There's no such thing as a free lunch...Or is there?

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It's official. The next president of Indonesia is former army general Prabowo Subianto. Quite how the next five years will pan out is anyone's guess but hopefully the foreign pundits who always bring up his dodgy human rights record will be proven wrong. Nonetheless, on policy making, Prabowo's popularist move to literally offer the poor 'a free lunch' every day of the week does not augur well for the future. Such a policy - if it ever came to fruition - would cost a phenomenal amount of money and likely lead to huge inefficiencies (food waste) and poor incentives (make people lazy). Another concern is Prabowo's strong nationalist bent. Thus, in the possible event that he finds himself with his back against the proverbial wall in the face of stern economic challenges, there is a big chance that he will simply scapegoat foreigners. But he will have to be careful. Construction of the new capital city, Nusantara, for example, is highly dependent on foreign in
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Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort and Spa

Despite showing its age a bit, the Sheraton in Yogyakarta has retained enough of its charm to allow for a pleasurable stay. On the bright side are the rooms: they are still well-appointed, comfortable and clean. No problems there – I slept very well thank you very much.

What is of some concern, however, are the hotel’s facilities. The gym? Well it’s small and the equipment is rather basic but I still managed to get in a decent enough workout.

The spa, however, looks to be rather neglected. The fittings are kind of gaudy and a throwback to the 1970s. The water in the whirlpool was not hot and we even had to switch on the lights ourselves! Basically it was as if the spa had been completely forgotten about. Perhaps it has been: by both the hotel’s management and guests alike!

Head outside and you will find a large swimming pool modeled on Yogyakarta’s royal baths. Again, the swimming pool is showing its age and didn’t seem to be particularly clean. A total rebuild – turning it into a modern swimming pool – would definitely be welcome.

I didn’t try any of the restaurants other than the one which served the breakfast buffet which was acceptable but not exceptional - there were nice views of the hotel’s grounds however.

Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort and Spa


The hotel is located close by to the airport and some distance away from the city center so that may be an issue unless you have your own transportation.

 Given its shortcomings you can often get good deals to stay at this hotel and if you’re not too bothered by the lack of good facilities then this hotel can be a very good choice, especially for families.

Sheraton Mustika Yogyakarta Resort and Spa,
Jalan Laksda Adi Sucipto KM. 8.7,
Yogyakarta

Telp: 274 488588

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