Betawi festival on Jl. Jaksa

Betawi festival on Jl. Jaksa

JAKARTA (JP): The third annual Betawi festival, called Pesta
Jalan Jaksa '96, or the Jl. Jaksa Fair, will run from July 31 to
August 4 in the tourist center in Central Jakarta.

Native Jakarta arts and culture including dancing, music, and
story-telling, will be among the 20 types of entertainment on
display.

Traditional games, an exhibition and face-to-face meetings
with popular artists are other features. A pantomime is also
scheduled as are a number of other contemporary arts
performances.

The festival will begin with a parade at 3 p.m.

"The aim of the festival is to extend the length of stay of
tourists," T. Ismoejanto, the chairman of the organizing
committee said.

He said tourists usually spend only up to three days in the
capital but with the festival they could spend up to five days,
he said.

Organizers include the municipality offices of tourism and
culture. Among the event's supporters are the Betawi Cultural
Institute and the Kosgoro organization. (yns/anr)