TV, magazines share awards

JAKARTA: Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardika presented the "Pesona Wisata Indonesia 2003" tourism awards to press writers and TV producers for the best articles and programs during 2003.

Nico Haryono, with his article "Buton Island is not identical to asphalt" published in Tamasya magazine, and Anna M. Anis, with her article "Lombok, the hidden beauty," published in Femina magazine, scooped the prizes in the print media category.

The awards for best TV reports went to Star Asia Travel with its piece titled "Bali Island" and Metro TV with a report titled "Kampung Cinangneng tourism."

The minister also presented a special award to Diah Rahayuningsih S. for her article published in Suara Pembaruan, titled "Way Kambas not just about elephants".

Udin Syaifudin, the chairman of the jury, said the piece on Buton was chosen because it was interesting and informative. Another consideration was the fact that it effectively promoted the relatively unknown tin-producing island off in Southeast Sulawesi.

Star TV's report on Bali won the TV category for the choice of angle in its report on the popular resort island.

The article on Way Kambas National Park received a special award as it helped the government's efforts in conserve nature and developing ecotourism. -- JP