Guess What? Julia Suryakusuma

Guess What? Julia Suryakusuma

Three male body-builders dressed as Greek gladiators greeted
guests at Jakarta's Regent Hotel on Thursday. Standing at the
ballroom entrance were beautiful couples dressed in ancient Greek
garb. No, it was not a wedding party.

Sociologist Julia Suryakusuma, donned in bright red
traditional kebaya, shook hands with guests comprising former
ministers, members of the diplomatic corp, politicians,
businessmen, scholars and non-governmental activists.

It was a book-launching event by API, a foundation chaired by
Julia. The 1,500-page book was Panduan Parlemen Indonesia
(Indonesia's Parliament Guide), dubbed the most complete
compilation of information on the Indonesian legislature to date.
It was the second book published by the foundation after Almanak
Politik Indonesia (Indonesia's Political Almanac), which appeared
in 1999.

The collective labor of some 11 non-governmental organizations
under Julia's leadership, the book is a testimony of Julia's gift
as a researcher, adding to her already lengthy credentials as
former model, woman activist, columnist.

The book boasted data collected from 1918 to date.

And the Greek overtone? Isn't Greek the cradle of democracy?
An ideal Julia said she would like to contribute to achieve
through the book. (hbk)