Concert raises funds for concerned mothers

Concert raises funds for concerned mothers

JAKARTA (JP): There are many ways to show that you care about
your mother's struggles. For well-known musician Iwan Fals, it is
by composing a song.

He will sing his ode to his mother during a fund-raising
concert for Voices of Concerned Mothers, an independent group
working for the empowerment of women.

Scheduled to be held on Sept. 3 at the Assembly Hall of the
Jakarta Convention Center in Central Jakarta, the 90-minute
concert also will present well-known artists Chrisye, Oppie
Andariesta, Potret, Sherina, Nurul Arifin, Erwin Gutawa Orchestra
and the Impromto Choir.

Popular video clip director Dimas Jayadiningrat will direct
the event, which is expected to boost people's awareness through
entertainment.

"This is the show of artists' awareness," said the organizing
committee's chairwoman, Gadis Arivia.

A painting and artwork exhibition also will be held in the
convention center's lobby, featuring works by artists including
painters Agus Budianto, Hardi, Sudaryono, Vikriyono and sculptor
Dolorosa Sinaga. The exhibition opens at 10 a.m. on Sept. 2 and
will last for two days.

"The works in this exhibition are not only for display but
also offered for sale. We hope people will buy those works
because part of the sales will be donated," said the exhibition's
coordinator Windra.

The Voices of Concerned Mothers was first set up in February
1998 and it now has about 5,000 members in Aceh, Bogor, Jakarta
and Pontianak.

The group, which initially focused on protesting the
escalating price of milk, now concentrates on other issues, such
as high staple food prices, the rising student dropout rate,
violence against women and the sharp decline in the status of
children's health.

"Once more, we want people to open up their hearts, to show
they care. Our activities need support from various groups of
people. We can't work alone. In the meantime, those in need are
already lining up. For those who have opened up their heart, join
us," Gadis said.

For further information, contact (021)3190-0663 or 390-9630.