The 2005 Asia Pacific Conference and Expo (APCONEX) on Banking Technology

INDONESIAN BANKS ASSOCIATION (PERBANAS) HOSTS FIRST ASIA PACIFIC CONFERENCE AND EXPO ON BANKING TECHNOLOGY. Firstly held in Indonesia by Perbanas, The 2005 Asia Pacific Conference and Expo (APCONEX) on Banking Technology successfully attracted approximately 1500 bankers as well as banking technology and communication providers from the Asia and Pacific regions. The 2005 APCONEX on Banking Technology was held in Jakarta Convention Center on 18 –20 May 2005, presenting three keynote speakers from the Indonesia finance and banking government sector, namely Minister of Finance of Republic of Indonesia H.E. Jusuf Anwar, Bank Indonesia (Indonesia Central Bank) Governor H.E. Burhanuddin Abdullah, and Bank Indonesia Senior Deputy Governor Miranda S. Goeltom. Themed “Accelerating Growth through Banking Technology, The 2005 APCONEX on Banking Technology presented a two and half days Plenary Sessions, Parallel Tracks on Revenue Enhancement, Corporate Level Solutions, Risk Management, Information Governance, Potpourri Issues on Banking Technology, Workshops, and Tutorial. To name some of prominent speakers representing the industry at the event, Perbanas Chairman Agus Martowardojo, Steering Committee Chairman of APCONEX on Banking Technology Jos Luhukay, Bank Indonesia Director of IT Dibyo Raharjo, Cisco System Asia Pacific Mark Fuller, IBM Asia Pacific Boxley Llewellyn, Sun Microsystems Asia South Jae H. Park, Computer Associates International Karl David Verhulst, Oracle Corporation Asia Pacific Christopher Lee Marshall, ABN AMRO Asia Pacific Gert-Jan van der Putten, Microsoft Indonesia Tony Chen, Telekomunikasi Indonesia (Telkom) Alex Sinaga, and many more.

The 2005 Asia Pacific Conference and Expo (APCONEX) on Banking Technology

FIRST ASIA PACIFIC BANKING TECHNOLOGY EXPO HELD IN JAKARTA. Some 65 booths at The 2005 Asia Pacific Conference and Expo (APCONEX) are occupied by Indonesian banks, and major providers of banking technology from Asia Pacific regions, including information technology, communications, publications, and academic institution. The exhibitors represented almost the whole players in the industry. To names some of the exhibitors, Cisco System, IBM, Sun Microsystems, Telkom Solution, Microsoft Indonesia, Multipolar, Computer Associates, Oracle, UBS, UniPro, Sigma Cipta Caraka, Aplikanusa Lintasarta, Indosat Mega Media, Bank Perkreditan Rakyat, Bank Niaga, Lippo Bank, Permata Bank, Bank Bukopin, and still many more.

Inter-Pacific Bar Association The 15th Annual Meeting and Conference

INDONESIA PRESIDENT WELCOMES LAWYERS FROM ALL OVER ASIA PASIFIC IN BALI. Some 650 lawyers together with the accompanying guests from more than 40 countries in the Asia and Pacific regions attended Inter-Pacific Bar Association (IPBA) The 15th Annual Meeting and Conference held on 3 – 7 May 2005 at Bali International Convention Centre (BICC), Bali. The five-day conference features plenary session, presentations from 17 committee programs, 3 joint sessions, 2 luncheon & speaker, corporate counsel forum, and 3 social functions. Themed “Getting It Right In The New Asia: The Role Of Law In Regional Economic Development, IPBA 2005 Bali Conference presented over 100 speakers from 18 countries and 19 speakers from Indonesia. At the Plenary Session, the panelists were Minister of Law and Human Rights Hamid Awaludin, US Ambassador for Indonesia H.E. B. Lynn Pascoe, The World Bank Indonesia Country Director Dr. Andrew Steer, CSIC Chairman Jusuf Wanandi, moderated by Wimar Witoelar. The event was concluded with a Farewell Dinner at Garuda Wisnu Kencana cultural park, and Golf Tournament. Hosted by IPBA Indonesian Host Committee chaired by Felix Oentoeng Soebagjo, IPBA 2005 Bali Conference also presented 16 booths at the exhibition concurrently running during the Conference.

Tsunami summit
As appeared on TTGmice, April/May 2005

No. of staff in organizing team: 12 including temporary staff
Event: Special ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting on Aftermath of Earthquake and Tsunami (known as the Tsunami Summit)
Date: January 6, 2005
Venue: Jakarta Convention Center
Host: Department of Foreign Affairs
Professional conference organizer: Pacto Convex
Event brief: An emergency summit held to help the region recover as quickly as possible from the devastating tragedy of the tsunami
Frequency: One-time event
Turnout: 1,500 participants from around the world
Estimated cost of event: Undisclosed

Four days, a New Year holiday top government leaders, international media – the result: an emergency summit that proceeded without a hitch. Pacto Convex fills Mimi Hudoyo in on the details.

For Pacto Convex, the Special ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting on Aftermath of Earthquake and Tsunami, which was also known as the Tsunami Summit, was a very special event. It was challenging in that the summit was a high-profile meeting of world leaders, with only four days of preparation and at a time when many Indonesian companies were closed for the New Year holidays.

Fifteen head of state and government, ministers from 12 countries, international observers from 38 countries, and representatives from nine international organizations, including UN secretary-general, Mr. Kofi Annan, and World Bank president, Mr James Wolfensohn, attended the summit. The event was also attended by hundreds of journalists from all over the world. In total, there were 1,500 participants.

Pacto Convex project manager, Ms Fifi Hasanah, said: “I would not have imagined we could prepared such a high profile events in four days, but we did and we did it smoothly.”

The first meeting with Department of Foreign Affairs took place on December 31, 2004, with a follow-up on January 2. VIP delegates arrived on January 5 and the summit took place on January 6.

“Jakarta Convention Center staff, the booth contractor (for the press, especially the TV stations) and other suppliers were all on holidays. Many were away from Jakarta, back in their hometowns. Everyone was summoned back immediately to work on this project,” Ms Hasanah said.

She said it was not only a call of duty that they hurried back, but they also felt that was the least they could do to help the tsunami-affected areas. The summit took up the entire Jakarta Convention Center (JCC) complex.

Fortunately, it was not the peak season. If it had been, it would have been difficult to organize the event on such short notice as JCC is busy all year round with retail exhibitions, weddings, concerts and school graduation ceremonies.

“They needed to use different rooms because of some restrictions, and we needed to set up four-metre high ‘walls’ of white cloth in some areas,” she said.

The summit itself was held in the Cendrawasih main conference room. Observers followed the summit via large multimedia screens in a room set up in Assembly Hal 1. Assembly Hall 2 was turned into a lunch room for delegates and the press could follow some of the summit programmes via a multimedia screen in Assembly Hall 3.

In the meantime, the exhibition halls were used by liaison and security officers.

As this was a government event, related government departments and security – such as the State Secretary Office, the police and Department of Communications – were on the committee, and Pacto liased with them in providing the logistics,” Ms Hasanah said.

Hotel Mulia Senayan was appointed the official hotel.

Most invited delegates stayed there, except for some who chose other hotels in town and made their own arrangement, as in the case of Brunei, who stayed at the Grand Hyatt.

“Hotel Mulia Senayan is not the closest hotel to JCC, but it has more than 1,000 rooms in various categories and it is newly refurbished. Distance-wise, it is only five minutes from JCC, so it was still convenient for the delegates, also for security and transport purposes,” Ms. Hasanah said.

Meanwhile, other delegates staying in other hotels had their embassies or Indonesian representatives arrange their own transport.

“Apart from the heads of state and international organizations on the original list of invitees – such as the affected countries, the ASEAN member countries, the UN and World Bank – there were other countries who asked to be invited, too.

“Approval came from the host committee for the head of delegation plus one other delegate member, and Pacto made the necessary arrangements such as booking their rooms at the official hotels, providing additional tables and seats in the conference room, and making sure members of their entourage – who arranged their own accommodation and transport – also got what they were entitled to, such as access to the assigned room in the JCC, their badges, etc.”

Ms. Hasanah said one good thing was Pacto had worked with Department of Foreign Affairs on other international events, so both Pacto and the host committee knew what each needed to do and how to co-ordinate.

“The other good thing was that because there was so little time, decisions were made quickly and there was no time to revise. So there were no delays and nothing pending. In other events, you will usually get revised decisions, resulting in a trickle-down effect which cause some delays,” Ms Hasanah said.

It was four nights almost without sleep for the organising team but the result was rewarding. “President Soesilo Bambang Yudhoyono and foreign minister, Hassan Wirayuda, gave us a positive feedback, saying it was like an event which had a long time to prepare for. All the tension and fatigue paid off,” Ms Hasanah said.

Rapat Koordinasi Terbatas Bidang Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata 2005

A CO-ORDINATED LIMITED CABINET MEETING FOCUSING ON INDONESIAN CULTURE AND TOURISM HELD IN TAMPAK SIRING PALACE, BALI. President of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono chaired a co-ordinated limited Cabinet meeting on culture and tourism (“Rapat Koordinasi Terbatas Bidang Kebudayaan dan Pariwisata 2005”) on 26 – 27 February 2005 at Tampak Siring Palace, Bali. The meeting was attended by 14 Cabinet ministers, including seven governors, tourism association leaders such as ASITA (Indonesian Tours and Travel Association), MPI (Indonesian Tourism Council), INCCA (Indonesian Congress and Convention Association), Bali Tourism Board, and a number of cultural experts as well as media members. Following the meeting, President and members of Cabinet meeting visited a number of cultural and historical sites in Bali, namely Ulun Danu Batur Temple in Kintamani, Archeology Museum in Gianyar, Arma Gallery in Ubud, and Garuda Wisnu Kencana in Jimbaran. Seen on the picture was H.E. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono accompanied by the Minister of Department of Culture and Tourism, Jero Wacik, entering the Ulun Danu Batur Temple in Kintamani to meet with residents at Kintamani in Bangli regency on Sunday 27 February.

Indonesian Capital Market and Expo 2005

APEI HOSTS INDONESIAN CAPITAL MARKET AND EXPO 2005. The Association of Indonesian Securities Companies (APEI) presented Indonesian Capital Market Seminar and Expo 2005 at Jakarta Convention Center, Jakarta from February 25 to 27. The Indonesian Capital Market Seminar and Expo 2005 was officially opened by President of the Republic of Indonesia H.E. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, who officially opened the event, Minister of Finance Jusuf Anwar, Coordinating Minister of Economic Affairs Aburizal Bakrie and Jakarta Governor Sutiyoso as well as 300 invited guests. The event also featured a One-day seminar entitled "Investment and Economic Outlook 2005" featuring Minister of National Planning & Development/Chairwoman Bappenas Dr. Sri Mulyani, Minister of State-Owned Enterprises Sugiharto, Merril Lynch International Inc. Chairman Kevan Watts and Chairman of Australian Securities and Investment Commission Jeffry Lucy AM, attended by some 300 participants. In conjunction with the seminar, a three-day Expo was held to highlight the latest advances in Indonesian capital market, participated 62 companies. Among others, Jakarta Stock Exchange, Surabaya Stock Exchange, Capital Market Supervisory Board (Bapepam), Indonesian Securities Clearing and Guarantor, Indonesian Central Security Depository (KSEI), Astra International, Mandiri Sekuritas, BNI Securities, Tri Megah Securities, Danareksa, and DBS Vickers Securities, and many more. The Expo successfully attracted some 50,000 visitors.

The 2005 APCONEX on Banking Technology

THE FIRST ASIA PACIFIC BANKING TECHNOLOGY EXPO AND CONFERENCE LAUNCHED IN JAKARTA. The Indonesian Banks Association (Perbanas) will hold The 2005 Asia Pacific Conference and Expo on Banking Technology (“The 2005 APCONEX on Banking Technology”) on May 18 - 20, 2005 at the Jakarta Convention Center (JCC). Themed “Accelerating Growth through Banking Technology”, this three-day expo and conference is designed as a meeting forum for banking and financial services leaders as well as major providers of banking technology from all over Asia Pacific regions, namely IT and communication technology. The launching and press conference of The 2005 APCONEX on Banking Technology was held at Hotel Borobudur, Jakarta on 3 February 2005, attended by Perbanas Chairman Agus D.W. Martowardojo (center), Steering Committee Chairman Jos Luhukay, Organizing Committee Chairman Richardus Eko Indrajit, and Event Organizer Pacto Convex represented by Mega Handojo.

Special ASEAN Leaders’ Meeting on Aftermath of Earthquake and Tsunami

SPECIAL ASEAN LEADERS’S MEETING ON THE AFTERMATH OF EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI TRAGEDY BEGINS IN JAKARTA. Hosted by the Indonesian President, H.E. Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, Heads of States/Governments, Special Envoys and Head of regional as well as international organizations gathered in Jakarta on 6 January 2005 for a Special Leaders’ Meeting on Aftermath of Earthquake and Tsunami, expressing solemnly profound sorrow and solidarity to overcome the unprecedented catastrophe befalling the Indian Ocean rim countries on 26 December 2004. Special Leaders’ Meeting on Aftermath of Earthquake and Tsunami was attended by 15 Head of Government (HOG)/Head of States (HOS), Ministers from 12 countries, international observers from 38 countries, and representatives from 9 international organizations, including the United Nations (UN) Secretary-General, H.E. Kofi Annan and President Director of World Bank, James D. Wolfensohn. The event was also attended by hundreds journalists from all over the world. The one-day summit has resulted “Declaration of Action to Strengthen Emergency Relief, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of the Aftermath of Earthquake and Tsunami Disaster of 26 December 2004”.

2nd Asian Congress of Pediatric Nutrition

JAKARTA HOSTS ASIAN CONGRESS OF PEDIATRIC NUTRITION. Some 450 pediatricians and pediatric nutritionists from all over Asia attended the 2nd Asian Congress of Pediatric Nutrition held in Jakarta on December 1 - 4 at Sahid Jaya Hotel. Themed “Understanding Challenges for Asian Pediatric Nutrition in Globalization Area”, the congress featured various international speakers, from Asia as well as Germany and Australia. Among the topics presented were “Body Defense, Learnt from Breast Milk”, “The Role of Nutrition in the Development of Cardiovascular Disease”, and much more. In conjunction with the congress, an exhibition took place and participated by 16 world-leading pharmaceuticals and food nutrition companies such as Combiphar, Nestle, Wyeth, Frisian Flag, Abbot, Sari Husada, Nutricia, Indofood, and many more. The 2nd Asian Congress of Pediatric Nutrition was hosted by Indonesian Society of Pediatric and Nutrition with close coordination with the Federation of Pediatric Nutrition Organization of Asia (FPN), and supported by Indonesian Medical Nutrition Society and Indonesian Nutritionist Association. Seen on the picture, expert staff of Ministry of Health Republic of Indonesia, Dini Latief (center) accompanied by Chairman of 2nd Asian Congress of Pediatric Nutrition, Dr. Sri Nasar (right) were readying for the Opening Ceremony.

Pacto Convex Achieves Jakarta’s Highest Tourism Award
“Adikarya Wisata 2004”
Press Release: Jakarta, 10 December 2004

Pacto Convex succeeds in achieving the highest award in tourism sector from the Jakarta Provincial Government, Adikarya Wisata 2004 as Best Professional Convention Organizer. The prestigious Adikarya Wisata 2004 award or what is now known as the “Enjoy Jakarta Tourism Award” was handed by the Governor of Jakarta Special Province, Sutiyoso, in the glamourous ceremony on 9 December 2004 at Gran Melia Hotel, Jakarta, attended by the delegates from Jakarta’s tourism industry. This year’s award ceremony for tourism promotion was the ninth that has been held since 1991.

Upon receiving the award, Susilowani Daud, the Managing Director of Pacto Convex, said, “We are pleased to have won the Adikarya Wisata 2004 award, an award for Excellent Business Operation and Contribution toward Jakarta’s Tourism Industry. Moreover, the award was given at a time when Indonesia and Jakarta’s tourism industry in particular have not yet recovered completely as a result of security issues.”

“Furthermore, the Adikarya Wisata judging system this year is also different from previous years,” Susilowani further continued. “A more comprehensive adjudication system was applied at Adikarya Wisata 2004. It also involved an independent consulting firm, The Jakarta Consulting Group, as well as credible members of jury, such as urban architect Marco Kusumawijaya, film maker Garin Nugroho, public relations professional Miranty Abidin, and political expert Martani Husaini, as well as former tourism minister Joop Ave,” Susilowani continued.

“As for Pacto Convex, this is the fourth Adikarya Wisata award we received from the Governor of Jakarta after receiving the same in 1995, 1996, and 1997. We hope this will encourage us more to increase our competitiveness, mostly towards the international competition, and to keep on supporting Jakarta’s government in promoting the city as destination of MICE (Meeting, Incentive, Convention and Exhibition),” she further explained.

“During 2004, Pacto Convex succeeded in organizing numerous national and international events. Some of the events held in Jakarta were, ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting (SOM), International Conference of Islamic Scholars (ICIS), the 37th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting (AMM)/Post Ministerial Conferences (PMCs)/11th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), Indonesia’s Tourism Convention 2004, and The 2nd Asian Congress of Pediatric Nutrition which just ended on last 4th of December”. And for the next year, we are organizing a number of events in Jakarta, such as Indonesia Capital Market Seminar & Expo 2005, Asia Pacific Conference on Banking Technology and Indonesian Acupuncture Expo,” closed Susilowani Daud.

With the purpose of building and developing tourism competitivess, the Adikarya Wisata has long been considered a prestigious award in the tourism industry in Jakarta since firstly held. The award is presented to tourism and its related services, which have shown significant achievements, dedication, and contribution to the development of tourism in the capital city.

This year’s award was fought by 800 tourism industries, which had already been selected out of the 5,661 tourism industries in Jakarta through a series of judgements with very specific criterias. There were 9 categories or fields being competed for in the Adikarya Wisata 2004: tourist attraction, transportation, media, education and research, entertainment, convention and impressariat, tour and travel bureau, restaurant, and accommodation.

The Adikarya Wisata is supported by an independent panel of jury. The team consists of experts, academicians, and professional practicians, who are dedicated, reputable and have integrity in their own fields. Convention and Impressariat board of jury consists of Pia Alisjahbana, a well-known Indonesia media figure, and Adi Harisantoso, Executive Director of Indonesian Hotel and Restaurant Association (IHRA) Jakarta chapter and Coordinator of IHRA for West Java, Banten and Jakarta regions.

Pacto Convex Ltd. is an Indonesian company founded in 1993 with core business of Professional Organizer of Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibitions (MICE). It was established under the flagship of Pacto Ltd. which is a Tourism Management Services and Destination Management Company established in 1967.

MICE Business: MICE Business is Still Breathing
As appeared on Travel Journal Indonesia, Vol I/11/November/2004

The industry is aware that MICE business is strongly related to stability and security. With negative exposure abroad, it is rather hard for them to perform. MICE especially in Jakarta need more international incentive and meeting planners to pick Jakarta as destination for their events.

Susilowani Daud, President Director of Pacto Convex Ltd, may well be a reflection of many in the Indonesian MICE industry. They are indeed pensive about the current atmosphere yet remain optimistic about that light at the end of the tunnel. She is confident that tourism industry can take cue from the last MICE event in 2004. It would prove that market confidence is still intact. All this time Indonesia’s MICE industry has proven to have the resilience not only to survive but also to rebound.

“Even though, in reality, this year Indonesia’s MICE industry has been hampered by unstable business and depressing competition against ‘mature’ and more advanced MICE destinations in the ASEAN region,” she explained.

To deal with the situation head on, on November 22-24 2004 Jakarta will be hosting the 5th Indonesia’s MICE event, Convexindo & Motivation Show 2004 at the Hotel Borobudur Jakarta. “This event is aimed at people who do business within the area of meetings, incentives, travels, conventions and exhibition,” Intan T. Senduk, Sales Manager of Jakarta Convention Bureau said recently in Yogyakarta.

“Our overseas market concentration is ASEAN and Asia as well as countries such as: Australia, Germany, France, Belgium and The Netherlands. Selected MICE media will be also invited to witness and experience first hand the latest development of the destination,” she added.

She explained that selected MICE products from Jakarta and other parts of Indonesia, with highly attractive and competitive offers customized to meet meeting planning requirement in the future, will be featured exclusively in this travel business event. In addition to the two-day business sessions, there will also be a number of educational and beneficial programs specifically designed for MICE industry professionals.

The event itself has received some support from major MICE associations such as: Indonesia Hotels and Restaurants Association (IHRA), Association of Indonesian Travel Agents, Jakarta International Hotels Association (JIHA), Indonesia Exhibition Companies Association (IECA), Indonesia Convention & Congress Association (INCCA) and Indonesia National Air Carrier (INACA).

Turning the Tide Around

Tourism Indonesia Mart and Expo (TIME) 2004 event in Yogyakarta recently is just what Indonesian MICE business need. Susilowani Daud understood that domestic security problem has taken its toll on the industry. She suggested Indonesia to undertake a strong campaign to counter the bad image. When asked about competition on MICE industry in ASEAN countries, in her view, she was optimistic about Indonesian MICE industry’s ability to catch up with neighboring countries such as Singapore.

She said that Indonesia have many good hotels, adequate convention centers and airports. However the country has not had an integrated MICE facility like Suntec, Singapore and other countries. That is crucial because MICE requires technology and other countries have venues well equipped with state-of-art technology. Accessibility is also a key factor. For example, Singapore has the traditional advantage of being a hub for international airlines thus provide big boost to its MICE industry.

On a more positive side, Susilowani Daud reminded us of the importanceof the Indonesia’s rich destinations. “We have more to offer during the post-tours,” she said. Indonesia has two solid MICE destinations, Jakarta and Bali, and both can be linked up in one package. Those holding meetings in Jakarta could have post-tour in Bali or vice versa. “And now that the image of Indonesia is improving and the presidential election turned out surprisingly successful, we are really confident that in 2005, MICE in Indonesia would take off.”

“Next is the government’s support. The new government must fully realize that Indonesian MICE industry is an indicator of the country’s economic development,” she added. (Edhie Rianto)

MICE Business: Wanted: A Visionary Partner
As appeared on Travel Journal Indonesia, Vol I/11/November/2004

The battle field is regional, Asia Pacific. The closest competitors in the industry are the better equipped Thailand and Singapore, cheaper and way more accessible respectively. Now what does Indonesian MICE industry have? Diverse, rich destinations and hopefully government support.

That is what players in the industry are looking for from the new government. Indonesian MICE needs to partner with a government that has vision, pro active attitude and sense of entrepreneurship to take on the competition in the international stage.

“The government has been very helpful with the paperwork. Franklyto this point we don’t have problems regarding permits whatsoever.” Susilowani Daud stated. But it is not enough she said. More can be achieved with help from the government.

I Ketut Salam PhD, Managing Director of Pacto Convex came up with interesting suggestions. “We do not have the energy to bring in events on major international issues to Indonesia. This is where Indonesia government can step in.” the government through its departments can lend its credibility Indonesian MICE by directly getting in the bidding for events on relevant topics.

“For example, the department of maritime affairs and fisheries could bid for events on maritime pertaining issues so those events can be held in Indonesia.” He explained. “A designated area like East Indonesia region can be established and developed to host events on maritime and fisheries issues. This in turn will show Indonesia’s commitment to international MICE community,” he said. Government involvement in actively bidding for international events would also create a bigger and farther reaching resonance.

Ketut added that the government’s journey to help Indonesian MICE industry has to start from a grand thinking that in turn shapes a solid long term plan.

“That’s how it works in the international MICE industry. You don’t go to ICCA and bid for next year events. You’d go for an opportunity to get events that will take place years from now,” said Ketut. Both he and Susilowani Daud suggested a more integrated effort to boost Indonesian MICE and promoting the country as a whole MICE destination.

The partnership should aim for along term benefit instead of a short term one. All parties involved should not expect to harvest the fruit immediately. This is not the time to be short sighted. Officials come and go but a government policy to assist the MICE industry must be based on a more permanent ground. (Edhie/RD)

Tourism Indonesia Mart & Expo (TIME) 2004

ROYAL TIME 2004 TICKS. As Indonesia’s prime travel show Royal TIME 2004, as called this year, was held in Yogyakarta on 26 – 29 September 2004 at Jogja Expo Center (JEC). Rotating from Jakarta after 10 years, Royal TIME 2004 accommodates the interests of those who sell Indonesia’s tourism product and international market. The event is a virtual marketplace what with most of Indonesia’s tourist attractions including all popular tourist destinations, top tourists facilities as well as new products on display. An International Tourism Workshop “Tourism Rebound: Mass Tourism with Individualized Experiences” on 26 September marked the opening of Royal TIME 2004, featuring Governor of Special Yogyakarta Region, Sri Sultan Hamengku Buwono X, Indonesian Minister of Culture & Tourism, H.E. I Gede Ardika, as well as international speakers from the tourism industry as seen on picture.

ROYAL TIME 2004 IN JOGJAKARTA LURES MORE SELLERS. Royal TIME 2004 has succeeded to draw about USD 13 Million transaction value, an increase by 30% from last year’s TIME. Total sellers participating were 147 delegates from 20 provinces, profiling hotel industry (64%), tour operators (24%), National Tourism Organizations (8%), airlines (2), and tourism attraction (2%). Whereas, total buyers attending was 102 delegates from 28 countries, with top five of Netherlands (17), Indonesia (10), China (8), Singapore (7) and US, Korea and Australia (5) respectively. Some 29 international publications were also represented at Royal TIME from 21 countries. Seen on picture, the seller’s booths at the Mart.

11th International Symposium on Shock and Critical Care

BALI HOSTS 11TH INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM ON SHOCK AND CRITICAL CARE. Staging at 11 years of its conduct in Indonesia, this year's 11th International Symposium on Shock and Critical Care is held on 13 - 15 August 2004 in Bali International Conventional Centre (BICC). Bearing the theme of "New Insight in Diagnoses, Management, and Therapy in Critical Care Medicine", some 800 participants as well as 26 exhibitors attended the event. The International Symposium on Shock and Critical Care community greatly missed the attendance of Dr. dr. Iqbal Mustafa SpAn(K), founder and chairman of International Symposium on Shock and Critical Care, who passed away on the 18th July 2004.

4th APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting

APEC TRANPORTATION MINISTERS MEET IN BALI. 4th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Transportation Ministerial Meeting convened on 27 –29 July 2004 at Bali International Convention Centre (BICC). Inaugurated by the President of Indonesia, H.E. Megawati Soekarnoputri, on 27 July 2004, some 23 Transportation Ministers from member economies attended the meeting in Bali, i.e. Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, the People’s Republic of China, Chinese-Taipei, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Russian Federation, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, and Vietnam. Hosted by Indonesian Minister of Transportation, 4th APEC Transportation Ministerial Meeting was attended by more than 400 delegates, including the leading Asia-Pacific transportation industrial players. Seen on picture, Indonesian Transportation Minister a.i., H.E. Soenarno, and the US Secretary of Transportation. H.E. Norman Y. Mineta witnessed the Signing Ceremony on the U.S. Trade and the Development Agency (USTDA) on 28 July 2004.