Karaoke businesses boom in Medan

Karaoke businesses boom in Medan

MEDAN, North Sumatra: Karaoke singing halls scattered across the
North Sumatra provincial capital of Medan have, in the past two
years, brightened up the city's nightlife and provided its
residents with a chance to develop their talent and sing out
loud, a report said.

Hadi, a local singing hall owner, said on Tuesday that karaoke
businesses had flourished in the city despite the relatively
costly investment involved.

Data from the local tourist office reveals that the third-
largest city in Indonesia has more karaoke spots in shopping
centers and star-rated hotels than in pubs and discotheques.

Ariel Saleh, a business manager, said the mushrooming of
karaoke, which literally means "empty orchestra" in Japanese, had
not made a lot of financial contribution to the city's coffers
but had nevertheless provided employment for its residents.
--Antara