"Cici and Koko" finalists to compete

JAKARTA: The committee of the 2004 West Jakarta "Cici and Koko" (Chinese-Indonesian terms for sister and brother) pageant has selected 16 couples, out of 100 participating couples, to compete in next weeks final.

Five couples will be announced the winners on March 6, and will be entitled to join the provincial competition. Another couple will also be selected as the audience's favorite.

The judges are Chinese Indonesian Family Association (PSMTI) executive Ernawaty Sugondo, West Jakarta assistant for the economy and development affairs Arfan Akhilie, West Jakarta tourism agency official Yuni, and linguist Tini Kusuma.

The event is part of a series of Chinese celebrations, including the previous Chinese New Year's celebration and Moon Cake festival, funded by the West Jakarta administration and private companies.

West Jakarta Tourism Agency head, Abdul Chaidir, said on Friday that the 16 pairs should have a wide knowledge of tourism, the city and foreign languages. "They should also be able to preserve and develop Chinese culture, as well as represent West Jakarta, and the city in various ceremonial events."

Meanwhile, Sugondo asserted that the event was open to all citizens, regardless of their cultural background. -- JP