AS the boss of a media publishing group, 52-year-old Surya Dharma Paloh, who was born in Banda Aceh, is quite aware of the advantages of publications. Whenever he meets a photojournalist, Surya becomes very photo-conscious. He will never refuse to have his picture taken, in any pose. He speaks in well-structured sentences in a baritone voice, impressing even his foes.

Self-confident, experienced and flamboyant are traits that people often