DENPASAR (indo.com): Indonesia's chefs will have more opportunities to improve their skills in culinary arts with the establishment of ARPI Culinary Center of Food Retail Excellence in Denpasar, Bali. With up to date restaurant facilities, the culinary learning center, said to be the largest of its kind in Indonesia, will start operation in June 2002.

Officially opened by the Minister of Culture and Tourism I Gede Ardhika on April 7 2002, the three-story building is being developed by PT Rotaryana Prima in cooperation with Holand's MMP Fri Jado Retail Service.

ARPI offers programs focusing on intensive practical training combined with up-to-date 5 stars hotel facilities and food retail equipment. "With the modern restaurant facilities at ARPI, all gastronomes will have the opportunity to experience practical training combined with the maintenance and use of equipment," the company's managing director Kameron Kamdani said. Courses will range in duration from three weeks to three months.

Built on some 1000 square meters of land, ARPI is the most complete culinary facility, with rooms including an auditorium, a room for culinary demos, a room for sale of the latest culinary gizmos and consultations, and a room for courses. "The purpose of the facility is not to compete with similar facilities provided by hotels, but more to establish a partnership to develop the tourism industry in Indonesia," Kameron said.

He said that members of the hospitality industry are welcome to send their staff for training at ARPI. "In addition, we also provide courses tailored to the individual requirements of each customer," he said.

ARPI can also provide consultation, design and concepts for hotels, cafés, and restaurants with a complete turnkey supply of the equipment and guaranteed original spare parts and professional after-sales service.

PT Rotaryana has been working in the food service industry for many years, which has earned it an enviable reputation as a top food service company representing some of the industry's leading brands, including Electrolux, Euro Grills, Convotherm Frymaster, Manitowoc, and Garland.

Suguharto, chairman of the Indonesia Chefs Association, hailed the establishment of ARPI, saying that the facility would contribute to the development of the country's cuisine. Indonesia has great potential for the development of culinary arts, he said, but lack of adequate culinary equipment had so far hindered this development.