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)