Most discotheques, cafes ignore rules

JAKARTA (JP): Most cafes and discotheques in Jakarta have failed to win an Excellence in Tourism award because they constantly breach regulations, an official said yesterday.

Fauzi Bowo, head of the city's tourist agency, said after the Adikarya Wisata 1997 award ceremony at Sahid Jaya Hotel, Central Jakarta, that most cafes and discotheques violated opening hours, had insufficient permits or allowed drug dealing and obscene activities on their premises.

"(Cafes and discotheques) usually fail the first stage of the screening process. How can they become participants if they violate too many rules from the outset?" he said.

All of this year's 71 award winners came from hotels, restaurants, museums, airlines or travel agencies.

The awards honor tourist companies and professionals that display exceptional initiative, achievement and dedication to Jakarta.

"Basically the city has been giving equal chances to every member of the tourist sector to enter the awards. But I think the problem lies in the condition of cafes and discotheques in Jakarta," Fauzi said.

Most entertainment spots -- ranging from nightclubs and bars to discotheques -- are established as a place of amusement without any sense of social responsibility, he said.

"Such places tend to let people do whatever they want to... without limitations.

"For instance, the closing time is 2 a.m., but there are some places which dare to stay open until 6 or 7 a.m. just because they have a full house. This is wrong.

"They have to realize that their existence can also make a great contribution to this society.

Based on data from the city's public order office, 250 entertainment spots have been closed down and reopened this year.

Although cafes or restaurants have never ranked in the city's Adikarya Wisata Awards, Fauzi expressed his hope that entertainment venues would eventually be able to make the grade.

Hari Santoso, head of the judging panel, said that Adikarya Wisata was considered the most prestigious trophy in Indonesian tourism.

"So, the winner of this award has proven itself to be the best in each of its categories," he said.

Among this year's winners were Ancol Dreamland, Pondok Indah Mall, Ciputra Mall, Regent Hotel, Hotel Arcadia, Hotel Ciputra, Hotel Princen Park, Manari Restaurant and Citra Taxi.

The winners of the certificate I and certificate II categories included Bidadari Island, Matahari Island, Bouraq Airlines, Singapore Airlines, Museum Satria Mandala, British Airways, Hotel Millenium Sirih, Hotel Ibis, Hotel Sahid Jaya and Angus Restaurant. (edt)