JAKARTA (indo.com): The expatriate community in Jakarta will be treated to a series of fun-filled programs in a two-day long International Expo. The first-ever "International Exhibition of Products, Services and Facilities for Expatriate Community and their Indonesian Friends" will be held at the ISCI International Sports Club of Indonesia on Jl. Ciputat Raya, Jakarta. With theme " Supporting Foreign Investment In Indonesia", the Expo will run from October 12 to 13, 2002.

Event organizer PT Sinar Expo Prima said that the expatriate community provide badly needed foreign investment to the country. "The Expo is an opportunity for them to relax, enjoy the programs and make new contacts with suppliers of products and services they may need during their stay in Indonesia," said chairperson Ester Ferguson.

Modeled on the "Country Fair" concept common in many countries, the two-day event will feature exhibitions of varied products, services and facilities as well as entertainment. To house the exhibitions, at least 18 tents measuring between 25 sqm and 50 sqm, and smaller tents measuring between 9 sqm and 12 sqm will be erected on the football field. Dozens of booths will be set up under the tents.

The venue of the event itself provides a lovely retreat from the bustling metropolis. The spacious sport club offers a natural ambiance with a well-maintained lake offering a peaceful atmosphere. Various sports facilities such as a fitness center, swimming pool, tennis courts, as well as restaurants, are available in the club. A Club House close to the lake will be used for the dinner party.

The first-day event will kick off on Saturday at 10 a.m. and finish at 6 p.m. The programs outside the exhibition will include a Gamelan Show and Face Painting for Kids. Kids and adults can have a good laugh in the 'Sack Races for Kids and Adults', followed by Egg and Spoon Races. The Singapore School will perform at 12.00 until 12.30 p.m. Shows for children including Cartoon Characters, Magic Show, Magic Balloon Show, Acrobats Show, and Monkey Show. The shows will be held between 1.00 p.m. and 3.00 p.m. Other programs include the live band "Carnaval" I also comprising the "Best Dancer" Contest, Disgusting Chocolate Ice Cream Eating Contest, and a Tug of War Contest.

On Saturday October 12, a fancy dress barbeque dinner will be held with the theme "Surfer Girls and Beach Boys" with live music and a special video theater performance from The Jakarta Comedy Club.

Founded in April of 2001, the Jakarta Comedy Club has invited 34 of the world's top stand up comedians to visit Jakarta and share their unique perspectives on life, the universe and everything. The club is operated by Yayasan Budaya Indah (The Cultural Beauty Foundation), an organization founded by Indonesian and foreign entrepreneurs with the stated aim of improving the quality of life for foreigners living in Indonesia while "at the same time exposing Indonesians the opportunity to laugh and socialize together. In this way they aim to promote understanding and harmony between Jakarta residents of all nationalities religions and cultures," Ester said.

Categories of exhibits on show will include Removal Companies; Banks; Hotels and Resorts; Travel Agents; Sports and Leisure Clubs; Financial Advisors; Courier Companies; Furniture Suppliers; Entertainment Venues; Security Consultants; Schools; Hospitals and Clinics.

Ester underlined the importance of the timing of the Expo, saying, "Many expatriate school years start in September and this is the time of year when many new expatriates arrive in the country, so the Expo is a place to make new friends."

Exhibitors will also be offering entertainment. These include Asian Tigers Lane Moving & Storage "Lane Train" ride for kids and "Tunnel of Love", Putt Putt golf course from Amigos / Papa Rons, Bouncy Castles from Hill and Associates, De Longhi Coffee Making Contest, Bank Commonwealth Bubble Balloon Party, Adidas / Lane Moving & Storage Crazy Penalty Goal Contest, Play Dough Live Band, Dragon City Restaurant Chinese Cooking Demonstration, Vino Vino Wine Restaurant & Lounge Wine Tasting Contest, Bugils Cafe "Top Secret" (probably crazy Mud Fighting), SOS International "Top Secret" (probably something medical), City Surf - Surf Fashion Show, Aroma German Bratwurst Sausage Display, Jakarta Comedy Club Video Theatre, Scuba diving lessons from AQUA Sport and Murex Dive Resort, Financial Partners International "Welly Wanging" challenge.

She said that funds from the Expo and exhibiting companies will be donated to local Charities such as Child's Eye and Yayasan Sinar Pelangi.

The Lane Moving Company and Adidas will jointly sponsor the Penalty Golf Contest; participants are required to pay Rp. 5,000 to take part. "The money collected from the participants will proceed to the Yayasan Wheelchair," Ester said.

Ester expressed the hope that the Expo "will create a positive image of Indonesia as a comfortable and friendly place for expatriate families to live and for foreign investors to conduct their business activities."

Entry tickets are available at the gate on the day of the Expo.