City gives out tourism awards

Damar Harsanto, The Jakarta Post/Jakarta

The Jakarta administration gave awards to selected institutions, companies and the media, which have made a significant contribution in promoting tourism in the capital.

In a glamourous ceremony on Thursday evening, Governor Sutiyoso thanked the laureates of 2004 Adikarya Wisata Awards for their efforts in attracting tourists, both domestic and international, to visit Jakarta throughout the year.

"Jakarta is the capital, a service city. Unlike other regions, we don't have natural resources we can exploit. The city's revenue mostly relies on tourism and tax," he said in a speech.

This year's award ceremony for tourism promotion was the ninth that has been held since 1991.

Unlike previous events, according to Sutiyoso, this year's ceremony used a more comprehensive adjudication system which involved, among others: urban architect Marco Kusumawijaya, film maker Garin Nugroho and political expert Martani Husaini as well former tourism minister Joop Ave.

Winners in the 15 categories of this year's award included the Jakarta Playhouse for tourism attraction, Emirates Airlines for foreign transportation and Silver Bird taxi for domestic transportation.

Sinar Harapan afternoon newspaper won the category for print media promoting tourism, while SCTV won the category for electronic media.

The winner for tourism education and research was given to the Trisakti Tourism School.

In the entertainment category, the jury picked Griya Pijat Bersih Sehat massage parlor as the winner.

The winner in the category for a restaurant serving Indonesian food went to Bebek Bali, while American chain restaurant, Chili's Grill and Bar, won the international food category.

The trophy for best travel agency went to Bayu Buana Tbk, the four star-rated hotel category went to Sari Pan Pacific Hotel and the five star-rated hotel award went to Dharmawangsa.