'Abang' and 'None' duties deviate from original objective

'Abang' and 'None' duties deviate from original objective

JAKARTA (JP): Jakartans expressed concern Saturday that the
role of the Abang and None Jakarta, or Mr and Miss Jakarta, was
deviating from its original objective into merely ceremonial
tasks,

Amarullah Asbah of the Betawi (native Jakartans) Consultative
Board said the Abang and None were originally intended to be the
city's ambassadors, but over the years their duties have become
little more than ceremonial, ranging from wearing Betawi attire
to handing out flowers to city guests.

The Abang and None contest, held annually since 1968, was the
initiative of former governor Ali Sadikin. The winners' official
role is to promote Betawi culture and to represent the capital at
local and international functions.

The contest is usually conducted in conjunction with the
celebration of Jakarta's anniversary, which falls on June 22, and
the country's Independence Day on Aug. 17.

"In the future, the Abang and None roles need to be
strengthened to enable them to really promote Jakarta's culture
and tourism," Amarullah told The Jakarta Post.

PT Citra Lamtoro Gung Persada's corporate secretary, M.
Fauriza Y. Irawady, shared Amarullah's statement. He said that
from his own standpoint, most of the contest's winners were now
seen only at official events, accompanying the Jakarta governor.

"The winners should be more active, communicative and
friendlier to foreign guests while giving them information on
Jakarta," Fauriza told the Post.

He has never seen any winners actively "selling" the city
during official events.

"Maybe I don't see them (providing information on the city).
But, I think they should be like a walking reference on Jakarta,
not only to foreign visitors, but also to local people," Fauriza
said.

He said that most winners represented Betawi culture merely by
wearing its traditional attire while attending official events.

Zumrotin K. Susilo of the Indonesian Consumers Foundation said
that wearing Betawi attire did not mean the winners had promoted
and preserved the local culture.

"They should really understand Betawi culture and not just be
a showcase at official events," she said.

She said that it was wasting money to hold the Abang and None
contest if it did not achieve its intended goal.

Participants and organizers believe winning the contest is an
effective stepping stone to future careers, or even a short cut
to becoming rich and famous.

Amarullah admitted that winning the contest would give the
victors special access to fame.

"It's difficult to prevent them (the contestants) from
utilizing the event as a stepping stone to popularity. But, it's
their right to do so," he said.

Among the more famous None from the past are top model Ratih
Sanggarwati (1983 winner), model and actress Vena Melinda (1992
winner) and Maudi Kusnaria (1993 winner), who stars in the
popular TV series Si Doel Anak Betawi.

This year's winners are Riqki Indrawan and Garnasih Aseanti,
both 23 years old. They were selected Friday night from the 30
finalists.

Both Riqki and Garnasih received Rp 2 million (US$770), a
cellular phone, clothes from famous designer Ramli, a Timor sedan
and a vacation package to London.

According to the organizers, the winners were not selected
based on good looks alone, but also on their character, general
knowledge of Jakarta, communication ability, attitude and
appearance. This year the organizers also added a psychological
test. (ste)