Spincity offers sport and relaxation
A. Junaidi, The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
The newly opened Spincity recreation center, at e.x. (Entertainment Xnter) next to Plaza Indonesia, Jl. Thamrin, Central Jakarta, is a pleasant gathering spot for people who want to enjoy quality time with family or have fun with friends.
Upon entering Spincity, which is located on the ground floor, visitors are lulled by easy-listening instrumental music and cartoons flickering on two large video monitors set a tone of amusement.
"We intentionally avoid loud music, such as live music, to create a family nuance. Other centers are probably too crowded and noisy," Spincity assistant general manager A. Wenas said.
Wenas, who is also an executive of the Indonesian Bowling Association (PBI), said Spincity, which opened three months ago, was created by a Singaporean designer to resemble a popular bowling center in the city-state.
Wenas said Spincity's target market includes the 2,000 PBI members in the capital, as well as anyone who likes bowling.
The 3,500 square meter venue features a bowling alley, pool hall, Alison Cafe, The King of Thai Noodle restaurant and the Red Tomato pizza outlet.
Spincity's visitors can bowl in its 22 lanes, which uses the latest technology, or relax in one of the eateries to watch family and friends bowl at Rp 15,000 for students or Rp 29,000 per game.
"Many companies have set up employees bowling leagues and they play here. We give them lower rates. They also organize meetings here, since we can arrange their meals from our cafe and restaurants," he said.
There are several bowling centers across the city, including Plaza Senayan and Pasaraya Grande in South Jakarta, and at Kelapa Gading, Pluit and Ancol in North Jakarta.
Bowling was very popular in the 1970s, but interest in the sport waned until about three years ago, when local celebrities were often spotted in bowling alleys.
Alison Cafe offers various hot and cold drinks, such as coffee, cappuccino and juices, and a snack menu, including French fries, chicken wings, sandwiches, ice cream and various home- baked breads, including donuts and banana cheese bread.
Those who want a fuller meal for lunch or dinner can try The King of Thai Noodle with its special dish, pineapple Thai fried rice, with shredded chicken meat, pineapple and cashews.
Various kinds of pizza, such as Italian and New York-style pizza, are served up piping hot at Red Tomato next to the King of Thai.
"Visitors can even order Thai food or a pizza while sitting in Alison Cafe, if the seats are full in the restaurants," Spincity executive marketing officer Amanda Gratiana Sukasah said.
Those who do not like bowling can play pool next door at Q- billiards, which is quiet and calm compared with other pool halls in the city -- no fights or hassle.
"People feel safe playing here. We cooperate with the security authorities," Amanda said.
Rudi, a university student who had come with a group of five friends, said Spincity was different from popular billiard halls and cafes in South Jakarta, which were always crowded and noisy.
"We really like to play pool here and enjoy a relaxing time out with friends," said Rudi.