Japan aids Solo theater group<\/p>\n
JAKARTA (JP): The Sriwedari Wayang Orang (wayang dancers)
\nTheater in Surakarta (Solo), Central Java, yesterday received 45
\nmillion yen (US$418,600) in cultural grant aid from Japan.<\/p>\n
The signing and exchange of diplomatic notes was conducted by
\nJapanese ambassador to Indonesia Kimio Fujita and Surakarta Mayor
\nR. Hartomo at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.<\/p>\n
\"The aid will be used to purchase lighting and sound system
\nfacilities for the theater,\" said Fujita.<\/p>\n
He added that the city's government would be responsible for
\nmaintaining the equipment as it touched on the culture and
\nsubstance of the art.<\/p>\n
\"We, as foreigners, can only contribute to the physical and
\nmechanical aspects of the Javanese culture,\" he said.<\/p>\n
Hartomo said that the wayang orang performances, which are
\ntypical of Central Javanese culture, have a bright future despite
\nthe increasing \"modern\" arts of today.<\/p>\n
He said the theater used to attract 25 to 30 people daily, of
\nwhich 10 to 15 percent were foreign tourists, \"but lately the
\nnumber has increased to 100.\"<\/p>\n
Hartomo attributed the increase to the various side-
\nattractions such as locally-renowned guest stars and all-night
\nshows.<\/p>\n
The theater, located in Sriwedari Park, was founded in 1935
\nand renovated in 1974. Managed by the Surakarta municipality, the
\nwayang orang shows are the park's main attraction. (pwn)<\/p>",
"url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/japan-aids-solo-theater-group-1447893297",
"image": ""
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"sponsor": "Okusi Associates",
"sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com"
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