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)