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)