Blind musicians compete on Dec. 23

Blind musicians compete on Dec. 23

JAKARTA (JP): After a 10-year absence, the city's social
affairs agency will hold its second biennial music contest for
the blind on Dec. 23.

The agency's head, Emon Setia Sumantri, said yesterday that 15
music groups from Jakarta, West Java and Lampung have confirmed
their participation in the competition, which was first held in
1987.

He said the event was primarily aimed at supporting the blind
so they can make use of their musical talents.

Emon hoped that "warmhearted businesspeople" would take
advantage of the event to seek new talent for their entertainment
venues.

"I hope that restaurant owners, for example, who have live-
music venues, are willing to employ them."

Emon said the winner would take home the late Madame Tien
Soeharto trophy, Jakarta Governor trophy and Rp 2 million
(US$851) in cash.

The second and third place-getters would receive Rp 1.5
million and Rp 1 million respectively, he said.

The decision to hold the contest after a 10-year absence was
due to the public's lack of awareness about blind musicians, Emon
said. (ind)