Cultural expo opens tonight

JAKARTA (JP): Vice President Try Sutrisno is scheduled to open West Java's Cirebonan cultural exhibition tonight at the Bentara Budaya cultural center in Central Jakarta.

The exhibition, part of the Second Istiqlal Festival of Islamic Arts and Culture, will be open to the public from Oct. 28 to Nov. 5 between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., while cultural performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night.

Cirebonan refers to the art and cultural innovation made by the Islamic kingdom in Cirebon, West Java.

The event has been organized jointly by the Budaya Sunyaragi Foundation and Bentara Budaya.

Chairman of the organizing committee, Subrata, said yesterday that the 10-day cultural event would see dances, puppet shows and traditional music shows.

Subrata, who is director general for press and graphics, is also the choreographer of the dances.

Among the dances to be performed are Topeng Kelana, Gema Adzan Tujuh, Genjring Akrobat, Kuda Lumping, Sampyong, Tarling and Sintren.

The Cirebonan batik, masks, puppets, furniture and some 100 glass paintings will also be displayed, Subrata said.

He said that the organizers want to support traditional arts.

"Traditional arts will be annihilated unless it is backed up and supported," he said.

The opening ceremony will be preceded by Topeng Kelana dances performed by about 200 young dancers, he added. (29)