Artwork served up with local cuisine

JAKARTA (JP): Authentic Indonesian cuisine and an artwork exhibition are on offer at the Borobudur Inter-Continental Jakarta Hotel in celebration of the 53th anniversary of Indonesia's independence.

The food promotion has traditional cakes and dishes from across the archipelago, while the artwork exhibition features woodwork sculpted by Ketut Nara from Bali and silverwork by Wiyono Istudadi from Yogyakarta.

The event, which opened Thursday, will be held until tomorrow.

Ketut said most of the woodwork were inspired by Balinese surroundings, legends and a few religious figures.

Of the "odd" creations, one he calls Orang Lucu (Funny Person) has a broadly grinning face, elongated fingers stretching toward its face, huge breasts and it is sitting on its huge stomach. It costs Rp 750,000. There are cheaper ones at Rp 75,000, he said.

The silver pieces made by Wiyono include figurines of elephants, fish and horse carts. Some are real silver, others are silver plated or a combination of the two. Prices start from Rp 18,000. (ylt)