Unrest rumors fail to trigger foreign flight

JAKARTA (JP): Travel industry insiders said on Thursday there had been no exodus to foreign destinations despite widespread rumors of unrest before the Special Session of the People's Consultative Assembly (MPR) opening on Nov. 10.

The number of outbound travelers displayed no unusual characteristics in recent days, they said.

"There is no significant increase in the number of outbound travelers this week," said the director of Iwata Tour and Travel Agency, Meity Robot, who is also the head of the Jakarta chapter of the Association of Indonesian Tour and Travel Agencies (Asita).

Satriavi Tours and Travel's marketing manager Netty Djohan also told The Jakarta Post there had been no developments in the past few days.

"I don't think there will be a massive exodus during MPR's Special Session. Today is already Thursday, but there is still no sharp increase."

The MPR, whose members were appointed during the Soeharto era, will convene in a four-day session to prepare legislation for a general election expected in May next year. But students and leaders of most political parties established following Soeharto's resignation have expressed opposition to the session, claiming it will merely rubber-stamp the agenda of the ruling Golkar political grouping.

They have threatened to organize massive rallies to protest the session.

The government has mobilized hundreds of thousands of army troops, police and volunteers for the event.

Observers have warned that opposition and progovernment forces could clash and ignite bloody riots similar to those which rocked the capital and other major cities in May.

Many Jakarta residents scrambled to flee to foreign cities or domestic safe havens like Bali during the riots.

Ramantha Tours and Travel reported a slight increase in the sales of international tickets.

"Usually we sell about 10 tickets per day, but since Tuesday it has increased to between 15 and 18 tickets per day," international ticketing agent Maria said, terming the increase as within the normal range.

Singapore Airlines administration and public relations manager Susie Charma also confirmed that passenger reservations remained normal.

"There is no rush to buy tickets. Our planes' seats are still available through Monday's flights," Susie said, referring to the last date with available data. (gis)