Balinese style cafe in busy Jakarta

JAKARTA (JP): Jimbani, Balinese for hang out place, is now a name of a gallery cafe where Jakartans can spend time in Kemang, South Jakarta.

Opened last week, Jimbani Cafe and Gallery is owned by six young entrepreneurs whose love of hanging out led them to open their own place. Among the six are Bambang Wiyogo, the newly- appointed chairman of the Association of Young Indonesian Businessmen, and Gita Ariani, now widely known as the ex- girlfriend of Harnoko Dewantono, alias Oki, the suspect in the Los Angeles triple murders.

The Rp 2 billion cafe features Balinese gapura (gates), paintings, ornaments and a patio. The waiters wear black and white checkered sarongs, like the ones usually seen wrapped around Balinese statues. The walls are painted an earth color to give a more natural touch. A swimming pool is also available to heighten the Balinese tradition of relaxation and calmness.

"In short, we want to offer our guests all that can be offered by Balinese cafes. Here, we hope guests can be very relaxed, like if they have a holiday in Bali," said Denny Wardhana, another owner, adding that their target market is expatriates residing in the area and rich Indonesians.

The cafe is spacious and airy, making guests feel that they are really in Bali instead of along crowded Jl. Kemang Raya. However, no Balinese music or dance will presented, except Balinese background music during lunch. Live reggae, funk and Latin American music will be mixed in with Top 40 hits.

Although some beverages sound Balinese, like Blue legong and Leak's scream, no Balinese is food offered. Diners can choose between grilled or barbecued Mexican and Spanish cuisines.

As a gallery cafe, all the furniture, paintings and ornaments are for sale, said Denny Wardhana. By doing so, the owners hope to break even within three years. (als)