Paramedics trained ahead of exodus

SEMARANG: Central Java's health office is providing courses in emergency treatment to paramedics, physicians and nurses.

The course will provide training in how to handle any cases that might emerge as a result of the heavy traffic caused by the annual exodus ahead of Idul Fitri this November. Those taking the courses will be assigned to health centers near the province's main roads.

Speaking to journalists earlier this week in Semarang, the head of Central Java's health office, Krishnadjaja, said this effort was part of the provincial government's Safe Community Program that was launched in 2001.

"The Safe Community Program is a pilot project that has been implemented in three provinces: Central Java, East Java and North Sumatra," Krishnadjaja said.

Krishna said Central Java was asked to take part in the pilot project because of its strategic location near the populated provinces of West Java, East Java and Yogyakarta.

Also, he said, Central Java has sufficient health facilities, including numerous state and private hospitals.

"We do hope the courses will be of great help during the Idul Fitri exodus," Krishnadjaja said. -- JP

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Mediterranean foods on offer at Novotel

Mediterranean foods in Yogyakarta

YOGYAKARTA: Food lovers, take note! Mediterranean food can now be found in Yogyakarta

If you want to try the exotic food, go to the Kayu Api restaurant at Yogyakarta's Novotel Hotel on Jl. Sudirman.

"Starting this month the food will be available at the restaurant from 6 p.m. to 10:30 p.m.," Yogyakarta Novotel's public relations officer Dyah Retno Wikan said, adding that Kayu Api was the first restaurant in the city offering authentic Mediterranean food.

The Mediterranean campaign also is aimed at changing Kayu Api's image as a specialty restaurant offering only Italian food.

For an appetizer, you can choose the Greek village salad or the adas bis silq (lentil and Swiss chard soup). The main courses offer a range of choices ranging from the Egyptian eggplant casserole moussaka to Moroccan lamb chops.

For dessert, try the muhallabia (creamy almond rice pudding) or baklava.

"We are also offering paella (a Spanish rice dish) on Wednesdays and couscous (an Algerian dish of semolina and accompanying food) on Thursdays to promote and introduce the new menu," Dyah Retno Wikan said. -- JP