'Competitions can raise teenagers' creativity'

Watching talent contests on TV has become popular among children and teenagers, who can share the ups and downs of the contestants. Viewers also play a role in elevating contestants to stardom, because viewers vote for their favorite performer. The Jakarta Post asked members of the public for opinions on the contest craze.

Lilis, 21, is a nanny who lives in Suradita village, Tangerang. She is married to a shopkeeper who works in Kota, West Jakarta:

I like watching talent contests on television because there are many new singers. I try not to miss the programs, particularly KDI (Indonesian Dangdut Contest) on TPI.

I also watch AFI (Indonesian Fantasia Academy) on Indosiar and Indonesian Idol on RCTI.

I doubt I would ever compete in such contest, I can't sing.

Suryanto, 30, is a street vendor who works near Kota railway station. He lives with his wife and son in Serpong subdistrict, Tangerang:

I don't often watch such programs, but they are good because they sometimes have good singers.

My son is only five years only, but I wouldn't object if somewhere down the line he wanted to be in such a contest. I don't know if he has any talent though.

Novita Dewi, 23, is a university graduate. She lives with relatives in Daan Mogot, West Jakarta:

Beauty pageants and competitions are indeed mushrooming, so much so that they seem to be the only shows aired.

I think competitions increase creativity and channel one's talent. In the past, it took a lot of money and connections to break into the recording business, but now anybody can have a go. So yes, I support such competitions.

Except for AFI. The show just goes on and on and on -- AFI 1, AFI 2, AFI 3. Viewers will surely become bored with it. But unlike Indonesian Idol, AFI takes into account not only the voice but the dance moves as well.

Beauty pageants like Abang None (Mister and Miss) Jakarta are also important to find tourism ambassadors, who promote this culture-rich country.

--The Jakarta Post