Artists urged to register works with government

DENPASAR (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno called on artists to register their works with the government, to ensure they have their intellectual property rights legally reserved.

"Everyone should think about how to protect the intellectual property rights of artists," Try said on Saturday when opening the 18th Bali Arts Festival.

He said that although Indonesia already has a law on intellectual property rights, few artists and intellectuals have registered their works, for reasons unknown.

The Vice President said that in the face of fierce global competition on the world market, it is vital to have intellectual property, and patent and product designs, reserved.

Try also stressed the need for local artists to improve their professionalism which, in turn, will improve their success and well-being.

The arts festival aims at promoting preservation of Balinese culture and tourism and will run until July 6.

Try said the Balinese culture has proven to be an effective cross-cultural medium of communication between Bali and the rest of the world.

Bali's Governor Ida Bagus Oka said the month-long festival will feature art shows from different parts of Bali.

The festivity consists of processions, art exhibitions, contests, workshops and exhibition of handicrafts by small and medium-scale home industry entrepreneurs.

Visitors can also enjoy performances presented by art troupes from South Korea, Japan and Spain.

Also taking part in the festival are six Indonesian provinces: East Java, Central Java, West Java, Lampung, Jakarta and Maluku, the governor said.

Yesterday, the festival presented a procession of thousands of mainly Balinese artists and delegates from Bali's eight regencies, as well as those from Japan and Korea. (23/pan)