Jakarta promotes tourism aboard

Jakarta promotes tourism aboard

JAKARTA (JP): Deputy Governor for Public Welfare Affairs Tb
Rais kicked off a two-day promotion tour in Rotterdam, the
Netherlands, on Wednesday night.

In his speech at a luncheon to mark the opening of the
promotion, Rais said that as Jakarta does not possess any natural
beauty the main focus of the promotion is conventions.

Jakarta has various advantages in the field due to the
availability of large-scale and well-known convention facilities
and exhibition centers, he said.

Rais said that besides Rotterdam the promotion team will also
visit Eindhoven in the Netherlands.

The promotion in the Netherlands is part of the city
administration's plan to promote Indonesia's tourist industry in
Europe.

Rais was quoted by Antara as saying this year the economic
growth of Jakarta is 8.75 percent, which is much higher than the
national economic growth of only 6.9 percent.

Rais said that the rapid economic growth has created more
employment opportunities and to cope with the extra commuters the
city administration is currently considering building a mass
rapid transportation system.

The administration also promotes the concept of land
reclamation on the north shore of the city.

The opening ceremony in Rotterdam held with the theme of "An
evening in Jakarta" was attended by local businessmen and city
administration officials.

The guests were entertained by traditional Indonesian dances
from Betawi, Central Java, West Sumatra and Aceh. Some of the
dances were performed by dancers from Elly Kasim dance studio.

The agency said that the guests were also treated to a fashion
show from Indonesian noted designer Biyan. Biyan showed 60
outfits from his latest collection.

The guests were served traditional Indonesian food. (mas)