| The KHO crew spent
New Year at Melody’s Purnama Restaurant. The restaurant was well patronized
for the occasion. The KHO table consisted of Gaynor (a friend of
Michael Roof) her girl friend Ingrid from Germany, Amang (from Lombok),
Jamal’s brothers, Deni and Dadan and Jamal’s nephew Rumdani and John.
Jamal was not present as he was still in Bandung (see below). |
“Lucky draw” was presented
at 10.30pm with 2 extra competitions and lots of prizes. Melody was
in good form and enjoying herself immensely. John MC’d the
count down to midnight drowned out by dozens of trumpets Melody had supplied.
The band surprised us all by playing “Auld Lang Syne”. The Purnama band
now certainly have their act together. Jamal spent New Years in Bandung
at the WESTERN COUNTRY FOOD CAFE with the owners our friends Franz and
Rai.
The new census was released
today quoting Indonesia's population now at 200.45 million with half of
them in Java and 8.3 million in Jakarta alone. The average population density
of 106 per sq meter. Jakarta at a crazy 12,000 per sq meter and Java 900
per sq kilometer. Bali comes in with a population of 3.5 million at 700
per sq kilometer. It is estimated there are just over 2 million Balinese.
Amazing the political
clout they have for 1% of the population. The overall population increased
by 1.03% in the last 10 years so the
"Dua Anak Cukup" (2
kids enough) campaign started by Soeharto in the late 80's has been very
successful. The aim is to have zero population growth by the 2020 census. |
|
| Congratulations
to Yong Fu and Linda on the birth of a son, ”Jeffrey” (probably named after
my late dog.) |
 |
| He
was 3.5kg at birth. Both Linda and the baby are well. The baby arrived
sooner than expected, Yong Fu was in South Africa leading a tour when the
baby arrived. Yong Fu and Linda also have a daughter Amanda born earlier
last year. |
KHO
SHARES UP
KHO
shares hit a high on the Jakarta Composite index yesterday, after the news
was released that the KHO will be opening a discount bomb shop in Jakarta
and other main centres throughout Indonesia. The chain will be called
"JUST BOMBS"
 |
Apart
from selling the product "JUST BOMBS" |
will
offer expert advice and training. No fluoro- carbons or nuclear waste will
be used in the clean bombs. "JUST BOMBS" wishes to be a good corporate
citizen and fully aware of environmental issues. KHO closed at Rp1,200 |
RECORD
CROWDS
| flocked
to Bali for the Christmas and New Year holiday, most hotels reported full
occupancy over the period. All flights from Australia are reported full
until almost the end of January. A huge number of domestic
tourists celebrating the muslim holiday Idul Futri (Dec 27) helped swell
the numbers. |
 AUSSIE$
IMPROVES
|
The Recent gains in the
Australian dollar is a bonus for Aussies visiting Indonesia. The rate is
Rp5,250/AUD on the streets today. Remember if you are coming to Bali wait
to change your money in the streets at a better rate than you will get
at the bank or in Australia. Make sure you find a reputable money changer,
many of them are ex-magicians. |
