Jakarta to Welcome 2011 With 162 Events — and Still Counting

Jakarta, Indonesia - Jakarta looks all set to see out the year in style, with at least 162 New Year’s Eve events at 126 venues registered with the authorities, officials said on Tuesday.

That is less than the 186 events at 145 venues last year, but Arie Budhiman, head of the Jakarta Tourism Office, said more events would likely be registered with his office in the final days of the year.

“The events will be held in venues such as hotels, cafes, bars, clubs, discotheques, restaurants and outdoor venues,” he said.

He added that entrance fees to registered events were strictly regulated under the 2010 gubernatorial decree on year-end parties.

Tickets to parties at four- and five-star hotels, convention centers and concert halls are capped at Rp 10 million ($1,100), while the top rate for three-star hotels and nightclubs is Rp 5 million.

Other hotels, restaurants and cafes are not allowed to charge customers more than Rp 2 million for entry to their bashes, while movie theaters hosting New Year’s Eve parties cannot charge more than Rp 600,000.

He also said that under the decree, New Year’s Eve parties at these venues would only be allowed from 7 p.m. to 4 a.m.

He added that in the past three years, there had been a steady increase in the number of registered New Year’s Eve events.

“This shows that the tourism industry is thriving in Jakarta, and New Year’s Eve celebrations help liven up the city,” he said.

Adrian Maelite, chairman of the Association of Indonesian Entertainment Businesses (Aspehindo), said most of the venues targeted to make 30 percent more on Dec. 31 than during any other day of the year.

But he said they should not overcharge customers in order to maximize their earnings.

“It’s a free market, but if entry to a venue is too expensive, fewer people will come,” he said.

Adrian also urged city officials to ensure security at all New Year’s Eve celebrations.

“Security officials must map out the areas where extra security is needed, and guarantee the safety of all residents,” he said.

Arie said security would be the responsibility of the Jakarta Police and public order, tourism office and administration officials.

Police have already gone on heightened alert, kicking off their Operation Candle 2010 shortly before Christmas.

Around 7,200 officers have been deployed in the operation.

One of the venues that traditionally draws the most visitors on New Year’s Eve is the Ancol theme park in North Jakarta, which always puts on a fireworks display at the stroke of midnight.

Sofia Cakti, head of corporate planning at Pembangunan Jaya Ancol, the park’s operator, said the company had prepared a range of attractions running from Christmas up until New Year’s Eve.

The Dec. 31 shows include art performances and music concerts, with the New Year countdown to be officiated by Jakarta Governor Fauzi Bowo, Sofia said.

Those looking to ring in the New Year in an unusual way can watch a puppet show in Taman Ismail Marzuki in the Cikini area of Central Jakarta.

Source: http://www.thejakartaglobe.com

Photo Source: http://alexemdi.wordpress.com

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