'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