Games stickers reach restaurants

JAKARTA (JP): Don't be surprised if a restaurant charges you Rp 5,000 for a SEA Games donation when you just finish your meal.

A staffer of Nelayan restaurant, Central Jakarta, Yarti, said yesterday that SEA Games stickers were being sold to diners based on regulations. "But if a visitor refuses to pay for the stickers, that's OK, it's a voluntary donation ..," she said.

The Hard Rock Cafe's public relations manager, Teges T. Soraya, said some foreigners had objected to paying Rp 1,000 for a SEA Games sticker. "They said their purpose at the cafe was to enjoy themselves and not to be burdened with other charges," she said.

"Rather than losing customers, I'd rather not force them to pay. It's voluntary anyway," Teges said.

She said there were other customers who did not object to paying for the stickers. "They've spent much already and don't mind spending another Rp 1,000," Teges said. Since April, the cafe has collected Rp 5 million in SEA Games donations.

The sale of Games stickers was legalized by Ministry of Social Services decree No: BSS/583/XII/96. The stickers cost between Rp 1,000 and Rp 50,000 each.

Most customers at Planet Hollywood restaurant seem not to mind paying for the stickers.

"So far, I've heard of no complaints from our customers," said Fiona Mambu, the restaurant's public relations manager.

The opposite is true at Balemang Cafe, where most diners had refused to "donate".

The cafe manager, Deny Izra, said most visitors refused to pay for the stickers. "They doubt the money will go to the correct place," he said.

A man with stickers once approached him and offered him a share of donations. "He said he would give me 10 percent of the money collected from the selling of the stickers. How could he play with the public's money?" Denny asked. "I have no idea whether the man was from the consortium." (ste/11)