Artists object to organizer's flags

JAKARTA (JP): A number of local artists protested what they called the desecration of Indonesian flags by the organizer of a photo contest held by the Jakarta Capital Market and the Jakarta Stock Exchange at the Cipta Gallery, Taman Ismail Marzuki Arts Center, Central Jakarta, yesterday.

The artists claimed the words printed on the flags constitute an insult to the nation. "Our red and white flag is a sacred thing for all Indonesian people. You can write anything on a banner but not on the flag," said artist Adi Kurdi.

The organizer had written 50th Kemerdekaanku, 18th Pasar Modalku, 3th Bursa Efekku, 50 years of My Independence, 18 years of My Capital Market, 3 Years of my Jakarta Stock Exchange, on Indonesian flags.

The flags and the banners were finally lowered but the organizer was not available for comment. (raw)