PPD double-deckers

PPD double-deckers hit the streets soon

PT Senawangi Wisa Marta Utama, a subsidiary of the widely diversified Humpuss Group, will try out 15 renovated double- decker buses on May 25.

The buses will serve the Blok M-Pulogadung route.

"We are going to try them out as soon as the City Land Transportation and Traffic Control Office (DLLAJR-DKI) issues us their route license (ijin trayek)," Didit Pocowinoto, a director of the company, said yesterday.

Didit said his company is working in cooperation with the state-owned bus company, PPD, to renovate a total of 70 double- deckers with the Leyland brand name. All of the 70 buses were completely inoperable prior to the renovation.

In the first phase, 35 of them were repaired at the company's repair and maintenance shop in Batam island, Didit said

Up to now only 27 of them which have been completely renovated.

Didit said that the renovation was a significant landmark in the history of the Indonesian transportation business because this is the first time severely damaged buses were completely renovated for re-operation en-masse.

Didit said he believed the plan will succeed, adding that the buses' bodies could be used for posting advertisements.

"At present we've already have a cigarette company which will put their ads on the buses," Didit said. However, he refused to mention the name of the company and how much the contract is worth.

Didit added that his company had entered into cooperation with the DMC radio company to air its radio programs on the double- deckers. They said they were doing this so they would be able to expel street singers operating in city's public transit vehicles.

According to Didit, the double-deckers will be operated as Patas buses (express buses serving limited routes) and the fare is the same as that of other Patas buses, that is, Rp 550 per person per trip. (arf)

Indian folk dance to perform at TIM

A 16-member Indian Bhangra and Giddha dance troupe will perform for one night in Jakarta, an official from the Indian Embassy said yesterday.

The recital will be held on May 24 at the Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center on Jl. Cikini Raya, Central Jakarta.

Bhangra is the most popular and virile community dance in Punjab, a province in the northern of Indian sub-continent, and is closely linked with the ritual importance connected with wheat growing and harvest. Giddha is a popular dance of the women folk of Punjab.

The troupe will also give a special performance in Purwakarta, West Java, on May 25 before departing for India the next day.

This renowned cultural troupe has performed in many countries throughout the world, including China. (has)