`Who needs art, just give us Inul'<\/p>\n
Jakarta will observe its 476-year anniversary on June 22. In
\ncelebration of the anniversary, the city is organizing various
\nfestivities, including JakArt@ 2003, which features around 900
\nperformances in more than 150 locations across the city. Some
\nresidents are enthusiastic about the events, while others say it
\nis a waste of money. They expressed their ideas to The Jakarta
\nPost.<\/p>\n
Suhaimi, 45, is a taxi driver and native Jakartan who lives in
\nDepok, West Java, with his wife and five children:<\/p>\n
I'm not impressed with the festivals in conjunction with the
\ncity's anniversary. I mean there is nothing special.<\/p>\n
I'm not interested at all in the festivities. It might only
\nworsen the traffic congestion and reduce my income.<\/p>\n
I remember the former city governor, Ali Sadikin, who always
\nmade the city anniversary attractive and really entertaining for
\nthe city residents. At every corner of the city, there were many
\nattractions.<\/p>\n
It's completely different now, because the festivals are just
\nboring. At least that's what I feel.<\/p>\n
I'm pretty sure that there is a lot of money being allocated
\nfor the festivities. Alas, most of that disbursed money might be
\nused by certain high-ranking officials. So, the low-income people
\nwill never get the real entertainment.<\/p>\n
I realize that fun and entertaining festivities are important
\nfor most Jakartans. But I don't think now I need that sort of
\namusement in my life.<\/p>\n
I can't even say whether or not I'm depressed. But from my
\nexperience, since I start driving early in the morning and spend
\nall day long on the roads, I reckon I'm depressed.<\/p>\n
Entertainment is no longer effective to relieve my day-to-day
\ndepression. I guess I am used to a distress-filled life. I don't
\nneed that.<\/p>\n
Actually I like dangdut music particularly Inul with her
\ncontroversial dance. But I prefer to turn off my TV so as to
\navoid any temptation in mind. Otherwise, I will be tired and I
\nwill not work well the following day after being \"tempted\" by the
\nshow.<\/p>\n
Lyla, 29, is an employee with a private company in South
\nJakarta. She resides in Tangerang, Banten, with her family:<\/p>\n
The series of art festivals to mark the city anniversary
\ncommemoration are meaningless, if I may say.<\/p>\n
If it is to entertain the city residents, I wonder which part
\nof the community? I don't think those of the low-income brackets
\nwill be amused.<\/p>\n
Most low-income earners are just simply fed up with living
\nsuch a hardscrabble existence just to survive every day. Such
\nstress prevents us from enjoying entertainment. Art will not
\nsoften the hardship.<\/p>\n
It would be far better to give us free staple foods or hold
\ncheap bazaars for low-income people. I'm very sure that would
\nplease most of the people in this city.<\/p>\n
Honestly speaking, I'm not at all interested in the
\ncommemoration of the city anniversary. Nothing is so special
\nabout Sutiyoso's tenure.<\/p>\n
I would rather praise the former city governor, Ali Sadikin,
\nwho held more down-to-earth commemorations. It was more enjoyable
\nin my opinion.<\/p>\n
Hamka, is a university student in Pondok Labu, South Jakarta.
\nHe resides in Halim, East Jakarta, with his family:<\/p>\n
I welcome the art festivals to mark the celebration of the
\ncity anniversary. It's a good idea.<\/p>\n
I think a touch of art here will minimize the image of the
\ncity which is often related to violence and hardship for most
\npeople.<\/p>\n
Without art, I guess life becomes tedious and clumsy. The art
\nfestival will touch the hearts of the busy people. So, I agree
\nwith the JakArt@ 2003 festival.<\/p>\n
I believe that many Jakartans have great untapped potential in
\nthe arts, in many ways. The festivities will serve as a medium
\nfor those who want to express something artistically.<\/p>\n
For instance, the mural paintings are good to avoid vandalism
\nand graffiti in many parts of the city.<\/p>\n
Thus, the festivals should move on to keep up with the
\ncreative people and to meet the public demand for art in the
\ncity.<\/p>\n
Personally, I like all kinds of art, but music is my favorite.<\/p>\n
-- Leo Wahyudi S<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/who-needs-art-just-give-us-inul-1447893297", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }