose by 168 percent from Rp 24.1 billion in 1992 to Rp 64.6 billion (US$30.76 million) in 1993, the company said yesterday.

New details in the death of naked lovers

New details in the death of naked lovers JAKARTA (JP): Police revealed new information today regarding the mysterious case of a man and a woman found dead in the back seat of a sedan on Sunday morning. Today, police announced that the male victim had gotten out of the car to ask a housemaid for a cup of coffee -- three hours before the bodies of his and his girlfriend were discovered.

Photo gallery offers promising talents

Photo gallery offers promising talents By Samsudin Berlian JAKARTA (JP): Promoted as the first journalistic photo gallery in the country, Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara shows promise of great things to come through its current exhibit. The gallery, owned by the Antara News Agency, is nestled amidst bustling stores at the entrance gate of the Pasar Baru shopping complex in Central Jakarta.

Big mission to Australia

Big mission to Australia JAKARTA (JP): A 315-member trade, investment and tourist promotion mission comprising businessmen and officials from Indonesia's eastern provinces will make a week-long visit to Australia beginning on June 24. The mission, to be led by Rudy Lengkong, Chairman of the National Agency for Export Development, will take part in the Northern Territory Expo 94 in Darwin on June 24-26 and will visit Sydney on June 28-30.

Bapindo would have collapsed: BI official

Bapindo would have collapsed: BI official JAKARTA (JP): The huge financial losses incurred by Bapindo from its transactions with Eddy Tansil destroyed the state-owned bank -- or would have, according to a bank executive, if it hadn't been for a government bail out. Antony M.T.

Roma Irama's film

Roma Irama's film From Merdeka Last weekend, the Indonesian Education Television (TPI) aired the film Bunga Desa (The Village Flower) with Roma Irama as the main star. In fact the film was directed by Roma Irama (popularly known as King of Dangdut music) himself. I was quite impressed by the film. Roma Irama seems to be very capable of creating a romantic melodrama. The plot of the story is simple, but the theme touches the conscience of the people and is a reflection of Islamic teaching.

Poisonous noodles

Poisonous noodles The case of poisonous instant noodles in Sumatra, which claimed five lives, proves that protection for consumers is weak. The incident took place in April, but there has been no serious handling of the matter since then. The society, however, has been warned not to eat instant noodles for the time being.

CASH shares hit limit-up

CASH shares hit limit-up KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Shares of Construction and Supplies House Bhd (CASH) hit limit-up when trading in the counter resumed yesterday after the signing of an agreement whereby Indonesian timber tycoon Prajogo Pangestu will take over CASH in a 2.59 billion ringgit deal. CASH shares opened at 10.30 ringgit, against its pre- suspension price of 7.95 ringgit on March 22, on volume of 3.2 million shares.

Prostitute found dead at brothel

Prostitute found dead at brothel Another prostitute at the Kramat Tunggak red-light district in North Jakarta was found dead in the brothel in the wee hours yesterday. Asih, 25, who hailed from Indramayu, West Java, was the third prostitute to have been found dead in the red-light district in the last six weeks. Unlike the first two, who were found dead with severe bruises on their bodies, police found no wounds on Asih's body, a police officer said.

Dead Saudi citizen a victim of robbery

Dead Saudi citizen a victim of robbery JAKARTA (JP): The Saudi citizen who was found dead at a Central Jakarta hotel last week was a victim of robbery, the police concluded here yesterday. Based on preliminary questioning and on-the-spot investigation, police believe Abdul Karim al-Mubarak, 55, was killed by people who robbed him in his room at Hotel Karya II on Jl. Raden Saleh.

Alleged rapist beaten to death

Alleged rapist beaten to death An alleged rapist was found dead in his cell at the Penjaringan police precinct in West Jakarta yesterday. Tjeng Kim Tai, 34, is strongly believed to have been killed by another detainee identified only as St, following a bloody fight in the cell, Sinar Pagi reported. The victim was detained about a week ago on charges of raping an under-aged girl, the daily said quoting police sources. The motive of the killing is not known.

Medan gains support to host world rally

Medan gains support to host world rally JAKARTA (JP): New champion Kenneth Eriksson of Sweden gave his weight to Indonesia's bid to host one of the world rally championship legs in Medan, North Sumatra. "I have a feeling that a world rally championship is coming very soon here," Eriksson told The Jakarta Post after forming the winning team with countryman Staffan Parmander in the Bentoel Rally Indonesia '94, the first leg of the six-round Asia Pacific series, on Sunday.

Merpati's fleet problems

Merpati's fleet problems JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Transportation Haryanto Dhanutirto said yesterday Merpati Nusantara Airlines could return the five Advance Turbo Prop (ATP) planes to British Aerospace even though their lease contract would expire only in 1996. "But Merpati should first ensure that its 14 CN-235 planes can operate at full capacity," Dhanutirto was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Sahid Jaya completes refurbishment

Sahid Jaya completes refurbishment JAKARTA (JP): Sahid Jaya Hotel & Tower, a subsidiary of the Sahid Group, will be officially reintroduced on Thursday after the completion of the bulk of its extensive renovation work. "The renovation of the 752-room hotel will be fully completed by the end of this year," Sahid chairman Sukamdani Sahid Gitosardjono told a press conference here yesterday.

Wave victims need cash

Wave victims need cash SURABAYA, East Java: Governor Basofi Soedirman called on those wanting to assist victims of the recent devastating tidal waves on the southern coasts to donate cash. He said that medicines, food and clothing from donors have been "abundant," and that what the victims now need is cash to buy materials to rebuild their houses.

Jakarta: Headache remains

Jakarta: Headache remains To most people coming from the rural areas, Jakarta's allure lies in more than its glitter. It is a city of hope and opportunity that holds the promise of a better life. Of course, such hopes are often not substantiated. However, the fact that Jakarta is becoming an ever greater lure to the rural populace is causing serious headaches for the city administration.

Warsito picked as governor candidate

Warsito picked as governor candidate JAKARTA (JP): Minister of Home Affairs Moch. Yogie S.M. placed his own candidate in prime position to take the governorship of Central Kalimantan by crossing the most popular indigenous contestant from the list yesterday. Yogie nominated Warsito Rasman, the ministry's director general of public administration and regional autonomy and currently acting governor of Central Kalimantan.

RP satellite stations

RP satellite stations MANILA (AFP): President Fidel Ramos yesterday announced the start of a 1.8 billion peso (US$67 million) project to set up 87 satellite stations to link the archipelago's most isolated parts. Ramos said the project would allow even the most distant towns in the country to enjoy telephone services, adding that "by making it possible for far-flung rural communities to emerge from their isolation... we hope to further boost economic activity in the countryside.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. World Cup 1994: Brazil vs Russia (rerun) 4:30 Science Film: Best of Magic 5:00 Regional News 5:30 English Lessons 6:05 Nusantara the Beloved Country: North Sulawesi 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings: Belief to God the Almighty 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Horizon 8:05 Drama: Warisan 9:00 World News 9:25 Journal of World Cup 1994 9:55 Berpacu Dalam Melodi 11:00 Late News 11:25 World Cup 1994: Argentine vs Greek (live) Program 2 4:30 p.m.

Judge takes fizz out of game plan

Judge takes fizz out of game plan MANILA (Reuter): A judge ordered 7,444 Filipinos suing a soft drinks company for damages over a promotional game to pay 45 million pesos ($1.6 million) in court fees before hearing the cases. The group is seeking nine billion pesos ($333 million). In 1992, the company offered up to one million pesos ($37,000) to holders of bottle tops marked with winning numbers.

Bapindo branch executive denies taking bribes

Bapindo branch executive denies taking bribes JAKARTA (JP): A former Bapindo executive denied yesterday that he took bribes from businessman Eddy Tansil for allowing the latter to cash in huge sums of loans from the government bank between 1989 and 1992. Maman Suparman, formerly deputy manager of the bank's Jakarta branch, told a court hearing that although it is normal practice for bank executives to accept payments of gratitude from clients, he did not receive a single cent from Tansil.

Spanish state looks to Indonesia for business

Spanish state looks to Indonesia for business JAKARTA (JP): The campaign gimmick "Come and trade with Catalonia" might prompt many people to ask "where?," but mention Barcelona, and they will quickly identify it as the host of the 1992 Olympic Games, or one of the leading Spanish soccer teams. A delegation from the autonomous Spanish state is in town to show the Indonesian public, and potential investors, that there is more to Catalonia than Barcelona, the Olympics and soccer.

Jakarta still the best for less-privileged

Jakarta still the best for less-privileged By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat JAKARTA (JP): As Jakarta approaches its 267th birthday tomorrow, the bustling city remains a magnet for those willing to endure the cruel existence of laboring as petty traders and street vendors. "No matter how tough things get it's still the best place to make a living," Maman, a cigarette vendor working at a traffic light in Tanah Abang, Central Jakarta, said to The Jakarta Post yesterday.

State budget

State budget Correction: The seventh paragraph of our story headlined Mar'ie reaffirms high budget discipline in yesterday's issue erroneously rephrased a portion of finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad's remarks in Semarang. The paragraph should instead read: All of us-- be they the House of Representatives, socio-political forces, informal leaders, including the press-- should feel duty bound to safeguard this boat (state budget). We should work together to guard the state funds..... -- Editor

Bus kills biker

Bus kills biker An angry mob destroyed a Metro Minibus after it struck and killed a motorcyclist in Kebayoran Lama, South Jakarta, over the weekend. The biker, identified as Ruswanto, 45, was thrown from his motorcycle when the bus, being driven at high speed by Wawan Gunawan, 25, suddenly skidded and hit Ruswanto from behind. Ruswanto, unconscious and bleeding profusely, was rushed to a nearby hospital, but he died on the way, Post Kota reported.

RI to use Australia Today as means to attract investors

RI to use Australia Today as means to attract investors JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia is planning to use the ongoing Australia Indonesia Today '94 as a spring board for its own bid to attract Australian investors.

Intinusa to offer shares to public

Intinusa to offer shares to public JAKARTA (JP): PT Intinusa Selareksa, a natural granite processor and a subsidiary of the Napan group, will offer five million new shares amounting to 32.6 percent of its enlarged common stock to the public in the middle of July.

RI, Malaysia in library ties

RI, Malaysia in library ties JAKARTA: Indonesia and Malaysia have agreed to cooperate in the development of library. The memorandum of agreement was signed here yesterday. Indonesia was represented by Adi Sasono of the Center for Information and Development Studies. Malaysia was represented by Sha'ari Abdullah of the Council for Language and Library. The agreement is a follow-up of a cooperation agreement signed by State Minister of Research and Technology B.J.

RI businessmen to return to RP meeting

RI businessmen to return to RP meeting DAVAO, Philippines (AFP): Indonesian businessmen who pulled out of a conference in this southern city due to the controversy over a meeting on East Timor will attend a rescheduled gathering, an organizer said here yesterday. Jose Vicente Bengzon, head of the marketing committee for the conference on the East ASEAN Growth Area (EAGA), said he had been told informally by Indonesian delegates they would attend the conference in August.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX), which has lost ground over the past two consecutive weeks, yesterday continued weakening with the broad-based Composite Index dropping slightly to 475.72 from 476.54 on Friday. News of Indonesia's timber baron, Prajogo Pangestu's deal to take over a controlling stake in Malaysia-listed Construction and Supplies House Bhd. (CASH) on Saturday has not been able to prod the country's lethargic market, a securities analyst said.

Ginandjar receives honorary degree

Ginandjar receives honorary degree Jakarta (JP): State Minister of National Development Planning Ginandjar Kartasasmita has been awarded an honorary degree by a leading American university in acknowledgement of his eminent public service. Northeastern University, in Boston, one of America's oldest educational institutes, conferred him with the title Doctor of Public Service on June 18 at the school's annual commencement ceremony, the Antara news agency reported yesterday.

City councilors not sure they can curb urbanization

City councilors not sure they can curb urbanization JAKARTA (JP): City councilors agree with Governor Surjadi Soedirdja that population remains the most serious problem in the capital but they appear a bid skeptical that the municipality can successfully impede the pace of urbanization. Lukman F. Mokoginta from the Indonesian Democratic Party (PDI) faction, Nitra Arsjad from the Golkar faction, and Helmy R.

Cambodia counts on continued RI support

Cambodia counts on continued RI support JAKARTA (JP): Cambodian leaders yesterday urged Indonesia to continue helping to rebuild their country after seeing it through a prolonged and destructive civil war. Cambodia's co-prime ministers Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Hun Sen arrived yesterday for a three-day visit which is expected to focus on enhancing bilateral economic cooperation.

Garuda to sell 11 DC-9s to American company

Garuda to sell 11 DC-9s to American company JAKARTA (JP): Garuda Indonesia will sell 11 DC-9s to an American company, a new executive of the national air carrier says. "Several American companies have bid for the used DC-9s," Darmadi, the company's new operation director told reporters yesterday. Garuda originally planned to sell 30 aircraft, including nine Airbus B4s, five DC-9s and 16 Fokker-28s. Six of the 11 DC-9s are now operated by Merpati Nusantara Airlines, Garuda's sister company.

Indian on trial for drugs

Indian on trial for drugs MEDAN, North Sumatra: The district court yesterday opened the trial of an Indian charged with attempting to smuggle in almost 13 kilograms of heroin in February. The session lasted only about 10 minutes after the court was unable to provide an interpreter as the defendant, APC, 55, requested. Presiding Judge Djulizar, adjourning the session to June 27, also granted the defendant's request to provide him with a lawyer.

Mahathir exchanges letters with Rabin

Mahathir exchanges letters with Rabin KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said yesterday he had exchanged several letters with his Israeli counterpart Yitzhak Rabin discussing Malaysian recognition of the Jewish state. Mahathir told reporters that Rabin had sent three letters to Islamic Malaysia since Israel held peace talks with the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Mahathir said he had replied to all of them, but has not decided to recognize Israel.

Toll road to finish by 1996

Toll road to finish by 1996 A toll road which links the Bumi Serpong Damai real estate complex, the Bintaro Jaya area and Jakarta is slated for completion by 1996, a spokesman said Saturday. Johannes Tulung, spokesman for the PT Bintaro Serpong Damai (BSD), the developer which will build the 13.1 kilometer road, told the Jakarta Post the firm expects to complete construction around the middle of 1996. "It will be completed by the end of the year at the latest," he said.

Squatters face eviction

Squatters face eviction BATAM, Riau: The Batam industrial authority plan to demolish some 1,200 houses erected on a plot belonging to the government and evict their inhabitants saying that the community will create social problems. A chief of the authority's task force Soeryohadi Djatmiko said the military have started to approach the squatters, most of whom are workers from outside the island.

Heart disease affects rich and poor alike

Heart disease affects rich and poor alike JAKARTA (JP): Coronary heart diseases, long popularly believed to be a "rich man's affliction", turn out to also be a major health problem for the poor. In fact, in certain cases, the poor are more prone to heart problems than the rich. Senior heart specialist Dr.

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.

Thai bid for WTO seat

Thai bid for WTO seat JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia pledged its backing for Thailand's bid to the chair of the Committee for Agricultural Products of the World Trade Organization (WTO) when the two nation's trade ministers met on Saturday. Jakarta will lend full support, Minister of Trade S.B. Joedono said after a meeting with his Thai counterpart Uthai Pimchaichon who was visiting at the head of a delegation.

Logitech's ScanMan EasyTouch: A companion for your notebook

Logitech's ScanMan EasyTouch: A companion for your notebook By Zatni Arbi JAKARTA (JP): With most scanners, one of the things we have to do in connecting them with the PCs is to install their internal interface card. Small as it is, this card requires a standard ISA slot in the motherboard. That makes using one scanner for more than one PC immediately seem impractical, since you'd have to open up the boxes to take out and re-install the card.

Koran not root of sexism in Islam

Koran not root of sexism in Islam JAKARTA (JP): Islam does not discriminate against women but its adherents may be guilty of discrimination due to a misinterpretation of the religion, Minister of Religious Affairs Tarmizi Taher says. As a consequence, the religious principles don't need to be discarded, but the erroneous interpretation of its adherents must be corrected, Tarmizi said on Saturday at a seminar on gender in Islam.

Bad weather blamed for plane crash

Bad weather blamed for plane crash JAKARTA (JP): Bad weather is blamed for the crash of a Merpati Nusantara Airlines plane that killed all 12 people aboard in Palu, capital of Central Sulawesi, on Saturday. The Fokker-27 from the East Kalimantan city of Balikpapan crashed into the 2,053 meter tall Mount Gawalise just minutes before it was scheduled to land in Palu's Mutiara airport at 12.16 p.m. local time.

Great job

Great job Each morning I must travel quite a distance from my house to my office. When I see those young boys who direct and organize traffic -- every day, the whole day long -- I realize that from time to time we should mention the great job they are doing. In my opinion, this is a good example of earning some money in a good, socially helpful way. K. KUNZE Jakarta

Cambodia's prime ministers to visit Indonesia

Cambodia's prime ministers to visit Indonesia JAKARTA (JP): Prince Norodom Ranariddh and Hun Sen, the joint prime ministers of Cambodia, are expected here later today for an official visit and meeting with President Soeharto. This will be the first time the two men come to Indonesia in friendship. The two came here as foes several times in late 1980s when Indonesia hosted a series of meetings to help end the civil war in Cambodia.

Investments in Batam

Investments in Batam BATAM, Riau (JP): The Batam Development Authority has recommended 22 foreign investment project proposals worth US$137.71 million between January and May this year. "The investment commitments are being processed by the Investment Coordinating Board (BKPM) in Jakarta before they are submitted to the President for approval," T. Otman Rasyid, head of local BKPM office told the press here on Saturday.

City insists on apartment plan

City insists on apartment plan South Jakarta mayor Pardjoko said that the city administration will go ahead with its plan to build a low-cost apartment complex on a former fire site in West Tebet, South Jakarta. Pardjoko confirmed the plan after a closed meeting with 20 delegates representing the fire victims at his office last Friday. "I hope the residents will approve the city's plan as it will improve their own welfare," he was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying.

Weekly review of Jakarta Stock Exchange

Weekly review of Jakarta Stock Exchange By Sigma Batara JAKARTA (JP): The listing of Ades Alfindo Putra Setia last week and Tempo Scan Pacific over the weekend failed to rejuvenate the market despite the later stock closing slightly higher than its initial public offering (IPO) price. The Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) was generally quiet except for the Barito Pacific and Multipolar counters which were hit by a series of unconfirmed but sensitive reports.

Tinggang bird nearly extinct

Tinggang bird nearly extinct PALANGKARAYA, Central Kalimantan: The Tinggang bird, the pride of the Dayak tribe in the province, are on the brink of extinction because of the frequent destruction of their habitat. Antara reported that the birds' habitat is gradually being destroyed by logging in the forests and by the activities of the concession holders operating in the area. Sudelman, a local resident, recalled that he used to hear the birds singing before sunrise. "But now, I seldom hear them.

Yogya holds painting expo

Yogya holds painting expo YOGYAKARTA: Paku Alam VIII, the governor of this special territory, launched an exhibition by five senior painters from the area on Wednesday night. The exhibition at the contemporary painting museum Nyoman Gunarsa, features the works of Nansyah Djamin, Joko Pekik, Darsono, Va Sudiro and S.Bardi. Together they present 25 oil paintings (arf)

Singapore poised to become world's top container port

Singapore poised to become world's top container port SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore, the world's second largest container port, is close to exceeding the volume of containers handled by industry leader Hong Kong, according to statistics from the Port of Singapore Authority (PSA).

Only 180 of 236 suspected gamblers to be tried in court

Only 180 of 236 suspected gamblers to be tried in court JAKARTA (JP): Police have released 56 of the 236 suspected gamblers rounded up during a recent raid at a gambling den in North Jakarta, saying that the persons were not playing when the raid took place. Five others, including a pregnant woman, have been under "city arrest" due to their unhealthy condition as stated by police medical personnel.

Eriksson steers Mitsubishi to triumph in Indonesia Rally

Eriksson steers Mitsubishi to triumph in Indonesia Rally By Dwiatmanta MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Sweden's Kenneth Eriksson denied Possum Bourne a second successive victory at the Indonesia Rally championship as he left the defending champion two minutes 10 seconds adrift to take the President's Cup yesterday.

Bapindo boss gives details of loan losses

Bapindo boss gives details of loan losses JAKARTA (JP): Bapindo President Director Achmad Marzuki said the government bank lost a total of Rp 1.05 trillion, or US$489 million, from its transactions with Eddy Tansil.

Lontar Foundation and RI Independence

Lontar Foundation and RI Independence From Berita Buana To celebrate Indonesia's 50th Independence Day, the Lontar Foundation will produce a video series called On The Record. This video series will feature about 50 Indonesian poets who were popular in the 1920s to 1960s. A guidebook, complete with narrations, translations (in English) and the poets' biographical data, will accompany each series.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m. World Cup 1994: Cameron vs Sweden 4:30 Student Quiz 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Wayang 6:05 Nusantara the beloved country: East Kalimantan 6:15 Village Program 6:30 Religious Teachings: Buddhism 7:00 Evening News 7:30 TV Drama 8:05 TV Series: Golden Years 9:00 World News 9:25 Journal of World Cup 1994 9:55 Music 11:00 Late News 11:10 Film: Guess Who's Sleeping in My Bed Program 2 4:30 p.m.

RI won't buy Thai rice

RI won't buy Thai rice JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia has no intention to buy the rice offered by Thailand on the grounds that Indonesia's rice stocks are now more than enough, the government announced on Saturday. After meeting with the visiting Thai minister of trade, Uthai Pimchaichon, Minister of Food/Chairman of the Logistic Board (Bulog) Ibrahim Hasan said that Bulog's rice stocks now exceed one million tons.

Batam-Surabaya flight service

Batam-Surabaya flight service BATAM, Riau (JP): Merpati Nusantara Airlines, a subsidiary of the national air carrier of Garuda Indonesia, will link Batam with Surabaya and Denpasar with its Batam-Palembang-Bandung service beginning on July 1. "The airplane will stop over in Palembang and Bandung before going to Surabaya and Denpasar and passengers will not have to stop over in Jakarta anymore," said Abdul Rodjak, Merpati Nusantara Airlines district manager here over the weekend.

Enhancing quality of human resources

Enhancing quality of human resources The development of human resources is a must for Indonesia as a maritime country. Ideally, Indonesia should have a large boat equipped with modern and sophisticated machines for canning fish catches. At least this should be our future goal. We should therefore inspire the young people to be sea oriented and work to exploit the riches of the sea.

PPD employees to get salary hike

PPD employees to get salary hike The employees of the city-owned PPD bus company will receive a salary hike starting next month, an official says. Zaini Noer, the director of the company was quoted by Pos Kota as saying Friday the board of directors of the firm decided on June 15 to raise the salaries of the firm's employees. Besides, he said, the firm will also provide some additional fringe benefits for the lowest ranking employees.

Mar'ie reaffirms high budget discipline

Mar'ie reaffirms high budget discipline SEMARANG (JP): Finance minister Mar'ie Muhammad reaffirmed over the weekend the importance of maintaining a high degree of budget discipline. "Constraints on foreign loans and limited availability of domestic funds are forcing the government to strengthen its budget discipline," Mar'ie told a seminar on taxation here.

Minang urged to call home

Minang urged to call home PADANG, West Sumatra: Governor Hasan Basri Durin is appealing to Minangkabau people who live outside the province to help with the development of their home villages. Hasan said there is now a trend among the Minangkabau people to treat their home province as simply a place to retire to in their old days, the Antara news agency reported.

Modern Bank's primary offering

Modern Bank's primary offering JAKARTA (JP): PT Lippo Securities announced over the weekend that PT Modern Bank's primary offering of 20 million shares on June 13-15 was oversubscribed. "The allotment for foreign investors (49 percent) was oversubscribed by 120 percent and for domestic investors by 80 percent," Lippo Securities, the managing underwriter of the offering, said. The shares, to be listed on the Jakarta Stock Exchange on July 6, were sold at Rp 2,050 (US$0.94) apiece.

`We're happy to be living here,' expats fond of life in Jakarta

`We're happy to be living here,' expats fond of life in Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Members of Jakarta's expatriate community exhibit a fondness for life here, defying the day-to-day hassles of living in Indonesia's largest metropolis. "It's a good place to make a living. Its a good place to raise a family," said Molly Walter who, with her family, has lived here for over five years.

Southern Yemen skeptical of Cairo talks

Southern Yemen skeptical of Cairo talks ADEN (Reuter): Breakaway southern Yemen, its beleaguered capital Aden battered by heavy shelling, accused its northern foes yesterday of planning to use UN-sponsored talks in Cairo as a cover for fresh attempts to take the city. Abdel-Rahman Ali al-Jifri, vice-president of the secessionist state declared on May 21, told Reuters a cease-fire in the civil war had to be a pre-condition for any talks.

Yayuk could pose a threat at Wimbledon

Yayuk could pose a threat at Wimbledon By Bruce Emond JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia's Yayuk Basuki carved out another distinction for herself this past week by reaching the semifinals of Eastbourne, the favored women's warm-up tournament for Wimbledon. Yayuk, despite losing 0-6, 5-7 to American Meredith McGrath, proved that she ranks today as one of the top 10 women players on grass and will be a threat to any player as Wimbledon opens today.

Police in the dark about death of a Saudi citizen

Police in the dark about death of a Saudi citizen JAKARTA (JP): Police remain mystified by the murder of a 55- year-old Saudi tourist, who was found dead Friday morning in his room at a small hotel in Central Jakarta. "We have made no significant progress thus far, and are still questioning a number of the hotel's employees and gleaning all evidence from the scene to find out certain clues to crack this case," Maj.

Ramos apologizes to Mitterrand's wife

Ramos apologizes to Mitterrand's wife MANILA (AFP): President Fidel Ramos has apologized to the wife of French President Francois Mitterrand for banning her from a controversial conference on East Timor in the Philippines last month.

Jakarta still indecisive over badly-needed MRT

Jakarta still indecisive over badly-needed MRT By Meidyatama Suryodiningrat JAKARTA (JP): The prolonged indecision of the government in establishing an urban Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), further deteriorates the decaying transport situation in Jakarta which for over 10 years has yearned for a comprehensive remedy. "Somewhere between 1978 and 1980 we should have had an MRT, now in the 1990s we're already 10 years too late," said the city's former vice-governor Bun Yamin Ramto recently.

Small-scale businessmen

Small-scale businessmen From Merdeka Indonesian economic growth is a reflection of the success of development. But unfortunately, the fruits of the economic pie are concentrated with a certain group of businessmen and small portion of society. Small and middle-scale businessmen and those who live in small towns and villages almost never get their shares.

Doctor serves over 10,000

Doctor serves over 10,000 AMBON, Maluku: One doctor in this province serves on average 10,000 patients, according to Abdul Rachman Polanunu, head of the provincial health office. This ratio is still favorable to the national average of one doctor for every 30,000 patients, Abdul said.

Legal experts divided over capital punishment

Legal experts divided over capital punishment By Arif Suryubuwono JAKARTA (JP): As four of the men on Indonesia's death row face imminent execution, legal experts debate whether execution should remain a part of the Indonesian system of justice. All experts, however, agreed that the law must be upheld and that the executions should go forward. President Soeharto recently rejected the appeals for clemency from the four, virtually shutting the door on possible reprieves.

The biggest Jakarta Fair ever opened

The biggest Jakarta Fair ever opened JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno on Saturday opened the Jakarta Fair in Kemayoran, hoping that the annual trade exhibition will help promote Indonesian products. "One thing which we often forget is the lack of information and the absence of aggressive promotion of our products, including the tourist sector.

Singapore to fine noisy vehicles

Singapore to fine noisy vehicles SINGAPORE (AFP): Singapore's environment ministry will crack down on diesel vehicles and motorcycles that are too noisy or emit too much smoke, a newspaper report said yesterday. Offenders will face court action and fines of up to 2,000 Singapore dollars (US$1,307) under the effort to reduce carbon monoxide, sulphur oxide, nitrogen oxide and lead pollution.

Prajogo seals $1b share deal in Malaysia

Prajogo seals $1b share deal in Malaysia KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Indonesian timber group Barito signed Saturday a one-billion-dollar deal with Malaysia's Construction And Supplies House Bhd (CASH), which the firms said would "internationalise" Barito and make CASH a world-class timber giant.

Agricultural Day observed

Agricultural Day observed JAKARTA (JP): The Ministry of Agriculture will lead the celebration of Indonesia's Agricultural Day tomorrow morning by conducting various social activities including the setting up of suburban farming projects in Bekasi, West Java. Director General of Plantation Muhammad Badrun said in a press conference on Saturday that the communities of seven poor villages in Cibarusah, Bekasi, will be granted with seeds of corn, coconut, maangostein as well as livestocks.

RI takes only one title at Asian Cup

RI takes only one title at Asian Cup JAKARTA (JP): Barely two months after the Thomas and Uber Cup victories, Indonesia only managed to capture one out of the five titles at stake in the Asian Cup in Beijing. The leading men's doubles Ricky Subagja and Rexy Mainaky managed to avoid the lousy, anticlimactic slump which plagued the nation's shuttlers' at the event, which ended on Saturday.

State firms face hard and long road to go international

State firms face hard and long road to go international JAKARTA (JP): The plans of several state-owned companies to list shares on the international stock exchanges must be carefully prepared due to extremely high standards set by international markets and tight competition for foreign capital, an American business analyst cautioned over the weekend.

Stop Unas' conflict

Stop Unas' conflict From Media Indonesia For more than a year, an internal conflict has rocked the National University (Unas), Jakarta. On Jan. 27, the Jakarta Court office decided that Oesman Rachman's (OR) party had to leave Unas and surrender the university's assets to Sutan Takdir Alisjahbana (STA). The two parties may not benefit from the conflict, but 160 staff and lecturers have to suffer.

Telkom and FT sign cooperation agreement

Telkom and FT sign cooperation agreement JAKARTA (JP): The state-owned domestic telecommunications company PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) signed an agreement here over the weekend with France Telecom (FT) and an Indonesia- France joint venture to develop a computerized system for the administration of the telecommunications network (Siska) using the Girafe system. Telkom spokesman Djoko Triwibowo said that the agreement was signed by Telkom president Setyanto P.

Bunaken suffers degradation

Bunaken suffers degradation MANADO, North Sulawesi: State Minister of Environment Sarwono Kusumaatmadja urged the provincial government to move quickly to save the Bunaken marine garden, said to be one of the best diving resort in the world, because it is now decaying. Sarwono and his two daughters took a tour of the Bunaken area on a sail boat on Saturday and found the condition there deplorable largely through neglect. He cited the damaged coral reefs, the Antara news agency reported.

New envoys accredited

New envoys accredited JAKARTA: President Soeharto received the credentials of three new ambassadors to Indonesia on Saturday. They are Alan Ine'e Oaisa of Papua New Guinea, Jorge Palacios Trevion of Mexico and Alfred Cyril Tandau of Tanzania. (emb)

Native Betawi unconcerned about influx of new-comers

Native Betawi unconcerned about influx of new-comers JAKARTA (JP): The indigenous people of Jakarta, or orang Betawi as they are known, remain resolute in their traditional ways without begrudging the sweeping changes in the city. With the 467th anniversary of the capital on the threshold, a number of Betawi people interviewed by The Jakarta Post were unconcerned about the influx of new-comers stripping the face of the city of its traditional veneer.

Mayora pays bonus shares

Mayora pays bonus shares JAKARTA (JP): The annual shareholder meeting of PT Mayora Indah, a food processing industry, yesterday agreed to pay a dividend of Rp 70 (32 cents) per share and to distribute one bonus share for every 25 existing shares. The board of directors reported that the company's net profit increased from 13.5 billion ($6.25) in 1992 to Rp 26.35 billion ($12.21) in 1993.

A tale of poor scavengers

A tale of poor scavengers From Republika The 'operation order' officials of Kembangan District, West Jakarta, have burned scores of scavengers' shelters recently. This shows the arrogance of government officials to members of the lower classes. Because of this arbitrary act, 150 families lost their shelters including their second-hand goods that will be sold. I hardly believe that they could act this way to such poor people. Do they have a conscience?

Four killed in road accident

Four killed in road accident Four people were killed and three others seriously injured when an inter-city bus struck a sand truck from behind on the Jakarta-Cikampek toll road on Thursday. The crash occurred when the inexperienced bus driver lost control of his vehicle when one of its front tires blew out, Kompas reported. The dead and the injured were all passengers of the Pribumi Raya bus. They were thrown from the bus upon impact.

Malaria cases down on Batam

Malaria cases down on Batam BATAM ISLAND: Health authorities remain watchful for malaria although reports indicate the disease has subsided over the past five years. Head of the Batam health office, Mawardi Badar, said the local government is cooperating with neighboring Singapore to fight malaria. He said the government is set to make the fast developing industrial island malaria-free.

Analysts uncertain over Barito-CASH transaction

Analysts uncertain over Barito-CASH transaction SINGAPORE (Reuter): Analysts are uncertain about what lies behind this week's developments in the reverse takeover of Malaysia's Construction and Supplies House Ltd (CASH) by Indonesian timber tycoon Prajogo Pangestu. CASH, listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange (KLSE) and Singapore's over-the-counter market, in February announced an alliance with Prajogo's Barito Pacific (Barito) group. The alliance will be signed on Saturday.

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's sepak takraw tour to Myanmar

RI's sepak takraw tour to Myanmar JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian sepak takraw teams are set to go for a try-out tour which covers China and Myanmar next August, said an official of the Indonesian sepak takraw association yesterday. Denny Muslim told newsman that the tour will be used to filter the players required for the upcoming Asian Games in Hirosima, Japan next October.

Regional rubber price rally seen shortlived

Regional rubber price rally seen shortlived SINGAPORE (Reuter): Regional rubber prices are seen remaining buoyant in the coming week but traders said further upside potential is limited by prospects of a seasonal production rise and a dearth of keen buyers. "The market is due for a correction," said a trader at a U.S. trading house in Singapore.

Insurance firms required to publish quarterly reports

Insurance firms required to publish quarterly reports JAKARTA (JP): The government has required insurance companies to be more transparent by publishing their financial performance through the print or electronic media every three months, an official of the finance ministry says.

PT Telkom responds

PT Telkom responds From Neraca In response to Sujadi's letter "Public telephones in Golkar's office" (Neraca, June 9, 1994), we have the following comments: * According to the results of our survey, two out of four public telephones installed in Golkar's office are not functioning. * We plan to repair the damaged telephones and at the same time install some additional units.

Washington, eyeing new markets, upgrades focus on Indonesia

Washington, eyeing new markets, upgrades focus on Indonesia NEW YORK (Opecna): Washington is to upgrade its relations with Jakarta, having "developed the most elaborate country strategy that the government has ever had towards a developing country", according to United States Undersecretary of Commerce for International Trade Jeffrey Garten.

Safe succession

Safe succession From Editor Dr. Suhardiman suddenly formed Baladhika Karya (a loose force), meant to safeguard the succession process. According to Suhardiman, who is Deputy Chief of the Supreme Advisory Council, this special force is designed to curb violence that may arise at the time of succession. The first succession took place when Sukarno was succeeded by Soeharto. The elections of president that followed were done without much ado.

Business convention in Davao

Business convention in Davao KENDARI (JP): Some 100 businessmen affiliated with the South East Sulawesi chapter of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KADIN) will attend the first East Asia businessmen conference in Davao, the Philippines, next month. The convention was originally scheduled for May 24-28 but was postponed after Indonesia protested against the Asia Pacific Conference on East Timor which was held by the University of Philippine recently.

RP sustains growth

RP sustains growth MANILA (AFP): The Philippines has moved on from the boom-and- bust cycle of growth that has plagued the country for decades, President Fidel Ramos said yesterday, but he admitted the fresh gains have yet to trickle down.

Forest for sale or for exchange

Forest for sale or for exchange JAKARTA (JP): Forests may now be stripped bare for other uses only if the developer converts a non-forested area that is at least three times larger into a forest. Director General of Inventory and Forest Land Use Titus Sarijanto said yesterday that the Minister of Forestry had issued a decree (No. 55/1994) stipulating the requirement on Feb. 7.

More protests over Bapindo

More protests over Bapindo SEMARANG, Central Java: Students of the Walisongo State Institute of Islamic Studies (IAIN) staged a protest on Thursday demanding the trial of three former ministers in connection with the huge fraud at Bank Pembangunan Indonesia (Bapindo). They said Sudomo, Sumarlin and Nasrudin Sumintapura should be punished for their roles in the issuance of huge bank credits to businessman Eddy Tansil.

Street widening

Street widening From Jayakarta We, residents of Jl. Kerkof, South Cimahi district, are disappointed at the measures taken by the Bandung authorities who forcefully demolished the fence walls of the community to make way for a road widening project. We considered the action unpopular and one that ignored the people's aspirations. Historically, Jl. Kerkof was built by the Dutch colonial government and the fence and the building itself remain in the former position.

12 cock-fighting gamblers nabbed

12 cock-fighting gamblers nabbed A city police team from the On-the-Alert squad have arrested a total of 12 people believed to have bet on cock-fighting behind the railway station in Tanjung Priok, North Jakarta. During the raid on Wednesday, the team also confiscated five cocks, Rp 105,000 (US$48.80) in cash and a traditional card-and- dice gambling set. After spending a night in police custody, the 12 were temporarily released with the guarantee of a retired police lieutenant.

Suba Indah stops production of liquor

Suba Indah stops production of liquor JAKARTA (JP): PT Suba Indah, a manufacturer of sausages, condiments, spirits, wines and soft drinks, has stopped its liquor production due to Operation Cleansing. "Our liquor sales have been hampered since the operation was intensified in April. We have totally stopped the production of liquor," Suba's president Lukman Djuhandi told reporters after attending the company's annual shareholders meeting yesterday.

PT Lamtoro Gung proposes $2b road project in Manila

PT Lamtoro Gung proposes $2b road project in Manila MANILA (AFP): PT Citra Lamtoro Gung Persada, controlled by Indonesian President Soeharto's eldest daughter, has offered to build a two billion-dollar toll road in the Philippines, sources said yesterday. The project, a joint venture with the state-controlled Philippine National Construction Corp. (PNCC), aims to build a network of skyways totaling 35.9 kilometers and 68.8 kilometers of toll roads in Manila.

Trucks impounded in North Jakarta

Trucks impounded in North Jakarta At least seven trucks have been impounded by the North Jakarta Traffic and Land Transportation Control Office after the vehicles were discovered carrying soil during daylight hours on certain roads. Head of the office, Abubakar Ahmad, said here yesterday that the trucks were seized on Jl. Plumpang. The vehicles were heading for Cilincing, Abubakar said, without mentioning the day when the raid was carried out.

Demolition of houses on state land continues

Demolition of houses on state land continues JAKARTA (JP): While the city mayors say they are planning to continue demolishing squatters homes on state land, they have pledged to carry out the evictions and destruction wisely. The mayors said they will only instruct their men to pull down houses built without legal permits on the state land if they fail to make the residents see things their way.

Burns bursts to early lead in Indonesia Rally

Burns bursts to early lead in Indonesia Rally By Dwiatmanta MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Briton Richard Burns is making an impressive debut at the 1994 Indonesia Rally championship when he steered to victory in the first leg of the race yesterday. The 23-year-old driver from Berkshire, England, who partnered Robert Reid, shrugged off the disadvantage of youth, his fourth seed and North Sumatra's hot and humid weather by setting the best time of one hour, 20 minutes and 58 seconds.

How much for a game ball and fries?

How much for a game ball and fries? JAKARTA (JP): Amidst the World Cup's largely hedonistic football fiesta, an American-fast food style restaurant is carrying out a pricey auction of the event's official FIFA match ball for charity. "The starting bid is Rp 500,000 (about US$220) and the money will go to the Rotary club which will then use it for helping children with a vitamin A deficiency," said Lucia Clara yesterday, a staffer at the ADA corporation which owns the Happy Day restaurant in JL.

Major arts events planned for 1995

Major arts events planned for 1995 JAKARTA (JP): The year 1995, when Indonesia marks its 50th year of independence, could well put Indonesia on the map in the world's arts scene. The government announced its plan to host two major art events of international scale, yesterday. The first one is the an international exhibition and seminar on Contemporary Arts of the Non-Aligned Countries (CANAC) in May, to coincide with a ministerial meeting of the 111-strong Third World's movement.

School as cultural center

School as cultural center Speaking before the national congress of the Association of Indonesian Educational Scholars, President Soeharto reemphasized that schools should become cultural centers. We wish to underline this statement because educators should continuously make efforts to be sensitive to rapid and fundamental changes. The progress of science is so fast, making relationships between nations ever closer and borderlines between countries insignificant.

The amazing Dayak Bungan porters of West Kalimantan

The amazing Dayak Bungan porters of West Kalimantan Text by Dolly Priatna photos by Ismunandar SAMARINDA, E. Kalimantan (JP): Fifteen days after setting out from Pontianak, the provincial capital of West Kalimantan, the long-boat trip upstream from the mouth of the Kapuas river ended at Tanjung Lokang -- the most distant village in Kapuas Hulu regency of West Kalimantan. Here, in this Bungan Dayak village of 500 inhabitants the trek up the Mueller mountain range would begin.

Surveyor Indonesia to replace SGS by end of this year

Surveyor Indonesia to replace SGS by end of this year JAKARTA (JP): The pre-shipment inspection of goods to be imported to Indonesia, which has been done by the Swiss company Societe Generale de Surveillance (SGS) since 1985, will be taken over by PT Surveyor Indonesia (PTSI) by the end of this year.

Timor honors Gen. Wismoyo

Timor honors Gen. Wismoyo DILI, East Timor: Governor Abilio Jose Osorio Soares has named Army Chief of Staff Gen. Wismoyo Arismunandar an honorary customary leader. The ceremony was highlighted with traditional dances and martial arts on Thursday where senior local civilian and military leaders were present.

Branta to expand business in ASEAN

Branta to expand business in ASEAN JAKARTA (JP): PT Branta Mulia, a yarn and tire cord manufacturer listed on the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges, will expand its business network in Southeast Asia through a joint venture agreement with several Malaysian companies to construct a third tire cord plant.

Population is puzzles Jakarta

Population is puzzles Jakarta JAKARTA (JP): Governor of Jakarta Surjadi Soedirdja believes population growth is one of Jakarta's most serious problems and that the city must find a way to curb migration of rural people. "There are in fact various problems prevailing here, which are all equally urgent. But, we are giving high priority to the population affairs since many other problems are closely knit with it," the governor told a press conference at the City Hall yesterday.

Workers complain of dismissal

Workers complain of dismissal Around 150 workers of PT Duta Busana Danastri, a garment company, marched to the headquarters of the National Commission on Human Rights yesterday to complain of the dismissal of a co- worker. The workers also demanded that the company form a bipartite body to bridge any differences between them. Siti Nurofikoh, 21, who worked in the sewing section, was dismissed for being absent for eight days without permission.

Dinosaur Park

Dinosaur Park Correction: The dinosaur show at the Jakarta Fair ground will last until July 16, not as reported on this page yesterday. The grand opening of the Dinosaur Park will be today. -- The Editor

Govt settles dispute with Dayak tribes

Govt settles dispute with Dayak tribes JAKARTA (JP): The government announced yesterday that it has come to an amicable agreement with the Bentian Dayak tribes in East Kalimantan in the dispute over a piece of land in Jelmu Sibak which it is acquiring for a forestry estate. Minister of Transmigration Siswono Yudohusodo said that the government could not go ahead with its plan to move some 300 families of settlers into the area to work in the forestry estate.

Actress Ria may not be tried for her alleged role in murder

Actress Ria may not be tried for her alleged role in murder JAKARTA (JP): The planned trial of starlet Ria Irawan for her alleged role in the death of a young married man at her house five months ago may not materialize after all. Meanwhile, the wife of the victim gave birth to a baby boy a month ago. The dossiers on the case are believed to have been returned to the police by the South Jakarta prosecutor's office two times.

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices continued to close lower on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday after the broad-based Composite Index, lost nearly five points on Thursday. The broad-based Composite Index, closed lower at 476.54 from 477.13 previously. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index weakened as well to close at 113.41 from 113.59 on Thursday. PT Tempo Scan Pacific and PT Lippo Life made additional listings of 75 million shares and 36.16 shares respectively.

Shopping center reopened

Shopping center reopened BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Deputy governor Hasan Aman reopened the Amuntai shopping center in Hulu Sungai Utara district Thursday. The largest shopping center in Hulu Sungai Utara caught fire last month, less than a year after the multi-billion rupiah project was opened. About 200 of the complex's 800 kiosks were either damaged or destroyed in the fire.

Building material book to be issued

Building material book to be issued A guidebook on building construction materials and related equipment and services is currently being prepared for its launching early next year. The 400-page Color Pages Indonesia (Guide to Building Material & Equipment) is mainly aimed at providing comprehensive and technical information, Chris Prajogo, president of PT Colorindo Pagetama Indonesia, the publisher, said here yesterday.

Rights commission proposes merger of SPSI and SBSI

Rights commission proposes merger of SPSI and SBSI JAKARTA (JP): The National Commission of Human Rights joined in an appeal, yesterday, for the two major workers' unions in Indonesia -- one of which is not officially recognized -- to merge into one organization. Commission Secretary General Baharuddin Lopa was quoted by the Antara news agency as saying that he had considered a merger back in February and communicated this during a meeting to Minister of Manpower Abdul Latief.

Govt urged to open palm oil futures trading

Govt urged to open palm oil futures trading Jakarta (JP): The Indonesian vegetable oil and fat trade federation (FAMNI) cautioned the government yesterday against intervening in the crude palm oil (CPO) trade to push its price down and proposed instead the opening of the futures trading Bourse for agricultural produce it closed last year.

Australia Today Indonesia is only the beginning

Australia Today Indonesia is only the beginning By Prapti Widinugraheni JAKARTA (JP): Australia Today Indonesia 1994, the big trade and cultural promotion program which got underway here this week, is only the beginning of Australia's effort to establish greater linkages with its northern neighbor. "We don't see this simply as a one-way series of activities," Australian ambassador to Indonesia Allan Taylor said.

Canada, NZ send relief aid

Canada, NZ send relief aid JAKARTA: The New Zealand and Canadian governments have extended NZ$50,000 (Rp 63 million) and Rp 45 million worth of aid relief respectively for the victims of the recent tidal waves in East Java. The disaster left over 200 people dead and extensive damage to residents' property and public facilities in the worst stricken district of Banyuwangi.

Man missing at sea

Man missing at sea SORONG, Irian Jaya: Search and rescue workers were still looking for a man who has been missing since he fell from a ferry into the sea on Thursday. Sorong Port administrator A. Jarangga said the KM Dobonsolo ferry was on its way from Biak to Ambon when the incident happened. The man, identified as Laimas, fell into the sea about one mile from Sorong Port at 1:45 p.m.

Taiwan to invest in Sulawesi

Taiwan to invest in Sulawesi PALU (JP): Weifhuan Enterprise Company (WEC), a Taiwan agribusiness company, will invest US$5 million in crab farming in Donggala regency, Central Sulawesi, and a fishing venture at the Tomini bay and Makassar strait, South Sulawesi. According to the company's representative, Indra Alisauw, who was here yesterday, all the production will be exported to Hong Kong, South Kora and Japan.

Subroto bows out of OPEC with a big smile

Subroto bows out of OPEC with a big smile VIENNA (Reuter): OPEC lost one of its most persistent voices of moderation on Thursday as Indonesia's Subroto made his final appearance as Secretary-General at a conference of the sometimes fractious 12 oil exporters. The former oil minister, now 65, ends six years in the job as the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries' effective international ambassador, charged with running the group's Vienna headquarters.

Police crack case of dismembered woman

Police crack case of dismembered woman Jakarta (JP): Police in Malang, East Java, say they may have cracked the case of the murder of a young woman, whose head, intestines and limbs were found floating in the Brantas river last month. Five men have been arrested and two others are wanted in connection with the murder of the woman, identified as 21-year- old Sumiati.

Sjamsiah, figure behind success of meet on women

Sjamsiah, figure behind success of meet on women By Ati Nurbaiti JAKARTA (JP): As delegates of a regional conference on women held here prepared to leave following their verbal tug-of-war, the conference chairperson, Sjamsiah Achmad, is one person who can at last breathe a bit easier. A red rose and gifts with attached cards signed by foreign names lay on the table of her temporary office in the wing of the Jakarta Hilton Convention Center last Saturday afternoon.

E. Timor coffee farmers have jubilant harvest

E. Timor coffee farmers have jubilant harvest DILI (JP): This year's (May-October) harvesting season is bringing joy to East Timor's coffee farmers, but not without worries. Local farmers now say they are free at last to sell their produce to higher bidders -- free from the fettering monopoly held by PT Denok.

RI to contact Pyongyang, Seoul to defuse tension

RI to contact Pyongyang, Seoul to defuse tension JAKARTA (JP): President Soeharto, in his capacity as chairman of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), plans to dispatch an envoy to Pyongyang yet again in the hopes of defusing the escalating tensions on the peninsula. Nana Sutresna, assistant to the NAM chairman, told reporters on Thursday that he will also be traveling to Seoul in the hope of finding a peaceful way out of the conflict.

Surabaya judge cleared of bribe scandal

Surabaya judge cleared of bribe scandal JAKARTA (JP): The Supreme Court has cleared a top Surabaya judge from allegations that he accepted bribes in acquitting three businessmen from tax evasion charges. Judge Sarwono, formerly deputy chief of the Surabaya court, however, has been disciplined for "misconduct" and has lost his chances of promotion to become the head of the district court in Medan.

Phone for diplomatic center

Phone for diplomatic center JAKARTA (JP): PT Abadi Guna Papan, a private company under the Bimantara Citra business Group, signed here yesterday an agreement with the state-owned PT Telkom domestic telecommunications company to construct telephone infrastructure at the Grand Kuningan diplomatic center.

Mahathir accuses U.S. of racism

Mahathir accuses U.S. of racism KUALA LUMPUR (Reuter): Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad questioned yesterday whether U.S. opposition to the East Asia Economic Caucus (EAEC) was due to racism. "Why the rejection? Is it because of our color?" Mahathir said in reaction to Washington's reported opposition to the caucus within the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

Cycling in Beijing offers a glance at the people

Cycling in Beijing offers a glance at the people By Harry Bhaskara BEIJING (JP): The bicycle is still the most popular means of transportation in Beijing despite the invasion of taxis on the city's streets. To many residents, bicycles are cost-efficient, reliable, environmentally friendly, and promote health for their riders. "Cars are very expensive and only a few can afford them. Most of the cars in the streets are state-owned," said Maggie Shu, a Beijing resident.

Malaysia changes policy of its rubber industry

Malaysia changes policy of its rubber industry KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia announced it was revamping its natural rubber policy, saying current productivity needed to be enhanced to match rising competition from other producers. "The cabinet has directed my ministry to draw up a new policy for the rubber industry so that its potential could be maximized for better returns," Primary Industries Minister Lim Keng Yaik said.

No steak in Batam

No steak in Batam BATAM ISLAND: Authorities here have seized 4.5 tons of illegally imported beef. A spokesman for the Batam authority, Dadang Kusnandar, said the authorities have not yet identified the origins and the importer of the meat but said that the case would be referred to the district court. "We are serious about this," he insisted. He added that on Batam, imported beef cannot reach shops without first passing the quarantine inspection at the port.

Dewi Sukarno's nude pictures now available on floppy disk

Dewi Sukarno's nude pictures now available on floppy disk SEMARANG, Central Java (JP): Shots of erotic poses of Ratnasari Dewi, the widow of the late president Sukarno, are now available in floppy disks, outwitting the government's ban on her book, Madame D. Syuga from which the pictures are taken. The pictures come in a program called Compushow, created by Bob Berry from Canyon State System and Software, Sedona, U.S.

Malaysia's move on US rejection

Malaysia's move on US rejection KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Malaysia would resort to concerted efforts by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to thwart Washington's opposition to the East Asia Economic Caucus, officials said yesterday. "It would have to be a concerted ASEAN effort. After all, the EAEC, although mooted by Malaysia, is already an ASEAN initiative," a top Malaysian government official said.

RI-Korean automotive firm

RI-Korean automotive firm MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Indauda Putra Nasional (INP), an Indonesia-South Korea join automotive manufacturing company, expects to start selling its cars later next year. The company's director, Hutomo Mandala Putra, said here yesterday that he was optimistic about the prospect of INP's new 2,000 cc injection jeep branded Sportage despite the fierce competition in the domestic market.

Let press inform the public, says Forum for Democracy

Let press inform the public, says Forum for Democracy JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian press must be allowed to continue to report on events of public interest, including the controversy over the government's procurement of warships from Germany, the Forum for Democracy said yesterday.

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.

Prajogo to acquire Malaysian firm at $1b

Prajogo to acquire Malaysian firm at $1b KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): Indonesian timber tycoon Prajogo Pangestu would expand his acquisition of a publicly-listed Malaysian firm under a deal that could be worth up to 2.56 billion ringgit (US$1 billion), a report said yesterday. Prajogo, the world's biggest plywood exporter, would inject more of his timber-related assets into Construction and Supplies House Bhd.

Squatters cause epidemic in Seribu islands

Squatters cause epidemic in Seribu islands JAKARTA (JP): For the people of the Seribu islands, a call of nature usually means a trip to the beach. However, health experts warn that this old habit is the cause of serious health problems. Dr. Subagio Partodihardjo, a member of the City Council who was head of a public health center on the island group between 1973 and 1978, said that this practice had made the islands population prone to intestinal worms and other diseases.

Medan rally reduced to 25 SS

Medan rally reduced to 25 SS By Dwiatmanta MEDAN, North Sumatra (JP): Competitors in the 1994 Indonesia Rally championship gave a sigh of relief, yesterday, when the organizers decided to cancel the ninth special stage of the race -- one of the most demanding of the three-day event -- due to poor track conditions.

Universities and misleading ads

Universities and misleading ads From Kompas Advertisements of various private universities and colleges seeking senior high school students are published in many papers and magazines. Although those private universities or colleges, whose names we sometimes never hear of, are usually the second choice for the students (if they cannot enter state universities), they regularly campaign on their lofty credentials.

Yayuk labors to semi finals in Eastbourne

Yayuk labors to semi finals in Eastbourne EASTBOURNE, England (Agencies): Indonesian tennis queen Yayuk Basuki gloriously progressed to the semi-final of the pre- Wimbledon women's grass tournament by whipping Italian 'giant killer' Silvia Farina in a heroic three-setter 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6- 4. The match was nerve-wracking from the very first set, in which the Indonesian grass-court specialist showed masterful strokes and graceful foot-work.

World Bank gives Indonesia $124 million in loans

World Bank gives Indonesia $124 million in loans JAKARTA (JP): The Washington-based World Bank approved on Wednesday two loans totaling US$123.9 million for the development of higher education and farming on reclaimed swampland. The World Bank office here said yesterday that $58.9 million of the loans would be used to improve higher education in anticipation of a higher demand for graduate education.

Moslem leader blasts Russia's Bosnia stance

Moslem leader blasts Russia's Bosnia stance JAKARTA (JP): The Committee for Moslem Solidarity yesterday criticized Russia for opposing the efforts to lift a United Nations arms embargo against the besieged Bosnians. Committee chairman Lukman Harun said Russia's attitude only confirms that the country is behind the Serbs' aggression in the former Yugoslav republic. "Russia's stand only serves to confirm their support for the Serbs' aggression in Bosnia," Lukman said.

IDT donates money to poor sub-districts

IDT donates money to poor sub-districts The chief of the Jakarta rural development directorate, Muhamad Amin, yesterday donated a sum of Rp40 million to 120 villagers living in two least developed sub-districts, Tegalalur and Kamal, located in Kalideres subdistrict, West Jakarta. The donation was provided under the Inpres Desa Tertinggal (IDT-Presidential Instruction on Least Developed Areas) scheme.

Salim, two foreign partners get piggish in Singapore

Salim, two foreign partners get piggish in Singapore JAKARTA (JP): Salim group, one of Indonesian blue chips, is expanding its livestock division through a joint venture agreement with two of the largest pig farm operators in Singapore to construct a S$30 million abattoir in the region. The Salim group is making the investment through its Singapore-based agency, Kabila Mandiri Persada (KMP) Pte Ltd.

Moslem forces fight each other in Bosnia

Moslem forces fight each other in Bosnia SARAJEVO (Reuter): Fighting raged between rival Moslem forces in a northwest enclave as diplomats from major powers planned to meet yesterday to draw up a final compromise map aimed at bringing an end to Bosnia's bloody war.

Five candidates named

Five candidates named JAKARTA: Minister of Home Affairs Moh. Yogie S.M. has received the names of five candidates for the gubernatorial election Central Kalimantan sent by way of the province's legislature. The five names are Asmawi Agani (South Barito regent), Abdullah Zaini (deputy chairman of the Golkar faction), Donis N. Singaraca (former Palangkaraya mayor), Eloeser Gerson (provincial government secretary) and Warsito Rasman (acting governor).

Be more sensitive

Be more sensitive It is really sad to see how The Jakarta Post, an Indonesian daily, in a way doesn't show tolerance to our fellow Moslem readers. It is the way you use the term 'Moslem Bandits' and 'Moslem Rebels', which appear on your report taken from AFP concerning the Philippines' Moro rebellion (June 13 and 14, 1994).

Golkar defends proposal on credit guarantee fund

Golkar defends proposal on credit guarantee fund JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian ruling Golkar party yesterday clarified its initiative to set up a guarantee fund as a matter of financial supervision rather than a proposal for establishing a financial management company. "We have never come to a decision to set up a financial management firm, as it is currently misunderstood by many parties," Warno Hardjo, head of Golkar's economic division, told reporters here yesterday.

TV Today

TV Today TVRI 2:30 p.m Cintaku Negeriku 2:40 Cartoon: I'm Telling 3:05 Langka & Unik 3:30 Science Film: Zero One Magazine 4:00 Student Quiz 4:30 Flora Fauna: Heart of Courage 5:00 Regional News 5:30 Cultural Program: Singa Depak 6:05 Nusantara the beloved country: West Kalimantan 6:15 Village Program 6:45 Things You should Know: Giant Aquarium 7:00 Evening News 7:30 Dinamika 8:05 Music 9:00 World News 9:25 Journal of World Cup 1994 9:55 Nusic 11:00 Late News 11:10 Film: The Legend Sleeping in...

Stock Exchange

Stock Exchange JAKARTA (JP): Share prices generally continued to weaken on the Jakarta Stock Exchange (JSX) yesterday with most issues losing ground in heavy trading. The broad-based Composite Index lost 4.95 points to close at 477.13 from 482.09 on Wednesday. The narrower-based GTDBS-50 Index weakened as well to close at 113.59 from 114.57 previously. PT Mayatexdian and PT Kabel Metal made additional listings of 70 million shares and 51 million shares, respectively.

Concert held to help preserve Indonesia's forests

Concert held to help preserve Indonesia's forests By Gus Kairupan JAKARTA (JP): Alexander Baillie strode onto the stage, acknowledged the applause, sat down, touched bow to strings, and from that moment on everyone in the audience knew they were in the presence of a true maestro of the cello.

Long drought

Long drought We have good reasons to be concerned about the long drought that will hit hectares of agricultural land in West Java as stated by H. Sanusi, Chief of the Office of Agricultural Service and Food Crops. It is also feared that ground water and rivers will decrease during that dry period. In this context, West Java Deputy Governor Haji Ukman Utarya has warned all district chiefs not to work behind the desk only, but instead to tour the area to monitor the situation.

Suspects in Tampubolon murder tried in East Jakarta court

Suspects in Tampubolon murder tried in East Jakarta court JAKARTA (JP): The trial of the four suspects in the April 4 killing of Brig. Gen. TMF Tampubolon, an expert staff on economic affairs to the chief of the Armed Forces, began in East Jakarta yesterday. Presiding Judge Soeroto began by examining two defendants, Rusdi Abdul Rahman, 24, and Hendrik Setyawan, 25, who are the prime suspects.

Flag hoisting for Jakarta's birth day

Flag hoisting for Jakarta's birth day In connection with the 466th anniversary of Jakarta, Governor Surjadi Sudirja has instructed all citizens living in the Greater Jakarta area as well as all state-run and privately owned institutions, factories, companies, hotels, hospitals and shops, to hoist national flags at their compounds, houses or sites for three days in succession, starting on June 21.

The Listening Post

The Listening Post * Becoming competitive in tomorrow's job market is of great importance to many Indonesians -- and is the reason they often choose to study at a professional (and expensive!) school like American Language Training. It is clear that in Indonesia today one cannot go far without English-language skills; even menial positions like "office boy" or "driver" often demand basic English ability. So what does it really take to be competitive?

British trade mission

British trade mission JAKARTA (JP): A 29-company strong trade mission organized and sponsored by the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry will visit Indonesia from June 20 to June 24 to explore export opportunities for a wide range of products and services. The mission will consist of 12 companies which are members of the Railway Industry Association to offer consultancy services, engineering and construction in railway sector and 17 other firms that represent a wide range of products.

21 defamation students may get YLBHI service

21 defamation students may get YLBHI service JAKARTA (JP): The Indonesian Legal Aid Foundation (YLBHI) yesterday said it is ready to represent 21 students, who are jailed for defaming President Soeharto, in an appeal to the Supreme Court after a high court reinforced their guilty verdict. The students had earlier dropped their plan to appeal against the lower court's verdict and the six month jail terms saying that they did not believe in the courts' fairness.

Rajawali acquires Telekomindo

Rajawali acquires Telekomindo BANDUNG (JP): PT Rajawali Wira Bhakti has acquired a 51 percent stake in PT Telekomindo, a subsidiary of the state-owned domestic telecommunications company PT Telkom, which operates telecommunications service and talking advertising. Spokesman for PT Telkom Djoko Triwibowo said here yesterday that the acquisition was completed on June 9 in Jakarta.

Regent voted Bengkulu governor

Regent voted Bengkulu governor BENGKULU, South Sumatra: Former South Bengkulu regent Adjis Ahmad, 53, was elected by the provincial legislature as the new governor for the 1994-99 term. Adjis won 21 out of 45 votes. The other two candidates, Rachmat Rani and Zainul Karim won 15 and nine votes respectively. Adjis' election still has to be confirmed by President Soeharto. (arf)

Students need exposure to working world

Students need exposure to working world JAKARTA (JP): The majority of vocational schools in Indonesia and their students are ignorant of the working world, resulting in poor matches of graduates and job requirements, Minister of Education and Culture Wardiman Djojonegoro says.

Developer told to widen roads to Bintaro Jaya

Developer told to widen roads to Bintaro Jaya JAKARTA (JP): City councilors said yesterday the developer of Bintaro Jaya real estate is still obliged to widen the roads leading to the complex despite its plan to build the toll road linking Bumi Serpong Damai to Bintaro and the ringroad. The widening of the roads and the planned construction of the toll road are mainly intended to prevent the real estate's residents from being caught in traffic congestion around the housing complex.

Joint RI-Japan search for low-fat palm oil launched

Joint RI-Japan search for low-fat palm oil launched JAKARTA (JP): Indonesian conglomerate PT Bakrie-Brothers has entered into an agreement with Mitsubishi Kasei Corp. of Japan to conduct biotechnological research into a new oil palm variety with a low saturated fatty acid content as a strategic move to counter consumers' attacks on oil palm as a dangerous source of cholesterol.

Governemt cautious over latest trend in investment

Governemt cautious over latest trend in investment Jakarta (JP): The government yesterday expressed cautious optimism concerning the latest trend in foreign and domestic investments despite the marked increase in new commitments approved in the first five months of this year.

Deregulation

Deregulation Correction: Rizal Ramli, the economist quoted in the article Seminar tears deregulation package to pieces on this page yesterday is not the chairman of the German-Indonesian Businessman Association (Ekonid) as written. Rizal chairs Ekonit, which is the Advisory Group in Economics, Industry and Trade. We apologize for the error. -- Editor

Governor installs 5 new officials

Governor installs 5 new officials Governor Surjadi Soedirdja installed five new municipal officials during a ceremony at city hall yesterday. Hendarin Ono Saleh was installed as new chief of the Municipal Training and Education Center, replacing Chudori Sutardjo. Safaat Widjayabrata was appointed new chief of the Jakarta chapter of the Development and Finance Surveillance Body, replacing H.M Ghazalie Latief. Rahjuono M.K.

Police still in the dark about Beng killing

Police still in the dark about Beng killing JAKARTA (JP): Police are still in the dark about the April slaying of businessman and gambling "lord" Nyo Beng Seng due to the absence of substantial material evidence at the scene of the crime. "So far we have only discovered a scabbard of a samurai blade at the scene which bears no words that might give as a clue to the murderer," North Jakarta police chief Lt. Col. Heru Susanto told The Jakarta Post and Republika yesterday.

China, Russia reject U.S. plan to punish N. Korea

China, Russia reject U.S. plan to punish N. Korea SEOUL (Reuter): China and Russia yesterday opposed a U.S. plan to punish North Korea for the secrecy of its nuclear program while former U.S. president Jimmy Carter and Pyongyang's leaders addressed "misunderstandings" they said were at the heart of the matter. Neither of North Korea's old communist allies said they would veto the measure in the UN Security Council.

Federation of ASEAN Fisheries holds meeting here

Federation of ASEAN Fisheries holds meeting here JAKARTA (JP): Indonesia urged its neighbors to exploit their abundant marine resources and preserve them at the same time. In his remarks at the opening of the sixth ASEAN Fisheries Federation (AFF) meeting at the State Palace yesterday, President Soeharto said that Southeast Asian countries should take the environment into account.

Health campaign must target specific groups

Health campaign must target specific groups JAKARTA (JP): Any campaign against heart disease in Indonesia must be designed at specific target groups because of the diversity in the social and cultural mix of the people here. Dr. Doddy Partomihardjo, a medical advisor of the food and cosmetic giant PT Unilever Indonesia, yesterday said such a campaign would be difficult to carry out in a country with such complexity like Indonesia.

Japanese returning to Irian Jaya

Japanese returning to Irian Jaya JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: About 20.000 Japanese from the Yamagata Province are expected to visit the province next year to mark the 50th anniversary since the fierce battle with the Allies during World War II. A peace monument was erected here on Thursday to honor Japanese soldiers who died during the war. Yamagata Governor Kazuo Takahashi, Irian Jaya Governor Jacob Patippi and 70 Japanese war veterans were present at the ceremony.

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.

The stars to watch: 4. The strikers

The stars to watch: 4. The strikers By Richard Pedler JAKARTA (JP): Among the star strikers missing from USA'94 are Van Basten and Gullit (Holland), Sosa and Fonseca (Uruguay), as well as Papin, Shearer, Yeboah, Weah, and Kolyvanov (Russia, by choice). In the past, the World Cup has been blessed with the deadliest strikers. Just Fontaine hit 13 in six games for France back in 1958.

Dusit Inn in Balikpapan

Dusit Inn in Balikpapan JAKARTA (JP): Balikpapan, well known as the oil and timber town in East Kalimantan, now has two four-star hotels after the Dusit Inn launched its soft opening recently. The 208-room Dusit Inn Balikpapan, the first hotel established in Indonesia under the management of Dusit Hotels and Resorts, is owned by PT Sinarwisata Permai, a unit of the Sinar Mas Group. The hotel now offers a three-month special rate starting on June 9.

Grundfos relocates plant

Grundfos relocates plant JAKARTA (JP): PT Grundfos Pompa, an Indonesian-Danish pump manufacturing company, has relocated its plant from the Nusantara bonded area near Tanjung Priok port to the Pulogadung industrial estate in line with its new policy that emphasizes on the domestic market. The new plant in the Pulogadung area, which will be inaugurated on Thursday, will market 75 percent of its water pumps on the domestic market and the other 25 percent on the export market.

Hotels in Batam agree to end their price war

Hotels in Batam agree to end their price war BATAM (JP): Hotels on this bonded island have agreed to end their price wars, setting the maximum discounts at 20 percent of the published rates. The local branch of the Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (PHRI) noted at a meeting on Wednesday that the price wars between hotels had thus far turned into unhealthy competition.

NU's good name in jeopardy, scholar warns

NU's good name in jeopardy, scholar warns JAKARTA (JP): An influential Moslem leader warned yesterday that the ulemas who want to hold a political gathering later this month are putting the reputation of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) in jeopardy. Yusuf Hasyim, who heads NU's law-making body, said the gathering would amount to an embarrassing inconsistency with the organization's commitment to avoid politics. "I don't mind the meeting so long as they (ulemas) don't use NU as an umbrella.

Tansil denies bribing Bapindo branch executive

Tansil denies bribing Bapindo branch executive JAKARTA (JP): Eddy Tansil yesterday denied having bribed the former deputy manager of Bapindo's Jakarta branch to allow him to cash in on huge loans from the government-owned bank. Tansil testified in the trial of Maman Suparman, the branch executive, that he did not paid a single cent in return for the services accorded to him regarding the loans.

World Cup craze to boost night activities

World Cup craze to boost night activities JAKARTA (JP): As the World Cup hype continues to sweep Indonesia, the country's ardent soccer fans are set to participate in what could be the most extravagant nocturnal celebration in spectator sport.

Commission formed to curb AIDS spread

Commission formed to curb AIDS spread JAKARTA (JP): Alarmed by the mounting AIDS problem, the government has formed a commission in charge of checking the spread of HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that causes the deadly disease, officials announced yesterday. President Soeharto has assigned Coordinating Minister for People's Welfare Azwar Anas to lead the commission, which will handle the AIDS problem nationally.

Three suspects in gambling raid hospitalized

Three suspects in gambling raid hospitalized JAKARTA (JP): Police confirmed yesterday that three of the 238 suspected gamblers rounded up during a recent raid are in hospitals. "The three include a pregnant woman and two sick men, one of whom is suffering serious rheumatic pain in his back," City Police Chief Maj. Gen. Mochammad Hindarto told reporters.

Many graduates are jobless

Many graduates are jobless BANJARMASIN, South Kalimantan: Some 5,700 university graduates from various fields of study are still out of a job, according to the provincial manpower office. According to an official, the students are unable to find work because they don't have the skills sought by industry and they have no previous work experience. He added that there are vacancies for graduates who speak foreign languages and can operate computers.

Goodyear to expand production capacity

Goodyear to expand production capacity JAKARTA (JP): PT Goodyear Indonesia, a tire manufacturer listed on the Jakarta and Surabaya stock exchanges, will increase its production capacity from 7,000 to 11,000 tires a day. Goodyear's sales manager, Gani Ghazali, said here yesterday during the launching of the company's new product that the company will invest at least US$64 million for the plant's expansion.

Reptiles, amphibians to join exhibition at the Jakarta Fair

Reptiles, amphibians to join exhibition at the Jakarta Fair JAKARTA (JP): The committee of the Reptile and Amphibian Exhibition, which is part of the upcoming Jakarta Fair, needs 5,000 crickets per day to feed the animals. "We buy the crickets from some traders at the Pasar Burung (Bird Market) (on Jl. Barito, South Jakarta) at the price of around Rp 35 (around US1 cent) a piece," said Mah Wai Meng, project manager of Classic International exhibition company, at a press conference yesterday.

U.S cotton growers open ASEAN office in Singapore

U.S cotton growers open ASEAN office in Singapore SINGAPORE (AFP): Cotton Inc., a company representing U.S cotton growers, have opened a marketing office in Singapore to serve ASEAN customers, a company official said yesterday. Cotton Inc. public relations director Willaim Daddi said the company's move into the region was prompted by a sharp rise in cotton consumption as a result of poor crops in producing countries in the region.

Korean bullet train system

Korean bullet train system Seoul (UPI): The Korea High-Speed Rail Construction Authority and the builders of the French high-speed Tgv train have signed a formal contract on a D2.1 billion project linking Seoul and Pusan with a 267 mile (430 km) bullet-train system by 2002.

Govt to get World Bank aid for ADP

Govt to get World Bank aid for ADP JAKARTA (JP): The government will get $30.25 million in loan from the World Bank this year to help finance the government's accountancy development project (ADP) as part of its effort to improve the management of state finances.

Used hypodermic needle

Used hypodermic needle From Pikiran Rakyat I would like to warn housewives to be watchful for used hypodermic needles that are sold to school children by vendors. The children like to use the used devices for spraying games. I think the used needles are very dangerous for them, because a child may inject the needle into his friend by accident. Worse still if the needle had been used to inject a patient who is HIV positive or suffering from TB.

Students drown in estuary

Students drown in estuary JAKARTA: Fifteen girls, all students of a Moslem high school, drowned in an estuary on the southern coast of Central Java while looking for fish during a biology class project. The victims, among 167 students on a three-day field trip held by their school, had been part of a group asked to catch some fish for the biology class at a shallow estuary.

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.