Event planned in memory of Benyamin
JAKARTA (JP): The Betawi Arts Foundation (LKB) is to hold a 12-day Betawi cultural event called In Memory of Bang Ben to commemorate the third anniversary of the death of legendary Betawi artist Benyamin. S., popularly known as Bang (brother) Ben.
The event, which opens on Sunday, includes a discussion on the well-known artist given by Ida Royani, who used to sing with Benyamin, music composer Franky Raden, Betawi culture expert Ridwan Saidi, comedian Ateng and Jamie Aditya of MTV Asia as well as an arts and culture show.
Deputy Governor for Social Welfare Affairs Djailani is scheduled to open the event at Jl. H. Benyamin S, Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, according to foundation chairwoman Emma Amalia Bisri.
This will be followed by a performance of the modern Betawi music gambang kromong, popularized by Benyamin and singer Ida Royani in the 1960s, and the Betawi panjat pinang competition of climbing greased pinang (areca nut) trunks.
"At least three trees will be used in the contest. Between 100 to 200 people are taking part," Ema said.
The discussion will be held at the Nyi Ageng Serang building in the Jakarta Education and Culture Office in Kuningan, South Jakarta, on Sept. 12.
The traditional play Samiun-Engtay, which tells the love story between a Betawi guy and a Chinese-Indonesian girl, will be staged at the auditorium the following day. It will be produced by the Kembang Latar theater group, headed by Ridwan.
In the morning, a Betawi dance festival and more traditional games will be held at the same venue.
The climax will be a traditional market festival, Pasar Gambir, and a photo exhibition featuring Benyamin's activities, on Sept. 18. This will be followed by the operetta Betawi: Kemaren, Sekarang, Besok (Betawi: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow).
On the anniversary itself, on Saturday, Benyamin's family, along with old friends and colleagues will visit his grave on Jl. Karet Bivak, Central Jakarta. Emma said the whole crew and cast of famous Betawi TV drama Si Doel Anak Sekolahan (Doel, The Graduate), including Rano Karno and Mandra, are expected to attend.
Benyamin himself was a star in the film, Si Doel, Anak Moderen (Doel, The Modern Kid).
Packages of basic necessities will also be distributed to needy Betawi arts groups to help local artists who, due to the lack of attention from the government and the public, lead a hard life.
Emma said that financial problems had hindered the foundation from holding the event in the last two years. This would be the first such event since Benyamin's death.
"It (the event) is costing around Rp 25 million (US$2,270). The city administration came up with about Rp 4 million," she told The Jakarta Post.
Further information on the event can be obtained by contacting the Betawi foundation on 526-3234.
Born on March 5, 1939, Benyamin shot to fame with his albums Kembang Jatoh (Fallen Flower) and Nonton Bioskop (Watching Theater). He made his acting debut in 1970 with Honey Money And Djakarta Fair and although most famous as a comedian, he won Indonesian Film Festival awards for best actor in 1973 and 1977, where he played serious roles in Intan Berduri (Thorned Jewel) and Si Doel Anak Moderen respectively.
While celebrating Independence Day (Aug. 17) in 1995, he played soccer with street children in his neighborhood in Cinere, South Jakarta. This cost the heart patient his life as he suffered a major heart attack shortly afterward and died of a stroke on Sept. 5. (ylt)