Most discotheques, cafes ignore rules

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)