Makiko Iskandar
Pioneer of Japanese Market

As specified by statistics, Japanese dominated the tourists travelling to Bali. For them, Bali is one of world destinations having enchanting tourist attraction. Nevertheless, the attraction on hand will mean nothing, if there is not any earnest endeavour to introduce Bali in the ‘Sunrise Country’, Japan. One of those who introduced Bali at every turn is Makiko Iskandar.
Since the very beginning of tourism passage of Bali up to these days, this Managing Director of Rama Tours is known as momentous figure in the development of the Japanese market. Her heartfelt endeavour and dedication to develop the Japanese market is turning out well. Rama Tours is now becoming one of the established travel agents in Bali. "Japanese tourists have distinctive characteristics. They do not only demand the availability of Japanese-speaking tour guides, but also handling agents having comprehension of Japanese culture," Makiko said.
Observed, special matters that should be paid attention to by tour operators handling the Japanese market is that, in most cases, Japanese tourists have known Bali through reading books. As soon as they arrived in Bali, they will crosscheck the facts to what they have read. "They will criticize its tour operator if they were given to much free time for their own as they need attention and the offer of optional tour right from the beginning," she said while adding that tour operators in the Japanese market should actively contact their guest by phone. "Do not let the guest make a call first," uttered the woman that was born in Fukuoka on 1 May and married to an Indonesian citizen, Radon Iskandar (1969).
As a tourism practitioner, Makiko commenced her career on working for Fuyo Travel Service in Ginza, Japan. On completing her study at Aoyama Gakuin University at Department of English and American Studies (1965), she worked at Pacto in Jakarta (1972-1978). Her tasks were handling Japanese Division. Then, she moved to Bali and founded her own company, Rama Wira Perdana and now it’s better known as Rama Tours.
Other than her main activities, she is also active in several social organizations such as Women of Tourism Industry of Indonesia (WIPI, 1987-1990), ASITA (9 years), Chairwoman of Bali Rasa Sayang (since 1999), President of Rotary Club Bali Taman D3400 (2000-2001) and Chairwoman of Bali-Japan Club (2006) and many more.
On account of her earnest and ceaseless endeavour, Makiko Iskandar was finally awarded the Karyarkarana Pariwisata 2006 by the Government of Bali Province. It is the highest reward on the supreme dedication and meritorious service in the advancement of Japanese market for the tourism development of Bali. (BTN/*/tar)

I Made Dhama
Positive Mental Attitude

There are special tips and tricks that should be applied by an entrepreneur. Just as Drs. I Made Dhama, MBA, MM. This man, who was born in Denpasar on 27 November 1927, has particular tips and tricks combining all of his knowledge with experiences so that his business remains to exist and be successfull.
Currently, Dhama has and chairs four companies under the subsidiary of PT Dirgahayu Group. His company runs business in the field of money changing, car rentals, drive range and Dojo Aikido. Other than as entrepreneur, he also founded the Taman Pendidikan 45 Foundation, operating schools from elementary to senior high school.
During the independence war, Dhama was a warrior who was determined to release all citizens of Indonesia from the fetters of colonialism. He runs his business with the same positive mental attitude that he had as a warrior. "All the time, I establish positive mental attitude to all of my employees," he said while adding that his company has a motto "discipline is our breath, success is our spirit, win-win solution is our way of life and honour is everything".
"It is this mental attitude that we always establish and apply in the daily activities," said I Made Dhama when visited by Bali Travel News at his office, Thursday (24/8).
His career began after the independence war was ended. He worked at several places, ranging from being a teacher up to headmaster of senior high school, director of hotel academy, personnel manager at Bali Beach Hotel, management consultant for hospitality field majoring in marketing and human resources in Denpasar and many more.
In social organization, Dhama once occupied several momentous positions. He is noted as Deputy Head of Veteran Legion of the RI of Bali Chapter, Senator of the Indonesian Marketing Association (IMA) for Eastern Indonesian Region, President of Rotary Club of Bali for Denpasar city (2002-2004), Vice Chairman of Advisory Council of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bali (2004-2008), Head of Bali-Nippon Kai, Head of Advisory Board of HIPMI (Association of Native Entrepreneur of Indonesia) and so on.
Other than working, Dhama always tries to improve his knowledge. He also took education at the National Administration Institute (1964), became Executive Trainee in Tokyo (1965), joined the American Management Association Course for Hospitality Industry and attended some seminars held by Cornell & Michigan State University (1986), completed his MBA education at the Indonesian Institute of Management and National Examination for Magister of Management (1994).
With such knowledge and experience, I Made Dhama regularly endeavours to apply the principles of modern management. "We do our best to make sure that our companies are capable of being independent and having the right policy and procedure so they remain to exist. Its owners may die but the company will never do," observed this grandfather of 21 grandchildren. (BTN/tar)