Hotels and cafes offer deals to final watchers
JAKARTA (JP): World Cup fever has not only afflicted the 32 participating countries, but also seemingly all others around the world, including Indonesia.
Many locals have sacrificed sleep to stay up into the wee hours to watch the matches broadcast live by five private TV stations and state-owned TVRI.
But are soccer maniacs satisfied to watch the final match between host France and defending champion Brazil alone in their own house, or do they want the spirit of being in a crowded, noise-filled stadium?
For those wishing to be in the thick of things, the city's hotels and cafes are laying on special programs for the final match.
Hotel Santika in West Jakarta, together with Bola sports tabloid, is offering free-of-charge entry to watch the final on a giant screen in the hotel's Betawi room.
Caesar Sardi, the organizers chairman, told The Jakarta Post that about 280 people, mostly Bola readers, are expected to attend.
They will also get to participate in a soccer discussion with expert Sumohadi Marsis, who is also the tabloid's chief editor, and Dejan Gluscevic, a Montenegrin player on Jakarta-based Pelita Jaya, before the presentation of door prizes and souvenirs.
Hotel Dai-Ichi in Central Jakarta provides a 25-square-meter screen in its Cendrawasih Ballroom for viewers, who will have to pay Rp 35,000 (US$2.3) for a ticket. Each guest will get a buffet supper menu such as bubur ayam (chicken porridge) and snacks. They will also get a free drink in the Morgan's bar, with the next drink, excluding alcoholic beverages, costing Rp 5,000.
The hotel's public relations officer, Ratih Kusuma Dewi, said guests should arrive from 9 p.m. on to give them the chance to win the door prizes. Actress and TV presenter Shanaz Haque will lead the program.
Front Row Sports Grill and Cafe Lamborghini, both located in the Taman Ria Senayan complex, are offering games and quizzes before and after guests view the final.
Front Row's banquet executive, Sofiya Irzandach, told the Post that quiz master Nico Siahaan and the GO sports tabloid team would lead a round of games in which guests would be divided into supporters of France and Brazil.
"Guests can cheer their teams while having their meal and drinks," she said.
The charge is Rp 50,000 for each guest.
Sofiya said she expected more than 1,000 people to attend.
"Our seating capacity is only 500 while standing is about 800. But on July 3 the number of guests reached 1,066. I hope it can increase but I'm also afraid the building can't accommodate them all."
Cafe Lamborghini's marketing and entertainment secretary, Dini, said the cafe expected about 700 guests, with a Rp 25,000 cover charge for each, for the final. Games and quizzes will be led by radio broadcaster Daddo Parus. (yan)