THE FOLLOWING PAGES REVEAL ALL THE HAPPENINGS IN THE CAPITAL. CHECK OUT OUR REVIEW ON MOOD OF THE MOMENT CONCERT; WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN ART COMBINES WITH TECHNOLOGY AT THE ERASMUS HUIS; AS WELL AS UPDATED NEWS FROM SEVERAL REPUTABLE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOLS IN THE CAPITAL.

Applauding Jakarta’s West Side Story

Unlike Tony and Maria’s fateful finale in the West Side Story, everybody lived happily ever after, cheerfully marching into group dancing and portraying a typical Hollywood ending in Jakarta Love Riot, the latest musical comedy production of EKI Dance Company, Jakarta. The show is what you call pure satisfying indulgence with a heavy dose of humour and entertaining performances. Trying to fill in the wide empty space where the arts hardly penetrate the everyday life of most Jakartans, Jakarta Love Riot speaks volumes and its unpretentious triumph will long echoes in the hearts of its audience, who eagerly filled up Gedung Kesenian Jakarta, during the three-day showing from 2nd to 4^th July 2010.

Chosen as the grand finale of the Jakarta Anniversary Festival, Jakarta Love Riot charmingly portrays the modern love story of two teenagers, who come from different ends of the social scale, with Nala being the modern city girl from the upscale, crème de la crème society and Toto, a handsome polite lad who happens to be the sole heir of a famous warung Soto Manggarai. Predictable yet still delightfully original, the story dives into the complicated cliché situations involving Nala, her dominatrix yet witty mom, Ibu Hudy Hadiprana, and her mall-crawler, Blackberry-addicted entourage, the Rempong Gang, along with Toto, Ibu Kartika, his soft-spoken, well-mannered Javanese mother, as well as his loud, wisecracking posse, the Soto Gang. Through a number of skilful Broadway-esque dance numbers accompanied by several catchy original tunes, the story unfolded nicely without any major hiccups along the way, although longer hours of practice would do major wonders for their dance moves and vocal quality. Thankfully, Jakarta Love Riot will soon return to the stage later this November to showcase a more rock-solid performance. So, make sure you don’t miss one of the very few keystones of a promising era of Jakarta’s own marvellous musicals.

Enjoying Robert Schmidt’s Serenity

It was an exceptionally joyous opening ceremony at Rudolf Schmidt’s painting exhibition at the Four Seasons Hotel, Jakarta, on 28^th June 2010. Didier Hamel, one of the prominent art figures in the capital, officially launched Schmidt’s book, The Art of Serenity, with the artist himself also celebrating his 80th birthday. Family and friends gathered around a unique colourful macaroon-stacked cake singing Happy Birthday while guest of honour Tatty A. Bakrie, who is also an avid collector of Schmidt’s work, gave the opening speech.

The exhibition, which was held from 17^th June to 16^th July 2010 and also named The Art of Serenity, showcased several of the German-born artist’s paintings that illustrate his “Synthetism” style of highlighting flat surfaces, simplified forms and intense colours. Amid the fast speed of modern existence and an innovation driven society, Schmidt has successfully developed a new order out of the phenomenal world that surrounds him with absolute calm that firmly rests within itself: representation instead of reproduction. In 1985, Schmidt married an Indonesian woman and regularly visits Indonesia to paint and hold exhibitions in galleries, including Duta Fine Arts.

An Alice in Technoland Encounter

When it comes to the contemporary arts, Dutch designers have always managed to astound us with their amusing technological innovations, creating an emotional interaction that tickles our senses. As the strongest supporter of these groundbreaking inventions in Indonesia, Erasmus Huis Jakarta recently invited one of the most ingenious contemporary Dutch artists on his era, Daan Roosegarde, to showcase his unique Dune creation from 9^th to 29^th July 2010 in an exhibition called Exposition Dune 4.1. And what an astonishing display of art it was.

Daan, who prefers to be known as a techno-artist, created Dune as an interactive landscape that reacts to people’s behaviour. He gives life-like qualities to this hybrid creation of nature and technology consisting of large amounts of fibres, which light up when hearing sounds and motion of people passing by. Dune cleverly produces a futuristic relationship with nature in an urban landscape. Walking through Dune has left many people feeling like Alice in Technoland. Before landing in Jakarta, this critically acclaimed installation art has been showcased in other cities, including in New York, Milan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

Mood Of The Moment

More than 30 traditional Chinese musicians from Singapore and outstanding Indonesian musicians from the Jakarta Philharmonic Orchestra presented a brilliant collaboration in Mood of the Moment, a superb concert of Traditional Chinese and Western Music, held at Aula Simfonia Jakarta, in June 2010. At this concert, Erhu –the ancient Chinese instrument whose sound resembles a human voice --- was being played together with the piano, then the Chinese bamboo flute Dizi was paired with the sensual sound of the saxophone, and the many distinct sounds of the High and Small Ruan were combined with the cello. These were several of the surprise performances held during the concert.

Mood of the Moment was initiated by The Chamber of The Jakarta Philharmonic Orchestra, Bina Musika, The International Corporate Events Organiser (ICO) Singapore and The Singapore Ruan Chamber Ensemble. It was also held to symbolize the melodious interaction between people from various ethnic backgrounds as it mixed instruments and musical traditions from many cultures in full harmony.

Gempita Gianyar 3 Brightens Up Charming Ubud

The ever-growing popularity of Ubud --- partly thanks to the bestselling Eat, Pray & Love novel and the “Best City in Asia” recognition given by the swanky Conde Nast Traveller --- has influenced Gempita Gianyar 3 to stage a series of mega events in its two-day weekend fete held in one of its sub-districts, Ubud. On Saturday, 2^nd July 2010, the festival quickly hit it off with a colossal dance and music concert named Tri Hita Karana, which means ‘three ways to eternal prosperity’ encompassing the concept of a harmonious balance between man and God, man and his fellow beings as well as man and nature. Held at the Lapangan Astina Ubud, two most prominent Balinese dancers, I Ketut Rina and I Nyoman Sura, showcased their skills whilst celebrated Balinese singer Ayu Laksmi took the stage together with rising Indonesian teen star Gita Gutawa with a memorable number about a mother-daughter relationship in Cening Putri Ayu. The talented Jay Subiyakto as art director and musician Dewa Budjana as music director meticulously crafted the whole epic performance involving more than 250 dancers and musicians.

The main street of Ubud turned into a colourful 400-metre parade runway the following day on Sunday, 3^rd July 2010. Around 1,200 participants joined the spectacular Ubud Street Bash, which began with a parade of seven giant Ogoh-Ogoh puppets presented by all seven sub-districts of Gianyar Regency. The street celebration was followed by a sea of 50 beautiful models wrapped in fabulous Balinese Tenun attire of various cuts and designs. Twenty-two well-known Indonesian fashion designers collaborated for the utterly unique fashion show with one mission in mind: showcasing the exquisite Balinese Tenun as a timeless fashion staple. The Ubud Street Bash also showcased a Jegeg and Bagus Gianyar parade where hundreds of Gianyar’s school kids dressed up in traditional Balinese attire.

As the night fell, the Gempita Gianyar 3 Festival slowly drew to a close with a sophisticated Peliatan Royal Heritage Dinner Ceremony at Puri Agung Peliatan. Dinner was served to distinguished guests in a complete Royal Balinese procession, including a rare performance of classical Balinese dances, Kebyar Duduk and Olek, officially closing the dazzling art and culture festival, which is already on its third year.

Mandala Flies to Singapore, Hong Kong, and Macau…

After receiving IOSA certification from IATA, Mandala announced its plans to commence international flights. The airline is serving three countries: Singapore, Macau and Hong Kong from two Indonesian cities: Jakarta and Balikpapan. President Director Mandala Airlines, Mr. Diono Nurjadin states that Mandala has planned to serve its regional routes since 2009. “Now, after Mandala is recognized as an international safety benchmark in Indonesia, we are ready,” he notes.

Mandala Airlines launched its new direct flight regional route from Jakarta to Hongkong starting 19^th July 2010. The airline serves the route with 144-seat Airbus A319. The new route is taking off from Jakarta International Airport, Soekarno-Hatta every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. In 21^st July 2010, Mandala also launched new route from Jakarta to Macau. The route operates every Wednesday, Friday and Sunday from Jakarta.

Mandala started to operate its flight Jakarta-Singapore-Jakarta and Balikpapan-Singapore-Balikpapan in 25^th June 2010. The load factor of first flight Jakarta-Singapore-Jakarta reached 92% while flight Balikpapan-Singapore-Balikpapan was 90%. For the four regional routes, Mandala provides up to 24,480 monthly seat capacity. Please visit www.mandalaair.com  to find the latest great deals in both Mandala’s international and domestic routes.

A Faithful Friend Who Always Puts a Smile on our Face!

Owning a lively, spirited, healthy and attractive pet will have a positive impact on your life in so many ways. Most people think that owning a pet such as a dog or a cat will be troublesome, especially when it comes to taking care of their health and some may even think why should I have a pet at home? In principle, caring for a pet is not that difficult because you can constantly teach them how to behave and in time, they will do what you have taught them and obey your commands.

To ensure your pets grow to become a healthy animal, there are a few things that should be done on a routine basis to prevent general diseases and to care for your pet. This includes the following:

1.   Worm infection can be prevented by giving your pet a worm tablet (special worm tablets for animals) once every three months.
2.   Viral disease can be prevented by routine vaccinations.
3.   Diseases caused by lack of nutrients can be treated by giving food supplements to your pets, as in the right type of food and vitamins.
4.   Skin disease can be prevented by consulting your veterinarian.

Caring for a pet at home can also improve our own health, both physically and mentally. We become more caring toward all living creatures; we become more responsible and experience less stress.

To help understand more about routine pet care and your pet’s growth and development, stop by PET+VET at Jl. KH Mas Mansyur No. 8A, Central Jakarta for consultation with qualified veterinarians and staff who will treat your pets with love.

Celebrating Indigenous Australia 2010

he Australian Embassy presented a two-week celebration of Australian Indigenous culture from 5^th to 18^th July 2010. The event was highlighted by the opening of a photographic exhibition by one of Australia’s most prominent Aboriginal photographic artists, Wayne Quilliam, at Galeri Foto Jurnalistik Antara.

Every year, Australia celebrates the National Aboriginal and Islander’s Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week as a way to promote greater understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. This event is also a venue through which to celebrate the culture of the Australian aboriginals. These “Unsung Heroes” are honoured and have become the theme of this year’s celebration.

At this event, the Australian Embassy was also proud to share the connection between Australia’s indigenous people and Indonesians, which can be traced back to the sixteenth century, when Makassar traders and fishermen first visited Northern Australia. The celebration consisted of several events including screenings of a short animated film series The Dreaming Stories, a cooking demonstration, traditional storytelling and an art workshop at Miniapolis, Plaza Indonesia, from 5th to 11^th July 2010; as well as traditional Australian indigenous games from 7^th to 8^th July 2010.

INTERGLOBAL: YOUR CHOICE FOR EXPAT HEALTH INSURANCE

It’s easy to take good health for granted and most of us only think about medical care when we’re feeling unwell – or if we’re unlucky enough to have been injured in an accident. For an expat living in Indonesia, access to good quality healthcare in the major cities is fortunately relatively straightforward as there is a wide range of excellent hospitals and private clinics available – at a price. If you’re living further afield or need access to an international hospital for a serious condition or more complicated surgery, evacuation to Singapore or Australia is often a good option -- but this too can be expensive.

For most expats, the answer to receiving the highest quality healthcare when and where it is needed is to invest in international private medical insurance (PMI) from a reputable, well established and financially robust provider. This provides access to the financial resources and support services needed to make sure that you can concentrate on getting better in the best medical facilities – rather than worrying about paying the bills.

For the uninitiated all private medical insurance companies and their policies sound similar – but there are real differences between providers and choosing the right company can make all the difference in ensuring that you receive efficient service.

At InterGlobal we believe we have all the attributes to put our plans at the top of expats’ buying lists in Indonesia. To start with we only provide international PMI plans and provide no other form of insurance. This means that unlike some generalist insurers we can concentrate all our efforts into ensuring that our expat clients receive the best possible service – without being distracted by conflicting demands on our time.

We are also a fully-fledged insurance company, headquartered and regulated in the UK. This may sound like an odd claim, but the reality is that while a number of providers in the International PMI market are also insurers – there are others which are simply agents, underwriting on behalf of third parties. Our UK regulation also means that we are based in one of the best regulated jurisdictions in the world – with equally high expectation of management and financial solvency. In fact we have a financial strength rating of B++ (Good) from A.M. Best, the leading international insurance ratings agency.

Expats should also expect their international private medical insurer to have an in depth understanding of local healthcare and a long term commitment to their host country.  At InterGlobal we have been active in Indonesia since the company was founded in 1998, initially through Global HealthCare Limited, which formally merged with InterGlobal in 2003.

While many international PMI plans may appear similar at first glance, there are frequently differences in the level of cover and flexibility of cover available from different providers. At InterGlobal, we offer expats a wide range of plans and options across our range of four ‘UltraCare’ International PMI plans. These provide cover ranging from in-patient medical treatment only, right through to a full refund for most in-and out-patient medical treatment. Our International PMI plans also offer a number of benefits which are not available elsewhere.  For example, all UltraCare plans offer access to 24/7 security advice service provided in partnership with global security specialists red24.

But don’t just take our word on the quality of our services as we have been recognised for the quality of our plans and services by a number of independent organisations. We recently won the International Travel Insurance Journal (ITIJ), International Private Medical Insurer of the Year Award for 2010 at a ceremony held at the International Travel Insurance Conference Pacific in Vietnam on 17 June 2010. This was the eighth major award won by InterGlobal in the last six years and comes on top of the company’s success in winning the Best International PMI Provider at the Cover magazine Insurance Awards 2009. Other major awards won by InterGlobal include:

•     Winner  “Treating Customers Fairly” Cover Excellence Awards - 2008
•     Winner  “International PMI” Cover Excellence Awards - 2007
•     Winner “Best Individual International Health Insurance Provider” Portfolio International- 2006
•     Winner “Best Individual International Health Insurance Provider” Portfolio International - 2005
•     Winner  “Best International Private Health Group” International Investment Offshore Fund & Product Awards in association with Standard & Poor’s – 2005
•     Winner “Best International Health Insurance Provider”  Portfolio International – 2004

Being an expatriate in Indonesia offers a wide number of opportunities. By investing in a top quality International PMI plan from InterGlobal, expats can protect their lifestyle by ensuring that they can access high standards of routine and emergency medical treatment when and where it is needed. You can find out more about us and about our plans at www.interglobalpmi.com or by emailing us at info@interglobalpmi.com.sg

This article is intended to provide technical and generic guidance and should not be interpreted as a personal recommendation or advice. Where comparisons have been made to other provider’s plans, we have reviewed the benefits offered by alternative providers and hold copies of their documentation on record. For further information please contact: Kerry-Ann Turvey, Senior Marketing Executive, InterGlobal, Woolmead House East, The Woolmead, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 7TT, direct tel: +44(0) 1252 745 982, email: Kerry-Ann.Turvey@interglobalpmi.com.  The InterGlobal Insurance Company is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

Reviving Gus Dur’s Spirit of Harmony In Diversity

Since its celebrated initiation in 2004, The International Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, a yearly project of the Ubud-based Mudra Swari Saraswati Foundation, will once again take place from 6^th to 10^th October 2010, with Bhinneka Tunggal Ika (Harmony in Diversity) as this year’s theme.

The Indonesian national motto, “Harmony in Diversity”, which is also derived from an ancient Javanese poem, Sutasoma, serves as a strong reminder of the underlying purpose of The 2010 Ubud Writers & Readers Festival, that is bringing together diverse Indonesian and international voices for positive intercultural dialogue and exchange. Thus, the much-anticipated Tribute Night, which has been routinely scheduled right after the official opening ceremony at the Ubud Palace, will honour a remarkable Indonesian icon, Abdurrahman “Gus Dur” Wahid, who was the former president of the Republic of Indonesia, for this year’s tribute. Undoubtedly, selecting Gus Dur, often dubbed the Father of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika, is very appropriate, considering the Festival’s theme this year.

“We chose Gus Dur due to his lifelong commitment and dedication in protecting the nation’s multicultural heritage as well as for his firm action to protect the country’s minorities,” notes Wayan Juniartha, Indonesian Program Curator of The 2010 Ubud Writers & Readers Festival. Juniartha continues, “Gus Dur is the living embodiment of the dream envisioned by our founding fathers of a nation, which, despite its ethnic, cultural and religious diversity, could still act as one and  live side by side in peace and mutual respect. In short, we believe that Gus Dur is the perfect example of a statesman who never deviated from the spirit of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika.”

Several prominent guests have been invited to join the Tribute Night, which will be held at the outer yard of Dalem Temple, including the writer of Gus Dur’s biography, Abdurrahman Wahid, Muslim Democrat, Indonesian President: A View From The Inside, Dr. Greg Barton from Monash University. On this special occasion, Dr. Barton will speak about the legacy of Gus Dur, followed by a speech from a representative of Gus Dur’s family. A poetry reading by Sosiawan Leak as well as musical performances by the Al Izhar community will also enliven the evening. The Tribute Night will then end with a dance drama performance of Sutasoma, directed by Cok Sawitri.*

The concept of Bhinneka Tunggal Ika itself is to promote respect among all people, regardless of ethnic, regional, social or religious differences. The theme will hopefully lead to debates on religious dogma, political ideologies, and national allegiances that divide the world today.

Go to www.ubudwritersfestival.com for further information about The 2010 Ubud Writers & Readers Festival.

* Please be advised, that the line-up for the Tribute Night is still a work in progress, thus is subject to changes and additions.

One Stop Medical Service and Health Plan

Instead of paying for health insurance and later making claims against your insurance policy, why not cut out the middleman and pay your dues directly to Global Assistance Medical Centre. Global Assistance Medical Centre offers annual benefits for its customers by designing a health plan that is suitable for individuals, family members, as well as corporate clients. Being a member, a wide variety of privileged medical services are available for you --- saving your valuable time by ensuring quick access to unlimited GP consultations, free medication, laboratory and radiology services, medical check up and worldwide-medical-evacuation at no additional cost. A health review is provided, advising you on the tests you should take and specialist advice that you need.

Medical personnel at Global Assistance will also offer advice about the lifestyle changes you need to make to maintain optimum health. Feel free to use all of Global Assistance’s primary services, combining appointments to benefit from an integrated approach in a modern facility and friendly environment, all of which constitutes excellent primary healthcare. Global Assistance Medical Centre believes the most vital element in any medical service is the quality of its medical practitioners. For more information, e-mail marketing.clinic@global-assistance.net.

Please contact Global Assistance Medical Centre 24/7 for an appointment, to visit the facilities or for corporate agreements.

Global Assistance Medical Centre
Cilandak Commercial Estate Unit 111 GC
Jl. Raya Cilandak KKO (corner of Ampera and Simatupang), Jakarta 12560
Medical Centre: +62-21 299 78988
Alarm Centre: +62-21 299 78999

Promising Investment Opportunity

Bakrieland, an integrated property company, as the developer behind Rasuna Epicentrum superblock in Kuningan, South Jakarta, is offering a new lucrative investment with The Grove Suites. Built within the 60 hectare area of Rasuna Epicentrum superblock, The Grove Suites will stand as a five-star condotel (condominium hotel), with construction estimated to be finished by the end of the year.

In the Rasuna Epicentrum superblock, you will find The Grove Suites flanked by the four tall buildings of The Grove Condominium. Smaller than the surrounding buildings, The Grove Suites consists of 151 units with prices ranging from Rp 1.6 to 2.3 billion per unit and strata title ownership available for foreigners. The three types of units in The Grove Suites are practically divided into condominium with one bedroom (60.40 square metres), condominium with two bedrooms (74.48 square metres), and larger condominium with two bedrooms (80.89 square metres). Investors will have a 10 year contract with the condotel operator who runs the property. Then after 10 years, it will be up to the investor to continue the contract or to turn the property into a private residence. The Grove Suites also guarantees investors a total 30 percent Return on Investment (ROI) during the first three years of investment, namely 9 percent ROI in the first year, 10 percent the following year, and 11 percent in the third year. From the fourth year onwards, the ROI will be calculated based on The Grove Suites’ occupancy.

The Grove Suites shows the high confidence of Bakrieland, which had an impressive lowest occupancy of 85 percent for its Aston Rasuna Residence. “We have a good track record with the Aston Rasuna Residence. And now The Grove Suites is going to be a promising investment with 30 percent ROI in the first three years. It will bring higher profit than a fixed deposit account with only up to 6 percent interest per year,” explains Reynold Sihombing, Sales Manager of PT Bakrie Swasakti Utama.

If you are interested in investing with The Grove Suites, act fast, as 60 percent of the total units have already been sold. With The Grove Suites’ unparalleled blend of sanctuary and the capital’s vibrant lifestyle, and its proximity with MMC hospital, Epicentrum Walk Lifestyle Center, Office Suites and Bakrie Tower, the property is one of the most sought-after investments in one of the most popular areas of Jakarta.

Marketing Office Rasuna Epicentrum
Komplek Rasuna Epicentrum
Jl. H.R. Rasuna Said, South Jakarta
T: +62-21 5290 666
Open hours: Weekday 08:30am - 08:00pm
Weekend 08:30am - 06:00pm

Three Months of Celebrations of French Art and Culture

Le Printemps, the French Art and Culture Festival, organized by the CCF was held in Jakarta from 27^th April till 25^th July 2010. Here is a quick flashback of the key events.

On the first day, Futurotextiles – an exhibition of textile creations that combined science, technology and art -- as well as an extraordinary culinary installation created by Christian Didier and SMKN 57 Jakarta students, marked the opening of Le Printemps. Several days later, a photography exhibition Le Piéton de Paris (The Pedestrians of Paris) showcased 20 large format (150x180cm) photos in an outdoor display at Taman Ayodya and Taman Suropati, Central Jakarta. Then on 19^th May, dance lovers in Jakarta were delighted by the unique choreography of Emanuel Gat Dance group with music from Igor Stravinsky and Franz Schubert. Hat’ittude by Benoît Missolin, a whimsical fashion show and hat display, hit the capital from 21^st May to 4^th June. Next, a brilliant Hip Hop dance performance shook the city through a group called the Wanted Posse. Paris et le Cinéma, a poster exhibition, was next on the agenda, treating Jakartans to a different look at French creativity in the cinema industry. Appris Par Corps, a contemporary French circus, performed on 8^th June.

Meanwhile, a classical music concert, with conductor Michael Cousteau and the Nusantara Symphony Orchestra wowed Jakarta’s audience at Balai Sarbini on 10^th June. As the closing event, the Tour Culinaire de France food festival was held on 3^rd July to 25^th July at La Brasserie Restaurant of Le Meridien Hotel, Jakarta. Held at the same time as the world renowned Tour de France bicycle race, the menu changed according to where country the Tour de France racers were currently at, starting with the Netherlands, Belgium and then off to 11 other regions in France. When the racers were riding in Belgium, for instance, La Brasserie served sumptuous Belgian food to its guests.

Now in its sixth year in Jakarta, Le Printemps has successfully come up with extraordinary, eye-opening art and culture activities, which have left many Jakartans eagerly waiting for next year’s line-up. See you at Le Printemps 2011!

Mercantile Athletic Club Members Gathering

Mercantile Athletic Club held a Members Gathering on Friday, 25th June 2010, where long-time loyal members as well as new ones spent quality time together. Held at the Club Pool Side of Mercantile Athletic Club, the party’s atmosphere was pleasant and full of fun in keeping with its theme of a Summer Beach Party.

The more than 1000 active members of Mercantile Athletic Club are Indonesians and expatriates who hold senior positions in major companies in Indonesia, in the fields of banking, finance, oil and gas, property and telecommunications. Combining a sumptuous dinner party and friendly networking as well as live entertainment, a lucky draw and dance performance, the gathering successfully strengthened bonds among its honoured members.

Gaelic Games In Jakarta

Gaelic Football is a form of football mainly played in Ireland and is one of the most popular sports in its home country. Teams of 15 on a rectangular grass pitch play it with H-shaped goal posts at each end, where players score by kicking or striking the ball with the hand to the goal post. Team with the highest scores at the end of the match wins.

On 29^th May 2010, the Southeast Asian Gaelic Games was held at the Jakarta International School (JIS). Sponsored by Asian Tigers Lane Indonesia, the tournament involved participants from Jakarta, Singapore, Vietnam, and Malaysia competing both in men and women’s divisions. For further information about Gaelic Football in Jakarta and around Southeast Asia, please contact Mick O’Malley of the Dragonflies Gaelic Football Club at mick.omalley@yahoo.com.

A HOSPITALITY TO SURPASS YOUR EXPECTATION

KAGUM Hotels is a local company that has carved out a name for itself as the most prominent hospitality company in Bandung. With five distinctive hotels under its management, KAGUM Hotels has proven itself as a company that provides a seamless combination of professionalism and expertise resulting in satisfaction of its guests and customers.

Grand Serela Boutique Hotel is a three-star hotel located in the highly popular Jalan Riau conveniently situated near the famous Riau shopping district, making the hotel a superb choice for Bandung shopping lovers. Grand Seriti Boutique Hotel, the second hotel of the company, is a four-star hotel situated in the serene environment of Jalan Hegarmanah, making it a fine choice for a relaxing rest. The third hotel, Banana Inn Hotel and Spa, favours the fun atmosphere of a semi-resort establishment that offers a wide range of services and facilities to pamper guests --- perfect for a happy vacation with the whole family.

KAGUM Hotels’ fourth hotel, which is located on Asia Afrika Street, Golden Flower Hotel, is the largest one to date and particularly designed to host conferences, business meetings, weddings, and general events. Finally, the latest addition to the family is Carrcadin Business and Entertainment Hotel, a brand new four-star hotel on Jalan Kebon Jati set to open this year adding to the already impressive resume of KAGUM Hotels. Whatever your expectations for excellent hospitality are, KAGUM Hotels is ready to surpass them.

Another Blue Bird Cares Program

Hundreds of Blue Bird drivers’ children as well as boys from around the many Blue Bird depots in and around Jakarta area came to a special two-day circumcision event (Khitanan Bersama) held at the Blue Bird Group headquarters at Jalan Mampang Prapatan Raya 60, Jakarta Selatan, on the 3^rd and 4^th of July 2010. According to Muslim belief, every boy between the age of seven and 12 years old should be circumcised. The participants in Blue Bird’s Khitanan Bersama reached around 350 children, up by 25 percent compared with last year.

Ten doctors from the University of Indonesia and Cipto Mangunkusumo Hospital were on hand for the occasion. Every child was examined in a pre-operation test to check that he was in good health for the operation. Then, to make sure that each circumcision operation was successful, medical staff monitored every child until he had healed properly. The event is part of the “Blue Bird Cares” program and has been held annually for many years during the mid-year holiday. Jakarta’s Governor Fauzi Bowo was present to commemorate the opening where a Betawi orchestra, Tanjidor, paraded the participants around in traditional transportation.

AQUAREVOLUTION

ONe of Indonesia’s prominent watercolour artists, Agus Budiyanto, held his 15^th solo painting exhibition, Aquarevolution, at Galeri Nasional from 8^th to 18^th July 2010. Curated by Rizki A. Zaelani, the exhibition showcased Agus Budiyanto’s aquarelle as well as several installations that focus on environmental degradation.

Aquarevolution marks Agus Budiyanto’s 30 year journey as an artist. Highlighting the celebration, a 300-page book of the same title was launched at the opening event. The hardcover book showcases and describes in detail 250 chosen works of Agus Budiyanto spanning his three decade career. Four writers, including art historian Bruce W. Carpenter, humanist Jean Couteau, curators Rizki A. Zaelani and Eddy Soetriyono, are the contributing writers.

There is something magical about tropical fruits. From the appearance, texture...read more

Sichuan cuisine is one of the eight major cuisines in China and is known for...read more

In Late June, AFL Indonesia put on another great day of football...read more

The single act to understanding this city is ‘action’. Taking part, diving in...read more

Jakarta is a city as extravagant as it is quaint. The quirk goes hand in hand...read more

It’s August again and Indonesia is in need of a good dose of positive nationalism...read more

What happens when cutting edge Italian designers turn to one of nature’s most...read more

That’s the advice from one little lady who certainly has a big passion for...read more

The last time I was in Kupang, Timor, was in 1983, when there was gang warfare on every...read more

What if you were subject to the pollution of noise all your life, would you still be...read more

Mystical magical musical Sumo-meets-Semar Jowo Chub-a-thon at...read more

This is my last Last Word. Not because I’ve been fired but because shortly after...read more

During a trip to Jakarta, one will no doubt come across a roadside-selling...read more

Last month I wrote about my trip to Eisenach, the birthplace of Johann Sebastian...read more