'Betawi Manggung' to liven up city

'Betawi Manggung' to liven up city

JAKARTA: The Jakarta administration is set to hold a big party
-- the "Betawi Manggung" (native Jakartans on stage) -- on Sunday
as part of the festivities to celebrate the capital's 478th
anniversary.

The mixture of traditional and modern cultural performances,
backed by clove cigarette brand Dji Sam Soe, will be held at the
National Monument (Monas) Park from 3 p.m. until 10 p.m.

The event will begin with a parade of soap opera stars and the
Abang-None (Mr and Ms Jakarta) winners in horse-drawn carriages
and on Harley Davidson motorcycles.

Pop band Naif and R&B singer Dewi Sandra would also
collaborate with local musicians and play traditional Betawi
musical instruments in an ensemble, or tanjidor, the organizers
said in a statement.

Sexy Dangdut divas Inul Daratista and Nita Talia are two other
highlights of the event, which will be closed with a fireworks
display. The event will be opened by Jakarta Deputy Governor
Fauzi Bowo. -- JP